John 20:19-31, Divine Mercy Sunday “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed. (Jn 20:29)” If I told you that I have seen the Lord, would you believe me? Thomas wouldn’t. The doubters would say, fake news, hallucination, cultural conditioning, psychological projection, superstition,…
Category: Evangelist
Pockets of Easter – Arnel Aquino, SJ
John 20:19-31, Divine Mercy Sunday If Jesus simply showed himself to his friends in his Resurrection and then ascended into heaven before their eyes, Christianity would still have been born. I mean, Jesus did not have to do all the other things; like ask for something to eat, catch up with his friends walking to…
Where does Easter Begin? – Jordy Orbe, SJ
Luke 24:1-12; Easter Vigil Where does Easter begin? I remember a video I once saw on Facebook of an Easter Vigil Mass. There was this impressive setup— there was a cave in the sanctuary, and at the climactic moment during the Gloria, the cardboard stone split open. The Risen Christ emerged, accompanied by flashing, fireworks,…
The Seven Cries of Jesus – Noel Bava, SJ
Isaiah 52:13—53:12; Psalm 31; Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9; John 18:1—19:42, Good Friday 1. Opening: The Cry That Pierced Filipino Memory We lost an icon yesterday, the one and only superstar of Philippine television, movies, theater and music—Nora Aunor. No other artist, living or dead could equal her depth of emotion when playing iconic roles. And when…
The Last Supper according to “Sharonians” – Noel Bava, SJ
Exodus 12:1–8, 11–14; Psalm 116:12–13, 15–18; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; John 13:1–15, Holy Thursday of Our Lord’s Passion 1. Introduction: Everyone’s Guilty of a Little ‘Sharon’ Let’s admit it—almost all of us have done a Sharon at least once. After a party, a wedding, or a town fiesta, someone inevitably brings out the Tupperware or plastic bags and starts packing leftovers….
When Love and Hate Collide – Noel Bava, SJ
John 8:1-11; 5th Sunday of Lent I have always been intrigued by the lyrics and melody of the song by Def Leppard and how it easily lends itself to our deeper understanding of God’s mercy and compassion. It begins with this line: “You could have a change of heart, if you would only change your…
When the Manna Stops – Jordy Orbe, SJ
Joshua 5:9a, 10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 In today’s first reading, there’s a detail that’s easy to overlook: “The manna ceased.” For 40 years, God fed the Israelites in the wilderness with manna—daily bread from heaven. It was how they survived. But once they enter the Promised Land and eat the produce of…
Chance – Jett Villarin, SJ
Luke 13:1-9, Third Sunday of Lent I once missed the last bus to Davao from CDO that was scheduled to leave 12midnight. Arriving about 15 minutes past departure, there I was trying to figure out how on earth I was going to get to Davao where I was supposed to speak the next morning. Along…
Due Process – Arnel Aquino, SJ
Luke 16:19-31, Thursday of the 2nd Week of Lent The rich man, also called Dives, “dined sumptuously each day.” He had all the chances to help Lazarus who would’ve “gladly eaten of the scraps that fell from the table.” Would’ve. Ibig sabihin, dedma talaga si Dives. Hindi man lang namigay kahit kaunti. Well, both of…
Privileged – Arnel Aquino, SJ
Luke 9:28b-36, Second Sunday of Lent I can’t blame Peter. Ang ganda ganda sa Mt. Tabor. It’s not certain though if the church up there today is exactly on the same spot where the Transfiguration really happened. But it’s still breathtaking to be in that general area. It was approaching dusk when we were there…
More – Arnel Aquino, SJ
Luke 1:4-13, 1st Sunday of Lent You don’t have to agree with me on this, sisters and brothers. But I don’t think Jesus was tempted just that one time. We believe and profess that the Son of God is “like us in all things but sin;” in all things…except sin. Which is why I personally…
Remainder – Jett Villarin SJ
Luke 6:27-38, 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time “For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you (Lk 6:38).” Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes. How do you measure, measure a year? … How about love? Well, how about love? How do you measure love? Do we measure it: In daylights,…
One Lost Sheep 