Promise – Arnel Aquino, SJ

Luke 9:28b-36, Second Sunday of Lent When I was a novice in Novaliches, I happily looked forward to life in Loyola House. Then when I was in Loyola House, I did my best even if I wasn’t enjoying Philosophy because I was looking forward to regency. I loved regency and wish it lasted longer. But…

More – Arnel Aquino, SJ

Luke 4:1-13, First Sunday of Lent Mang Rod, our gardener, told me a story about his former boss—a tremendously wealthy and single matron who went to daily mass and was active in the parish. “Pero wala pong nagtatagal na kasambahay o driver kay senyora,” Mang Rod said. “Walang kasing talim ang dila, Father.” He remembered…

Tempting Conditions – Ulysses Cabayao, SJ

Luke 4:1-13 (First Sunday of Lent) Some of us today would probably prefer a Valentine’s Day homily than endure another Lenten exhortation. But there is a pertinent theme in today’s Gospel that might resonate with the affairs of the heart. In the Gospel, the Devil prefaces his attempts to beguile Jesus with a seemingly innocuous…

Indelible – Jett Villarin SJ

Luke 4:1-13 (First Sunday of Lent) Is there a way to relate Lent to Valentine’s day today? After all, the word “lent” is embedded right there in va“lent”ine. 🙂 Could there be a connection? Anyhow, we can begin with the three temptations in the Gospel today. The taunt of the dark side is simple. The…

Nothing Without God – Arnel Aquino, SJ

Matthew 6:1-6; 16-18, Ash Wednesday 2016 For most of her life, my mom used to run a small botica in a marketplace. It was our bread and butter for many years. One morning, I woke up to the scariest sound I ever heard in my life: the sound of mom wailing. Our botica had burned…

Rend Your Hearts – Bros Flores, SJ

Matthew 6:1-6; 16-18 (Ash Wednesday) I hated Ash Wednesday while I was growing up. As soon as I was marked with the ash on my forehead, I felt bound to give up a lot of conveniences. I felt compelled to fulfill the Lenten practices: abstinence from meat on Fridays, giving up my favorite stuff during…

God of Things – Arnel Aquino, SJ

John 6:24-35, 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time I received this text from a friend yesterday. “Good afternoon, Father. I’m presently preparing kids for first communion. But I have a SpEd kid (special education) in the group who can’t follow what’s happening. P’ano ‘yan, Father?” Now, this is a very kind person and a dear friend….