Message to San Guillermo Parish

It seems to me that the urgent message you want to give to the parishioners of San Guillermo as you are to celebrate 25 years of being a parish is about faith: "masiglang nagkakaisa sa pananampalataya"

Our readings for today reflect a responsible steward.  A man of faith knows how to take care of his faith to make it fruitful.

In the gospel, Jesus reprimanded the Pharisees for being too overzealous with rules that they forgot the roots of the law: it is in God.  Same is true with a man with a responsible faith should be deeply rooted in God.

As we celebrate the Year of the Parish and as you celebrate the forthcoming 25th anniversary of the parish, let us check the following:

First, as responsible stewards of faith

Without God there is no faith.  God is the source of a lively faith.  Faith comes in our sincere efforts to get to know God and live out his ways.  Is there a deep commitment to root oneself in God as a parish?

Second, as instruments of communion

It is hard to reconcile a lively faith without strengthening our relationship with our brothers and sisters.  We make up the Body of Christ.  Christ never stressed this enough: Love one another as I have loved you."  This involves an unconditional commitment to love.

Third, commit to offer time, talent, and treasure for the faith 

Faith cannot be possible unless we give ourselves, time, talent, and treasure for the work of salvation.  This is the outcome of a fruitful faith: that we are capable of giving without asking for anything in return except to give.  When we give, we receive.  I'm so happy that the Kaloob Program started in your parish.  It is God-sent.