Sunday Gospel Reflections

HOMILY: Fifth Sunday of Lent

John 8:1-11

3 April 2022

F. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

I know of this woman in her late fifties who got her first smart phone in the late 2019. Over the pandemic, she struggled to learn how to use it. She managed to join messenger chat groups and navigate her FB account on her phone browser. Dati, na-access lang niya ang FB niya pag nakikigamit siya ng computer ng kapatid niya. Ngayong madalas na siyang nakakapag-FB, namamangha sya sa mga posts na nababasa niya at pinaniniwalaan niya ang LAHAT ng ito. Hindi pa buo sa isip niya ang konsepto ng fake news. The worst part is she loves to SHARE and pass around what she finds interesting even if the information is not true. Dahil mas bata siya, tiwala ang mga lola friends niya na matalino siya at mulat sa mga kaganapan.  Kaya kahit anong ipasa nyang basura at kasinungalingan, pinaniniwalaan ito ng mga lola. Hangga’t walang nagpapatunay na mali siya, pinaninindigan pa niya at ipinaglalaban ang mga “shine-share”o “pino-post” niya. Nakakatawang, nakakaawang, nakakainis…

May kaibigan o kakilala ka bang ganyan? I’m sure. Naglipana ang Marites (Mare ito ang latest), Marietta (Mare, ito pa), Marisol (Mareng nanunulsol), Marissa (Mare, isa pa), Maricon (Mare, confirmed), Marichu (Mareng echusera), etc.  Pasintabi sa mga kapangalan ng mga ito. Hindi rin totoo na pawang babae lang ang ganyan. May mga lalaki din na nuknukan ng tsismoso. Yan ang realidad sa ating lipunan. Isn’t it true that we allow ourselves to be misled by gossip, lies and half-truths? We have to be very careful about what we believe in social media especially during this election period where trolls are paid to spread disinformation and to engage people into fighting and arguing online. They love to sensationalize things to suit their agenda. It is nothing new though, because as we hear in today’s gospel, it also happened in Jesus’ time!

In today’s Gospel passage, a group of scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in the very act of adultery. Hoping to get Him to react in a way that would entrap him. They wanted Jesus to contradict His teachings and try to get Him to publicly disregard the Jewish laws. I recall one of my professors saying that “If she was caught in the very act of adultery, why did they not bring in her partner as well?” That’s a genuinely valid question. Both were guilty of the act and under the Jewish law both of them are supposed to be stoned. So, why was it only the woman who was brought in to be judged? Anyway, as the story progresses, we are told that instead of passing judgement on the woman, Jesus “bent down and wrote on the ground with His finger”. Many have speculated on this gesture of Jesus. Though it is not important what Jesus wrote on the ground, a Bible commentator sheds light on this well-known gesture. This very act of Jesus calls to mind Jeremiah’s denunciation of Israel’s infidelities and refusal to repent (Jer. 17:13). “O Lord, all who forsake You shall be put to shame; those who turn away from You shall be written in the earth, for they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living water.” In this sense, Jesus is trying to make them realise that nothing much had changed among them since Jeremiah’s time. They have been quick to pass judgment on others and yet they themselves have been unfaithful to God. Hence, Jesus challenges them: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)

In the Bible, Israel herself has been found to be in adulterous relationships with the foreign gods. Hosea is the prophet who speaks quite vividly of the covenant infidelity of the Israelites to the One True God. Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, the prophet also highlights God’s faithful response to the covenant He had made with His people by showing them mercy. Similarly in the gospel account, instead of sending the adulterous woman to death, Jesus sends her to life. Jesus gives her a new lease on life. But take note also that although Jesus does not condemn her, neither does He exonerate her. Jesus exhorts her to sin no more. 

The Gospel passage teaches us to be most mindful in arriving at conclusions and in making judgments. Sometimes, we are given information that normally we consider “nakakasakit ng ulo” or “nakakataas ng BP”. Before we react, it is best to take a breath and take a step back to assess whether it is true and if we are looking at the complete picture. These days there is so much fake news, spliced videos and altered photos, that we can no longer accept things at face value. The woman I mentioned in the beginning used to believe every video on social media and Viber until someone taught her about deepfakes and video splicing. However, she has yet to learn the difference between a legitimate video from a credible source and the heavily biased “fan-made spliced or narrated videos”. Apps like Photoshop can manipulate photographs, while MyHeritage can animate a still photograph, Reface and Zao can create deepfakes wherein the user can make super believeable fake videos of anyone saying whatever the user wants them to say.   These can be dangerous especially at this time when some in the government has undertaken the malicious blacklisting of anti-administration individuals. Nakakatakot kung magawan ka ng fake video tapos na redtag ka. Sana, maging mapanuri din ang ilang mga awtoridad bago sila mag-redtag. 

Sometimes, we cannot help make rash judgments about people and situations. We tend to overreact or make hasty conclusions without making an effort to fact check or learn the whole story. For instance, I saw this post many years ago with a prompt not to be quick in judging others. Pinakita sa post ang larawan ng isang napakabatang buntis sa kalsada. Karamihan ng nakakita sa picture, naisip na maaga siyang lumandi pero kung mabasa mo ang kwento niya, masaklap ang kapalaran niya dahil ipinagbubuntis niya ang bunga ng panggagahasa sa kanya. Marami pang example kung saan tayo ay mabilis na nagiging mapanghusga gaya ng lalaking tinaguriang nating “baduy” na working student pala at walang pambili ng bagong damit, o yung estudyanteng pinagkakamalang “bulakbol” dahil laging absent, yun pala wala lang siyang pambaon at pamasahe. O kaya yung tindera sa palengke na binarat-barat mo para sa isang kilong gulay at sinabihan mong madamot, samantalang dose kilometro pala ang nilalakad papuntang palengke para makatipid sa pamasahe at may maiuwi pang kita sa panghapunan ng pamilya. 

We live in unusual times where we have access to a wealth of information online and the speed of communication has improved tremendously. If we are not careful, we can be agents of spreading lies and destroyers of innocent people’s reputations. Sometimes we arrogantly believe we know enough or that we are always right. The truth is, we have no right to judge others because most of the time we do not have the complete story. Let us learn to suspend our judgment before we can verify the circumstances surrounding the issue. We should be more like Christ who stands for the truth and who is welcoming and accepting of people regardless of their flaws and mistakes in life. He scrutinizes the heart, more than anything and reacts always with understanding and compassion.

HOMILY: Fourth Sunday of Lent

Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32

27 March 2022

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

One of the first impressions I have of the British is that they tend to say ‘sorry’ quite a lot. They apologise for almost any given situation, such as accidentally bumping into you in the tube, asking a stranger for the time, sneezing, feeling sorry for being late, etc. A friend said that because they tend to use the word ’sorry’ so often, the word’s meaning has changed over time. It is easier to blurt out for trivial things but harder to say when we know we have deeply hurt someone — and that is when it really matters. 

In the gospel parable, which we normally refer to as “The Parable of the Prodigal Son”, the younger son’s redeeming factor for all his misgivings is his willingness to humble himself and acknowledge his sins. Great indeed were his sins by asking for his share of the father’s inheritance. I have read that in the Middle Eastern culture the distribution of the inheritance is traditionally done when the parents are on their deathbed. Hence, the request of the younger son for his inheritance while the father is still alive was tantamount to him saying, “Dad, I wish you were dead already.”  The Father must have been offended but he gives in to his son because He loves Him. He does not send him away in anger, but rather the son voluntarily leaves his home with an arrogance that he can make it on his own or do even better away from his father. In the foolishness of his youth, he spends his sudden fortune in living a life of total debauchery and self-centred indulgence. “Nagpakasasa siya sa kanyang mga luho.” Eventually, he spent everything and was left with nothing. He was reduced to something utterly detestable for the Jews — living with pigs and even eating their leftovers, a situation that is awful in any culture. Coming to his senses, he swallows his pride, returns home and throws himself at the mercy of his father. He was so desperate that he was even willing to relinquish any filial claims and be treated as one of his father’s hired workers. 

The younger son gives us an example of how we can make the first steps towards reconciliation. On his part, the younger son had to admit his wrongdoing, to accept (or even to suggest) the punishment he deserves, and then eventually to seek out his father’s forgiveness.  Admittedly one of the hardest things we may ever have to do in life is to apologise for the bad things we have done or to say sorry to the people we have hurt. Reconciliation always starts with admitting you were wrong. That is often not easy either because we tend to be too self-absorbed, proud, or fearful of the consequences. Sometimes it takes something drastic to shake us back into our senses.  On the part of the erring son, it was the experience of hunger and the realization that he was now living with filthy animals. In my experience as a priest, I have met people who were humbled by a life-threatening affliction, tremendous failure in business, devastating heartbreak, or the loss of loved ones. These moments become moments of conversion for many. These become the turning point of one’s contrition, where they realize their own failings and seek reconciliation with God and the people they have hurt.

One of the most important ways, we Catholics experience and exercise the act of saying sorry is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance — Confession.  This is very timely because it is Lenten Season and this is the time we are asked to look at ourselves and see where we have failed God and our neighbour in the spirit of humbling ourselves before Him, in Jesus, who took on the ultimate punishment for man’s selfishness — death. He undergoes the most painful and humiliating death so we need not go through it anymore as long as we abide in Him. You might say, my sins are minor and they do not merit death so I do not need to make amends. However, let us be reminded that all sins have an effect on our body and spirit. When we are not at peace, or when we suppress guilt feelings, this tends to manifest as health concerns that could progress into something serious if unaddressed and untreated. Forgiveness not only repairs relationships, it also grants healing — of both body and spirit.

In his homily for the Feast of the Annunciation, Pope Francis encourages those who hesitate to approach the Lord in the Sacrament of Reconciliation: “Dear sister, dear brother, if your sins frighten you, if your past worries you, if your wounds do not heal, if your constant failings dishearten you and you seem to have lost hope, do not be afraid. God knows your weaknesses and is greater than your mistakes. He asks of you only one thing: that you not hold your frailties and sufferings inside. Bring them to Him, lay them before Him and, from being reasons for despair, they will become opportunities for resurrection. Do not be afraid!”

Pope Francis also wants us to realize that Confession is how we experience the mercy of the Father. In the same way that the father in today’s gospel welcomes back his wayward son, God too waits patiently for us.  Notice that the father in the gospel runs out to meet his son even if he is still a distance away. And he throws his arms around his boy even before he is finished with his apology speech. The transgressions of the son become irrelevant because he is simply overjoyed that his son is back and he can keep him safe.  The father humbles himself for a second time by going out to speak to his elder son who refused to come in and join them in their feasting. Pope Francis further emphasized in his homily that in confession… “It is not so much that we go to the Lord, but that He comes to us, to fill us with His grace, to fill us with His joy. Our confession gives the Father the joy of raising us up once more. It is not so much about our sins as about His forgiveness.”

We must never underestimate the power of God’s love and mercy for us His children. If we, human beings in our own frailty and brokenness find it in our hearts to forgive those we love, how much more for God, Our Father? One very popular modern saying is that “God is bigger than [our] sins.” It is true! There are no sins God cannot forgive if we return to Him and ask His pardon. Let us think of our worst, most embarrassing sin and know that God will still run to us and embrace us when we come to the confessional.  When I hear confessions, I try to communicate the love and mercy of God to the penitent. Even if I am shocked or horrified by the sin confessed, I remind myself, it is not I who forgives but it is God who forgives through me and there is no sin greater than His love. I myself, as a priest, value this sacrament. I make sure, I too confess my sins to a brother priest at least once a year or as often as needed. Even though I am a minister of the sacrament to the lay faithful, I also seek the forgiveness of God, my Father and desire to be in His grace.  I hope you avail yourselves of this grace and seek the Father’s forgiveness this Lent. (Magkita kita tayo sa Kumpisalang Bayan. Wag na nating hintayin ang Holy Thursday para mangumpisal. May dalawang linggo pa naman.)

On this Laetare Sunday, we rejoice at our God whom Jesus came to reveal as a loving and merciful Father. God has lovingly shared His life with us in Christ. Having been reconciled to God through Christ, let us go out and spread the good news of reconciliation everywhere. Let us be agents of reconciliation that guarantees new life for all our brothers and sisters.

HOMILY: Third Sunday of Lent

Luke 13:1-9

20 March 2022

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

“Madapa ka sana.” Have you ever wished that on someone who slighted you or hurt you?  Pag nadapa nga, ano ang susunod na sasabihin? “Buti nga sa iyo.” Hindi ba? Natutuwa ka pa kasi tila ang mundo ang nagparusa sa taong naturingan mong masama.  Pagmalalang-malala ang kasalanan sa yo, minsan nasasabi mo pang “Mamatay ka sana.”  Should it happen, would you be satisfied? Would you feel vindicated? 

For the Buddhists, they call it karma. Tipong binabalikan ng pangyayaring masama ang gumagawa ng masama sa kapwa. It is quite common for people to believe that certain misfortunes that strike people, especially those whom they do not like are “well deserved!” (Sa Tagalog slang kadalasang sinasabi ng ilan… “dasurb na dasurb”).  For those who believe in God, they believe it to be Divine Justice wherein God metes out an appropriate punishment on evildoers. In the Exodus story, God punishes the oppressive Egyptians by having an angel slay all their first born and drowning the Egyptian army in the Red Sea. In the story of Noah, he sends a flood that destroys the world that has become evil, saving only what remained on the ark. In the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, God rained fire from the sky to destroy the two cities where He could not find even 10 righteous people. 

Ok na sana, di ba? But the truth is, bad things don’t just happen to bad people. They happen to good people too. When thousands of people are killed or are rendered homeless as the result of some terrible natural disaster are we to read it as an act of punishment for those people? For what crimes are innocent children paying for with their lives as casualties of war? Does that mean God is cruel?  Some people turn away from God because they cannot reconcile the loving nature of God with one who would not prevent such things from happening to good people. A high-ranking government official in the sixties developed Parkinson’s in his old age. The eldest of his two sons idolised his dad so much for his kindness and brilliance. He could not accept that God would allow his father to suffer the indignities brought by the disease. When his father passed away due to multiple complications, his son completely abandoned his faith. Some parents who lose their children at infancy, also turn away from God. They cannot fathom why He would allow bad things to happen to good people and innocent children. 

It is however incorrect to blame God for these misfortunes in life. God is all good and whatever God creates is good. It follows then those human beings are inherently good. However, when people make bad choices with the gift of free will, goodness is distorted, destroyed and corrupted. When people choose to be inconsiderate and selfish, they make victims of others.  We can victimise others deliberately and sometimes, unknowingly, we become the scourge of others. When people give in to jealousy, pride and ambition they become blind and indifferent to the plight of others. We also experience this in corrupt societies that breed criminals, and force the needy to kill and steal for survival. Moreover, it is the people’s abuse of the environment that intensifies natural calamities. Illegal logging and indiscriminate throwing of garbage causes the worst flooding in lowlands and cities. Smoke coming from factories wantonly destroy the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. All of these are influenced by man through the centuries. When people choose to do evil, misfortune becomes the way of the world. 

In today’s Gospel Jesus refers to two violent incidents primarily to point out the inevitability of these kind occurrences in life. The two tragedies — the murder of the Galileans by Pilate and the death of the eighteen people in the tower at Siloam made people think that such bad things happened because they must NOT have been good people after all.  And so, they concluded that those who died must have deserved what they got. Let us remember that people back then thought that any misfortune was a punishment for sin. However, Jesus uses these events to reverse this rather perverted thinking. “But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” (Luke 13:3) Jesus warns His listeners of the suddenness of these tragedies and the possible unpreparedness of the victims. Jesus exhorts His listeners to repent lest they suffer the same fate. In the same light, St. Paul also warns the Corinthians in the Second Reading: “Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

This places a new perspective to the terrible events that are happening around us. We can accept them as a wake-up call that brings us to awareness that we are in need of salvation and are called to conversion. The second half of today’s gospel tells us of a landowner who planted a fig tree that did not produce fruit for three years.  Giving up on it, he tells the gardener to cut it down.  But the wise gardener knows that the tree simply needs cultivating and proper care.  He suggests, “I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilise it; it may bear fruit in the future.” (Luke 13:8) Through the parable Jesus demonstrates the mercy of God for us. God is willing to give us time and means to repent. Jesus urges His listeners to be reconciled with God before any misfortune strikes so that divine judgment does not accompany it. Repentance is a call for all so that if all turn to God and live in accordance with His will no one hurts another, no one is punished by another (whether deserved or not). God’s will is always meant to breed and propagate justice, peace, goodness and love.

Every Lenten season is a chance for us to reflect on how we have contributed to the suffering of others and how we can make amends. Today, Jesus tells us not to give up hope that we can be better. There is still time to cultivate our life and ensure we bear much fruit. God offers us His love, His care and His help. Let us open our hearts to God’s merciful love and become the fig tree that bears fruits, as proof of our repentance.

HOMILY: Second Sunday of Lent

Luke 9: 28-36

13 March 2022

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA 

I like coffee. When I eat a big meal, I always have a cup of coffee with some sugar. I can never drink pure black coffee. Others take their coffee in the morning and cannot seem to function without it. They are grumpy without their morning cup and if they skip it, become even more irritable throughout the day. Oddly enough, I don’t need coffee in the morning. I prefer hot chocolate or some tea. We all have our rituals and preferences because we are creatures of habit. We love to do the same things again and again. We eat the same food, watch the same TV shows. (The Broken Marriage Vow), etc. However, when we are content and satisfied with what is familiar, we tend to become quite resistant to change. Kung sanay ka nang magkape sa umaga, masisiyahan ka ba kung orange juice lang ang available? Change is often uncomfortable and change promises difficulties. We resist and refuse to succumb to it, but we know, change can be necessary for our growth and maturity. 

Today’s Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Lent is the story of the Transfiguration wherein, Peter, James and John get a glimpse of the glory of Jesus. Peter is depicted in the reading as someone who was tempted to remain on the mountain and to stay put: “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here…” (Luke 9:33) Transfiguration comes from the words “trans” meaning “beyond” this world and “figures”. This suggests that what Peter, James and John witnessed was something otherworldly! Peter was overwhelmed and in awe of what he witnessed that he wanted to prolong it and remain in that beautiful moment. That glimpse into the glory of Jesus was proof that He was of divine and powerful nature. Peter was okay to live on that mountain forever, safe from the uncertainties, trials, and difficulties they faced on a day-to-day basis.  Jesus knew this and discouraged him. Jesus knew that if they remained, He could not fulfill His mission. 

While Peter is eager to stay and get settled, the message of Jesus’ Transfiguration suggests a contrasting challenge to those who follow Him. The disciples realise that they cannot simply stay where it is safe and comfortable — they must go back down the mountain and be integrated into their society as changed men — better men, braver men, with a certitude that all that must come to pass, though difficult all will end for the glory of God.  Yes, brothers and sisters, when we have the experience of Jesus, we cannot simply sit back, stay put and be content with the status quo. The one who truly listens to Jesus’ words, the one who takes heed of Jesus’ teachings cannot just stay and remain the same. We are all challenged to go down the mountain of complacency in order to witness to others what we have heard from Jesus. Not all of us are asked to be preachers. Not all of us will have the chance to lead and inspire multitudes but we must all, in our capacity, live out the demands of that Holy Voice that directs us where to go… and what Jesus wants us to do. 

As followers of Jesus, our journey to our own transformation inside and out will never be an easy one. At times we may have to lose ourselves in the process of this self-transformation. There are those who grew up wealthy and comfortable but upon knowing Jesus, opted for a life of poverty and simplicity that they may care better for the needy around them. Some of them have already been rewarded with sainthood, like St. Francis of Assisi. On a larger scale, we are bound to encounter difficulties for standing up and being outright vocal in setting right what is wrong in our midst. Servant leaders who battle the norm of corruption in government are often the target of gossips, criticisms and intrigues.  Their integrity is questioned so it takes a lot out of them to hold fast to their principles and pursue their efforts to stop corrupt practices.  Indeed, transformation journeys can be quite painful and costly.  

The story of the Transfiguration of Jesus is meant to encourage us to hope for our own transformation (including those whom we feel are beyond redemption). It is intended to embolden us to be steadfast through all the many challenges brought about by the process of spiritual growth and maturity. It is designed to make us hopeful for the glory for which we are all destined as followers of Jesus. We read from Genesis today about Abram who is invited to look up at the stars and seeing them all is asked to believe that his descendants will be more numerous than all the stars in the sky.  Abram is also promised a great land to possess for him and his descendants. Both of these are signs of God’s abundant blessings, but Abram and his wife are too old to have a child and the prospect of having land seems remote. But Abram believed in God’s promises and God did not fail him. God will certainly not fail us either. We just have to place our hope and trust in Him. 

My contemporaries have all turned golden this year. Turning 50 heralds a decade of transitions, many of them involving physical changes. Ibang-iba na rin ang mga pinag-uusapan namin sa mga pagtitipon. The conversations I hear among our circle of friends centres on receding hairlines, more grey hairs, weaker eyesight, growing larger sideways (nowhere to go but sideways), maintenance medicines, wrinkles and body aches all over. There are obviously physical changes and these changes are natural. Eventually, we will become forgetful as we age, maybe even makulit. Who knows? So, there is no need to feel stressed about them. However, through these changes, we still find purpose to life, and with more knowledge and experience behind us, we continue to live out the mission God has given us through our professions, vocations, and status in life — whether, married, single, or in the religious life. 

Today we are reminded that we must strive to be brave and work hard to overcome our propensity to remain in our comfort zones. It is through the conversion of our hearts… or changes for the better that we can ensure we are on the right path to Jesus. It is our hope that this path will lead us to an eternal glory that is our destiny as beloved sons and daughters of God!

HOMILY: First Sunday of Lent

Luke 4:1-13

6 March 2022 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Each of us has experienced the lure of evil at some point in our lives. We have all been invited to turn our backs on God. That is to say that temptation is a universal human experience. It happens to both young and old, when least expected. Sometimes, we, ourselves tempt each other. Two friends were talking. One said I am giving up NETFLIX as my Lenten Sacrifice. The other replied in disbelief, “Really? That’s great!” Then she proceeded to enumerate all the interesting shows recently added to the streaming service. Her friend laughed and said, “Baka next week, bumigay na ko. Temptation ka eh! Andaming magandang papanoorin.” 

In the Gospel, we hear the familiar account of the temptation of Jesus. Jesus subjected Himself to be tempted by the devil. We know that he was faced with temptations of power, possessions and preponderancy. (the three P’s) We also take note that the text suggests that these temptations occurred in three different places: the wilderness, on a high mountain and on the parapet of the Temple in Jerusalem. One Bible commentary suggested that rather than considering them as three consecutive experiences happening almost simultaneously at a particular moment, perhaps they have to be seen as temptations with which Jesus was beset with throughout his public life.

These recurring temptations happening in Jesus’ lifetime are recounted in various gospel accounts. “[The other Pharisees) to test Him, were demanding of Him a sign from heaven.”  (Luke 11:16). “One of the criminals who was hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” (Luke 23:39). After feeding 5,000 hungry people with an abundance of food, “the people there said, ‘Surely this is the Prophet who was to come into the world!’ Jesus knew that they were about to come and seize him in order to make him king by force; so, he went off again to the hills by himself.” (John 6:14-15). These gospel accounts illustrate that the challenge to be faithful to the Father’s will was a continuing struggle for Jesus because being fully human, He, too, was tempted in every way. They would occur again and again at various stages in His life, right up to and especially at the most trying moments of His life on earth.  In His anguish in the Garden, Jesus cries out “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) How did Jesus overcome such temptation? Prayer! Jesus prays intensely.  “And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray…” (Luke 22:41) He even urges His disciples to pray… “Pray that you do not come into temptation.” (Luke 22:40) Furthermore, let us consider the final sentence of today’s Gospel, which says: “When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.” Luke 4:13) That strongly suggests that the battle against evil was not a one-time occurrence for Jesus. It took place over and over again at various stages in His life, right up to and especially at those last hours in the Garden of Gethsemane and as He was hanging on the Cross.   

If we look closely, the temptations of Jesus mirror those of the temptations of God’s Chosen People in the wilderness. They grumbled that they were left to die in the desert of hunger and thirst. What did they do? Israel made a golden calf and worshipped it. God’s people repeatedly tried and tested God and questioned the leaders God had appointed for them. Where God’s people failed in the wilderness, Jesus triumphed by remaining faithful to God. As one Bible commentator points out: “In His responses to the tempter, Jesus would constantly defer to the power of God: it is not by bread alone… worship God only… do not put God to the test.”  It was Jesus’ humility and confidence in God, His father, that helped Him resist the temptations.

In varying forms, we too are tempted, especially when we presume to be most in control of our own lives and believe to be strong enough to battle temptations without God. Those who have experienced the effects of the abuse of alcohol and other substances understand best the lure of temptation. They think they can control themselves and that they have the power to stay within their limits, only to end up endangering their lives by taking too much.  Sometimes, the immediate satisfaction of our whims makes us shun what is truly of value in our live — our good relationships, and the ideals of truth, honesty and integrity. At this election time, we are faced with all forms of temptations. Candidates are tempted to lie, cheat, and speak ill of their opponents. Voters are tempted to spread lies about candidates, sell their votes, and reject family and friends over differences in politics. One very subtle temptation is to believe that the devil is not going to tempt us. My friend jokingly said, “So pag hindi tayo kinukulit ni Taning, ibig sabihin ba ay napapasailalim na tayo sa kanyang kapangyarihan. O di kaya na discourage na siya kasi di siya pinapansin?” The devil, is relentless. He will continuously try to get us to turn our backs on God. He will try and deceive us into believing we can handle our lives without God. Our only defense is to draw closer to God in prayer and keep Him constantly at our side. 

Let us also be assured that we are not alone in this struggle. At the very beginning of the Gospel passage, we are assured that Jesus was not alone in the desert because He was filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave us that same Spirit before He returned to the Father. Let us call on the Holy Spirit to strengthen us and guide us in our struggle against evil.

HOMILY: Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Luke 6:39-45 

27 February 2022

Fr. Ricky C. Montanez, AA 

Twitter has elevated the scale of opinion. Yung mga mahilig mag-comment at magbigay ng opinyon sa anumang bagay ay namamayagpag sa Twitter. Opinion is a statement of a person’s feelings towards something. Ideally, everyone should respect everyone else’s opinion because we cannot be judged for how we feel. Yet twitter erupts in a lot of heated arguments and fierce word wars that it can make the platform really toxic. Nakakasama lang ng araw. It happens when people try to change each other’s minds and then start attacking each other’s person/character. Yun ang masaklap. People are so focused on proving the other wrong that they fail to gauge whether they are the one in error or that they need to stop themselves from digressing from character assassinating another. 

This Sunday’s gospel passage picks up from where we have left off in the past two Sunday gospel readings on Jesus’ teaching about the blessed life. This time Jesus points out our all too human tendency of judging the actions of others. If we are honest enough with ourselves, we will realise that we are indeed very quick to point out the failings of those around us. We seem to have a special set of eyes and ears for other people’s faults while we are quite blind and oblivious to our own. Pero kung gaano katalas ang ating paningin o pandinig sa pagkakamali ng iba, ganun naman tayo ka-bulag at bingi sa sarili nating kakulangan at kamalian. Ang mas malala, ay kapag ipinagtatanggol pa natin ito kahit ito’y naturingang baluktot na pag-iisip at pananaw sa buhay. We become defensive and are quick to hide our own failings by calling even greater attention to the faults of others… “eh bakit si ganito hinahayaang maging ganyan? … eh si ganyan mas masahol pa nga sakin…” etc. Tila gusto nating iba muna ang magbago kaysa sa tayo ang magbago. Maaaring dahil alam nating mahirap, o di kaya’y hindi tayo kumbinsido na tayo ang nagkakamali. 

There are three things I wish to propose that I hope you will consider — first, although we should not judge other people’s opinions, an opinion does not change the truth about something. What is wrong will always be wrong. Hindi porke’t sa aking pananaw honest ang aking kandidatong ipinaglalaban, eh matataguriang katotohanan na iyon para sa lahat. Maaaring may ebidensyang nagpapatunay sya ay sangkot sa katiwalian. Yun na ang katotohanan at di yun mababago o mabubura ng paghanga ko sa kanya.  It is to Jesus whom we look for guidance of everything that is good, of what is righteous and of what is authentic. If we are too liberal and too accepting of everything, we end up muddling and diminishing the truth.  Secondly, we should accept that our differing perceptions are formed because each and everyone of us is unique. Yes, we are people of different backgrounds, circumstances and life experiences. Maaaring ang platorma ng isang kandidato ay mas naaayon sa paniniwala at pagpapahalaga ng isang pamilya kaya sinusuportahan nila, samatalang ang pamilyang may ibang pinahahalagahan ay susuporta sa kandidatong mas nababagay sa kanilang ideolohiya. We are all different, and all equally flawed. No one is perfect. Even if we differ in opinion, we have to be understanding of each other’s idiosyncrasies. Iba iba ang ating pinanggagalingan at pinagdadaanan. Thirdly, Jesus asks each of us to stand up for the truth. We are not to judge people but rather advocate truth. In this light, it is perfectly acceptable to call someone out when they are being inappropriate, hasty or naive about certain situations.   Kailangan pa rin nating panindigan kung ano ang tama at ano ang mali. What is wrong will always be wrong. As followers of Jesus, we cannot find ourselves allied with what is evil and dishonest. 

Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel passage truly hit home. “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s (sister’s) eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” Jesus challenges us to stop faulting others. Instead, we are encouraged to try to do some self-examination and recognise our own shortcomings. From a practical perspective, we can only control how we think and act. We can’t always force our perception of propriety on others. We have a better chance of improving our own ways of behaving and treating others rather than bossing people around, getting them to comply with our idea of righteousness and basically telling them what they should do with their lives. Jesus wants us to honestly look at ourselves first.  Moreover, we should strive to do as we say. Twitter can give the speaker a sense of anonymity. So, they can say whatever they want without feeling pressured to manifest this in their life. They can hide behind their alias or Twitter handle and not put their personal reputations at stake. Taking after the model of Jesus, we Catholics should have integrity of speech. These days we struggle to take people at their word. In Hebrew they have the word DĀBĀR, which means both “word” and “deed”. It acknowledges that our words should match our actions. Syempre ayaw nating matawag na hipokrito kung saan iba ang sinasabi natin sa ginagawa natin. If we must call people out on what they are doing wrong, we can use constructive criticism, or points for improvement. This is usually done to help the other person improve on oneself. It is spoken in a kind, honest, and objective manner. Whereas, rash judgments of other people are usually spoken in their absence and are not meant to help them but rather to tear them down and discredit them in society. 

Remember, my three propositions to you — 1. opinion does not change truth. 2.  We have to respect people despite the differences in opinion. 3. We must always uphold the truth if we are true followers of Jesus. We pray therefore for God’s grace that we may discern what is true, that we will achieve a certain sense of our selves — an understanding of our individual brokenness — and how, as a people of faith, we can help each other heal and come into wholeness through Jesus. In so doing, we will not be rash at making judgements of other people and of their actions. We pray for the grace to be honest with ourselves, to recognise our failings, and to learn from the path of Jesus how we can be more like our one true Teacher. 

HOMILY: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Luke 6:27-38

20 February 2022 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

A friend posted on her Facebook Wall that the Covid 19 pandemic is officially over. Comment ako agad “Says who?” Turns out she was reacting to pics of mammoth crowds participating in nationwide campaign rallies of the various candidates. Politics is the hot topic these days. It has even overtaken Covid-related discussions in chat groups, the news, and posts on different social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Tiktok, Twitter and the like. Lahat ng uri ng propaganda, videos, ads tungkol sa mga kandidato ay makikita, mababasa at maririnig kung saan-saan. Usong-uso din ngayon ang bangayan sa social media at pagtatalo sa iba’t-ibang mga pag-uusap maski sa magkakaibigan o mga magkaka-anak. Sabi nga ng isang social media meme: “Want to convert friends into enemies these days? Try discussing politics…” 

Jesus’ teachings in today’s Gospel are among the most challenging to practice in our lives as Christians. Jesus challenges us that it is not enough to simply love those who love us nor is it enough to love even those who don’t love us. We are to go a step further by extending love to those who hate, curse and mistreat us! Jesus tells His disciples to love their enemies and to do good to those who hate them. He asks them to bless those who curse them, to turn the other cheek to those who strike them, and to let people take what belongs to them. Be merciful and forgiving, expect nothing, and “your reward will be great.” (Luke 6:27-31) This is a very difficult teaching indeed! This is one of the reasons Christianity is dismissed by so many. Is Jesus advocating passivity in the face of all manner of mistreatment? 

First of all, we need to underscore that Jesus’ words are addressed to those who have chosen to follow Him. Jesus begins His discourse with the following key words: “To you who hear, I say…”  It is not easy to adhere to what Jesus teaches. Madalas ito’y nababalutan ng hiwaga o misteryo. What Jesus asks His disciples usually goes against the ways of living that they have been used to. Only those who are willing to open their hearts and minds are able to tread His path of radical love. Jesus invites His disciples to love as God loves. This kind of loving mirrors God Himself “who is kind to both the ungrateful and the wicked.” (Luke 6:35) And Jesus further says… “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

Secondly, we must ask, who are my enemies? If we are not quarrelsome, violent nor involved in any illegal activity, we would most likely have no enemies. Does this make us exempt from the teaching of Jesus? No!!! Most likely, some of us might not have been mistreated nor persecuted but there are some persons whom we would be in conflict with or would have had some misunderstanding. There is your mother who would point out to you your poor choices. There is your neighbour who always reports you to the Baranggay for the slightest violation of the Baranggay ordinances. Then what about those whom we consider as “frenemies” or those we have a love-hate relationship? Of course, we have those who are supporting  other candidates than our own. Gaya ng nabanggit sa simula, maraming nag-aaway ngayon dahil sa pulitika. Madaming na-unfriend at na-uunfollow sa social media dahil sa pagsuporta sa pulitikong di ka naman personal na kilala at pinagmamalasakitan. Yung social distancing nakakalimutan na ng publiko kasi kampante na silang nabakunahan. Pero ibang social distancing naman ang nabubuo sa social media pag may nilalayuan tayo dahil iba ang kandidato nila.  In these instances, we are still asked to respond with love. We can differ in opinions, have misunderstandings with people, or strongly disagree with them but we must not wish them harm but instead continue to show them respect and treat them with humility and love. Kahit di mo na maubos maisip kung bakit, ganoon sila mag-isip, hindi pa rin tamang manghamak ng iba. Respeto pa rin. Pero huwag naman yung galit agad pag tinatanong lang kung bakit siya iboboto mo. Nagtatanong lang naman.

David is a good example of one who practices restraint in the passage from the First Book of Samuel. Saul was out to kill David, and so humanly speaking David would have been justified in killing Saul, if he chose to. No one could blame him. Parang self-defense lang. Kung tutuusin, madami nang kasalanan si King Saul kay David. Ginagawan ng ng kwento, pinag-iisipan ng masama, niloloko, at ngayon ay pinapapatay na siya. Nagkataon at mapapasailalim na sana sa kamay ni David si Haring Saul. However, David chose not to take advantage of the situation and spared Saul’s life. He believed that judgement is in God’s hands. For David, Saul was God’s anointed and is thus answerable to God alone. David says: “The Lord will reward each man for his justice and faithfulness.” (1 Samuel 26:23)

Para kay Hesus, walang kakaiba sa hinihingi Niya sa atin. Ganoon na Siya magmahal kaya patunay lang ito na hindi imposible ang Kanyang hiling. Jesus does not ask from us something which He Himself did not practice in His life. Jesus exemplified this self-sacrificing love when He laid down His very life for all of us. We call to mind one of the Seven Last Words of Jesus while He was hanging on the cross. In Luke’s crucifixion account, we are told that Jesus prays to the Father for His persecutors: “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). In this prayer, Jesus is telling us that we should pray for that which our enemies lack: an awareness and recognition of their fault.  Kung sakali mang, mayroon kang tunay na katunggali o kaaway, sabi ni Hesus, patawarin na lang. May pinagdaanan sila sa buhay na nagtulak sa kanilang pagkabulag na nagiging balakid sa pagiging makatao. Their blindness and ignorance often make them do things that hurt others. Maaring sabihin nyo na “Naku, Padre alam niya ginagawa niya. Nagbubulagbulagan lang yan.” Maaari, pero kadalasan ang di magandang pakikitungo sa kapwa ay bunga ng insecurity, kakulangan sa pang-unawa o pagkapoot sa sarili. To love as Jesus does means genuinely wanting the good, the well-being of the other person. Yes, we denounce the evil done but we need to pray for the conversion and for the healing of the perpetrator. We have to pray that they will have an open mind and an open heart so they will realise their fault, their misgivings, their shortcomings; be sorry for them and make serious amends. 

As a people who are very much a work in progress in terms of loving and living the Christian way of love, let us pray for generous hearts so that we may learn to love as God loves. In the concluding verse of today’s Second Reading, St. Paul assures us that we can attain such perfection in loving through the power of the risen Lord, whose image we all bear as Christians. Through God’s grace, let us continue to strive to heed Jesus’ tough instructions on loving others and pray even more for the grace in order to discover and to fall in love with God so that we can respond out of love even when we are not treated lovingly.

HOMILY: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Luke 6: 17, 20-26

13 February 2022

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA 

Do you have those moments when you come to mass and listen to the readings in the liturgy of the Word and you get a sudden flash of illumination?  Have you ever felt like the Word of God has simply spoken to you giving you a moment of clarity over something that has been weighing on you? I feel that way about today’s gospel especially because the campaign period officially began a few days ago. Let me explain. 

In the Gospel today, which is Luke’s version of what we have known as the Beatitudes, Jesus assures the poor, the hungry, the bereaved, the despised, the marginalised, and the maligned as those who will possess the Kingdom of God and its manifestations. “Blessed are you who are poor, the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh.” (Luke 6:20-21) All of these are promises of better things for those who are experiencing some tough times. They are promises of a brighter tomorrow. I don’t know about you but to me it sounds very similar to promises made by candidates running for the top positions of the executive and legislative branches of our government. All of them give us promises for a better future. Jesus, however, was not a political leader and we can be assured that He never makes an empty promise. How do we know this? It is because Jesus speaks the truth ALL the time. He can never contradict Himself. He cannot go against His nature for He IS the truth. 

Jesus tells us that this beautiful scenario of a just society all comes together in the Kingdom of God. In Matthew, He refers to it as the Kingdom of Heaven. Either way, the future tense in Jesus’ statements make it seem as though it is a distant reality that we can only come to grasp if we get to Heaven — where God is King and where He reigns supreme. I quote… “you WILL laugh…. you WILL be satisfied, etc”. Everything is in the future tense. This explains why we vaguely perceive ‘the Kingdom of God’ in terms of its future fulfilment.  We think of it as something that we all have yet to experience. Something far, far off in the distant future.  After all, heaven as we understand it, is a reward attained only in death — a condition we all hope comes for us later than sooner. No one here is in a rush, am I right? 

Does this mean that the poor in spirit, the hungry, the weeping, the persecuted etc, will never catch a break in this life? If we look at Luke’s Gospel, there are instances where Jesus explicitly speaks of God’s reign as already in our midst, in the here and now. Jesus tells the Pharisees: “For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.” (Luke 17:21) Are you confused? Don’t be. He is actually trying to invite everyone to look closely and see that the very proof of the Kingdom is standing right in front of them. He invites them to recognise that He is the embodiment of the presence of God among them. Jesus’ feeding of the hungry, healing of the sick, teaching with authority, freeing of those possessed by the evil spirits and showing compassion for the sinner and the outcasts are all very clear evidences that the reign of God is real and something to hope for.  Jesus, Himself, was the personified proof that He was telling the truth. People who witnessed His teachings and His miracles were given a foretaste of what the Kingdom of Heaven would be like.  

My dear parishioners, candidates are going to court you with their beautiful words and their grand promises of a brighter tomorrow. I urge you to make the effort to learn about your candidates and see if they have given unmistakable proof that they are the most qualified people for these positions. Look at their track records and verify their accomplishments. If you owned a business, would you hire someone qualified or someone who simply looks and speaks confidently? If you are buying an item that promises to make life easier for you, don’t you ask the sales person to demo it in front of you to prove that it will deliver on its promise? We ought to be even more discerning when selecting which candidate to support. 

The coming elections are important to us, because we are choosing the leader of our nation — someone who will set the tone as to how the government will be run, and devise plans that ensure the best interests of the Filipino people and the nation. I urge you to be cautious in selecting your candidates. Jeremiah, in the First Reading (Jeremiah 17:5-8) reminds us that we should not place our faith in human beings. He asks us to put our faith in the Lord. How are we to apply this advice when obviously all candidates are human beings with their respective strengths and weaknesses? The church enjoins us to select a candidate who is God-fearing. Let us get to know who among the candidates put God FIRST in their lives; who among them has the agenda and platform that incorporate Christ-like values. Brothers and sisters, such is the candidate who will advance the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. 

Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God, and gave undeniable proof to anyone who would listen.  He saved humanity because He got people to repent of their godless ways and open their eyes to the Truth. He was killed by people who saw Him as a threat to their security — people who put their security in their positions of power, influence, material possessions, and in themselves. Many saints and martyrs lost their lives following Jesus and proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Would you make sacrifices for the Kingdom?  The poor, the hungry, the bereaved receive the blessing because they belong to a society where they are protected, fed and cared for. When God reigns in the hearts of all, there can be no rich or poor because those who have more will always find it in their good hearts to share with those who do not have enough. And so, no one is left wanting. 

Our society has still a long way to go in making this Kingdom of God a reality. There is still so much injustice in our midst. Many are wanting of even the basic necessities of life while others have so much that they can afford to be extravagant and wasteful. This is why we have so much to do as God’s people to make this Kingdom of God come in our midst. It is important for us thereby to discern who we vote next to be our leaders. May Jesus’ teachings be our guide in choosing those who will lead our people, those who will head our country.

Let us pray then that we may put God first in our lives. May God make us true disciples so that one day we all can rejoice and be glad together in God’s Kingdom!

HOMILY: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Luke 5:1-11

6 February 2022 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

I love that lay ministers are now called extra-ordinary ministers of Holy Communion. This emphasises the extraordinary task assigned to these ministers. In other parts of the world, women are also privileged to be extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. In the parish where I served in London, we have more women eucharistic ministers than men.  In the Philippines, the privilege is reserved more for the male faithful. Here in San Roque, I have very few Eucharistic ministers in the parish but they are all very responsible and dependable. We have been campaigning for more men to commit themselves to serving the Church as Eucharistic ministers but our prospects always seem to have very good excuses — “I am too preoccupied.” “I cannot commit myself to regularly take part in the required formation sessions.” “I am not ‘holy’ or ‘good enough’ for such a role.” “I would rather be in the pews.” Although some may indeed have valid reasons, others just make excuses to avoid any commitment to church service. This sure is a missed privilege and opportunity indeed; however, I hope this will not be for long. 

In the Bible, God’s call has always had a repulsive aspect that easily gives one a reason not to agree or cooperate with it.  The ones called always had very good objections to God’s invitations.  Remember the story of Moses?  In an attempt to get out of his mission, Moses told God that he stutters… “I am slow of speech and tongue.” (Exodus 4:10). Jeremiah excused himself from God’s prophetic call because he said he was too young. (Jeremiah 1:6) In today’s First Reading, we hear from Isaiah, “woe-is-me”. (Isaiah 6:5) He fears he is doomed because someone as unworthy as he is laid eyes on the most Holy God. In Jewish belief, no one who is unworthy can survive being in God’s awesome holy presence. In the gospel, Peter recognises his unworthiness before Jesus… “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” (Luke 5:8)

If we go over the list of the chosen disciples of Christ, we immediately note that they are not the best and the brightest, nor even the cream of the crop. Then as we go over their less-than-faithful performances, we are all the more unimpressed and disappointed. Peter’s denial, Thomas’ doubts, James and John’s desire for power and honour, and Judas’ betrayal. These slip-ups all remind us that the Lord did not choose men without fault. The readings make us realise that God works through ordinary, feeble and flawed individuals like you and me.  

We only need to open ourselves to God’s transforming grace in our lives to be able to become His instruments of spreading the Good News. In the First Reading Isaiah proclaims, “I am a man of unclean lips.” (Isaiah 6:5) Yet, he is healed by God’s power. In a dramatic scenario, Isaiah’s lips were touched by a burning coal from the altar to declare them clean.  For many others, there is no fanfare or marvellous manifestation. What is essential is that we receive the grace of God.  “By the grace of God”, St. Paul became the Christian faith’s most ardent promoter, becoming the apostle to the Gentiles although he definitely was “not fit to be called an apostle” because he once persecuted the Church and even tried to destroy it.  At one point in his life, St. Paul complained about his “thorn in the flesh.” Jesus told him: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). The grace of God equips those who deem themselves unequipped for the mission. 

Though not stated explicitly, we read in the Bible that the chosen disciples underwent some form of preparation before they were sent forth for the mission. Being with Jesus was a sort of an on-the-job training for them before their missioning. It was necessary that they “be with” Jesus, to spend time watching Him, listening to Him, observing His ways with people, before heading out on mission. First, Jesus makes them His disciples, an expression derived from the Latin word discipulus, meaning “learner”. Then Jesus makes them His apostles, an expression that is rooted in the Greek word apostulus, meaning “to be sent”.    

By virtue of our baptism, we are also called and sent by the Lord to serve others. We all have different gifts that we can use to serve.  That’s why there are different ministries in the parish. If you are a good speaker and are brave enough to stand before the congregation, join the Lecoms! If you are cheerful and friendly, become one of our greeters and collectors. If you cannot get enough of FB, vlogging and creating videos, join the social media ministry. If you can sing, by all means the music ministry will welcome you. If your talent is for helping others, there are many Social Services and Development Ministry (SSDM) organisations in the parish to choose from… Prison Ministry, Migrant’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, etc. Do not be afraid and think of yourself to be unworthy. None of us is truly worthy, especially me. We are all sinners. We are all broken people with bad habits and dark sides to our persona. We all have a long history of mistakes and missteps. We admit this every time we receive communion when we say, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you…” (Luke 7:6) And yet in that moment God comes to us and we receive Him in the Blessed Sacrament!  

In one of the parishes I served, there was a lector who struggled so much during the mass. She was a good lector because she had excellent diction and a loud clear voice, but she was a terrible commentator. She kept missing her cues, forgetting responses, and sometimes saying the old responses. The presiders, including myself were often distracted by all these errors. It seemed like her mind was wandering and she was not fully present at mass.  Many wanted to prompt her and ask: “Hello??? Are you with us?” The lecom head always received complaints about her. People would ask, “Who recruited her?” “Is there nobody else?” But this lecom was persevering. She believed God called her to serve in this ministry for a reason and she believed that He would empower her. She agreed to coaching sessions where she had one-on-one training with one of the senior lecoms. She welcomed feedback from her mentors every time she served at mass. Soon after she started improving. She worked very hard at mastering the parts of the mass and the responses. She is now one of the stronger lecoms in their ministry and the parish is proud to have her. 

Perhaps, you will have the same story? Who knows? Do not wait to hear the voice of God or an angel to appear to you.  Sometimes God calls you through me, your parish priest, your parents, or the “Ates” and “Kuyas” of our parish community.  As Christians, we are reminded that our zeal for the mission should always be coupled with our desire to be with Jesus in prayer.  We, too, need to spend time “being with Jesus” before going out to serve “in His name.” Like the apostles, we are invited to humble ourselves, to submit ourselves to the ways of learning and relearning how best we can serve God. My Superior in London would often remark… “We live and learn.” He simply wants to say that we are all a work in progress.  We should not be discouraged when we fail because the truth is we have yet so much to learn as followers of Christ.  

Isaiah, Paul, Peter and all the other prophets and disciples, were all ordinary people but God chose them to carry out His message of hope and love to all our brothers and sisters. Let us draw strength from the promise that God’s grace will sustain us and empower us. Let us allow God to use us to manifest how great and transformative His power can be. We all have the potential to collaborate with God in His work of redemption. The question is, “Would we respond, when He calls?

HOMILY: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Luke 4:21-30

30 January 2022 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Do you recall last year’s controversial interview of Oprah Winfrey with Megan Markle and Britain’s Prince Harry? In that interview the couple related their shocking decision to give up their royal titles and establish their family as ordinary citizens. In that same conversation, they also shared some of their sad and painful experiences while living as royals. The palace staff allegedly imposed a very rigorous and strict routine that they felt they could no longer be themselves and when they did go against protocol, they said they were criticized and reprimanded. Megan said she suffered from depression and contemplated taking her life. Harry, himself, disclosed that the palace took issue on whether their first born would take after his wife’s dark skin. Of course, we do not know the whole story. It nevertheless, shocked the world because in the eyes of their fans and their royal subjects, they had to be living a fairy tale life as they were of course a prince and a princess (officially the Duchess of Sussex). We assume that people who are good-looking, rich and famous like them would never experience any of these unpleasant things in life. They were such public figures that the whole world thought they knew everything there was to know about them.

In today’s gospel passage, we can very well see how Jesus was also a victim of people’s prejudices toward Him. Sadly, Jesus receives a hostile reception from those who are supposed to be more supportive and understanding of Him. “That’s just Jesus!” “We know him.” He’s a local boy, nothing special.” “Who is he to tell us what to do? Where does he get the guts to preach in the synagogue?” They thought that having witnessed Jesus growing up, they already know Him. It was a challenge to convince them that He was something more. Besides, Jesus didn’t fit the mould of the Messiah they were expecting. Thus, Jesus could only respond: “A prophet is not without honour except in his native place and in his own house.” (Luke 4:24) Their prejudice prevented them from recognizing the truth about Him. 

In fact, in another version of the gospel episode, we are told that because of their lack of faith in Jesus, He could not do many mighty works in his home area. (Matthew 13:58) The people’s initial appreciation of His wisdom and miraculous deeds was quite shallow as it easily turned into hostility and their utter rejection of Him. It is indeed discouraging to do some good works or to share what one knows if we are not appreciated. Worse, if one’s good intentions are even questioned and doubted. Don’t get me wrong, the power of Jesus was never dependent on whether people believed Him or not. He simply saw that they were so hard-hearted that no matter what He did, they would not change their minds. He concentrated His efforts elsewhere where He knew He could make an impact in people’s hearts and minds. After all, His mission was not to prove Himself, His credibility nor His identity but rather it was to sow the seeds of the Kingdom in the hearts of humanity. 

Like Jesus, the most loving person who ever lived, many of us may also find ourselves rejected, even hated and destroyed in our desire to pursue goodness and integrity. The sad truth is the more accepting we are of others, transcending labels and prejudices, the more likely we will be rejected, persecuted and hated, even by ‘religious’ people themselves. Take Pope Francis, for example. You would be amazed at the bashings he gets from some sectors within the church regarding some of his pronouncements for inclusivity and acceptance of others. He believes that the church should show compassion for the members of the LGBTQ community and for couples not married in church. However, his words were twisted by people to suit their agenda and misinterpreted by ultraconservatives as contrary to church teachings. It is indeed difficult to love. It is very hard to live out God’s commands. This is precisely why St. Paul in today’s Second Reading urges us to “strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts”, “the more excellent way”, which is the way of “love”, of “charity”. (1 Corinthians 12:31)

As a prophet, this was also the experience of Jeremiah. The Lord clearly warned him to brace himself for opposition and rejection in passing on God’s message to the people. These days, there are a good number of brother-priests who are among the most bashed persons in social media simply because they voice out their political views and opinions or call people out for their inconsistency of beliefs. A priest-friend told me that some trolls are trying to harass him online and teach him how to be a priest himself… Some of them are not even Catholics themselves… To which he responded… “And why should we base our priesthood on what trolls say about how it should be lived out? Di nga kayo nagbabasa ng Church documents on priesthood, ayaw niyo pa sa katotohanan, at okay lang sa inyo ang pumatay, magnakaw, magsinungaling (yung mga labag sa utos ng Diyos ayon sa Bibliya), tapos you now have the audacity to tell us how we should be as priests? LOL” As Christians we draw encouragement from what St. Paul tells the Thessalonians: “Speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” (1 Thessalonians 2:4) In other words, our calling as Christians is to solely please God for He alone truly knows us. He knows us more than other people know us or we know ourselves. 

Throughout human history this tragic story of Jeremiah and Jesus, and actually all other prophets who were rejected, maligned, and killed thereafter, continues to happen over and over again among the messengers of truth and justice in our time.  It is the messenger who pays a very high price.  Nevertheless, we should not be discouraged. We should instead opt for what is right, true and just despite the challenges we encounter. God assures us, as He assured Jeremiah that He would bless us with the necessary strength to carry out His message. “They will fight against you but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you.” (Jeremiah 1:19) When God makes a promise, He never goes back on it. How wonderful it is to know that as long as we bravely speak the truth, God is on our side. Let us remain open to the truth. Let us trust that God would never leave us alone.