Sunday Gospel Reflections

Homily: Second Sunday in Ordinary Tim

John 1:35-42 

14 January 2024 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

Sometimes, when we meet new people we ask veiled questions to get to know them better. When we ask: ”Where are you coming from?” (“Ano ang pinanggalingan mo?”), we are not simply asking what their hometown is but rather we want to know more of their origin. It is like asking: “Who are your parents and what do they do for a living?” and “What is your educational background and work history?” — all in one question. 

Our gospel today has two veiled questions. Jesus first asks the two men following Him:  “What are you looking for?” He doesn’t say: “Who are you looking for?” or “What do you need?” These are the normal questions we ask of strangers who approach us.  Jesus addresses them differently and this tells us that even before they introduced themselves, He already knew their minds. They had a sense of who He was and yet they were unsure of what they could get out of an encounter with Him. More importantly, Jesus knew their hearts. He saw in them a hunger and an eagerness for the truth and a desire for a sign that would give them hope. 

The two men do not respond directly to Jesus’ question but ask another question. “Rabbi, where are you staying?”  If a stranger asked you that, would you reply truthfully? We would think it to be an offensive or a dubious question. However, they are not really asking Jesus for His address. In the context of the gospel, to ask where one “stays” may be translated as “abide” or “remain”. This is a key word in John’s Gospel. According to a few commentaries I read, it refers to a

person’s source of being and ultimate purpose. In John’s gospel account, Jesus would often say that He remains in the Father, so does Jesus remain in all those who have come to believe in Him; and they, in turn should remain in Him. (John 15:4-9) It is the same as the Tagalog question mentioned earlier: “Ano ba ang pinanggalingan mo?” (Where are you coming from?”) “Saan ka ba nanggagaling?” “Ano ba ang pinanghuhugotan mo?” 

Jesus is not offended by their blunt query but He simply says: “Come and you will see”. (John 1:39) He invites the two disciples of John to follow Him and to observe what He says and does and to arrive at the conclusion for themselves. The gospel passage tells us that the two men went with Jesus and they stayed with Him. They went and they saw. Are we all curious as to what they saw? Well, we are not told anything except the outcome of their encounter. This experience of being with Jesus made such an impact on them that they committed to becoming His disciples. We can imagine how they must have been so overwhelmed emotionally that they could not help but share their experience with others and invite others to also see for themselves. Remember that one of the men was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter who immediately went to his brother and told him: “We have found the Messiah!” (John 1:41)

Like the first two disciples, we are also called upon to stay (to abide, to remain) with Jesus. That is quite straightforward but we know it is not as simple as it may seem. It can be quite challenging considering we are often distracted and discouraged by so many things in life. There are the attractions, temptations, self-absorptions, self-pity, anxieties, comparisons, and fears that we readily allow to dominate our lives. We allow all these negativities to remain with us. We create a space in our hearts for them such that there is no room for Jesus any longer.  Remaining in Jesus means freeing ourselves from whatever is making us unhappy and leaving us empty.  As St. Augustine says, “Our hearts often make a home on many worldly things that give us false joys and pleasures.  Since we are made to make our home in God, we would always find our hearts restless until they rest in God.” This confirms Jesus’ promise that if we abide in Him, we will abide in His joy and we will become fruitful. 

Today, let us remember that Jesus knows our hearts and our minds even when we do not tell Him or when we try to hide our truth from Him. In spite of that, He consistently asks us to remain in Him and come to our own realization of the truth.  Let us ask for the courage and the perseverance to remain in Jesus at all times. Let us choose to make our home in God. Let us remain in Jesus so that the fullness of joy will be ours for the rest of our lives.

Painting by Kume Bryant

HOMILY: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Matthew 2:1-12

7 January 2024 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez 

Happy Second Christmas! It may sound strange to our ears but for the Eastern Christians this is when they hold their Christmas feasting! The celebration of Epiphany, meaning “manifestation”, is traditionally referred to as “second” Christmas. (So yung mga di nakapaghanda o nabitin sa handaan ng December 25, puwede pa maghanda uli mamaya.) 😉 

The gospel passage for this feast is all about a search for SOMEONE whose value is beyond measure. The Magi were said to have followed a star to Bethlehem. It must have taken much study and research to determine which of the thousands of stars in the sky was the one they should follow. As it is, there are eighty-eight (88) constellations in the northern and southern hemisphere. Roughly seven (7) new stars are formed each year in the Milky Way. Imagine the lengths they must have gone to ascertain which one star signalled the birth of the Messiah? To many it may have seemed like a “fool’s errand”, but to them, it was worth all the expense and the effort to find the ONE whom they believed to be of incomparable value, not only for the Jews but for humankind.  

Our life is characterised by all sorts of pursuits that we deem important to us. Many of us are caught up in our quest for wealth, fame, pleasure and power.  Imagine how much money politicians spend on a campaign in pursuit of a seat in government; or ordinary people who pull the dumbest acts or most dangerous stunts on Tiktok in the hopes of going viral and hitting it big as an influencer?  Twenty (20) years ago, yuppies worked hard and saved up for luxury bags and watches. Young professionals these days work hard and save up to travel or buy gadgets. There’s really nothing wrong with these pursuits as long as we take care not to lose ourselves in them. 

It is a terrible waste of life to focus all our efforts on accumulating possessions or acquiring feathers in our caps at the cost of our relationship with God and others. No one dies for not owning the latest version of the iPhone or not wearing the hottest stuff in fashion today or for not racking up impressive scores on a video game. We only think we will die, but we won’t. If all our time and energy are spent on making money for worldly pursuits, then they become our idols. They take the place of God, who must be our priority in life. Equally dangerous is the fact that many of us miss out on what truly matters like laying foundations for important relationships with family and friends and being still and sensitive enough to revel in simplicity, love, compassion, and contentment. 

St. Augustine, though revered now as among the greatest saints also wrestled his way toward conversion. He even admits that things of the world kept him from finding God. St Augustine, in his Confessions, writes of his deep regret at spending much of his life seeking the beauty of created things rather than seeking the Creator of such beauty.  “Lo, you were within, but I outside, seeking there for you, and upon the shapely things you have made I rushed headlong – I, misshapen. You were with me, but I was not with you. They held me back far from you, those things which would have no being, were they not in you.” So much so that he would eventually say: “To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek Him, the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest human achievement.” 

Our search for God, much like the long and tedious journey of the Magi to find the new-born King of the Jews, can be hard and challenging as well. At times, we may become discouraged and distracted by the world in our search for Jesus. If only we persevere and remain hopeful like the Magi, we will realise that finding God is inevitable not because of our efforts to look for Him but because God always chooses to reveal Himself to us along life’s journey. Through God’s guidance by a star, the Magi found the new-born King of the Jews. Through God’s guidance by a warning in a dream, they evaded trouble with King Herod. Our own journey can be wrought with missed signs and false turns but God’s grace always picks us up and sets us toward the right path. 

St. John Chrysostom once said: “If you knew how quickly people would forget you after your death, you would not seek in your life to please anyone but God (alone).”  This should put into perspective the value God holds over anything else that our life may hold. Let us not grow weary of seeking Him and trust that God will not allow our effort to be in vain.  So, here’s wishing you… Merry Christmas! Happy Feast of the Epiphany!

Artwork by: Gertrude Mary Powys

Homily: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Luke 2:16-21

1 January 2024 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

I have a friend who is known for throwing parties for her mom.  When her mom turned 80, she decided that all succeeding birthday celebrations of her mom would be extra special. They always had a program where relatives and friends showcased their talents but more importantly, they always had a short tribute for their mother. Everyone, from the children to the great grandchildren, is asked to express their appreciation, gratitude and love for her. My friend believes that while her mom is still alive, they should fill her heart with the assurance that she is loved, cherished and appreciated. She says it is better than delivering a tearful eulogy when she is gone. 

Today is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. This is a very special title bestowed on the Blessed Virgin Mary. It cannot be challenged that Mary was Jesus’ mother because she carried Him in her womb for nine months. Her body kept baby Jesus alive and nourished Him till He was ready to be born into the world. He is flesh of her flesh. Through her, it is possible for Jesus to be human. Do not forget, though that Jesus is also fully divine. Although it is true that Mary is not the source of His divinity, she is still called the “Mother of God” because the two (2) natures of Jesus — human and divine, cannot be separated. He is 100% human and 100% divine. When we honour Mary as Mother of God, we also glorify Jesus in His humanity and divinity. 

The gospel tells us that Mary was someone who reflected on this beautiful and mysterious plan of God for the salvation of His people, that she is now a part of.  With the incarnation of Jesus, God has a new relationship with humanity. Mary readily welcomed God’s invitation to her and willingly cooperated with God’s will. Her reflective openness allowed her to be sensitive to the abiding presence of God in her life and that of her Son. She knew that God was always with her; that God comforted her and encouraged her to persevere despite difficulties. Mary was ever present at significant events in the life of Jesus, even the most painful ones.  Her constant pondering helped her to recognise that all human experiences (both the easy and difficult ones) are never beyond the presence and power of God. 

As we honour Mary today, let us also remember our own mothers.  Through them, we have received the gift of being born into this world — to experience its beauty and joys and to grow stronger and wiser because of the struggles and challenges life presents to us. If your moms are still alive, do not miss an opportunity to honour them and to express your love and appreciation for them. Recently someone posted a list of things she regrets ever saying to her mom whenever there was an opportunity for them to be together.  

“Mi, andito naman ako para mag-aral, sunod nalang ako sa gala ninyo.” (Mommy, I am here to study. I’ll try to join you next time.)

“Mi, next week na’ko uwi.” (Mommy, I will go home next week.)

“Pass muna ako, may work pa.” (I am excusing myself for now, I still have work.)

“Belated happy birthday!”

“Sa weekend nalang.” (I will do it next week.)

If you keep procrastinating spending time with your loved ones, you miss out on precious opportunities to bond.  Worst of all, we can never tell when we may lose the chance altogether should God call them from this life. 

In the age of multitasking, of obsession to productivity and of numerous distractions, it is so easy for us to be caught up in the busy-ness of life that we often miss out on important relationships. Technology gives us so many means of communication but the level of our interactions have become superficial — (emojis and acronyms na lang… IKR). In our encounters with others, we find ourselves preoccupied with so many other concerns or (worse) glued to our screens that we hardly notice the person in front of us at the dinner table. We are physically at home, at work or in the church, but we are not present at all. 

Throughout this year, let us learn to be more present for one another. Presence is not achieved simply by putting our gadgets away (although this is a great start). Perhaps, we should take a moment to look into the faces of our loved ones. When was the last time, we ever looked at each other in the eyes at home? Let us make the effort to keep track not only of what’s the latest in technology and society but more importantly, remain connected with those around us, especially our loved ones. Let us emulate Mary’s posture of reflective openness that we may be attentive to the presence of God and to the opportunities to be closer to Him. It is only by being fully present in each moment that life throughout this year will prove to be meaningful for us. So… here’s wishing you all, “A grace-filled 2024! May the Good Lord smile on us this new year!”

HOLY MOTHER AND CHILD BY MIKE MOYERS

HOMILY: The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Luke 2:22-40

31 December 2023 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

I had the chance to watch an interview of Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes on Youtube. In sharing with the host their experiences as parents, Dingdong said he is very firm that their kids will not be dependent on gadgets.  He and Marian make an effort to have activities with their kids, play with them, or have story-telling and crafting sessions. Marian also shared that even if she comes home late from a taping, she still wakes up early to bathe her children and take them to school. She makes it a point to attend all her children’s school activities because as a child her own parents were never around for her and she did not want her children to have the same experience. I was surprised that in spite of growing up in an industry that tends to have misplaced values, they chose to be traditional parents — placing a lot of effort into parenting even if it means sacrificing their convenience and personal wants.  Instead, they are prioritising their children and each other above everything else. 

On this Feast of the Holy Family, we look to Mary and Joseph on how to be good parents. As parents, Mary and Joseph were very much present in the life of their son, Jesus. They were available to Him for guidance and protection. In today’s gospel passage, we are told how fully the Holy Family entered into the religious practices of ordinary Jews of their time. Like all Jewish families, Mary and Joseph brought their son to the Temple to be offered to the Lord. In their family observance of the prescribed religious practices of the Jews, the Holy Family becomes a model for families today on how parents and guardians need to be present for their children and how they need to accompany them in exercising the faith. 

Parents have to personally guide their children through ALL aspects of their faith formation, particularly in the often-neglected aspect of spiritual formation, which is the education and practice of the faith. Perhaps, we need to note a few reminders: Go to mass with the children; do not leave them at home when you come to church on Sundays; try to come as a family and present yourselves before the Lord. Pray together; teach your children the basics of prayer; make appointments for the family to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Learn what and how it is to be Catholic together; refresh your knowledge of our traditions and beliefs; encourage your kids to ask questions and search for answers together; do not rely on their teachers in Catholic Schools or catechists in the public schools; it is more important that your offsprings learn first from you and that they observe you practicing the faith. 

Mary and Joseph were entrusted with a great responsibility. They were to raise the Son of God, no less. Just imagine what it must have been like to be Jesus’ parents. They probably felt totally inadequate for the task, notwithstanding the fact that they were very young abd had never raised a child of their own. Like every parent, they learned on the job. They were not perfect. In fact, at one point they lost Jesus after bringing him along to Jerusalem. They panicked at the possibility of having lost the Son of God. They must have been relieved beyond measure upon finding Him in the Temple days after He went missing. 

Life was not perfect for them either. They were not a rich family. Joseph had to work as a carpenter to make a living for his family. He and Mary also prepared themselves for the eventuality of Jesus leaving their home when the time came for him to fulfill his mission. Through it all, they were never known to grumble nor did they abandon Jesus when life became difficult. They did not rely on their limited capacity to raise Jesus but instead they trusted that since God chose them for this tremendous task, He would also help them to accomplish the task. They persisted in God’s grace and walked into the mystery of God’s plan for their son, Jesus. Despite their own reservations and personal questions, they united their hopes and dreams with God’s plan for the salvation of humanity. 

On this feast day of the Holy Family, we thank God for our families. Just as God entrusted Mary and Joseph with His Son, He has entrusted us with a family to nurture and love. To those who are married and have children: treasure the gift of your spouse and your children; do not be discouraged when your family goes through struggles. Life is never perfect.  Simply pray to God for guidance, patience and understanding. Let us make it a habit to always pray with one another and for one another. Amen.

The Manger Art Print by Mike Moyers

HOMILY: Fourth Sunday of Advent

Luke 1:26-38

December 24, 2023

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

Every Fourth Sunday of Advent is usually dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. So, we read once again the account of the Annunciation of the birth of Jesus and we are made to ponder on how she has been prepared for a special role in God’s plan of salvation. 

It is important to note that “special plan” in God’s terms hardly means hitting the jackpot, or winning in the lotto, or being awarded an all-expense paid tour throughout Europe. It usually involves something unusual and difficult, requiring much sacrifice.  The deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt took 7 plagues, walking across the parted red sea and 40 years of wandering through the dessert. Our salvation story begins with a young girl of 14 to whom an angel of the Lord appeared with a message that greatly disturbs her. 

Even in Mary’s time, it was a rare phenomenon to be visited by an angel.  If your son or grandson suddenly sneaks up on you while you are concentrating on preparing meals in the kitchen, wouldn’t you be startled? Imagine seeing a blinding light, a winged being or a stranger in human form suddenly appearing before this young girl while she was alone in a room. That must have been a real fright for her. The gospel tells us that the experience causes Mary to be “greatly troubled”. (Luke 1:29) However, the presence must have been calming and the voice of the angel soothing because she does not run away.

When the angel speaks his greeting must have puzzled her as well. “Hail, full of grace!” (Luke 1:28) — must have shocked Mary. We have to understand that the salutation “Hail” doesn’t simply mean “hello”. In fact, it was only used in one particular context, that is to acknowledge a highly-placed superior. We recall that this greeting was used for the emperor. “Hail, Caesar!” This would have been the common usage in Mary’s time. Imagine yourself doing your usual every day chores in your house clothes and all of a sudden somebody addresses you as… “Good afternoon your highness!” To have a superior being such as the archangel as the source of such salutation is indeed troubling for a teenager in a rural, conservatively religious, middle-eastern community setting. 

Then the clincher, the angel says she will bear the son of the Most High. Mary is so disturbed by this because although she is already betrothed to Joseph, they were not yet married and have not had intimate relations as husband and wife.  She must have wondered how she could become pregnant in the normal course of events. Mary asks, “How can this be?” (Luke 1:34) She does not doubt.  She does not ask for proof, just a little clarification since a virgin birth is unheard of and impossible even today. 

The story of Mary is another instance of how the Lord works in mysterious ways and how His plans do not necessarily make sense to human understanding. This tells us that when we pray for something and things don’t go our way, we have to trust that God has other plans for us and His plan always places us in a better position. Even though all we see is difficulty before us, we have to trust that God sees farther ahead and He knows what good awaits us if we only stick to the course. 

The gospel account also tells us that God does not leave us alone to bear with all the uncertainty and hardship that His plan entails. The angel explains to her that “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…” (Luke 1:35) For us who are children of the Pentecost, we know that the presence of the Holy Spirit is the presence of God. To receive the Holy Spirit is to have God with us. This must not have made sense to Mary though.  What is the Holy Spirit? What did He look like? How would she know that He had already come upon her?  

Without seeking further certitude, Mary readily assents to the message of the angel. “I am the handmaid of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your Word.”  Her faith in God’s goodness was enough to give her the courage to say “YES” to the plan.  As the angel leaves, we assume the Holy Spirit descends upon her signifying the moment that Jesus has life in her womb. 

Our life today is filled with many uncertainties and our life doesn’t always go as we plan. However, we must look to Mary as a model of faith, obedience and submission to God’s will, especially when God’s will does not make sense to us. Let us pray that God will increase our faith and give us the strength to persevere on the path He has laid for us. May we echo Mary’s Fiat at all times, in every circumstance of our lives.

Homily: Third Sunday of Advent 

17 December 2023

John 1:6-8, 19-28

Fr. Ricky C. Montanez 

“Who are you?” This is the typical question we ask of a stranger or of someone we encounter whom we do not know. The answer to that question can actually vary from an awareness of self, which would answer the question “Who am I?”. To answer “Who am I?” we come to an awareness of a personal understanding of our origins, our comprehensive life experience, our preferences — likes and dislikes, and the formation of our character — positive and negative traits included.  To answer “Who are you?” deals with how we present ourselves to the world, how we wish to be known, or how people come to know us. To have both aspects of our person as identical as possible, is an exercise in authenticity. To be true to one’s self allows us to be happy with our identity.

“Who are you?” This is a key question asked of John in today’s gospel passage. Such question requires an answer that goes beyond simply stating one’s name and occupation or the fact that he is the only son of Zechariah and Elizabeth and cousin to Jesus. Rather, it requires John to go deeper and state his role and purpose in relation to the Messiah. He had that clarity about who he was in relation to the Messiah. We know that John had chosen to live in the wilderness, wearing clothes of animal skin, and surviving on locusts and honey.  This allowed him to fully detach from the pleasures of the world and to fully focus on his mission. John states that he is not the light but he is to bear testimony to the Light. He is rather the “voice crying out in the wilderness” to prepare the way of the Lord. Some of John’s followers believed that he was the anointed one but he had no qualms about dashing their hopes in order to correct all their false assumptions of his identity. 

We may consider John and Jesus to be a good team in terms of bringing to fruition God’s plan of salvation for the world. The Gospel according to Luke draws the parallelism between John and Jesus — where an angel appeared to John’s father and Jesus’ mother to announce their birth, their conception and birth were surrounded by marvellous circumstances, and both were predicted to have an extraordinary destiny.  Each one had a special and irreplaceable role to play in bringing about God’s Good News of salvation to the people. John never pretended to be the Messiah. Even as a baby in the womb, he recognised the divine nature of Jesus!  In the Visitation account, he leaps in the womb of his mother as soon as the pregnant Mary approaches. John knew that his role was to “prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah and to point to Jesus as that Messiah.” Meanwhile, Jesus affirmed by word and deeds the truth of John’s witness. 

They say people are prone to depression these days. Oftentimes, it is a consequence of not knowing the beauty of who they are as persons and their inner strength or exhaustion from putting up pretences and projecting an image that they believe they need to do to be successful, accepted, or simply liked by others. How can one be truly happy when it takes too much effort and energy to pretend to be someone you are not? Those who work in high profile jobs like the entertainment industry, public office, and now content creation, are more prone to suffer from a disconnect between how they present themselves and who they truly are.  What my friend told me about an interview of Heart Evangelista came to mind as a good example. Heart, said in an interview that her videos documenting her preparations and attendance to fashion shows in Milan, Paris and New York are not contrived or staged. She is not playing a part but being herself because she genuinely loves high fashion and is a patron of these luxe fashion houses. She allows herself to be recorded being in honest conversations with family and friends. This is the lifestyle she chooses and it brings her joy and happiness, even if a lot of people misunderstand her. 

To be happy, we need to find out who we are and who God intended us to be. It was only with a greater sense of awareness and appreciation of his role and relationship with Jesus that John was able to live out his purpose and fulfil his mission to the best of his ability. Similarly, all of us followers of Jesus are also called to grow in consciousness of our relationship with our Lord and become more and more committed to our role as Christians to prepare others to recognise Him and receive Him in their life. We hope one day, when we come face to face with Jesus, He need not ask: “Who are you?” but rather, recognise us, immediately as His faithful followers.

Internet Sources of Christ and His disciples Painting by Dan Comaniciu

Homily: Second Sunday of Advent (B)

Mark 1:1-8

10 December 2023

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez 

In the first few years of my religious formation in Worcester, Massachusetts, I found out the American Assumptionists were amused at how Filipinos sometimes use lips, instead of fingers to point to things. One time, a fellow Filipino in formation was asked by one of the American brothers for the Bible he had borrowed from him. This Filipino brother promptly gestured with his lips to point to a Bible on the table. The American priest jokingly quipped: “Did you want to kiss me?” 

Our readings today highlight the role of John the Baptist as one who points to the coming of the Messiah. The First Reading (Isaiah 40:1-5;9-11) sets the tone for the events in our gospel passage. Remember that as a consequence of their disloyalty to God, Israel had been suffering crushing defeats from their enemies. The land had been pillaged and occupied by foreigners and their people exiled abroad and treated as second class citizens. God comforts His people, through Isaiah, that He has forgiven their sins “[their] service is at an end” and “[their] sins are expiated.”  He promises that He will be reunited with His people. He will rule over them with strength and power to gather them and see to their needs as a shepherd cares for and feeds his flock. Eventually, Babylon was conquered by Persia. A year after Cyrus the Great allowed the Jews to return home. Over 50,000 Jews returned to Jerusalem with the prophet Ezra and rebuilt the city as a province of Persia. Ever since the prophecy of Isaiah, Israel has been waiting about 700 years for the Messiah. 

Seven hundred (700) years is a long time and God made sure that there would be a precursor, someone to prepare His people for the arrival of the Promised One. John knew his place. He knew someone was to come after him who was much greater than himself such that he was not even worthy to untie this person’s sandal straps. By our standards, John was a celebrity, himself. He was no ordinary person. His very name means “God has been gracious.”  He was a miracle baby since his mom, Elizabeth, bore him in her old age, while his father lost his ability to speak for the duration of his wife’s pregnancy. As an adult he lived an extraordinary life in the desert, wearing camel’s hair and a leather belt and eating only locusts and honey. The uniqueness of his lifestyle and his charismatic preaching easily won him a lot of followers. John the Baptist was “trending”, no doubt. He had quite a following already and He could have competed with Jesus with his hefty following. Instead, he promoted the coming of Jesus by preparing the way for His entry into public ministry.  And then, when the time was right, he simply faded into the background to let Jesus’ ministry take centre stage.  

Lately, Edoardo Santini, voted Italy’s most beautiful man in 2019, went viral after he declared he was going to become a priest.  After a lifetime of studying drama and dance to achieve his dream of becoming a star, Santini said on social media he would renounce his career for his faith. At 21 years of age, I find myself on the path towards becoming a priest, God willing,’ Edoardo said. ‘I’ve decided to give up modelling work, acting and dance, but I won’t abandon all my passions, I’ll just live them differently, offering them up to God.’  He claims to have joined a seminary near Florence. In a society that values appearances, he would have been a huge success but he chose to step into the shadows so he could, like John the Baptist, and the priests of today, God’s instrument to call people’s attention to the presence of Jesus and to prepare them for the coming of God’s Kingdom.

Like John the Baptist, we are also invited to point others to Jesus. We accomplish much by simply giving generously of our time, talent and resources to all those around us. In doing these simple, everyday acts of love, mercy, and compassion we make Jesus present for others. We show them He is real and that He speaks only the truth —especially His teachings about love and the Kingdom of God.  Like the Jews of the past, we are also waiting for Jesus. It has been over 2000 years since Jesus ascended to Heaven and promised to return to us. St. Peter tells us that God’s time is never late and a thousand years to Him is like a day. In view of this he reminds us to continue to conduct ourselves with holiness and devotion and be conscious of the kind of persons we ought to be for Jesus’ return. 

Brothers and sisters, as followers of Jesus, we all have the responsibility to continue the work of Jesus. It is for us to endeavour to share Him with others that they may also find their way to Him. St. John Mary Vianney once said to a shepherd who had shown him the way to Ars… “You have shown me the way to Ars. I will show you the way to heaven.” One good turn deserves another. May we all find ourselves in Jesus and continue to lead others to Him.

Photo of the Art Work by Art Dela Cruz

Homily: First Sunday of Advent (B)
Mark 13:33-37
3 December 2023
Fr. Ricky Montanez
 
In the recent months, I have been asked by a lot of fresh graduates that I pray over them as they are about to take their respective board exams.  It makes me very happy when I see young people recognise the importance of God in their success. No matter how adept, skilled or intelligent we are, we need the grace of God to be successful in any of our endeavours. As they say, “One simply needs to do one’s part, and leave the rest to God.”  How does one do “one’s part”?  Simple. Preparation!  Someone said that there are three (3) things to remember when preparing for the exam. First of all, study hard to be #1!  Aim for the top. Don’t settle for just a passing mark. (Huwag makuntento sa pasang-awa.) Secondly, take care of yourself holistically. One needs to ensure that he/she is in the best of health to take the board exam. Above all, pray. “Pray not only to pass the exam but pray that God will sustain and strengthen you through your review and give you wisdom while taking the test.”
 
This Sunday, we begin the Season of Advent.  Advent, which in Latin is “adventus” translates in English as “arrival” or “coming”. It is a season of preparation comprised of four (4) Sundays after the Feast of Christ the King and just before the 25th December, Christmas Day. The Church calls on all the faithful to prepare adequately to commemorate the anniversary of the coming of Christ. Just as we find ourselves preparing for the arrival of valued guests in our home, the church deems it necessary to establish a period of preparation among the faithful to properly dispose us to receive Jesus, the Son of God. For us Catholics, Advent is not only remembering and giving thanks for the first coming of Christ as the baby and son of Mary during the first Christmas, but it is also a remembrance of that which we still expect — His return in glory! Hence, we are invited to observe a period of intense preparation during Advent! Remember, there is still something more in store for us!
 
In the passage from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, we are reminded that like the Chosen People, we must confess that we too are unworthy of God’s love and God’s pardon. We hear about a people in dire need of liberation from their captivity in Babylon. Realising the disastrous consequences of their infidelity, they have acknowledged their sinfulness and their need for a saviour to rescue them from their predicament. This explains the penitential aspect of this joyous Season of Advent. Let us admit that we have many shortcomings making us undeserving of His love for us. We do not deserve (“dasurv”) everything we have. Our life and everything we have, we have received because of God’s mercy. Since we have been blessed, let us do our best to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. St. Paul assures the Corinthian Christians in the Second Reading that they have all the gifts and talents they need to live faithfully in this world as they await the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Today’s gospel passage reminds us of the uncertainty that surrounds the time of the master’s return and the vigilance required of the servants as they wait. Until that special event arrives, they are to be conscientious in fulfilling their responsibilities. There should be no room for waiting idly for the owner’s return. Like soldiers standing guard, a follower of Christ must always be on watch and not be caught asleep or caught off guard. The soldier or guard who sleeps or is negligent in his work can easily be outsmarted by the intruder or one with evil intentions, can’t he? He always has to be alert then.
 
As we reflect on the beginning of Advent, let us ask ourselves if we are ready. “How would we fare if we were called from this world today?” I always ask this question myself whenever I preside over the funeral of a person who is younger than I. Would I get a badge of honour, or would I have passed the test of life?  None of us know how and when we are to meet Jesus. Is there anyone us here who hopes to be alive at the Second Coming? Some of us will get to meet Him earlier — when we die. Those who are told the remaining days of their life are even luckier because they can plan ahead what needs to be prepared. They are in a better position than those who die suddenly in an accident. It is always better to be prepared. What else can we fix or correct in our lives? Will we be happy to meet God?

Brothers and sisters, as we begin this season of preparation, let us make the most of this time by keeping our eyes and hearts open and earnestly implore: “Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.” (Psalm 80:3) Let us remember that we shall not be unprepared if we have tried all our lives to be faithful to Christ and to our Christian faith.

Photo from internet sources

HOMILY: Solemnity of Our Lord Christ, King of the Universe (A)

Matthew 25: 31-46

26 November 2023

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

Just recently Miss Nicaragua was crowned Miss Universe. She was the crowd-favourite with her perfect smile, perfect hair, perfect poise. She was a vision of beauty and grace in her glittering gown and her majestic crown of diamonds and sapphires — a real beauty Queen. We expect nothing less of royalty.  When it is royalty, we tend to hold them to an impossible standard of perfection — placing them under tremendous pressure to dress perfectly and act perfectly for their public. Any mistake or imperfection is reason to crucify them in the news. 

The Biblical kings of Israel were hardly perfect. Saul, David and the kings after them were anointed by God to lead His chosen people. They were granted wealth and power for the exercise of their duty. Many of them fell short of this divine commission. These kings had achievements that pleased the Lord, but at some point, they became recalcitrant, self-indulgent and neglectful of the needs of God’s flock. “They fed themselves rather than the flock”. (Ezekiel 34:8) Hence, when power was withdrawn from Israel and handed to foreign nations, the prophets that this divine chastisement was the consequence of failed leadership. They hoped however that God would restore this authority to his people.  

God answers His people, through the Prophet Ezekiel with an image of kingship and authority that is unlike any other. He presents Himself as Shepherd — strong, capable and trustworthy but geared for hard labour, unperturbed by getting His hands dirty to accomplish what must be done to govern and protect His people. God says: “I myself will look after and tend my sheep… The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal…” (Ezekiel 34:16) He is a King that restores wholeness, that unifies and that sets things aright. 

In our gospel Jesus speaks to His disciples of a time when He sits as King and judge, enthroned in glory and yet acting as shepherd separating sheep from the goats. We recognise this as the image of the last judgment. However, what is important to note is Jesus’ choice of association. Although He clearly possesses absolute power and authority to pass judgment, He identifies with the weak — the prisoners, the sick, the homeless, the needy.  He is a King with compassion for the marginalised and demands the same of His subjects. If we truly accept Jesus as our King, we will follow His commands and His example of serving and caring for those who are materially, socially, psychologically, morally and spiritually poor. 

Never in the gospels, does Jesus flaunt the authority He has been given by His father with such grandiose displays of power. In fact, in the instances where Jesus reveals His true nature, He asks that they refrain from spreading the word or telling others about His miracles. On one occasion, as He drives out an unclean spirit from a man, Jesus rebukes it for revealing His identity as “The Holy One of God”.  In John 6:15 Jesus withdraws to the mountain by Himself when He learns the people intend to make Him king by force after witnessing Him perform mighty works. The world at the time was not ready for His kingship. Despite this, we know that God the Father has truly granted Him the authority and power of shepherding because He was fulfilling His responsibility every time He cared for the poor, cast out demons, and healed the sick.

Brothers and sisters, there are those among us who have the privilege to hold positions of authority. More often than not, we recognise them by their fine and expensive clothing, their posture, the strength of their voice, the number of their security personnel, the size and number of their vehicles and the left and right attendance at important banquets. Following the example of Jesus’ leadership requires that authority figures become shepherds in their own right — prioritising the care, safety and well-being of those they are responsible for.  Authority is, first and foremost bestowed as a gift for the purpose of service. When this is forgotten and taken for granted one succumbs to the temptations of power and privilege. They discard humble public service as the value and essence of their leadership and instead abuse their authority. As loyal subjects of God’s Kingdom, it is our duty to live our belief and our conviction that Jesus is King over us all. 

We live with the hope that one day we will witness Jesus Christ in all His glory as King of the Universe. The Second Reading tells us this will happen at the end of time. When He returns, He shall vanquish all His enemies and gather all who belong to Him and pledged allegiance to Him by the life they lived. Each time we feed the hungry and the thirsty, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, attend to the sick, and visit prisoners, we not only pay homage and bring honour to Jesus Christ, our King but we also assure our place as subjects in God’s eternal Kingdom. 

In as much as we live in the hope of His return, let us do our best every day to help establish His Kingdom on earth. This is how we prove we choose Him as our King. This is how He will recognise us as His subjects. On this Feast of Christ the King, let us thank the Father, that in His infinite wisdom and love for us, He has appointed His Son to rule over us with mercy, benevolence, justice and peace.

HOMILY: Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 25: 14-30

19 November 2023

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Let us do a bit of Q & A here. Let us say you are blessed with P3.6 million pesos! What would you do with that amount of money? If double that amount, P7.2M or five (5) times more, P18.3M is entrusted to you, what will you do with that sum of money? 

This Sunday, we reflect on the Parable of the Talents. We are told that a  nobleman puts a certain amount of money in the hands of his servants as he prepares to go on a trip. A talent amounted to about six thousand denarii and one denarius was equivalent to a day’s wage. That is quite a lot of money! On this detail, we note the great confidence the master has for all of his three servants as he gives each of them a significant amount of money. Upon his return, the master asks for a reckoning of what these men had done with the money he had entrusted to them. The first two show due diligence and responsibility by doubling the amount that was entrusted to them. The third servant claimed that he was intimidated by the demanding character of the master so he just buried the money in the ground. Hence, the master scolds him and takes the sum back. He tells that servant that he should have profited from what he received or at least tried to do something with it. The servant not only has nothing but is thrown out into the darkness to suffer. 

Similarly, we have all been entrusted with gifts. By God’s grace, some of us are gifted with exceptional talent, others are geniuses in math and science, others have wealth, others have charisma, etc. (Pag di kaya ng talent, daanin sa charm!) We also have been given different opportunities and choices in life. Not everyone can study. Not everyone can go abroad. Not everyone has a high-paying job. Not everyone has children. We are all entrusted with different gifts just as the three servants in the gospel were entrusted with gifts according to their ability.  We are equipped differently according to the roles we must play in building up God’s kingdom. We are expected to make a conscious effort to develop what has been given to us. 

We need not compare our gifts with one another. Here in our parish, the good singers are with the choir; the good readers become Lectors or Commentators; the good cooks among us can help in our feasts and the feeding programs. Neither should our differences in gifts become an excuse to avoid using what we have for the good of others. No amount of wealth or status in life should determine our capacity to return the favour.  St. Augustine once said: “You aspire for great things? Begin with little ones.” Sometimes, when there is a project in the parish, when we want to avoid helping, we hear ourselves saying: “Oh, we have to do it. They are already many there who are good at it. They can do that.” Is that so? (“Ganern?”) Definitely there are those who would do an exceptional job, but in that situation, should we not help at all? Where are we good at? Maybe we can contribute to our project! What really matters in the end is that we have tried our utmost best, to maximise the potential of what we have been given. 

Towards the end of the gospel we are told the servant is thrown into the darkness where there is wailing and grinding of teeth. Biblically, God is light, so darkness is a creative way of saying that one is no longer in God’s presence; wailing refers to a place of sadness and suffering; grinding of teeth is the feeling of losing control or direction in life. A bit harsh? But that is the ultimate consequence. To not use our gifts is to insult the Giver. It is proof that we refuse to play our part as a member of God’s family and to cooperate with His grand plan. Essentially our choice to bury our talents is a choice to separate ourselves from God. We must never forget we will be held accountable. Our responsorial psalm says: “Blessed are those who fear the Lord!” (Psalm 128:1) The fear spoken of here is different from the fear of that lazy steward. As children of God, our only fear is that we cannot glorify and honour Him as we should with the grace that also comes from Him.

The faithful wife described in the First Reading is an excellent model of someone who prospers the gifts she is entrusted with. First of all, she has a husband to care for and children to raise. However she does not stop there. She recognises that her immediate community is also a gift to her so she cares for them as well, especially the poor and the needy! With the gift of her femininity and talent for making fabrics, she works lovingly, skilfully and diligently.  Because of her labours and good work, she is to be rewarded!  God is a generous God and He is never outdone in His generosity so we can imagine how He will reward those He considers good stewards of the gifts He has given them!

To be honest, I have a habit of collecting the receipts of all my purchases every month. My other priest-friends do find it amusing and laugh at me from time to time. I learned this from my religious congregation and it has been a habit since then. It is my way of accounting for the gifts I have received. And I am very grateful for those of you whom God continues to send to support my ministry!  I may not be always successful but I make sure that I allocate more to my advocacies/apostolates than my personal expenses. Whatever I receive, I make sure to share it with those I have the capacity to help — those whose lives I can impact in the name of God and for the glory of God. 

Never forget that everything we have and enjoy comes from God. He is the Giver and therefore the Owner. Everything is just on loan to us. We are mere stewards of all that we have. Hence, we are to be accountable for what has been entrusted to us. The more we have, the more we will be held accountable. Let us responsibly make use of all our God-given talents not only for our benefit but for the good of all as we strive to build up God’s Kingdom in the here and now.

Artwork from Altus Fine Art