Reflections

Am. 6:1a, 4-7; Tim. 6:11-16; Lk 16:19-31. The first reading from the prophet Amos already shows us how Yahweh rebuked the wealthy in Israel who did not care for the homeless, the hungry, the sick and the aged among them. Amos graphically portrays their luxurious lives: “beds of ivory,” “eat lambs and calves,” “improvising music…

Ex 32:7-11, 13-14/ 1 Tm 1:12-17 Lk 15:1-32. The three parables we read this Sunday are called the parables of mercy. The chapter begins by saying that Jesus “welcomes sinners and eats with them.” We are all sinners and Jesus welcomes us to his dining table. The shepherd “goes after the lost one until he…

Wis 9:13-18b; Phlm 9-10, 12-17. Lk 14:25-33. In the 1st reading from the Book of Wisdom we are made to realize that: “the deliberations of mortals are timid and unsure are our plans.” It is our common experience that economic planners often make mistakes in their calculations of supply and demand. We heard that thousands…

Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a Lk 14:1, 7-14. At the opening of the Gospel we are told that Jesus noticed “how the guests were choosing the places of honor at the table.” In this behavior we first see vanity.  But as we observe more we can notice pride and self-esteem that devalues others.…

Today, with the celebration of the Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday, we begin the Holy Week. And this Sunday, according to Pope Francis, is “a bittersweet celebration” because it is both joyful and sorrowful at the same time. Joyful, because we celebrate the Lord’s entrance to Jerusalem as King, amid the rejoicing crowd (who cried…

On Palm Sunday, the Church celebrates Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem to accomplish his paschal mystery. There he would be arrested, imprisoned, falsely accused, condemned, scourged, crowned with thorns, burdened with the cross, pushed around, nailed to the cross, would die and be buried. It was also there that he would triumph by his resurrection. Jerusalem…

Is. 9:1-6; Eph. 1:3-6, 15-18 Mt. 18:1-5, 10.           Why did God enter our country in the image of the Holy Child? What is his message to us? In Mt. 18:3-4 we read, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles…

2nd Sunday of Advent9 December 2018   |   Lk 3:4,6 Reflection: We are surrounded nowadays by many kinds of news, be they good, bad or sometimes fake. The difference between them is how one distinguish the truthfulness of the news and the effect they give to the hearers. The good news give joy, bad…

1st Sunday of Advent2 December 2018     |    Lk 21:25-28, 34-36 Reflection: As we begin our new Liturgical Year in the Church, we are invited to look at the end. The end or goal must be clear to us. Our readings this Sunday points to the end where Christ is, this is also our…

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time11 November 2018    |    Mk 12:38-44 Reflection: How do we measure generosity? Oftentimes, we measure it according to the amount given by a donor. Christ, however, gives us another criterion to consider, that is ‘How much do we give of ourselves in our giving?’ Jesus gives us the example…