16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle A)

Frei Bo•July 18, 2017

Readings
Wis 12:13. 16-19
Ps 86:5-6. 9-10. 15-16
Rom 8:26-27
Mt. 13:24-43

Last Sunday we focused on planting seeds while this Sunday we will be talking about pulling weeds. The two go together. As a gardener, I know so well that it is much easier to plant seeds than pulling the weeds—and much more time-consuming and a harder work. It is difficult to distinguish between the wheat and the weeds. They look so much alike. To make things easier someone suggests a stress-free way: “To distinguish valuable plants from weeds, simply pull up everything. What grows back is weeds.”

The Gospel reading also reminds me of what an unknown homemaker once shared: “I don’t clean windows because . . . I love birds and don’t want one to run into a clean window and get hurt. I don’t wax floors because . . . I am terrified a guest will slip and get hurt then I’ll feel terrible (plus they may sue me.) I don’t disturb cobwebs because . . . I want every creature to have a home of their own. I don’t Spring Clean because . . . I love all the seasons and don’t want the others to get jealous. I don’t put things away because . . . my husband will never be able to find them again. I don’t do gourmet meals when I entertain because . . . I don’t want my guests to stress out over what to make when they invite me over for dinner. I don’t iron because . . . I choose to believe them when they say “Permanent Press.” And finally: I don’t pull weeds in the garden because . . . I don’t want to get in God’s way, He is an excellent designer!”

The parable is addressed to those who are scandalized today because the Church contains so many bad weeds, hypocrites, people who are with us in the church, in our workplaces, in our homes and even in religious houses whose lives are not consistent with their Christian values and religious life.

The servants who went to the master to report the presence of bad and evil weeds growing among the wheat would have expected that the master would complement them for being so vigilant as to notice the weeds. And at times, too, you would expect the master to support you in your plan to root out the weeds–the bad guys. You would expect signs of approval. But wait!

The master shocked and disappointed the servants when the master told them to let the weeds grow along side with the weeds. As any good farmer knows, it makes sense to root out the weeds in order to increase the yield and maximize profit. Why then does the master restrained the farmers to pull out the weeds?

Why he does that? The last verse of the first reading gives us two reasons why God acts this way. In the first place, He does it to teach us that we have to love all people, not just the good ones. In the second place, He wants to give sinners the possibility and the chance to be converted. God is patient with the sinner. And in the Gospel He restrains them “lest gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them” (Mt 13:29).

The message of today’s gospel is loud and clear: If you want to be a faithful servant of Christ, you must be prepared be patient with those you perceive as evil persons. To God alone belongs judgment. Let them grow together until the harvest, the Lord tells us in the gospel.

In effect, Jesus is teaching us that when God (personified by the owner) allows the weeds and the wheat to grow together, he is not saying that he cannot do anything about evil. Rather, he wants both the weeds and the wheat—the bad and the good—because he wants the conversion of sinners and not their death. He does not love only the just and the good; he loves all, even the wicked, because they too are his creatures AND THE ONLY THING HE WANTS IS THAT THEY CHANGE THEIR LIVES!

We might find this hard to accept since we often think that we are the good guys and others are the bad guys. But all we have to do is to look deep in our hearts to discover how wrong we are. In our hearts, as in the hearts of others, we also find anger, resentment, pride, envy, revenge, ill-feelings… and more!

Frei Bo

Priest-Religious of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno. Webmaster.

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< 2023 >

October

S	M	Tu	W	Th	F	S
1 All day October 1, 2023 26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME LAUNCHING OF ROSARY MONTH Note to all Local Priors [for the Book of Masses]: After the feast of the Archangels (Sept. 29), “a Mass is to be offered for the living relatives, friends, and benefactors of the Order” (cf. Add. Code 70d) VISIT OF THE IMAGE OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA SALUD TO MANILA CATHEDRAL Time: 8:00 a.m. Presider & Homilist: Prior Provincial BIRTHDAY Bro. Remigio Villahermosa, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	2 All day October 2, 2023 ARSE ANNUAL RETREAT – BATCH 1 (Friars within ages 29-40 years old) Talavera House of Prayer-Recoletos, Cebu City October 2-6, 2023 BOT MEETINGS 1400H SSC-R Manila & Canlubang 1600H SSC-R Cavite & SHSC-R GROUNDBREAKING OF OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL CHURCH SSC-R Canlubang / 9:00 a.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Leonardo Pauligue Sr. Leah Lachica, AR Bro. Mariano Antenor, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Bro. Gerino Lagrada, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Sis. Ma. Luisa Cabunag, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Costidella Viente, SAR (Valencia Chapter) Sis. Madilene Bongcayao, SAR (Laray Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (2004-2023) Fray Leo Alaras DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Fray Nemesio Tolentin (2021-2023) +Sis. Marlene Gomez, SAR (Tondo Chapter)	3 All day October 3, 2023 START OF THE NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF THE ABANDONED (Valencia, Neg. Oriental) / OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR (Baguio) VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE HINATUAN CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – MINDANAO Venue: OLMCQP – Dugmanon 14TH PROVINCIAL COUNCIL MEETING SSC-R MANILA BOOK FAIR October 3-5, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Teresita Baco, AR Sr. Elyn Joy Olmedo, AR Sis. Ma. Theresa de Leon, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1987-2023) Fray Bernard Amparado Fray Cristituto Palomar Fray Joseph Granada Fray Jorge Peligro DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ramona Plaza, AR +Sis. Aurelia Cabrera, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	4 All day October 4, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR OAR VOCATION FIRST SESSION of the 16TH ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY of the SYNOD OF BISHOPS Rome / October 4-29, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE LOS ARCOS BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Roberto Gaa (Bishop of Novaliches) Br. Remgie Panghari (aspirant) Sr. Manuela Mandia, AR Sis. Fritz Palma, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sis. Ophelia Caytiles, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sis. Teresita Canaya, SAR (Cebu Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Fray Celestino Cachapero, OAR (2003-2023) +Sis. Felicisima Barangan, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	5 All day October 5, 2023 WORLD TEACHER’S DAY 2023 Theme: “The Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers” BIRTHDAY Br. Wilhelm Ashley Parulan (aspirant) Sr. Miguela Obera, AR Sis. Jesusa Escalona, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Carmen Esnaldo, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) +Sis. Fernando Sanico, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	6 All day October 6, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE LARAY VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE BALAMBAN BIRTHDAY Sr. Primitiva Berdejo, AR Sr. Rona Alaza, AR Sis. Violeta Benitez, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Virginia Santos, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Milagros Dineros, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Gwendolyn Bolaron, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Imelda de la Chica, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter) Sis. Concordia Apenas, SAR (Valencia Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Abelardo Almeida, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) +Bro. Romeo Cañad, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Erlinda Vergara, SAR (Tondo Chapter) +Sis. Emilia Aves, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	7 All day October 7, 2023 RETURN TO USJ-R VIA TOLEDO BIRTHDAY Sr. Juliet Natinga, AR Fray Mc Airel Capinpin (simply prof.) Sis. Rosario Florendo, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Rosalinda Casimiro, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Michael Centeno (RAY-Urbiztondo) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (2006-2023) Fray Henry Santiago Fray Anthony Irineo Fray Russell Lapidez Fray Virgilio Paredes, Jr. DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Margarita Miranda de Santa Monica, AR
8 All day October 8, 2023 27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SOLEMNITY OF THE OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSAY OF LA NAVAL DE MANILA (Diocese of Cubao only) BIRTHDAY Fray Niel Ryan Jarumay Sis. Conchita Antonio, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Rosario Cordova, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Ms. Nestoria “Inday” Bad-an (Sister General of the Order) Marriel Maligalig (RAY-Urbiztondo) Marinela Maligalig (RAY-Urbiztondo)	9 All day October 9, 2023 6th FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY (2017-2023) OF RECOLETOS DE URBIZTONDO (Pangasinan) VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE BACOLOD CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – NEGROS OCCIDENTAL Venue: UNO-R Bacolod BIRTHDAY Br. John Philip Fuderanan (aspirant) Fray Francis Cabalida (simply prof.) Sis. Milagros Mayor, SAR (Tondo Chapter) John Leonard Cabling (RAY-Canlubang) Glorie Lynn Sorgon (RAY-Bacolod) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Aurea Rigonan, SAR (Manila Chapter)	10 All day October 10, 2023 S THOMAS OF VILLANOVA Bishop and Patron of Studies CMSP-SPONSORED WORKSHOP ON SOCIAL COMMUNICATION (Live-out) Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino de Cebu, Cebu City October 10-12, 2023 VISIT TO THE OAR MONASTERY – TANGUB VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE TALISAY BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Raul Dael, DD (Bishop of Tandag) Sr. Ofelia Laspobres, AR Bro. Ulysses Peral, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	11 All day October 11, 2023 ST. POPE JOHN XIII VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE SAN CARLOS (& AR SISTERS – Sta. Rita College, San Carlos) VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE TAMBO REAP STRATEGIC PLANNING Villa San Ezekiel, Pansol, Calamba City October 11-14, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Samuel Eyas Bro. Niño Salenga, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Bro. Elmer Gernan Garcia, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Jhoan Beran, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Flavia Jacobson, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Emalyn del Mundo, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Emelita Cadague (Miranila Chapter / Trial) Kyla Mei Mendoza (RAY-Urbiztondo)	12 All day October 12, 2023 SOLEMNITY OF OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR TOMA DE HÁBITO Time: 9:00 a.m. / CARES, Baguio City Presider & Homilist: Prior Provincial PATRONAL FIESTA: PARISH OF OUR LADY OF THE ABANDONED Valencia, Negros Oriental Time: 10:00 a.m. Fiesta Mass Presider: Most Rev. Julito Cortes, D.D. VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE CAIDIOCAN BIRTHDAY Sr. Marilyn Gustilo, AR Sr. Bernarditha Barnido, AR Bro. Eduardo Batongbakal, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Bro. William Villacorta, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Lagrimas Gadayan, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter) Sis. Aparicion de la Victoria, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Mo. Dionisia Mitas de Santa Maria Talangpaz +Sis. Corazon Vosotros, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	13 All day October 13, 2023 COMMEMORATION OF THE DECEASED BENEFACTORS OF THE OAR VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE VALENCIA CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – NEGROS ORIENTAL Venue: POLA, Valencia BIRTHDAY Sis. Gloria Cabahag, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Teresita Fernandez, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	14 All day October 14, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Laura Cabanacan, AR Sr. Rhena Sherra Caranzo, AR Sis. Amelita Yara, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Sis. Jovelyn Gamban, SAR (Manila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Rosa Silinduran, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Belma Agrava, SAR (Manila Chapter)
15 All day October 15, 2023 28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME BIRTHDAY Sis. Luzviminda Olvina, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Allysha Shin Ferrer (RAY-Urbiztondo) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (2005-2023) Fray Vincent Cadeliña DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Monica de Espiritu Santo, AR +Sr. Herminia B. Limotlimot, AR	16 All day October 16, 2023 WORLD FOOD DAY 2023 As far back as 1945 the United Nations recognized food as not a privilege, but a right, and that’s why they created World Food Day, observed annually on October 16, in 1979. It’s a day of observance to draw attention to the plight of the hungry. So, today, join us in eradicating hunger. 45th ANNIVERSARY (1978-2023) OF THE ELECTION OF POPE JOHN PAUL II CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – PALAWAN Venue: SEMSDC, Puerto Princesa BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Pia Pineda, AR Sr. Ma. Linda Peña, AR Sis. Micole Gwen Barnatchea (Antipolo Chapter / Trial) Jhon Paul Dag-um (RAY-Provincialate) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1988-2023) Fray Domingo Saladaga, Jr. Fray William Emilito Villaflor DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Margarita de Sgdo. Corazon de Jesus, AR +Sis. Andrea Savella, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	17 All day October 17, 2023 CEAP NATIONAL CONVENTION 2023 Theme: “Pilgrims of Hope: Exploring Pathways to Synodality” Waterfront Cebu City Hotel October 17-20, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE CASIAN (Sandoval Mission Station, Casian Island) BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D. (Bishop of Cubao) Sr. Ma. Cirila Uy, AR Sis. Margarita Membrillos, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Shiela Mae Labadia (RAY-Caidiocan) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Visitacion de San Miguel, AR +Sr. Gabriela Garcines, AR +Sr. Jacinta Mandia Robin, AR +Sis. Norma Discutido, SAR (Talisay Chapter) +Sis. Gerarda Cañet, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	18 All day October 18, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Arnel Diaz Jonel Mendoza (RAY-Miranila) Sis. Luzviminda Suatil, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) Sis. Rosario Hechanova, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Fray Rafael Cabarles (2021-2023) +Sis. Amada San Gabriel, SAR (Tondo Chapter) +Sis. Concorcia Calliza, SAR (Cebu Chapter	19 All day October 19, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK Morning: VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE INAGAWAN Afternoon: VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE PLARIDEL RETURN TO SEMSDC VIA AR-NARRA BIRTHDAY Sr. Arlyn Sarmiento, AR Sis. Margarita Ramos, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Mo. Lourdes Eizaguirre, OAR (2021-2023) +Sr. Ma. Virginia Acha, AR +Sis. Lamberta Bustamante, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	20 All day October 20, 2023 ST. MAGDALENE OF NAGASAKI Patroness of the Secular Augustinian Recollects VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE CAVITE BIRTHDAY Fray Ken Oliver Lao Sis. Elnora Palaganas, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Alemira Awid, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	21 All day October 21, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE ANTIPOLO CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – RIZAL Venue: SEMONORE, Antipolo BIRTHDAY Sr. Melanie Baytan, AR Sr. Ma. Lutgarda Cañete, AR Sis. Nilda Jamili, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sis. Rizalina Ricaña, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
22 All day October 22, 2023 29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME WORLD MISSION SUNDAY Theme: “Hearts on fire, feet on the move” (cf. Lk. 24:13-35) VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE PILILLA BIRTHDAY Abp. Agustinus Agus, DD (Archdiocese of Pontianak, Indonesia) Fray Edgar Tubio Sr. Teresita Diana, AR Sis. Lourdes Diesta, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Teresita Mapas, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	23 All day October 23, 2023 CMSP-SPONSORED ONLINE WEBINAR ON A CHURCH SAFE FOR ALL AND CARE OF OUR COMMON HOME October 23-25, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE PROVINCIALATE BIRTHDAY Fray Hernando Coja Sr. Herminia Catindig, AR Sis. Milagros Quinaging, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Soledad Felisilda, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1967-2023) Fray Dunstan Huberto Decena DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Aquilina Dacalos, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Azela Kilayko, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	24 All day October 24, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE MIRANILA CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – QUEZON CITY Venue: RFC, Miranila SOLEMN PROFESSION OF VOWS OF FRAY JHYRYX VINCENT GAMULO, OAR OLCP Miranila, Q.C. / 6:00 p.m. Officiating Minister: Prior General BIRTHDAY Fray Jose Prudencio Castillo Sis. Maria Fe Bauso, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1996-2023) Fray Glynn Ortega ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Julito Cortes, D.D. (Diocese of Dumaguete)	25 All day October 25, 2023 S JOHN STONE, Priest & Martyr VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE MANILA October 25-26, 2023 CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – MANILA CITY Venue: SSC-R Manila BIRTHDAY Sr. Veronica Purto, AR Sis. Evelyn Ortega, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Natividad Pielago, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Emilie Pandong, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Simon Kurt Casupanan (RAY-Cavite) Nestor Tala (RAY-Miranila) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1995-2023) Fray Joel Dequilla PRESBYTERAL ANNIVERSARY (1983-2023) Most Rev. Buenaventura Famadico, DD (Diocese of San Pablo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Rosalinda Lontok, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Iluminada Coronado, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	26 All day October 26, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Dionisio Selma Fray Renie Villalino Sr. Rosalie Ubo, AR Sis. Felicisima Quizon, SAR (Baguio Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Leonora Mercado, AR +Sr. Catalina Ruiz, AR	27 All day October 27, 2023 SARF 14th PROVINCIAL CONVENTION October 27-29, 2023 Host: SARF-BACOLOD CHAPTER Theme: “Our Sacred Journey” Venues: Palmas del Mar Resort and UNO-R VISIT TO RECOLE TOS DE CANLUBANG BIRTHDAY Fray Antonio Limchaypo Sis. Cristina Pascua, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Ida Acbang (Provincialate Chapter / Trial) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Mo. Presentacion de San Jose, AR +Sr. Martina Labao, AR +Bro. Bibiano Apenas, SAR (Valencia Chapter) +Sis. Nelly Marfil, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	28 All day October 28, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR OAR MISSION VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE VIETNAM October 28-30, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Jeana Abejuela, AR Sis. Purisima Bayna, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Josefina Tampus, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Julita Requillo, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Rosita Lacao, SAR (Inagawan Chapter)
29 All day October 29, 2023 30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME BIRTHDAY Sis. Rosario Rosales, SAR (Valencia Chapter) Sis. Ermelinda Jayme, SAR (Valencia Chapter) Sis. Amparao Jiao, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Catherine Ildefonso (RAY-Urbiztondo) Kristine Ruelo (RAY-Provincialate)	30 All day October 30, 2023 BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Ruperto Santos, D.D. (Bishop of Antipolo) Fray Cristituto Palomar Fray Dominador Mercado Jr. Sr. Lorlie Decir, AR ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1999-2023) Fray Joel Alve DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Rogelio Cepe, SAR (Valencia Chapter) +Bro. Reynaldo Cruz, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)	31 All day October 31, 2023 PRIOR GENERAL’S ARRIVAL FROM VIETNAM BIRTHDAY Sis. Luisita Zuela, SAR (Manila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Albina de la Virgen de Soledad, AR

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle A)

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