Daily Reflections
Many people experience their own “world endings”: the death of a loved one, the collapse of a relationship, the shock of illness, the unraveling of plans or dreams. Sometimes it is not the world around us that breaks, but the world within. Hence, we have lost hope of a new…
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In this week’s Gospel reading, Christ reminds the apostles (and us) that just as the physical Temple could be toppled, following Him on the way of the cross can shake our spiritual foundations. Coming to the defense of our Lord may result in hatred, betrayal, persecution and even death. The…
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We all agree that life is a journey, but while some see it as a journey towards death, some others see death as a transition to another life. In both currents of thought, death is inevitable, whether as a definitive end or as a transition. This is the lot of…
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Years ago at a Catholic school started in Manila, Philippines, the head of campus ministry began an outreach program for the students to participate in. This was unique since the school itself was an outreach to provide quality education to the underprivileged. Many students questioned the campus minister, “What do…
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Every year, the Church celebrates the feast of Christ the King to acclaim the Lord the King. He is King, not only of the world but the whole cosmos, seen and unseen, and will reign for ever. He is King even before the dawn of creation, for all times and…
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Year on year, we measured out our lives in waiting; waiting for our liberation, waiting for a new Kingdom of justice and right. Year on year, we made our way to the holy Temple of the Lord. We sang psalms as we approached the gates of the city, our limbs…
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Wherever we are in the world, we can identify—to one extent or another—with the challenge of Mattathias and his followers. While the U.S. government, for example, has not yet forced her citizens to directly commit idolatry by offering sacrifice to pagan gods, we living in the U.S. have faced lesser…
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Today’s readings contrast the fleeting authority of mortal kings with the ethereal sovereignty of the Creator of Creation, Triune God, unsurpassed in splendor and benevolence. The courage on display from the intrepid Maccabean brothers and their indomitable mother teach us how to remain steadfast in our fidelity to God Almighty…
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The Old and New Testament readings go very well together today. Have courage. Be humble. We all need this message in our time. Firstly, in the Old Testament reading, Eleazar, a notable Scribe is faced with a situation that could potentially compromise his character with God. At the same time,…
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