The Revolt (2) 1Maccabees 4:36–37, 52–59; Psalm 1 Chronicles 29:10–12; Luke 19:45–48 The first reading presents us with the victory of Judas Maccabeus and his followers over the pagan king and how they were organized for the cleansing and re-dedication of the temple for sacred use and worship. Again, they decided to take additional precautions […]
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The Revolt 1 Maccabees 2:15-29; Psalm 50; Luke 19:41–44 The first reading tells us of the revolt against the notorious pagan king Antiochus and his servants. Mattathias masterminded this revolt by protecting the integrity of the sacred places and attacking intruders who would want to profane such places with their pagan rites. Beloved, we can […]
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The Martyrdom of Seven Brothers 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20–31; Psalm 17; Luke 19:11–28 The first reading presents us with the martyrdom of seven sons and their mother on account of their refusal to perform the rites declared by the pagan king. They stood their ground, regardless of death penalty. Are there Christians who can still […]
Weekday Homily
HOMILY FOR TUESDAY, THE THIRTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 (MEMORIAL OF THE PRESENTATION OF MARY)
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2Macc 6:18-31/ Ps. 3/ Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus In today’s gospel, we find the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who climbs a tree to see Jesus. Zacchaeus’s zeal to see Jesus despite his short stature shows that our physical disabilities are not obstacles to the faith. Anyone, regardless of their circumstance, can seek and find […]
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Our Sight 1 Maccabees 1:10–15, 41–43, 54–57, Ps. 119, and Luke 18:35–43 The first reading tells us how Antiochus Epiphanes persecuted the Jews. Under his watch were sacrileges, the desecration of religious places and the denial of religious freedom. In fact, he condemned to death anyone found to be with the books of the law […]
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Our Talents Prov. 31:10-13.19-20. 30-31; Ps. 128; 1 Thess. 5:1-6; Matt. 25:14-30 Matthew 25:14–30 presents us with the parable of the talents. This parable shows that we are not gifted equally. All fingers are not equal, they say. However, our inherent human inequality should not lead us to despair or envy. On the contrary, inequalities […]
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PRAY PERSISTENTLY Wisdom 18:14-16, 19:6-9; Psalm 105; Luke 18:1-8 Luke 18:1–8 presents us with the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge. This parable reminds us to be “persistent in prayer.” The widow persistently sought justice from the unjust judge. We are encouraged to persevere in our prayers and not lose heart. Again, […]
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The days of Noah and Lot Wisdom 13:1–9; Psalm 19; Luke 17:26–37 In Luke 17:26–37, Jesus speaks about the days of Noah and Lot. People were wicked during Noah’s day, which caused the flood. Similarly, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were immoral throughout Lot’s time. These references teach us about the necessity of moral […]
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The Kingdom of God Wisdom 7:22–8:1; Psalm 119; Luke 17:20–25 Jesus tells the Pharisees in the gospel that the kingdom has come, yet they failed to realize it. With these words, Jesus clarifies the nature of the kingdom. For him, the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed with visible signs. It […]
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GRATITUDE Wisdom 6:1–11; Psalm 82; Luke 17:11–19 Today’s gospel presents us with Jesus’ encounter with the ten lepers. He cures all ten, but only one comes back to thank him. The ingratitude of the others was not overlooked. Beloved, how often do we thank God for his blessings? Sometimes, we take these things for granted. […]