God welcomes the “unclean” A leper unexpectedly comes to Jesus. According to the Law, he cannot come into contact with anyone. He is “unclean” and has to live isolated. He cannot enter the Temple either. … Read More
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Rosalino Reyes Dizon)
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ (1 Cor 11, 1) Jesus bears our infirmities and endures our sufferings. His true followers follow his example. A leper presents himself before Jesus, despising the … Read More
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (José Antonio Pagola)
Retreating to pray In the middle of his intense activity as a wandering prophet, Jesus always made sure to stay in communication with God in silence and solitude. The gospels have preserved the remembrance of … Read More
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Rosalino Reyes Dizon)
To the weak I became weak (1 Cor 9, 22) Jesus says to those of us who, like the anguished Job, bemoan our miseries in this valley of tears: “Come to me, all you who … Read More
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (José Antonio Pagola)
A new teaching The episode is surprising and breath-taking. It takes place in the “synagogue,” the place where the Law is officially taught and interpreted by authorized teachers. It happens on the “Sabbath,” the day … Read More
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Rosalino Reyes Dizon)
To set before you an ideal (1 Cor 7, 35) Jesus is the great prophet God raised up from among us at the coming of the time of fulfillment. He teaches with God’s authority. God … Read More
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (José Antonio Pagola)
Going after Jesus When the Baptist got arrested, Jesus came to Galilee and began proclaiming the gospel of God. According to Mark, he does not actually teach a doctrine for his disciples to learn and … Read More
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Rosalino Reyes Dizon)
The time is running out (1 Cor 7, 29) The proclamation of the kingdom of God is also an invitation to repentance. “The kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink, but … Read More
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (José Antonio Pagola)
Learning to live John the Evangelist has shown special interest in indicating to his readers how the small group of Jesus’ followers got started. It all seems casual. The Baptist, watching Jesus pass by, tells … Read More
Baptism of the Lord (Rosalino Reyes Dizon)
Listen to what the Spirit says The early Christians were convinced that, in order to follow Jesus, baptism by water or a similar rite is not enough. Their lives must be imbued with the Holy … Read More