REFLECTIONS TODAY Advent (from Latin adventus, “coming”) reminds us of three great “arrivals.” The first is the coming of Christ with his birth in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago. The second is the coming of Christ at the end of time which we call the Parousia (“coming” or...
REFLECTIONS TODAY It is quite interesting that among those whom Jesus called to be his closest followers were brothers like James and John, sons of Zebedee, and Simon Peter and Andrew from Bethsaida. Today, we celebrate the feast of the last named Apostle. Peter (formerly Cephas), in...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Words are often seen as inferior to actions. “Actions speak louder than words,” we are always being reminded of. Indeed, words can be uttered gratuitously, that is, without any grounding, weight, or basis, just like big but often empty promises at elections. But this is not...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Our Gospel alludes to the fall of Jerusalem into the hands of the forces of evil. This seeming defeat of the Holy City could engender fear and hopelessness. But the complete story — as mirrored in the book of Revelation — is that God will overcome all these evil forces...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Awaiting the Lord’s return and taking seriously our following of Jesus may lead us into persecution and hardships. Our Lord’s life attested to this: He was always challenged and harassed by His opponents who either doubted or altogether refused to accept Him. Even in our...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Offerings at Mass are opportunities to share in the realization of programs and projects of the parish/diocese. There is no pressure or obligation to do it, but certainly they are necessary for the growth of our Christian communities. God continually endows us with his...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Gospel • John 18:33b-37 Pilate said to Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?” Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Even by just observing nature, one can see how life emerges from seeming death. In winter, or in extreme summer heat, trees and plants may look dead, lakes and rivers may appear dried up, but as the season changes, they “come to life” again. There is no way that death has the...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Today’s feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Mother invites us to contemplate her life of being consecrated to God, a life dedicated to the mission that God had in store for her. In her childhood, her parents presented and consecrated her to God, she who was conceived...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The point of the parable is that like the master in the story, God wants us to be “enterprising” with the talents that he has given us rather than simply keep them. We should take risks and not be paralyzed by the thought of “loss” and the prospect of punishment...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Failure to read the signs of the times often brings us misfortune or loss. Just like we can get lost while traveling in an unfamiliar place if we do not pay heed to the signs. As Christians, we cannot simply live our lives without an awareness of what is happening around...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Zacchaeus is not discouraged by how people see him; he pursues his desire to see Jesus, and his wish is granted. The encounter moves him so deeply, and filled with deep gratitude and joy, he offers reparation for his sins. And so Jesus declares that salvation has come...
