Sunday Gospel Reflections

HOMILY: Second Sunday of Advent (C)

Luke 3:1-6

5 December 2021 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Back in London, I facilitated an RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). One of the most common questions asked was “Why was the baptism of adults more common in the past?” These days, we baptize babies more than adults, right?  Well, the growth of the Church, especially in the first centuries, really did come largely through the baptism of adults. For many, the Good News of Jesus Christ came to them later in life. St. Augustine himself said this when he felt the tugging of conversion in his heart, “I had been extremely miserable in adolescence, miserable from its very onset, and as I prayed to you for the gift of chastity I had even pleaded, ‘Grant me chastity and self-control, but please not yet.’ I was afraid that you might hear me immediately and heal me forthwith of the morbid lust which I was more anxious to satisfy than to snuff out.” (St. Augustine: Confessions, Book VIII, Chap. 7)

It is natural for people not to want to be rushed nor forced into things — we want to move and make things happen according to our own pace. We like to tarry in what gives us pleasure as we like to tread paths of least resistance and make an effort to avoid issues. We put off the difficult choices and delay that which shakes up our lives beyond our comfort zones. “Saka na. Puro na lang delay.” Thus, death-bed conversions became another common occurrence back then. This proved to be attractive to many because it promised the best of both worlds — “You can have it all now [of the material world] … [and you can later] gain heaven just in the nick of time.”  They were of the mentality that salvation was to be desired but on one’s own terms. It cannot be discounted that there are still those today who adhere to this perspective. Just before the lockdown in 2019, I attended a birthday party of a friend who turned 70 years old. In the course of the dinner conversation, I overheard one of his friends jokingly telling him… “Makipag-ayos ka na sa Diyos, pare. Panahon na.” Must we really wait till we are in our twilight years before we live as God asks us to? 

In today’s gospel passage, John the Baptist brings to the people’s attention the urgent need for repentance in order to “see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6). In fulfilment of his role as precursor of the Messiah, he helps people prepare themselves to recognize and receive the salvation Jesus brings. John emphasises that “repentance for the forgiveness of sins” is an essential requirement to truly experience the fullness of salvation from our God. “Tama lang naman.” He was addressing a people who have tailored their lives according to their own will and no longer the Lord’s will. John the Baptist echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah as he declares: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight and the rough ways made smooth.” (Isaiah 40:3-4; Luke 3:4-6) If we had DPWH do this, it would take forever and cost billions! This is to say the job of setting one’s life straight is not an easy task.  Reorienting one’s heart to God may require turning aspects of one’s life inside out so the sooner you get started, the better. The effort to change is not without its reward. If you review the entire passage from Baruch, it details how the promise of God’s salvation would be marked by long awaited reversals of fortune — “the robe of mourning will be replaced by the splendour of glory”; “tears are turned into shouts of rejoicing”; “those scattered by their enemies would be brought back by God”. (Baruch 5:1-9)

When we think of repentance, we may think it is a definitive change of heart that sets one on the right path once and for all, resolved to live a more responsible and “blameless life”. However, realistically, repentance is more about constantly reviewing our actions and feeling sorrow and regret for wrongdoings.  Life constantly challenges our resolve to live blamelessly and we must constantly renew that resolve.  Repentance is essentially a way of life. It is to be understood as an ongoing process whereby we need to be converted time and again. Repentance for many of us is not a one-time change of heart, but the daily transformation of our lives. Notice that in confession, we even find that through the years, we keep coming back saying the same sins. This should not discourage us. The lure of the passing things of this world can be too much for us that we get easily distracted and side-tracked from the right path.  We are given many chances by God through the many experiences of our lives to re-turn or re-orient our hearts to Him.  Do we really want to repent just the day before we die? It is very risky. How can we truly say that we have truly changed our life when there is no more chance to prove it since we have reached our end?  Through our readings, we are told to prepare for tomorrow by “repenting” today. 

It is quite interesting that in the gospel introduction the person of John the Baptist is introduced in direct reference to those who perpetrated injustice and division among the Jewish people at that time. The person of John who calls them to repentance was pointing out to people that to obtain ultimate relief from the oppression they were experiencing at the hands of the Roman invaders and their own Jewish leaders, personal renewal would be required of them. This change has to begin in them. They need to be faithful to God and learn how to trust in Him alone.  Many of my friends from London are encouraging me to go back there and stay there for good. I jokingly tell them that I will respond to them after the elections. I personally fear for the Filipino people if we end up with leaders who lie and make false promises to simply get elected. My prayer is that we will really choose well who our next leaders will be.  We will only see a better Philippines if we choose to entrust our future & the future of our children in the hands of leaders who will prioritize the best interest of our people… not their own. There is this tweet I saw… “A friend posted this point to ponder… ‘Alipin culture’: Yung may servant leader nang ibinibigay sa inyo pero hanap niyo, amo.”  Nakakalungkot. Sana magbago na tayo. Sana natuto na tayo. 

Parang kasing baliktad na ang mundo ngayon. Ang mali, nagiging tama. We look around and blame the mess on other people’s mistakes and try to fix them and their errors. Patalsikin si ganito, ikulong si ganyan, palitan na lang. Mas mainam kung simulan nating itama ang kamalian sa buhay natin. That is how society will change — with each of us choosing the good. It is not easy to transcend the values of the world and pursue the higher good. Maaga pa lang, subukan na natin magbagong buhay. Gawin na natin ang nararapat ngayon pa lang.

The seriousness we give to repentance is a measure of the depth of our need for God and the salvation He offers. With this perspective, our Advent season becomes more than just a remembrance of something that happened two thousand years ago or an anticipation of some future event. It becomes a yearning for a transformed life (freedom from bondage) in the here and now. The more keenly we feel the need for redemption, the more we might go the extra mile to change our perspective, to make the right choices and to choose always what is true, good and just.

HOMILY: First Sunday of Advent (C)

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

28 November 2021 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Lola Isca or Francisca Montes Susano was the oldest living Filipino at 124 years old until she recently passed away peacefully in her home in Negros Occidental. She was believed to be older than the current title holder of oldest living person in the world— Kane Tanaka of Japan who is 117 years old. One of her grandsons Jonathan Susano said that “Lola Isca had no illness although she had a wound on one side of her body from lying on the bed for a long time.” (Wala siyang sakit. Pero may sugat siya sa kanyang tagiliran dala siguro ng matagal na pagkakahiga.) The Negrense supercentenarian was born on September 11, 1897, even before the declaration of the Philippine Independence. She has outlived the Spanish influenza, the Philippine Revolution, the Spanish-American War, Philippine-American War, World Wars 1 and 2, Cold War and Martial Law. She had 14 children, one of whom is already a centenarian, herself,  at the age of 101. (Nasa lahi talaga!) She has 400 grandchildren. We are told that the secret to Lola Isca’s long life is eating vegetables, abstinence from alcohol, playing the harmonica and having a positive outlook in life. 

Not many of us will be given such a loooong…long life like that of Lola Isca. As Psalm 90:10 declares: Seventy is the sum of our years, or eighty, if we are strong; most of them are toil and sorrow; they pass quickly, and we are gone.” Imagine, to have reached seventy years old is already considered a blessing! To put things more into perspective,  many people have died unexpectedly because of the pandemic. The reality of death has never been so apparent for most of us than during this time. 

When we are in relatively good health, we do not seriously consider the need to prepare for our definitive encounter with the Lord. However, with the onslaught of this health crisis, we are suddenly forced to respond to this persistent and urgent call of the Gospel to a life of vigilance and preparedness. 

A friend told me how scared she was listening to the apocalyptic readings at mass last week. The thought of our end and the world’s end is indeed a tragic thought. Many are scared these days as they consider the signs of our times. This need for readiness is not a reason to be anxious nor to be afraid. Rather, we should be prepared at all times because the Lord said he would come at the most unexpected hour. The Gospel proposes a very different ending as Jesus enjoins His followers that “when these signs begin to happen, they are to stand erect and raise their heads because their redemption is at hand.” (Luke 21:28) The true essence of the Gospel’s invitation to us followers of Christ then is not of fear, but of courage and of faith in our God. In the KDrama, Hometown Cha Cha Cha, Mrs. Kim Gam Ri advises Hong Doo Shik: “Life seems to be very long, but after living it, you will realize how short it is. Get rid of superfluous thoughts and live true to yourself”.  So, it really isn’t about whether we live as long as Lola Isca. 

One Bible commentator said, “It is not about getting ready, but about living ready.” The only solution is to be ready here and now and leave the future to take care of itself. In other words what matters is the present. The prepared person lives constantly in the present and seeks to please God there. A life so lived in the present takes care of itself in the now and in its future. The simple daily choices to do good, such as making a real effort to be patient with an ailing parent, checking one’s self before erupting in a fit of anger and frustration, and offering a helping hand to those struggling around us — these are the practical ways by which we remain vigilant and prepared.  These are ways by which we will be able to “stand erect” before the Lord at the end. St. Paul advises the Thessalonians, anxious of the Lord’s return, to keep it simple and allow God to “make them increase and abound in love for one another and for all” and “strengthen their hearts in holiness.” (1 Thessalonians 12-13)

So, while we wait for the Lord’s return, the best preparation is to live fully every moment.  (He lived a full life! This is what we usually hear people say at wakes and funerals.) We have to simply do what is expected of us: to care for our family, to be fair in our relationships and just in our work places. Try to be prayerful, to be true and faithful to God in all our ways.  Believe that in our fidelity to the smallest acts of goodness will eventually create a habit and an attitude of vigilance! Without you knowing it, you would have managed to ready yourself for the Lord’s return, whenever that may be. We do not know the hour nor the day, so Jesus urges all of us to be prepared, be vigilant and to stay awake. Live in the presence of the Lord at all times, and be ready to meet the Master at any given time with a clear conscience. 

Today, I pray for you, as Paul prayed for the Thessalonians — “May the Lord make [us] increase and abound in love for one another and for all,… so as to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His holy ones. Amen.”  (1 Thessalonians 12-13) Let us pray for ourselves and ask for the grace to be guided by God and the timelessness of His wisdom. As the psalmist in Psalm 90:12 says, “Lord, teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.”

HOMILY:  Solemnity of Christ the King

John 18: 33-37

21 November 2021

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

What is it to have a king? For all of us, here, we have only come to know a President as head of state.  Although we were technically under the Spanish crown for 333 years, it was the Governor General who acted as the Chief Executive of our country. Unlike our neighbouring Southeast Asian nations like Brunei, Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia we don’t know what it is like to be subjects of a king. There are almost 200 countries in the world and only 44 are monarchies.  

To a certain extent, stories we are told as kids created in us a fascination for royalty. My nephews and nieces grew up charmed by stories of Disney princesses, kings and queens clad in jewels and luxurious robes, who were benevolent rulers of their kingdoms. In the 80’s, the life of Britain and Monaco’s royals drew attention to their exploits — both their scandals and their wasteful extravagance. It certainly made for interesting TV hence the success of the award-winning series The Crown on Netflix.  (Silang mga walang kasing yaman, na nababalitang alibugho at napapariwara. Subalit minamahal, pinahahalagahan at nirerespeto.) My former parishioner in London who died recently (God bless her soul!) respected and honored the royals a great deal that she would offer masses and prayers for them. In Thailand, you can’t even speak ill of the King or you face severe punishment. 

Today, is the Solemnity of Christ the King. This feast was instituted by Pope Pius XI, through the encyclical “Quas primas” as a response to the rise in nationalism and secularism observed in societies in the aftermath of World War I.  Perhaps for us, it is an image of Jesus that is the most difficult to identify with. We are drawn to the image of the Christ child at Christmas that led to our devotion to the Sto. Niño. It reflects how we see ourselves as children, dependent on God the Father. We are drawn to the image of a suffering Jesus, in the Nazareno, and the crucified Christ.  These images reflect our own sufferings and pain due to troubles in life. It is more difficult to relate to Jesus in a crown and kingly robes when we cannot yet perceive His kingdom and we can barely feel His exercise of authority and leadership in the world we live in. 

In today’s gospel, Jesus says, “My kingdom is not of this world.”  (John 18:36) Fans of Game of Thrones will understand that kingdoms of this world are constantly riddled with strife — internally or among one another, where ambition and a lust for power leads to treachery and death. Jesus’ kingdom, on the other hand, as the Bible tells us, is a realm of life where truth, justice and peace reign for eternity. Clearly, it is unlike any kingdom that has ever existed in the world to date. And it is something, no person on earth has yet experienced. Moreover, when we look at all the suffering in the world brought about by poverty, disease, violence, selfishness and greed, we can’t help but wonder why Jesus, the King of the universe, rules with such restraint and allows all these awful things to happen to His subjects. We find it hard to identify with Jesus Christ as King because we live in a world where Jesus does not openly wield His power to vanquish the evils that plague His people. 

In the Book of Revelation, we are told that the Kingship of Jesus comes into fullness at the end of time. It is when He returns that He shall present Himself in His true glory to exercise His Kingship, conquer the final battle and save His people. It is something we look forward to in faith. As his subjects, we devote our lives to preparing ourselves for His return, by striving to be good Christians. By our endeavours and interactions with others, we also prepare the world for His second coming in the same way Isaiah prepared the world for His incarnation — we prepare the way for the Lord making straight the paths, filling in the valleys, levelling the mountains. 

In today’s gospel passage, Jesus speaks of His Kingship as one that is purposeful — “for this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth” (John 18:37). In obedience to God the Father, His priority is to build up God’s Kingdom in the hearts and minds of the people by His ministry and the integrity of His life.  He does not boast of His might, His heavenly armies or the riches He possesses. He is a King faithful to His mission to bare the truth even at the cost of His own life. His Kingship is one that sacrifices for the love of His subjects. He submitted Himself to “being handed over to suffering and death” for our sake.  

If Jesus Christ is our King, we, as His subjects are also called to fidelity to the truth of His words and teachings. We are called upon to live it out with compelling conviction in the choices we make and how we live our lives. Like Pilate there are occasions by which we find ourselves caught between a rock and a hard place wherein we are made to choose between what someone else wants us to do and what we know in our conscience is the right thing to do.  (Kumbaga, naiipit tayo sa nag-u-umpugang bato.) One daughter working for the family business was instructed by her father not to declare the correct taxes to save the company some money. May nakaka-relate ba? We may think the choice to be simple but it is not easy for her to disappoint her family. At present, teens succumb to peer pressure to do things contrary to their Catholic conviction to avoid being ostracised, bullied or cancelled on social media.  Many of us, Catholics these days are hesitant to openly express our beliefs for fear of being bashed, or harassed online. It is no surprise then that there is great temptation for some people to compromise the truth because of these external pressures. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen said “The refusal to take sides on great moral issues is itself a decision. It is a silent acquiescence to evil. The tragedy of our time is that those who still believe in honesty lack fire and conviction, while those who believe in dishonesty are full of passionate conviction.” 

When we celebrate “Christ, the King”, we give Him honour by consciously choosing to live by His example. We are called to be faithful witnesses to God’s truth in our world today. Let us make Christ as the norm of our daily living for in this way we ally ourselves with the King of kings and Lord of lords. We assume our duty as His subjects to prepare the world for His glorious return.

HOMILY: Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mark 13:24-32

14 November 2021 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

I saw this witty tweet last night as I was preparing this homily. Let me share it with you… When the Israelites saw Goliath, they said, “He’s so big, we’re doomed.” When David saw Goliath he said, “He’s too big, I can’t miss.” This brings out a very important lesson in dealing with the many challenges we have to face in life. Our experience tells us that when we know what we are up against, we definitely find ourselves in a better position to deal with it and to triumph over any adversity.  

If you think about it, Goliath could very well represent everything that we dread in life that proves to be a formidable foe in our struggle to be good Christians. In the gospel, this points to the end times — an era characterised by days of tribulation and cosmic disorder of great scope and intensity. We are afraid to talk about our own end, more so the total annihilation of the created world. “In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” (Mark 13:24-25) This same phenomenon is to take place, according to the prophecy of Daniel to occur before the birth of the new age of fulfilment. These horrific events are indeed bound to occur, as affirmed by Jesus Himself in a bold statement on the reliability of His words. “Heaven and earth, the world as it is known, will pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Mark 13:31)

Apocalyptic literature uses exaggerated imagery to emphasise the seriousness of the situation. This should not generate fear in us but rather instill David’s vigilance such that he does not miss the giant on his way and David’s readiness to face the Goliaths all throughout our faith lives.  We have no reason to mistrust the very words of Jesus. What is bound to happen is going to happen.  But the fact that Jesus has given us a heads up means we have the advantage, if we choose to use it. Since we know that these things are bound to take place, we have the opportunity to prepare for what is to come. (Alam na natin ang darating so pwede tayong mag-prepare.) I would like to believe that Jesus telling us, warning us about all these cataclysmic happenings is His way of helping us survive this crisis. Jesus most definitely wants us to succeed!!! Jesus wants us to be with Him forever in heaven so how can He want us to fail?  

A number of devotees here in St. Pio’s Shrine approach me after mass to be blessed or have their pens and pencils blessed before a board exam. Aside from prayers, we know that one has to study hard for an exam.  Preparation is key to lessening our fears and anxieties. When we take an exam, pag handa ka, di ka masyadong kabado. Pag di ka nag-aral o nag-cram ka, pagpapawisan ka talaga ng malamig. Hence, the message of the gospel is quite clear… “Be prepared! At all times be prepared for the coming tribulation; be prepared for the coming of the Son of Man. Be prepared!” Because we do not know the time when all these will come to pass.  By His life and His teachings, Jesus gives us tips and reviewers that will help us face the struggles we must endure. He has shown us what we must do so we need not fear the apocalypse. 

I think the most comforting idea of all is that we are lucky to have an ally who is formidable and way stronger than all the adversities we have to face in life. May malakas tayong kakampi. Jesus is in our corner! As St. Paul says: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) Jesus is rooting for us, always ready to help when we need Him.  It is up to us to call upon Him and allow Him to be part of our life as our guide, our friend, and our King.  Dapat lang talaga tawagin natin Siya.  It is not in God’s nature to force us to love Him or accept Him.  The invitation is always open, but we have to respond to it. 

Lastly, to live as Christians is to live in hope. All the readings state that good will eventually prevail over evil. In the last days the angelic warrior, Michael will rise up against all of God’s enemies.  Let us be inspired by the vision we are given in the epistle — of Christ seated triumphantly at the right hand of the Father with His enemies under His feet. Be strengthened by the gospel passage stating that “the Son of Man comes in the clouds with great power and glory”. These two images are apocalyptic; yet each of them invites us to be faithful, to trust and to remain hopeful because it speaks of no other than Jesus who continually tells us He loves us. If we strive to always be connected to Him, and to live in His love, how can that be a truly fearful sight? Would you not want to see your beloved approach?   

Let us not sugarcoat today’s gospel. And let’s not avoid the issue.  The time will come when God will build up His kingdom on earth. Before then, we shall find ourselves in constant battle with evil either within ourselves and our very own darkness. We also have to face up to our everyday temptations, or some disturbing major events such as socio-political upheavals and unrests. Even though at times it feels like evil is winning in the world, we have to persevere in the light of Jesus and simply trust that good will be able to triumph in the end. Should we be shaken or maybe concerned and worried about the dramatic turn of events that are occurring maybe at this very time in our lives or in some future time?   If we are faithful and true; if we are determined, why then should we be troubled, why should we be afraid? Let us just set our eyes and hearts on God and persevere.

HOMILY: Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Mark 12:38-44

7 November 2021

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA 

Why do you give? Do you give out of your excess? There is a famous person who gives her least favourite signature bags to friends because she knows she will hardly use them anyway. Is she truly being generous or simply making space in her closet for more expensive purchases? Do you give out of pity? When people mindlessly throw coins in the cup of a blind beggar, do they believe their spare change will remedy his hunger or are they simply trying to silence or avoid any feelings of guilt?  Would you be willing to give if the consequence would be your own inconvenience or suffering? 

I read the story of a taxi driver, known as Kuya Ariel. The pandemic has seriously affected the livelihood of taxi drivers because people aren’t keen to travel as much as before. Yet, he sacrifices what little earnings he makes by offering free rides for all medical frontliners.   Johannes, a nurse, was concerned when Ariel failed to start the taxi meter, thinking he was going to be kicked out of the cab for being a hospital worker. To his surprise Kuya Ariel pointed to his make shift sign that said “Basta frontliner, libre!”  Another nurse, Kate, was close to tears from exhaustion and hopelessness when she could barely get a ride home. By chance, she flagged down the cab of Kuya Ariel and his kind gesture, was a comfort to her, making her feel appreciated. Another passenger, Dr. Celito, was moved to tears as Kuya Ariel cheered him on before he alighted the vehicle. He said “Laban lang Doc. Hindi madali ang pinagdadaanan ninyong medical frontliners. Tandaan nyong may mga naniniwala at sumusuporta sa inyo.” 

Kung iiisipin natin di madali ang buhay ng mga taxi drivers ngayon. Dahil sa mga naging lockdown – halos walang biyahe. Kung meron man, matumal dahil takot din ang tao sa mga closed places. Pag nabawas na ang boundary at gas – kakarampot na ang naiiuuwi sa pamilya.

The generosity of Kuya Ariel parallels that of the graciousness of the widow of Zarephath in the First Reading and the widow in the gospel story. Although in dire straits, they both gave from what they had, without reservation. Kuya Ariel, was himself hard up in life, but he still gave of what he had— his time, his service, his kind words of encouragement, and the sacrifice of his profit for the day.  None of these were simply from his excess. His generosity was not motivated by a perception of inequality, where he had more and they had less. For sure the frontliners, are paid better than he is and because their expertise is in demand, doctors and nurses will not find themselves out of work.  Rather, his generosity came from a heart that is filled with compassion for one’s neighbour and empathy for those who are similarly suffering. More than anything, he wanted to lift their spirit by recognising their efforts and sacrifices. 

The widow of Zarephath gives Elijah the last meal intended for her and her son. Would you give your last meal to a poor stranger? A mother would sacrifice for the well-being of her child. Para sa isang ina, kahit ang isusubo niya na lang, kayang kaya niyang ibigay na lang sa anak niya. Pero kaya mo bang ibigay ang dapat sa anak mo para sa ikabubuti ng iba… para sa hindi ninyo kamag-anak? And yet that is exactly what widow did!  She and her son are perilously on the brink of starvation yet, she ungrudgingly offered what she had left to show the prophet a little hospitality. Do we not find it strange that Elijah found himself at the mercy of a widow — one of the poorest, most vulnerable, and least powerful members of the patriarchal society of their time? She who had the least to give, was asked to sacrifice what was within her capacity to give, for sheer compassion for another who was also suffering.  

Generosity does not require us to give beyond our means. Even those who have little but whose hearts are truly generous will find something to give from what they have. There are those who have so much and yet refuse to part with their gifts because it reduces their sense of security. Truly generous souls find their security in Jesus. They trust in God’s merciful providence and live in constant gratitude for God’s blessings in their lives, no matter how small.  Remember the story of PWD Romeo Menil?  Last year, he was featured in the news for having donated the alms he collected from begging on the streets to the victims of flooding in Marikina. 

They say, “There is no generosity unless there is cost.” The gospel widow gave but a few cents to the temple treasury but it was the equivalent of “her whole livelihood” and with it went whatever food or convenience or comfort she could afford to give herself.  Jesus says she gave the most because she gave all that she had compared to the rich folks who gave generously from their excess to be publicly acknowledged. When we drop our donation in the collection basket on Sundays, do we immediately scrounge around for the smallest bill in our purse or do we prepare our offering in accordance to our depth of gratitude for God’s blessings in our life? Do we give with a genuine desire to help support the Church? Would we consider volunteering our time, talent, or expertise to the Church or community?

Generosity does not expect a reward. We should not give for the adulation from others or because we expect something in return. Magdo-donate ka lang ba para iboto ka? Is it necessary to have your picture taken and posted on social media when you make a sizeable donation to charity or the community pantry? Do you feel bad when Fr. Steve forgets to mention your name when he acknowledges major donors for Christ The King’s outreach programs?  True acts of generosity are for God to reward. Sometimes, the reward is instantaneous like the widow of Zarephath whom we are told was never hungry for a year after that. Just to be clear, she did not receive a magic jar that mysteriously refilled itself with flour or a jug that miraculously refilled itself with oil (as it was depicted in the cartoon Superbook). Rather, by God’s mercy she benefitted from the generosity of others who never allowed her to be low on food supplies. Other times, like the widow in the temple, our generosity will go unnoticed and unrecognised by everyone except Jesus. And that should be enough. For God is always good to us and He can never be outdone in His generosity. Wala tayong maipagmamalaki sa Kanya. 

The two widows’ giving everything they had foreshadows the sacrificial giving of Jesus of Himself on the cross.  Through them we are challenged by the gospel not to shy away from the cost of discipleship. We pray that we may be more and more like Jesus who as St. Paul describes to the Corinthians as one “though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) Let us remember that regardless of who we are, where we are and what situation we are in, we can in our humble ways, reach out and help others. No pandemic nor quarantine can and should stop us from being kind and generous to those who are in need. May we have compassion to recognise the suffering of others and the courage to deny ourselves in order to help ease their burdens.

Homily: The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed 

2 November 2021 

Today, the commemoration of All Souls, we pray for all our departed loved ones.  In a special manner, we also pray for many people who have lost loved ones so suddenly during this pandemic. We remember those who had no chance to receive the sacraments before passing on to the next life. A friend tearfully recounted to me losing her husband recently to COVID 19. In her pain, she wanted to hear from me an assurance that her husband is all right in the next life despite not having had the Sacrament of the Sick before dying.  She is but one of many grieving people who continue to struggle with this question. Don’t you wonder what happens to those whose lives end abruptly leaving unfinished business such as broken relationships, wrongs never quite righted, conversations never completed? 

The Book of Wisdom sheds light and brings calm to all those whose hearts are disturbed and unsettled. “The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.” The passage presents a very consoling image that our beloved dead are safe and at peace in the embrace of the Almighty God. In the face of the untimely death of many of our loved ones these days, our faith assures us and comforts us that our loving God gives grace and mercy to those who have turned to Him; those who have uttered His name in faith, in hope. 

In the Second Reading, St. Paul’s letter to the Romans encourages us: “Are you unaware that we who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.” St. Paul reminds us of our fellowship with Christ our Saviour through our baptism. If we become followers of Christ in this life, then after our death we shall continue to live with Him in eternal life. It is for this reason that Holy Water is sprinkled as part of the funeral rite — to remind us of the consequence of our baptism. 

Finally, the gospel reading from St. John quotes the consoling words of Jesus. He says that the will of God is that everyone who sees and believes in Him is promised eternal life. He will raise everyone up on the last day to live with Him forever. Jesus is telling us that God the Father does not want to lose anyone of us who have been entrusted in His Son’s care. Thus, while we journey on this earthly pilgrimage Jesus is already taking good care of us and leading us to eternal life. Nothing is lost. In Jesus, all who open themselves to God’s saving grace are “saved” and they are brought into greater glory. 

As we remember family members and good friends who have gone before us, let us also say a special prayer for those who may not have anyone to remember them. It is a very doable act of mercy on our part. May we all be comforted that our Faithful Departed are in God’s loving hands.  May we be consoled and strengthened by God’s promise until we are fully reunited with Him and those whom we love.

Homily: Solemnity of All Saints

Matthew 5:1-12

1 November 2021

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Today is All Saints’ Day. It is a day for all the saints. But how does one become a saint? Who are those qualified to be a saint? 

We often think of sainthood as something that is beyond our grasp. We imagine saints to be those who have done everything right. They are very much unlike us who often falter and make a lot of mistakes, rendering the possibility of becoming like them highly unlikely. Di ba kadalasan ang katwiran natin kapag naubusan na tayo ng pasensya – “Hindi ako santo, no?”

However, the more we learn about them, the more we realize that they are no different from us. They, too were far from being perfect nor without sin.  They were fully human like you and me.  

Tama totoong tao sila – maraming kahinaan, maraming sablay, maraming pagkakamaling nagawa katulad natin. So kung parehas lang pala sila sa atin – e bakit sila kakaiba?

One thing… They have never forgotten who God is for them. They drew strength from God to persevere despite their trials. Sa gitna ng matinding pagsubok at pahirap na pinagdaaanan – kahalintulad sa mga pagsubok at mga paghihirap na atin ding kinakaharap sa ating mga buhay –  naging matatag ang kanilang pananalig na nandiyan ang Diyos  at hindi sila kailanman pababayaan.  Dito sila humugot ng lakas.

Brothers and sisters, these saints drew strength from God to persevere despite their trials.  Through it all, they remained steadfast and so “survived the time of great distress” (Revelation 7:14). Today as we remember all of these holy men and women, we celebrate their lives as examples of holiness and models for our imitation.

“While the church recognizes through the processes of beatification and canonization “exemplary imitations of Christ,” Pope Francis urges believers “to be spurred on (incited and encouraged) by the signs of holiness that the Lord shows through the humblest members of God’s people.” The Holy Father refers to them as “the saints next-door.” (Gaudete et Exsultate #8)

If you have noticed those beatified and canonized these days are mostly lay people, and quite a good number of them are young people. Aside from the millennial Blessed Carlo Acutis, another 22-year-old woman medical student, Sandra Sabattini was recently beatified for devoting her (short) life to helping the poor and disabled before she was killed by a passing car in 1984. She wrote three days before the accident: “It’s not mine, this life that is developing, that is beating by a regular breath that is not mine, that is enlivened by a peaceful day that is not mine. There is nothing in this world that is yours. Realize, Sandra! It is all a gift on which the ‘Giver’ can intervene when and how he wants. Take care of the gift given to you, make it more beautiful and fuller…”

Holiness is within reach. Ang kabanalan ay abot-kamay. Holiness is not beyond our grasp. Sa ating binyag, tayo ay naging mga santo na, bilang mga anak ng Diyos. So, says St. John, “We are God’s children now.” (1 John 3:2) The very nature of our Christianity challenges us to live our life in a way that embodies our identity as God’s children. Each one of us is called to holiness. That is why if we look around us, we come to realise that we are surrounded by what the Letter to the Hebrews refers to as a great “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1).

Lahat tayo ay inaanyayahang maging banal, maging santo, maging tunay na anak ng Diyos. The Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium states that “all the faithful of Christ of whatever rank or status, are called to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of charity” (Lumen Gentium Chapter V #40). We are all invited to live up to our destiny as children of God. We are all “called to be saints”. (1 Cor 1:2)

Today’s celebration of All Saints’ Day is a challenge for us to be “imitators” of all these holy men and women renowned as saints in heaven. May we be numbered among God’s holy ones forever praising and thanking the good Lord as citizens of the eternal homeland!

HOMILY: Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (B) 

Mark 12:28-34

31 October 2021 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Although usually there are designated communities for the retired religious of the congregation in every country, our Assumption communities are always a mix of both old and young religious living together. This is to provide a healthy balance of wisdom and vitality in community life. It may not always be easy but it could be enriching at the same time. I lived with a few older religious priests when I was assigned in London. I enjoyed having them around because I learned a lot from them. I just needed to be very mindful though with what I say about them because they could be very sensitive at times. Our Superior in London used to warn us that the older brothers appeared to have hearing problems concerning most community matters but once they were the topic of conversation, they seemed to hear everything being said.  

The injunction “to hear” is found in both the passage from Deuteronomy and the gospel passage from Mark. Translated as “Shema” in Hebrew, this word begins the most significant prayer of the Israelite religion. We note that the whole Shema prayer is spoken daily in the Jewish tradition: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)This is a sort of reminder for them of what their priority is as God’s Chosen People. 

Sa Pilipino tila isa lang ang kataga para sa “hear” at “listen”. Pero sa Bibliya malinaw na ang “makinig” ay higit sa pagdinig sa pamamagitan ng tenga, kundi isang pakikinig sa pamamagitan ng isip at puso.

I have read that as is the case with all senses, hearing is an ability that is most intimate. “The ear catches the sound and carries it into the very core of the person. Hence, openness to sound carries the symbolic meaning of openness to God.” Ang pakikinig ay nangangahulugan din ng pagiging bukas sa pagtanggap sa utos ng Diyos. 

There are quite a good number of other Bible verses containing the invitation to hear God’s Word as well as to act upon what was heard. In today’s gospel passage, Jesus compliments the scribe who questioned Him about the greatest commandment for hearing Him accurately. “And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” (Mark 12:34) This is quite a compliment because in humanity’s relationship with God, there has always been a struggle to hear and heed God’s message. The Israelites who first heard the Word of God did not immediately follow God’s commands. It took some time for them to truly understand God’s message for them. This is because of their hard-heartedness and hard-headedness.  

In our own faith journey, we also struggle to hear and to obey God’s will in our lives. Sa panahon natin, struggle pa rin ang making at sumunod sa kalooban ng Diyos. Matigas din ang ating ulo. Matigas ang ating mga puso. We do not give our full hearts to the Lord’s commands. As Christians, we must hear God out. We must be attentive to God and His invitation to a change of heart. Hearing God’s Word is a prerequisite to achieving a change of heart. We need to strive to hear God’s Word first, be attentive to it in order for us to listen to and act on it.

Very few seem to really endeavour to hear, and to listen to what is being put across … to what is being conveyed and shared these days. Just try reading through the comments of people in social media and there you would be amazed at some people’s lack of proper perspective and context in issues they try to share their opinions with. Basta lang maka-comment. Basta lang maka-react. Di naman alam ang buong kwento at kung ano talaga ang totoo. 

A mother of teenagers shared how offended she gets at times when her children critically fact-checks her responses to their questions. Not only do they seem to trust the internet more than their mother but also the opinions of other people from whom they get their desired validation. This is quite alarming knowing that public opinion and information online can be very unreliable and oftentimes misleading. As a result, many of our children these days are deemed misguided because they would rather believe online resources or influencers more than they would would listen to the wisdom of their parents. Some end up not knowing what they really want because they are easily swayed by what they gather online. Di nakikinig sa mga magulang o sa payo ng mga nakatatanda; di naniniwala sa mga credible media outlets pero paniwalang-paniwala sa Tiktok, Youtube, FB Videos, etc.

Jesus is telling us that it is only in hearing God’s Word that we would find ourselves empowered and inspired by the Spirit to act on it and make it alive and true in our lives. We have Jesus himself as our model of attentively hearing and obeying God’s will. Si Hesus man ay mataimtim na nakinig sa kanyang Ama. Jesus regularly left the crowds and went off alone to draw guidance and strength from the Father through prayer. It was in those moments of communion with the Father, of listening to the Father that He was able to draw strength and courage in fulfilling His mission.

Let us pray then for the grace that we will be most attentive to God’s Word. May we have ears and hearts that truly heed God’s Word in all our choices and actions in life and may we let it take root within us and allow it to bear good fruit.

Homily: Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Mark 10:46-52

24 October 2021

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA 

I have a friend who is a shopaholic. She loves to walk around the malls and hunt for great deals. When there is a mall wide sale, she spends hours buying all sorts of things she fancies and insists she needs but when she gets home, she tends to have buyer’s remorse.  You’d think this pandemic would have slowed her down but no. She is now into online shopping. (Palaging tumutunog ang doorbell nila dahil sa delivery.) However, she behaves differently when she really wants something. When she is buying something she really wants, she will patiently search for that item until she finds it. She will spend hours combing through the shops in a mall, (now online), to look for it.   Pre-pandemic, her tired companions would chide her to get the next best thing but she would rather come home empty handed than purchase a substitute. When she knows what she wants, she will patiently save up for the item, no matter how expensive, wait for the opportunity to purchase it and will settle for no less. 

In the gospel this Sunday, we encounter Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, sitting at the side of the road as Jesus makes His way to Jerusalem.  He is ecstatic when he senses Jesus is nearby. He calls out to Him persistently, making such a racket that Jesus stops and asks him what he wanted. “What do you want me to do for you?” We recall a similar question asked by Jesus in relation to the request of James and John in last Sunday’s gospel passage. Bartimaeus asks Jesus for the gift of eyesight. “Master, I want to see.” (Mark 10:51) He does not flinch. He does not stutter. He does not take a moment to think it over. He knows exactly what he wanted from Jesus and he asks with full confidence and boldness.  The crowd rebuked him but Bartimaeus continued to call out to Jesus for healing. In his determination, he was not put off easily by those who wanted to silence him and his persistence was rewarded. 

There are three things we ought to learn from this story. First — know what you want. Second — be persistent.  Third — trust in God’s providence. 

Bartimaeus was blind and he knew that he wanted to see more than anything else. He wanted to be whole again! In those days, beggars would spread out their cloaks so they would be able to collect alms. We are told that Bartimaeus threw the only possession he had aside in order to respond to the call of Jesus. He approaches Jesus with nothing, leaving behind the alms he collected for the opportunity to ask what he wanted from the man who could give it.  Do you know what you would ask for if Jesus also asked you what you really want? Oftentimes, we want so much, not knowing if these are what we need or if it will be good for us. We even pray for the wrong things and wonder why God does not grant what we ask for. We tend to be overwhelmed by what the material world can offer — riches, fame and power, that we tend to lose sight of what is essential. It is by living mindfully and taking time to reflect on our life that we can determine what it is we really need. Know what you want. 

Second, be persistent. Bartimaeus’ resolve represents our tenacity to pursue what we want even in the face of opposition. Bartimaeus would not have received what he wanted if he simply gave in to the crowd’s pressure and stopped calling out on Jesus. Often when we pray, we expect an immediate answer and we grumble and get discouraged when God doesn’t seem to be listening. The key is to be persistent. Jesus, Himself, says, ask, seek, knock. (Matthew 7:7) He doesn’t say do it just once. In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul reminds us to pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18) 

Finally, the passage teaches us to trust in God’s providence. Bartimaeus had faith that Jesus could heal him, so he asks boldly and believed that Jesus would be merciful to him. When you ask of Jesus, do you believe He can answer your prayer? Some of the faithful say that when they pray for something, they “claim it.” We must, however be prepared to wait patiently. Sometimes, our prayer will be granted in minutes, sometimes it takes a week, sometimes it will take years. God sees through space and time and he knows how everything in the universe interacts. His timing is always best. We have to trust in the Giver of the grace!

When Jesus asks us the question, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51), it is not on the same level as a waiter asking our order at a restaurant or a saleslady asking what we are buying. It is an opportunity we should never pass up. It is God asking! God, whose power is unfathomable, whose greatness is immeasureable and whose mercy is endless who asks of us what He can do for us. God’s love for us is so deep and personal that He opens the heavens to rain graces on us, even on those who reject Him. Let us know what we want. Let us ask Him persistently and be prepared to wait. Let us have faith in God’s providence and His love for us.

HOMILY: Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Mark 10:46-52

17 October 2021 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

I have a friend who hates losing an argument because she believes she is always right. Can you relate with that?  I’m sure, if I ask you, you could identify politicians who cannot accept their loss in an election because they believe they are the more worthy candidates. There are also eldest children (panganays) who think they are more deserving than the other siblings of the best portion of the inheritance by virtue of their birthright.  Fine. Sila na ang magaling; sila na ang matalino; sila na ang deserving. Do you count yourselves among them? What does it benefit us to prove we are better than others? Is that how God sees you and me? 

In the verses pertaining to today’s gospel passage from Mark, Jesus has just informed the disciples that their journey to Jerusalem would end with Him being tried and condemned to death and three days later raised from the dead. He forewarns them that he has to suffer and die so that he may rise again.  This was shocking news but even more surprising was the opportunism of James and John who had the audacity to ask for places of honour beside Jesus when He returns to Heaven. Jesus had just shared a frightening prediction and we can only imagine how this was received by the other disciples. James and John were quick to take advantage of their closeness to Jesus and thought themselves worthy of positions of power over the other disciples. If we were Jesus, we would have likely lashed out at the two brothers for their self-serving request. In fact, we are told that the other ten (10) became indignant because of the brazenness of the two. Were they really angry at the request or were they angry because the brothers had beaten them to asking this of Jesus?  (Parang naunahan sila; naisahan sila.) 

Today’s passage shows how flawed the disciples of Jesus were. However, there is no reprimand from Jesus, He merely tells them it is not for Him to decide. Jesus is so patient and forgiving with His disciples: not just with James and John, but also with the others who have their own share of flaws. Each time they misunderstand what Jesus is telling them, Jesus would take time out to address their lack of understanding. Jesus would set them straight as to what it entails for them to be His disciples and that is to have a heart for service.  They are to serve the needs of others. They are to be servants. And they are to exercise their authority by not lording it over others. A servant-leader does not “lord his/her authority over” but he/she stands under (understands) the other or others. Jesus does not call them on those things; He gives them the chance to act differently. 

We have always thought that these instructions of Jesus on servant-leadership only apply to those of us who hold any civic or church leadership positions. I believe this applies to all of us Christians! We are invited by the gospel to examine ourselves and acknowledge the subtle ways we place ourselves above others, thinking we are better, smarter, more important than these other people are. Indeed, the tendency toward self-promotion is part of our human nature. (Ayaw natin maungusan! Dapat lagi tayo ang star!)  I remember hearing complaints about some security guards of the villages.  Some act with such arrogance and smugness while controlling traffic through gates.  They strut around like generals because they have a pistol on their hip and bear the title of supervisor. Does one’s job title really give one the right to treat others with disrespect? In politics, another hot topic these days, we see and hear mudslinging, character assassination and the spread of false and misleading information, just to get ahead of the other candidates. 

On social media there is also evidence of many lording things over. We have those who are using a lot of inappropriate language and calling others names just to win an argument. Recently, TV Host Bianca Gonzalez expressed worry over insults and rude comments which she said are now being “normalized” in social media. “Nakakabahala na “normal” na sa ilang tao yung nagco-comment ng “bobo” or “tanga” or “gago” at lalo na kapag chineck mo ang profile nila at magulang pala siya ng maliit pang bata o di kaya may Bible verse ang bio. We all want the best possible future, so sana wag ganyan?” She has articulated a very important factor — we must be mindful of how we conduct ourselves because we need to be good examples to the younger generation. We have to hold ourselves to higher standards so they will learn to value humility, decency and tolerance. 

To rise above our tendency to “lord it over” others is not impossible. One time I was watching a session in the parliament where I saw UK’s former Prime Minister Theresa May and her bitter-rival, the Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn engaged in a heated argument on the floor. Then both were seen cordial in a state event which they both attended together soon after the debates. I was impressed because they could be ruthless on the floor but managed to keep the discourse at the level of issues. No resorting to ad hominem arguments or attacking the person’s character or motives rather than addressing the issue at hand.  Today, I read a tweet that quoted one of the presidentiables for 2022. It said, “Mahirap magpigil na pumatol (sa batikos). Madaling makipag-debate, mas radikal ang magmahal. (Ang maunawaan) na hindi sila ang kalaban, kundi sila ang pinaglalaban natin.”  Such depth of understanding and broadmindedness! (Sana all.)

Like the disciples, we have much to learn as followers of Jesus. We thank the Lord for also being patient with us and how He continuously gives us the chance to cultivate attitudes that conform to our Christian ideals.  Jesus loves us despite our insensitivity, our self-centredness… our weaknesses. May we always be grateful for Jesus’ merciful love for us by humbling ourselves and being compassionate to others. May we learn to extend this same patient love and understanding He accorded us in the service of others.