A few months ago, a friend of mine, let’s call him AJ (not his real name) struggled a lot. He felt lost. He was depressed, discouraged, and felt that he had failed everyone around him. As a result, he stopped going to church, stopped praying, and even stopped believing that things could get better for him. Yet, one evening, a fellow friend visited him and cared to listen to him. That presence of a friend gave comfort to him, and gently encouraged him to open the door again, to hope, and to try again. Slowly, AJ began to pray. He joined small prayer groups, allowed others to care for him, and bit by bit, he found peace again. That gentle love and tender encouragement, gave him hope.
The first reading from Prophet Isaiah reminds us of the voice of the prophet, “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” God speaks tenderly to His people, telling them that their suffering is over, their sins forgiven, and their burden lifted. God promises to make paths straight, places smooth and to lead them gently like a shepherd as “He will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom.”
Moreover, the Gospel of Matthew reminds us of the words of Jesus who said, “if one sheep goes astray, the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost. When he finds it, he rejoices more over that one than over the ninety-nine.” This means that Jesus makes clear that our heavenly Father does not want even a single “little one” to be lost.
In both readings, they tell us that God pursues those who wander, the lost, the hurting, and the hopeless. God, indeed, does not give up on us. It is us who usually giving up on God.
AJ’s story echoes this that when he was feeling abandoned by life, a friend became a caring shepherd who showed him understanding, offering support, helping him find his way back home, back to faith, and back to hope.
This calls us now that when we feel lost or burdened by guilt, in pain, or in doubt, or feeling lonely, know that God sees you! The Lord longs to bring us back, to comfort us, to gather us like a lamb in His arms. Whisper this simple prayer: “Lord, come find me.” Trust that He searches for you and will not abandon you.
When we also see someone lost or hurting, perhaps a friend, a neighbor, or a classmate, don’t ignore them. Be like that caring shepherd by offering compassion, a listening ear, giving gentle words, and sharing God’s love with them. Hinaut pa.
As we journey through this first week of Advent, our hearts turn toward the birth of our Savior. Today’s readings from the Book of Isaiah and the Gospel of Matthew fill us with a beautiful promise: God is bringing light into our darkness, healing into our brokenness, and hope into our waiting hearts. Hence, let us open our minds and hearts to this message of restoration through faith.
In the first reading, prophet Isaiah painted a vivid picture of God’s transforming power. He spoke of a time when the ancient land of Lebanon (which Pope Leo has just visited this week), once wild and untamed, will become a fruitful garden.
The prophet told us that the deaf will hear the words of a book, and the blind will see clearly, free from gloom. The humble and the poor will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. Meanwhile, the ruthless and the arrogant will vanish.
This may sound poetic but this is not just poetry. This is God’s promise to transform the sorrows of His people. Isaiah speaking to a nation weary from exile and injustice, reminded them that God will lift up the lowly and bring justice for them. It is a prophecy of renewal, where what seems barren and hopeless bursts into life, and despair gives way to joy.
This very promise finds its fulfillment in the Gospel, where two blind men cried out to Jesus, “Son of David, have pity on us!” They followed Him persistently, believing Jesus as the Messiah foretold by the prophets. And so Jesus touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.”
Instantly, their sight was restored. Here, Matthew showed us faith in action and not as a magic trick, but as trust that opens us to God’s healing. These men, once trapped in physical and spiritual blindness, now see the world anew. Though Jesus asked them to keep it quiet, yet their joy overflowed. This moved them to proclaim God’s goodness everywhere they go.
Together, these readings have woven one powerful message that indeed, God restores us through faith in His Son.
Isaiah’s vision of a transformed world echoed in Jesus’ miracle. This showed us now that Advent is about waiting with hope for this restoration and transformation in ourselves and in the world.
In our own very lives, we too all face blindness. Certainly, we may be blind to God’s love, to others’ needs, or to our own wounds. We too could stumble in the darkness of our worries, fears, illness, loneliness, or sin.
However, Jesus, the light of the world, invites us to cry out like those blind men. Jesus also asks us, “Do you believe that I can do this?” And our “yes” opens the grace to Jesus healing touch.
This hope moves us deeply because it is real, not an empty hope. Think of a friend who found peace and healing after loss or a community rebuilt after hardship and trauma. These are glimpses of God’s kingdom breaking in.
In Advent, we prepare not just for Christmas lights and other glittering decorations, but for the eternal light that banishes all darkness.
Remember this, God is faithful. And the Lord will turn our deserts into gardens and our tears into joy. So, let us live this hope today. Reach out to someone hurting, pray with deeper trust, and watch for God’s miracles in the ordinary. Hinaut pa.
Two years ago, on a Sunday morning meant to mark the beginning of joyful waiting, our community was shaken by darkness. Lives were taken, bodies were wounded, and many hearts, including most of you here present today, still carry unseen scars. Advent, which should have been a season of hope, became for us a moment of fear and grief. And yet, here we are, gathered again, breathing the same air of faith, standing on the same ground of hope. This alone speaks of a God who continues to hold us together.
Today’s first reading from Isaiah gives us a powerful promise, “The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces.” Isaiah speaks of a God who prepares a great feast, who destroys death, who removes every stain of sorrow. Indeed, this is not a distant dream. This is God’s heart revealed to us now. The Lord God does not stand far from our suffering. The Lord God bends down, touches our wounds, and wipes our tears with His own hands.
Such character of God is revealed in today’s Gospel. Jesus climbs the mountain and there, people bring to Him the lame, the blind, the mute, the sick. And upon seeing all of them, “Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them.”
This is the Jesus who sees our trauma, our memories of that painful day, our fears that revisit us in the night. He does not avoid these wounds. He sits beside them, feels them with us, and slowly transforms them not by erasing that horrifying past, but by filling it with His presence.
Moreover, Jesus also does something even deeper. The Lord feeds the crowd. After days of hunger and exhaustion, Jesus refuses to send them away empty. This is the same Jesus who now tells us: “I will not let you remain empty of courage, of peace, and of meaning.” Where violence tried to take life away, Jesus continues to give life. Where hatred tried to silence us, Jesus continues to speak His peace. And where darkness tried to dominate, Jesus becomes our light.
Certainly, many of you have carried silent pain for two years now. Perhaps others still tremble at loud sounds or crowds. Others are still carrying inside their body those splinters that pierced them. Some might have also wondered if peace will ever be possible for us.
However, hear once more the promise in the Book of Prophet Isaiah, “On this mountain, God will destroy the veil that covers all peoples.”Even the veil of fear that covers our hearts. Even the cloud of trauma that shadows our memories. God is not finished with us.
Let us remember, Advent is the season when a small light begins to shine in the dark. That light is Jesus and no bomb, no violence, no hatred can put Him out. The same Lord who fed the hungry crowds, who healed the wounded, and who wept with the broken is here with us at this very moment. And our Lord Jesus wants your heart to live again.
Tonight, as we remember that painful tragedy, we also stand before the God who wipes tears and restores life. We honor our dead (+Janin, +Riza, +Evangelin and +Junrey) and not only by remembering their pain, but by choosing to live with greater hope, deeper love, and stronger unity as a Christian Community here in Marawi. What happened two years ago does not define us. God’s promise does.
And so, I leave you now two simple invitations as we commemorate this day.
First, choose healing every day. We know that healing takes time. It takes support. And it takes grace. Allow Jesus everyday to touch your wounds as He touched the wounded in today’s Gospel. Open your heart to conversations, to prayer, to our community and anything that helps your spirit breathe again.
Second, be bearers of peace where you stand. Do not let violence have the last word. In your home, at our University-Community here at MSU-Marawi, at your workplace, and with your friends, always choose peace. Choose respect and choose compassion. These small acts rebuild what hatred tried to destroy.
Remember this,God has not abandoned us. The LORD GOD is here, and He is wiping our tears. May this anniversary not only remind us of what we lost and what was deprived from us, but lead us to discover again the God who restores, heals, and gives the fullness of life. Hinaut pa.
Tomas loved collecting shiny things. He had always new gadgets, loud toys, and flashy decorations. His small house sparkled with many things, but nothing he owned actually ever lasted. One day, his old neighbor Nanay Cita invited him for snacks. He saw how her house was plain. Yet, something was different. It was rather filled with laughter, stories, and warmth from her family members and other neighbors. Tomas realized that her joy came not from flashy material things, but from people and moments lovingly shared.
Recently, when a typhoon hit and flooded their community, his many shiny items broke and gone. While he felt devastated, Nanay Cita and other neighbors came to help and brought hope to others. This was how Tomas finally understood that what truly lasts are relationships, kindness and simple joys.
Today, in our first reading, Prophet Daniel interpreted the vision of King Nebuchadnezzar. It was a dream of a great statue made of different materials. Yet, all of which eventually crumbled when struck by a small stone. Daniel told us that this stone represented the Kingdom of God. It seemed small and humble. Though it was unnoticed by the world, it was the only thing that lasts forever. Indeed, kingdoms rise and fall, powers come and go, but the Kingdom of God stands firm through all ages.
Jesus, in today’s Gospel, echoed this truth. While the disciples admired the beauty of the Temple, Jesus reminded them of an important lesson. Even the most impressive earthly things will one day pass away. What endures, Jesus said, is not the expensive stones of the Temple. What lasts is the steadfast trust of those who remain faithful. They stay committed in the midst of trials, challenges, and uncertainties in life.
Today these readings also speak deeply to my heart as I celebrate my 8th Anniversary of Priesthood. As I look back, I see many moments of weakness. There were many moments of unworthiness. I felt pains and hurts. There were times when I felt like that fragile statue in the king’s dream. It was easily shaken and easily broken.
And yet, by the grace of God, I remain and still finding joy. Not because of my strength, not because of my abilities and potentials but because of God’s faithfulness. The stone that never crumbles is the unwavering goodness of God to me and to everyone whom I have encountered in my journey as a priest. This has been the foundation of my priesthood.
If there is anything my eight years have taught me, it is this – God uses weak instruments. He chooses broken vessels. He works through imperfect servants so that His glory and not ours, may shine and bring life. This is what I witnessed, every time I felt tired, God renewed me. Every time I felt unworthy, God reminded me that the call is His, not mine. Every time I doubted, God remained faithful.
I realized that certainly, this is not just my story. It is the story of every believer who tries, fails, rises and hopes again, and continues to walk with God.
In fact, the world tells us that we must be strong. We must be impressive. We must be powerful like the mighty statue in the vision of the King Nebuchadnezzar. However, God tells us, “Just stand on the Rock. Stand on Me.” This is an invitation to find God as our true strength, our refuge and our security.
Now, as we near the end of the liturgical year, these readings invite us to reflect: What in our lives is temporary, and what truly lasts? Are we building a kingdom that will one day crumble? Or do we place our trust in the Kingdom of God that cannot be shaken?
Today, I thank God for eight years of priesthood, not as a journey of perfection, but a journey of God’s unwavering mercy. I ask you to continue praying for me. Please pray that I remain faithful to the Kingdom of God that lasts forever. May I always find joy in my ministry and bring life to others.
May the Lord strengthen all of us to trust not in the passing things of this world, but in the enduring goodness of God. I leave you now two simple and practical takeaways.
First, build your life on what lasts. Spend more time each day on prayer, kindness, forgiveness, and love. These are the things that remain.
Second, trust God even in your weaknesses. Whenever you feel unworthy or discouraged, whisper a simple prayer, “Lord, You are my strength. I stand on You.” Hinaut pa.
A story once told about a town which was badly devastated by severe flooding. In the process of rebuilding their lives, 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 favor 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. Hence, they never buy a new one nor restore the old one. But they just reinstall their old and original Crucifix, with damaged hands and feet. However now 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.
But what is not done yet is the 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 as Christian followers & believers 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 to 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, voice and faith to be 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, and partake the victory of Christ’s Cross to others. Time for us now, not to remain followers at the distance, but to take part in the mission of Jesus towards God’s salvation.
Today, in the Solemnity of the Christ the King, we honor & celebrate the kingship of Jesus our Lord Christ in our lives today. However, we hear from our gospel today that Jesus, our King is not only a crucified king but also a king who is rejected, insulted, dishonored, and humiliated by the people. We cannot deny in our gospel today that Jesus Christ is a harassed, rejected, disgraced, maltreated, and persecuted King. Indeed, they mockingly proclaimed Jesus as King, but a Redeemer king who cannot even redeem and save himself – a needy king without a throne, and worse crucified on a cross.
We do need to seriously reflect our gospel today, for it challenges us to deeply understand our faith not only on His kingship but most of all our faith in Jesus Himself. We might ask ourselves: “Do we really acknowledge and believe Jesus as Christ the king?” or “Are we like, Pontius Pilate who admits or not, because the crowd says so?” “Before me, who is Jesus? Who do I say Jesus is?”. Or perhaps ask ourselves: “who and what do I believe and worship? Is it God whom we believe and worship? Or we rather believe and worship our life, work, honor, wealth, and others than God himself?”
This is a concrete call for us Christians to look deeply into our FAITH – our own personal commitment to what and who we really believe in.
We honor Jesus today, our Christ and our King whom people have persecuted, humiliated, maltreated and rejected – somehow a needy PWD without hands & feet. “Would you still consider him as your King? Would you recognize and bear witness to Him as Your king? Or would you reject, dishonor, and persecute him again like what the crowds did and are doing today?”
For come to think of it, God’s kingdom does not rest only on the title of Christ the King but on our authentic witnessing and commitment of our faith in Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God is not in the voice of the crowd & leaders shouting at Jesus on the cross “Save yourself & save us”, but in the testimony of the good & faithful thief saying “remember me when you into your Kingdom” & in the words of Jesus “Amen, You will be with me in Paradise.” It is Vox fidelium, Vox Dei then rather than Vox Populi, Vox Dei. Meaning, the voice of God is not in the voice of the people but rather in the voice of God’s people – in the voice of all faithful believers of Jesus Christ.
Thus, we witness now Jesus as our King, not only because of what he has done for us but most of all on His own Faith towards the Father and for the salvation of all. God’s kingdom and the kingship of Christ do not only mean name, power, and prestige of Jesus but more so our heartfelt and wholehearted profession, proclamation, witnessing and commitment to God’s salvation through our faith in Jesus Christ. The kingdom of God then requires our total and authentic faith-commitment to Christ, same way as Christ commits Himself to us & our Father.
Again, here in our celebration today, we Christians are called to proclaim and witness our faith in Jesus Christ. As Jesus bears witness to His great love to the Father, we are also invited to the same total and wholehearted dedication and faith in Jesus. As Christians then, we should never be ashamed to express and proclaim our faith to ourselves, to each others and to others, even amidst the noisy crowd & popular opinions.
Today, we honor Jesus and all Christians faithful 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, presence & kingdom reign in our lives.
However, How about us, you & I now : Will we now be His hands, His Feet & His voice for others? Will we now be Vox fidelium, Vox Dei? Will our voice of faith be God’s voice for all?
A DOSE OF GOD TODAY 