Gathering as ONE in the Spirit

Homily: Pentecost Sunday (B)

John 20:19-23

19 May 2024

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

How many of us know Fr. Thomas Green? For those who may not know him, he is a well-loved and respected Jesuit priest who was a mentor to many priests like myself.  He was my professor in two of the Spirituality courses I took at the Loyola School of Theology at the Ateneo de Manila University. I was also very lucky to have him as my spiritual director. I remember he shared with us what St. Ignatius taught about the discernment of spirits. St Ignatius believed that the soul is affected by a ‘good spirit’ and a ‘bad spirit’. It is said that various affections are at work within the human heart. These affections move us to do some things and to avoid others. Hence, St. Ignatius deemed it important for every believer to know how to recognise each spirit. “The aim is not to be pushed around by one’s temptations and worst inclinations but instead to be guided by one’s best qualities.” In this way, the discernment of spirits can help one grow not only in self-knowledge but also progress in the spiritual life.

On this Solemnity of Pentecost, we are reminded that the gift of the Holy Spirit has been given to all of us – the baptised, the confirmed… On this very special day, which we consider the Birthday of the Church, we are made to reflect more deeply on the workings of the Holy Spirit in our faith life. Unlike the Father and the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is revealed through us with various names: “The Comforter”, “The Advocate”, “The Spirit of Truth”.  One name I particularly like referring to the Holy Spirit is “The Paraclete”.  I have read that “the root meaning of the Greek word, “Paraclete,” is actually made up of the prefix: para- + kalein, or the verb kaleo, which means “to call.”  The prefix para adds the sense of “being around, of being near, of being close by.”  It roughly translates to “call together.”  A commentary I read suggests that “The Paraclete” could very well be translated as “The Gatherer.”  It is so apt because the workings of the Holy Spirit are to gather God’s children. We recall that before ascending back to the Father, Jesus promised His disciples that He would not just “leave” and abandon them.  He assured them “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18) For the disciples and all those whom they have inspired to follow Jesus, the Spirit is to remain with them as “The Gatherer”, “The Unifier”, “The Reconciler”. 

As Catholics, we believe that various kinds of spirits affect us only if we let them. Thus, when we are faced with tough situations in life, we have to be careful and we need to seek the guidance of none other than the Holy Spirit. When we are confused or at our weakest, other spirits may seek to influence us. It is not very difficult to gauge whether it is the “Evil One” whom we have allowed to control our decisions, choices, and actions in life. The “Evil One” will surely sow jealousy, selfishness, and insecurity to destroy the good relationships within a family, a community or a group.  When there are conflicts and frictions among groups of people, bad spirits make manifest in people’s refusal to make compromises, to recognise one’s share of the blame, eventually allowing misunderstandings to fester, and inflict new wounds. This results to the loss of hope, joy, freedom and peace because persons in conflict feel some degree of anger and some desire to be unforgiving of the other. If we truly desire to follow Jesus or claim to be followers of Christ, we should not allow evil spirits to control our thoughts and actions.

On the other hand, when it is the Spirit of the Lord at work in our lives, we find ourselves striving to bring people together, uniting them, and reconciling the existing conflicts and division in the community. Cooperating with the Holy Spirit, thereby engenders hope, joy, and great peace.  St. Paul says that another fruit of being re-created by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is harmony and interdependence within the members of the Body of Christ. In the Church there are no more distinctions, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free. (Pantay-pantay ang trato sa isa’t-isa.  Lahat magkakaibigan at kapatid ang turingan.) There is patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Through, with and in this “Gatherer”, the world is renewed, the community is revitalised, and we come to know the mysterious yet all-pervasive peace of Christ.

On this Pentecost Sunday, let us look into our life experiences and see if, in our circles, we have become the sowers of discord and unrest. If this is us, perhaps it is time to correct ourselves. (Magulo na ang mundo kaya huwag na tayong dumagdag.) Let us always remember to invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that in our families, among our friends, and in our community, “we will not be willing victims of “The Scatterer” – or worse, its unwitting agents.” May we always choose the Spirit of the One who gathers us all into one family of God!

Saved to Proclaim the Good News

Homily: Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension (B)
Mark 16:15-20
12 May 2024
Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

Today, most of the world over, celebrates Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas, nanays, inays, mommies and moms! Today, we celebrate how special you all are. The lady who raised me was pretty special too. Unfortunately, l can no longer hug and kiss her and buy her gifts and flowers. I miss her very much. She taught me the importance of having friends and going out of my way to always help others. Whenever I recall what she taught me, I know she lives on in me.

Today, the Church celebrates Ascension Sunday. The first important moment that transpires  this day is when Jesus leaves the earth and goes back up into heaven. He makes it clear that His friends, followers and loved ones will not be seeing Him for a long time. This is a very sad moment between those who love and respect each other.  His followers will always feel that they need Him around to guide and encourage them. His friends and family, as expected will always want Him in their company to go through life experiences with Him. However, we know that everything runs its course and eventually, nothing is left but to move on. Jesus moved on because He had completed His mission on earth. He accomplished what His Father had sent Him to do. He had also passed on what was necessary to His apostles and disciples that they may continue the mission for Him.

Which brings us to the second important moment of this day — the commissioning of His apostles to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) And what is this Good News that they were to proclaim everywhere? They were to proclaim the Good News of salvation won by Christ for all of us believers through His passion, death and resurrection. They were to make known to all peoples that in Christ, our life does not end in emptiness because we have a future with God. It is good to note that He did not leave them alone to fend for themselves. He left them in a community where they would find strength and support with one another as they continued the mission throughout their lives. As the new Body of Christ, they continued the work of Jesus to bring healing and comfort to those who were sick and suffering; forgiveness and wholeness to all those who were estranged and broken-hearted. Moreover, as they carried out the saving mission of Jesus, they were assured of His continued presence in their midst.

In a sense, the Ascension of Our Lord makes us aware that Jesus has not really departed from us. It only seems so. In fact, the Ascension is a way for Jesus to be present in a new manner in our midst as we take on His saving mission. In our work of continuing His work of salvation, we are assured that “the Lord works with us”. We are never alone. His continued presence among us guides and strengthens us as we take up the mission of preaching the gospel, by our word and example. He is with us as we continue to struggle in our earthly pilgrimage. Next week, we celebrate another special occasion — the reason why we can never feel alone. Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit in His place to be our guide and inspiration.
 
In like manner, all of us baptised Christians share in the same call to preach the Good News to all peoples. We may not be standing up in front of big audiences and speaking into the microphone about Jesus but we can witness to the truth of Jesus by living true Christian lives. Let our lives indeed be “Good News” for others, not “Bad News”. I believe, more than anything else, we need more messengers of hope and light for our brothers and sisters in the darkness of this world. Let us ask ourselves… Are we bearers of the Good News for others in the darkness of this world?  Moms, ask yourselves are you bearers of light and love to your children? You have been given such a special role in this world. Not everyone gets to be a mother. Is your life a testament to the Good News of Jesus Christ to your family?

We are all challenged to look beyond this world to the destiny which we are to share with Christ — in the Father’s Kingdom. The Ascension is a reminder of our salvation —proof that there is a place called heaven where our Lord and Saviour has returned to and where He awaits us! For the meantime, we strive to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on this earth, hastening our steps towards our heavenly home!

Ascension, Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs, 2020

Love in All of Us

Homily: Sixth Sunday of Easter (B)

5 May 2024

John 15:9-17

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

As I was preparing for ordination, a classmate jokingly asked, “Why do you want to be ordained a priest? You will be single forever. Who will cry over your coffin or urn when you leave this planet?” (Ganern?) A single friend once complained that some people made her feel less of a person because she was single. She asked “Do they really think I’m lonely? Do they think I am cursed to live a loveless life?” On the other hand, a married friend who did not have any children shared that she would feel really sad whenever people insinuate that only after experiencing the birth of her own child would she feel what true love really is. Whoa, harsh! It’s funny how some people think that the only way to have love is with a life partner and their own kids.

Love is in all of us. And paradoxically, when we give love, we receive love. It doesn’t mean we all should have a spouse or a biological child. There are single people who commit themselves to worthwhile causes where they give of themselves to uplift sectors of society or to save the planet for future generations.  There are children who chose to be single and have devoted themselves to caring for their siblings or their aging and sick parents. We priests, have the capacity to be spiritual fathers to thousands of people entrusted to us by the Bishop (or our religious superiors) because we don’t need to earn a living and provide for a wife and kids. Love is inclusive. It is for everyone. It does not limit itself to specific types of people.  As Peter attests in the First Reading after seeing that the gift of the Holy Spirit has been poured out on the Gentiles also, “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.” (Acts 10:34) All are acceptable to God, Jew and Gentile, man and woman, slave and free… God’s invitation to love is for all!

This Sunday’s gospel passage from John, is all about love.  We find Jesus urging His disciples twice to “remain in His love” and twice “to love one another”. If we look closely, these two commands are actually interrelated, as “remaining in His love” will redound to loving others. What is at the heart of the command is the invitation for all of us believers, without exception, to love the way Jesus loves — a total self-giving for the sake of the one being loved. It is a selfless offering of himself for others. Jesus says, “[There is] no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) And that is exactly what He did not just in the way He died where we are told His blood and water flowed in mercy for all of humanity, but also in the way that He lived, his priority was making sure that the people He loved were restored to wholeness and nourished by the word of God.

Thus, when we love we must be willing to put the good of the people we love before our own wants; before our own needs. Often this involves varying degrees of sacrifice.  The first thing I think of is a mothers’ love for their children as the best example of this sacrificial love. However, motherly love is not only exemplified by biological mothers themselves but also of those who in their own ways have been mothers to others. I have a single aunt who cared for me and my siblings and her other nephews and nieces out of the goodness of her heart. There are even nannies who cared for their wards as their own children. Once a good friend of mine and his family asked me for the anointing of their very sick  “yaya” who means a lot to them for the love that she lavished on everyone. My friend said their  “yaya” has been with them since she was 18 years old. Now at 90, she continues to be a beloved extended member of the family.

In the passage from John’s First Epistle, we are invited to replicate this example of love shown by Jesus in the Gospel. We need not fear that we may not have the capacity to love as such because it is God who gives us the grace to do so. “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.”  (1 John 4:7) To love like Jesus and lay down our lives for others is very much against man’s natural tendency for self-preservation and thus, it cannot originate from our human capabilities but rather in God. We know how it is to love because we first feel His love for us. “This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us.” (1 John 4:10) It is God who initiates this love as exemplified in Jesus. “As the Father loves me, so I also love you.” (John 15:9) Clearly, the source of this selfless love is divine love itself. This is so because love is the very being of God. St. John says: “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) We too, are granted a share in this nature when we are “begotten by God” through baptism — love becomes part of our being as well. The Spirit of love has been poured into the hearts of all believers to make us capable of this self-giving love of Christ regardless of our status or vocation in life.   

In summary, let us take to heart that as Christians, our love should take after the selfless and self-giving way Jesus loves us; and how greatly God the Father has loved us first and most deeply in Jesus. Jesus paid a high price to express this love for us and to teach us what love is. Thus, we need to learn how to love. It does not matter if you are called to be a mother to your own kids or to help raise the children of others, or whether your vocation is to be married, single, or called to the religious life, love is within all of us because we have Jesus. Let us love as God loves each one of us — faithfully, truly, unconditionally.

Staying Connected to Jesus

Homily: Fifth Sunday of Easter (B)

John 15:1-8

28 April 2024

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

Do you notice how it is very common for our politicians to groom their children to be their successors? It happens in the baranggay level, mayoral, congress, senate and even for the presidency. Do you realize that three of our Presidents were children of former Presidents?  These political scions cannot escape being identified or associated to the characteristics and achievements of their parents. When scions are elected into office, they are expected to be as good as or even better than their parent politician. Isn’t that right?

We may not all be politicians’ children, but when people look at us, they readily see our fathers or mothers in us. Such likeness begins when we start to acquire our parents’ values, take on their ways of doing things, or when we consciously emulate their interests, habits, even mannerisms. The similarity becomes even more pronounced when it permeates our way of being and of living. When we have matured into adulthood, the mimicry ends because by then, it has become part of who we are.

This Sunday’s gospel passage highlights the very special relationship that exists between every believer and the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus says, “I am the vine and you are the branches.” (John 15:5) In saying this, Jesus invites every faithful to strive to be intimately connected to Him as the branch is to the vine. This intimacy with Jesus is vital if we are to share in the life that flows from Him.  The branches have to remain connected at all times to the vine for it to blossom and bear fruit.  He asks us always to remain in Him.

How are we connected to Jesus? Firstly, we are grafted into Jesus, the vine, by our baptism. This is what St. Paul says in Romans 6:4: “…We have been buried with Christ through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life”. Secondly, we secure our connection to Jesus by listening to His word. Jesus’ word “prunes us”, transforming us into persons of faith, perseverant in seeking God’s will for us and courageous in facing life’s challenges. Thirdly, we are joined to Jesus in a special way through the healing grace of the Sacrament of Confession and the spiritual nourishment we receive in the Holy Mass. Lastly, we are connected to Jesus when we strive to live out our faith through acts of love towards others. St. John urges us in the Second Reading, “Let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:18)  

This connection to Jesus does not make life easy, in fact it entails some difficult implications for us, Christians: If we are joined to Jesus, we cannot look the other way when someone is in need. We can’t withhold forgiveness from people who have hurt us. We extend love towards others even to those whom we think do not deserve it. As Christians, we can either lead others to God or drive them away by the way we witness to our faith in our lives so much so that the Second Vatican Council’s document, Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World), suggests that we all share in responsibility for the rise of atheism.  

Moreover, sometimes when we are associated with an ugly past, people cannot seem to see us differently. In the First Reading (Acts 9:26-31), the disciples were suspicious of Saul because he had persecuted many Christians before. It was only when Barnabas vouched for him did they believe he had truly been converted. Early this year,  I finished watching the K-Drama, Welcome to Samdal-ri. The female lead, Cho Samdal, a famous fashion photographer decides to return to her hometown after she hits rock bottom due to a horrible scandal where she is accused of abuse of power. In reconnecting with her roots — her family and childhood friends — she attempts to find solace and direction to put herself back together again. In the same way, when we find ourselves in a disconnect with Jesus, we simply have to go back to the church, and find direction with the help of our brothers and sisters in the faith. 

Let us check ourselves regularly to see if we are still projecting the likeness of Christ. Are we a testimony to the living God or do we conceal the reality of His existence through the choices we make, our actions, and our dealings with others? Let us always try to remain in Jesus because “apart from Him we can do nothing” (John 15:5) but connected to the Lord, we are assured that we can ask what we want of Him, and glorify the Lord by bearing much fruit for the Kingdom.

Art work by Irina Yaresko

Shepherds to One Another

Homily: Fourth Sunday of Easter / Good Shepherd Sunday / World Day of Prayer for Vocations

John 10:11-18

21 April 2024

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

When I was still studying in London, I was invited by a family from Cebu for dinner. The family has three sons and a much-awaited daughter who was born when the mother was 40 years old. The mother, a very devout Catholic has always wanted one of her boys to become a priest. Thus, she made sure that all the three of them became altar servers in our parish in Bethnal Green. The mother started asking each of the boys if they wanted to become priests. Both the eldest and middle child remained silent and simply smiled when their mum asked them if they wanted to become priests. It was her youngest boy’s reply that we found really funny. He said: “No mum, I want to be NORMAL!” (Bigla akong nagka-identity crisis. I thought, “What does that make of me? Or the likes of Fr. Steve Zabala?”☺️)

I shared with you this little story because today is not only Good Shepherd Sunday but also World Day of Prayer for Vocations.  For far too long we have had a narrow understanding of vocation as a calling to the priestly or religious life. However, in fact every single one of us has a vocation. Priests do not own the exclusive right to be called shepherds. We all have a role to play in this world as members of God’s family. We, as individuals, have been blessed with unique gifts that we share with one another, contributing to the collective good of the community. We all have a mission in life to accomplish — whether we be fathers, mothers, workers, students, employers, law enforcers, media practitioners, medical workers, leaders, etc…. In our distinct situations, we are called upon to be good shepherds to one another, ministering to those we find in our circles of family, friends and acquaintances.  It has been our privilege to experience the love of a Good Shepherd in Jesus.  It is but right, hence that we pay it forward and be good shepherds ourselves to one another by showing compassion to our respective flocks, loving them unconditionally, and seeking out those who stray.

In today’s gospel passage, Jesus speaks of Himself as the “Good Shepherd” who lays down His life for the sheep. This is a very much-loved and favoured image of Jesus. Unlike the hired-hand who merely treats the sheep simply as livestock to be managed — an element of his job, the shepherd, who owns the flock, considers every single one of the sheep as the object of his love and concern. Jesus used this comparison because people could easily relate with shepherding which is common in Israel. The Jews know that a good shepherd is very familiar with his flock and cares a great deal for them to the point of risking his own safety.  For the Shepherd, the sheep come first. He is totally committed to the well-being of who he tends that he would sacrifice his own life for them. 

In the gospels, particularly Chapter 10 of John’s Gospel, Jesus is portrayed as that kind of leader who takes good care of every single one of those entrusted to Him by the Father. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) As Good Shepherd, Jesus exhibits exceptional commitment to His flock especially in search of the lost sheep and in the efforts to bring them back to the fold. In the Synoptic gospels, Jesus as the Good Shepherd is portrayed as one who would go as far as leaving 99 of His sheep to find one that went astray. This is how dedicated and responsible the Good Shepherd is towards His flock.

Is it a daunting challenge to be a shepherd? Yes! Speaking from personal experience, I have had to give up many things such as my privacy, my comfort zones, my chance at having family life if not having to grow roots. It is not easy to be always “on-call”. Sometimes at the most ungodly hours, I have to be present for those who need services for the depressed, the gravely sick, and the dead. I go where I am needed.  Perhaps this is the “not normal” part of my life.  I also have to contend with those who are not considerate enough of our priestly schedules and personal boundaries, etc. As parish priest, one is also required to manage the affairs of the parish. Not everything is taught and learned in school, so it can be a struggle sometimes. We are just very grateful for the lay leaders and parish staff who help us every day. I can attest that God sends help to support His shepherds. He has been so gracious to me and my ministry that I have no reason to be afraid even when things are difficult or uncertain. Needless to say, after 12 years (going 13 this year), I am still very much in the service of the Lord.

The same goes for each and every one of us. Let us not think of ourselves to be undeserving or incapable to be a shepherd to others. If you are a mom or dad, you are leading your family.  If you are a leader at work, in school, or a church organisation, or even of your barkada, consider the people around you as your flock — gifts of God that He has placed in your care. Yes, everything we do for their benefit, no matter how small, makes a difference in their lives. Let us not be discouraged if the impact seems small. It is still important because we do it for someone God deems valuable. St. John tells us who we are in the Second Reading: “Beloved, we are God’s children now. What we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2) Let us celebrate our giftedness and share our blessings! There is always something that we can offer, if we choose to be true to who we are and we choose to live out our vocation to the best of our abilities. Recently, a porter or pushcart retriever working at NAIA for 32 years, made sure that a bag containing $10,000 or half a million pesos that was left on a trolly by mistake, was returned to its rightful owner.  He can be considered a “good shepherd” because he looked out for a traveller passing through the airport where he worked. Whatever our vocation is — married, single, priest or nun, we shepherd God’s people in our children, our community, our parishioners, our colleagues.

Sometime in June, I shall be leaving San Roque Parish for my new assignment at the Parish of the Lord of Divine Mercy. I am happy to report that I have convinced doubters that I am “normal”. I would like to think my efforts at good shepherding have not been in vain because three boys from our parish have been encouraged to consider the priesthood. One of them is actually considering joining the minor seminary next school year. We therefore offer our prayers today for these children and we ask God to grow the seed of priestly vocation in their hearts. Let us all be inspired to dare to take up the staff and be a good shepherd to the flock God entrusts to us — as we are all the beloved children of God our Father!

Art Work by Jorge Cocco

Encounters with God in the Ordinary

Homily: Third Sunday of Easter (B)

Luke 24:35-48

14 April 2024

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

One time, Pope Francis had the opportunity to speak to a group of children who were candidates for confirmation.  The Holy Father advised them that “it is important to encounter Jesus, who loves us, who has saved us, who gave His life for us.”   He however, acknowledged with regret that “In our increasingly digital age, it can be easy to forget the living presence of the risen Lord in concrete human lives.”

In today’s gospel reading, the two disciples who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus had immediately returned to Jerusalem to share their experience with the rest of the disciples. While they were sharing their story of their astonishing encounter with Jesus and how they recognised Him in the Breaking of the Bread, Jesus suddenly appears to the whole group and greets them: “Peace be with you.“ His disciples are startled and terrified. Wouldn’t we be? Just imagine one of our closest friends, though wrongfully accused, was sentenced to death for heinous crimes and because of our association with him, we go into hiding, fretting for our life. We are afraid for ourselves but we are also mourning the death of our dear friend. Then all of a sudden, he is standing beside us, alive and well, and he speaks to us… Would we not be frightened and think that we are seeing a ghost?

These disciples were likely the same people who abandoned Jesus during His passion. If this had happened to us, FO na! (Friendship Over, right?) But Jesus did not sulk (tampo) nor was He angry with them. Earlier, He joined two of them on the road to Emmaus, sharing in their grief, sadness and anger over the crucifixion that had transpired. He walked with them and helped them to understand how everything that happened was foretold in the scriptures. When He appeared to the disciples in hiding, He offered them some comfort by reassuring them He is not a ghost. Jesus even invited them to touch Him so they could see His wounds are real and that He has flesh and bones. In their presence, Jesus ate the fish He was given and He spoke again about what was foretold in the scriptures about His passion.

What is important to note is that Jesus does not overwhelm them with a supernatural experience or a vision of His glorious countenance. He does not magically transport them somewhere awesome to show off. He does not seek to impress. He simply meets them where they are and presents Himself as they know Him. It is funny that in the ordinariness of the encounter, the disciples are still paralysed by fear and disbelief that they initially do not recognise their friend and teacher. It is the same for us today.  It is easy to recognise the Lord’s presence in miraculous and supernatural events but it is not easy for us to realise when we encounter Jesus in the ordinary events of our life.  Like the disciples, Jesus often meets us where we are, in our grief, in our difficulties, in our boredom, and in the messiness of daily life. When we are troubled and distressed, we tend to be so consumed by sadness, anxiety and fear that we develop a sense of hopelessness that numbs our senses to His living presence in our lives.

Easter season is the perfect time for us to renew our conviction in the Resurrection of Christ. If we believe that God the Father raised His Son, Jesus, from the dead, we must always have that readiness to encounter Christ as a living personal presence. Drawing inspiration from his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Pope Francis points out three places to meet the living Jesus as Catholic Christians. “First, Jesus is alive in His Word, the inspired Gospel stories and the living tradition of our church. Second, we meet Jesus in the sacraments, especially in regular participation in both the Eucharist and the sacrament of Reconciliation. And third, we meet Jesus in our loving service to those in need, those who live on the periphery of society.”

Admittedly, it is a challenge to be fully aware of moments when we encounter Christ. Catholics are not known for reading the Bible. Sometimes, those who attend mass are not even paying attention during the liturgy of the Word. To check how attentive everyone is, in what book does our First Reading come from? What about our Second Reading? Our Gospel?  If we do not make time to read and listen to the Word of God, how will we ever recognise moments of encounter with Jesus there? In the same way, if we shy away from the sacraments like the Mass and Confession, or if we are mentally and emotionally absent despite our physical presence, we are sure to miss opportunities to encounter Jesus. He is often in the unexpected places and situations… among those who need us like the poor and the sick, those who treat us with love and care and yet we take for granted, and possibly even in those who irritate us and challenge us to be more patient, understanding and compassionate. 

 My friend’s family regularly gives hot meals to the street dwellers in the city. He shared that he once encountered a woman whose own companions taunted as “baliw”. My friend observed that when he gave her the box of food, she immediately went to share her food with her husband. My friend was so moved by what he witnessed. He said “Love is the only sanity left for these two mentally-challenged persons.”  He said that even in her questionable mental state, Christ was alive in that woman. We must be open to finding Christ in everything. Here in the parish, some say the only reason people come to mass is because of the monthly ration of rice that is distributed. If that is true, then I would like to believe that eventually people will recognise the Living Christ’s love and care for them because of the generosity of others. There are simply no limits as to how the Risen Christ can be present to us.

Lastly, it is important to emphasise that an experience with the resurrected life cannot be contained. Just as the two disciples returned to Jerusalem to tell others how they met Jesus on their journey, we, too, who have encountered Jesus in our life are called to be witnesses.  Let us attest to the living presence of Jesus by the way we live and we will encourage others to be more sensitive to the presence of Christ and to welcome opportunities to meet Jesus. God bless us all.

A Community of Faith

Homily: Second Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy Sunday (B)

John 20:19-31

7 April 2024

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez 

Lately, I have been conducting an evaluation of my three-year ministry here in San Roque Parish – Bagumbayan in preparation for the impending transfers of parish assignments. I have been constantly asking myself if my presence here has helped to create a good parish for all of us. Then it made me wonder what indeed makes a truly good parish? Is it simply a beautiful and clean parish church with well- kept facilities and bright and airy spaces conducive for prayer? Is it having a decent sound system, and the latest digital equipment? We know all these things are essential for a parish to be functional, but I realised that what is more important are aspects of life in the parish community that are difficult to measure because sometimes they only become apparent over time. 

Today’s readings tell us of a progression in how the believers in Jesus conducted themselves. The gospel speaks of the apostles hiding in a room, afraid for themselves and still struggling with the possibility that their Lord was alive. Thomas must have been stunned when Jesus appeared to the group but he believed without question once he had touched the wounds of Christ. In the First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles we see how the disciples have, in faith, been driven to build a life in community. Their way of life is characteristic of what John describes in our Second Reading — how belief that Jesus is the Son of God, leads one to follow Christ’s commandments, which we know from other narratives to be: love of God above all else and love of one’s neighbour as one’s self.  The principal values that define this community were communal harmony, sharing of resources, and faith witnessing. I believe that these are the same things that make a good parish. 

First of all, the early Christians were described as being “of one heart and mind” (Acts 4:32). This is communal harmony.  They believed they were willfully and consciously gathered together, regardless of their differences, by the Lord Jesus to continue His saving mission. They were to rise above the things that separated them from one another and work together towards the fulfilment of their collective mission. We know that unity of heart and soul is extremely difficult! Our society is marked by so much division and segregation, focusing on individualism and what sets us apart from the rest.  I pray that we, in San Roque Parish, will strive to fully achieve communal harmony among parishioners and become instruments of unity and peace in our community. Let us try to be an environment of living communion and participation — a place of welcome and patient nurturing for one another. 

Secondly, the early Christians did not claim anything as one’s own possession. There is a sharing of possessions and each one is given according to one’s need. Hence, no one is left wanting. In the past three years, we experienced a sense of volunteerism from the different groups in the parish. Young and old alike have learned to share their talents and skills for the good of the parish. I have observed how many of our parishioners here came to realise that one’s gifts and talents must be used to minister to others. Each one felt that he/she had something to give and no one hesitated to give of his/her time, talent, and treasure to support the parish’s mission. I pray that everyone will sustain this practice and pursue it further.  

Finally, they bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord. They did so by courageously preaching and teaching others about Jesus, the Messiah and the Son of God who died and rose to life to reconcile humanity back to God. They also bore witness by living lives that are pleasing to God — lives that make love tangible in the world. This love was patterned for them by Jesus Himself in the way he dealt with Thomas’ unbelief and impertinence. We see Jesus who was patient with Thomas. He doesn’t scold Thomas for his lack of faith and his impertinent remark: “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25) Jesus reached out to Him in gentleness and forgiveness. Like Jesus, we are called to be patient and forgiving in how we accompany people as they embark on their journeys to grow in faith. A parish community that has been transformed by their faith in Jesus Christ is characterised by personal care, love and concern for all its faithful. 

What I like about our San Roque parish is that we have a closeness. We know one another. Although we are far from perfect, I can say that we are not just an assembly, but a community!  Perhaps the idyllic apostolic faith community that we heard about today is too high a goal for us to achieve just yet but through the grace of the Risen Lord perhaps one day it will be attainable.  My prayer is that when people see us, they can exclaim… “Wow! Look at how these parishioners of San Roque love each other.” 

In closing, let me share with everyone of us here the lyrics of the church hymn, Welcome and Wanted by Zack Stachowski as my prayer and hope for San Roque Parish and for all parish communities: 

“May this place always be a house for all gathered, a church that is shared; may this place always be our home. 

We gather together from all ways of life: our church universal, united in Christ. Reflections of Jesus in each human face, we’re welcome and wanted, we sing out our faith. 

May this place always be a house for all gathered, a church that is shared; may this place always be our home.”

Press Onwards, Easter People!

Homily: Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection

John 20:1-9

31 March 2024

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

In 2003, I spent my Holy Week in Chile. You should know that this country in South America is predominantly Catholic like the Philippines. Hence, I really did not feel I was far from home because we practically share a lot in terms of our faith practices. Similar also is their fervour in the observance of Holy Week. What I can never forget from that experience nevertheless, was what my fellow novice, a Colombian, told me on Easter morning. He surprised me by saying he felt a little “let down” or short-changed by Easter. “Para daw siyang nadaya.” Inasmuch as he wants to truly rejoice every Easter morn, he fails to see life thriving and blooming around him. 

In a way, Lent still lingers in the lives of so many in the world. It is hard to imagine parents celebrating the resurrection of Jesus when they’ve lost their only child to dengue? While they may mourn a little less as the months and years go by, they will never truly stop grieving the loss of their child.  What is the impact of the resurrection on people who take care of their ailing parents, witnessing their steady deterioration as the days pass? How can an innocent man, imprisoned on false accusations experience the vindication and freedom that the Easter event brings? These unfortunate situations are akin to the experience of “Lent”.  If you check the news on your phone or check your social media apps frequently, you will inevitably find a lot of bad news, or sad news.  In a world that is constantly hurting and broken, one must wonder how we are to experience the full meaning of the risen life. 

It really got me thinking because if we cannot find vitality and vigour around us, then Christ’s resurrection is pointless.  It was then that I understood that intertwined in these unfortunate circumstances of life are “little risings” — the unexpected moments of respite and of joy that point us to Easter. Jesus’ risen presence can be found everywhere if we open our eyes and hearts. He is there in the helping hand of family and friends, in the unexpected generosity of strangers and even in the gentle encouraging smiles of people who empathise with us. As followers of Jesus, it is our responsibility to make Easter apparent in our lives of our suffering brothers and sisters. In the First Reading from Acts, we hear of Peter’s great sermon, his testimony summarising salvation history. However, what follows this sermon is a commissioning, an invitation to witness to this resurrection faith in the lives of our brothers and sisters lingering in the darkness of this world.

As I have pointed out last Good Friday, our life can never be devoid of suffering, pain and death. We are called to enter into solidarity with those whose tribulations keep them from experiencing the joys of Easter. If we look around, there are still people who need our help in carrying their crosses. “There are still faces covered with blood and sweat that we must wipe clean.” There are those whose hearts are like empty tombs that need to be filled with the promise of new life. There is still work to be done. Moreover, it will take much longer than the 40 days we spent preparing our hearts for the commemoration of this moment. 

Today, we rejoice in the fact that Our Lord lives! We proclaim that Christ is risen to a world that continues to suffer because this Good News of our faith will bring them the comfort and the hope that God will never abandon them. Every time we gaze on the wounds of Christ, we are assured that there are no limits to His love for us. With the crucifix before us, we continue to sing our alleluias, pressing on as an Easter people!

Bearing Our Pains with Dignity and Grace

HOMILY: Friday of the Passion of the Lord / Good Friday

John 18:1-19:42 

29 March 2024

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

I have been following some news in the UK because of the media storm that has been surrounding Prince William and Princess Kate.  What spurred it was the noticeable absence of the Princess of Wales (Kate Middleton) from royal duties and the public eye for a lengthy period. She recently released a video statement on her cancer diagnosis and the treatment she has been receiving. Prior to her revelation, all sorts of conspiracy theories came out to speculate on the whereabouts of the Princess and her real condition. Through all the gossip and fake news, the Prince and Princess remained unperturbed, facing the outrageous accusations, intrigues and persecution with “grace and dignity”. I really admire them for that. 

Today we have listened to the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. If we can truly picture what was happening in the story, the faint-hearted will have passed out. Jesus was treated pretty badly, and He suffered not just from the wounds inflicted on Him but from the torment of the mockery, ridicule and betrayal He must have felt. And yet, through it all, He endured this suffering with quiet dignity and grace. He chose not to respond to His attackers with violence. When He was arrested in the Garden, He reprimanded Peter for attacking one of the servants, and He took the time to restore the severed ear before He went with them peacefully. While His accusers were shouting, Jesus stayed silent. I am reminded of the saying that “Confidence is silent; insecurity is loud.” This angered them the more but Jesus did not do it to taunt them or antagonise them. He simply chose not to add to the hatred and evil that was already consuming his detractors. This is what separates Jesus from them. Pope Francis said that Jesus’ dignity shines through this “silence that triumphs over” His attackers. The Pope adds further “the truth is humble and silent, and is not noisy” acknowledging that what Jesus did is not easy. In the Gospel of John, we find Jesus in control of the situation. He knew the truth of Himself, His identity and His mission. Nothing, nor no kind of torture would change that nor deter Him from what He was determined to do for love. He endured His suffering because He loved us and He was confident in the Father’s love for Him. 

Most of the time, we really have to know when we should speak and when we should stay silent. When couples fight, both their emotions are high so it is recommended that they take some time to cool off before attempting to converse and discuss again. In the height of anger, they are more likely to say things they do not mean and are less likely to see clearly how they have both contributed to the misunderstanding or how they have hurt each other. Kung may nasaktan tapos may gaganti, away na. Kaya nagkakasakitan. Wala namang away kung walang pumapatol sa pag-udyok ng isa. Sabi nga nila.. mabuti nang manahimik kaysa pahabain pa ang isyu. (If someone gets hurt and then the other retaliates, definitely a fight ensues. Thus,  they would surely hurt each other. There is no fight if no one responds to the instigation of the other. As they say:  “It is better to remain silent than to complicate and prolong the whole matter.” I imagine this was the strategy of Princess Kate and Prince William. We contrast this with local and international celebrities who air their dirty laundry in public and choose to ensue in word wars with their family members on Twitter (now X) or with vloggers who make such a big deal about small discomforts that normal people deal with every day such as queuing in line, the humid weather, crowded places, etc. A recent video shows a lady asking for a microphone change. Instead of going about it quietly, she announced that she couldn’t stand the foul smell of the microphone. (I do not want to judge her because she could just be joking.) Clearly though, it was not necessary to say it in public.

Our world is so imperfect that it cannot be devoid of suffering. To be silent in times of difficulties and to bear our pains with dignity and grace must be grounded on our desire to emulate Jesus. It is not the same as the silence of denial of what is reality or the silence that allows evil to persist. I have a friend who died of cancer two years ago. No one knew she had cancer. She never went to consult a doctor so no one knew she was in pain. She bore her physical pain silently and eventually died of some cancer that went undiagnosed and untreated. This is not what it means to bear one’s suffering gracefully. Neither is it correct to say, we should be silent when we are eyewitnesses to a wrongdoing. Kapag kitang-kita na nating may dinudukutan ng wallet hindi ito ang panahon para manahimik; o kapag nag-aaway na sa publiko ang ating mga kaibigan, dapat naman awatin natin sa mahinahong paraan. (When we see someone is being robbed, that’s not the time to be silent; or when our friends are fighting in public, we should intervene and break it off in a calm manner.) Silence should not add to the suffering in the world. 

This Good Friday, we are asked to look upon Jesus, crucified on the cross for our sins. He did not deserve to suffer like that but He accepted it for our sake. “He was pierced for our offences, crushed for our sins; upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) As the Suffering Servant of the Lord, “[Jesus] “though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter…” (Isaiah 53:7) As long as we live in the world, we cannot escape from the reality of suffering, persecution and death. Jesus Himself experienced this. However, by His example we know that violence and evil will never have the last say.  In closing, I invite each and everyone of us to reflect on these two questions when we go home:

1. “Can I keep myself from adding to the suffering in the world?” 

2. “Can I bear my own share of suffering as a follower of Christ with the same dignity and grace as Jesus did?”

Faithfully, Gladly, Willingly Serving the Lord

HOMILY: Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper

John 13:1-15

28 March 2024

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

When I was studying Theology in Boston, I used to spend my Saturday mornings with my good friend, Steve, who is now Fr. Steve (not Zabala though). Aside from our usual favourites, we would go around Boston trying out different breakfast places. I remember Steve to be a good tipper. Aside from the expected 20% standard tip in the US, he would leave the server/waiter a bigger amount. Curious I asked him why he did so each time. He told me that his family used to own a restaurant which had to be sold when he entered the seminary. Managing their own restaurant, he learned how to appreciate the work done by these service providers. He knew that waiting tables is a gruelling work.  They are on their feet all day and are expected to multitask and bust tail to keep up with customer demands, which is near impossible during peak dining hours — not to mention that they must do all these tasks with a smile on their faces.

We celebrate this Maundy Thursday in appreciation for what God has done for us in Jesus. In John’s Gospel, we are told that Jesus “loved his own . . . and he loved them to the end” (John 13:1). This line is followed by Jesus’ tender act of humbly washing the feet of His disciples. He gets up from the table, takes off his outer garments, ties a towel around His waist and begins to wash the feet of His friends. The act of kneeling in front of someone to wash that person’s feet is the act of a lowly servant. Jesus was their Lord and Master and it was unbecoming for Him to get down on His knees and wash their feet like a servant. In fact, Peter refused to have Jesus wash his feet. Remember? This was a pivotal moment in Christ’s life with His disciples; this was a moment He wanted His friends to remember for always.  By highlighting the foot washing incident, John points to something vital — Jesus’ sacrificial love on the cross, where He pours Himself out in love “to the end,” that is, to the fullest extent. Jesus allowed   this to happen in order to reveal His and the Father’s love for us, the wondrous love that brings about fullness of life for all believers. After washing the feet of His disciples Jesus asked them, “Do you realise what I have done for you?” (John 13:12). In saying this, He was inviting disciples to enter into the mystery of total love and self-giving. His disciples are called to do the same. As He washed their feet, so must they do the same for others. 

Another special moment we commemorate today is the Institution of the Eucharist which happened at the Last Supper. In giving us the Eucharist, Jesus is giving us His very own Body and Blood. He gives us His total self, holding nothing back. This is what we find in the Second Reading narrated by St. Paul of the first Eucharistic meal: Jesus takes bread in His hands and tells His disciples, “This is my body”; and then, with the cup of wine, “This is my blood.” He shares Himself. He does not say that it is a “symbol” or a “representation” of Him. He says THIS IS ME. I GIVE MYSELF TO YOU.  He gave Himself, Body and Blood, for us on the cross. This is an ultimate act of self-giving, which is more than just mere “sharing” but rather a giving that springs from a tremendous act of love.  In the same way that He gave His own flesh and blood, His disciples are invited to do the same for others. As He loved His own to the end, so must they give their lives in love to those entrusted to their care. All His disciples are called to offer themselves for God’s people. 

Can we give of ourselves completely to the Church? More often we hear people choose to give only up until it is convenient for them. When we realise what God has done for us in Christ, are we not ashamed at our lack of generosity in God’s service? “Bakit ba ako mag-serve sa simbahan?” (“Why should I serve in the church?”) “Tama na na nagsisimba ako.” (“It is enough that I go to church.”) I have more important things to do than to merely serve there.” There are those who render service but are quick to quit when they do not stand to get the credit or if they don’t like their fellow servers or the people in their respective organizations. In two (2) months, my dear brothers and sisters we will have a new Parish Administrator here is San Roque. Everyone will surely have to make necessary adjustments. Thus, let us urge each other to continue supporting this parish and to continue giving our efforts, our talents to serve the Lord. It is important that each and everyone lends a hand to help the new priest grow accustomed to the parish, settle and start serving the community. 

We can expect that when we give of ourselves, it will not be easy. We cannot truly say we have given of ourselves until it hurts because the truth is, when we love, it can be painful! We are broken so that others may benefit, thrive and be built up. In the ancient practices of taking oaths, they did not take this lightly because it involves the spilling of blood. God’s covenant with His people is ratified in the self-offering of Christ on the cross. As we follow Jesus, we are asked to bear the crosses we receive in life.  Parents who have dealt with wayward children or leaders who have dealt with “pasaway” (troublesome) members know this. Many times, I have heard a parent say “Dugo at pawis yan, Father.” (“It is sweat and blood, Father.”) when speaking of their relentless efforts to guide their wayward child. It is not easy, because it is a test of our patience and our trust in God’s providence. It is not easy because it hurts to see a loved one choosing a path that is self-destructive. However, we are invited to imitate Christ to persevere — to keep giving of ourselves for the sake of another, especially for love.

This Holy Thursday, let us continue to reflect on how God loves us. The appreciation of what Christ has done for us should lead us to willingly, gladly and faithfully serve the Lord every moment of our lives. In closing, I too would like to thank you for your support of San Roque and my ministry in our parish. I did my best to serve all of you whom the Lord has entrusted to me. Our journey together is coming to a close, but I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Please do the same for me. San Roque will always have a special place in my heart!