God's Word and Daily Life

By Gilbert H. Bontigao

 This weekend, we will once again celebrate All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

 All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day hold a special place in the heart of every Filipino family. These days are more than just religious observances—they are moments when faith, memory, and family life converge. Despite the fast-paced changes in modern society, these twin feasts continue to shape Filipino families, reminding them of the values of faith, unity, and remembrance that define who we are.

 On All Saints’ Day, Filipino families are reminded of the call to holiness. The saints—ordinary men and women who lived extraordinary faith—serve as models for today’s families striving to live with love, patience, and faithfulness amid life’s struggles. In a time when many families face challenges of distance, materialism, and broken relationships, the saints remind us that holiness is not confined to the convent or church; it is lived out in the home—through acts of forgiveness, service, and compassion. All Souls’ Day, on the other hand, invites families to remember and pray for their departed loved ones. Visiting cemeteries, lighting candles, and offering prayers are not mere traditions—they are acts of love that bridge the living and the dead.

 As we celebrate these twin feasts, may we recall our roots with God. We came from Him, we are called to be holy by Him, we are to return to Him.

By Gilbert H. Bontigao

On October 21, the entire Filipino Church rejoice for the feast of Saint Pedro Calungsod, the second Filipino martyr. While we rejoice as a nation, let us not forget the reason why Saint Pedro offered his life for the faith.

The martyrdom of Saint Pedro Calungsod is a powerful testimony of youthful faith, courage, and unwavering devotion to God. At a young age, Pedro chose to leave behind the comfort of his homeland in the Visayas to serve as a missionary companion to the Jesuit priests in the Marianas Islands. His decision was not one of ambition, but of deep love for Christ and a desire to bring the light of the Gospel to others. When persecution arose, Pedro did not flee from danger. Instead, he remained faithful beside Fr. Diego Luis de San Vitores, defending his companion and the faith they both cherished.

By Loida B.Castillo

Today, September 30, is the feast of Saint Jerome from Dalmatia, a monk and an ascetic. St. Jerome wrote various commentaries on the Bible. He also authored the Bible in Latin. St. Jerome is one of the four (4) great doctors of the Latin Church and considered a patron saint of scripture or biblical scholars.

He continues to challenge us today to study the Word of God and live it out. Studying the Bible strengthens not only faith but also the bonds of kinship. For many Filipino families, the Word of God is more than just a book of teachings; it is a guide for daily living, a source of hope, and a reminder of God’s abiding presence in the midst of life’s challenges.

When families gather to read and reflect on Scripture, they nurture a deeper relationship with God together. This shared faith becomes a foundation of unity, especially in times of trials such as sickness, financial struggles, or separation due to migration. The Bible reminds each family member that God’s promises are trustworthy, encouraging patience, resilience, and trust in His will.

In a culture where family is central, studying the Bible also forms values that guide relationships within the home. Parents are reminded of their responsibility to teach their children not only academic knowledge but also wisdom rooted in faith. Children, in turn, learn respect, obedience, and compassion by hearing stories of love, forgiveness, and sacrifice in Scripture.

By Loida B. Castillo

On Sunday, the Filipino church will celebrate National Seafarer’s Day and Migrant’s Sunday- a commemoration of Filipino workers away from their families here in the Philippines.

National Seafarer’s Day and Migrant’s Sunday invite us, Filipinos, to look deeper into the sacrifices and resilience of countless Filipino families whose lives are marked by separation yet bound by love. The Philippines is known as a nation of migrants and seafarers—men and women who journey far from home to provide for their loved ones. Their labor sustains not only their families but also strengthens our nation’s economy. Yet beyond remittances and economic contributions, their absence carries with it tears, longing, and the challenge of keeping relationships alive across distances.

Our Filipino migrants and seafarers are modern day evangelizers and missionaries. They are mirroring Christ who journeyed far and endured sacrifice for the sake of those He loved. Families left behind, meanwhile, mirror Mary and the disciples who, in their waiting and uncertainty, clung to prayer and trust in God’s providence.

Thus, National Seafarer’s Day and Migrant’s Sunday are not just commemorations of sacrifice—they are proclamations of love, resilience, and faith. They remind us that while seas and borders may separate families, prayer and the Eucharist unite them in Christ, who Himself promised, “I am with you always.”

Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons

By Noel B. Fernando

In our world today, money often measures success, comfort, and even influence. It is easy to fall into the temptation of chasing wealth, thinking that it can secure our future or give us happiness. Yet, the Gospel reminds us that “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Wealth can be a good tool if used to help others, but when it becomes the center of our lives, it blinds us from the true source of joy—God.

To serve God first above money means to recognize that everything we have is a gift from Him. It means seeking His will before our own desires, using our blessings not just for ourselves but to uplift others. When we prioritize God, we learn to value honesty over dishonesty, generosity over greed, and simplicity over excess. Our lives become rooted not in material gain but in faith, hope, and love.