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…
Sounds like Pentecost – Johnny Go, SJ
John 20:19-23; Feast of the Pentecost Based on the Gospel account, the very first Pentecost was quite a dramatic and extraordinary event. It was a huge production number. It had all the works: Fire, thunder, and a powerful gust of wind! What I would do to have such a Pentecost! Looking back over the past days, however,…
Our Lady of Liminality – Danny Huang, SJ
The Feast of our Lady of the Cenacle, 30 May 2020 A couple of days ago, my Jesuit Provincial posted on Facebook a saying most of us have heard but certainly seems more relevant these days. “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” It’s hard to believe that in February, just…
Follow Me – Bien Cruz, SJ
John 21:15-19, Friday of the 7th Week of Eastertide Today’s Gospel reading is one of the most well-loved accounts of Jesus and Peter. This is the encounter where Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?,” three times. Many homilies and commentaries have already shared with us how Jesus’ repeated questioning reflected Peter’s inability to confidently…
Ascend – Jett Villarin, SJ
Matthew 28:16-20, The Ascension of the Lord You see this in children. Give them balloons and invariably one will slip from a child’s grasp. Then you all turn skyward and look at the balloon go up into the sky. And you all stand there and watch until the balloon is no more. Many things are…
One Lost Sheep 