The urgings to help the poor and the homeless
LAST Monday, a parishioner asked me to administer the Sacrament of Anointing to his brother, who is suffering from cancer. So after celebrating the eighty-thirty Mass that morning, I asked…
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Little hope
Charles Péguy (1873-1914), a French poet and philosopher, described Hope as a little girl walking hand in hand with her two big sisters, Faith and Love. One gets amazed at…
Take heed! Watch!
It’s the start of Advent—a four-week preparation for Christmas. But let’s not forget that it’s the dual invitation of anticipating the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah,…
Giving thanks during this pandemic
To stop feeling resentful and angry about the holiday restrictions, we may need to empathize with those who suffer and grieve from the effects of this pandemic. WE’RE all struggling…
On leadership
IF someone were to ask me my understanding of leadership, I would say, “It is empowering others to exercise their God-given gifts for the benefit of others and God’s Kingdom.”…
The faith that must keep burning in us
BY the time you read this article, I hope that our nation would move on with the newly elected president and other leaders. We need to tackle the continuing challenges…
Anchoring our lives in someone or something beyond us
I CANNOT imagine living one’s life without holding on to something and someone beyond us. Life can be harsh, painful, messy, brutal, and bitter. Thank God we have our family…
The arduousness of love
WE speak about love as if it is the easiest thing to do. It’s because we often equate love with a deep sentiment towards one’s parent, child, or friend, or…
God’s invitation
“I can do all things in him who strengthens me!” (Philippians 12:1) THESE words of St. Paul from the Second Reading this Sunday evoke the joy of Christian life. With…
On the possibility and healing power of forgiveness
HOW often should we forgive someone who has wronged us? Peter asked Jesus this age-old question in the Gospel this Sunday. “Oh, Peter,” Jesus responded, “not just seven times but…
On working for reconciliation, peace, and unity
AS I often say, we’re living in a polarized society. There are so many conflicts and divisions in our country today, especially during this presidential election campaign. Protests and riots…
The presence of evil in the world
IS Satan real? In other words, does he exist and still influence our thoughts and actions? This is a fundamental question that often comes to our minds. Well, I’m sure…
On being a ‘rock’ like Peter
“Jesus knew that Peter would be humble to accept his weaknesses and turn to the Living God for wisdom and strength.” “AND I say to you that you are Peter,…
The power of faith during challenging times
A PRIEST flew thousands of miles to spend a month with the community of Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India. He was in a stage of discernment for God’s further purpose…
”It is I; do not fear!”
WE have another fascinating Gospel Reading (Matthew 14:-36) this Sunday. As the disciples were on a boat in the midst of fierce winds and waves, Jesus showed himself to them…
People of compassion
IF Jesus were here on earth today, he would be much concerned about the thousands of people suffering from the coronavirus pandemic. And if he were here in Los Angeles,…
On discerning who to vote for
A FRIEND of mine called me to say that he needed to talk. He and his aunt just had a heated conversation about the coming U.S. presidential election. “I’m confused,…
The test of the human spirit
“GOOD things can come out of bad things,” I would tell others and myself. Take, for example, the effects of this coronavirus pandemic. Undoubtedly, it is s the worst tragedy…
All creation groans: our need for solidarity to fight the pandemic
DESPITE the seemingly never-ending spread of COVID-19, summer is lovely, except when the temperature rises and heat invade us. Plants and flowers bloom, and birds keep chirping. And at times,…
On our image of Jesus
OUR image of Jesus might often be that of a nice and sweet person who does not bring troubles. That’s not how the Gospels portray him. He was not always…
A prophet’s reward
“WHOEVER receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward.” (Matthew 10:41) Time flies fast, as we always say. It will be a year on July…
The critical work of justice and peace
OUR country has a dire and urgent need for prayers, my friends. Not only has it suffered tremendously from the coronavirus pandemic, but it’s also undergoing unrest civic and political…
On keeping the mission open
I WAS happy to see two of my former students on livestream get ordained as transitional deacons last week for the Diocese of Monterey, California. But I felt sad that…
Where one’s Christian faith rests on
THEY were five strong Catholic women who shared with me their faith via conference. They prayed the Rosary fervently and revealed the boldness, tenacity, and joy of their faith. One…
Prayer and spirituality as ‘essential’
ONE of the American spiritual writers in the 20th century who contributed to the depth of spirituality of many Christians was a monk named Thomas Merton. In his book, “A…
Testing leadership
MY friends, this coronavirus pandemic has challenged and tested not only our faith, health, and our nation’s strength but one’s leadership. When I talk about leadership, I don’t just mean…
On God’s silence
I’M praying that you continue to be strong in faith amid this pandemic. Like you, I often ask God to make his will and presence known, to put an end…
Our need for peace
PEACE! It’s one of the essential commodities that we need now. Unfortunately, it’s something that we cannot buy from the grocery stores or online. If we could buy it, it…
P-A-S-C-U-A
THIS Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday. Let’s keep imploring God’s Mercy to end this coronavirus pandemic so that businesses, governments, schools, and churches can open. We’re all eagerly waiting to…
The cross of COVID-19
HAPPY Easter! This year’s celebration of Holy Week and Easter is unprecedented for all of us Christians, for we could not gather as a community to hold masses and services…