IT’S the call Christ addresses to us when he told his disciples: “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relative or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and...
Every time I do my daily walk with Teddy, my adorable chihuahua, at five o'clock in the morning, we usually observe the beautiful sunrise. The fading of darkness and the daylight entering the new day amazes me. It reminds me of our struggles in life. There...
(An excerpt of the homily of the Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., during the 13 Parochial Fiesta of St. John Paul II Parish Los, Amigos, Tugbok, Davao City – Oct 22, 2024.) Diba San Juan Pablo II, ang among patron, ang among intercessor? My dear...
A constant flow of people visiting and praying for their dearly departed is a beautiful Filipino family value worth practicing. It shows our enduring love for our relatives who once shared existence with us, now etched in memories. Like them, we all are given gifts...
THAT’S when Christ responded to those who asked him what the greatest commandment was. (cfr. Mk 12,28-34) After telling them that the greatest commandment was to love God with one’s whole might, he proceeded to tell them without being asked what the second greatest commandment...
THE month of November begins with the liturgical celebration of the Solemnity of All Saints and the Commemoration of All Souls. These celebrations remind us of the wonderful reality that our life here on earth is not just limited by our space-and-time existence, but has...
WHEN some Pharisees told Christ to leave the area because Herod wanted to kill him, Christ refused to do so, stating that he must accomplish his purpose. (cfr. Lk 13,31-35) That should also be the attitude we ought to have. Despite the earthly difficulties, challenges, trials,...
IN his Letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul describes what the proper Christian relation is between parents and children, between masters and servants. (cfr. 6,1-9) “Honor your father and mother,” he said. “This is the first commandment with a promise, that it may go well...
WHEN Christ compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed and a yeast that start small and insignificant but can grow big in time (cfr. Lk 13,18-21), he was highlighting the truth that our sanctification can be achieved by taking care of the small,...
IT’S worthwhile noting that even Christ had to spend the night praying before he made that big decision of choosing his 12 apostles among the many disciples that he had at that time. (cfr. Lk 6,12-16) This could only mean that for Christ to be...