Genesis 3:9–15, 20; Psalm 87; John 19:25–34 Today we celebrate the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church—Mater Ecclesiae. Mary’s role in the church is inseparable from her union with Christ. In the gospel, we are presented with the scene at Calvary—the gift that Jesus gives from the Cross—giving his mother to John and John […]
Category Archives: Weekday Homily
18
May
May
The Epilogues of Acts and John ACTS 28:16-20, 30-31; PSALM 11; JOHN 21:20-25 Both readings today present us with the epilogues of Acts of the Apostles and John’s gospel. An epilogue is a section that appears at the end of a book, typically providing a conclusion. It wraps up the story in a satisfying way. […]
16
May
May
Unity in diversity ACTS 22:30, 23:6–11; PSALM 16; JOHN 17:20–26 The gospel presents us with the high priestly prayer of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes unity, oneness with God, glory, love, eternal life, and sanctification. Let’s highlight two of these themes briefly. While unity demands that we relate with love despite our differences, oneness with God […]
15
May
May
Farewell speeches ACTS 20:28–38; PSALM 68; JOHN 17:11–19 Both readings today present us with the farewell speeches of Paul and Jesus Christ, respectively. Paul gave an emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders, encouraging them to guard the flock and warning them against false teachers (Acts 20:17-38). Jesus in his farewell speech, prayed that his disciples […]
14
May
May
ST. MATTHIAS, APOSTLE Acts 1:15–17, 20–26; PSALM 113; John 15:9–17 None of the three synoptic gospels mentions Matthias among the lists of disciples or followers of Jesus, but according to the Acts of the Apostles, he was with Jesus from his baptism until his ascension. To uncover his personality, the first reading (Acts 1:15-26) speaks […]
19
Apr
Apr
Saul’s Conversion ACTS 9:1–20; PSALM 117; John 6:52–59 The first reading presents us with the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. This was a major U-turn in the life of Saul. It brought about a change of name, a change of heart, a change of mission, and a change of character. Conversion must […]
18
Apr
Apr
𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧 The first reading presents us with the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch. The Eunuch traveled to Jerusalem for worship, yet he was unfulfilled. He was studying the scriptures on his way home but couldn’t make sense of what he was reading. Suddenly, the Spirit guided Philip to his chariot, […]
17
Apr
Apr
Advanced through affliction ACTS 8:1–8, PS.66, John 6:35–40 Persecution is the basic theme in today’s first reading. Severe persecution came against the early Church in Jerusalem. The persecution caused all the believers to be scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a […]
16
Apr
Apr
The Stoning of Stephen ACTS 7:51–8:1; PSALM 31; JOHN 6:30–35 Stoning was a punishment prescribed for various offenses under Mosaic law, including blasphemy, idolatry, and adultery. Stephen was accused of blasphemy by Jewish religious leaders. Enraged by his message, the crowd dragged Stephen out of the city and stoned him to death. Stephenexperience (Acts 7:51–8:1) […]
15
Apr
Apr
Accusation against Stephen Acts 6:8–15; Ps. 119; John 6:22–29 In today’s first reading, Stephen was arrested for preaching the good news. While he was tried in the council, the Bible says “his face appeared to them like the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). It means that Stephen was innocent. In fact, the Bible says, […]