It is hard to sell to Filipinos abstract concepts of nationalism, unity, empathy for others, etc. which are native values inherent to our race. Still and all, former President Fidel V. Ramos issued Presidential Proclamation No. 479 on Oct. 25, 1994, declaring the month of November of every year as...
“Destroying rainforest for economic gain is like burning a Renaissance painting to cook a meal.” This famous quote from the late American biologist and Pulitzer winner E. O. Wilson brings to mind the massive denudation and degradation of the country’s forests and watersheds through rapid...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The steward does not deny his wrongdoing. He sees clearly that he can no longer serve as manager. He accepts that another phase in his life is coming soon. Weighing his options, he thinks of a clever ploy. He puts himself on the good side of his master’s debtors by giving them...
REFLECTIONS TODAY In the parable of the Judgment of the Nations, Jesus identifies with the “last, the lost, and the least.” He became the poorest of the poor—the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the sick, the stranger, the prisoner. One who does works of mercy towards these persons in need is...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The Beatitudes, Pope Benedict XVI writes in his book Jesus of Nazareth, “are promises resplendent with the new image of the world and of man inaugurated by Jesus, his ‘transformation of values.’ They are eschatological promises.” Being eschatological, however, does not...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The Gospel today continues Jesus’ teaching concerning the right conduct which the invited guests and the hosts in any banquet must exercise (cf vv 7-11). Today, the Gospel tells of the proper conduct which those inviting hosts must have. Jesus teaches us the basic attitude that...
REFLECTIONS TODAY LUKE 19:1-10 On March 16, 2020, the entire Luzon island, composed of eight administrative regions, was placed under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) or total lockdown due to Covid-19. Consequently, churches were closed and mass religious gatherings were prohibited, which...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Today’s Gospel tells of Jesus’ parable about humility. It teaches us how we should conduct ourselves when we are being invited in any banquet. It challenges us to choose the lowest or last place (eschaton topon) instead of the “place of honor” (prōtoklisia). People tend...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Gospel • Luke 6:12-16 Today we celebrate the Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude. The Gospel narrates how Jesus, after spending a night in prayer, chooses his Twelve Apostles. Among the Twelve are Simon and Jude. Jesus does not choose people having similar personalities. Rather, he...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Today’s Gospel tells of the “narrow door” (stenēs thuras) and of Jesus’ teaching about salvation. There is a reference to the “narrow gate” (stenēs pulēs) in Mt 7:13-14. The narrow gate in Matthew is contrasted with the gate that is wide (plateia ē pulē —...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Today’s Gospel narrates two parables: the parable of the Mustard Seed and the parable of the Yeast. These two parables have a parallel account in Matthew 13:31-33. Mark has only the parable of the Mustard Seed (4:30-32). In Mark and Matthew, the accounts of the parable of the...
On Oct. 23-24, representatives of Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities will gather in a celebration called “Dayaw” to present with pride their rich cultural heritage through music, dance, and oral tradition performances, and to share stories on best practices in safeguarding intangible cultural...
