Sunday Gospel Reflections

HOMILY: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Matthew 2:1-12

8 January 2023

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Did you enjoy the Christmas Season? We can actually still greet one another Merry Christmas until…. tomorrow. Liturgically, the Christmas season ends on the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord.  Traditionally, other countries end their celebration of Christmas on the Feast of the Epiphany.  For them, the season begins on December 25 and ends on January 6. If you count that, it is exactly 12 days! I believe this is the basis for the famous Christmas Carol, the 12 Days of Christmas. They can be very strict about it.  One time, someone from the United Kingdom actually called my attention as to the date of the Epiphany Homily on my blog. He cheekily advised me to check with Pope Francis! For clarity, the customary feast of the Epiphany is the 6th of January, but for pastoral reasons, the Philippine Church celebrates it on a Sunday to emphasise the honour and just merit that it deserves as more people are able to attend mass on Sundays. 

The main characters in today’s Gospel story are the “wise men”. Who were they and where did they come from?  In the Greek text they are called magoi, which is usually rendered in English as “Magi”.  The Magi belong to a group or caste of scholars who were associated with the interpretation of dreams, Zoroastrianism, astrology and magic (hence the name ‘Magi’). In later Christian tradition they were called kings as evident in another Christmas carol usually sung for this feast. (We three kings of Orient are…) Biblically, this finds its influence in Psalm 72:10 (May the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts!), Isaiah 49:7 (Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves) and Isaiah 60:10 (Their kings shall minister to you).

We cannot know for sure that only three wise men paid homage to baby Jesus. There have been stories like the Fourth Wise man who brought Jewels but never made it to the manger. Who knows how many were actually present during that historic visit to the Christ-child. However, in the third-century, theologian Origen began the tradition of setting their number at three. Most likely because there were three kinds of gifts mentioned in the gospel passage — gold, frankincense and myrrh.  We know that they were from the East so you can imagine what their facial features may look like. It was only in the ninth century, that they were also given names – Caspar, Balthasar, and Melchior. Caspar has been depicted as a black man (a person of colour) and thus the Magi were understood to represent the whole non-Jewish, Gentile world. 

If we may recall, the prophecy of a Messianic Saviour was given to the Jewish people to give them hope of deliverance from oppression. The First Reading from Isaiah, speaks for the first time of the God of Israel being worshipped and acknowledged by even pagan nations like Sheba, Midian and Ephah. This hope for the God-sent saviour is now something everyone, not just Jews, can anticipate and benefit from. It is the Magi’s encounter with the baby Jesus, that clearly shows us that God’s light of salvation is given to all people of goodwill, Jew and non-Jew. The child Jesus belongs to and is given to the whole world as its Saviour.

All in all, today’s feast is telling us that for God there are no foreigners, no outsiders.  Christ’s birth provides us with a light that disperses the darkness and shadows that divide us.  Jesus lay the foundation for our adoption as the beloved children of God.  St. Paul in our Second Reading clearly states that “Gentiles are co-heirs, members of the same body [of Christ] and co-partners in the promise of Jesus”. We belong to one single family with one Father, “our” heavenly Father.  (Ephesians 3:6) We are all brothers and sisters to one another. In Christ, there is no “Chosen People”, whether they be Jews or Christians (or even Catholics). As such, we are also called to strive to recognise our commonalities and become close to each other.  We should not treat one another or make each other feel like an outsider to the family of God. All are called to God’s light of salvation, the rich and the poor, the privileged and the lonely, the healthy and the sick, both saints and sinners alike.

In the same light, we are asked not to alienate ourselves from others. If we are not careful, we, can make ourselves the “outsiders”.  Usually, we speak about the upper crust of society alienating themselves because they feel they are the elite and deserving of special treatment. However, the ordinary people can also be guilty of alienating others, especially when we choose to shy away because we assume no one will listen to us, value us, or pay attention to us. In that instance, we are making the divide greater and making others feel that we are not welcome in our humble circles. When we make someone else feel like an outsider in our families, our communities, by reason of their external difference, we do not embody the characteristics of a follower of Jesus. Following the example of Jesus, we should show love and respect to all. When we deny others of the love and respect they deserve as children of God we reject the traits of Christianity and make of ourselves an outsider to the family of God. 

On this Feast of the Epiphany, we are asked to rejoice in the generosity of God. He gave His Son to all, so that all may be saved.  In spite of all our differences, the love of God binds us together as one in Jesus. Let us strive to live in Christ’s light of inclusivity. Merry Christmas! 

HOMILY: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Luke 2:16-21

1 January 2023

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA 

One of the most dreaded questions young children ask is “WHY?” It is easier to respond… “What’s this?” or “Who’s that?” It is harder to respond to a “why” question. The parents’ answer is often… “That’s it. That’s the way it is. Don’t be annoying.” Even as grown-ups, the “why” questions really force us to stop for a moment and think. I recall the very first question I was asked during my comprehensive exam in Theology was… “Why is it necessary for Jesus to have an earthly mother?” Now, go ahead, answer that!

When do we pray the words “Holy Mary, Mother of God…”? Yes! It’s the second part of the Hail Mary. We have prayed this many times in our life (I hope so…) and because we are overly familiar with these words, we oftentimes fail to appreciate the weight these words carry. It clearly states the special role of Mary in God’s plan of salvation and it affirms our belief in Jesus Christ as our Divine Lord. 

MARY. MOTHER. OF. GOD. The Greek word for the title is Theotokos, which literally means “God-bearer.” This is probably one of the most ancient titles for Mary by the First Christians in the First Century of the Church. The First Christians called Mary the “Mother of God” without hesitation. She carried Jesus, the Son of God, in her womb for nine months. Let’s think of it carefully — if Jesus is God and Mary is the mother of Jesus on earth, it cannot be denied that Mary is the mother of God. In English, if Jesus is God, and Mary is His mother, then Mary is automatically the Mother of God. This principle is called the “Communication of Idioms.”  Is it not? If I am the son of my father, and I am the son of my mother, both are undeniable truths and refer to the same person — ME. Jesus Christ is the Son of God but having been born of Mary, Jesus is also Mary’s Son. His two natures, the divine nature and the human nature, are united in Him. He is one divine person. 

Many non-Catholics today still raise an objection to the title “Mother of God” because they say that it implies that Mary was the “originator of God”. They say they can readily accept the title “Mother of Christ” but they cannot accept the title “Mother of God”. Is it okay? It is like saying that Jesus Christ is not God. This is the paradox of our Christian belief. We believe that Christ is 100% human and 100% divine. Not 50-50.  We do not say that Mary is the mother of God the Father. She is the mother of God, the Son, who is God nonetheless.  In the council of Ephesus in 431 AD, the Church resolved that ancient heresy by affirming that Jesus is one divine person, with two natures — “his mother’s human nature and his Father’s divine nature”. Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ, both God and man. This is what we profess every time we say the Creed. 

Let’s go back to the earlier question… “Why did Jesus have to have an earthly  mother?” The answer is because He had to be human. Who among us here were not born? You may not be human. We are all born into the world. This is how we come to be in this world. We are born through our mothers. In my case, I had an adoptive Mama who raised me but I had a different Nanay who gave birth to me.  So, I am sure I am human. Jesus had to become human so he could be one of us. That was the plan. Christmas is the celebration of the incarnation. Sabi nga ng isang Christmas Carol na kinanta ni Jose Mari Chan… “Mary’s boy child Jesus Christ was born on Christmas Day…” But it does not end with his birth. He had to be cared for and nurtured until He grew up and was ready for His mission. And so, on the first day of the New Year we honour Mary for being the perfect mother for the Son of God, the Saviour of humankind.  

Why is this important to us today? Mary’s mothering of Christ is the beginning of our salvation story. Jesus Christ taught us the way back to the Father — He reconciled humanity with the Father and re-opened the gates of heaven for humanity. By the actions of Mary’s Son, we have gained the status of children of God; brothers and sisters to Jesus Christ. By extension, Mary becomes and is our mother, too. As she bore Jesus physically, Mary bears each one of us spiritually.  Her love is unconditional like the love of Jesus. She is always there, loving us deeply even when we don’t pay her attention and assisting us quietly even when we don’t ask for help. Such is the love of a great mother.

We are at the beginning of a new year. We don’t know what awaits us. There are good things and of course, sad and unpleasant ones to expect.  Let us not fear. This is life. Let us be grateful that we have made it to 2023 and let us remember with fondness those who have gone ahead of us in the past year.  As we honour Mary as the “Mother of God” we see her as a model of how we, at the beginning of this year and every day thereafter, should remain prayerful, open, attentive and accepting of what God asks of us, even when we do not yet understand fully His plan for us. We entrust ourselves to our loving Mother Mary and we continue to hope and trust in the love and care of God for all His children.

HOMILY: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

25 December 2022

John 1:1-18

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

When do you  usually open your Christmas gifts — the 24th or the 25th of December?  Do you remember the most expensive gift you have ever received? What did you give in return to the one who gave you that gift? Our celebrations of Christmas is now often identified with the tradition of gift-giving. That is why we have the “holiday rush” when department stores and shops are unusually busy in the weeks leading up to Christmas as everyone  scrambles to stretch their budget for all the gifts they need to buy. Even among neighbours, there is the traditional exchange of food items. Someone is always ringing our doorbell to deliver a gift and when we have nothing to give in return, we make a hasty purchase of something to give in return. Is it not? We feel it is a must to give something back in return! We are completely embarrassed if someone gives us a gift and we don’t have something for them.   

Our consumerist society tells us everything is quantifiable.  We cannot help but look at the value of the gifts we receive.  We tend to favour the more expensive and fancy gifts. The price is the standard. We don’t want to be labeled as “kuripot” or a cheapskate.  We don’t want our gift to be criticised so we make an effort to spend, even if it is beyond our means. How many times have we maxed out our credit cards at Christmastime? We convince ourselves that we can figure out later how to pay off our debts. Why do we make such a fuss? Perhaps it is a reflection of our own tendency to be judgy.  If we are the first to hand over a pricey gift don’t we feel a tinge of regret when what we receive in return is not equal in value to what we have given? 

Brothers and sisters, that is most definitely NOT what Christmas is about. We give because we are moved by love and appreciation for others. We give in thanksgiving and to share the many blessings we have received.  We give, expecting nothing in return.  We give in imitation of the generosity of our God although we can never match Him in His generosity. 

The feast we celebrate today presents to us a gift-giving that is imbalanced and uneven. It is extremely stacked in our favour. We are the ones who benefit the most because God the Father gave His Son Jesus to save humanity. This is the nature of the divine gift in Jesus Christ. We gain untold merits by the person of Jesus Christ, God-made-man.  We, the recipients, can never return the full value of this divine gift. As the little drummer boy sings: “I have no gift to bring… that’s fit to give a king.”  Even if we are very rich or very talented, nothing we can do or offer can surpass the gift of God.

In the birth of Jesus, we celebrate the love of God who sent no less than His own Son to save us, no matter how many times humanity has failed Him.  Listen closely to the words of the Third Preface for the Mass of the Nativity of our Lord — “Through Him the holy exchange that restores our life has shone forth today in splendour: when our frailty is assumed by your Word.  Not only does human mortality receive unending honour but by this wondrous union we, too, are made eternal.” God becoming man, revolutionises our humanity. We are no longer merely human because as children of God we have been endowed with the divine potential. If we desire and work hard, one day we can be holy like Him. “To those who did accept Him He gave power to become children of God.” (John 1:12) St. Irenaeus of Lyons expressed this process of divinization or deification as “God becoming what we are so that we might become what He is.” Each Christmas, we recall this divine condescension and marvel in worship at this unfathomable mystery of God’s love. 

Come to think of it, God did not need to save us. Who are we? We are naturally fragile, sinful and stubborn. We do not deserve the gift of His Son. We can neither make ourselves worthy of Him. What is consoling is that God knows that and He still chooses to save us because of His great love for us. He sent His own Son to suffer the indignities and the lowliness of humanity that we may identify with Him and understand better the divine plan of God for His chosen people.  He did it, not only for Mary, St. Joseph, the apostles or the people who lived in those days. He did it for me and for you!

As flawed individuals, how can we ever reciprocate God’s boundless love for us? We can not hope to match God’s gift to us. Yet we, lowly as we are, can still offer a gift to Him this Christmas by making a conscious effort “to live temperately, justly and devoutly” as God desires of us.  For the Lord, it is not the value of the gift, but the thought and the effort that counts. We are not expected to be perfect but He places a premium on our struggle and our perseverance. Never lose heart because God values and cherishes each one of ​​us. 

Our best gifts are not the ones where we even up the score.  The greatest gifts can never be reciprocated and quantified. We are a people that has been greatly blessed by the Incarnation of our Lord.  As Christians, we await further a still greater blessing when Christ returns to us at the end of time! Meanwhile, let us continue to value the givers more than the gift and to cherish the friends and family we have around us. Be grateful for your blessings and be a blessing to others. A Blessed Christmas to everyone!

HOMILY: Fourth Sunday of Advent (A)

Matthew 1:18-24

18 December 2022 

Fr. Ricky C. Montanez, AA

Just before Advent, the Christ the King Parish celebrated its 43rd fiesta. If I recall correctly, the theme was ‘Welcome back to CTK!’, in line with the CBCP Directive encouraging parishioners to return to face-to-face worship in the church. Live-streamed masses have been reduced to encourage everyone to come join the celebration of the mass in person. “Miss na namin kayo.”  Indeed, nothing beats everyone’s actual presence! 

In today’s gospel passage, we are told of the circumstances leading up to the birth of Christ. God has now taken on human form as a baby growing in the womb of Mary. It is a time of firsts. This is the first time Joseph receives confirmation from heaven that he and Mary have a role in God’s plan. This is also the first time that the name of the Messiah is made known to humanity and the first-time heaven confirms that the baby in Mary’s womb is the child foretold by Isaiah. The tremendous impact of God’s physical presence among His people is ground-breaking and yet so subtle and understated. The angel tells Joseph in a dream of Isaiah’s prophecy about the child to be called Emmanuel, which Matthew explains: “God with us”. Jesus is the Emmanuel — the very presence of God among His people. As St. John points out in his Prologue: “The Word became flesh and pitched his tent among us” (John 1:14). In Jesus, God is with us and better yet, God chooses to be one of us.  This precious gift of His presence even continues beyond the Resurrection. We recall that before Jesus ascends back to the Father, He assures His disciples of His abiding presence among His followers: “I am with you always – to the very end of time” (Matthew 28:20). The Emmanuel, remains with humanity forever.  And this is the reason why we continue to celebrate the birth of Jesus in our time. Through his Body, the Church – the Christian community – Jesus continues to be visibly present among us in word and action.  

“God-with-us” is a manifestation of how close God is to us. He is no longer a distant authority but one who has lived and experienced our reality. We do not worship a God who is detached from us, unapproachable and too uncaring to notice us but rather one who knows our every need and who has felt our every pain and suffering and has compassion for us. This is probably the reason why the veneration of images by touching and kissing them is very popular among us Filipino Catholics. This faith practice reveals nothing of the perceived idolatrous practice to which it is often judged and misinterpreted. Instead, it is a concrete expression of a devotee’s constant desire to be more intimate with God and to feel His presence in our lives. In his Philippine Star article, ‘A tangible, accessible God’, Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ says of the Filipinos’ special devotion to the Black Nazarene: “It celebrates the nearness of God who makes Himself accessible and tangible to His people suffering under the weight of the cross of poverty and inequality. Burdened by the hardships of life, our people are looking for God and are awaiting His response to their pleas and petitions.” 

‘Being there’ or being present for others is such an important aspect of human relationships.  Due to all the demands of life, making ourselves available for one another is a precious gift we can give to those we love. Seemingly, the pandemic made us realise that life is short and that we never know how long we have left with our loved ones.  Hence, we find ways to make our presence felt through different channels of communication such as letters, cards, phone calls, email, text messages and the like. 

This year, as the Philippines transitions from heightened restrictions to normalcy, we have the opportunity to go out again, with a degree of caution, of course. We are no longer confined to virtual meetings. We can now feel safe to be among friends and relatives — to shake hands, give hugs and revel in the warmth and energy of each other’s presence. Let us not forget to appreciate the people we are with and the one’s whom we will get to meet along life’s path. When we have the chance to spend time with one another, let us put our gadgets away momentarily so we can be fully present. Moreover, let us listen and speak with each other; be generous with our time and compassion and let us not waste the opportunity to be present in the moment. 

As we continue to contemplate on the readings of the remainder of our Misa de Gallo, may the good news of the Christmas story, “God chose to be with us” speak to us. It is a story of a God who desires to be personally present for His people, to accompany us on our journey, and to continually invite us into His wonderful life. As followers of Jesus, we must accept the challenge to also strive to be present to one another, in imitation of the Emmanuel: God-with-us!

HOMILY: First Day of Misa de Gallo

John 5:33-36

16 December 2022

Fr. Ricky C. Montanez, AA

“Show, don’t tell!”  is the most effective way by which we can evangelise others! Almost five decades ago, in 1974 Pope Paul VI made a similar observation. The Pope addressed a group of lay people and said, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” Mas pinakikinggan ang mga saksi at sa gurong nakakapagpatotoo sa kanyang itinuturo.

Sa dami ng sinungaling at namemeke ngayon, lagi na tayong naghahanap ng ebidensya. Minsan nga ang batayan ay social media. Pag walang posts at engagements patungkol doon, malamang chika lang yun. More so when we talk about matters of God, words or lip service are not enough to make us believers. Nakakatawa kasi ang pananampalataya ay sadyang pagtiwala sa mga bagay na di nakikita o di nangangailangan ng ebidensya. We are so blessed that our God is patient and understanding. Pinagbibigyan Niya tayo sa ating kakulangan ng tiwala. Jesus had His share of critics and doubters but He made Himself known by the evidence of His deeds and actions. The Lord Jesus made available by His wondrous works, signs that directed His followers to the truth of who He claims to be — the Son of God.  

In today’s gospel passage, we read that Jesus Himself is not spared from people who are continuously critical of His mission and the work entrusted to Him by the Father. In John 5:36 Jesus tells the Jews that the work that the Father gave Him to accomplish — these works that He performs — testify on His behalf that the Father has sent Him.  But they cannot be convinced otherwise because their pride and hard-heartedness have kept them from seeing beyond the humanity of Jesus.   

I recently had conversations with a young man who, after joining a group of young volunteers for charitable projects among the poor in Metro Manila, decided to be baptised a Catholic Christian. He said that the joy in service exhibited by the Catholic youth volunteers attracted him to the faith. Pag naisasabuhay nating mga Katoliko ang ating pananampalataya, pinatutunayan natin sa madla ang katotohanan ng mga itinuro ni Kristo. 

If we look back on the past years of the pandemic, we have seen how the Church has been in the forefront of outreach activities. If you have contributed to helping others in need, you make yourself a credible representative of the Church.  Noong simula ng mga lockdown, binuksan ng simbahang katoliko ang kanyang nga pinto sa mga palaboy at walang matirahan — ang mga paaralan, kumbento, retreat centres at maraming religious-run institutions ang nagsilbing silungan at kanlungan ng mga nangangailangan. In times of disasters, various Catholic charitable institutions promptly provide assistance for rebuilding homes and establishing livelihood in the affected areas.  Alinsunod sa ehemplo ni Hesus, pinatotohanan ng Simbahan, sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga miyembro at institusyon, ang pagmamahal, pagkalinga, at awa ng Diyos Ama para sa sangkatauhan, lalong lalo na sa mga aba. 

There are countless others among us who work silently, below the radar of the press and social media. By their charitable works they become witnesses of the faith they profess and agents of God’s tender care for His people. They are a light for others during dark times… The light they carry within them is no less than Jesus. 

Wag sana kayong mawawalan ng loob o makikipag-away pag naririnig ninyong binabatikos ang simbahan natin.  We can not please everybody. And it is not our duty to please everybody! Our best response to all these bashings is the testimony of our service to the poor around us and in our communities. As Jesus says in the gospel: “The deeds my Father gave me to do…speak on my behalf.” (John 5:37) Elsewhere he says that if you don’t believe because of what I say, “believe because of the things I do.” (John 14:11) 

This first day of our Simbang Gabi, we are challenged to be evangelizers by our works, more than our words. We must be witnesses of our faith and our God to a fractured world beset with so much suffering. So many need to get to know and accept Jesus our Savior. Let us strive to be like John the Baptist who was  “a burning and shining lamp” (John 5:35) reflecting Christ’s Light, helping others to see that Jesus is truly the Light of the World!

HOMILY: Third Sunday of Advent (A)

Matthew 11:2-11

10 December 2022

Fr. Ricky C. Montanez, AA

Do you like being compared with other people? Ok sana kung mas maganda ka o mas pogi, mas matangkad, o mas matalino. What if people perceive you as the unfortunate one? Parang nakakasama ng loob pag ikaw pala yung dehado, hindi ba? Siyempre, gusto natin tayo ang lamado. 

In today’s gospel passage, Jesus compares John the Baptist with other people. He speaks highly of him saying he is the greatest of all men. (Matthew 11:11) People went out to see a prophet and found more than what they were expecting. They had come to hear John relay what God wanted to say to His people but they did not expect such a special message. John had an extraordinary mission — to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare the way before you.” (Malachi 3:1) It was a unique privilege for John who came after a long line of prophets. 

His greatness, however is in no sense the greatness we attribute to kings, accomplished warriors or great thinkers.  Jesus Himself said, if you wish to see someone in fine clothing, John was not their guy. John lived a very simple life. The Bible tells us he lived alone in the desert, wore clothes of coarse camel’s hair and ate only locusts and honey. When Jesus says “I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John.” (Matthew 11:11), He is referring to the special role and connection he had with Jesus. He was Jesus’ cousin and the precursor of the Messiah. Si Juan Bautista ay tinaguriang “The Great Precursor”, ang tagapag-pauna. He recognized the Lord as early as an unborn infant leaping in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth, when Mary visited her. His role was to bring people to come to terms with their own sinfulness and to await the coming of the Messiah whom God sent to save them.

Jesus continues to say that despite John’s unique position, privilege, and mission, the least in the kingdom of heaven is still greater than he.”  (Matthew 11:11) Who are the least in the kingdom? Sa tingin ko, tinutukoy ni Hesus ang mga karaniwang nilalang na makasalanan tulad natin. John did not have the opportunity to witness the wonders and miracles of Jesus. He did not have the chance to hear Jesus’ teachings. Take note that John was languishing in prison at the time when Jesus was doing all those wondrous deeds. Sapagkat siya’y nakapiit sa kulungan, malamang di niya napagmasdan ang mga nakakamanghang nagawa ni Hesukristo o narinig ang pagtuturo ni Hesus sa sinagoga o sa mga templo.  In fact, in a passage from Matthew 13: 16-17, Jesus addresses the crowds and says, “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.  For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”  Para kay Hesus, higit na lamado ang mga nakinig sa Kanyang salita at nakaranas ng Kanyang awa, pagpapagaling, pang-unawa, pagpapatawad, at pagmamahal. Sa panahon ngayon, atin pa ring napakikinggan ang salita Niya sa misa o kapag tayo’y nagbabasa ng Bibliya. We also continue to be witnesses of God’s love and mercy even in the ordinariness of each day. The world is never short of miracles. Sa gayon, tayo ay mabibilang din sa mga nakalalamang kay Juan Bautista!

Today is Gaudete Sunday. The Third Sunday of Advent is a moment of joyful anticipation.  Dapat magsaya tayo kasi nakikilala natin si Hesukristo. Tinatanggap natin Siya bilang Diyos na nagkatawang tao upang tayo’y iligtas sa kasalanan. At inaasahan natin na tutuparin Niya ang pangakong Siya’y babalik muli. So many people in the world have not had the opportunity to get to know Jesus in their lifetimes. Today, we still have atheists and people of other religions who do not avail themselves of the living bread that fills all hungers and the living water that quenches all thirsts. How blessed we are to have that hope that our struggles are not in vain; that our sacrifices and efforts to live a life pleasing to the Lord will not go to waste simply because we trust Jesus when He said so.

Very seldom do we experience immediate gratification for being true and faithful followers of Christ. We trust that the fulfilment of God’s promises will come in God’s own time. Since no one knows the hour, except God the Father, it is in the best interest of all Christian believers to learn to wait for the day patiently and to continue to persevere till then. The kind of patient endurance required of us is described by James in the example of a farmer who waits for the crop to grow and mature. We know that farming is no easy occupation. The ripening of the crops depends upon various climactic patterns over which the farmer has no real control. While waiting for the crops to mature, he can remove stones and see to it that conditions for the crops to become fully-grown are in place. James reminds us that we have to “make our hearts firm” and that we “do not have to complain”. (James 5: 8-9) Instead, we have to live in love and in peace with one another! 

We await the return of Jesus Christ, no longer as a suffering servant that dies on the cross, but a triumphant King to rule His people. Isaiah, in the First Reading describes what a joyful occasion this will be like and he likened it to the time when the exiled Israelites returned to their land. All peoples shall experience abundance and joy as they see the glory of the Lord and the splendour of God. Gaya ng awitin sa misa kapag Adbiyento… “Balang araw ang liwanag matatanaw ng bulag… mumutawi sa bibig ng mga pipi and awit ng lualhati… tatakbo ang pilay at lumpo.” All shall be restored and made whole. All sorrow and mourning will flee and all who have been saved, shall be crowned with everlasting joy!

More than the fear of the Final Judgment at the end of time, we who hope in Christ must look forward to that time with joyful anticipation. On that day, our King returns to vindicate us who have sacrificed and struggled and persevered in His name. Let us continue to pray for the grace to live temperately, responsibly and cheerfully as we patiently await the Second Coming of the Lord!

HOMILY: Second Sunday of Advent

Matthew 3:1-12

4 December 2022

Fr. Ricky C. Montanez, AA

Do you still watch the news? There are some of us who do not want to anymore. They say doing so would only be very discouraging. I still do from time to time. I enjoy watching Karmina Constantino. The broadcast journalist who anchors the long-running ANC news show “Dateline Philippines”. She is very popular on social media. She is known to have put a few persons in their place on her news program. Once she received praise from netizens after she called out a presidential candidate for insinuating she received money from another candidate.  In retrospect she said: “I didn’t think any differently of what I did. I just knew at that time that I had to do what was needed to be done, which is to correct him right away… This is precisely why we’re here in this situation (of fake news and disinformation): walang nagsasalita, hinahayaan yung mga pagkakamali. And I’ve always been that kind of person kasi eh. Whenever an opportunity presents itself to make things right, you take it.”   

Isaiah and John the Baptist both deliver a message of judgment in our readings this Second Sunday of Advent. Isaiah prophesies that a Saviour would transform the world and bring it God’s peace but can only come once the ruthless who burden the poor and oppress the lowly have been cut down. Isaiah says: “He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.” (Isaiah 11:4) In the gospel passage from Matthew, John the Baptist uses harsh words to call people to repentance. John the Baptist’s message to the Pharisees and Sadducees is a scathing judgment — “You brood of vipers!” (Matthew 12:34) But John’s harsh language, unrelenting judgment and uncompromising challenge, was a  demand that people give a wholehearted response to by evaluating their personal lives and seeing what gets in the way of their fidelity to God. The prophet Isaiah and John the Baptist courageously called out the sins and  wrong doings rampant in society at that time which needed correcting and changing.

We can imagine that not everyone believed them or received the message well. For sure, some were angered, offended and perhaps even attacked John as well. Do we like to be told off or called out? Obviously not! This is true especially when the truth hurts and the words can be scathing. This is because we tend to protect ourselves at all cost. However, it is important for us to take criticism with grace. For those of us who give criticism, let us make sure it is constructive, so the person is encouraged to take a long hard honest look at himself/herself and to see the opportunity to right what is wrong.  For our young people, do you become very upset with your parents when they tell you off? Do you sense that your parents seem to think that you are not doing anything right?  As you are still young, it is expected that you will make lots of mistakes but these of course are opportunities for growth. Your parents, your elders should take it upon themselves to guide and to correct you. Yes, they love you and they want you to make better choices in the future. 

Sisters and brothers, let us remember that not all those who call us out would only like to put us down, mar our name or intentionally destroy our reputation. Sometimes, we have a tendency to think that this is so in the heat of the moment. There are those who are simply concerned for our well-being and desire that we become better.  Sometimes, it is by being painfully honest that we gain insight into ourselves leading us to change. Change can only happen if we are willing to step back, assess ourselves and our reactions, and endeavour to put ourselves on the straight path to reconfigure whatever behaviour impedes us from becoming persons of integrity. 

To some of us who are calling people out, let us make sure that before minding other people’s flaws and incapacities, we have early on doubly prompted and corrected ourselves. John the Baptist was believed by many because he lived a life that manifested what he proclaimed. He practiced what he preached. It is difficult to tell a child not to lie when we ourselves are lying. How can they believe us? The integrity of John the Baptist’s way of life gave his words power, which also drew many to him and challenged them to live lives of the same integrity.

During the time of Isaiah and John the Baptist the people needed to be readied for the coming of the Messiah. John portrays the One coming after him as a farmer with a threshing fork in His hand, tossing wheat and husks up into the wind. As He does so, only the wheat (that is of substance) will fall back and be stored. The husks are of no use and would simply be blown away. Why is it important for us now to change our ways and to correct the wrongs in our midst? It is because we are waiting for the Second Coming of Christ. It is because upon His return, He, the King shall separate the sheep from the goats. Hence, we have to ready ourselves while we still can.

Our readings this Sunday invite us to take a hard look at ourselves and see what is within us that opposes God’s ways and that rejects Christ’s coming and reigning in our lives. What is it within us that needs to change? John the Baptist’s challenge still rings true to most of us: “Change your ways, be open to God’s Spirit of change and renewal.” For this week, let us pray that we may be humble enough when we are criticised and let us try to understand and determine what change would be needed so that we can become pleasing to Christ.

HOMILY: First Sunday of Advent (A)

Matthew 24:37-44

27 November 2022

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Did you ever wonder what we would have done differently if we had known the global pandemic was going to happen? Many of us thought when the lockdown was declared that everything would be over by two weeks. We were surprised that the days dragged on and weeks turned into months and years. We started to become worried of how we would work and earn our keep. The hospitals did not have enough facilities for the number of people pouring through their emergency rooms! If we probably have made the necessary preparations, things would have turned out very differently for us.

Today’s readings for the First Sunday of Advent speaks of what awaits a pilgrim people, a people called to go on pilgrimage to God. The First Reading invites us to approach the mountain of the Lord, the place where God dwells in a special way among His people. It says, “Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain… that He may instruct us in His ways, and we may walk in His paths.” (Isaiah 2:3) The people are instructed to approach God and to walk in His ways toward the vision of a future of peace and harmony among the peoples. The Israelites or the Jews have indeed prepared for the coming of the Messiah, the one whom they hoped would free them from their oppressors.  At the Messiah’s coming, they could finally live in peace. 

The second reading and the gospel passage from Matthew invite us to wake up, that is to open our eyes not only to the purpose of our lives in the here and now but also to the very end of the world.  In the gospel, Jesus warns that every disciple should be ready at all times for the fulfilment of this vision in the Parousia, (the Second Coming of the Son of Man). He gives us two (2) concrete examples of the consequence of not being prepared — those who perished in the great flood of Noah’s days, and the homeowner who gets robbed by a thief in the night. What would the people have done differently if they had known that for forty (40) days the rain would pour continuously and flood the earth? If we knew that our house would be broken into, we would probably made sure the locks are all working and we would have asked for protection from the police and local authorities. What would have been our preparation if we knew that the pandemic lasted for three years?  For the final coming of God’s Kingdom, St. Paul invites all of those who believe in Christ to be ready to act accordingly in the present. Let us. “Let us then throw off the works of darkness
and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:12)

With life so difficult these days, we can easily get caught up in our daily troubles that we can lose sight of the greater vision beyond our immediate concerns. Working hard. Everything is almost back to normal. It is traffic everywhere once more. We work overtime to the point of not having enough time with family. We surely work for our future, for our children’s future… but why do we continue to neglect our future with God?  What necessary and conscious preparations are we making for that future?  Jesus tells us that when the time comes, many people will be caught unaware. Many exactly like most of us will be doing very ordinary things and we will just be shocked at His return. People will be so engrossed in doing their immediate concerns without giving any thought to the ultimate purpose and end of their life. I am not saying it is wrong to work hard. In fact, we need to work harder because life has been very difficult lately. There is no question that we need to work, to earn our living, to take care of our families… but we must also prepare for the final call. We must prepare for the most important appointment of our life! 

One of my former parishioners recently passed away. She was in her nineties. Anyone who knew her cannot deny that she was truly prepared to meet the Lord. She raised her children to be God-fearing and devoted Catholic Christians. In fact, they are all very active in the charismatic community. They served the church to the best of their capacities. They were also known to be very generous. When they grew older, they would always say that they were ready to meet the Lord. When the husband became sick and eventually died, it took many years before she herself died.  During those years, she would often ask why the Lord had not taken her yet because she had always been ready. Now, all the people who have known and loved them believe that she is now happy with the Father and her beloved husband. That is how things are we would really have no way of knowing when our time is up, we only need to be prepared at all times.  

Recently declared a Doctor of the Church, St. Irenaeus (Latin Church Father, 2nd century) instructed that we have to think of living our Christian life as a pilgrimage.  We are on a pilgrimage with the goal of growing in our relationship with God.  More so, we need to be focused so that each and every one of our words, of our actions would lead to the goal… would take us to our ultimate destination.  (One foot in front of the other…) To live as a Christian thereby means that we should be working on our relationship with God at all times. No one time or day is more special for this task than another.  

During the past week we have heard about scary events associated with the end times.  As Christians, we need not be afraid or worried about the signs of the Second Coming of Christ. If we are faithful and true; if we are determined, if we have set our eyes and our hearts on God’s path, why then should we be troubled, why should we be afraid? This Advent, we pray that we would take all the means to make ready for that most important day to come… when it comes.

HOMILY: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus, King of the Universe

Luke 23:35-43

20 November 2022

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

A few months ago, one of the most popular monarchs of this Century passed away. You all have heard of her… Queen Elizabeth II! Her son, Charles, will be crowned King in May next year. His coronation is expected to be a fantastic royal event. He will continue to wear expensive clothing, live in palaces, travel in style and be honoured by his subjects. It is nevertheless a very different kingship from that of the King we celebrate in today’s mass. 

Our readings this Sunday shed light on the meaning of the feast we are celebrating. The title of the solemnity, itself, celebrates the power and authority of Christ — “King of the Universe”. What a mighty image! However, our readings, particularly the gospel reinterprets for us the concept of Jesus’ kingship. Jesus is presented as a Crucified King in the gospel passage from Luke. This kingly image of the Crucified Jesus overturns the more common notion of king associated with honour and glory flowing from one’s position of power and authority. Jesus, our King, is hanging nailed to a cross between two criminals. This is far from being a position of reverence and honour. He is rather mocked and derided as He is called, ‘The King of the Jews’. Apart from the terrible physical pain He experiences, Jesus also suffers the worst kinds of indignities as He hangs naked on the cross. The crucifixion account in Luke’s gospel makes us see a King who exercises His authority in reaching out to the other in mercy and salvation. Jesus demonstrates His kingship not by focusing on Himself and saving Himself, but by turning towards others and saving them instead.

The passage from the Second Book of Samuel alludes to two metaphors that further characterises this kingship of Jesus. It was typical of monarchs in the Ancient Near Eastern world to be commonly portrayed as shepherds. There are quite a few passages in the Old Testament where we find the prophets chastising religious and civic leaders who were neglectful of the needs of the people entrusted to their care. We recall, for instance, how the Lord God instructed Ezekiel to prophesy against the “shepherds of Israel”: “Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. (Ezekiel 34:3-4) Kings have been tasked to secure the well-being of their people, so they take on the character of a shepherd. A shepherd needs to be closely attentive to the well-being of the flock; familiar with their needs and concerns as well as have the readiness to address them accordingly. Jesus, if you recall has the image of a Good Shepherd who cares so much for His flock. He is King also to those who accept and recognise Him as the Saviour King, including the outcasts, those deemed beyond the mercy of God. We know this because at His crucifixion, He reached out to the repentant thief in mercy. 

The other image of the king is that of a commander, or a captain who leads the people by going before them. A good leader rallies the people towards victory over those that threaten their security and peace. Such an ideal leader is not removed from the people, expecting only to be served by them but one who willingly risks his own life so that others may be led to safety. Jesus faces unimaginable suffering and a painful crucifixion in order to save us from the consequence of sin, which is death.  Jesus’ kingship is marked by His self-offering. This the King we hail! He is our leader and commander. Are we willing subjects? 

In recognising Christ as our King, we acknowledge that “We are not the King of the Universe.” This we tend to forget when we think the world revolves around us, or as we sometimes want it to be. Marami pa din sa atin ang naghahari-harian sa kalsada pag nagbabarumbado…. sa mga opisina pagnapupunta sa ulo ang pagka-boss o feeling boss…  sa mga restaurant and stores pag nanghahamak ka ng mga waiters and sales crew… pati na rin sa ating mga bahay. We are actually very small and very powerless compared to the grandeur and immensity of the universe and the Almighty who created it.  If Jesus is our King, then He must be our model of authority and leadership. 

As we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, we are called not simply to pay homage to our Eternal King but to do as He did, devoting His life to others to the point of sacrificing His own that others may live. May we pursue our King’s self-giving way in our reaching out to others so that God’s reign may come among us.

HOMILY: Memorial of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious

(Seventh Day of Novena Masses for the Solemnity of Christ the King)

Luke 19:41-44

17 November 2022 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Theme: Mission: Disciples Make Disciples

(We bring people to a deeper faith by having lives folded to the Lord’s teachings.) 

What brings you to tears? Sadness? Anger? Frustration? All of the above?  Parents with kids who are picky-eaters know the feeling. They provide nutritious food but their child refuses to eat and becomes a cause for worry over that child growing hungry or becoming undernourished. It is frustrating because it is love that motivates the parent to do what is best for the child and yet the child rejects what is being offered. Imagine the feeling. Nakakaiyak, hindi ba? 

Jesus, in today’s gospel sheds tears as He draws near Jerusalem.   We feel the sorrow in His words when He says: “If you [the people of Jerusalem] had only recognised on this day the way to peace!  But in fact, it is hidden from your eyes!”  Jesus further laments that they do not recognise the moment of God’s visitation. (Luke 19:41,42). 

He weeps over the people and the coming consequence of their ignorance and indifference. They have missed their opportunity for salvation, because they rejected the Gospel that was preached with accompanying mighty signs and works. The Jews were looking for a warrior and political leader thinking he was the key to peace. In the passage from the Book of Revelation, we find an allusion to Genesis 49:9, which recalls that the Messiah was expected to show himself as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, a mighty warrior. Yet, the drama of the scene from Revelation points to the surprising truth that the Lion has become the Lamb, the Lamb slain, put to death, purchasing a people by his Blood. This mindset prevented the Jews from recognising the Son of God in their midst who was sent to bring them peace and show them the way to lasting peace. if only they accepted Jesus and His teachings, they would have been spared so much strife. How painful and frustrating it must have been for Jesus who loved them very much. 

To this day, Jerusalem is constantly in the midst of some conflict. How sad, considering, that Jerusalem literally means “City of Peace”! Yerushalayim comes from two words: Ir and Shalem. “Ir” meaning city and “Shalem” or “Shalom”, meaning peace. It remains the only city in the world to which three major world religions lay hereditary claim. If we visit Jerusalem, we will discover it is a Holy Site not only for Christians who go to see Basilicas and Churches, but for Muslims who visit the Dome of the Rock and the Jews who preserve the Wailing Wall, their Temples and their fortified city. The cultural diversity, differing expressions of faith and political agenda continue to create tension and division that polarizes Jerusalem. All of this resulted from the failure of the Jews to recognise the moment of their visitation. Jesus was already there in their midst. He could have been born to some other race, but God sent His son to His Chosen People and yet they did not welcome Him. 

Have we realised that Jesus continues to visit us? Can we identify moments when Jesus has come to us? In a video released by the SOCOM Ministry for the CTK Fiesta we are reminded that when the Philippines was on lockdown and churches were closed, Jesus came to our villages and homes! CTK live-streamed mass frequently that we may still hear the Word of God and pray as a community. Fr. Steve carried the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance through our streets that Jesus may come to bless us with courage, with His protection, and healing mercy. Yes, God responded when we called out to Him. 

It is God’s turn to call on us. By God’s mercy, we have vaccines that give us some protection against COVID. We also have some leaders who implemented policies that managed the spread of the virus and medical practitioners who selflessly placed the well-being of others over their own. Restrictions have mostly been lifted. We are not even required to wear masks. (I actually just visited a country where wearing of masks is not mandatory. It made me uncomfortable so I still wore mine in enclosed spaces.) Churches are now open to all. CTK has been open to us! God is waiting for us here at the altar. He is calling us back to worship in His house. Do we not wish to respond? He offers Himself to us in Holy Communion so that we may one day become what we consume! Do we not wish to receive Him anymore? He is always here. Now that we are freer to leave our homes with less fear and anxiety, do we not wish to come to His house to worship as a family?  A rejection of His invitation is surely bound to bring tears to His eyes again. Jesus wept because people were indifferent to His visitation. They rejected His loving offer. Today, Jesus waits for us in the Church where He offers His Body and Blood in Communion. Must we be indifferent to Him today?

When we pray and worship together here in Church there is value. The prayers of many are more powerful. We augment one another and supply for one another’s deficiencies. The voice of many rings louder — helping those whose voices are meek. I remember CTK, pre-pandemic, when it was teeming with people! When I presided over the mass, I could feel such energy generated from within the walls of this Church! We all benefit from the outpouring of graces during the mass. We receive Jesus in the Eucharist and we are blessed beyond our comprehension. Such a wonderful experience and encounter is not something one keeps to himself or herself. It is meant to be shared! That, friends, is the beauty of discipleship. By our witness to the presence of Jesus, we are able to bring more people to Him. Let us note how lighting just one match in a bunch of matches, sets the whole stack on fire!  In the family of CTK, each one’s spark of participation and initiative can set the community ablaze with life and dynamism again. Disciples making more disciples happens when we allow ourselves to experience the beauty of a personal encounter with Christ and by our witness, welcome others to come to visit Jesus in His church.

Brothers and sisters, let us not forget that Jesus awaits us in His house. At mass Jesus gives Himself to us in communion. By His visitation we receive of His love, mercy, grace and peace. This is an opportunity that is too valuable to pass up. Thus, let us open our hearts to this visitation of Jesus. We have the capacity to already fill up the malls and supermarkets, concert and sports venues, and return our children to the schools. Why can we not fill our churches again? Throughout this Fiesta Novena, may GOD increase our desire for the fruits of communion with Him and with one another in this church.