God's Word and Daily Life

By Rems Noquiao

On Oct. 18, the universal Church celebrates the feast of St. Luke, the evangelist.

St. Luke the Evangelist holds a unique place in Christian tradition as both a physician and a meticulous chronicler of the life of Jesus and the early Church. As the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, he provides one of the most detailed accounts of Jesus’ ministry, emphasizing compassion, mercy, and the universality of salvation. Luke's Gospel is known for its focus on the marginalized, including women, the poor, and sinners, reflecting his deep concern for the human condition and the transformative power of Christ's love.

Luke’s portrayal of Jesus is rich in parables and teachings that emphasize forgiveness, social justice, and the inclusion of outsiders. His background as a Gentile makes his works particularly significant in showing how Christianity expanded beyond Jewish roots, making the faith accessible to all.

In reflecting on St. Luke, one sees a figure of great intellect and empathy, someone who not only documented history but also conveyed a spiritual message of hope, healing, and redemption for all humanity. St. Luke, pray for us!

By Fr. Bernard Holzer, aa

On Monday October 7, one year after the massacre launched by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in several different areas in Israel, and the spiral of violence, Pope Francis launched a Day of Prayer and of Fasting for Peace.

In a letter to Catholics in the Middle East, Pope Francis repeats Jesus' promise: “I am with you.”

Let us have the same compassion for the victims, chanting, praying and meditating on these words from the heart:

"I am with you, the people of Gaza, long embattled and in dire straits. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily.

I am with you, who have been forced to leave your homes, to abandon schooling and work and to find a place of refuge from the bombing.

I am with you, the mothers who weep while looking at your dead or wounded children, like Mary at the sight of Jesus; with you, the children of the great lands of the Middle East, where the intrigues of those in power deprive you of your right to play.

I am with you, who are afraid to look up for fear of fire raining down from the skies.

I am with you, who have no voice, for despite all the talk of plans and strategies, there is little concern for those who suffer the devastation of war, which the powerful impose on others; yet they will be subject to the inflexible judgment of God (cf. Wis 6:8).

I am with you, who thirst for peace and justice, and refuse to yield to the logic of evil and, in the name of Jesus, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt 5:44)."

May these words become our prayer today and during this week.

By Fr. Bernard Holzer, aa

On October 2, the second session of the Synod on Synodality will begin bringing together bishops, priests, religious and laity alike for nearly one month of discussions.    

The “Instrumentum Laboris” for this second session (https://www.synod.va/content/dam/synod/common/phases/universal-stage/il/ENG_INSTRUMENTUM-LABORIS.pdf ), building on the results of the 2023 session, outlines three overarching questions:

1. How can we be more fully a sign and instrument of union with God and of the unity of all humanity?

2. How can we better share gifts and tasks in the service of the Gospel?

3. What processes, structures, and institutions are needed in a missionary synodal Church?

The document focuses on “how the synodal Church is on mission” and proposes concrete ways to implement a more synodal approach in Church governance, theology, mission, and discernment of doctrine.

Let us follow this “conversation with the Spirit” and let us pray for this Synod: 

“We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.

With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;

Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.

Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.

By Maricel Melgar

How do we see the privilege of serving the Lord? Is it something entirely ours or do we involve others in it?

This Sunday's Gospel, Jesus responds to His disciples’ concern about someone outside their group casting out demons in His name. His response offers a profound lesson on inclusion, humility, and the seriousness of sin.

When John tells Jesus about someone who is not part of their group casting out demons, Jesus teaches that anyone acting in His name, even if they aren’t part of the inner circle, is not against Him. This challenges human tendencies toward exclusivity and tribalism. Jesus’ words remind us that the work of God transcends boundaries and affiliations. We are called to rejoice in the good that others do in His name, regardless of whether they are part of our immediate community. It’s a call to embrace a broader vision of God’s kingdom and avoid a sectarian mindset.

Serving the Lord is not an “exclusive” thing to do. It is rather inclusive. The Lord calls all peoples regardless of race and culture. Come, let us serve the Lord together!

By Maricel Melgar

This week Filipino Catholics witness the traslacion or procession of the Virgin of Penafrancia in the Bicol region.

The Virgin of Peñafrancia holds deep significance in the Catholic faith, especially for the faithful in the Philippines, where devotion to her is a powerful cultural and spiritual force. As the Patroness of the Bicol region, she is lovingly referred to as "Ina," meaning "mother," symbolizing her role as a maternal figure who intercedes for her devotees. This reflects the broader Catholic reverence for Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a powerful intercessor who brings believers closer to her Son.

This devotion to the Virgin reflects key elements of Catholic spirituality: reliance on Mary as a compassionate mother, the belief in the power of intercessory prayer, and the communal nature of faith. For many, the Virgin represents hope in times of suffering and a reminder of God's love and presence in their lives. The rituals and prayers that accompany her veneration deepen the sense of connection between the divine and the everyday lives of her followers.

The Virgin of Peñafrancia is a powerful symbol of faith and unity, bridging personal devotion with community celebration, and inspiring a deep, ongoing relationship with God through Mary’s loving guidance and protection. Ina, our Mother, pray for country!

By Father Bernard Holzer, aa

 Are you following Pope Francis' apostolic journey to Asia and Oceania? What beautiful images, stories of encounters, testimonies and encouragement!

 When I read Pope Francis' speech on the esplanade in front of the Holy Cross Cathedral in Vanimo in Papua New Guinea, last Sunday, I thought of the Philippines.

 Change the name of the country, replace Papua New Guinea with the Philippines, and you will read a beautiful encouragement to live as a Christian here in our beautiful country:

 “Dear friends, after visiting your country, many tourists return home saying they have seen ‘paradise’. They usually refer to the natural beauty they enjoyed. We know, however, that this is not the greatest treasure. There is a more beautiful and fascinating treasure that is found in your hearts and that manifests itself in the charity with which you love each other.

 The most precious gift you can share with everyone is to make Papua New Guinea famous not only for its variety of plant and animal life, its enchanting beaches and clear sea, but famous above all for the good people you meet here. I say this especially to you, children, with your contagious smiles and your exuberant joy, which spreads out in every direction. You are the most beautiful image that visitors can take with them and keep in their hearts!

 I encourage you, then, to continue to beautify this happy land with your presence as a loving Church.”

 May the Lord bless us for being his collaborators and friends.

By Fr. Bernard Holzer, aa

 Today, at the age of 87, Pope Francis is embarking on his longest journey that will take him to different Asian countries such as Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore, at the very gates of China.

 In his encounters with various civil and religious authorities, he will undoubtedly plead for a universal fraternity between men and women in all their diversity, between states and religions, for the safeguarding of our common home, our planet.

 Let us follow this missionary journey closely. Let us read and meditate on the Pope's messages. Let's also listen to the reactions of all parties. Let us open our hearts and carry this journey in our prayers.

 Please link to the Holy See website for the program and the missal of the celebrations: Pope's Schedule for Apostolic Journey to Asia and Oceania - Vatican News

By Faith Marbella

 On August 28, we celebrate the Feast of St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Catholic Church.

 St. Augustine, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, was a profound thinker whose ideas have deeply shaped Western thought. His journey from a life of hedonism and skepticism to one of faith and devotion illustrates the power of spiritual transformation. Augustine's works, especially "Confessions" and "The City of God," explore the nature of sin, grace, and the human condition with remarkable depth and honesty. His reflections on the restless human heart—yearning for God—resonate with readers across centuries, reminding us of the universal quest for meaning and truth. Augustine's synthesis of Christian doctrine with classical philosophy created a lasting intellectual legacy that continues to influence theology, philosophy, and ethics today.

 St. August is our teacher of repentance- a profound and transformative act that lies at the heart of spiritual growth. It involves more than just feeling remorse for past wrongdoings; it is a deliberate turning away from sin and a reorientation of one's life toward what is good, true, and just. True repentance requires humility, as it means acknowledging one's flaws and failures with sincerity. It is an inner conversion that seeks not only forgiveness but also the strength to change and the commitment to live differently.

 Like him, may we repent for nothing it too late to be with God. St. Augustine, pray for us!

On Thursday, August 22, we celebrate the Queenship of Mary. The Queenship of Mary invites us to consider her relationship with Christ and the Church. As the Mother of Jesus, who is both King and Lord of all creation, Mary naturally shares in his royal dignity. Her queenship is not one of earthly power or dominance but of humility, service, and maternal care. It is a reflection of her fiat, her total and unreserved "yes" to God's will, which allowed her to cooperate fully in the redemptive work of her Son.

Mary's queenship also speaks to her role as an intercessor. Just as a queen in a kingdom might intercede on behalf of her subjects, Mary, as Queen of Heaven, intercedes for us before God. This aspect of her queenship emphasizes her compassion, mercy, and motherly concern for all humanity. Catholics believe that, as a mother, she continually seeks to guide her children towards her Son, drawing them closer to the heart of God.

Thus, the celebration reminds the faithful of the hope promised by Christ. Mary’s assumption into heaven and her crowning as Queen serve as a foretaste of the glory that awaits all who are faithful to Christ. In her, we see the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate victory of grace over sin.

May we Mary’s Queenship be an inspiration to us all!