THROUGH UNTRUE Shame is a normal human emotion. It reminds us that we have inherent limitations, our capacities have boundaries, and our personalities have rough edges. Shame, therefore, opens the possibility for change, learning, self-acceptance, and self-improvement. It is unfortunate that...
THROUGH UNTRUE We often think of food as fuel for the body. We thus prefer food that is easily accessible and quickly consumable. This explains the popularity of fast food, which is pre-packaged, ready-to-eat, microwavable, easily ordered online, and delivered fast. It meets our demand for...
THROUGH UNTRUE We live in a world that idolizes the person with an overcrowded schedule, who works long hours and juggles multiple jobs. In contrast, one who is not working or busy is often viewed as lazy, sick, or a bum. However, being perpetually busy and preoccupied with work can have...
THROUGH UNTRUE During the past few days, there has been a relentless flow of news about the hostile confrontation between Chinese and Philippine personnel in the South China Sea. Mainstream media and social networking sites describe China as "committing brazen acts of aggression, employing physical...
THROUGH UNTRUE In today’s Gospel reading, our Lord Jesus Christ compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, which He describes as “the smallest among all seeds” (Mark 4:30-32). At first glance, it might seem like He is belittling the Kingdom of God, which is infinitely greater than the...
THROUGH UNTRUE In today’s Gospel reading, the relatives of Jesus see Him as someone who is “beside himself” (Mark 3:20-22). The phrase typically refers to a person who is acting crazy due to anger, fear, or any strong emotion that overwhelms him. For sure, St. Mark is not telling us that...
THROUGH UNTRUE Before his conversion to the Catholic faith, the famous writer C.S. Lewis imagined God as someone with a limitless appetite to be loved, served, and worshipped. The Bible seems to validate this idea, like the text: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul...
THROUGH UNTRUE Today’s gospel reading narrates: “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you’” (John 20:19-20). Even as they heard...
THROUGH UNTRUE An integral part of the cosmic narrative of creation, fall, and redemption is the Ascension of Jesus, often regarded as the concluding chapter of His earthly ministry. However, rather than marking a closure, this event unveils fresh avenues for our involvement in Jesus's ongoing...
THROUGH UNTRUE A few years ago, a fellow Dominican suffered a stroke in our summer house in Baguio City. His two pet dogs, named Sasha and Vera, stood quietly near the doorway as he was taken to the hospital, where he eventually passed away. For many days, the two dogs stood by the door as if...
THROUGH UNTRUE A famous actress once declared that she stayed happily married to her husband for 50 years because they seldom see each other. She might have said that as a joke, but she made a good point. Togetherness nurtures love and intimacy, but it should not mean constant physical closeness....
THROUGH UNTRUE Today’s Gospel reading portrays Jesus as the good shepherd (John 10:11-13),and us, the sheep of His flock. However, to compare Christians to sheep seems like an insult. Contemporary usage of the word “sheep” often refers to persons who are gullible, dumb, easily fooled, and...
