God's Word and Daily Life

By Gerardo A. Bontigao

Today is the Feast of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus- close friends of Jesus. We can learn several lessons in their lives, particularly on how they developed a relationship with Jesus, something that we are called to do today.

Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus represent the beauty of family life, a reality cherished by Filipinos. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus were siblings who lived in Bethany and welcomed Jesus into their home. Their unity and love for one another echo the Filipino ideal of a close-knit family. In a time when many families are separated by migration or hardship, the feast reminds Filipinos of the sacredness of kinship and the importance of staying spiritually united despite physical distance.

Each of them also has a distinct personality. Martha represents service and hard work, mirroring the millions of Filipinos who tirelessly provide for their families—whether in the home, in the fields, or abroad. Mary, on the other hand, embodies contemplation and the importance of listening to Christ, calling attention to the need for stillness, prayer, and reflection amidst the busyness of life. Together, they teach that holiness can be found both in action and in quiet devotion. Lazarus, who was raised by Jesus from the dead, becomes a symbol of hope and new life, especially for those facing suffering, illness, or poverty. His story resonates with Filipinos who often live through adversity yet remain hopeful, resilient, and trusting in the Lord’s power to bring life even from situations of despair.

By Gerardo A. Bontigao

On the 27^th of July, we celebrate the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. It is fitting to remember our elderly since they are a key to our past. Their efforts are the foundation of the family we have today.

In Filipino culture, respect for the elderly is not only a social norm but a deeply ingrained value rooted in centuries of tradition, faith, and family life. Elders are regarded as pillars of wisdom, experience, and guidance. They hold a sacred place in both the home and the community because they have lived through hardships, made sacrifices, and nurtured generations. For many Filipinos, to respect the elderly is to honor one’s past and uphold the values that shaped who they are.

From an early age, Filipinos are taught to show respect through gestures like pagmamano (placing the elder's hand on one's forehead) and using polite language like "po" and "opo." These acts are more than mere customs; they are expressions of love, gratitude, and humility. They reflect a recognition that the wisdom and presence of elders are blessings to be cherished, not taken for granted.

The Fourth Commandment, “Honor your father and your mother,” extends naturally to all elders. Caring for aging parents and grandparents is seen as a sacred duty, not a burden.

On the 16th of July, we celebrate the Feast of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The Our Lady’s image, often depicted as a loving mother offering the Brown Scapular, is a powerful symbol of divine protection, maternal care, and spiritual commitment. The devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Philippines is not just a religious tradition—it is a way of life that reflects the Filipino people's longing for comfort, guidance, and hope amid life’s challenges.

Throughout the Philippines, from coastal towns to mountain provinces, chapels and parishes dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel are centers of vibrant faith communities. Her feast day, celebrated every July 16, is marked by novenas, processions, and Masses that draw thousands of devotees. For many Filipinos, wearing the Brown Scapular is an outward expression of inner devotion and a pledge to live a life aligned with Christ’s teachings through the example and intercession of His mother.

By Fr. Bernard Holzer, aa 

In a pastoral letter released a day after their Plenary Assembly in Bohol province on Tuesday, July 8, Philippine bishops expressed concern over some issues confronting the Filipino people and the world today, among which: the violence in Gaza, the plight of workers seeking fair wages, and the call for impeachment for accountability in governance.

The Bishops call to action and to prayer. They invite all of us, clergy, laity, workers and political leaders “to join hands in building a just and peaceful society as we do justice, love goodness and walk humbly with our God.”  And they added: “In this Jubilee Year, let us enkindle our hope, strengthen our solidarity and remain vigilant in our stewardship of truth, justice, and the dignity of every human person. May Our Lady of Peace intercede and pray for us, to be instruments of God's justice and love.”

Let us pray. Let us dialogue about these issues. Let us discern how to express God’s love for his people, to be instruments of God’s justice and love and maker of peace.

For the full version of the pastoral letter, please click the link:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15qWBZphcJ/

Photo credit: CBCP News

By Father Bernard Hozer, aa 

In his Facebook page, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan reports that the Filipino government is complicit in exposing children and families to the dangers of gambling addiction by legalizing online platforms that are accessible around the clock, even to minors.

This has a great impact on Filipino families, especially children of overseas Filipino workers who may be using hard-earned remittances to gamble online. “Goodbye studies. Goodbye decent jobs. Goodbye the hope of hardworking families,” he said. “And hello — hello to a whole generation of gambling addicts.”

Am I informing myself, am I training myself to understand the effects of new technologies that are means to get informed, meet others, and train, but can also dominate and weaken our critical thinking and judgment? Are we aware of the financial and ideological stakes at play? It is urgent!