Inspirations at your Fingertips!

Thursday of week 33 in Ordinary Time Luke 19:41-44 The first reading tells the story of how Mattathias was  steadfast in his faith. It's the opposite in the gospel when Jesus wept because the people of Israel was so hard-heartened they couldn't even detect the Messiah in the midst. I would like to reflect more on the tears that Jesus might also have for us.  What are the various tears of Jesus? A commentary states that Jesus wept six times in the course of his life.  Through these types of tears we could detect what kind of tears Jesus has for us and if we could also feel the same tears. First is the tears of joy.  Jesus cried when he was born.  This truly is a cry of joy of being born and of being one with humankind. The second occasion when Jesus cried was when he was presented to the temple.  Even though the baby Jesus cried because of the process, still we could consider it tears of joy because Jesus accepted wholeheartedly his role as a Savior of humankind.

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 25:14-30 Described in first reading is the image of a pious, perfect wife, excelling in virtues and good works.  She truly becomes the joy of her husband. Today's gospel, the parable of the talents, calls us to be the same for our Lord, who is our bridegroom.  He gives us ample time till his second coming for us to maximize the use of our gifts at his pleasure and for the good of others. The useless one who buried the talent to the ground symbolizes a person who despite God's gifts is not interested in sharing and even investing it for the future.  Thinking that the talent is mainly to benefit himself, he will not do anything to benefit others, thus, hiding the talent on the ground. As in the readings, what then constitutes a fruitful life? First, a life that is focused on pleasing the beloved Remember the industrious wife and her relationship to her husband.  How true it is when a man and woman becomes one; when his visions an

Saturday of week 32, I Lk. 18: 1 - 18 The book of Wisdom talks about a a night of silence and the leaping of the Word.  This is likened to the Christmas night, when in its silence, the Savior is born into the world for all to see.  He will bring us salvation; his reign is one of justice and peace.  He is Jesus who already came to our world to heal us. In today's gospel, Jesus told a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart.  He described a powerful judge whose image projects the overwhelming authority of God but who, at the same time, is also filled with mercy and generosity. In these two accounts, the power of God is unquestionable; we just need to affirm his power in our lives as he provides for us each day. This calls us to deeper and trusting faith.  He may not answer in the way we expect; but expect that his response would always be better. May we also be instrumental in realizing the almost desperate prayers of our needy brothers and siste

Dedication of the Lateran Basilica John 2:13-22 Undoubtedly, the picture of the prophecy in Ezekiel is one of fullness and abundance.  Things are fully restored and teeming with life.  It is the Lord's doing. In the Gospel, Jesus expelled the money changers inside the temple, shouting, "Don't make my Father's house a marketplace."  In another gospel, Jesus said, "You have made it a den of thieves!" I'm referring to the respect that is due to a church for being the house of God.  But this Gospel can also refer to the people entering the church.  There are those who simply enter and receive communion while being in a state of sin; others simply receive communion without committing themselves to adore, love, and follow Jesus nor serve the church. When we reflect about fullness of life and blessings, it is imperative that we cling to God first of all and give what is due him - all respect, adoration, and service.  Only then can we think ab

All Souls Matthew 11:25-30 The main difference between today and yesterday is not just because yesterday was the Feast of all Saints and this day, we are commemorating all the departed; rather, yesterday, we celebrate our triumph in heaven while today, we are celebrating our healing from the world of sin and our hope in the Risen Lord. This day is not just for our departed brothers and sisters, although we are prepared to offer the whole month of November to pray for the eternal repose of their souls.  It is for all of us, both living and dead as we are confronted with a reality that we all have to face squarely at the appointed time - the reality of death. "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Cor 15: 55).  St. Paul challenged its power over people;  Christ, in his resurrection, emerged triumphant over death; he will surely save us from our own deaths. How do we face the reality of death? First, we are confronted with the reality