Homilies and Lectio Divina

FEAST OF THE STO. NIŇO One of the most popular devotions in the Philippines is the devotion to Sto. Niño. Practically you can see the image of the Sto. Niño in every corner of the archipelago—from barber shops to billiard halls, beer houses included. In a wine store, the image is placed side by side…

There is a two-fold element to our Lord’s baptism: FIRST – to declare who He is – God’s own Son.                 -After Jesus is baptized, the Spirit descends like a dove upon him and a voice from heaven announces who he is: THIS IS MY BELOVED SON. MY FAVOR RESTS ON HIM. SECOND – his…

Pope Francis’ message to families (points to ponder for families everywhere this Feast of the Holy Family).   “There is no perfect family. We have no perfect parents and neither do we have perfect children. We have complaints about each other. We are disappointed by one another. Therefore, there is no healthy marriage or healthy…

We gather together to remember that Jesus was born into our world—a God becoming a human being like us. He came to show us God’s enormous love. He came to be with us, to experience our joys and pains, to be a part of our lives, to bring us joy and peace in a world…

Luke 1:46-56     We read in Luke’s gospel that when Mary finds out she is pregnant she rushes to her older cousin Elizabeth who is also expecting her first child. Our Father is a God of surprises. He surprised Mary and Elizabeth with unexpected gifts—a baby born of a virgin, a baby born of a…

Luke 1:5-25 God goes ahead with his plan despite Zechariah’s lack of faith. The Almighty was anxious to raise up a fitting herald for his Son and no human effort could ever encumber His designs. Zechariah’s lack of faith did not disrupt nor soil God’s plan—a fitting herald was born in the person of John…

Gospel Reading: 46And Mary said, Mary Praises God “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy…

Gospel Reading Luke 1:57-66 The Birth of John 57Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. The Circumcision and the Naming of John 59On the eighth day they came…

Gospel Reading: 46And Mary said, Mary Praises God “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy…

Simbang Gabi (3rd Day) (Matthew 1:12-25) Joseph was shocked when he learned that Mary was expecting a baby. Here was a woman, Mary, whom Joseph always knew to be beyond fault. Legally he could have denounced her publicly. Yet he didn’t. He was ready to let the whole matter drop quietly, as if to give…