REFLECTIONS TODAY Death is part of the human condition; no one can escape it; it is “the great leveler” (Homer in The Odyssey). It respects no one, whatever his/her gender, race, age, etc. is. The departure of loved ones always brings the pain of loss, creating some kind of void within...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The saints are like heroes we idolize: they go beyond or overcome themselves and thereby acquire power. Many saints started out as weaklings, afraid, egoistic, focused on things of this world. But once they opened themselves up to God or allowed themselves to be touched by God’s...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The Church of Dominus Flevit (“the Lord wept”) overlooks the old city of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. It offers a splendid view of the city’s mighty walls and the modern golden Dome of the Rock. It is a monument to Jesus’ weeping over the imminent destruction of the...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The Greek word agōnizomai, used to describe the “striving” to enter the narrow door, evokes a sense of a competition, an image of a crowd pushing against each other in order to make it through a narrow entrance within a short period of time. It is an existential challenge:...
REFLECTIONS TODAY A seed can easily be eaten by birds, but if it grows to a bush or tree, birds can seek shelter on its boughs. As an image of the Kingdom of God, we are reminded of how great things begin from the smallest beginnings. Would we not feel small when we encounter the lives of...
REFLECTIONS TODAY For the workaholic, long periods of prayer appear to be a waste of time. I remember someone who, when asked to keep vigil for an hour at the adoration chapel, quipped, “What will I do for an hour? Stare at Jesus?” The whole night Jesus spends in prayer is an indication of his...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Among the beloved Christian hymns is Amazing Grace, the lyrics of which include the lines, “I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.” We cannot help but connect these lyrics to the story of Bartimaeus who shouts loudly to Jesus and confesses his faith in...
REFLECTIONS TODAY It was a popular belief among the Jews that misfortunes in life are caused by transgressions of the Law, while fidelity to the Law results to blessings and prosperity. While this may be true in general, Jesus rejects the notion that all misfortunes result from sin. Bad things...
REFLECTIONS TODAY A priest, in a homily, asked the congregation, “Who wants to go to heaven?” All raised their hands. But when he asked, “Who wants to die?” all drew their hands back. Apparently, no one was ready to face the Lord. We are perhaps banking on a delayed time of death to settle...
REFLECTIONS TODAY It is shocking to hear Jesus describe himself as source of division. After all, isn’t he the Prince of Peace? (Is 9:5). What division is he talking about? The experience of Christ’s early followers testifies to this external conflict that can arise in following the way...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The Gospel reminds us of a famous line from a superhero movie: “With great power comes great responsibility.” Whatever we have, be it time, talent, or resources, the Lord expects us to use them for the spread of his Kingdom. The Christmas song “Little Drummer Boy” is...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The expression “gird your loins” (v 35) derives from practical purpose based on the ancients’ clothing. As pants or shorts were not in use in those days, tunics would be cumbersome to walk in or run around. This was resolved by bringing up the garment and tying it so...
