Belonging to God through Love

HOMILY: Sixth Sunday of Easter (C)

John 14:23-29

25 May 2025

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA 

Who do you consider family? Does a family member always need to be a blood relative? Do they need to marry into your family?  Some families adopt children, others consider close friends part of their family. Others consider strangers who have helped them tremendously as honorary members of their family. Even pet lovers consider their pets part of their family. How do you decide if someone can be part of your family? 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus discloses the secret to becoming part of His family. He says “Whoever loves me will keep My word, and my Father will love him, and we will come [go] to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:23) Love is the mark of God’s family. It is what identifies us as Christians. This kind of love, Jesus cautions, is not just an emotion or a passing feeling — it’s a way of living. It’s the sign that we belong to Him. His teachings, His example, His works of mercy and healing are all manifestations of a life fuelled and motivated by love. This kind of love is what identifies us as Christians. 

This shouldn’t be new to us. From the earliest days of the Church, love was meant to be the defining mark of the Christian community. Initially there were issues and questions about who could belong to the Church. In our First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we hear about the argument whether non-Jews or Gentiles could be accepted. Did they have to follow Jewish law to be accepted? They struck at the heart of what it meant to be part of God’s people. 

Eventually, guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church made a bold, loving decision: to open its doors wide. To welcome people not based on background, ethnicity, nor strict-rule-keeping — but on faith in Jesus and the presence of His Spirit in their lives. It was a reminder that God’s love is always bigger than our boundaries. What is more important is to love Jesus and live by His word. 

Pope St. John XXIII captured this spirit beautifully when he said: “Let there be unity in what is necessary, freedom in what is doubtful, and charity in everything.”

We need unity — we need to hold fast to the essentials of our faith: love, mercy, the dignity of every person.

We need freedom — we give room to explore, to question, to grow, especially in matters that are not central to our faith.

Above all, we need charity — we have to love because even if we get everything else right but have no love, we have missed the heart of the Gospel.

Thus, what does this mean for us today?  It means we are called to be people who welcome, not exclude; who forgive, not judge; who build bridges, not walls. We are called to be known — not for our opinions or positions — but for our love. We must have love for God, love for neighbour, and love even for those we find difficult to love.  It is not how much theology we know, not how often we go to church, not how well we perform religious rituals — but how we love. Hence today, let us ask ourselves:  Am I living a life where people experience love through me? Do I make others feel that they belong?  Do my words, actions, and relationships reflect the presence of God?

Let us hold on to the promise Jesus gives: “We will come [go] to him/her and make our home with him/her.” (John 14:23) Let us remember that when we love, we make space for God to dwell with us. Love is where God feels at home.  Let us be the kind of people where others encounter Christ not through fear nor conditions, but through the open, generous, welcoming love that He showed us. Let us rejoice that we can be part of God’s family!

Christ by Jorge Cocco Santángelo

A Love that Glorifies God

Homily: Fifth Sunday of Easter (C)

John 13:31-33a; 34-35

18 May 2025 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

It is that time of year again for graduation marches, moving up ceremonies, and recognition days. Students heave a sigh of relief for having made it through the many years of exams, projects and presentations. I know of a mom whose daughter is graduating salutatorian but she is not overjoyed because she wanted her kid to be the valedictorian. She wanted the whole school to hear her daughter deliver the valedictory address and she wanted to hear them applaud her daughter. Thankfully, her child has a nice disposition. She was happy and proud to even have made second place, considering most of her batchmates are just happy to be moving on to the next stage. 

As parents, are you the same way with your children? Did you push them to be honour students and to run for the highest honours?  There is nothing wrong with cheering on your children and wanting the best for them. We associate “GLORY” with winning, being the best, being admired, being looked up to.  We think of it as success, recognition, or praise. However, in today’s gospel passage from John, Jesus gives us a very different definition of “GLORY”. At the scene of the Last Supper, Judas leaves to betray Jesus; then, the Jesus addresses the Eleven (11) apostles and says, “Now is the Son of Man glorified…” (John 13:31) Jesus knows the Cross is coming and yet, He calls this moment His glory because for Him, glory does not come from being admired or exalted. Glory comes from loving completely. Jesus’ suffering, Jesus’ sacrifice — this is how He shows the depth of His love. And in that love, the glory of God is revealed. We see who God truly is: a God who gives Himself fully, even to the point of death. 

Then, Jesus turns to His disciples and says “Love one another as I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (John 13:34) He explains further that “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) This new commandment encourages the apostles to mirror the life of self-giving love of their Lord and Master. To be associated with Christ is not just about being “nice” like Him. It is not about loving when it is easy or convenient. It is about loving like Jesus — with patience, humility, and sacrifice. That is what makes this commandment new: the measure of love is now the love of Christ. 

That commandment is also meant for us if we wish to live in obedience to Christ and in imitation of our Saviour.  In order for us to do this, we have to be ever mindful of how Jesus loves us, not just as a church but individually, personally and intimately.  Let us think of all the mistakes we have made in our life. Let us think of all the times we have committed sins — big or small. Let us think of all our imperfections as persons.  Still, Jesus loves us unconditionally! He welcomes us with love and compassion despite seeing all our faults and secret sins. He did not mind living a difficult life of public ministry for three years so He could make present for humanity the Kingdom through His teachings and miracles. He did not mind that He had to die so young at thirty-three (33) years of age.  He willingly gave His life on the cross for you and me that we may have a chance at eternity in Heaven. Can we love others as He loved us? We have to try if we want to follow Him and be identified with Him. 

Loving like Jesus is not always easy — but it is powerful. It transforms lives. It builds real communion. We need to realise that when we love one another this way, God is glorified.  It brings glory to God — not just in heaven, but here and now. Every time we forgive, show compassion, help carry someone’s burden, or choose kindness over pride — we reflect the glorified Jesus. We make God’s love visible to the world.  

Thus,  today, let us commit to live this commandment. Let us love in a way that reflects Jesus. Let us love in a way that glorifies God.

The Shepherd’s Mission to All Nations

Homily: Fourth Sunday of Easter (C) / Good Shepherd Sunday / World Day of Prayer for Vocations

John 10:27-30

11 May 2025

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

When I was a child, whenever my siblings and I were wandering out in public, we knew precisely when Mama was calling us to her side without her even mentioning our names. “Kahit maingay sa paligid, dinig na dinig namin pagsusutsutan kami ni Mama.” (Despite the noise, Mama’s “pssst” still came through us loud and clear.) We stop in our tracks and look her way awaiting the next instruction with the gesture of her hand. Now that I am grown up, and Mama gone, no one can call my attention that way anymore. It worked with Mama because we knew her voice. 

Today Jesus tells us: “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) This is a comforting promise to all those who acknowledge Jesus as their Shepherd and Master. If you ask a shepherd today, they will tell you that even if they tend to a large flock of sheep, they can identify each one and tell you the individual peculiarities of the animals. Jesus as the Good Shepherd also knows His sheep, and He knows each of us personally and intimately.  Yet, we must not forget that Christ is the Shepherd not just of some, but of all. His voice goes out to the ends of the earth. 

In Acts, we see evidence of this universality. Paul and Barnabas went to the synagogue, as they always did, to preach the Word. We are told the influential Jewish men stirred up the persecution of the two, even dissuading the prominent women who were believers.  Despite this, they did not retaliate nor speak against them, they simply turned to the Gentiles.  They “shook the dust from their feet” and went to Iconium. (Acts 13:51) They say, “We now turn to the Gentiles… for the Lord has commanded us: I have made you a light to the nations.” (Acts 13:47)

It was not an act of spite but rather of openness to other waiting opportunities. This shift is not abandonment — it is expansion. Recall that in Matthew 10, when Jesus sent out the Twelve (12) Apostles for the first time, He told them, to bring nothing with them, to avoid the Gentiles and Samaritans, and if they are not welcomed or listened to, they should leave and shake the dust off their feet. The reason for this being that the Jews were supposed to be the first recipients of the Gospel. After Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension, the mission expanded to include the Gentiles. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 explicitly commands the disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations”.  This affirms how the Shepherd’s voice calls out not just to one group, but to the entire world — a growing flock that crossed borders, languages, and expectations. 

Something we must remember is that this sheep and shepherd relationship is not a one-way street. We have to remain close to Jesus to be sensitive to His voice. Sometimes, when we are overwhelmed by the noise of the world and the various voices calling our attention, they may drown out the voice of our Shepherd. He promises to care and protect us but we have to choose Him. We have to listen to Him and respond to Him.  Jesus promises that His flock shall never perish and that “No one can take them out of My hand.” (John 10:28) However, we tend to jump out of His hand of our own volition. When we sin and reject Christ and His teaching, we are choosing to leave the safety of the fold and the protection of our Shepherd. Despite this, Jesus never tires of seeking us out, sending His disciples, to bring us back to Him.  

In our own day, we are reminded of this universal mission especially in the election of a new pope. A few days ago, Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, was elected as our 267th pope, taking the name Leo XIV.  He is an American and an Augustinian who spent many years ministering to the faithful in Peru. We have to bear in mind that whoever is chosen does not become a shepherd only of his country or his continent. He becomes a shepherd for the whole Church — East and West, young and old, rich and poor. He is a successor to Peter, responsible for feeding all the sheep, just as Christ commanded. In this age where a premium on individualism has led to alienation and division, the Church must always reflect the heart of the Good Shepherd — one who seeks out the lost, and gathers God’s children who have scattered. 

Let us be part of that mission. Let us listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, our true Shepherd — not just for ourselves, but so that we may help others hear it, too. And let us pray for our Holy Father — that he may, in imitation of our Lord, and guided by the Holy Spirit, shepherd the entire Church with wisdom, mercy, and courage.

Empty Nets, Full Hearts: Encountering Christ Again

Homily: Third Sunday of Easter (C)

John 21:1-19

4 May 2025

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA 

Is there anyone here who believes he/she owes a deep debt of gratitude to someone else? (Meron ba kayong pinagkakautangan ng loob?) I am not talking about a monetary debt, but rather one that arises from another or others saving your life — be it because of their friendship, their compassion, their inspiration or their heroism. Would you take a bullet for them? Donate a kidney if they need it? Some people give their whole lives in humble service and staunchly defend their honour.  Others would stand in between them and danger. How far would we go to repay our debt to that person? 

Today’s readings highlight the response of Peter to the risen Christ. Remember that Peter was Jesus’ trusted right-hand man. He was among the intimate circle of friends Jesus chose to witness the raising of Jairus’ daughter and the miracle of the Transfiguration. Jesus even openly declared that He would build His church on the rock that was Peter. And yet Peter denied his friendship with Jesus at the onset of the Passion, when his friend needed Him the most. Peter owed his new life to Jesus and yet he betrayed His trust deeply. Imagine how he must have felt seeing his friend alive again yet in the back of his mind he knew they were still not properly reconciled. 

In our gospel we find the disciples back in Galilee and Peter decides to go fishing. In one sense, he is simply returning to what he knows. He is probably wondering what will become of his friendship with Jesus and if he still has a role to play in their mission. He is already considering giving up and going back to his old life.  It feels like a quiet kind of defeat — a slipping back into the old ways now that the high drama of Holy Week and Easter morning have passed. And isn’t that our experience, too? After Easter joy, after spiritual highs, how quickly we find ourselves drifting back into old habits, old fears, and familiar distractions. 

The other disciples fishing with him are equally discouraged when they catch nothing all night. These are seasoned fishermen and yet they take advice from a stranger on the shore. They seem to have lost confidence in themselves as is typical of a group that has lost their leader. They were sheep who have lost their shepherd. When they finally realise it was Jesus speaking to them, Peter jumps out of the boat and swims to shore to meet Him. He could not wait a minute longer. To his relief, he sees that Jesus has come to them not with judgment, but with breakfast. And more than that, He comes with mercy and memory. He re-calls Peter by repeating the very miracle that called him the first time. A night of empty nets. A simple command. An abundance that breaks the nets. 

It is this love — the love of the Risen Lord who comes looking for us, who renews our call when we have faltered — that gives Peter the courage we see in Acts (Acts 5:27–32, 40b–41). Peter and the apostles, having been arrested and humiliated, leave the council rejoicing. Not outraged. Not discouraged. But rejoicing — because they had been found worthy to suffer dishonour for the name of Jesus. The Peter who once denied Jesus three times now refuses to deny Him before the authorities. “We must obey God rather than human beings” (Acts 5:29), he says. That kind of response does not come from sheer determination or personality. It is the fruit of a life so rooted in the Risen Christ, so filled with the Holy Spirit, that even suffering becomes a sign of intimacy with the Lord. This is how Peter repays his debt to the Lord. He devotes his entire life to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and witnesses to the truth of God’s infinite love for us. 

What changed? Peter did not just believe in a Risen Christ — he had encountered the One who loved him even in failure, the One who filled his empty nets again, the One who said, “Follow me,” again. That is our hope, too. That the Risen Lord comes to us not just once, but again and again. He meets us in our return to “fishing,” in the places we feel stuck or lost — at times when we have failed and doubt ourselves, questioning if we still have a place in His church. And with gentle persistence, He fills our nets and renews our call.  I, too, find myself often praying that I might not grumble at the cost of my call to priesthood, but rejoice that even in my hardships I might serve His holy name. 

May we have eyes to recognise Him, hearts to receive Him, and courage to obey Him — no matter the cost. And may we, like the apostles, come to see every trial, every hardship, as a chance to walk more closely with the One who first called us and who never stops calling us to conversion, to mission, and His friendship.

No Sin Too Great, No Soul Too Lost

Homily: Second Sunday of Easter / Divine Mercy Sunday

John 20:19-31 

27 April 2025 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Do you find it easy to forgive someone who offended you? If your answer is “NO”,  ask yourself if it is easy for you to ask forgiveness when you are the offending party?  Some people only confess during Kumpisalang Bayan (Parish-wide Penance Service) thinking it is better to confess their habitual sins once and avoid going to confession frequently for the same sins. Others are so ashamed of their sins that they cannot bring themselves to speak of what they have done even in the confidentiality of the confessional. Either way, you are short-changing yourself by avoiding the mercy of God. Pope Francis once said “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.” 

Today, on Divine Mercy Sunday, we reflect on the forgiveness that we can always expect from Jesus, most especially on this Feast. He says that those who go to confession and receive Holy Communion today will receive the complete forgiveness of their sins and the punishment resulting from them. Blood and water gush forth from the heart of Jesus as a fountain of mercy.  Even the most hardened sinner, once immersed in the ocean of His mercy will be forgiven.  This promise, anchored on the boundless mercy of God, is our ultimate hope. This is something we can count on. Jesus, the Divine Mercy will not fail us if we approach Him with full trust and confidence. He loves us so much that He does not want us to be separated from Him. God our Father encourages us to embrace His forgiveness that He may grant us the opportunity for a renewed life and a deeper connection with Him. 

On Holy Monday, I heard the confessions of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). In my thirteen (13) years as a priest, I have never heard confessions more powerful and heartbreaking than these. One conversation with a lady inmate had such a profound impact on me. The woman hesitantly stepped forward. She admitted she hadn’t really wanted to come for confession but her fellow inmates had urged her to. Avoiding my gaze, she said quietly, “Nagsasayang ka lang ng oras, Father. Hinding-hindi mamahalin ng Diyos ang taong tulad ko.”  (“You’re just wasting your time, Father. God will never love someone like me.”) I gently asked, “Bakit mo naman nasabi yan?”  (“Why would you say that?”) Her expression hardened as she revealed she had done contemptible things too terrible to mention. “Ang nakikita ko sa sarili ko ay isang taong wala nang kaligtasan. Ang tulad ko, wala nang pag-asa.”  (“I see myself as someone beyond salvation. There is no hope for someone like me.”) My heart sank. I felt such pity and compassion for her. I told her “With God, there is always hope. No one is worthless. No one is unredeemable. His mercy is unlike that of human beings because His mercy has no limits. There is no sin so dark and deep that is beyond the reach of His love. Ang Kanyang pagmamahal ay hindi batay sa anumang magagawa mo. “Mahal ka Niya dahil sadya ka Niyang nilikha at inangkin bilang anak.” (“His love is not based on anything you can do. He loves you because He intentionally created you and claimed you as His child.”) I pointed out to her Romans 5:8: “…God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  She looked at me for the first time and I saw tears in her eyes. In that moment, I knew grace had entered the room.

It may not seem sensible that God’s mercy should bypass the full force of His justice, but it does, because His love for us is simply so great!  This is the power of Divine Mercy. It does not excuse sin, but it heals it. It does not erase the past, but it gives us a future. And that future is rooted in hope — the hope that no life is beyond redemption, and no one is too far for God’s embrace. By God’s grace, we are freed from the burden of guilt and we receive the Lord’s peace. We are equally encouraged to extend the same mercy to others, reflecting God’s compassion for all. 

So today, on this Feast of the Divine Mercy, let us carry this message in our hearts: God’s mercy is bigger than our greatest failure. No matter where we are — in prison, in pain, or in doubt — there is hope.  If God can transform the heart of a prisoner, imagine what He can do in our life — if we let Him.

Jesus, we trust in You.

Light in the Darkness: The Hope of Easter

Homily: Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection (C)

John 20:1-9

20 April 2025

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA 

This is the day!! Look to your seatmate and happily announce to them “This is the day!” For us, Christians, no other day holds more significance than THIS DAY!  Jesus is risen! Our Messiah has conquered sin and death in the world. He has opened the gates of Heaven for humanity and given us a reason to hope again.  He is the light at the end of our tunnel and the dawn of a new day for us.  The light of Christ has never burned brighter because it is fueled by a love that no dark power in existence can ever extinguish. This is the triumph of Easter! 

The Easter story from the Gospel according to John begins with a very interesting detail: “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb…” (John 20:1) We would expect that Easter, being the feast of light, would start in brightness, but the gospel tells us that it begins in darkness. Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb “while it is still dark”. Her heart is heavy. She is grieving the loss of a mentor and a dear friend. Everything she hoped for in the Messiah seemed lost. 

That situation is not uncommon to us. This is exactly where many of us literally and figuratively are, or have been. Some of us are still in the dark, still trying to make sense of suffering, still carrying grief or confusion, still waiting for something to change.  We often think of Easter as the moment when everything is all right again. But the truth is, though Christ rose, the world’s pain did not vanish overnight. Pain did not disappear. The Jews still suffered oppression from the Romans in power. Yes, the tomb was empty but the impact of the Resurrection had yet to come to light. 

And that is the same today. Easter brings hope, but it does not erase the challenges we still face. There are still loved ones lost and relationships that are still broken. The news headlines are consistently filled with war, injustice, and fear. We still experience the shadow of our broken world just as Mary Magdalene and the disciples did in their day.  It is not easy to discern the will of God in the everyday occurrences around us — especially, the evil and the mundane. There is still a lot of confusion even among those of us who try our best to be good Catholics. In our First Reading today, we find Peter boldly proclaiming the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. However, his witness did not start with certainty — it started with confusion. He had run to the tomb. He saw. He wondered. And although, it was not immediate, the light of faith slowly dawned upon him. 

Yes, the wonder of Easter does not wait for the darkness to end! Christ rises in the dark, while Mary was still crying and while the disciples were still hiding. As the world remained shrouded in darkness, Jesus triumphed over death.  Even if they did not understand it right away — even if they were confused and afraid — the light had already broken through. Thus, if we are still walking through our own dark morning, let us not lose heart. New life does not always come with a spectacle. Sometimes, it comes quietly — like dawn breaking after a long night. 

It reminds me of the lyrics of the song Blessings by Laura Story, 

“Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise” 

Let us keep walking our paths. Christ is risen! That is more than enough reason to keep hoping.  We can be sure that there is always light — in our life, in our wounds, in our longing — no matter how dark it feels. 

Happy Easter, brothers and sisters. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Photo from Hallow.com

Kenosis: The Descent of Love

Homily: Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion (C) 

Luke 1:1-49

13 April 2025

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

At the start of the mass, we gathered outside with our palm fronds to get a feel of what it was like to be present at the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. This was a moment filled with hope as people waved palms and loudly cried out “hosannas” to Him whom they regarded as the Promised Messiah.  Yet, just moments ago, we re-enacted the heart-breaking events that took place just days after. How quickly the “cheers” turned to “jeers”; how the joy of this day gave way to the agony of the cross. As we begin this week’s journey with Jesus, we are asked to reflect through our readings, particularly the Passion Narrative, on the mystery of God’s great love for us. 

St. Paul tells us in Philippians that Jesus, “though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself…” (Philippians 2:6) This act of self-emptying — kenosis — is the very essence of the person of Christ. He gave everything: His power, His dignity, His very life. Not because He had to, but because He chose to. Jesus stripped Himself of everything and stooped down to the level of humanity — a heap of mess, sin, and suffering, because He chose to reach out to us from where we are. God does not save us from a distance. He enters into our world, into our pain, into our death. 

But again, we may ask: “Why did Christ empty Himself so completely?” Because that is precisely what LOVE does — it stoops. By its nature, love cannot remain distant. Love reaches out and draws everyone near. As one commentator puts it: “Love kneels to wash feet. Love shares meals with sinners. Love touches the untouchable. Love sees the invisible.” Jesus stooped so low in order to lift us up. Hence, we cannot say, “God does not understand what we are going through” because Jesus has lived through our human experience for love of us. 

Something I would like us to remember and internalise today is that Jesus does not endure all of this only for the holy and the righteous. He makes this sacrifice even for the worst sinners, that they may have a chance. He does not exclude the Jews who betrayed Him by consenting to His crucifixion. He does not exclude the Romans who carried out the gruesome sentence. He does not exclude the millions and millions of people who persecuted His followers through the ages. He does not exclude people two thousand (2000) years later who have devised worse ways to sin. He does not exclude you and me, who despite being baptised (made children of God) continue to sin the same sins. It is almost unthinkable that a person would accept suffering to liberate another who does not deserve it. Yet it is not impossible, because Jesus proved it is doable if we have love in our hearts. 

This blessed week, let us walk with Jesus — not just to the cross, but beyond it, to the resurrection. Let us stand in awe of a love that goes so far, so low, and so deep — just so He can bring us home; united with Him forever!

Eugène Delacroix 1798 -1863, Christ on the Cross (detail) 1853, The National Gallery, London

Mercy Over Judgment: Jesus’ Response to Sin

Homily: Fifth Week Week of Lent (C)

John 8:1-11

6 April 2025

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA 

“Bawal ang judgmental!”  (“Being judgmental is prohibited!”) I’m sure most of you have heard that line before. It is a very common sentiment these days, especially among the young. In books, memes, movies, videos, and even in everyday conversations, there are reminders not to be “judgy”. However, I bet more often than not, we all make judgments on others. It is just that some of us are better at keeping our thoughts to ourselves. Am I right? 

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 Jewish laws. As the story progresses, we are told that instead of passing judgment on the woman, Jesus “bent down and wrote on the ground with His finger.” John 8:8) Then He challenges them saying, “If any one of you is without sin, cast the first stone”. (John 8:7) He writes on the ground once more and the people walk away from Jesus and the woman. He addresses her and says “Has no one condemned you? “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Go and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11) 

The story shows how judgmental the Jewish leaders were. Worst of all, their judgment of this woman did not stop there. They condemned her for her misdeed and were ready to take her life.  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 is a genuinely valid question. Both were guilty of the act and under the Jewish law both of them are supposed to be stoned. Thus, why was it only the woman who was brought in to be judged? That double standard persists today, as evidenced by the use of the term “mistress” or “kabit” to refer to a woman who is involved as the third party in a marriage. However, when a man has an affair to a married woman, what do we call the man? Let me know after mass, if you have the answer! 

Jesus shows the woman mercy. He does not belittle her sin, but neither does He take away from her the chance at repentance. He sends her on her way with the mandate to “Sin no more.” (John 8:11) This is parallel to how God the Father has forgiven Israel countless times for their repeated infidelity. The prophet Hosea speaks of how God was willing to take back His people and make them “clean” after they had degraded themselves by worshipping other gods and disobeying the Father’s commandments. 

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” (headache-inducing) or “nakakataas ng Blood Pressure” (raises Blood Pressure) 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 seeing the complete picture. More often than not, we overreact or make hasty conclusions about people and situations without making an effort to fact check or learn the whole story.  

We live in unusual times where we have access to a wealth of information online and the speed of communication has improved tremendously.  Yet, if we are not careful, the act of sharing texts, videos and photos can make us transmitters of lies and destroyers of innocent people’s reputations. These days there is so much fake news, spliced videos and altered photos, that we can no longer accept things at face value.  More so now, because AI is making it so easy to create fake videos and photos. Those with the right tools and mischief in mind can easily create a fake narrative and provoke people. We cannot simply believe everything on the internet and social media. 

On a final note, let us look at the unusual action of Jesus in the story — “He bends down to write on the ground with his finger.”  (John 8:6,8) A Bible commentator says this is reminiscent of Jeremiah’s denunciation of Israel’s infidelities and refusal to repent. The prophet says, “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.” (Jeremiah 17:13) Perhaps, Jesus was somehow reminding them that their hard-heartedness was an act of forsaking the Lord? What personally intrigues me is what had written on the ground.  Some say Jesus wrote down the private sins of the Jewish leaders such that they opted to back off on the stoning rather than be exposed for their own transgressions. Nevertheless, who is to say if that is true? What is important is that whatever Jesus had written, IT made these leaders think twice about condemning the woman to death. It stopped them from pursuing their wicked plans. 

This Sunday, we are invited to place ourselves in that crowd. What would Jesus have to write on the ground to stop us from sinning against God and our neighbor? What would remind  us to suspend our judgment and be merciful to others?  Let us thank the Lord for welcoming us, accepting us, and loving us despite our flaws. May He transform our hearts that we may always seek the truth and  treat others with understanding and compassion.

By Charalambos Epaminonda (Acrylic on Wood)

Embracing God’s Unconditional Love

HOMILY: Fourth Sunday of Lent (C) 

(Laetare Sunday)

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

30 March 2025

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

In the past few days, no one has made us prouder to be Filipino than 19-year-old Filipino Tennis Player Alexandra “Alex” Eala. On Thursday she won against the world’s #2 tennis player, Iga Swiatek. However, her dreams of being hailed as one of the top tier women tennis players was quashed last Friday by American Jessica Pegula. Despite her loss, Alex beamed at the audience who cheered for her and was quoted as praising her opponent for being a really good player. Sports commentators said: “Not often do you see the losing player of the match with a bigger smile.” When asked how she got past the usual frustration of defeat she highlighted the importance of keeping perspective saying, “It is not the result but the attitude and grit that define me on the court.” Slow clap 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 for Alex Eala!

In today’s gospel we read the popular parable of the Prodigal Son.  We often focus on the younger son and the merciful, loving father. The young son’s foolishness and waywardness and his crestfallen return set the stage to show the father’s gracious forgiveness and unconditional love. However, today let us focus our eyes on the older son. He remained faithful to his duties as a son, worked hard, and never strayed, but when his brother came back, he became angry and resentful. He struggled with jealousy, unable to rejoice in the graciousness extended to his sibling.  

If Alex Eala were anything like the older brother, the cameras may have caught her cussing, throwing her racket in anger and storming off the court. Thankfully she has a better attitude. Instead of being happy that his own flesh and blood is safe and reunited with them, the older brother was bitter that his own efforts were seemingly unacknowledged by their father. It makes me think that he only worked hard out of duty and not for love of his father or their family. With his lofty expectations of recognition, he was trying really hard to amass more wealth for himself but now he just may have to share his part of the family wealth with his brother again. Sadly, he lost all perspective of what was more important.

How often do we feel the same way? Many of us can relate with the older son’s struggle. Perhaps when someone who has made mistakes receives forgiveness or when we see others experience grace, we feel they do not deserve. One church Tita said: “Aba, nakasuwerte pa din sila!” (“They got lucky!”), as she watched YouTube videos on actresses who married well despite starting out in sexy films and bearing children of various men.  Sadly, she sounded like she did not believe they deserved their good fortune instead of being happy that they married good men who loved them, respected them and gave them a decent life.  It is easy to believe that our efforts, our faithfulness, should earn us something more. But the reality of God’s kingdom is that grace is not earned — it is given. St. Paul reminds the Corinthians that “God has reconciled the world to Himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them…” (2 Corinthians 5:19) Hence, grace is given to all, freely, whether we think it is deserved or not.

As followers of Christ, we are called to rejoice not only in our own redemption but in the redemption of others. The father’s words to the older son remind us of this truth: “We have to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again.” (Luke 15:32) Among us children of God, we should all strive to avoid resentment or jealousy. There should only be room for God’s grace that invites all of us into the joy of God’s love. Let us therefore strive to embrace that all-encompassing grace of God and share in the joy of others’ redemption, just as God rejoices over us.

A Painting by Christian Rohlfs

Turning Back to God

HOMILY: Third Sunday of Lent (C)

Luke 13:1-9

23 March 2025

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA 

“Habang may buhay, may pag-asa.” (“As long as we are alive, there is hope.”) Do we believe this? I guess, we should! A wise Jesuit said death only makes permanent the state of our soul at our last breath. So, if we die with a heart full of hate, vindictiveness, greed and envy, we no longer have a chance to do better, correct our mistakes, make peace, and contribute good in the world. The dead cannot expect positive outcomes with respect to one’s own life or the world, precisely because they are no longer in the world.  The worst part is, we never really know when we are going to die, until death comes knocking at our door. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns us about the urgency of turning our lives around, using two tragic events as examples: the murder of some Galileans by Pilate and the collapse of a tower in Siloam that killed eighteen (18) people. At the time, many believed that if something bad happened to someone, it was because they deserved it — like a punishment for sin. Jesus challenges that mindset. He tells them that the tragedy is the failure to repent of one’s sins.  “If you don’t repent, you will all perish as they did.”  (Luke 13:3) 

There are three things we can learn from our readings today. First, death is not necessarily a punishment. Both good and bad people die. Both good and bad people are susceptible to tragedies and misfortunes. Second, the urgency for repentance comes as a consequence of the suddenness at which death may come to claim a soul.  Quite a number of young people these days die suddenly of aneurysms and heart attacks. It is unthinkable but it happens. In the same way, some old people live until their nineties (90’s) or past one hundred (100) even if they keep praying for God to take them. No one knows when our time on earth is up.  Third, we must use the chances we get in life to live as people of God. Like the fig tree that was given a chance to bear fruit before it was to be cut down, we are expected before we die, to bear the fruit of Christianity — LOVE! 

The example of the fig tree that has not borne fruit is appropriate for all of us. The gardener cultivates the soil and fertilises it that it may have the best chance to bear fruit. God is like a gardener that gives all of us all the chances, graces and blessings that we may become true witnesses of Jesus’ love and mercy and ambassadors of His Kingdom.  Our entire life is the chance we are given because the call to repentance is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing process, something we work on every day. Conversion is not a one-off event but a daily transformation. Every day, we have opportunities to grow closer to God and orient our hearts toward the Lord. Even the difficult things we face in life — like accidents, sickness, tragedies, etc. are opportunities for us to turn to God in repentance and to grow in love. 

Whether we are aware of it or not, we constantly encounter God in our lives through both serene and difficult moments.  God is always with us, blessing us. The only way we do not lose sight of His presence is by staying connected to Him. Thus, let us pray often and receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist frequently to allow God to nurture our hearts. Let us always bear the fruit of love in our lives and show the world the transformative power of true repentance.