“DO YOU REALLY WANT TO SEE JESUS?” (March 18th, 2018)

Fifth Sunday of Lent (B - Violet) ANTIPHON (cf. Psalm 43 (42):1-2) Give me justice, O God, and plead my cause against a nation that is faithless. From the deceitful and cunning rescue me, for you, O God, are my strength. INTRODUCTION: "We would like to see Jesus." These words, spoken by some Greeks to …

“LIGHT AND DARKNESS” (March 11th, 2018)

Fourth Sunday of Lent/Laetare Sunday (B - Rose/Violet) ANTIPHON (cf. Isaiah 66:10-11) Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast. INTRODUCTION: The spirit of Lent invites us to recall our sins and failings, and moves us to be sorry for them. …

“JESUS’ CONSUMING ZEAL” (March 4th, 2018)

Third Sunday of Lent (B - Violet) ANTIPHON (cf. Psalm 25 (24):15-17) My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues my feet from the snare. Turn to me and have mercy on me, for I am alone and poor. INTRODUCTION: The Decalogue, in the first reading, declares that the appropriate response to God's …

“WHEN LIFE BEGINS” (March 2nd, 2018)

Friday of the First Week of Lent (B - Violet) ANTIPHON (cf. Psalm 31 (30):2, 5) In you, O Lord, I put my trust, let me never be put to shame; release me from the snare they have hidden for me, for you indeed are my refuge. INTRODUCTION: The Parable of the Tenants is a …

“CALLED TO LIVED BY FAITH” (February 25th, 2018)

Second Sunday of Lent (B - Violet) ANTIPHON (cf. Psalm 27 [26]:8-9) Of you my heart has spoken: Seek his face. It is your face, O Lord, that I seek; hide not your face from me. INTRODUCTION: By his Transfiguration, Jesus shows us that the radiance of his glory comes from his acceptance of the …

“WHEN LIFE BEGINS” (February 18th, 2018)

First Sunday of Lent (B - Violet) ANTIPHON (cf. Psalm 91(90):15-16) When he calls on me, I will answer him; I will deliver him and give him glory, I will grant him length of days. INTRODUCTION: For the Church in the Philippines, the first Sunday of Lent is also National Migrants’ Day. Jesus’ cross portrays …

“TO WHOM WILL YOU GIVE YOUR HEART?” (February 14th, 2018)

Ash Wednesday (B - Violet) ANTIPHON (cf. Wisdom 11:24, 25, 27) You are merciful to all, O Lord, and despise nothing that you have made. You overlook people’s sins, to bring them to repentance, and you spare them, for you are the Lord our God. INTRODUCTION: Ash Wednesday opens the season of Lent which prepares …

“IF YOU WISH, YOU CAN MAKE ME CLEAN” (February 11, 2018)

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B - Green) ANTIPHON (cf. Psalm 31[30]:3-4) Be my protector, O God, a mighty stronghold to save me. For you are my rock, my stronghold! Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name. INTRODUCTION: Today’s Gospel presents the moving story of Jesus healing the leper. The healing declares …

“JESUS WALKS WITH US IN THE MOST DIFFICULT MOMENTS OF LIFE” (February 4, 2018)

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B - Green) ANTIPHON (Psalm 95[94]:6-7) O come, let us worship God and bow low before the God who made us, for he is the Lord our God. INTRODUCTION: We live in a world of pain. We undergo physical, emotional, and moral suffering. There are times when, like Job, we …

“LIFE-BURNT FOR OTHERS” (February 2, 2018)

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (B - White) ANTIPHON: None. INTRODUCTION: Today is the blessed day when Jesus was presented in the Temple by Mary and Joseph. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Simeon and Anna came to the Temple. Enlightened by the same Spirit, they recognized the Lord and confessed him with exultation. …