When Mercy Unsettles the Heart

Homily: Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) Acts 2:42–47 / 1 Peter 1:3–9 / John 20:19–31 12 April 2026 Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA  We all know people who look a bit messy—“magulo”, disorganised—but somehow, they know exactly where everything is. And the moment you try to “fix” their things, suddenly they get irritatedContinue reading “When Mercy Unsettles the Heart”

Back to Galilee

Homily: Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter Matthew 28:1–10 4 April 2026 Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA Are there some of us here who are afraid of the dark? Darkness can be scary and uncomfortable… and I don’t just mean the kind we experienced earlier when the lights were turned off. I amContinue reading “Back to Galilee”

When Strength Gives Way to Surrender

Homily: Friday of the Passion of the Lord Isaiah 52:13–53:12 / Psalm 31:2, 6, 12–13, 15–16, 17, 25 / Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9 / John 18:1–19:42 3 April 2026  Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA  I remember a man sitting alone in a hospital waiting room late at night. His mother was in the Intensive Care UnitContinue reading “When Strength Gives Way to Surrender”

Making Space for God’s Love

Homily: Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper Exodus 12:1–8, 11–14 / 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 / John 13:1–17 2 April 2026 Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA  This morning, at the Chrism Mass, Bishop Eli invited the faithful to say to their priests, “We love you, Father!” And we priests were asked to respond, “I love you,Continue reading “Making Space for God’s Love”

When Silence Speaks Stronger

Homily: Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion Matthew 21:1–11 / Isaiah 50:4–7 / Philippians 2:6–11 / Matthew 26:14—27:66 29 March 2026 Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA We cannot deny that almost every family has experienced conflict. A simple misunderstanding—maybe about money, responsibilities, or a decision—suddenly blows up into something bigger. Emotions escalate and voices growContinue reading “When Silence Speaks Stronger”

When Vision Becomes Faith

Homily: Fourth Sunday of Lent (A) [Laetare Sunday] 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6–7, 10–13a; Ephesians 5:8–14; John 9:1–41) 15 March 2026 Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA Sometimes, the real problem in life is not that we cannot see, but that we fail to recognise what is right in front of us. There is a difference betweenContinue reading “When Vision Becomes Faith”

Infinite Thirst, Finite Wells

Homily: Third Sunday of Lent (A) Exodus 17:3–7 | Romans 5:1–2, 5–8 | John 4:5–42 8 March 2026 Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA  A few months ago, someone confided in me. He said, “Father, I do not understand myself.”  From the outside, he seemed to have everything in place — a good career, financial security,Continue reading “Infinite Thirst, Finite Wells”

Enough Light for the Next Bend

Homily: Second Sunday of Lent (A) Genesis 12:1–4a | 2 Timothy 1:8b–10 | Matthew 17:1–9 1 March 2026 Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA  Is there anyone here from Nueva Vizcaya or Quezon Province? Travelling to and through these provinces requires traversing a long stretch of winding roads with sharp turns and hairpin curves that canContinue reading “Enough Light for the Next Bend”

What Adam Wanted. What Christ Refused.

Homily: First Sunday of Lent (A) Genesis 2:7–9; 3:1–7 | Romans 5:12–19 | Matthew 4:1–11 22 February 2026 Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA  Once, I overheard someone ask his friend, “Why is it that the things we are not allowed to have seem the most attractive? And isn’t that true? Those with high blood pressureContinue reading “What Adam Wanted. What Christ Refused.”

Entrusted with Freedom

Homily: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) Sirach 15:15–20 | 1 Corinthians 2:6–10 | Matthew 5:17–37 15 February 2026 Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA  Have you ever noticed how parents treat their children differently as they grow older? When children are small we grip their hands tightly when crossing the street. We practically watch theirContinue reading “Entrusted with Freedom”