As I meditate on today’s Gospel, the following phrase stands out to me: “At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place” (Lk 4:42). When we zoom out and look at the rest of the Gospel, we will notice how often Jesus pulls away from His ministry in order…
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These two words are often used interchangeably in most contexts, especially in everyday situations. However, the Scriptures, especially the New Testament, present the two words in different lights. The word “authority”, translated from ἐξουσίᾳ (exousia), entails a right to exercise a given mission, to make a decision, or to exercise…
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Into this scene walks Jesus to bring good news to the poor. Picture the synagogue in Nazareth on a Sabbath day. The faithful community gathers to read and interpret the Torah. In those days, the synagogue was not only a place of worship but also a forum for dialogue and…
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Back when I was much younger, I often joined my friends in celebrating town feasts in the Philippines. These celebrations were truly grand and spectacular. Each house would prepare their own buffets and warmly (and insistingly!) invite anyone to eat. Thanks to their generosity, that day we would have free…
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The readings of today have a special meaning for me, as there are “family” quotes buried in there. These “phrases” often pop out during family talks or texts. Talents also get discussed. Sort of like inside family jokes. “Well done, my good and trusted servant.” If a child or family…
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This is the will of God, your holiness:that you refrain from immorality,that each of you know how to acquire a wife for himselfin holiness and honor, not in lustful passionas do the Gentiles who do not know God;not to take advantage of or exploit a brother or sister in this…
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Today is the Feast of St. Augustine, Bishop, and Doctor of the Church. St. Augustine is one of the most well-known saints, largely due to his incredibly influential book Confessions as well as his influence on theological thought throughout the centuries. St. Augustine was born in 354 in Africa. His…
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On this feast of St. Monica, we hear the gospel of the restoration of the dead son of the widow of Nain to life. The episode recalls that all the miracles of Jesus (including the gospel accounts of Jesus raising the dead) are not merely displays of power, but signs…
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In this week’s Gospel reading, Jesus really gets after the scribes and Pharisees, calling them out for their pretense and greed and lack of authenticity in the last of his public discourses. He continues an excoriating rant covering the entire 23rd chapter – a lecture we would hate to receive…
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Authenticity basically expresses the idea of being real, genuine, or true. It means being one’s true self, devoid of affectations and pretenses. The contrary is hypocrisy, which has become a big problem in our contemporary society. Many people we meet daily present false appearances, fake narratives, deceptive promises, and hypocritical…
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