REFLECTIONS TODAY With the use of images of what the world considers precious and worth spending one’s energy and resources just to gain them, Jesus tries to explain that the Kingdom of heaven is the greatest treasure one can find for oneself. It gives one the greatest of all joys. It even moves...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The disciples ask Jesus to explain the parable of the Weeds in the field. Jesus tells his disciples that the Devil, the enemy, is the one who sows the weeds. When it is harvest time, the weeds—sinners and evildoers—will be cut down, collected, and burned up. On the other hand,...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Though, strictly speaking, the mustard seed may not be the smallest, it is, proverbially speaking. Jesus contrasts here between the “smallest of all” (seed) and the “largest of plants” (shrub) (v 32). The shrub even becomes a tree that shelters birds in its branches. This...
REFLECTIONS TODAY First Reading • 1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12 The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon answered: “O Lord, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not...
REFLECTIONS TODAY “Adulting” has become a buzzword among those transitioning from college life to work and family life. The word speaks of the shock of young people upon realizing how much effort is needed to be able to survive “real life.” The brain cannot simply process the many tasks to...
REFLECTIONS TODAY In our modern age, we are made to believe that only the empirically quantifiable matters. What we can measure with a rule stick or a weighing scale is the truth for some people. This obviously cannot be applied to our humanity and spiritual life. We cannot measure with any...
REFLECTIONS TODAY There is an apocryphal story about a certain businessman who was asked by his lady host the secret of his success in business. In answer, he gave her a blank check to write on whatever amount she wishes. The host politely refused the offer and returned the blank check to the...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The Gospel reading that presents the longing of prophets and righteous people in the Old Testament fits the celebration of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In giving birth to Mary, they announced the dawn of salvation which would come to fulfillment...
REFLECTIONS TODAY As it is perfectly understandable for a mother to wish the best for her children, we can easily forgive the mother of James and John for her audacity to ask Jesus for the seat of honor for them in his Kingdom. Jesus does not deny her request but asks the two brothers if they are...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Both the First Reading and the Gospel point to people voicing their doubt about God’s providence and protection. Pursued by the Egyptians, the Israelites blamed Moses for leading them out of Egypt in the first place, forgetting that it was the Lord who was leading them by his...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Matthew 13:24-43 [or 13:24-30] Our Gospel this Sunday is the inspiration behind Fr. Thomas Green’s book on prayer life, Weeds among the Wheat. A person is likened to the field where the farmer — the Lord God — sows wheat seeds. The enemy, however, surreptitiously sows weeds...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb early on the first day of the week to continue to weep for Jesus. Her trouble increases when she sees the tomb empty, thinking that someone must have stolen Jesus’ body. Her excessive grief and tears may have prevented her from recognizing Jesus,...
