REFLECTIONS TODAY While recognizing the legitimacy of civil authority, Jesus sets it in its proper place, that is, covering only a part of life, and insists on the basic and ultimate supremacy of God who governs the whole life. One’s duties toward God and civil authority, although distinct, are...
BETTER DAYS For many people in countries like the Philippines where a judge decides a court case, getting to know how a jury goes about its work and reaches its conclusion can be fascinating. Although just like that of a judge, the verdict of a jury can save lives or destroy the future of the...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The parable of the Tenants reflects the social background of Galilee close to Jesus’ time, with landed estates belonging to absentee owners who were living abroad. This would allow the conduct of dispossessed land-hungry peasants who cultivated the land as tenant-farmers. The...
BETTER DAYS Recent events have unfolded in the Senate that led to a surprise change in its leadership. Being part of the majority bloc and since I was merely elected as chairman of both the finance and youth committees, I saw it fit to resign from these positions in order to give the new leadership...
REFLECTIONS TODAY GOSPEL • Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He sent two of his disciples and said to them,...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The religious authorities in Jerusalem—the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders— would claim their authority to serve and to teach in the Temple from Moses, and through him, from God. They are incensed that Jesus cleansed the Temple by driving out those selling and...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Gospel • Luke 1:39-56 When Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, the Logos (Word) has become flesh in her womb because of the power of the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth calls her “the mother of my Lord” (v 43), referring to the Son of the Most High she is carrying. In this sense,...
REFLECTIONS TODAY For the third time Jesus has intimated to his disciples that he would be rejected and condemned to death in Jerusalem, but the message has not registered in the mind of the Twelve. They are on their way to Jerusalem and the disciples probably think that Jesus will declare himself...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The sad story of the man who went away sad because he could not let go of his many possessions is immediately followed by Jesus’ promise of reward for those who give up their possessions to follow him. Peter speaks of “everything” (v 28) which, given their financial and...
REFLECTIONS TODAY To Jesus’ reference to the commandments in the Decalogue, the rich man responds, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth” (v 20). Does the man feel that he still has to do more to inherit “eternal life” (v 17)—a life pleasing to God and that lasts beyond...
BETTER DAYS Recently, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual led representatives from other government agencies in signing the approved implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Law (RA 11981), which we principally authored and sponsored. We are...
REFLECTIONS TODAY First Reading • Dt 4:32-34, 39-40 Moses said to the people: “Ask now of the days of old, before your time, ever since God created man upon the earth; ask from one end of the sky to the other: Did anything so great ever happen before? Was it ever heard of? Did a...
