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Category: Sunday Homlies

  • Never will I forget a thing they have done!

    Never will I forget a thing they have done!

    September 21, 2025 – 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092125.cfm)

    Corruption! When we come to think of it, it seems that such a word has become common. We often hear and read it on newspaper, TV, Social Media platforms and other literature. And because it is so common and even rampant in many aspects of our society. Somehow, corruption has become “part of the normal life of society,[1]” the late Pope Francis told us. Many have denounced corruption. Many have promised to fight against it. Yet, it seemed to be tolerable and acceptable in many instances.

    A friend who owned a restaurant in the city, once shared to me how a government office would ask a percentage from them outside the legal fees. Another friend shared how he became an outcast in their workplace after he had reported to the higher ups his officemate of the anomalous transactions that involved money. That co-worker was fired immediately, yet, my friend became unpopular and was blamed for being inconsiderate to a person who lost a job.

    Because such corrupt practices seemed to become normal (for others it is called as SOP – Standard Operating Procedure), this holds true among our government officials and public offices, companies and organizations, Churches and even down to small communities. Again Pope Francis warned us, “all corruption at the social level is simply the result of a corrupt heart.[2]”

    Today, the Church has called us to rise and demand accountability from our leaders in the country who have plagued the republic with corruption. The systemic dishonesty and plunder are so much overwhelming. Nakakasuka! Ngilngig! It has to stop because what is happening, is evil!

    With this unfortunate reality in the country, this reminds us that wealth and prosperity are not always God’s blessing. Influence and power to dominate are not signs of God’s presence. These material things when enjoyed by the few at the expense of the poor, of the people, have truly gripped the human heart with so much selfishness, apathy and evil.

    With such situation in our country, in our communities and even in our hearts, let us also turn our gaze into the readings today and realize how the Lord invites us in the face of so much corruption, of evil.

    We have actually a puzzling Gospel reading. The master in the story praised the dishonest steward. But does it mean that Jesus also praised those who are dishonest? Certainly, no! It was not the dishonesty of the steward that was praised neither by the master in the story nor by Jesus. Rather, what was praised was the ‘prudence’ of the steward.

    Let us look again how the steward acted prudently. The steward faced with a crisis, he was about to lose his job for being dishonest to his master. In his mind he couldn’t go on by becoming a laborer by digging or by begging. What he did, then, was to take away the commission that he would usually get from the debtors of his master. That is why he asked one debtor to make 50 for the one who owed 100 measures of oil and 80 for the other who owed 100 bushels of wheat.

    Those debtors would be very happy to lessen the burden of such debt. The steward had just thought about his future so that when he will be fired, there will be people who would hire him for a job out of gratitude (or utang kabubut-on) to him.

    This is what Jesus tells us today, that as Christians, we are challenged to be prudent enough. We are called particularly in using and spending our material possessions in the hope of making our relationships with other people to be better.

    For this reason, we are called to be careful that we may not be ‘possessed’ by our own possessions which will only bring us into the danger of indifference and oppression towards the lowly and the poor. This makes the heart to be plagued by that social illness of corruption in our dealings with others and professional practice.

    In this way, a heart that is being possessed by possession, by material wealth turning to be corrupt – has not just committed a crime, but idolatry. Money, material possession or a luxurious life has become the new god of these people. This is the meaning of the words of Jesus, “You cannot serve both God and mammon.”

    There is also a stern warning that we have heard in the first reading from the Book of Prophet Amos. The merchants were extorting the poor. They hoarded the supplies and raised the prices of commodities. Yet, they too brought at the lowest price what they can buy. However, the Lord is not blind. The Lord has sworn, “Never will I forget a thing they have done!” The Lord shall remember evil done by the corrupt.

    Hence, as believers who have come to the knowledge of the truth, as Apostle Paul tells us in the second reading, we are also called to be fair and to be generous enough as we deal with those who are economically/financially struggling.

    It would be a big help to support local vendors and local businesses. Buy products from local peddlers and local farmers. Show fairness with our own business too. Our material possessions can be best employed also in reaching out to others especially the unfortunate.

    Indeed, these are ways of recognizing God as the generous giver of graces. By being grateful to Jesus our Lord, who has given himself as ransom for all, may it move us then to be generous to the needy. This is a way of building relationships with one another, building friendship and helping one another as a community of believers.

    And thus, being wise in investing to what lasts, to friendships and expressing true concern for others – is the spirit of the Kingdom of God.

    In this way, we will be able to guard our hearts from turning to be corrupt. Hinaut pa.

    [1] Pope Francis, The Way of Humility (Claretian Publication: Quezon City, 2014). 10.

    [2] Ibid., 18.

  • For GOD’S Sake

    For GOD’S Sake

    September 21, 2025 – 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092125.cfm)

    Once a promising young entrepreneur was asked about his secret of success in his business. His reply was like this: “I could have profit up to 30 percent from every transaction I make. But usually, I offer my costumers up to 25 percent discount, thus me only gaining at most, five percent. Yes, money-wise, it is bad business. However, I may have less profit from each transaction, but I have gained more business costumers, contacts, and friends, which thus offers me more business transactions and opportunities.” Clever, isn’t it?

    Amazing it is how clever, smart or sometimes even shrewd we can be when making business deals. Whether it’s buying a used car or selling a house or setting a building projects and programs, all of us learn how to get the most for our money and investments. This is not something new. It’s part of human nature to get the best deal possible.

    And Jesus is all aware of this. The parable he told us about the steward who had to think quick to get himself out of a financial jam, recognized our human resourcefulness, creativity and inventiveness in terms of our dealings with others in this life. The Lord’s point here is that we often demonstrate our intelligence, but we don’t apply this intelligence and shrewdness to the one thing that really matters: our Way of Life as Christian now.

    Consider the number of times we have sat down and worked out how we can use our talents, time, and treasure to be better Christians. Consider the number of times we have thought out how we can put ourselves in situations which would avoid moral problems we have had in the past & even now with blatant corruptions & stupidity around.

    Consider the number of times we have plotted out how we can implant and improve the practice of our Christian faith in our families, communities & society.  If we were to add up the minutes spent a month doing these for God and our Christian life; and then compare them to the hours a month spent working out our financial deals and business investments, would there be any comparison at all?

    Some leaders & people of today, like those in the first reading from the prophet Amos, may have perfected how they can outsmart others. They cheat with their scales. They inflate & launder money, design bogus & ghost projects & stage scams & fake news – or however, you call it nowadays.

    BUT, remember that is not why God gives us intelligence. For God endowed us intelligence & grants us opportunities in this life to make His PRESENCE & ACTIONS real in the world. We must make use of the same cleverness, skill, and plain nerve that the manager in the gospel used to save his skin, and the strategy and tactics that businessman used to secure more business contacts and clients, and all other ways and means to make God’s ways real in our world today.

    Jesus tells us today in our gospel, “Make friends for yourselves through your use of this world’s goods, so that when they fail you, a lasting reception will be yours.” In other words, Jesus is telling us “You have the intelligence, resources and opportunities… use it. Use all these to fulfill the mission you assumed and accepted when I called you to be my disciples. Be SMART FOR Me, then .”

    We thus must make use of our talents, money, and time not as an end but a means in attaining life worthy of God, and in sharing from God’s benefits given us through Christ. We must be as resourceful, and dedicated in the ways of God as we are in the ways of commerce, politics, governance, social relations, and public service.

    In other words, Jesus’ parable challenges us to be SMART FOR GOD’S SAKE, that is – to be as eager, clever, and ingenious for the sake of God’s kingdom; to be as ready and willing to use our talents, time, and resources to accomplish great things for the Gospels as we are to witness & prosper in our Christian faith & lifestyle.

    However, to those who are smart enough to use their intelligence & opportunities for their own personal sake & able to outsmart, corrupt & abuse others & God’s blessings, need not to remind you what Jesus warns us: “(cursed) Woe to you who are rich for you are receiving your comfort in full… to you who are well-fed now, for you will be hungry… to you who laugh now, for you will mourn & weep… to you when people speak well, for their fathers used to treat false prophets the same way”(Lk 6:24-26).

    Be reminded what our Lord also said: “If much has been given to you, much will be demanded; more will be expected of one to whom more has been entrusted” (Lk 12:48), as Scripture has it as well, “The most severe judgment will be set aside for those in high places”. (Wisdom 6:6)

    And so again, in whatever & however circumstances we find ourselves now & in the near future,  FOR GOD’S SAKE (beyond our own), may the Lord ever help us develop more our ingenuity, intelligence, and creativity to promote His Kingdom (not our own) here on earth and in our world to Come now & always.

    Hinaut pa unta. So May It Be. Amen.

  • SHARERS

    SHARERS

    September 14, 2025 – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091425.cfm)

    A story once told about a town which was badly devastated by severe flooding. In the process of rebuilding their lives in their town, they also worked together in building again their damaged church. But what worried them most in rebuilding their church was their old and antique statue of their Crucified Christ that damaged its hands and feet. A public consultation was made as to what should be done about their beloved but damaged Crucifix. Different ideas has been expressed and debated. For sentimental value, some are for restoring the statue; though others are against it, for fear that the restoration might 

    completely destroy the original statue. For practical reason, some are in favour of buying a new one, though most would prefer their original Crucifix. 

    Then, a respected old man made a suggestion to the plenum. After hearing and reflecting on the old man’s suggestion, everyone agreed that they will honor and implement what has been suggested. They never buy a new one nor restore the old one. But they just put again their old and original Crucifix, now with damaged hands and feet. And underneath the Crucifix, they put a sign: “This is Jesus Christ, who died so that we may live. He is now a PWD – Person with Disability, with damaged hands and feet. Will you now be His hands and feet for others?”

    Church tradition has it that during His crucifixion and death, the last words of Jesus was: “Natapos na. It is done. It is finished”. But, what has been done? What has ended? Yes, in the cross, His mission, suffering and life has ended and finished. He has already done the Father’s will. He has already done His work and part in bringing out life and mercy to all. His mission is now done and finished. He has already fulfilled the salvation that God has offered all. He has already revealed to us God’s great love for us, as we are reminded by our gospel today.

    But what is not done yet is the building God’s kingdom here on earth. What is not finished yet is the reign of God’s presence, love, justice, mercy and peace in our lives. While there are still people who are suffering from poverty and injustice due to our sins, insensitivity & corruption, the mission of Christ is already done… but our mission as Christian still lives and moves on. While there are still people who are poor, deprived and most abandoned, while there are still people who are imprisoned by greed for power, wealth and prestige, like our corrupt and manipulative politicians, contractors & capitalists, our Mission or Task is not yet done. 

    Remember on the cross, Jesus did not say: “I am finished” but said:  “It is finished”. Meaning, he is not finished yet. There is yet more to come, more yet happen for our salvation. And this time, His salvation lives on with us & through us, as His hands & feet to do what we are to do, and to be what we should be as Christians.

    So for Him to continue to shower us with God’s grace of salvation, Jesus still needs us. He still needs us to be His hands and feet for others. He has already saved us. God & Jesus have already done their part. Now it is in us & with us to transform our lives in our world today. It is now in our person – in our hands, feet, mouth and faith to be witnesses and sharers of God’s graces to others. Like Simon of Cyrene who helped carry the cross of Jesus, as Christians, it is now our tasks to carry, share, partake and witness the victory of Christ’s Cross to others. Time for us now, not to remain mere followers at the distance, but to take part in the mission of Jesus towards God’s salvation.

    Today, in the feast of the Triumph of the Cross, we honor Jesus and all Christians who participate in sharing and spreading God’s salvation to the world, because of them, the Cross of Christ continues now to be triumphant, and God’s grace reign in our lives.

    However, How about us, you & I now : Will you now be His hands and Feet for others?

    Hinaut pa unta. So May It Be. Amen

  • SELFLESS

    SELFLESS

    September 7, 2025 – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090725.cfm)

    A recent Facebook post catches my attention. It is about a young man named Seth Adam Smith who realized, after being married for a year and a half, and said that: “Marriage is not for me”…. Why? Because after all these months of marriage with his teenage sweetheart, he comes to understand now what his father’s advice to him before his wedding day, is becoming true and right before his very eyes.

    His dad once said to him then: “Seth, remember marriage is not for you. You don’t marry to make yourself happy. You marry to make someone else happy. More than that, marriage is not for yourself. You are marrying FOR a family and for your future children. Marriage is not for you. It is not about you. Marriage is about the persons & people you marry to.”

    Surely married couples here could relate to this realization or advice. For marriage is indeed not really for the sake of oneself but for the sake of your lifetime partner and family.

    And so eventually married couples have to learn along the way that marriage is not all about me or about I but about US. And surely such realization is a hard-lesson to learn where learning happens only through trial and error experience. To be SELFLESS, i.e. to be not selfish and self-centered then is the very challenge of committed love we called marriage.

    For love is more than just a feeling or emotion but a commitment and decision to go beyond and give up oneself for the sake of the other. In other words, in marriage – in committed love, couples are to love their own spouse as much as, and as more than they love themselves and they love one another.

    This is the very kind of love Jesus asked of us in His commandment of love when he said: “Love one another as I have loved you”. A love much and more than our kind of love, but a selfless love for the sake of the other, and a love that leads us to a life and a world that is not the same as it is, but for the better of us. A married life committed in love not for your own but for the sake of your loved ones and of loving them, and above all for our Lord Jesus Christ.

    It is indeed easy nowadays for people to say: “Not for me”. Priesthood? Not for me. Religious life? Not for me. Marriage? Not for me. And even perhaps, Christianity? Not for me. But come to think of it, priesthood, religious life, marriage – following Jesus is indeed not for Me nor for You, but for Him; not about Me or You, but about Him whom we love & follow in life as Christian. And Christians who opted for Christ is saying that their discipleship is SELFLESS – not for them but for Him whom they choose to follow in life.

    For what it is to be a Christian? What does it cost to be a disciple of Christ? To be a Christian, as Jesus taught us today is like marriage, more than just a preference but a commitment.

    To follow Christ is not just we prefer Christ in our dealings with life – that we want and like Christ to be part of our lives, but it is to commit ourselves to the Christian way of life. To commit to Christ then is to be selfless, i.e. letting go of ourselves and letting God be God in our lives.

    On one hand, selflessness involves letting go, i.e. as Jesus said: to renounce – to give up everything. And this us not easy, because usually we prefer to have, possess, acquire, and own everything.

    But Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom of God is more than what we prefer and desire (want and like) in life, but it is what God’s wants and wills what is best for our life. Like Seth who realized that “Christian Marriage is not for me…not for my sake but for the best and sake of my partner, and my own family”.

    Being His disciples then is not about being self-oriented, self-centered & inward-looking, but rather being other-oriented, other-centered & outward-looking. And the Kingdom of God is then not about You and I, not even about yours & mine. But God’s kingdom is all about We and Ours, and above all about HIM, as our Lord and we, as His disciples.

    On the other hand, selflessness requires to letting God be God, that is to submit to God’s will. Human as we are we like to be in control, to lead and to be the master. In a way we prefer to take the driver’s seat and take the steering wheels, and go where we want to go.

    But following Christ means to commit and submit to God’s will for us, and let God control, lead, guide, and form the direction of our lives. This means that we become passengers, and let Jesus takes the wheels and brings us to place and time in our life beyond our imaginings.

    Again, be reminded what Jesus is saying to us in our gospel today: to BE HIS disciple is to hate our life, carry our crosses & follow Him, and renounce all our possessions… all for the sake of and because of HIM.

    Jesus himself, by his words and examples, has shown us how to be selfless by letting go and letting God be God. In the same way, for us to fully fulfill God’s kingdom in our lives, as Christians, pray we must that we selflessly commit our lives to Christ (as Christian husband, wife, mother, father, priest, religious nuns or brothers, sons and daughters, family) by letting go and letting God be God with total commitment for Him (and, not for the sake of me, you, & ours alone) in faith & life. AMEN.

  • Better Christian

    Better Christian

    August 31, 2025 – Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/083125.cfm)

    We may argue that having religion does not always make us good person. Because as experienced, we hear & know of people having no religion leading very good moral lives, as well as of people having religion leading questionable & not exemplary lives.

    However, just because having religion does not always make us good person, it does not mean that we don’t need religion. Religion make us connected with God. Even though we can be good or bad person in this life regardless of religion, religion – having relationship with God makes us not only better than just good persons in this life, but makes our life meaningful & worthwhile in this life now & beyond.

    Yes, we can be good or bad atheist, and we can be good or bad faithful in this life, but having religion & faith in this life makes us strive to be better and to rise above the occasion in this life & to the life to come before God. For we know that people of faith are more resilient, hopeful, directed, forward-looking, persevering & joyful amid daily challenges & adversities of life, and people of no faith are prone to vanity & despair in life.

    Regardless of religion & morals, what Jesus particularly requires of us Christian, His followers & believer is to have our righteousness (our right relation with God) exceed from that of others. He said “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes & Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.”

    Meaning as believers of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is not enough to do good & have religion in life, (like the scribes, Pharisees & ethical well-behaved people) but we should rise above the occasion & live a better version of our Christian faith & life before God and all. It is not enough then just to do good & right, we must also be witnesses of Christ to others in loving one another as God commanded of us to be in life.

    And here particularly in our gospel, Jesus reminds us that having religion is more that just about social norms & public etiquette. Having faith & religion is all about our loving concern & humble service with others. It all about  celebrating God’s banquet of life for all with everyone… regardless of having status, position, titles & prestige in the church faith & life. 

    And as we do our part in the celebration, Jesus even advises us here not to exalt, but rather humble ourselves & be more concerned of the last, the least & the lost amongst us “for you will repaid at the resurrection of the righteous”. Yes, HAVING religion does not assure & make us good persons, but DOING religion & practicing our faith then could make us Better Christians in life.

    Siya Nawa. Hinaut pa unta. So May It Be. Amen.