Matthew 10:37-42, 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Our Gospel reading from Matthew is very clear about what it costs to be a disciple of our Lord: “…Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for…
Author: ninangdeb
Following Jesus – Munching de Guzman, SJ
Matthew 10:37-42, 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time There was this man by the name of Clarence Jordan. He was involved in interracial work in Georgia back in the 1950s and 1960s. This work was not a popular occupation in the South then. Tension between blacks and whites was high. Protests paraded down city streets. Police…
Truth to Power – Arnel Aquino, SJ
Matthew 10:26-33, 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time When I was still in school many years ago, I signed a petition. We were requesting for a change of professor. The petition was our last resort. We had already made more diplomatic requests but they all fell on deaf ears. Finally, the administration honored our petition, and…
Fiat – Mon Bautista, SJ
Luke 2:41-51, Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Today’s Gospel on Mary’s fiat reminds me of this true story of Archbishop Fulton Sheen (former Archbishop of Rochester, New York). He said that one day, while on a flight from New York to Chicago, he met this very beautiful flight attendant. And he told her,…
Partnerships – Pat Nogoy, SJ
Matthew 10:26-33, 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time “Do not be afraid.” It is easy to be afraid nowadays. Suffering and the risk of death are a mere distance or breath away. In the past few months, we have seen suffering and death swell by the numbers, forms, and scope—eating up life, work, and fellowship in…
A Self-giving Heart – Vids Gornez, SJ
Matthew 11:25-30, Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Let me begin my reflection by sharing with you the reflection of Pope Benedict XVI on The Heart of God, in the book Benedictus: Day by Day with Pope Benedict XVI.And it reads: The Old Testament speaks of God’s heart twenty-six times. It is regarded…
The Three Inner Rooms – Jomari Manzano, SJ
Matthew 6:7-15, Thursday of Week 11 in Ordinary Time Matthew11:25-30, Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus …
The Body Remembers – Ulysses Cabayao, SJ
John 6:51-58, Solemnity of Corpus Christi The body remembers. The mouth waters at the sight of green mangoes dipped in bagoong. Cravings are triggered by barbecue smoke and the scent of grilled liempo and chicken inasal. Palms feel empty and neglected without being held by our lovers. The skin longs to be affectionately touched by…
No Metaphysics Needed – Arnel Aquino, SJ
John 6:51-58, Solemnity of Corpus Christi “With all due respect, St Thomas, it’s getting harder and harder to explain the Real Presence of Christ in the host and wine, using your metaphysics.” I recently contemplated a gutsy conversation with St Thomas Aquinas. “Your metaphysics was revolutionary, dear St Thomas. During consecration, the substantia of bread…
Love was Never Meant for Two – Ulysses Cabayao, SJ
John 3:16-18, Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Love was never meant for two — Even though lovebirds often talk about a “you” and a “me”. Even though couples understand that they can mutually expect that they will always be there for each other when it matters. Even though she feels special when the he…
Knowing God’s Name – Robbie Paraan, SJ
John 3:16-18, Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity The community quarantine has made us rethink our normal way of doing things. One of those is the where and how we source our food. In Jesuit communities inside the Ateneo de Manila campus, there has been a renewed drive for sustainable sources of food—at least for…
Divine Indwelling – Arnel Aquino, SJ
John 20:19-23, Feast of the Pentecost Whenever I get to bless a new car, I’m often amused when the owner stumbles around, rushing to open everything that can ever be swung open: doors, hood, trunk, even glove compartment! A seminarian once asked: “Fr. Arnel, valid ba ang blessing kung sarado?” He used air quotes on…
One Lost Sheep 