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Friday, December 04, 2009
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
My Gospel Reflections for November 15; thirty-third Sunday in ordinary time: Mark 12:24-32
My Reflections:
During the end of the millennium (1999) some people predicted that the end times would come. Some even stored food already but nothing happened. We were all successfully ushered to the next millennium. So when is the end times going to happen? Nobody knows but God.
However, each and everyone of us faces our own inevitable end times and that is our deaths. When someone is sick with cancer doctors would even predict the days or months that we are going to last until the inevitable end.
Do we need to be afraid of our own death? It depends; for someone who has not developed a personal relationship with Jesus death is like a plague that needs to be avoided. But for those who have developed an intimate union with Jesus death is nothing but a gateway to something that is beautiful and heavenly.
Jesus in the gospel predicted a frightening depiction of the end times (the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.) perhaps some of the people who was within hearing distance of Jesus were afraid; maybe a few of the disciples were afraid too.
Fear not, continue moving on with your life—if we have this intimate relationship with Jesus we will not be afraid of the end times or of our own deaths. There are even some who would willingly embrace natural death with open arms because they know that death is the start of our everlasting journey with God. When death comes we will be able to see God and we will experience rapturous joy for the reason that we are already with our creator who loved us more than anyone else.
On the other hand, the horrible end times being described by Jesus is also a reality that will certainly happen. This is reserved for those people who know God but refuse to follow His teachings. After their deaths, they will be forever in the dustbin of hell.
In the first reading it says: “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be on everlasting horror and disgrace (Daniel 12:2). …
During the end of the millennium (1999) some people predicted that the end times would come. Some even stored food already but nothing happened. We were all successfully ushered to the next millennium. So when is the end times going to happen? Nobody knows but God.
However, each and everyone of us faces our own inevitable end times and that is our deaths. When someone is sick with cancer doctors would even predict the days or months that we are going to last until the inevitable end.
Do we need to be afraid of our own death? It depends; for someone who has not developed a personal relationship with Jesus death is like a plague that needs to be avoided. But for those who have developed an intimate union with Jesus death is nothing but a gateway to something that is beautiful and heavenly.
Jesus in the gospel predicted a frightening depiction of the end times (the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.) perhaps some of the people who was within hearing distance of Jesus were afraid; maybe a few of the disciples were afraid too.
Fear not, continue moving on with your life—if we have this intimate relationship with Jesus we will not be afraid of the end times or of our own deaths. There are even some who would willingly embrace natural death with open arms because they know that death is the start of our everlasting journey with God. When death comes we will be able to see God and we will experience rapturous joy for the reason that we are already with our creator who loved us more than anyone else.
On the other hand, the horrible end times being described by Jesus is also a reality that will certainly happen. This is reserved for those people who know God but refuse to follow His teachings. After their deaths, they will be forever in the dustbin of hell.
In the first reading it says: “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be on everlasting horror and disgrace (Daniel 12:2). …
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
My Gospel Reflections for MondayJuly 20: Matthew 19:38-42
My Reflections:
Majority of the scribes and the Pharisees were through and through against Jesus. They demand for a sign for what purpose? But Jesus knew them well; He knew the evil in their hearts.
We may not be like the scribes and the Pharisees who persecuted Jesus. But we are like them once in a while because sometimes we also demand for a sign from God. Especially when we are about to make major decisions we ask God for a sign.
For me, asking God for a sign is an indication of weak faith, come to think of it; why will we ask God for a sign if we have our full trust and faith in HIM?
Majority of the scribes and the Pharisees were through and through against Jesus. They demand for a sign for what purpose? But Jesus knew them well; He knew the evil in their hearts.
We may not be like the scribes and the Pharisees who persecuted Jesus. But we are like them once in a while because sometimes we also demand for a sign from God. Especially when we are about to make major decisions we ask God for a sign.
For me, asking God for a sign is an indication of weak faith, come to think of it; why will we ask God for a sign if we have our full trust and faith in HIM?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Monday, June 01, 2009
My Tribute to our Parish Pastor: Rev. Fr. Leonardo R. Bagos
In just a few days, our beloved Parish Priest, Fr. Nards, will leave us to begin a new chapter of his ministry in the Diocese of Imus. How swiftly time has passed! It seems only yesterday that he first set foot in Saint Joseph’s Parish, Carmona, Cavite. Yet, the reality is that six years of faithful service, of tireless dedication, and of unwavering love for God’s people, are coming to a close.
As we look back, our hearts overflow with gratitude. Fr. Nards came to us as a shepherd sent by God, and under his guidance, our parish has grown—not only in structures and systems—but in faith, reverence, and love for the Eucharist. The church edifice, once unfinished, now stands complete, a visible testament to his perseverance, vision, and trust in God’s providence. Even in the face of scarcity, he never wavered; he believed that with God, all things are possible.
But beyond bricks and mortar, Fr. Nards built something far more enduring: a deeper respect and reverence for God among all of us. He taught us, step by step, how to receive Christ in the Eucharist with devotion, ensuring that each communicant approached the Body of Christ with awe and love. He gently corrected those who did not yet understand, not with scolding, but with prayer, catechesis, and care—guiding our hearts to the sacred. He reminded us, in every action, that the Eucharist is not only a ritual, but a profound encounter with our Lord.
Under his pastoral care, the parish became orderly, clean, and welcoming. The sound of the Word of God now echoes clearly to all. The environment reflects not only organization but love, discipline, and care for God’s house. And yet, it is not only the changes we see that matter—it is the way he quietly formed our hearts, our reverence, and our faith.
Like Christ, Fr. Nards faced challenges and opposition, moments that must have been painful. Yet he met them with forgiveness, patience, and prayer. He taught us by example that a shepherd’s heart is gentle, resilient, and steadfast, always guided by love, even toward those who oppose us.
Father, as you prepare to leave our parish, know that you have left an indelible mark on each of our lives. We will miss your friendship, your guidance, your lessons, and your unwavering dedication. But we will carry forward what you have instilled in us: love for the Eucharist, respect for God’s house, and the courage to live our faith boldly.
May God continue to bless and strengthen you in your new mission. May He guide your steps, protect you, and fill your heart with peace and joy as you shepherd new flocks. And may we, inspired by your example, always remember that the measure of true ministry is not in what is built, but in the lives touched, the hearts formed, and the faith deepened.
Thank you, Padre, for your life of service, your faith, and your love. You will remain forever in our prayers—and in our hearts.
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