Peace! Kalilintad! Shalom!

Category: Season of Lent

  • M.I.C.E.

    M.I.C.E.

    February 22, 2026 – First Sunday of Lent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022226.cfm)

    Every Holy Tuesday, we usually remember the circumstances of the treachery & betrayal of Judas Iscariot that has led to the eventual passion & death of our Lord Jesus Christ. There, we come to know Jesus exposé of Judas’ betrayal as trusted finance officer of the disciples of Jesus who corrupted their funds & conspired with the bashers, detractors & enemies of Jesus that led to the Lord’s arrest & execution.

    We may have known how painful it is & would be, if & when we are betrayed by our own trusted people. Betrayal of trust is surely a difficult & traumatic experience for us that breaks people’s hearts & lives. But we may beg the question & wonder, “what moves and tempts people to betray others?”

    It has been said that in the espionage world or the world of spies, there are four factors that tempt spies to defect & betray their loyalties & people. Its acronym is MICE (Money, Ideology, Compromise & Ego). And somehow we might say that these are the four reasons that we & other may tempt & cause to betray ourselves, others & even God. Temptations & betrayals then somehow always involved with (MICE) Money, Ideology, Compromise & Ego.

    These are very true in the case of Judas Iscariot. Definitely, he was in to betray Jesus for the M-money (30 pieces of silver). He was in for business-influences & market-consumerism of I – ideology, willing to C- compromise his faith, beliefs & values, & to conspire with the enemy. And above all, His selfish E – ego, self-centeredness causes Judas to betrays his Lord. This simply explain why we always associate people who betrayed us as Judas & we consider Judas as betrayer.

    Glimpses of MICE may also be discerned in the temptations of Christ. Same MICE tactics are employed by the tempter. We see in our gospel today how the devil tempts Jesus to turn stone into bread, (which we now associate with M-money); then, the devil dares Jesus to jump from the high cliff to I- ideologize His greatness & C-compromise His faith; and the devil offers the Lord the whole world to boost & boast His E-ego.

    These are the same pitfalls & warning signs that may fall & lead us to the temptations of betraying & betrayals. Same MICE tactics (Money, Ideology, Compromise & Ego) make us betray our suffrage – our right to vote & betrayal of public trust that lead us to vote-buying & vote selling. Somehow same MICE tactics that make building contractors & government officials corrupt & exploit our government projects that cause recent mass death & human disasters.

    And so, let us be aware of MICE tactics (Money, Ideology, Compromise & Ego) that the devil uses & have caused people & even ourselves to be like Judas Iscariot in betraying ourselves, others & our Lord that is making life difficult, harmful & traumatic for all & everyone. And above all, beware of MICE (Money, Ideology, Compromise & Ego) for it could lead us to betray our faith in Jesus Christ, & ourselves as Christians.

    Nevertheless, trials & tribulations have always been part of our life. Somehow sometime we do experience & deal with temptations & tests in life. This is not only life-trials that we choose to do, but also trials & tests imposed upon us by others & by circumstances that we find ourselves into.

    Jesus do understand & know our experiences of temptations, tests & betrayals in life. Our gospel today even describes to us the tests of MICE tactics Jesus has to face as he is about to proclaim the good news of God’s salvation. Same way, as we try to live our Christian values, like Jesus, we will also be tested & betrayed by others as to our stance in faith & life. Easy for us to fall from such temptations, to fail from such tests & compromise our values & principles, whenever we don’t take account for what we are responsible for & with in life. Amid then these evil probes & tests put upon us by others,  and  the expectations & stresses we bring to ourselves, yes, we do need our Father’s protection & guidance.

    Thus, Jesus taught us  to specifically pray that we may not be brought to the tests or be led not into temptation, but be deliver us from evil. We pray these words then not to free us from tests but to grant us the faith & strength to overcome whatever adversities that comes our way in life. For as it is said: “In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge”, without God we can do nothing, as well.

    And thus, Lord take away everything that distance us from you. Grant us everything that bring us closer to you. Detach us from ourselves to give our All to you.

    So may it be. Amen.

  • Return to the Heart

    Return to the Heart

    February 18, 2026 – Ash Wednesday

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021826.cfm)

    Many of us today could have become busy fixing our outward life. For many young people, we fix our social media posts. We fix our appearance before going out. We fix our schedules, our plans, and our budgets. This means, there is a desire in us that we want everything to look okay in the outside. Yet sometimes, in the middle of all these, we forget to check what is happening inside our hearts.

    And so on this Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Season of Lent, we ask, “How is your heart?” To discern on this, let us explore our readings and their invitations.

    In the first reading, the prophet Joel spoke in a very strong but loving way, “Return to me with your whole heart.” Not just with rituals, not just with external actions, but with the heart. The people during Joel’s time were doing religious practices, but their lives were far from God. So the Lord tells them, “Rend your hearts, not your garments.” In other words, do not just show repentance outside. Let your heart truly turn back to God.

    This is also the message of the Gospel today. Jesus warns us not to practice our faith just to be seen by others. Jesus mentions three important practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These are the pillars of Lent. But Jesus says, do them quietly, sincerely, and from the heart. Because Lent is not about impressing people. Lent is about coming closer to God.

    For us Filipino Catholics, this message is very real. We are a religious people. We attend Mass, we join processions, we observe traditions. These are beautiful expressions of faith. But Lent invites us to go deeper. Not only devotion outside, but conversion inside.

    So, first, Prayer. Prayer is not only about asking God for what we need. Prayer is relationship. It is being aware that God is present in our daily life even at home, at work, in our struggles, and in our worries about the future.

    Sometimes we think prayer should have many words. But the Gospel reminds us, “go to your room, close the door, and be with your Father.” This means that even a few minutes of silence each day by just sitting quietly and telling God, “Lord, I am here” can already change the heart. When we become aware of God, we also become aware of ourselves including our weaknesses, our fears, our need for His mercy. Thus, prayer humbles us and brings us closer to the Lord.

    Second, Fasting and Abstinence. Many think fasting is only about not eating meat or skipping meals. However, fasting is deeper than that because it is about freedom. So, we ask, “What are the habits, attitudes, or distractions that keep me away from God and from others?”

    Maybe it is too much time on the phone. Maybe it is anger that we hold in our heart. Maybe it is gossip, pride, or laziness. Lent asks us now, “What do I need to let go so that my heart becomes lighter and freer?”

    This means that when we fast from something that controls us, we make space for God. We also become more patient, more understanding, more available to our family and to others.

    Third, Almsgiving. If prayer makes us aware of God, and fasting makes us free, then almsgiving makes us life-giving. Almsgiving is not only about giving coins to the poor. It is about giving ourselves.

    In our situation today, many people carry hidden burdens. We have financial problems, family struggles, loneliness, sickness, anxiety. Almsgiving can be our time, our presence, our listening ear, our encouragement. Sometimes what people need most is not money, but someone who will understand and care.

    This Lent, we can ask: What can I give from my heart? My time? My attention? My forgiveness? My patience?

    When we give ourselves, we begin to see the real faces of our brothers and sisters. And in them, we encounter God.

    Now, the ashes we receive today remind us that life is fragile and temporary. But more than that, they remind us of hope. Because our God is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, rich in kindness.”

    And so, in this Lent, let us keep it simple but sincere:
    Pray more so that we become aware of God. Fast with purpose so that we will be free. Give generously so that we will be a gift.

    As we live these from the heart, this season will not just change our practices. It will change our lives. And hopefully, as we grow closer to God, we also become closer, kinder, and more available to others. Hinaut pa.

  • That Your Joy Might be Complete

    That Your Joy Might be Complete

    May 22, 2025 – Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052225.cfm)

    What keeps us going? What keeps us dreaming and hoping? Joy as a deep-seated contentment and peace, plays a very important part in our lives as Christians. It is that profound joy that will keep us going, dreaming and hoping. It is joy that will make us not just surviving, but in truly living.

    Jesus addressed his disciples and reminded them of this important desire of the Lord for them. Jesus said, “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.” The Lord addressed them when later on he will undergo such painful and shameful death of the cross. There was so much suffering to come. This was the time to make his disciple see better what joy was all about.

    Although, only later on as well that the disciples, now Apostles of the good news of Jesus, have understood well what this joy from Jesus meant. In the Acts of the Apostles, the first Christians faced with dilemma because of their difference in doctrines and cultures. In the midst of conflict and tensions, they too have realized that at the center of everything should always be the Risen Jesus and their well-rounded relationship with each one.

    Joy is fully discovered not when we are alone. Joy is fully manifested in our relationship with God and shared commitment to love each other. As we begin to see lesser ourselves, lesser of our biases and personal comfort, we too begin to see more Jesus and our brothers and sisters.

    In this way, the Apostles together with the first Christians learned to adjust with one another and not to impose their old belief system upon each other. What had become more important is their faith in Jesus, of their love for each other.

    This makes joy complete. We realize also today that our joy is basically founded in our confidence of being first loved by the Lord. No matter who we are and what dirt we have because of sin and guilt we have committed, this love of God will never diminish. Such love brings us to respond in love and show such love in most concrete ways of loving. This is how joy becomes full in us, with Jesus and with our commitment to love each other. Hinaut pa.

  • Transformed by God’s Care

    Transformed by God’s Care

    April 10, 2025 – Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041025.cfm)

    In a relationship, when we express our care for each other, then, it helps us to grow and become mature. Through mutual care, we are able to give emotional support and understanding, express affection and assurance. In times of difficulties and challenges in our relationships, it is in showing how we care for each one that we too find strength, develop our closeness and intimacy.

    We realize how “care” can significantly transform us as individuals and our relationships. This would express the capacity in us to go beyond our comforts and fears in order to care for others. Such capacity as it grows in us make us life-giving.

    The readings we have today also remind us how care brings and inspires transformation. So, let us discern the readings we have today.

    In the Book of Genesis, we have heard about the transformation of Abram to Abraham. This transformation of name is not just merely by name but it has a deeper transformation in the very person of Abraham. Let us remember the story of Abram who was from the land of Ur. He was called by God to journey to a land God promised to him.

    Abram had to leave behind many things which included the comfort of his home, familiarity of the place, affection from his family and friends. Yet, Abram trusted God despite the many insecurity he felt. He took the risk despite the uncertainties ahead.

    That trust in God must have been founded in his faith that God takes care of him. The Lord who has called him cared so much about him. That divine care desires an abundant life for Abraham.

    Indeed, his relationship with God earned him a transformation of his person. Abraham became the Father of many nations because of his faith. Through God’s care, Abraham was assured of God’s presence and faithfulness. God said to Abraham, “As long as your descendants keep the covenant, I will be their God and they shall be my people.”

    This is an assurance of God’s care and faithfulness in us. This is a promise that God will and shall never abandon us. This is a relationship that does not float in abstract form or a mere product of a “ideological and theological treatise” of the past. Rather, this is something that we experience in concrete ways as people of God.

    This is manifested and fully revealed to us through the historical person of Jesus. In the Gospel of John, Jesus provocatively proclaimed that he is “I AM.”

    What does it mean? “I AM” is YHWH’s sacred name which also means “I am always there for you.” This is God’s name that also expresses that divine care for us.

    Indeed, this is provocative and sounds insulting to the Jews because they could not accept that God is truly with us in flesh. For them, God should only remain in the heavens where nobody can go and no one can touch. God for them is very far, remote and distant from His people. They could not imagine that God cares so much about us to the point of being with us not just in spirit but also in flesh, in human form.

    What are the invitations for us then? And to you, graduates of Caregiving?

    First, like Abraham, God also calls us to take the risk, to trust God despite our uncertainties, insecurities and questions. God sends us to a situation we do not expect or even to places and events we avoid. Do not resist and let God’s desire be your desire too. Like Abraham we may learn to trust God and be confident in Him. Moreover, be comforted also at the words of God, “I am your God and you are my people. I AM will always be there for you.”

    We may surely encounter many discomforts, moments of confusions and times of difficulties in our relationships and in your work and professional life. Yet, never retreat from others and from yourself, but rather, be daring like Abraham, always trusting in God.

    Second, God is truly with us here at the present moment (in the here-and-now). Be confident today because Jesus is “I AM”, he who is there for you and me always. Thus, be conscious always of the present because this present moment is God’s present – gift to us. By being present to people whom you love, you too express in the best way your care.

    Third, be transformed by caring. Express care as your expression of love and affection. In your relationship with your family and friends, express caring and gentle words; make your touch always a form of care. In your professional life as caregivers, let your hands and your very person be an expression of true care that support and understand those who are sick and old. By your care, you will not only be the one who will be transformed but also those who are under your care. Hinaut pa.

    (A homily addressed to the graduated of Caregiver Professionals)

  • Let go of the stone of condemnation

    Let go of the stone of condemnation

    April 6, 2025 – Fifth Sunday of Lent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040625-YearC.cfm)

    Do we find ourselves rejoicing at the faults of others? Are we delighted upon learning that our sister or brother has failed? Do we feel victorious when others are found guilty and shamed?

    When we find ourselves rejoicing, being delighted and feeling victorious over the sins, guilt and shame of others – this tells us that something is also wrong with us. Our heart becomes an accuser to people who failed.  We feel righteous because we are not like them. Then, we make “labels” to others. These are forms of “name-calling or stereotyping” to magnify their guilt and shame. We become rejecting and condemning. We demand evil for evil.

    Yet, in the deepest of our hearts, are we indeed sinless, guiltless and blameless? Or do we only hide our own failures and sins by magnifying those of others?

    This very kind of attitudes that may be creeping in our hearts as well as in our culture have been revealed to us today. On this Fifth Sunday of Lent, the Lord invites us to look deeply into our hearts. And so let us explore the readings and embrace God’s mercy and forgiveness.

    The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus who committed adultery. This whole affair of the scribes and Pharisees with Jesus was filled with malice and hatred directed both towards the woman and also to Jesus himself.

    In that culture, women were the only ones who can commit adultery. Men can’t. Women were perceived to be deceiver and caused of sin. This was the reason why the man was not in the picture.

    This culture was influenced by their machismo and patriarchal society. Hence, it was only the woman who was brought in the middle of the people. The intention was to shame her and not to bring justice. She was also brought there in an effort to kill her by stoning her to death.

    Such condemnation was so cruel. Yet, despite its cruelty and violence, people found delight and joy over it. They even demanded for such savagery because it was what the “law” mandated them to do.

    With the leadership of those influential scribes and Pharisees, they condemned this woman. With this attitude, they refused to give another chance and opportunity for the woman to change and redeem herself.

    They demanded punishment from Jesus who could also confirm such penalty according to the Law of Moses. This was where their malice and hatred towards Jesus was also to be found. They were trying to find fault in Jesus so that they too can accuse him of blasphemy and then condemn him to death. The thought of it gave them satisfaction.

    However, the event was turned by Jesus in the way they did not expect it to be. Jesus said, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  At this, Jesus redirected the condemning fingers of Scribes and Pharisees towards them. By saying that, Jesus brought them to themselves, to look at their sinfulness. To recognize who sick their hearts were.

    It was very interesting at how the gathered people responded. They began to look at themselves and found that each of them was sinful. Each one was not worthy to carry out such punishment towards the woman. Each one was also guilty.

    What was more interesting was the way St. John described to us the first initiative of the elders to leave first. The elders of that community left the gathering first because they realized that the length of their life also meant more sins committed.

    This Gospel scenario invites us now to look closely at ourselves and to examine better our intentions, thoughts and actions. We are invited also to be more understanding of those who failed but not in the sense of condoning such failures and sins. We are invited to be merciful rather than condemning.

    This is what Jesus showed to the woman. Jesus said, “I do not condemn you. Go and sin no more.” The beauty of the Gospel lies here. God has delivered his judgment and showed His mercy. Jesus freed the woman and was commanded to sin no more and not to go back to her old sinful self. She had, surely, found her way to freedom and peace in Jesus.

    Pope Francis in his homily on this Gospel story said, “Jesus forgives. But here there is something more than forgiveness because Jesus goes beyond the law. Though Jesus was pure and the only person who is worthy to cast the first stone against the woman, but Jesus did not because he showed mercy. ”

    Mercy, as the Pope says, is difficult understand. “Mercy does not erase sins. It is God’s forgiveness that erases our sins. But then, mercy is the way in which God forgives. ”

    Thus, unlike the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus saw more in the person of that woman. The limited awareness and refusal of the Scribes and Pharisees to see more, prevented them to discover that there was always hope in every sinner, and that there was more in a person’s weakness and imperfection. This is how Jesus defends us, sinners from the just condemnation of death.  And it is because God always sees goodness in us.

    We are all invited now to let go of the stones from our hands and in return embrace a family member, or relative or a friend whom we know have sinned against us. Only then that reconciliation will also begin in us. Hopefully, as we enter the Holy Week next week, may our hearts be ready to celebrate the Easter joy of Christ. Hinaut pa.