REFLECTIONS TODAY What Jesus demands in today’s Gospel is radical following of him by placing him at the top of our priorities. Thus, the surprising injunction to “hate” one’s family members when following Jesus has to be understood in this light. Surely, it is not actual hating them...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Saying “yes” to invitations seems to be a matter of course for most of us. After all, who does not want to be invited, especially to significant events like the wedding of a friend’s son or daughter? And yet, it may also be true that we give priority to other things...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Exclusion and marginalization of certain peoples are ever increasing in our time, for various reasons: creed, gender, color, appearance, etc. Many of us only give attention and importance to our friends, or to people who have credentials. Our circle of friends does not go beyond...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Unlike that of the others, the scribe’s attitude in today’s Gospel inspires us to imitate him. He comes to Jesus with an open mind and heart, observing with docility what Jesus is doing and teaching. In the end, both he and Jesus concur on the point that to love God and...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Death is part of the human condition; no one can escape it; it is “the great leveler” (Homer in The Odyssey). It respects no one, whatever his/her gender, race, age, etc. is. The departure of loved ones always brings the pain of loss, creating some kind of void within...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The saints are like heroes we idolize: they go beyond or overcome themselves and thereby acquire power. Many saints started out as weaklings, afraid, egoistic, focused on things of this world. But once they opened themselves up to God or allowed themselves to be touched by God’s...
REFLECTIONS TODAY A seed can easily be eaten by birds, but if it grows to a bush or tree, birds can seek shelter on its boughs. As an image of the Kingdom of God, we are reminded of how great things begin from the smallest beginnings. Would we not feel small when we encounter the lives of...
REFLECTIONS TODAY For the workaholic, long periods of prayer appear to be a waste of time. I remember someone who, when asked to keep vigil for an hour at the adoration chapel, quipped, “What will I do for an hour? Stare at Jesus?” The whole night Jesus spends in prayer is an indication of his...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Among the beloved Christian hymns is Amazing Grace, the lyrics of which include the lines, “I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.” We cannot help but connect these lyrics to the story of Bartimaeus who shouts loudly to Jesus and confesses his faith in...
REFLECTIONS TODAY It was a popular belief among the Jews that misfortunes in life are caused by transgressions of the Law, while fidelity to the Law results to blessings and prosperity. While this may be true in general, Jesus rejects the notion that all misfortunes result from sin. Bad things...
REFLECTIONS TODAY A priest, in a homily, asked the congregation, “Who wants to go to heaven?” All raised their hands. But when he asked, “Who wants to die?” all drew their hands back. Apparently, no one was ready to face the Lord. We are perhaps banking on a delayed time of death to settle...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The Gospel reminds us of a famous line from a superhero movie: “With great power comes great responsibility.” Whatever we have, be it time, talent, or resources, the Lord expects us to use them for the spread of his Kingdom. The Christmas song “Little Drummer Boy” is...
