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Tag: Jesus

  • Called to Stay, Called to Love

    Called to Stay, Called to Love

    December 28, 2025 – Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122825.cfm)

    In this Christmas Season, we always long to be with our family. We try our very best to spend a quality time that includes good food shared together and family vacations. Indeed, in our culture, family matters. When we gather we tease, we argue, we make each other wait, but at the end of the day, we show up. And Christmas, above all, is a season when our presence matters most.

    Today’s celebration of the Feast of the Holy Family invites us to reflect on that same truth that God wants to dwell with us, and family is where love stays alive. But before we dig into the readings, let us be honest and see the challenges our families face today.

    First, according to the recent survey of SWS as of September of 2025, it shows that half of Filipino families describe themselves as poor.[1] This is a reality that affects how homes function and how dreams are lived out. Many feel the pressure of financial insecurity in providing not just food on the table, but education, health, and a future for their children. Families worry about making ends meet, and that daily strain can create stress, misunderstandings, and fatigue that hurt family relationships.

    Second, many Filipino families experience conflicts that remain unresolved, sometimes staying silent because of pride, fear, or the belief that they should handle everything on their own. Because of this, the inability to seek healthy closure when relationships become harmful can trap families in cycles of pain and even violence.[2] These realities challenge the very heart of what a home should be.

    Into this context of our families that we also find God speaking to us through the Word.

    In the first reading from the Book of Sirach, we are reminded that honoring our parents, being steadfast in family relationships, and caring for one another brings healing and blessing. “Those who honor their father atone for sins,” the text says. Indeed, family life with its joys, tensions, wounds, and reconciliations, is not something accidental. It is central to how God chooses to teach us about love. When we value one another, we not only strengthen each other’s lives; we participate in God’s work of healing.

    The Psalm echoes this blessing for those who walk in love and obedience. The image of a fruitful vine, a household thriving and secure, is not simply about comfort. It is God’s promise that when a family commits to love through respect, patience, and perseverance, they reflect God’s own faithful care.

    In the Letter to the Colossians, Paul speaks directly into the life of the Christian household. He speaks not only about virtues like compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, but about allowing Christ to rule in our hearts. Families are called to welcome one another, not just in physical presence during Christmas gatherings, but in the everyday choices that shape a home manifested in our listening, understanding, affirming, and forgiving. Paul’s words remind us that family becomes a school of love when Christ is at the center.

    Finally, the Gospel presents the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt. This may sound far from our Christmas parties and bright lights, but it is deeply human. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were strangers in a foreign land, living with uncertainty and loss. Yet, they stayed faithful to God’s call. They did not abandon one another. In the midst of fear and displacement, they lived out trust and care. This shows us that family is not defined by comfort or security, but by commitment and love in difficult times.

    Today, we celebrate the Holy Family because their journey resembles ours not in perfection but in our struggles. Joseph, Mary and Jesus knew fear, uncertainty, and sacrifice. They knew the heaviness of responsibility and the challenge of staying together. And yet, they trusted God fully because God is indeed with them.

    Thus, this Feast of the Holy Family invites us to take a hard, honest look at our own families. In a country where economic hardship often burdens homes, where communication sometimes breaks down, and where love is tested by struggles we did not choose, God calls us to grow in deeper fidelity, presence, and care. The Holy Family teaches us that love is not a feeling that waits for perfect conditions. Rather, it is a choice that stands firm amid difficulties.

    We are reminded today that family is a gift and a mission. It is where God calls us to stay, to love, and to build life together with courage.

    And so, how do we live this out this Christmas season, not just as a fleeting celebration, but as real transformation? With this question, I also leave you now two simple, concrete invitations:

    First. Choose intentional presence. Go beyond being physically at the table. Turn off the phone to be able to listen deeply. Share not only food, but concerns, dreams, and fears. Let your home become a place where hearts are heard and valued.

    Second. Rebuild trust and communication. When there is hurt, take the first step and say, “I am sorry.” Ask, “How are you really?” and mean it. Commit to one regular family ritual even just a weekly conversation time where everyone can speak and be heard without judgment.

    Remember, our families are the first school of love in our society. If love thrives in our homes, it will shape our communities, our nation, and our future.

    May the Holy Family intercede for us, especially in this Christmas season, that our homes may become places of peace, endurance, personal growth and love, where we are truly present to one another, and where God continues to dwell. Hinaut pa.

    [1] https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/964345/50-of-filipino-families-consider-themselves-poor-sws-survey/story/

    [2] https://igg-geo.org/en/2023/06/27/divorce-prohibition-in-the-philippines-a-system-serving-the-patriarchy/

  • Parenting by Choice

    Parenting by Choice

    December 21, 2025 – Fourth Sunday of Advent

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122125.cfm)

    Two brothers went for enrollment. When asked about their age & birthday, both are eight years old – one borne on August 8 & the other on August 21. When asked to explain, both smiled & said they have asked their parents about it. And their parents just reply; “we don’t remember anymore who is natural or adopted. All we know that regardless, you are both chosen & loved.

    We call God, our father. And rightly so, we call him “Father” because God did not only become our father but He also chooses to be our father. To parent us to be His children is God’s choice, not only by obligation. In the same way to parent our children is not only an obligation but more so our choice. One may disown their children, but someone has to choose to be responsible to the child as parent. 

    Take for example, St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. God is the Father of Jesus. And Joseph, as Mary’s husband, becomes the foster-father of Jesus. Joseph did not need to be the father of Jesus, but he chose to become the earthly father of Jesus. He chose to be a father to Jesus who is not of his own. Not out of obligation but out of choice that Joseph became the foster-father of Jesus. 

    In the same way, unlike mothers who needs to be a mother by nature to her child, fathers don’t have to or need to be a father to his child. Some fathers do escape such responsibility. But come to think of it, our very own father are the very first person, aside from our mother, who chooses us to be his own child. As a child, we are chosen by our fathers. Fathers choose their children. You are chosen by your fathers. Our fathers own us by choice, not only by obligation.

    In our gospel today, we hear the story of the birth of Jesus as experienced by Joseph. If we really come to think of it, Joseph’s experience of the birth of Jesus is a story of being  held accountable for something not-yours. Joseph’s experience of Jesus’ birth is a story of “Nagmahal, Nasaktan, Pinapanagut”.

    Obviously, Joseph Nagmahal, – has loved. He loved his wife to-be Mary very much. He is willing to grow old and have a family with Mary. He is a just and righteous man who will do everything for his marriage and family to-be. But Joseph is also Nasaktan (of being hurt). Joseph was also hurt by what happened. Who would not be hurt and pained when you just learned that your beloved is already pregnant before you lived together and the baby is not-yours? Ang sakittttttt. Can we blame Joseph for planning to quietly divorce Mary? We can easily relate with the broken-hearted Joseph. And worse, Joseph is Pinapanagut – of being held responsible and accountable for all of these things.

    If it is hurtful and hurting to learn that your wife to-be is already pregnant of a baby who is not-yours, how much more if you are pinapanagut – being held accountable and responsible for the baby? If you are Joseph, are you willing to take responsibility? Are you ready and willing to take responsibility for the so-called “unwanted” child? Would you still love your “unfaithful” wife to-be who is now pregnant with a child not-yours?

    This is the story of Joseph as he experienced the birth of the Messiah. A story of being held accountable for something and someone not-yours. Nagmahal, nasaktan, pinapanagut sa hindi kanya. Loved, hurt, and being held responsible for something or someone not-yours.

     

    The story of Joseph is also the story of our salvation. As the Lord offers us His beloved Son into our lives, we are asked to be like Joseph, i.e. to be held responsible for God and others – someone and something not-ours. Pinapanagut rin tayo. Like Joseph, we are being held accountable for His Son Jesus, for the sake of God and others, and not for our own sake. Pinapaangkin sa atin ang Kanyang Anak – to accept His Son as our very own.

    And in doing so, in taking responsibility for God, like Joseph, we will love and be hurt along the way, and will be held accountable for something or someone not-ours. Because, only by taking responsibility and be held accountable for Jesus like Joseph, God’s grace and salvation continues to prosper and fulfill into our lives today. Thus, God’s incarnation requires our responsibility – our ability to response for God’s sake than ourselves.

    Here  we have much to learn from Joseph himself. As he went through the difficult experience of being accountable for God’s Son, he always honors and only listens to God’s message to him. Despite his confusions, frustrations, and broken-heartedness, Joseph simply listens to God’s message, honors God’s will, and hopes on God’s promise of Emmanuel “God is with us”, being responsible and accountable for Him. By always honoring and listening to God’s will and message to us, we become more responsible for Emmanuel, God with us. 

    Here we also come to realize that the history of our salvation is a story of parenting by choice. God our father chooses to be our parent by entrusting us His own beloved Son Jesus Christ, and as well as we choose to parent God’s child into our lives, God’s blessings & graces of salvation thrive always into our lives.

    Just like Joseph, by adopting & taking responsibility for Jesus into our lives, not of obligation but by choice, the holiness & sacredness of God’s become flesh & dwell amongst us… regardless since we are chosen & loved.

    Christmas is already near upon us. Actually the Lord has already came and arrived into our lives. But do we welcome Him into our lives? Do we follow Him and let Him change and influence our lives? Are we willing to be held responsible and accountable for Him, our God with us?

    The season of Advent requires  of us to  “Be awake & Be Prepared”,  “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand” , “Go and Tell others what we have seen & heard” &  “Not be Afraid to take home” . Meaning awareness, repentance, witness & parenting the Holy Family into our lives now are enough preparations for us to receive & celebrate once again & anew God’s blessings upon us now & forever.

    We pray then that like Joseph and Mary, we may be willing responsible people and accountable parent for the Lord into our lives by always listening and responding to God’s message and will for us, now & always. So May It Be. Amen.

  • Called to Shine: Young Hearts Bearing God’s Light Today

    Called to Shine: Young Hearts Bearing God’s Light Today

    December 16, 2025 – First Day of Misa Aguinaldo

    National Youth Day | Isaiah 56:1–3, 6–8 | John 5:33–36

    Maayong Good Morning! As we begin this first day of Misa Aguinaldo, the Church also celebrates National Youth Day. What a beautiful grace to begin our nine-day journey to Christmas by celebrating the hearts, dreams, and even wounds, and hopes of our young people.

    Today, we focus on one truth that even in the darkness of our times, God calls the young to shine.

    To help us enter this sacred story, we first welcome a young sharer. Her story becomes our doorway into the Word of God on this First Day of the Misa Aguinaldo. Her voice represents for us this morning the many Filipino youth who are also questioning, struggling, hoping, searching for love, and searching for God.

    And so, as a community celebrating the gift of the young to the Church, let us welcome Miss Allysa Joie Ambos.

    (Guide Questions for the Youth Sharer)

    1. As a young Catholic today, what is the biggest struggle or challenge that makes it hard for you to feel close to God? (This brings out real battles like pressures, family issues, identity, faith crisis, loneliness.)
    2. Despite these struggles, when and how have you experienced God reaching out, guiding, or comforting you?
    3. As you look forward, how do you hope to shine God’s light in your family, school, friendships, or Catholic Community despite being young and imperfect? (Invites hope, mission, and  desire to grow as a young disciple.)

    Faith Sharing of Allysa

    I grew up having few friends to spend time and play with. And this has made me feel insecure. As a child, I often wondered what was wrong with me. I felt alone and detached from people. I became guarded and judgmental. There was even a point when I accused God to be the cause of what I thought were my misfortunes in life.

    I never really liked socializing just to fit in. However, I exactly did so with the intention of being seen and accepted. I hated being ignored so much, that I was desperate to do the things that are against my will. But even when I had a lot of friends, I felt uneasy, sensing that something was amiss.

    You see, I had a very poor understanding of who God is. I’m not sure when I had recognized it. My thirst to knowing Him came from a need, a calling, a search that I thought unrealistically must be satisfied, followed and found.

    At first, I relied upon books to know Him. Later on, I switched to fishing affirmations and chasing people. Up to this point, I’m still confused.

    In the loudness and overpopulation of our modern world, I realized He is actually nowhere to be found.

    To know someone, you must be able to converse and soak in their presence. But God’s language is the hardest to learn. You have to really listen, because He speaks in silence.

    I nearly thought this treatment implies His lack of love and care. I’d often ask when praying, “Why do you hide yourself from me?” I figured I was unworthy and that if even God doesn’t love me, who will?

    It took me a couple of years to realize and admit that it was me who was in hiding. I was too focused on myself that I failed to consider what others might feel because of my dismissive words and behavior. I subjected myself to the wrong kind of introspection and censure, overemphasizing on my faults and lapses. I was worried I couldn’t keep up with the fast paced world. I felt helpless and anxious as I thought how uncertain I am of Him and even of myself. I was scared and terrified.

    But God has always been there. Whenever I secretly starve myself as punishment for my unpreparedness or poor performance at school, my family would always remind me to take care of myself. My mom and sister Janna personally cooks me delicious meals that’s hard to resist. Whenever I’m dejected and in isolation, my Kuya AJ knocks on my door, offering his weird humor and comforting presence. He is the reason why I joined CSO. Although I had the intention of avoiding house chores then, God has indeed, a way of transforming our hearts.

    Sojourning with my family and peers in CSO has taught me invaluable lessons. They taught me that faith does not mean we know all the answers; that in spite of the uncertainty, we still dare and have the courage to let our questions be asked, unafraid, to be convinced of the reliability of God. And that the service we offer in helping each other to believe may be the best and authentic service we can render.

    After listening from a young person speak, we cannot also ignore that our youth today are carrying heavy and often silent burdens. Recent youth studies in the Philippines reveal that…

    1 in 5 Filipino youth aged 15-24 wrestles with depressive symptoms, anxiety, or emotional distress.And most consider ending their lives by suicide.[1]

    Many also face family instability—broken families, long-distance parenting, financial strain, or domestic conflict.[2]

    With 8 hours and 52 minutes online per day,[3] youth battle comparison, insecurity, identity confusion, cyberbullying, and disinformation.

    Many struggle with self-worth, nomophobia[4] or smartphone addiction, pornography, or the pressure to appear “okay” even when they are breaking and hurting inside.

    A significant number feel far from the Church, saying faith seems distant from real-life problems. Yet, “Filipino youth are more and more looking for authentic expressions of faith that they would not necessarily find in conventional practices or conventional piety.[5]”

    And so countless youth worry about their future, education, safety, jobs, and mental well-being.

    These ate realities that can create darkness. Sometimes quiet and sometimes overwhelming where many young hearts would whisper, “Lord, am I enough?” “Do I still belong?” “Is there a place for me?”

    Now, allow me to bring you into our readings today and let us also realize how God invites us.

    Isaiah speaks to a wounded community who have just returned from exile but broken, unsure, and feeling unworthy. Some believed they didn’t belong in God’s house because of their status or imperfections.

    But God proclaims in the Book of Prophet Isaiah something radical and touching. God says, “My house shall be a house of prayer for all peoples.” Yes, for all peoples not just the perfect, not just the strong, and not just the holy.

    This is God’s message to the Filipino youth and to everyone. You belong. You are welcome. You are seen. Yes, your struggles do not disqualify you. Your wounds do not push you away. And your doubts and questions do not make you unworthy.

    Isaiah’s prophecy tells us now that belonging comes before perfection. God gathers first then God heals us. This speaks powerfully to a generation longing for acceptance, for identity, for a safe place to return to, and for a home to be embraced.

    Moreover, in the Gospel, Jesus describes John the Baptist as a “burning and shining lamp.” John is not the Light but he reflects the Light he receives. Jesus affirms that God’s work in the world is shown through our real action of healing, loving, welcoming, lifting people up.

    This is the invitation for every Filipino youth now that you do not need to be perfect first to shine. Just receive God’s light and share it. Our young generation longs for authenticity. You are indeed, searching for faith that heals, not just teaches; a Church that listens, not just speaks; and a community that embraces, not just corrects.

    John the Baptist shows that shining for God is not about age, power, educational attainment or status. Bringing light is about courage, our honesty and humility, and our heart willing to love and be loved.

    Our readings today, Allysa Joie’s faith story, and the realities of our time converge into one powerful truth that God certainly, calls young people to shine not later, but now.

    And your context is there in  our families struggling with tension, in schools full of pressure, in online spaces filled with noise and disinformation, and in a society hungry for justice. These are the spaces that the youth can be God’s light.

    Remember that your compassion, your creativity, your voice for peace, your desire for truth, all these can illuminate the darkness around you. You are not the Church of tomorrow. You are the Church of today. This is what Pope Francis had told us, and now Pope Leo reminded us. God calls you now to witness, to serve, to love, to hope, and to shine.

    With all of these, I leave you now two takeaways.

    First, grow in God’s Light. You may choose one small spiritual commitment this Misa Aguinaldo. This can be a short daily prayer, or reducing online noise, in forgiving someone, or helping at home. Remember, small lights change dark rooms.

    Second, share God’s Light. You may do one act of kindness or honesty each day. You can encourage a friend, listen without judgment, stop online negativity, or say a sincere “thank you.” Be a lamp so that others can follow.

    Indeed,may this first dawn of Misa Aguinaldo awaken our young people and inspire every generation present this morning. Embrace this now that – You belong. You are loved. And You are light. Hinaut pa.

    [1] https://www.uppi.upd.edu.ph/news/2022/pinoy-youth-in-worse-mental-health-shape-today

    [2] Donna B. Dioquino, UNRAVELING LIVES: THE FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES OF BROKEN FAMILIES, https://eprajournals.com/pdf/fm/jpanel/upload/2024/December/202412-01-019460

    [3] https://www.meltwater.com/en/blog/social-media-statistics-philippines

    [4] Nomophobia is the fear of having no smartphone or losing it.  See https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590291120300243

    [5] From Jayeel Cornelio, see https://preda.org/young-filipinos-keep-the-faith-but-shun-conventional-piety/

  • Joyful WITNESS

    Joyful WITNESS

    December 14, 2025 – Gaudete Sunday

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121425.cfm)

    After Eucharist, a man once approached me and asked for an advice. He said, “Father, my daughter is engaged to her boyfriend. But seemingly the guy’s family does not approve of their relationship because they have learned that I am now unemployed. They thought that I am lazy and irresponsible parent to my daughter. You see, Father, I am a retired seaman. I subsist now from the pension and time-deposit I’ve earned. I just wish to spend the rest of my life with my family after long years of absence from them. I really love my daughter and only wish for her happiness. Father, is it a sin to be unemployed, and enjoy my own family? What shall I do, then?”

    Like that man and John’s disciples in the gospel today, sometimes we become restless with life in anticipation for the Lord’s reign that we ask the practical question: “I believe that the Lord will come again, but what must I do, then?” Yes, we do believe that God so loves us that He gave his only begotten Son for our salvation. He has been good to us and continually showers us His love and blessings. But as faith necessitates actions, “what is the right thing to do then? What then does God require and demand of us?”

    If we reflect deeper on our readings today, we see that like any parents, God desires nothing much from us but our happiness. He simply wished us JOY in our relationship with Him. As what Jesus said to restless disciples of John, “Go and report what you see and heard here.” Meaning, Jesus wants us to see for ourselves and enjoy the great things happening and what God is doing us here and now.

    As God shares to us His life and salvation, He does not ask for our heroic acts or sacrifices but our whole being to enjoy, savor, and share his love and work with others. God does not demand of us so-called “holy” extra-works of doing physical penances, or attending or organizing bible studies, miracle crusades, or prayer meetings.

    But rather, He simply requires us to be as best Christian as we can be, that is, to love Him and our neighbor, follow His precepts, celebrate liturgies in worship, share responsibilities with our fellowmen, and make them feel and realize that we are God’s people. For God, then, what matters most are not our sacrifices but our obedience, not commandments but our faith – a loving & joyful relationship with Him, through Jesus Christ.

    Basically, God simply invites us not to be heroes, martyrs, or saints. But like John the Baptist, and the farmer who joyfully anticipates for the fruits, Jesus wants us to be His living and willing witnesses of the revelation and unfolding of God’s work of salvation. In other words, He simply wants us to joyfully witness God’s salvation here & now.

    For what is a witness? Like a best man in a wedding ceremony, a witness is someone, who first, let God’s work of salvation to happen before his very eyes, not controlling or programming, but simply experiencing the event. Second, a witness is someone who let the event disturb, influence, and affect His life, for God’s work is good news to those who recognize accepts & believes his experience. And a witness is someone who stand for, share & witness joyfully what he experiences and believes to others, for “Happy is the man who does not lose faith in me”.

    Through our faith-responses to God’s revelation and act of His love, by our encounter and acceptance of His son as Emmanuel “God-with-us” in our lives now, by being affected and changed by the person of Jesus, by sharing our faith to others, – in other words by being His living eye, ear & heart joyful witnesses of Christ, God’s blessings begin and continue to prosper within us today and forever.

    And so, in response to that man’s questions, I said to him, “it is never a sin to be unemployed. You are not only what you have or what you have done in life or what others say about you. But you are who you are before God now – His beloved child. Just Be the best and responsible father and husband you can be. Let God do the rest, and never to forget to enjoy the moment.”

    We began our advent journey with His challenge to: “Stay awake & Be prepared”. Then we are invited to “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand”. And today, the Lord calls to “Go & tell others what you hear & see”. And what are we to do then? Awareness, repentance & joyful witness.

    As we continue our advent journey in preparation for the birthday of our Lord in our lives nowadays, may we open our hearts, minds, body, soul, ears & eyes in joy to recognize & believe in Him always in our midst, & hope for another spirit & grace-filled year with Emmanuel, the God-with-us now & always. Amen.

  • Continuing to shine even in difficult times

    Continuing to shine even in difficult times

    December 12, 2025 – Feast of St. Lucy

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121325.cfm)

    During the strong typhoon Tino last November, a young man volunteered with a group to rescue trapped residents. His team was assigned to help a community buried by a landslide. It was raining, muddy, dark, and there was no certainty whether anyone was still alive.

    When they arrived, they found several children and parents still alive. They wept in gratitude and relief because in the middle of darkness, hope has shone when help came.

    This story reminds us that sometimes, a small action, a willing heart, and a readiness to help can, indeed, become light in someone’s life.

    In the first reading, we heard the powerful image of the Prophet Elijah. He was described like a blazing fire, standing firm against evil and guiding the people back to God. He became the light of his time. Not because he was strong on his own, but because God strengthened him and filled him with courage.

    In the Gospel, Jesus said that Elijah had already come, referring to John the Baptist, a man who brought light. Yet, John was not immediately recognized by the people. His mission was not easy, but John remained faithful to how God called him.

    These two figures in today’s readings, Elijah and John the Baptist, show us that the light of God is not always easy to see and recognize. Sometimes it exists inside our shy courage, our silence, our small and random acts of kindness, and our perseverance even when no one notices. Yet, that light remains and continues to shine for others.

    And now we look at the life of Saint Lucy, whose feast we celebrate today. Lucy was a young woman, yet strong and unwavering in her faith. She suffered greatly, faced threats and even gave up her life for the truth she believed in. Tradition says that even when her eyes were taken from her, Lucy’s spirit shone even brighter. In her martyrdom, she became a light in a time filled with fear and cruelty to the Christians.

    Saint Lucy’s life and example tells us today that the light that comes from God is surely cannot be extinguished. This light can dwell in our hearts, when we also allow God to enter and lead us.

    So in this Season of Advent, we ask ourselves, “Who is waiting for my light? Who needs my help, my forgiveness, my presence, or even my small acts of kindness?”

    We realize that this season is not only about putting up decorations or making celebrations. It is a time to rekindle the light of hope and faith within us so that others may also see.

    After looking at Elijah, John the Baptist, and Saint Lucy, may we also have the courage to say and to live that “even when it is difficult, I will continue to shine.”

    To help you live this out in daily life, here are two simple things to do:

    First, before you begin your day, give God two minutes of quiet prayer: “Lord, let Your light shine in me and through me.”

    Second, do one small act of kindness today that brings joy or help to someone. Just one, but it may become a light for their day. Hinaut pa.