December 2025 – Sunday Gospel Reflections

Walking into the New Year with Mary

HOMILY: Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (A) Numbers 6:22–27 / Galatians 4:4–7 / Luke 2:16–21 1 January 2026 Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA Another year has come to a close. We look back on 2025 and see that it was filled with a mix of good things and bad. Some experienced financial success,Continue reading “Walking into the New Year with Mary”

Holiness in the Mess: Lessons from the Holy Family

HOMILY: Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (A) Sirach 3:2–6, 12–14 / Colossians 3:12–21 / Matthew 2:13–15, 19–23 Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA Every time we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, many of us come carrying mixed emotions because when we hear the word family, we do not alwaysContinue reading “Holiness in the Mess: Lessons from the Holy Family”

Why Christmas Matters

HOMILY: The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Isaiah 52:7-10 / Hebrews 1:1-6 / John 1:1-18 25 December 2025 Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA Every year, Christmas comes — and it surprises me that I always get asked: “Father, why do we have to celebrate Christmas?” “Can we not believe in Jesus withoutContinue reading “Why Christmas Matters”

Emmanuel Amidst our Unanswered Questions

HOMILY: Fourth Sunday of Advent (A) Isaiah 7:10-14 / Romans 1:1-7 / Matthew 1:18-24 21 December 2025 Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA A few years ago, someone came to see me late in the afternoon. He sat down, sighed deeply, and said, “Father, I did everything right. I followed the rules. I tried to beContinue reading “Emmanuel Amidst our Unanswered Questions”

Quiet Grace in Advent

HOMILY: Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10, James 5:7-10 and Matthew 11:2-11. 14 December 2025 Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA A few years ago, I visited a woman grieving the loss of her husband. Every time I checked on her, she would say, “Father, I have been praying… pero wala naman nagbabago.”Continue reading “Quiet Grace in Advent”

Grace in the Toughest Places

HOMILY: Second Sunday of Advent (A) Isaiah 11:1-10 / Romans 15:4-9 / Matthew 3:1-12 7 December 2025 Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA Have you ever noticed who sits beside whom at gatherings? In meetings, reunions, in school canteens, even simple parish meals, we naturally choose to be with people who make us comfortable. In theContinue reading “Grace in the Toughest Places”