Homilies and Lectio Divina

There was this one time, a few weeks right after I arrived in the missions in Panamá, where I was the only one left in our parish. My two other companions were not around because they had to do attend to other commitments. A middle-aged woman probably in her late fifties suddenly came knocking on…

 I just can’t imagine how festive the atmosphere right now knowing that we are already on the 4th and the last Sunday of Advent which coincides with the last day of “Simbang Gabi” and that finally the long wait is over!

Christmas has lost its original meaning for many people. Hopefully we can go beyond the superficial celebration of Christmas and instead focus on Jesus, love and giving.

Readings: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1,2-3,3-4,5-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-14 “COME.” This has been our cry while hopefully waiting for our Savior Jesus Christ. This prayerful supplication is a confession of a wounded race that is incapable of coming closer to God without God himself extending his hands. At the same time, it is our confession…

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.