Peace! Kalilintad! Shalom!

Category: Homilies

  • BEING SORRY

    BEING SORRY

    October 1, 2023 – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100123.cfm)

    In a recent Facebook post, a Q&A was logged:  “Is mortal sin forgiven only through sacramental confession?” In other words, “Is it enough to confess your sin to be forgiven of your mortal sin?” The answer was… sacramental confession is normatively but not absolutely required of mortal sin. Meaning, confession can forgive mortal sin but it is not the only one way and means of forgiving and being forgiven of mortal sins.

    Yes, sacramental confession and forgiving mortal sin are all about reconciliation with God and others, but it is also (and moreso), about REPENTANCE – the whole process of turning from sin and dedicating oneself to amend one’s life.

    Our readings today have a lot to teach us about repentance. First of all, repentance is more than just changing one’s mind, but it is about making a choice – a stand for ones life. In our gospel, both sons changed their minds: the second did not fulfill what he promised while the first did what was requested which he had initially refused. The virtuous as well as the wicked may also change their mind as our first reading suggests. Although it involves much changing one’s mind, repentance thus requires our choice – to turn away from virtuous or wicked life, as well as to fulfill or neglect our promise.

    Second, repentance is giving oneself and the others another chance. In our gospel today, because he choose to neglect his promise, the second son did not give himself and his father a chance to make things right. The first son however gives himself another chance and his father to make things right again by doing what was requested, even though he did not initially commit. In the same way, for the wicked to change his mind and turn away from his wickedness, he gives himself another chance for God to forgive and be merciful to him, and for himself to lead a virtuous life.

    Third, repentance is about saying what you mean and meaning what you say. It is not only about confessing you sin, just saying you’re sorry, but it is all about BEING sorry. Confessing ones sin is also not only about resolving to change your ways but it is all committing/ dedicating oneself in changing one’s life. Jesus asks about whom among the sons who Did the will of Father. He is not concern with who says Yes or No, but who does the Father’s will. Meaning, God needs DOERS who mean what they say, live and witness what they preach and believe, rather than preachers who do not do, live, witness what they say and preach.

    Although less appreciated compared to other sacraments, repentance of sin through the sacrament of reconciliation or confession is actually a Gospel – a good news of God’s salvation because it involves the resolve and commitment of the sinner to change one’s life, to give oneself and God another chance, as well as to live his life and dedicate his faith as witness to Christ’s good news to all.    

    St. Francis of Assisi who once said: Preach the Good news at all times, and use words when necessary. This reminds us that everything in our life as Christian – our struggles, hopes, dreams, aspirations, commitments, as well as our repentance of sin are a Life of Witness to the Good News of Christ. Whatever we do and however we live our Christian lives is a testimony to God’s work of salvation. It is ours now to share and preach such gospel to all at all times, not only by our words but also by our actions.

    In other words, it is never too late for us to change our minds, our ways and life. Just believe in Him – this would be the Lord’s  challenge for us now.

  • Work FOR What?

    Work FOR What?

    September 24, 2023 – 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092423.cfm)

    Don’t know if we hear it right. Jesus’ parable today tells us of an owner who paid the same amount of wages to laborers who came first and last. Do you think the owner has been just and fair? Has he paid for what we call today just-wage for an honest day’s work? And Jesus even ends the gospel with a completely non-sense statement: “the last will be first, and the first will be last” simply because for us the first is first, and the last should be last?

    For us today, paying same amount of salary to first and last, simply doesn’t seem to be just and fair. Maybe our gospel today is one of those written in the Scripture which is good to hear, but doesn’t make sense, so we don’t bother to follow. This is because we nowadays follow a very different work ethics. First, we always think that there should be seniority in workplace – those who are more senior, experienced, talented should deserve and enjoy more privilege than those who are young, inexperienced and still learning laborers. And, we recon that the more you work the more salary or wage you deserve than those who have less work. That is why we think that our parable today is not fair because we usually connect wage, salary, reward and payment with work…. and work with wage, salary, rewards and privileges. We usually equate work for the money, wage or reward. Everything has its prize. Nothing is free anymore. If you don’t work, you don’t earn. No work, no pay. No pay, no work. And if what you do is not considered as work or labor – like the work of a mother at home – you are  not and should not be paid either.

    This is what Jesus is trying to teach us today in our gospel. Work is not necessarily and always connected with wage or money. Work is more than just receiving or deserving a just payment or wage. There is more value in our human work and labor than just earning money or wage for it. To equate and limit work with wage undermines the dignity of work of God and man. Take for example, the work of mother at home, the work of a priest, a teacher to educate, a doctor to heal, a farmer, a fisherman, and a public servant. Deep inside, we know that the work we do is more than just the wage we receive because we dignify our human labor as our vocation and mission in participation with God’s work.

    Although our capitalistic and consumeristic world today promotes otherwise, Jesus reminds us that human labor is dignified – it is our participation and contribution in God’s work for our redemption and salvation. Perhaps we better reexamine our work ethics – are we in for the money or for the betterment of human world? One thing for sure, in doing God’s work or working with Jesus, there is no seniority, no privileges, no prizes, bonus and rewards, no earlycomers or latecomers, no DTR – daily time record. But everyone receives equally more than what each of us deserved, for what we receives is not Salary or Wage but God’s overflowing Gift and grace of His Redemption and Love, coming out of His generosity.

    Jesus reveals us here the Generous nature of our God and Father whose thoughts and ways are beyond ours. He is a God we are to discover in our daily work with Him, and not in our thoughts and ways. Ours is a Generous God who always provides us with much graces and blessings we need, and through our dignified work we participate and contribute in His work of blessing us all always. God indeed works in His own unique work-ethics – different and beyond our own.

    Which reminds of a story about a bishop who went for a surprised visit to a newly-built chapel “kapilya”. While appreciating the kapilya, a little girl of ten came and asked the bishop: “How do you like our new kapilya?”. The bishop replied, “It’s very nice.” The girl then said, “You know what? I am part of its construction.” Surprised the bishop asked: “How could you?” The girl proudly responded: “When my father, the head carpenter built this kapilya, I brought him “Lunch”. So I’m part of its construction.

    Perhaps we learn something from the work-ethics of the girl. In building God’s Kingdom, Are we part of the construction and harvest, OR are we just hired-paid laborers? Regardless what, when – be it first or last, senior or neophytes, or where we work – be office or home, we better ask ourselves what are we working FOR?

    Pandemic times have rendered much life-challenges. A number of people lose their own jobs, careers & opportunities. Difficult it may be, perhaps this can also be ample time for all of us to review our work-ethics, reevaluate our present jobs, and reconsider some career-shifts that would improve & be more in line with one’s own life-vocation & mission. Grant us, O Lord the grace to discern Your will for us now as we take part in Your better plan always for our best. Amen.

  • FORGIVING

    FORGIVING

    September 17, 2023 – 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091723.cfm)

    “To err is human, to forgive is divine”. At times easy for us to say these words to make excuses for our wrong-doings and to ask forgiveness for our mistakes. However, same words of excuse we also  use at times to refuse forgiveness to those who have wronged and hurt us. “Pasensya lang, tao lang po.” Words that verily  describe not only our human frailty but also how difficult it is for us to forgive others who have wronged us. Perhaps asking forgiveness is much easier than giving forgiveness, but nevertheless to forgive is indeed difficult, especially whenever it is associated with “forgive and forget”.

    When his disciples asked Jesus how often should we forgive those who have sinned against us, they are just expressing our difficulties in living out and upholding the value of forgiveness in our lives. Yes, like the disciples we see the importance of forgiveness into our lives but we also know how difficult and frustrating forgiveness can be.

    In response to our questions and difficulties with forgiveness, Jesus in our gospel teaches and offers us something more about forgiveness. When he said “not seven times but seventy times seven”, Jesus is telling us to forgive indefinitely. Forgiveness then is not about counting (counting faults, sins, mistakes and forgiveness) but about sharing, giving what you have – without counting the cost or prize. This would also mean that though it is human for us to err and to forgive is divine, nevertheless it also human to forgive. In other words, frail human as we are, we can also forgive and be forgiving of others – how difficult and frustrating it may be. We can still humanely and divinely share forgiveness with one another. 

    And in the parable of “the forgiven but unforgiving servant”, Jesus is teaching us that forgiveness is more than just “forgive and forget”. To forgive for Jesus is all about settling account, paying back, and being patient. Meaning to forgive is not about forgetting but about to evaluate or put value and importance to the action-done, experience-happened and the relationship-build. In other words,  Bigyang halaga at hinidi binabaliwala lamang. So, to forgive is then not to forget but rather to remember (to make and value the experience as part-member of ones life.). It is a decision to give value, importance and responsibility to your action, experience and relationship – and not to get out, get rid, get away from our own mess, but to give God, each others and yourself another chance to grow and live life.  It is also to remember the wrongdoings-done and learn lessons from the mistake. Thus to forgive is perhaps to forget the resentment but moreso, to remember the lessons-learned for the sake of healing & growth. 

    And the message of the parable directs us to “Be forgiving as we are and have been forgiven by God”. Let our reason for forgiving and sharing forgiveness be not ourselves (to feel good) or be not others (to appease) but be God, who forgive and love us first and always. Forgive then not for our’s or other’s sake but for God’s sake. Forgiveness is God’s grace we received and ought to be shared to others. Let our forgiveness be our offering of gratitude for God’s mercy and forgiveness.

    In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus taught us to ask our Father to “Forgive us As we forgive those who have sinned against us”. This is our cry to the Father to give us another chance in life as we try our best to give ourselves and other’s another chance also in life, how difficult it might be. Yes, forgiveness is divinely-granted and also humanly-shared, not to be forgotten but be remembered for its value in life.

    Human as we are, yet are blessed and forgiven, may we be and ought to be forgiving for God’s sake to others especially to those who have wronged and hurt us.

    So be it.

  • TOGETHER

    TOGETHER

    September 10, 2023 – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091023.cfm)

    How come, Filipinos manage and remain to be resilient and strong in times of crisis and disasters? How come, Filipinos can easily bounce back and rebuild their lives despite worst life-conditions and terrible events in life? 

    During typhoon Ondoy, I happened to be in Belgium finishing my master’s degreesand licentiate in Theology. The above-questions were raised by my professors, colleagues, and classmates even I myself cannot help but also wonder. In response to their questions, I narrated to them a testimony of Ondoy-survivor which was published in PDI few days after the incident.

    During the typhoon, residents of an apartment seek refuge on the rooftop of their building. As they settle-in, while waiting for rescue and/or the flood to subside, they started to pray the rosary together even if without their beads but by just using their fingers to count. After rosary, they pulled-out whatever provisions they were able to recover, and shared it with one another. As they had their fill, they began to share their stories – their experiences and backgrounds, hopes, and dreams, fears and frustrations, as well as jokes and life-dramas.

    In others words, as answer to these questions, it is because we, Filipinos do and share things together especially during times of life-crisis and difficulties. We are not perfect people. We do have our own shortcomings and limitations. Nevertheless, we do have a common life. We usually live life together as family and community. And particularly, we usually pray, eat, and share our stories together in good times and bad times.

    Somehow our Filipino togetherness, our common life as Filipino reflects the values Jesus upholds in our gospel today. For Jesus, Christian life must be lived and witnessed in the spirit of the following morals within our community & family life.

    First, together we pray. Christian life should have and share a common recognition and faith in God. Jesus said, “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst.” God’s presence, love and mercy are assured and promised whenever we pray together in His name.

    Second, together we eat. Christian life should also have and share a common concern and regards for others. Ours and the salvation of others is our responsibility. Not the judge or the savior, but we are all our brother’s keepers. They are in our watch and it is our responsibility to correct them when they are at fault, feed them when hungry, take care of them when they need help.

    And lastly, together we share our life-stories. As Christians, we must also have and share common meanings, ideals, and morals in life. Jesus said, “what we declare bound or loosed on earth shall be held bound or loosed in heaven”. Our life as community is the bearer of God’s salvation. God’s grace of redemption reveals itself and happens in and through our community, i.e., in partnership with our life together as community. What we value and give importance in life is sacred before God’s eyes. We also accept what God deems important to our lives.

    While we do have our shortcomings and still struggling, we cannot deny as Filipino we do possess these values and qualities as people. As reflected in our aspired values of maka-Dios, makatao at maka-Pilipino, we do have the basic orientation towards others (Dios, tao at Pilipino) as well as of doing, sharing, and living life together in common.

    It was once said that we, human being as like angels, but angels with only one wing. For us to fly and rise, we need one another, we need each other. Together we do our part so that in partnership with God, we can be with Him always.

    So May It Be. Amen.

  • CROSS

    September 3, 2023 – 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090323.cfm(

    An inquisitive boy once asked his mother, “Mom, who is that person, hanged on a tree?” “That’s Jesus Christ, the Savior of All”, answered the mother. Again the boy questions his mom, “But how can he be our savior when he was hanged on a cross?” The mother replied, “Jesus was called Christ because he gave up his life as ransom for our sins and selfishness.” “Ah, I see,” said the boy but he further inquired, “Mom, who is a Christian?” “A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ” mom replied. “Am I a Christian?” he asked. “Yes, you are a Christian by baptism,” said mom. He concludes, “since I am a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, does it mean that someday like Jesus Christ, I will be hanged on a cross, sacrificing oneself for the benefit of the many?”

    We all do have the desire to achieve eternal happiness. We do all want to have a share in God’s eternal life. We all do have the desire to have a share in God’s salvation. However, for Jesus, the way to eternal life, the path to our salvation lies in our acceptance of our own cross. To achieve eternal life, one has to become a disciple of Jesus by following his example of humble submission to the Father’s will and the acceptance of our own crosses. There are no shortcuts and easy way in sharing God’s salvation. For us to share in the resurrection of life with Christ, we must also willingly carry our crosses, as sacrifice for the good of the many. The path to our salvation then, is the way of the cross.

    Here in our Gospel today, Jesus challenged his disciples to follow him in his way of the cross. Jesus did not deny that he was the expected Messiah, but he reiterated that he is the Suffering and Rejected Messiah of God. In order for him to reveal and share God’s glory, he has to experience suffering and rejection. In order for him to fulfill his mission in sharing us the Father’s love, glory and salvation, Jesus has to undergo suffering and dying of the cross – giving up his life in sacrifice for our own redemption. Thus for Jesus, “If you wish to be my disciples, you must deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.”

    But what is our attitude towards sufferings in life? Perhaps we may consider three types of attitudes towards suffering.

    First, people who suffer but they don’t struggle. These are fatalistic people who surrender to suffering for suffering sake – even have no idea why they suffer but consider sufferings as the goal or end itself. In other words, Antus aron masantos – Magdusa ka. A not so healthy type of suffering.

    Next, people who struggles because they suffer. These people know that suffering is disgusting that they struggle to avoid, withdraw, or fight suffering. Makibaka upang mawalay sa pagdurusa. Makigbisog aron malingkawas sa pag-antus. This is a reactive struggle and suffering – perhaps better but not lifegiving.

    And lastly, people who suffers because they struggle. Makibaka sa kabila ng pagdurusa at krus na bibitbitin at tatahakin. Makigbisog bisan pa sa kalisud ug pag-antus. These people accept suffering as a consequence of their struggle. They know what they want in life, like wanting to follow Christ, and accept that in opting for Christ, they have to go thru and struggle suffering, like Jesus himself. Meaning, we have to view our experience of sufferings in life in relation to our own options, struggles, vocations, and missions in life.

    This is the Paradox of Christian life – in order for us to enjoy God’s  kingdom and share eternal life with others, like Jesus, we also have to undergo dying to own selves – our selfishness, sinfulness & greed – calling us to carry our own crosses and extend ourselves for the growth of others. Like Peter & the disciples, we also have to be awakened & deal with the consequences of our faith in Jesus & hard truth of following Him. As disciples of Jesus, we too must bear our sufferings and sacrifices and risk our lives for others.

    For instance, for a woman to experience the joy of motherhood and family life, she has to undergo the suffering and pains of childbearing. For our family to enjoy & witness our posterity, bloodlines & generations,  we must suffer to let go & allow our own children to marry & build their family of their own. Simply put, same way as Christians, we are also called to deny or lose ourselves, accept our cross, no matter how heavy and burdensome, in sacrifice for and because of a deeper meaning in one’s life and for us fully enjoy life to its fullness. Salvation only begins when each and every Christian is willing to sacrifice oneself and struggle with love for the sake of others.

    Reflect then the sufferings you might have going-through nowadays. Is it for the sake of suffering? Is it to avoid suffering? OR Is it because you struggle for the faith & life you choose?

    Let us now continue to follow Jesus by carrying our own cross, and renew our faith, as we say…