As a priest-in-process, there are many demands from us that need to be done. There are many tasks that need to be accomplished. In my second year in formation, I have the tendency to be so focused on the many things that I need to do and accomplish. It is my goal to complete most […]
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” As we now begin a new liturgical season, the Lenten Season, the Gospel today is reminding me of the invitations of the Jesus to his disciples. To me, these are also the requirements of Jesus […]
There are a lot of posts in social media telling stories of kindness, generosity and care. While these could be heart-rending and inspiring, other people have doubts with regards to the motivation of the person posting them. For instance, there are people who want to be noticed so they broadcast their desires and whatever good […]
Jesus in the Gospel is inviting us to avoid aspiring to be great but to acquire the virtue of humility. The disciples were discussing who was the greatest among them. I remember when I was a kid, my friends and I were also boasting about so many things. In many occasions, we boasted how one’s […]
I remembered when I read the autobiography of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, in one of the chapters she shared her views regarding charity. And today’s Gospel passage is one of those whom she quoted and explained. What seized me are these words in the passage: “Give to the one who asks of you, […]
We associate mostly our sufferings and burdens in life with the image of the cross. Most people would say: “Ang bigat ng Krus na dala ko.” (The cross I carry is too heavy for me.) In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us that these crosses, which we refer as sufferings and burdens, should lead us […]
My first experience of having recollection was when I joined the formation program for those who wanted to become an altar server. Recalling that experience, I could say that I did not know at all why I should join recollection. All I know was that I entered a moment of prayer by being quiet. It […]
In 2014, I heard again the call that I have set aside and “drowned” for so many years in my pursuit of my career. Once again, the call to the vocation to the priesthood became louder and I knew I had to do something about it. I asked for a sign from God. I told […]
How do you see laws? Do you see them as restrictions? Or guide for a better life with God, with yourself and with others? In the seminary, we have our own set of rules to follow like attendance in the community prayers, a certain grade to meet for the academic requirements, prioritizing community activities before […]
Jesus was moved with pity to the crowd who had followed Him. They had nothing to eat and He was worried that they might collapsed if He sent them home with empty stomach. We also experienced this. We pitied the homeless people especially the children on the sidewalks begging for food or some money to […]