REFLECTIONS TODAY After healing Peter’s mother-in-law and other sick people, and casting out demons, Jesus leaves Capernaum. When people try to stop him like in Nazareth, he reminds them that he must also go to the other towns to proclaim the good news. He is aware of his purpose, why he was sent...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The unclean spirits are afraid of Jesus, who has just returned from Nazareth. Like Jesus’ town mates, they expect him to be confined only to his hometown, and not to meddle with them in Capernaum. Jesus will prove that the Spirit of the Lord is upon him. He is there not only to...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Why the sudden change in Jesus’ town mates? What triggers them to become violent? Because Jesus disappoints them. He does not do what they expect of him as their son, to stay with them and work many miracles for them, like what he does in Capernaum. Jesus will do God’s...
BETTER DAYS Filipinos who require specialized medical care, particularly the ones who reside in far-flung areas will soon see more facilities that will cater to them with the enactment of Republic Act 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. As one of the authors of this measure, we thank...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Matthew 16:21-27 Peter receives a rebuke from Jesus when he tries to block him from going to Jerusalem after Jesus announces that he will suffer and die there. Previously, Peter is commended in Caesaria Philippi by Jesus himself when he shows his correct understanding of who Jesus...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The parable of the Talents clearly shows that Jesus is against laziness. Like the previous parable (Ten Virgins), this parable is addressed to Jesus’ disciples to teach what the Kingdom of heaven (of God) is all about. In the Kingdom of God, there is no place for...
REFLECTIONS TODAY It is hurting to hear such words from a friend or a teacher to whom you want to get close. Yet, these are the words of the bridegroom to the foolish virgins (bridesmaids) who are assigned to welcome him but fail to prepare sufficient oil for the night. They did not give allowance...
REFLECTIONS TODAY With the last two of the seven woes, today’s Gospel ends the narrative part in Matthew where the scribes and the Pharisees are denounced by Jesus. While there is an established tradition of a deep opposition between Jesus and the Pharisees, the narrative reflects the bitter...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Besides Jesus and Mary, John the Baptist is the only other person whose birthday and day of death are liturgically marked by the Church. Today we read the account of his martyrdom in Mark’s Gospel. Along with the other evangelists, the first-century Jewish historian Josephus...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The “woe” phrases in the Bible are often uttered in prophetic and apocalyptic literature. They denounce sin and caution those who commit it of future punishment. Jesus’ woe pronouncements criticize the Pharisees for hypocrisy and falsehood. He describes their piety as...
BETTER DAYS In a recent briefing of the Development Budget Coordination Committee on the ₱5.768 trillion national budget for 2024, our colleague and good friend Senator Nancy Binay narrated an interesting anecdote about her office’s toilet paper. Sen. Nancy noted that the quality of the toilet...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Mt 16:13-20 Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do...
