Sunday Gospel Reflections

HOMILY: Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 16:21-27

3 September 2023 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Had your house ever been on fire? Had you ever experienced being robbed? Had you ever had business failure, broken heart, loss of a loved one? These are just a few of the painful experiences of life. The effects of these events can be devastating to a person, not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually. More often than not, people who wish to sympathise with us would say: “Be strong! Don’t lose faith. Accept God’s will.” Sometimes you can just…(beep) “How can this be God’s will?” “Does He want us hurting and struggling?”

On this Sunday’s readings, we hear all about God’s will and how it may not conform to our own ideas of what is right and what is just. In Jeremiah, we hear how the prophet complains to God saying: “You have duped me!” (Jeremiah 20:7) He did not appreciate that after he followed God’s will, he was constantly subjected to mockery and ridicule. When he conveyed God’s message to people he was the subject of derision and reproach. He was mocked and detested. Jeremiah is so angry that he attempted to stop following the will of God. In the gospel, Peter is displeased by Jesus’ news of His impending suffering and death at the hands of the Jewish leaders. He rebukes Jesus saying: “God forbid, Lord! No such thing will happen to you.” (Matthew 16:22)

Both characters in our readings judge situations based on their limited understanding. Jeremiah only sees how others perceive him and their negative reactions to the message he has for them. He misses three (3) important details. First, God is always good. He cannot have bad intentions. There is no malice in any of His actions. Second, the message God asks him to convey is the Truth. Most likely people rejected it because it did not conform to their sinful ways of life. Truth is powerful and it cannot be hidden nor suppressed forever. The truth will eventually come out like light penetrating through the darkness. The prophet experiences the power of truth when he tries to stop preaching. He says: “it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it.” (Jeremiah 20:9) Third, God’s will may not always generate immediate effects. Sometimes, time needs to pass. People need to grow in order to realise their mistakes and learn to cooperate with the grand plan of God the Father. 

In the gospel, Peter is scolded by Jesus because once again he is thinking from a human perspective. He judges that the Father is being so harsh to Jesus if He allows Him to suffer and die. Hence, he says: “God forbid! No such thing shall happen to you.” (Matthew 16:22) Peter acts as though he knows better than God. If Jesus did not straighten him out, he would have gotten in the way of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity! Perhaps that is why Jesus calls Peter “Satan” in this instance because he was challenging God’s wisdom like the fallen angel Lucifer who thought He knew better than God. Jesus tells Peter something of importance that we, too, must always remember — God does not think as human beings do. In Isaiah 55:8-9, God, Himself reminds His people: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways… For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” 

My sisters and I lost our father when we were very young. He died in a motorcycle accident. It was very painful for all of us, especially his children. Our grandparents along with Mama took really good care of us and raised us to be God-fearing individuals. Being the eldest in the family, I had to step in after college and helped in sending my sisters to school. To some extent, my life situation contributed to my late decision to become a priest. I have been ministering to God’s people for the past twelve (12) years now. This may not have been my dream job but I believe this is what God really intended for me. I am humbled that God has used me in many instances to bring healing, hope, and peace to many people in my various assignments. 

In the latter half of the gospel, Jesus further emphasises the seeming irony in the wisdom of God’s plan — “Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it”. (Matthew 16:25) Perhaps it is not for us to always understand the will of God. We can never match His wisdom. God knows the past and the present and its effects on the future, not just for one life but how each interconnects with everyone else’s life. We however, have a choice whether to value God’s will in our life or not. The Second Reading from St. Paul enjoins us not to conform to this age but to “discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

In life, we can expect that we will experience difficulties. As the French always say: “C’est la vie!” God does not delight in our pain and suffering. That is not what He wants. Most of these misfortunes are borne of our wrong choices or others’ misuse of their free will. We cannot blame that on God. His will is always anchored on what is good, what is just, and what is true. Through the ages, His plan for the ultimate good of humanity never changes. We have to learn to trust in God’s wisdom and be confident in His love for us.

HOMILY: Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 16:13-20

27 August 2023 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Who is Jesus for us? Who do we say Christ is for us? What kind of relationship do we have with Jesus? In the past, children were taught about God, by introducing to… “PAPA JESUS”. “Pray to Papa Jesus.” “Say, Thank you, Papa Jesus.” Is it still the same now? This is a bit confusing actually… Jesus is the Second Person of the Trinity. He is God the Son. God the Father is the First Person. They are not the same. He cannot be Father and Son at the same time.

I’m sure we relate with various images of Jesus at different stages of our life.  Children are more likely to be drawn to the Sto. Nino more than the image of the crucified Christ because they see themselves in the round cheeks, and chubby little arms and legs of the Christ Child. Those who are suffering major trials may identify with the Nazareno who is bent over by the weight of the Cross. Those who survive a life-threatening experience may be drawn towards the image of the Risen Christ. We can also associate Jesus with images of people we need. There are probably occasions where we perceive Christ as a reliable friend who is always there for us in good and bad times. Perhaps He is the image of an advocate for the disadvantaged when we struggle with being a victim of certain injustices in society. At other times, Christ is more of a peacemaker when we see the great need for reconciliation among people around us. These images of Christ reflect our various human experiences. When we see our humanity in Him, we feel He is closer to us; He understands us. 

In the gospel passage this Sunday, Jesus seemingly appears to be conducting an opinion survey about His identity. The disciples initially give a report of how they’ve heard other people identify Jesus. However, Jesus directs the question to them: “Who do YOU say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). Jesus’ question is actually a test of faith. He wanted to know if His disciples’ close association with Him finally opened their eyes to His divine nature. Peter, naturally, steps up. He is Christ’s biggest fan. If Jesus were a member of the BTS, Peter would most likely be the leader of the Purple Army. He is also the one who seeks the limelight  among the group. Wasn’t he the one who challenged Jesus by saying, “Lord, if that’s you, ask me to walk on water.” (Matthew 14:28) In the Transfiguration, Peter said, “Lord it is good that we are here. Let us not go down!” (Matthew 17:4) And as he dissuades Jesus from the Passion he will be told: “Get behind me Satan.” (Matthew 16:23) There were many occasions he got things wrong. This time, however, he got it right! Jesus says, “Blessed are you for my Father has revealed this to you.” (Matthew 16:17)

The question Jesus poses reveals something deeper than the expected answers. Jesus is indirectly telling them that by being His followers they participate in His identity as children of God as well as in His saving mission. Hence, the question hints at who we need to be. Peter was far from perfect yet Jesus chose him as the foundation on which to build the Church; to him he gave the keys to His kingdom and the power to do things on earth that would be honored by heaven. To be identified with Jesus is always a challenge for us flawed and imperfect human beings. And so today, we see many among us, especially priests and consecrated persons who are severely criticised, accused of hypocrisy, and persecuted in many places and in different fronts.  Like Peter we all struggle with being true to our identity as Christians. We are consoled that when we look at Jesus’ selection of Peter and the other disciples, we see how God’s power works through our human imperfections. In the Second Reading (Romans 11:33-36), St. Paul tells us, no one knows the mind of God. His choices may not seem logical to our human understanding but in the end they bring about His greater glory. 

The other day, I was called to anoint a very sick lady whom the family thought was going to die soon. Just yesterday, the lady’s sister  came to the parish office to report that her sister got stronger and that she was walking again. I was surprised because I am not known as a ‘Healing Priest’. I was amazed and humbled how the power of God worked through a weak and flawed minister like me. Don’t be surprised if God seems to have chosen you for things you never imagined or for responsibilities you can’t seem to handle. God knows best. Trust and persevere. We are all works in progress and God is working great things through each and every one of us. 

Let us pray then that we may remain true to who we are as Christians! May we as a Church make manifest Our Lord Jesus as the Christ and the Son of the Living God among our brothers and sisters!

HOMILY: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 15:21-28

August 20, 2023

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

One time a priest friend and I were travelling together to attend a meeting in Manila from Quezon City. The traffic was so bad since it was a Fright-Day, Flight-Day. On a street where traffic was almost at a standstill, a very tiny girl knocked on our car window to sell Sampaguita flowers to us. I advised my friend who is from the province to just “knock” on the car window as a signal for her to go leave us alone since we are in a hurry. To my irritation, my friend lowered the car’s window on his side and spoke with the little girl and asked her whether she goes to school or not, what school she went to, what was her favourite subject, etc. I was sure the girl was only making some things up but my friend did not mind at all. He eventually gave the girl money and water because he said: “Naawa siya sa bata”.  (He pitied the girl.) 

This incident reminded me of the contrast between the way the disciples and Jesus dealt with the Canaanite woman in the gospel. Notice the reaction of Jesus’ disciples: “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” (Matthew 15:23) They were irritated with her because she was not a Jew and they felt she was different from them and so did not deserve the benefit of Jesus’ attention. With such a reaction, Jesus took this as a wonderful opportunity to teach His disciples a lesson. Jesus engages with the woman and is impressed by her faith and perseverance. She was not going to give up until He had cured her daughter. Here was a Gentile woman who exuded faith being judged by Jesus’ disciples who had just proved their lack of faith when they saw Him walking on the water. We recall that last Sunday’s gospel passage they feared the storm and the image of Jesus coming to them on the water. Jesus even tells Peter  as  He saves him from drowning “Oh you of little faith!” (Matthew 8:26).

When someone approaches us looking for help, do we take the time to engage even in a  brief conversation with the person in need? Do we even attempt to understand the circumstance of the person and what led them to seek help? Do we automatically reject people we don’t know or don’t like when they ask our help?  Do we think we are better than them? Like the disciples, our usual response is to immediately presume we know all the answers and write people off according to our assumptions.  On the other hand, when we know the person well enough and that person has repetitively approached us for help, do we put a limit on the number of times we extend assistance?  Jesus does not make distinctions and He does not count the number of times He shows mercy. 

Our readings this Sunday remind us that God’s love and mercy are universal – inclusive, all-encompassing, complete – for all peoples of all time. In the Second Reading, St. Paul speaks to the Gentiles acknowledging how God has extended His mercy to them because they now obey God. He compares them with the Jews who now reject God and he expresses his wish that one day Israel may once again be reconciled with God. The passage from the prophet Isaiah emphasises how God longs to be in relationship with ALL peoples. He is a God who desires that “my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples” (Isaiah 56:7). It doesn’t matter whether they are “locals” or “foreigners.” God’s justice and salvation are generously promised and given to all who sincerely seek the Lord, who minister to Him, who love Him, who serve Him, who keep Holy the Sabbath and who hold to His covenant in their hearts. 

Let us ask the Lord then that we be graced to have even just a tiny bit of this Canaanite woman’s faith to help us rise above life’s challenges. And as disciples of Jesus, let us allow Our Lord to teach us how to respond more compassionately with those who are in need among us. Let us make others feel that the love of God knows no bounds and is meant for everyone.

Artwork from LWBRefugeeArt

HOMILY: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 14:22-33

13 August 2023

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

We recently had a painting workshop for the children in the parish. Over 100 children completed the two-week workshop that taught them the basics of painting. The first session had the theme: “The Church on a Journey” (Ang Simbahang Naglalakbay). The symbol chosen by the artist-facilitator was that of a boat navigating through the sea. Our attention was caught by the artwork of one of the children. The boat he drew was struggling through the raging waters of the sea. It was almost sinking as the waves were threatening to break his boat apart. The artist-facilitator casually told me that this child did not need to say anything but we could immediately tell he was going through overwhelming troubles in life.

The disciples on this Sunday’s gospel passage found themselves in such a situation. It happened that their boat in the darkest hour of the night was also battling a turbulent sea and fighting a strong headwind. They became desperate as they struggled to stay afloat in the midst of strong winds and high waves. Then they saw a figure coming toward them, whom they thought at first was a ghost. Soon enough, they realised it was Jesus who was coming toward them as He assures them: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid!” (Matthew 14:27)

For the Jews, the sea can be perceived as a symbol of evil. It is a force of nature that they cannot control. It is a treacherous body of water where frightening storms suddenly appear and whose unexplored depth housed evil creatures. One could easily lose their life in the sea. The fact that Jesus is walking on the water shows that He has power over this evil. He is the only one who has full control over it. The fact that He does not sink and perish reveals how Jesus has power over death. It echoes the story of creation that shows the strength and might of God’s power. Before God puts order in the world, there is only chaos — a formless, desolate, ocean covered in absolute darkness. Imagine all around you the sound and feel of raging waters and waves violently crashing against each other and you cannot see a single thing! It is in this context that God’s spirit moves above the waters and brings order by creating light, day and night, the sky, and dry land filled with vegetation in the first three days. This is absolute proof that God can control chaos and put order in anything.

All the Evangelists except Luke record Jesus’ walking on the water, but it is only Matthew who goes further and narrates the incident of Peter attempting to walk on water. Why is it given importance in Matthew’s Gospel? The answer lies in the purpose of his version of the Gospel — promoting DISCIPLESHIP! In Matthew, we are told that Peter succeeds in walking on the water.  He says “Lord, if it really is You, command me to come to You on the water!” (Matthew 14:28) Can you imagine the audacity of Peter? He tests the Lord and presumes that he, too, has such power over this force of nature. However, Jesus is not angry. He calmly calls Peter to Himself. As long as Peter had his eyes on Jesus, he miraculously could also walk on the water — at least until he notices the strong wind and becomes frightened. Only then does he begin to sink.  He cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30) Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31)

Why did Peter sink?  Of the various reasons proposed by Bible scholars, I am most convinced that he focused too much on the strong winds and the raging water around him. The moment he took his eyes off Jesus, he was once again overwhelmed by the storm around him. Peter forgot that Jesus (walking on the raging waters and calming the storm) has total control over these hostile forces which are far beyond human strength and capacity. His faith in Jesus had been drowned out by the fear of the violent storm. His whole attention shifted from Jesus to the storm. 

We can be like Peter as we face the many challenges in life. Remember that the disciples were in the boat when the storm hit and normally, they were doing their best to navigate the vessel so they do not sink and drown. We can bet that they were all wondering “Where is our friend Jesus when we need Him? He asked us to get into this boat and now that there is a storm, He is nowhere to be found!” Isn’t that how we feel sometimes? When we are facing adversity, even small ones, we tend to focus too intently on what is scary, what is frightening, what is difficult. We say our prayers and wait impatiently for an immediate solution. We begin to doubt whether God actually has power over that situation, or if He cares enough to help us. We become so overwhelmed with fear and doubt and let the problem defeat us. We feel abandoned and get angry with the Lord. We don’t even notice when God is already helping us!  Let us in the First Reading, God did not manifest in the strong wind, the fire or the earthquake.  He came in a whisper! Fortunately, Elijah was very sensitive to God’s presence that He knew when the Lord had arrived. Can we say the same of ourselves?  Here is the truth: A lot of situations can really be too big or too scary indeed for us to handle, but nothing is too big for Jesus! Thus, we shouldn’t focus on the situation we are in. Rather, we must focus on the One who has power to overcome all adversity!

The battle over evil has been won when Jesus died on the cross and saved humanity. We are no longer destined for damnation. We have a future with God our Father and Creator in heaven. Of course, as we journey through life towards the Father, Satan will keep coming at us to weaken our resolve — to make us lose faith, to deceive us into believing God does not care and His promises are empty. This is actually why it is important for us to pray and receive the sacraments. These are the tools Jesus has left for us to strengthen us and keep us connected to Him always. Let us remember that evil and death no longer have power over us as long as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. 

Thereby, whatever storm we are going through, let us invite Jesus into our boat and entrust ourselves to Him. He will get us to safety. Let us remind ourselves and each other constantly to keep our gaze upon Jesus. At His command, the wind and waves will subside and there shall be calm in the midst of the turbulence. Brothers and sisters, let us be at peace. Let us trust that God loves us and He will not let us drown in the difficulties of life.

HOMILY: Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Matthew 17:1-9

6 August 2023 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Back in my early formation years as a religious, I was sent to Mexico for exposure and language learning. The Mexican priests of our community were assigned to say the morning mass every Wednesday at a nearby Carmelite convent. It was an opportunity to interact with these contemplative sisters after mass. What struck me about these sisters was how radiant most of them looked. They all looked so young. There was something noticeably aglow in each one of them. It made me wonder whether it could be likened to the Transfiguration of the Lord. 

Today’s feast reminds us that Jesus was of divine nature. The transfiguration was a moment in time when His divinity broke through His humanity. This was manifested in how radiant He appeared to the disciples. “And He was transfigured before them; His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light.” (Matthew 17:2) He shone so brilliantly that it was almost blinding to Peter, James and John. His body changed somehow and His being was illumined. 

Like these eyewitnesses, we similarly experience some transfiguration moments in our life when we come in contact with the presence of God’s holiness in our midst. We may not shine the way the apostles saw Jesus; however others would still be able to perceive the light of Christ in our noble actions and in our good deeds. In the Second Reading, St. Peter urges us: “You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19)

There are many moments we do experience profoundly God’s presence. There are instances when we come in contact with the divine presence especially in moments of deep prayer. We may recall that there were strange events experienced by some visionaries at Mama Mary’s apparition sites. When they fall into a deep state of prayer and find themselves in the presence of the divine, they are described to be in the state of ecstasy! Their faces glow and they are not disturbed by any noise or commotion around them. We also encounter Jesus in various moments in the Eucharist, particularly during the Liturgy of the Word, as well as in the Breaking of the Bread. I chanced upon this video clip of a mass celebrated by Cardinal Chito Tagle becoming so emotional at saying the words: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins….” as he presents the Body and Blood of Christ before Holy Communion. If we are truly conscious and sensitive to the presence of Jesus, we cannot help but be moved to tears in every mass.

This weekend, the World Youth Day will culminate in Portugal. In 1995, the World Youth Day took place here in the Philippines. At that time, it was St. John Paul II who was Pope. The ones who were blessed to see him in person even if only for a brief moment while he was passing by the pope mobile were moved to tears. There were many accounts of people who were moved to tears after just seeing the Pope on TV as they televised his activities here in the Philippines.  They could not explain why, except for the overwhelming feeling of peace and holiness that the man radiated. This is probably the result of his closeness to Christ and of being a good and faithful disciple of the Lord.

This divine presence is also sensed in the acts of service done to us or others in time of great need. In these moments, we recognise the holiness that is embedded in all of us when we were created, breaking through our human experiences both in small and profound ways. We may not see the effect on ourselves but others do see the mark of Christ on us. That’s why we say to those who have helped us in dire need: “You are God-sent!” (“Hulog ka ng langit!”) Hence, when we pursue lives of prayer and service, we participate in the work of making others experience the goodness of God, and we in turn are made more like God. When we serve others, we are transfigured into God’s radiance that illumines the darkness of this world. 

The nature of light is to illuminate. A small amount can already show us what we need to find or to show us where we need to go. Many things and events in our life are shrouded in darkness. When we ask the Lord for guidance, what we are actually asking for is clarity so that we may find a solution to our problems. Light is also not easy to conceal because it shines through the smallest cracks and can be visible even through opaque surfaces. At home, even if the door is closed, we can still tell whether the light is on or not because we see a glimmer of light in the tiny space at the bottom rail of the room’s door. In the same way, although we do not experience Jesus fully and completely as the apostles did when He walked the earth, we can still have an unmistakable experience of Jesus through the Eucharist or our encounters with others. One day, when we are called from this life, we hope to witness the Lord in His glory in heaven. It is our hope that one day, we shall find ourselves in the dazzling light of His presence.

Today, as we celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord, may we strive to fill our lives with God’s radiant light and be a lamp lighting the way for all our brothers and sisters.

HOMILY: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 13:44-52

30 July 2023

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

I was amazed at what I found on Instagram recently.  Lee Wilkins posted a reel that declared: “You work 8 hours to live 4. You work 6 days to enjoy 1. You work 8 hours to eat in 15 minutes. You work 8 hours to sleep 5. You work all year just to take a week or two vacation. You work all your life to retire in old age, and contemplate only your last breaths. Eventually you realise that life is nothing but a parody of yourself practicing for your own oblivion. We become so accustomed to material and social slavery that we no longer see the chains. Life is a short journey. Live it! Collect memories! Not material things!” This post makes us take stock of how we spend our time and where our life is leading to.  What do we really value most in life?  There is so much wisdom in taking the time to discern what has true worth; to sort out what is lasting from what are simply passing things of this world. 

On this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus uses parables to teach us that the greatest priority His followers ought to pursue in life is the Kingdom of Heaven. Through very relatable scenarios, Jesus describes the heavenly Kingdom’s incomparable value. He likens it to a buried treasure, the pearl of great price or an abundant catch which one endeavours to have at all costs. What is it that we work hardest to acquire? What is it that we want more than anything else in the whole world? What are we willing to do and what lengths would we go so that we may acquire it?  Some people endanger their lives by scouring the depths of the seas to recover treasures from sunken ships.  Similarly, as followers of Jesus, we have to exhibit this same dedication to relentlessly search for this treasure of incomparable value. We must give our all to become part of the Kingdom of Heaven.

There are times that what has true value escapes our attention because we are easily fooled by the lure of the things of this world that promise to elevate our status or boost our worth.  Some people skip meals, and sleep little to gain fame or success only to end up so sick that they either die young or that they must live the rest of their lives limited by health problems. They work themselves close to death, oblivious of their loved ones, as they are thinking that it is more important to afford their dream car or build their dream house.

It was somewhat consoling to learn that some millionaires like Dolly Parton would rather write checks to put 150 million books on the hands of children. The example of King Solomon who requested wisdom and an understanding heart emphasizes that only those whose “hearts so wise and understanding” can sort through life’s distractions that we may distinguish and pursue the treasure Jesus speaks of. God’s gift of wisdom gives us a roadmap to guide our path forward and save us from taking false steps along life’s journey. Our pandemic experience, although difficult, opened our eyes to what is truly essential in life. We really ought not to forget. But human as we are, we have the tendency to do so and be distracted by the next big thing or whatever it is that fills our mind with thoughts of getting rich, becoming famous and pursuing our wants at any cost.

It is never easy to pursue what is just and true in life.  Possessing the buried treasure or the pearl of great price comes at a cost and we must be ready to pay for it. At times it will entail denying ourselves, delaying personal gratifications, and enduring some suffering. Non-believers will take us for fools for investing our whole being in something we can not see taste or touch nor determine when it will finally come into our possession.  However, as people of faith we trust in the promises of Jesus. As children of God destined for the heavenly Kingdom, we have all been promised God’s assistance and sustenance in our pilgrimage through this life. We have to strive to walk in the presence of the Lord and gain wisdom of heart so that we may attain our eternal reward!

St. Paul challenges us to look beyond the trials and difficulties of this world to the destiny promised by God to all of us whom He has called. As we are often told, “this world can only be a place of temporary refuge; a world of passage and not a world of permanence.” As Christians, our eyes are on a different prize than the world’s. We can’t be reminded of that too often. May we order our priorities correctly and fix our gaze on those things that last! May the Lord Jesus gift us with the courage to resist the superficial consolations of the world as we feed our deep hunger for the eternal— for what is of the Lord’s, and fulfill what is needed to be with Him.

HOMILY: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 13:24-43

23 July 2023

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

We recently concluded the Painting Workshop for our children in San Roque Parish. There were 150 who signed up for the intensive painting classes moderated by three artists — all graduates of the University of Santo Tomas. On the second day, only 130 children returned for class. The following day 20 more children did not show up. Eventually, on the last day only 100 children successfully finished the painting sessions. I was impressed by how well they progressed after each day’s sessions. Since their artworks are quite impressive, we decided to mount an event to showcase them in an “Exhibit-for-a-Cause” as well as have them made into pocket calendars and cards for sale. The proceeds are intended to help them with their school needs. We look forward to welcoming your generous support! 

This recent experience with the painting workshop reminded me that worthwhile things take time and require patience. We tend to be very impatient and demand immediate outcomes. I am assuming that all those who eagerly signed up for the sessions thought that they would become good at it after the first few sessions only to be disappointed with themselves. For those of you who know how to bake, you know that there are very specific cooking time for cakes, cookies, brownies, and breads. If you cannot wait for the full cooking time, you will end up with half-baked goodies that are inedible. What a waste it would be!   

I am also well aware that there is our tendency to be ever so jealous of people who are so successful early in life. There are the children who were discovered for their talent either in singing, dancing and acting and suddenly became famous on TV or in the movies. There are those who have immediately become famous on social media and earn millions by being funny or by making a review of almost anything of your choosing. When I was a child, majority of children wanted to grow up and be professionals — doctors, nurses, lawyers, architects. These courses require 5-10 years of studies. Parents work hard to pay for tuition and the kids  work hard in school to graduate.  These days, many kids opt to drop out of school to become “content creators” because they believe with some creativity, they can go viral and make big money in a short span of time. They don’t see the point in spending their youth in school to learn things as they don’t believe these are relevant to making them a truckload of money or gaining them status or fame. With Tiktok or Youtube, if you’re lucky, you can become popular right away, and you can make a lot of money.

It is the same with becoming persons belonging to the Kingdom of Heaven. While we are assured that fullness of life will be ours, we all must live faithfully and persevere as we contend with the many temptations that keep us from being faithful. There is no shortcut to heaven. Holiness is not something that happens overnight. It comes after a long struggle with our failures and imperfections. All of us are moving towards maturity and self-actualisation.  We cannot be jealous of each other because we are all growing together at different paces — the advanced and the slackers, the old-timers and the newbies, those who persevere and those who easily give up. We find ourselves together in the struggle called life.

Just like the slaves of the landowner, our impulse is to pull the weeds right away so the wheat can grow faster and healthier. But the landowner realises that in doing so, we could pull up the good wheat as well and in effect the harvest can be compromised. So, he advises that the wheat should be allowed to grow with the weeds and at harvest they just separate the crop from what needs to be discarded. The implication is that the soil is rich enough for both the wheat and weeds to grow! As we are all a work in progress, we are invited to be patient with ourselves as we grow in our discipleship. There is a saying that the sun shines on both the good and the bad. God showers His graces to everyone. (Walang pinipili ang grasya na pinapaulan ng Diyos.) The air we breathe, the sun that shines — everything in the world God created — is meant for all, not just a select few.

Actually, to think that people can be classified as simply good and bad is unrealistic. In each one of us exists a combination of wheat and weeds. Every person struggles with being pulled in opposite directions: either toward the values of the kingdom or to everything opposed to it. St. Paul expressed this frustration within himself as he recognises his continued sinning in spite of his desire to do good and follow God’s law. “So, I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.  For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.” (Romans 7:21-23) Like St. Paul, we are reminded that God’s power is more than sufficient for our growth and maturation. Though there are weeds among the wheat, a harvest is imminent. A large bush from the smallest of seeds is underway as a loaf of bread shall rise from a mere bit of yeast. So, we need to learn how to be patient with our own weaknesses as God is patient with us, given that we constantly fall from grace and commit the same mistakes repeatedly. How blessed are we then that the power of God is manifested not in the destruction of the sinner but rather in the salvation of the repentant.  “And you taught your people, by these deeds, that those who are just must be kind; and you gave your children good ground for hope that you would permit repentance for their sins.” (Wisdom 12:19)

We have been immersed long enough in a global culture of instant gratification and fear that we won’t have enough time to succeed or to make it big, that we no longer have the ability to defer the satisfaction of our desires and endure suffering. It’s so easy to get discouraged these days. Just having a minor problem makes one really depressed. Let us be patient with ourselves!!! Nobody is perfect. Nobody is born immediately successful. We all must go through a process of growth and development. No matter how small the beginnings, if we are faithful to the spirit and values of the Kingdom, we will surely help build a world where the reign of God is experienced among us, not in some distant future, but in the here and now.  

For those of us who are short-tempered and anxiety-ridden, Jesus reminds us to respect the process of growth as it entails time and grace.  All good things in this life cannot be rushed. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) Let us have faith in the power of God and His divine timing. Trust that God’s merciful love will transform us into the persons He has intended us to be.

HOMILY: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 13:1-23

16 July 2023 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

“I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives

For a reason, bringing something we must learn

And we are led to those who help us most to grow

If we let them, and we help them in return

Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true

But I know I’m who I am today because I knew you…” 

These are the lyrics to a song from one of my favourite musicals, Wicked. It is a beautiful song of friendship where two friends, Elphaba and Glinda, express to each other how they have been mutually changed by their friendship… “For Good”. Glinda begins by saying that while she doesn’t know if it is true that people come into our lives for a reason, “I know I am who I am today because I knew you.” Similarly, Elphaba tells Glinda that “whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend.” Each one’s lives have been changed… “For Good”! 

Do we believe that people come into our life for a reason? Whether they’re our friends, classmates, workmates, they serve as bridges or linkages.  They help us connect with ourselves and others and in the process grow and mature. Even the toxic people whom we encounter, become instruments of learning some tough lessons in life. It seems that until we learn the lesson, the same kinds of negative personas will find their way into our realities.  Painful as it maybe, the truth is, in retrospect, every single one of these difficult individuals are helping us find our strengths and become the best versions of ourselves. 

The Parable of the Sower on this Sunday’s gospel passage has Jesus presenting to us the different ways by which we, as His followers, receive the Word of God in our hearts. The issue at hand is how receptive we are as represented by the different kinds of soil that receive the seed of the Word of God. Receptivity is defined as “the willingness to allow ourselves to receive from another, to be influenced by the other, perhaps even to be transformed.” Sadly, God’s Word can frequently fall on beaten tracks and it does not take root at all. At other times, God’s Word fall on barren rocks where it cannot grow lasting roots. At other times, God’s Word falls among thorns where it may take root but it does not bear fruit because the plant itself is choked. If lucky, it falls on good soil where it takes root and bears fruit. The amusing thing is that all four kinds of terrain are very much present in each one of us…within us. It all depends on what state of life we find ourselves in. (Depende sa panahon ng ating buhay.) If we truly want to be His disciples, it is important that we examine ourselves to discover the extent to which we are open to receive God’s Word in our lives. How receptive are we to God’s Word? 

Jesus is “makulit” (persistent) because He does not want to lose any one of us. In the gospel, Jesus really wants His audience to open their minds and hearts and be ready to listen. There are many of them who refused to listen to Jesus and rigidly bound themselves within the confines of the Mosaic Law. This is why Jesus says: “They look but do not see, listen but do not hear [nor] understand”. (Matthew 13:13) This happens, not because the parables (the teachings of Jesus) are difficult but because the hearers are not prepared to listen. What about us? (Tayo ba?) What laws do we bind ourselves to that prevent us from listening to Jesus? The laws of social media? The laws of our social construct? The laws of finance? The laws of romantic relationships? The laws at our workplace? Sometimes, the laws laid down within our family can hinder us from hearing the Word of God and letting it impact our lives for the better.

We are provided with many opportunities to take to heart the Word of God. We can listen and reflect on it at mass, in our study of God’s Word, in our spiritual readings and conversations, etc. However, it is not enough to simply hear it. There is one particular worship gesture that I like very much. We do this just before the recitation of the Gospel reading at mass. It is done pretty quickly and is often unnoticed. This is the brief tracing of the cross on our forehead, the lips and the heart. This is performed routinely, even mechanically sometimes and with no conscious effort at all but this act contains a richness of meaning and Biblical symbolism. There was even one musician who tried to put words and music to accompany the gesture to make it more meaningful for the faithful. It goes like this… “Fill our minds, that we may hear your wisdom, touch our lips, that we may speak your truth; hold our hearts, that we may always follow you; come now, O Word of God.” Similarly, before proclaiming the Gospel, the priest on his part prays these words silently: “Cleanse my heart and my lips, almighty God, that I may worthily proclaim your holy Gospel.”  When Rev. Edrylle proclaims the Gospel, he first asks for my blessing. I utter this prayer “May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips that you may proclaim the gospel worthily and well. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Such gestures and prayers have depth and a profoundness in them. They are an act of openness to the Word of God. They are not simply a performance of some random gestures. 

Why should we care to be receptive to God’s Word?  Because God’s Word has power — the power to build us up and also tear us down, to save us and convict us — all in the spirit of establishing His Kingdom of Heaven on earth. In the short reading from the Prophet Isaiah, God declares: “My word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11) It is like the rain and snow that accomplishes their purpose.  Listen to God’s Word deliberately and with the intention to live by it because it is a revelation of His love for us and His instructions on how we can be saved.   May we become rich and fertile soil that welcomes, receives, retains and brings to fruition God’s Word in our community.

HOMILY: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 11:25-30

9 July 2023

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

Cardinal Tagle loves telling the story of how he enjoyed commuting. He knew the routes for buses, jeeps and tricycles from Cavite to Metro Manila. Even as a bishop, he used to commute. He brings with him an extra polo shirt in case he would perspire a lot. Nobody could believe a bishop like him did not drive his own car nor did he have a driver. He eventually out of need had to have a car and driver because of the numerous engagements he had to attend to. 

I am amused by such stories of humility. These days, many of us choose to live beyond our means in a desperate attempt to “keep up with the joneses”.  We put so much pressure on ourselves to do what others do or have what others have. There was a driver who dreamed of buying a motorcycle. His boss gave him a loan; However, the payment will be deducted from his monthly salary so that this need not  last for more than three (3) years. He chose a model that was rather pricey — more than what he could really afford. It meant a deduction of 1/3 of his take home pay every month. These days he has difficulty managing the budget to support his wife and three children and he barely has enough money to buy gasoline for his new motorcycle. He is always short of money and so he is forced to borrow.

Humility, the focus of this Sunday’s readings is a virtue that many of us struggle with. In the gospel passage this Sunday Jesus says… “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.” (Matthew 11:29) In this passage, we see how Jesus explicitly tells those listening “TO LEARN” from Him, who Himself is meek and humble of heart, who in the eyes of the world, is lowly and insignificant. As the humble one, Jesus shows appreciation for the “little ones” because He has always identified Himself with the lowly. From the very moment He came into this world, He was born in a stable and He was laid in a manger. All throughout His life, Jesus exemplified humility. Although John the Baptist publicly acknowledged at the Baptism in the river Jordan that he is not even fit to untie Jesus’ sandal straps, Jesus still submits Himself to be baptised by John. 

Of course, it is not easy to be humble. We often associate humility with “nobodies”. In a world where we measure our success by the positions, titles and accolades we have acquired for ourselves, nobody wants to be “unseen”, “overlooked”, and “ignored”. Everyone wants to be the most admired; to be the most followed in social media; and to be on top of everything. Nevertheless, the way of Jesus is different. If we are blessed with high station, it should not result in our being proud. A true disciple is called to be humble. In the Second Reading, we are presented with two ways of living: life in the flesh and life in the Spirit. To live in the flesh means we anchor our hopes and existence on the things and values of this world that are temporary, imperfect and those that rot and decay. St. Paul urges all Christians to choose life in the spirit because it is only through it that we can please God and become united in Him. 

In the first reading Zechariah foretells of a king — a saviour who will become the instrument of God’s blessing to all the people. The people were expecting a saviour- king whom they pictured as a majestic political leader with a strong army that would deliver them from their enemies. We, Filipinos should find this very relatable especially since we have a tendency to choose our leaders based on who is popular, who has the best performance at rallies, who gives away the most money, or who impresses us most with their promises of deliverance from poverty. Zechariah, however, does not speak of a mighty, overbearing monarch astride a majestic stallion but rather of someone who is meek and riding on a humble colt, the foal of an ass. This is not however to describe Him as weak and powerless. (Zechariah 9:9-10) On the contrary, his dominion will be vast and he will succeed in bringing peace to all. He will “lift up all who are falling and raise up all who are bowed down” (Psalm 145:14). For us, Christians, this Saviour-King is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ — the Messiah who came to save the world not with a glorious army and the might of a sword but by proclaiming peace and love and demonstrating humble obedience to the will of the Father.

Jesus in today’s Gospel invites us to follow His example, “Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered.” (Hebrew 5:8) When we learn to imitate Jesus’ meekness and gentleness, life becomes less complicated and less stressful for ourselves. The life of a person who always has to prove or assert himself/herself or to keep up with others is very tiring and stressful. Do we really need to always be better, to know better, and to have the last word on things? Do we always have to go along or to keep up with others? Then, after that? Are we happy? I hope so. Sadly, most of the time, we are not.

As followers of Christ, we must remember, that despite all our achievements and accomplishments we must remain humble. We must learn to foremostly give glory to God in everything we do. We must not forget that it is by His grace that we live and we thrive and that without Him, we are nothing.

HOMILY: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 10:37-42

2 July 2023

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

Our parish community is very blessed! In San Roque Parish, the spirit of volunteerism is very much alive. Despite this, there is still something I wish for our worshipping community.  Do you know what that is? A sense of hospitality that becomes a marked characteristic of our church or parish communities. We do have greeters who meet us with a smile at the parish church entrance to make us feel welcome, but when we sit down, we are oblivious of those seated next to us. The painful truth is we still remain strangers to one another. It is sad because the Eucharist is supposed to be a real experience of encounter with Jesus who invites us to welcome one another as He welcomes us. 

Although true Christianity asks us to be ready to help even those we do not know, we must admit that when we know people and understand what they need, it is easier for us to see how we can help them from our own resources of advice, funds, emotional support, referrals, or what have we.  In the United States of America, they have a wonderful practice of having regular activities after mass that helps the parishioners mingle and get to know one another. Sometimes, parishioners are assigned prayer groups that meet regularly so they get to know each other better and they are able to support one another through their struggles.

This Sunday’s gospel passage outlines some demands on those who follow Jesus.  We are called, by virtue of our baptism to demonstrate our commitment to Jesus by a complete renunciation of everything that gets in the way of following Him.  Do we take the message literally so as to ignore and abandon our basic needs and the concerns of our families in the name of discipleship and helping strangers? I don’t think so. It is just saying that if these things ever come in conflict with our living a truly Christian life, we must always choose the path that Jesus would want for us. During the pandemic, there were people who chose to be selfish in the name of self-preservation. Remember the hoarding of toilet paper fiasco in the USA? They hoarded goods for themselves at the expense of others. Now, if we observe your very own child to be unkind to the less fortunate, would we allow him/her to persist in his/her uncharitable ways so we could be the “cool” parent? Of course not. Our relationship and desire to be accepted and revered by our child should not get in the way of our Christian charity.  We have to correct what is wrong because that is what Christ would want us to do. Nothing should separate us from God – not people in our lives, not the things we own. He should always come first. 

Our commitment to Jesus is not all about radical gestures of discipleship. Our commitment to Jesus also entails being consistent in our faithfulness especially in the trivialities of our everyday activities, being ready to share our gifts and resources with others in the name of Christ. God has blessed each one of us in different ways – some materially, some spiritually, some in terms of friends, some in terms of talent, others in terms of opportunity. The use of these gifts is meant to help us glorify God and to grow in love for Him.  Everything we have is not only meant to sustain us but also for us to share and spend in service of others. Consistency is built by regularity even in small things until it eventually develops enough to be applicable even in big matters. If we are tight-fisted when it comes to giving our loose change for a beggar, we will most likely find it difficult to give when it actually hurts our wallet.  Those who practice stewardship as a way of life practice charity in all aspects of their life – whether insignificant and trivial to major decisions. They are not allergic to making sacrifices because they subscribe to the idea of “taking up one’s cross to follow Jesus”. (Matthew 10:38) Whoever wishes to follow Jesus must walk the same path of the cross He tread.

In the passage from the Second Book of Kings, the Shunemite woman was rewarded with the gift of a child not so much for her faith in God but for being gracious to the prophet. Such an overly generous payment for a very basic gesture of hospitality, we might say. We have to remember that God promises that wholehearted commitment will be rewarded. I read somewhere: “If we lose our lives in this way, we will really gain them. If we are unselfish in the way we share ourselves with others, we will be enriched through our generosity.”  God sees even the good we do in secret and He does not forget our kindnesses. Jesus says: “And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42) I am not going to promise that God immediately rewards us but in one way or another the goodness we give returns to us a hundredfold.  God cannot be outdone in generosity and a small charitable act as such, if done for the little ones of His flock will be magnanimously rewarded in His time. 

Again, while this may sound quite simple enough, there is a lot more to it in the fast-paced world we live in. It is so easy to refuse the person in need who approaches us because we find ourselves always too busy to care. We feel inconvenienced. When I was in Bukidnon as a youth volunteer among the Higaonons, I remembered that I had so much time that I could always afford to “waste” time with the people I encountered there. These days, I can barely find time to sit down. So, it requires much effort to pay attention to those in need around me and to address their concerns. It is not easy. Let us be honest with ourselves, would we bend over backwards to help a stranger? If after mass, as we go to our respective cars, then we notice that a stranger parked beside us has a flat tire, or his car is overheating… would we readily offer our assistance at an inconvenience to our own schedule or think to ourselves… “I’m in a hurry. He can surely do it by himself.”  A priest-friend of mine once said: “How do we spell love these days? T-I-M-E.” Think about it.  No matter how busy and tired parents are, they spend quality time with their children, even if it’s just on weekends; lovers make time for each other or else they grow apart; those who love God and wish to spend time with Him, do not count the hours for prayer. Supporters of our BEC and SSDM projects make time to visit the sick, go to jails, prepare care packages for the needy and raise funds for their needs. All of that entails time and effort. It requires much love! To be busy is never really an excuse… the idea is to make the time because it is part and parcel of discipleship.

Jesus never withholds His love and mercy from anyone. As His disciples, we too are called to be ready to give of ourselves to those in need, whether, friend, stranger, or foe. We recall the words of Hebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” In the stranger, God visits us. It is only by being truly hospitable that we facilitate a real encounter with others. May we then be welcoming, most ready to open our eyes, our hearts to God’s loving presence among us.