The first time I realized that the name JOHN is an abbreviated expression that means “Gift of God,” I was really filled with amazement. For Zachariah and Elizabeth who was barren all their lives, the baby named John was indeed a great gift, a blessing from God.

Noong nasa elementarya pa ako lagi kung naririnig sa mga matatanda na ang mapagkumbaba ay pinagpapala. Tulad ni Maria ang kanyang kababaang loob ang nagtulak sa kanya na  tanggapin ang misyon na iniatas ng Diyos sa kanya na maging Ina ng Diyos at siya ay biniyayaan.

On this 6th day of the Simbang Gabi, we reflect on the Canticle of Mary, prominently known as the Magnificat. It was the most joyous song ever recorded in the bible.

“[Mary] was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.”

Readings: Jgs 13:2-7; 24-25 Luke 1:5-25 The Text 5In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the…

As we welcome the culmination of this season, the gospel reminds us of the story of Mary and Joseph as they were called to become key instruments of our salvation. Salvation became a reality as Mary and Joseph took courage and said yes to God’s invitation.

Joining a pilgrimage is an enriching experience but one of its hitches is that a cover from a pilgrim site to another would be draining. The good thing is that every after two hours, the bus would halt at a gas station or a restaurant for its obligatory rest. After few hours of traveling, upon…

Simula na naman ng Misa de Gallo—siyam na araw na paghahanda para sa paggunita ng Pagsilang ng Manunubos ng sangkatauhan mula sa kaalipinan ng pagkakasala. Lahat ay tila ba kumikinang at may kasiyahang dala, mula sa mga dekorasyon na matatanawan sa paligid—ang mga Christmas tree kung saan nagsabit ang mga iba’t ibang kulay na palawit,…