Matthew 28:16-20, Solemnity of the Ascension In our Gospel today, the eleven disciples climb a mountain to meet the risen Jesus, and we read, “When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted” (Matthew 28:17). There was Jesus, flesh and blood proof of the resurrection, showing them that his promises had been fulfilled and that…
Category: Evangelist: Matthew
Right-Hand Man – Rudolf Horst, SVD
Matthew 28:16-20, Solemnity of the Ascencion The celebration of the Ascension leaves many a bit flat. It is clear what Good Friday does for us. And Easter Sunday’s benefits are indisputable. But as for the Ascension – “What’s in it for me?”, many ask. Yes, what is the meaning of the “ascension” to heaven of the risen Christ? Is it a…
From Death to Life – Pat Nogoy, SJ
Matthew 28:1-10, Easter Sunday It was supposed to be an ordinary visit. Getting up, preparing spices, washing up, and a slow walk to the tomb comprised a routine that might help heal a broken heart. It had been done before. Many times. Parents, cousins, friends, lovers. And now a beloved teacher. Shattered once more, she might…
Free Again! – Arnel Aquino, SJ
Matthew 28:1-10, Easter Sunday 2017 Aren’t you glad that the purple linen covers here at the altar are now gone? In the past, churches covered the crucifix and the saints only after Holy Thursday mass. Recently, however, the covers go up much earlier, for some strange reason that probably only liturgists know. Personally, I’ve found…
Stay in Us – Rudolf Horst, SVD
Matthew 28:1-10, Easter Vigil “Stay with us, Lord, for it is almost evening.” This was the insistent invitation that the two disciples journeying to Emmaus on the evening of that very first Easter addressed to their companion who had talked to them in a way that their hearts were on fire. Weighed down with sadness,…
Surplus – Jett Villarin, SJ
Matthew 28:1-10, Easter Vigil Fasten your seatbelts. I have some particle physics stuff to tell you. I know physics can be difficult but don’t worry. One graduate physics professor advised us once: if you don’t know the answer to the question, just say “energy”. Let’s try this. What keeps the sun shining? (Energy) Why is…
Beyond Betrayal, Beyond Death – Arnel Aquino SJ
Matthew 26:14-25, Holy Wednesday Did you ever wonder if Judas is in heaven or in hell? There’s not been a few times when people have asked if I think Judas is in heaven or in hell—like what I think matters in the whole thing. “He betrayed Jesus and then killed himself, so he must be…
How Lovely is Your Dwelling Place – Arnel Aquino, SJ
Matthew 26:14-27:66, Palm Sunday Two years ago, when my kuya called from Davao to tell me that our mom was rushed to the ICU, I hurried home. I was used to visiting patients in the ICU—like parents of friends, strangers I had anointed, priests. But nothing really prepared you for when your own mom was…
Wearing Eight Clothes – Willy Samson, SJ
Matthew 26:14-27:66 Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week – the summit of Lent. On this week, we remember the greatest expression of God’s love for us – Jesus dying on the cross for us, because of our sinfulness and unfaithfulness. To meaningfully commemorate the Holy Week and gain profit from this weeklong…
Divine Silence – Oliver Dy, SJ
Matthew 26:14-27:66, Palm Sunday Holy Week brings into focus that paradoxical interplay between noise and silence that make up the drama of human tragedy. The Gospel read every Palm Sunday provides the overview of the final moments of the life of Jesus that we are by now familiar with. He is cheered on by the…
Skin Deep – Johnny Go, SJ
Matthew 7:1-9, Second Sunday of Lent Many things can be said about the event of the Transfiguration of our Lord. It is literally Jesus’ “brief shining moment”–when his divinity, just for that moment, shines through. It astonishes his select disciples, but before they knew it, the moment was gone. In his letter to the Philippians,…
A Glimpse of our Glory – Willy Samson, SJ
Matthew 7:1-9, Second Sunday of Lent When Jesus brought Peter, James and John to Mount Tabor, one of his intentions was to give them a glimpse of His divine glory. Jesus saw the necessity of giving his disciples something to hold on – a hope in the dark, something to give them strength when darkness…
One Lost Sheep 