Sunday Gospel Reflections

HOMILY: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Luke 1:1-4; 14-21

23 January 2022 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

There is this scene about ambition from a 90’s American sitcom. The dad tells his teenage son to have big dreams. They stop outside this fancy restaurant and look at the diners through the glass windows. He calls his son’s attention to the beautifully-dressed customers and tells them they are famous people, executives and high-ranking government officials enjoying delicious meals prepared by a Michelin chef.  Then he says, “Son, one of these days you will find yourself here… serving these people.” Ay sus, waiter pala ang pinakamataas nyang pangarap para sa anak niya. (Oh my, all he wanted for his son was to be a waiter.) 

This Sunday’s gospel relates to us what Jesus has come to bring to God’s people. As the Anointed One, Jesus’ mission is “to bring glad tidings to the poor, liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed.” In other words, Jesus declares “a year acceptable to the Lord.” The expression year of the Lord’ calls to mind the Jubilee Year when “debts are forgiven, when the forfeited lands are returned to their original owners, and when those imprisoned because of financial adversity are freed.” Hence, it is a year anticipated by the disadvantaged for it is a time of deliverance for them. What Jesus came to bring is nothing more than the fulness of life for everyone.     

Furthermore, Jesus makes a bold claim in the gospel: “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21) Filled with the Spirit, Jesus inaugurates this time of deliverance for God’s people. But this work of bringing glad tidings to the poor continues in the persons of all the followers of Jesus themselves. Since the Spirit of God also dwells in each one of us, we are also tasked to bring glad tidings to our families, our communities and our society as a whole. As St. Paul reminds the Corinthians that the reception of the Spirit in baptism has concrete implications for their lives. “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13) As the “Body of Christ”, they are now called to proclaim Christ to the world as Christ’s ambassadors in whatever state of life they are in. 

This is worth emphasizing because most of the time we interpret this mission of bringing “glad tidings to the poor” as a task solely of those in positions of power or wealth towards those in situations of poverty. In this task, the poor are seen solely as beneficiaries rather than as partners in the mission. This attitude of inferiority is what Paul tries to rectify as he emphasizes that every member of the Body of Christ is needed for the body to be whole and to function as one. 

We see this defeatist mentality operative in our lives. Isn’t this also a common attitude among us Filipinos? The poor would say: “We are poor. We have not finished college. We are squatters.” — which is tantamount to saying: “We have nothing to give because we are nobody, because we are poor.” This is what we call the “poor-mentality”. We are the Body of Christ and, as its various members, we are valuable and are called to do great things. We all have been empowered to proclaim glad tidings to those in our midst.  We have to constantly strive to reach our full potential so we can best accomplish our life’s purpose. 

I have a friend who told me that when she was in kindergarten, her classmates dreamed of being doctors and lawyers, whereas her ultimate dream was to be a nanny (yaya). To her surprise, her classmates in an exclusive girl’s high school revealed they had similar dreams for themselves as kids. Despite the opportunities in life they had, one initially wanted to be a streetsweeper (metro-aide), another a laundrywoman, and another a housemaid.  They were smart and their parents could pay for their education so it was funny that they initially failed to see the extent of their potential.  As members of the Body of Christ, we have a responsibility to make sure it works at its best. We can only do that if we are at our best, making use of all our God-given talents and the opportunities He sends our way. 

It is also important that we recognize that God, our Father, wants the best for us and He will help us achieve our potential if we make the effort and work hard.  Someone shared with me that she and her siblings liked to watch real estate brokers sell beautiful mansions on Youtube. Sabi niya sa kapatid niya, “Ayoko ng ganyang bahay…  mamamatay ako sa kakalinis niyan. Walang maniniwala na tayo ang may-ari… mapagkakamalan lang tayong caretaker o katulong diyan.”  Kung ganyan ang paiiralin nating pag-iisip, paano tayo aasenso?  Do not think you are unworthy of better things! God our Father is rich. He owns everything we see and He is generous to His children. Hindi Siya nagmamaramot kung ating pagsisiskapan. 

Last night I did not miss the Presidential Interviews of GMA 7 hosted by the respected journalist Jessica Soho. I would say it was a good venue (the mainstream media) for both the candidates and the electorate beyond the propaganda and fake news usually found in the different social media platforms like Tiktok, Facebook and the like. The presidentiables were given the chance to talk about their take on different issues as well as their plan for our country. On the other hand, the electorate are given the chance to listen to them and thus helped to make an informed choice come May 2022. This election is crucial! We have to choose well. Pumili ng kandidato na hindi puro porma, pangako, at pambobola. Umiwas sa kandidato na mapangamkam sa yaman at kapangyarihan.  Filipinos deserve better. Dream bigger for the Philippines. We have so much to give the world in terms of talents, skills, and resources. We need a good leader who inspires us to maximise the potential of our systems to benefit all of us Filipinos and still be able to make a contribution to humanity on a global scale. 

Ating tandaan, tayo ay anak ng Diyos at ang hangad Niya ay ang ating kabutihan at pag-unlad sa buhay. We are heirs to the riches of His Kingdom!  Huwag din natin maliitin ang ating sarili. God created us beautiful and good. He has blessed each of us with special skills and talents that make us worthy members of the Body of Christ. Let us not limit ourselves or be discouraged by our circumstance. Let us glorify God by finding our purpose in life and by striving to be the best we can be.

HOMILY: Feast of the Santo Niño

(Proper Feast in the Philippines)

Luke 2:41-52

16 January 2022 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

There is this tweet about a Lumad child who was asked what her dream is… The little girl responded: “Makaihi na walang nakakakita.” (To be able to pee without worrying that someone might see.) Yun na ang pangarap niya sa buhay! Parang ang babaw ano? This is funny but really sad. She’s been in the evacuation centre for so long that her only dream is to have a little privacy when she relieves herself. And the tweet continues… “Now we ask why Filipinos don’t dream big? Many of us don’t have even the littlest of things.” 

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Santo Niño, a feast proper to the Philippines. The gospel for this feast relates the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple — the 5th Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. In the story, Mary and Joseph unknowingly lost Jesus on their way home from spending the Passover feast in Jerusalem. His parents frantically searched for Him and found Him still in the temple discussing things of the law with the “teachers.”  In this Gospel Infancy Narrative, we note that even as a child, Jesus seemed to already know quite well what His purpose in life was. Look at how He responded to His anxious mother who reprimanded Him for worrying them with His sudden disappearance. “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” (Luke 2:48) To this the Child Jesus responded saying: “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke2:49) Early on in life, Jesus knew where He needed to be, what He needed to be busy about. Yet the Gospel ends by telling us that although Jesus seemed really sure of Himself, He still subjected Himself to the care and guidance of His parents. “He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them.” (Luke 2:51) Because of this, “Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favour before God and man.” (Luke 2:52) 

Sadly, many of our children these days don’t bother to think about their purpose in life.  Recently, I read about this nine-year study conducted by Dream Project PH that revealed 8 out of 10 Filipinos do not have a dream! The study covered 614 Filipino teenagers in 54 provinces from different socio-economic classes across the country. The question asked them was, “Do you have a dream in life?” Is this a shock to you as it is to me? I mean, it doesn’t really matter if a kid does not attain his/her dream when he/she grows up, what’s important is that in his/her young mind he/she is able to see the immense possibility of his/her future and the promise of joy and fulfilment that comes with the fruits of hard work. When I was a child, I dreamed I would be a singer. I thought I would be doing musical theatre when I grew up. Well, we all know how that turned out because I am here delivering a homily. However, before I became a priest, I was a teacher to high school girls and the extent of my foray into musical theatre was having my students stage popular musicals as the culminating activity for the school year.  Sa ngayon sa misa at sa simbahan na lang ako nakakakanta. In a way, I still get to live my childhood dream. 

How sad that 80% of young Filipinos have stopped dreaming. The study identifies five possible reasons why they do not dream big anymore. The first reason given is the lack of conversations between children and adults in the family or in the school setting about their dreams. Most children these days are bereft of engaging conversations that would help them nurture their dreams. Most parents teach their kids to be practical in life. Another factor is the lack of role models. The study observed that “many in our generation have had mindsets shaped by the previous generation where this thinking prevails: “You study so that you can graduate, so that you can get a well-paying job.” This mindset limits one’s purpose to just having a well-paying job. Is this all there is to life? Na-hurt naman ako dun kasi sa pagpapari, walang mataas na sweldo. Para palang walang kakwenta-kwenta ang buhay kung di kumikita ng limpak-limpak na pera.  Many of our young people these days are not challenged nor encouraged to see that making a difference in society is the greater value. They have to be helped to see things in a much broader perspective.  The truth is, there is a lack of many lucrative opportunities for the youth but that should not deter them from pursuing something that will fulfil them, make them happy, and allow them to contribute to society. Finally, it is the lack of resources for many of these young people that keeps them from considering to dream big. If the basic needs are not met, having a dream beyond basic survival such as food for one’s stomach would be the least of a child’s priorities.     

In all honesty, it is our responsibility as adults in society to change this situation and help children believe in their purpose and dream again. You may have seen on social media the video of this 10-year-old child, Nicole DC Torres, from the Dumagat tribe, who dreams of being a doctor someday. When asked why she wants to be a doctor, she says: “Gusto ko kasi makapagtapos para makabawi ako kila nanay. Kung gaano nila ako minahal ganun ko din ibabalik ang pagmamahal ko sa kanila…. Pangarap ko maging doktor para makatulong sa may sakit.”  Through her teachers, Nicole is encouraged to make a difference in her community by becoming a doctor. I mentioned to you that I used to work in an an educational centre for the indigenous people in Bukidnon. We always reminded the students how fortunate they were to have the chance at an education. We also encouraged them to give back to their community someday. I am happy to say that many of them have returned and chose to serve their community after their studies. 

On this Feast of the Santo Niño, I ask you to be gracious to the children in your families, your homes and your communities. Kailangan nating maipahiwatig sa kanila na ang bawat tao ay espesyal sapagka’t tayo ay mga anak ng Diyos. Our second reading from Ephesians reminds us: “[God] has destined us for adoption to Himself through Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 1:5) (Tayo ay itinalaga ng Diyos upang maging mga anak niya sa pamamagitan ni Hesukristo.) Within each child is a world of potential, a masterpiece of the Lord waiting to unfold. Let us resolve to do everything within our power to help children discover, nurture and reach their full potentials. May the Child Jesus help us ensure a future for them, in whom lies the hope of humanity.

HOMILY: Baptism of the Lord 

Luke 3:15-16, 21-22)

9 January 2022 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

This Sunday’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord signals the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of “Ordinary Time.” In the past, Christmas season would have ended last Sunday, on the Solemnity of the Epiphany. Why do you think today’s feast was added to the Christmas season?  It actually completes the celebration of three great divine revelations of the Christmas season — 1. There is Christmas when we celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation, that is, ‘the Word becoming flesh in Jesus’ (St. John) — God becoming one of us, ‘the Emmanuel’, ‘God-with-us’ (St. Matthew), or how God comes among us with Good News for the poor, the outcasts and  sinners (St. Luke); 2. The Epiphany, when we celebrate how God has revealed Himself to all peoples with the message of salvation for everyone; and finally; 3. The Baptism of Jesus when we see how God has entered into solidarity with humanity by virtue of Jesus being baptised by John the Baptist.  

Kinailangan ba ni Hesus na siya ay binyagan? (Did Jesus have to be baptised?) Kung tutuusin, pawang makasalanan na nagbabagong buhay ang nagpapabinyag kay San Juan. (We are told that those coming for baptism to John the Baptist were repentant sinners.) Baptism, after all, cleanses all sins — personal sin, original sin, and punishment for sin. Inaalis nito ang lahat ng hadlang para ang tao ay maaaring makapasok sa kaharian ng Diyos. (It removes whatever would impede their entry into the Kingdom of God.) During the rite we are called to be true to what we become — sons and daughters of God.) Nakapagtataka na si Hesus ay nagpabinyag samantalang di na Siya kailangan magpa-ampon dahil tunay na Siyang anak ng Diyos. (Jesus did not have to be baptised as adopted son because He is Himself the Son of God.)  Nakakapagtaka na Siyang walang sala ay sumailalim sa  isang ritwal para sa mga naligaw ng landas.  Jesus was sinless so He did not need to be repentant. Even John the Baptist knew this, almost refusing to baptize Jesus whom he acknowledged to be greater than he is. So, why did Jesus insist on undergoing something He did not need? 

Jesus did it for us. He subjected Himself to baptism as the very first step of identifying Himself with sinners. He takes on our weaknesses and shortcomings in order to elevate us to the glory of being children of God. Si Hesus ay Diyos pero kahit kailan ay hindi Niya ipinilit na Siya ay tratuhin bilang VIP.  He never required any claim of privilege for Himself. Mas pinili nyang maging ordinaryo tulad natin. (Instead, Jesus chose to be like everyone else.) So much so, that they underestimated Him and wouldn’t believe Him if not for His miraculous works and extraordinary insight. We note how Jesus has often been met with hostility even by His own familiars: “That’s just Jesus!”  “We know him.” He’s a local boy, nothing special.” “Sino ba siya para sabihan tayo kung paano tayo dapat mamuhay?  Saan niya nakuha ang lakas ng loob na magturo sa synagogue?” “Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?… Where did this man get all these things?” (Matthew 13:54-56) Jesus did not prove Himself but just did what He needed to do. As in the words of St. Paul, Jesus did not deem to be equal with God, rather, he made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippinas 2: 6-7) 

Kung tayo ay tagapagsunod ni Kristo, dapat sana ginagaya natin ang kanyang mga prinsipyo at sinusunod natin ang tinuturo Niya. Subalit, tila iba ang pinahahalagahan natin. Kamakailan, naisabalita na may isang dalaga na naniwalang siya ay angat sa kapwa niya —- na sobra niyang espesyal na di na niya kailangan sumunod sa batas na dapat mag-quarantine muna pagkarating mula sa ibang bansa. Dahil siya ay naging pabaya at makasarili, nakahawa sya ng COVID sa mga nagtatrabaho sa restaurant kung saan sya naki-party. Pati ang ilang mga bisitang walang kamalay-malay ay nahawahan. Nanganganib na rin ang kabuhayan ng mga taong nagtatarabaho sa hotel na tinakasan niya ng quarantine dahil ipinasara ito pansamantala.  Sometimes we think so highly of ourselves because we are either young, beautiful, rich or well-connected.  We want to cut corners or get ahead at the expense of others. O kaya iniisip natin na dahil magara ang kotse natin o branded ang suot o galing ka sa exclusive na paaralan ay mas importante tayo sa iba.  Bakit ba tayong mga ordinaryong nilalang ang mahilig maghari-harian sa mundong pag-aari ng Diyos Amang Tagapaglikha?

Jesus made of Himself the perfect example of humility. Tinuruan Niya tayo na sa pakikiisa sa aba, ay mas maiintindihan natin ang kanilang pangagailangan  at mas higit natin silang matutulungan. Recently, the team of Caritas Philippines led by Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo and Fr. Antonio Labiao made solidarity visits to areas affected by Typhoon Odette in Southern Leyte province.  Hinikayat nila na tumulong pa rin ang taongbayan sa pagbigay ng donasyon pero higit doon, pinahalagahan nila ang pagtungo sa mga nasalantang lugar para maitaguyod muli ang komunidad, ayusin ang mga nasirang tirahan, at magbigay ng emergency livelihood assistance. Nakiisa sila sa mga kababayan nating nagdurusa upang magbigay ng pag-asa. (They deem it fit to visit the victims of the typhoon to be in solidarity with them. They also wanted to see for themselves the situation on the ground so as to help accelerate the rebuilding efforts of the affected communities.)

As we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord (and also the Feast of the Black Nazarene), we acknowledge with gratitude the depth of God’s love for us and the extent to which He went to show us His sincerity. He became like us and chose to be counted among us in every way except sin. He shed the privilege of His divinity and Kingship to show us the value of humility and true service. Bilang binyagan, tayo’y nabibilang na sa pamilya ng Panginoon bilang kanyang mga ampon na anak. Nawa’y maging totoo tayo sa ating dignidad bilang mga anak ng Diyos at masundan natin ng wagas ang ehemplo ni Hesus para balang araw ay kalugdan din tayo ng Diyos Ama. (May we be true to what we have become through our baptism — God’s sons and daughters! Let us follow the example of Christ so that some day God may also be pleased with us.)

HOMILY: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Matthew 2:1-12

2 January 2022 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

“The year 2021 was one for the books. What will 2022 bring? No matter what, remember: You are made of star stuff. Sparkly, glorious star stuff.” This was NASA’s New Year greeting on Instagram. They posted this along with an astounding image of a star cluster. Cute, right? But what does it mean? Can being sparkly and glorious help us face the challenges of the new year? 

In today’s gospel, we read about “star stuff”. St Matthew gives us the story of the visit of the Magi to the new-born Saviour. In the Gospel, we are told that “these wise men from the East” relentlessly followed the light of a star in their search of the infant king. First of all, who were these Magi, sometimes referred to as kings? Most scholars agree that in ancient times, in what is known to us as the Middle East, the Magi — from which come the words “magician” and “magic”— were astrologers. Some say they were Babylonian astrologers, Arabian magicians or simply adventure-seekers. They were men who studied the skies, and found meaning in the movement of the stars and the planets. Since they were known to be wise men, they were quite influential and would have been very wealthy.  They were respected in all levels of society and held sway in determining the courses of action in people’s lives. 

In their endeavour, to pay great attention to the marvels of the universe and reading the sign in the heavens, they found something of interest that pointed to a momentous event in history — the birth of a great ruler for the Jews. They set out on a journey despite the lack of certitude. You could imagine how the other astrologers reacted to this seemingly foolish endeavour.  Come to think of it, why would you leave everything within your comfort zone —- where you are safe, well- provided for, well-known and respected by people?  It’s not like they were given the exact address or the name of the person they were looking for. Today, anyone who has tried to locate an old friend or a missing relative would know, it’s not easy to track down someone who has a very small digital footprint —- meaning little to zero updated information on the internet. Could you really imagine leaving your home to track someone based on a star map, believing it will be “over the place” one is looking for? A commentary noted that “you could travel several hundred miles and the star could still be “over” you.” Can’t blame anyone who would eventually find the whole endeavour as a complete waste of time and just give up. And don’t get me started on the possible problems of travelling by night (how else would they see the stars?), encountering cloudy skies, stormy dessert conditions and possibly even the threat of robbers lurking on the path? It must have been a complete nightmare for them! Sa totoo lang, naisusulat na tatlo ang nakarating sa kinaroroonan ni Kristo. Maaaring madami sila sa simula pero sa anumang kadahilanan ay isa isa silang nabawas sa bilang. The three that remained persisted because deep within their hearts they were driven by their desire for something “more” as represented by that star. This star that travelled before them also gave them the courage to leave everything behind, to venture on a long and perilous journey, and to persist through all the hardships they encountered along the way. 

I came across this article on a married couple — Roy and Elna, both teachers who practice their profession in remote jungle schools here in the Philippines. Every day they must face the dangers of hiking through a tough and dangerous dense jungle terrain to reach remote areas where their students are located. The photos posted show they have to practically create their path through steep inclines and slopes which turn very slippery and muddy when it rains. Most recently they have been traversing this path with their 4-month-old baby daughter because no one else would care for her while they were working.  When Roy was asked why, he, a capable teacher who could choose to work in a more comfortable and safer place to work, still opted to risk so much for very little pay, he answered, “’This is where I find peace. This is where God has called us to be…. Anywhere God has called you to be is the safest place.”  It sounds absolutely crazy but they are happy and they find contentment in knowing this is where God intends them to be. Netizens commented that they were profoundly inspiring, selfless, and admirable for living a life of service to mankind. 

For a time I also chose to leave the comfort and security of my decent paying and fulfilling teaching job in Assumption Iloilo to teach in Bukidnon. Nag-volunteer ako for 1 year doon to set up the formal basic education for the Higaonons. It was a challenge and a huge adjustment for me but I can say it was one of the happiest I have ever been! That is in fact, where I discovered God was calling me to the priesthood. My life has been one wild ride ever since. Laging palipat-lipat ng mission center; madalas malayo sa mga kapatid ko, mga pamangkin ko at sa pamilya ko. I’ve been sent to the US, Europe and the UK. I’ve also been sent to South America where I had to learn a new language — Spanish, in order to mingle and communicate to the locals. Hindi madali, lalo na nung naging sakitin si mama at lagi akong nag-aalala kasi ang laki ng gastusin para sa gamot niya na pinagtutulungan naming magkakapatid. Yet, I can say that my life has been truly rewarding. I have met many wonderful people and experienced many miracles and wonders of the Lord because I chose to walk the path presented to me. Bukidnon was my star. It is what led me to Jesus. 

I invite you to look at your life and assess whether you feel this is where God intends you to be.  I have a friend who graduated from a prestigious university and was expected to get a high paying corporate job. As she applied for work, she prayed that God may present her with the option where He wanted her to be. She ended up in government service for over 10 years. While her contemporaries continued to ascend the corporate ladder in private firms, she chose to stop working to personally care for her sick father until he passed away. It was not easy especially since the expenses depleted her savings. But she believed it was where God meant her to be at the time. These days she is working for a small NGO that pays very little and is rather problematic but it is where she believes God intends her to be for now. She believes God wants her to help set things right for the institution. Another friend has been employed in a private company for over 15 years. Every 5 years, she tells herself she is quitting because the work is hard and the pay is below industry standard. Yet she stayed because she trusted it was where God intended her to be. Today she is the COO of the company and she is making changes, where necessary, to uplift the lives of their employees. In another 5 years she will probably wonder if it is time to quit the company but she hopes God will have an answer for her then, as always. 

I read somewhere that the Magi may represent to us today’s travellers restlessly searching for the next big thing, the ultimate experience or the perfect path.  Perhaps there are some of you listening who are faced with a difficult and seemingly foolish choice leading to a great possibility? Maybe some of you are still searching for your star.  At the very least, I can guarantee that your journey is going to be no less treacherous and difficult. There will be sacrifices and challenges that will make you want to give up but know that if you believe that it is where God is leading you or where He intends you to be, then you can trust He will be there for you every step of the way. In this new year, I pray you discover the true desire of your heart. May God reveal to you where He wants you to be at this point in your life. May He give you the strength and the courage to make your tough choice and pursue your star because in the end, trust that it is where you, too, will find Jesus.

HOMILY: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Luke 2:41-51

26 December 2021 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Today as we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, I want to share with you the story of Allan. He is a 12-year-old boy in Negros Oriental who already works as a magtutuba to provide for his mother and siblings. 

Allan would tie a knife to his waist and climb trees as tall as 40 feet to collect sap from the tree and place it in a jug. They would make this into tuba. Then he would walk nearly two hours to town to sell the wine for P50. At times, Allan would drink tuba just to get rid of his thirst and dip biscuits in it when he was hungry. He admitted that he was scared doing his job and would even get wounded, but he needed the money to feed his family. At a tender age, Allan was already the breadwinner of his mother and siblings. 

His mother “Lina,” left her partner in 2018.  “Nag-away kami dahil sa pinansyal. Umabot sa punto na nagkapisikalan na kami.  Sinabihan niya kami na papatayin niya kami kung hindi kami lalayas. Natakot ako kasi limang buwan akong buntis, kaya lumayas na lang kami.” After giving birth, she asked her ex for financial support but he didn’t have any money. She had to work at a food chain to provide for her family so Allan, only nine years old then, was left to take care of his siblings. Things got worse for the family when the youngest, who was 6 months at the time, developed seizures and was found to have cerebral ischemia.  

Lina wailed that her P2000 weekly salary was not enough for their daily needs and the hospital expenses. To augment her earnings, she decided to plant and sell sweet potato. In a week, she earned P250-P300. This is also what she fed her kids. “Mahirap talaga. Pero pinagsikapan ko lang talaga na mapakain ko sila sa tatlong beses sa isang araw kahit hindi man bigas at least meron mapasok sa kanilang sikmura,” Lina said. It was Allan who took care of his youngest sibling while his mom Lina was in the field with her other child. 

As life got even more difficult for them, she attempted to seek the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. That was when Allan offered to help his mother by becoming a coconut wine gatherer or magtutuba so she could stay at home and take care of his siblings.  “Gusto kong tumulong sa kanya dahil mahal namin siya. Wala nang ibang tutulong. Iniwan kami ng aming Papa… para na akong Papa dahil akong bumubuhay kay Mama at kay Dodong,” Allan said.   Although Lina was thankful to her son Allan, she expressed her guilt and sadness for how his life turned out. “Hindi na po siya halos kumakain.  Kailangan namin siya pilitin. Tagilid nga siyang naglalakad at ang kanyang paningin, parang meron ding deperensya.”  “Naaawa po ako sa anak ko, at nag-mature pa siya nang maaga. “, she said.”

According to a non-government organization, children in far-flung provinces have long been suffering from these problems, and they are increasing in number.  “Kung papapiliin ako kung magtatrabaho o maglalaro, magtrabaho ang akin. Mahal ko talaga sila. Gagawin ko ang lahat para makakain din sila,” Allan said. For now, Lina is simply grateful for her son’s sacrifice. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos na kahit gaano kasalbahe ang aking asawa noon, nagkaroon naman ako ng mga anak na  mababait.” 

Such are the struggles of family life. Even the Holy Family experienced difficulties. From the onset, Mary’s pregnancy was already controversial. When it was time for her to give birth, no one could take them and she had to deliver her baby in a stable with animals. Then, they had to pack up and flee to Egypt to save Jesus from Herod’s murderous rampage on baby boys. Imagine what life was like for them in a foreign land. They were Jews in Egypt — newlyweds with a little baby. There really is no reason for us to think that the Holy Family was spared from any of the pains of an ordinary Jewish family. Although there are few details in the Bible about the childhood and teenage years of Jesus, we can assume that Mary and Joseph, being devout in the Jewish faith, raised their son in a typical Jewish family. Jesus fully entered our human condition as He grew up by having a normal family life. And like any human family, it must have had from time to time its ups and downs, its joys and sorrows, its problems and difficulties. What made the Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph “holy” is their collective attentiveness and obedience to God’s will amidst the struggles of their daily lives. 

In the Gospel for the Feast of the Holy Family we are told of a particular incident in the life of the Holy Family that illustrates that it was not always perfect, and of how they had to deal with the messiness of their life as a family. The gospel relates Mary and Joseph’s parental nightmare as Jesus was separated from them in crowded Jerusalem on their pilgrimage for the Passover. The fact that they “lost” Jesus for a moment, tells us that although they were good and loving parents who made a strong effort, they may not have been perfect parents 100% of the time. Let’s look at how Mary and Joseph reacted to the situation. They did not blame each other when they realised that Jesus was left behind in Jerusalem. Together they took on the responsibility of looking for Him. They did not stop searching until they found Him. And when they found Jesus, they were not harsh. They simply let Him know how displeased they were and that they were concerned for Him. In the Jewish tradition, it is said that “at the age of 12 a boy assumes responsibility for his faith and in this regard becomes an adult.”  Hence, like a typical teenager of that time, excited to assume some degree of responsibility, Jesus had missed out on communicating properly with His parents his intentions. Our children can learn from Jesus who after realising how loved He was, willingly returned home to continue being guided by His parents until He progressed in life toward the fulfilment of His vocation and mission. “And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favour before God and man.” 

Today, as we reflect on the quality of our own family life, we entrust to the Lord the many families that are struggling, like that of the 12-year-old boy in Negros Oriental. As Christians, we are called to model our own family life after the Holy Family in Nazareth.  This feast reminds us that every family (though not perfect) has the potential to be “holy”. We are invited to strive to show love and care for one another and to grow in holiness as God’s family.

HOMILY: Fourth Sunday of Advent

Luke 1:39-45

19 December 2021 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Last Tuesday, some teachers of St. Pedro Poveda College came to the parish for the gift-giving of our 130 Day Care children here in Bagumbayan. When the gifts were laid out on the sanctuary in preparation for the event, I noticed that they came in different sizes and packages. Some, unusually bigger than others. Some were wrapped in fancy and colourful paper while others came in basic packaging. Others even had attractive umbrellas on them. I immediately alerted the teachers that there might be a need to specify a system of distribution of the gifts so as to avoid potential chaos with everyone going for the bigger, more attractive packages. We made sure to announce to the recipients that the gifts would not have the same contents and packaging because they had been prepared by different students. Thankfully, we did not have any problems with any of the children nor the parents. Everyone was just so happy to receive a share in the gifts.  

In today’s gospel passage, we hear of the encounter of Mary and Elizabeth after these chosen women received an extraordinary blessing from the Lord. Elizabeth, in her old age was pregnant with “the Great Precursor” and Mary, despite her virginity, was now carrying in her womb, the Savior of the world. We are told of the jubilant response of Elizabeth and her unborn son to Mary’s greeting. “How does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:44) You may think this a common reaction of someone who has not seen a relative for a long time but this is actually a remarkable moment in our Christian history. It is the first recorded human acknowledgment of God incarnate! Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognises and celebrates the presence of the Lord in her midst, in the person of the unborn baby Jesus in Mary’s womb. If you were Elizabeth, would you have reacted the same way? Do you think you would have realised that, by virtue of Mary visiting you, Jesus was also visiting you?  Often, recognition and rejoicing at God’s presence elude many of us. We are often reminded that the Lord makes Himself present right here in our midst, and yet we fail to realise it! Perhaps it is because we are focused on the wrong things. Many of us, only notice what is wrong with our lives or perhaps what is wrong with others. “Where have we fixed our eyes?” As they often say, people who are too focused on what they do not have rather than on what they have, are most likely unhappy, discontent and resentful of their life. 

Although a secondary character in the nativity story, Elizabeth has much to teach us about being cognisant of the presence of the Lord in our midst. As I look closely at Elizabeth, I imagined she could have entertained thoughts of envy over Mary’s blessing. She could have chosen to focus on all the reasons why she, herself, would have been “the better choice” to be mother of the Messiah. After all, she was married to a respectable Jewish priest and she was a more mature woman who was more than ready to be a mother, given her many years of longing for a child. Although having been chosen to be John’s mother is blessing enough, she could have asked why was she not chosen to be the mother of the Saviour. Yet none of these thoughts entered her mind. As one Bible commentator puts it: “Elizabeth was so full of the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, so aware of the Lord’s presence, and so open to God’s will, that Elizabeth simply rejoices.” Because of this keen awareness of the divine, she was able to raise a son who could say, “He must increase while I must decrease.” (John 3:30) The grown-up son of Elizabeth insisted that Jesus was greater than himself, that he was not even worthy to untie the strap of Jesus’ sandals.  (John 1:27) John played a crucial part in the revelation of Israel’s Messiah —- rejoicing at his own role in God’s plan of salvation. 

During this Advent Season, we have made a conscious effort to walk on the path of holiness and righteousness so as to hasten the coming of the day of the Lord in our midst; readying our hearts to receive Him at the time of His choosing.  It may not be His great triumphant return as of yet but as Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York suggests beautifully, Jesus can come to us today in the most subtle instances. “Christ comes to us in a very soft, gentle, unassuming and everyday kind of way. He comes in a prayer whispered or a smile exchanged. He comes in bread and wine changed into his very body and blood at Mass. He comes in his word in the Scripture. He comes in the cry of a baby and the countless other helpless individuals who cry out for help. He comes in the meal shared or in a tear dried. He comes in worn rosary beads and in those sacred words of absolution. He comes in forgiveness exchanged and a second chance given. He comes in water poured in baptism or vows exchanged in marriage. He comes in an imperfect Church in a struggling world.” 

As I was preparing this homily, I chanced on a meme showing on one side Santa Claus carrying a sack of presents happily announcing, “I have gifts for everyone!”. On the other side is Jesus wearing His crown of thorns, carrying His cross saying, “I have but one gift but it is enough for everyone.”  Right smack in the centre it said: Jesus can give you the gift of eternal life!  If you had to choose, whose gift would you accept? Let’s ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom that like Elizabeth and John the Baptist we, too, may recognise and rejoice at the Lord’s presence in our midst and eagerly accept the gift He offers.  May we have minds and hearts open to see and celebrate the Lord’s presence in our daily lives and not miss Him completely when He comes to visit us.

HOMILY: Third Sunday of Advent

Luke 3:10-18

12 December 2021 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

According to a Twitter Holiday Research, Filipinos still managed to have holiday cheer in December last year despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.  The study found a staggering 2.3 million holiday-related conversations in the Philippines during that period in 2020. We even managed to celebrate Christmas creatively through our virtual parties. This year, with the alert levels downgraded and Covid cases at their lowest, we had the promise of an even merrier Christmas, until news of the Omicron variant came to spoil all the fun we were expecting. Nevertheless, there is still reason to be thankful because we are in a better state now (of course still with its own challenges) than we were last year.

Today is Gaudete Sunday (from the Latin “rejoice”). Today’s readings overflow with the call to: “Gaudete” – Rejoice! And then rejoice again! In fact, it calls us to rejoice always.  Hindi ba kapanipaniwala kaya dapat inuulit? When we want to attest to the veracity of something, we tend to say in the vernacular… “Oo! Talagang, talaga!”  The double introductory exhortation of Paul to rejoice is an emphatic attempt to convince the listener.  Perhaps Paul understood that it is not easy to be joyful because of life’s many struggles. Ngayong Pasko, masaya ang empleyadong makakatanggap ng Christmas bonus. Pero ang saya mabilis nawawala pag naipambayad na ang bonus sa dami ng gastusin sa kapaskuhan. Parang dumaan lang sa palad ang pera. I ask you now, “Is it really possible to remain joyful always? 

The readings tell us why and how we should remain joyful at all times. First of all, JOY is not the same as HAPPINESS. Sometimes we tend to use these words interchangeably but there is a difference! It is important to note that what Paul advocates is not merely the happiness derived from the enjoyment of the fleeting comforts of life. Rather, it is something deeper than that. It is a special kind of joy, which according to Paul is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is rooted in the faith of the nearness of God to us. In the passage from Zephaniah, Zion is told to shout for joy because God has saved her from all her enemies. God is in the midst of His people. St. Paul tells the Philippians that the Lord is near and that God will bring about peace for His people. In the Gospel, John the Baptist tells the people that the One coming after him “will baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:16) The “anointed one” will bring about peace and justice for the people. He is coming and this is reason enough for joy. 

Secondly, JOY is borne of GRATITUDE. In the KDrama, Hometown Cha Cha Cha, I like the character of Mrs. Kim Gam Ri. (To those who have yet to see it, forgive me for this spoiler.) In the episode before she died, her other elderly friends had a sleepover at her house and they asked her if she was happy. She responded by saying that she likes that she is old. Looking back, she said that she had many tasty dishes, seen great scenery, and met wonderful people. “Right now, I am chatting with you both.  What more can I ask for? My life is so much fun. Today, the evening glow looked so beautiful. The squid I had for dinner was scrumptious, too. Look around yourself closely, and you’ll realize that you’re surrounded by many precious things.”  How about you in the pews and those who are watching the livestream?  What are you thankful for?  Someone tweeted, “Getting a haircut at my usual place. And hindi na sila naka-PPE and shileds. Mukha na daw silang tao… Simple joys pero nakakagaan lang.” Personally, I am thankful that more people are returning to churches. Essentially, we are joyful because we experience how Christ is being enfleshed in our midst. His Presence is already near us and something we celebrate every day — the sheer goodness of many people around us, the utter joy of beholding nature’s beauty, the edifying moments of human interactions — all these point to the nearness of Christ in the flesh among us. 

Lastly, JOY is not dependent on LIFE’s CIRCUMSTANCES.  While we may not always feel like “shouting for joy”, there is always reason to be joyful about knowing that God is in our midst. It is that certitude, that faith in God’s love for us that fuels joy. The condition of our life should not determine whether we should rejoice or not.  As one Bible commentator points out: “Every experience, if we can only realise it, is touched by God and has its meaning.” We only have to discover and accept its meaning and we shall experience inner joy, the kind which no one can take away from us. The cause of our joy is Christ and Christ alone who is Emmanuel. There is this boy featured in KMJS last Sunday. His name is Jumong. Sabi niya na-bully na daw siya maraming beses dahil sa kanyang kapansanan sa mata. Sa kabila ng masakit na karanasan, natutunan na daw nyang balewalain ang pambubully sa kanya. Panatag nyang ipinagmamalaki na may puwang siya sa mundo at kaya pa niyang magbago. Jumong proves that being happy is really a matter of choice and a perspective in life. One netizen commented: “Jumong’s story attests that there’s no such thing as disabled – only differently-abled individuals. We should look at the very essence of their personality not at the very core of their condition. Because the real disability is the inability to see each of us as special.” 

Henri Nouwen, priest, theologian, and prolific writer said: “Joy does not come from positive predictions about the state of the world. It does not depend on the ups and downs of the circumstances of our lives. Joy is based on the spiritual knowledge that, while the world in which we live is shrouded in darkness, God has overcome the world. Jesus says it loudly and clearly: “In the world you will have troubles, but rejoice, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) 

I asked you earlier if it is possible to be joyful always…. It seems the answer is “YES”! Joy is not fleeting and shallow but rather a deep-seated sense of gratitude in what God has done, what He is doing and what He is about to do. It is a state of heart that cannot be changed or perturbed by any trouble or gloominess around us. Let us pray that in this season, we may possess that Christian joy deep in our hearts.

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.