God's Word and Daily Life

By Fr. Bernard Holzer

“Unfortunately, there are many disciples of Coca-Cola spirituality”, told Pope Francis last November 5 at the Pontifical Gregorian university in Rome. What does this mean?

Pope Francis calls us to be focused on our true identity as Christian, as disciple of Jesus, to search trust and to take risks. He said:

“The search for truth is arduous because it forces us to step out of ourselves, to take risks, to question ourselves. This is why, in the fatigue of the mind, we are more attracted to a superficial life that does not ask too many questions, just as we are drawn to an ‘easy’ faith, light, comfortable, that never questions anything.”

Am I a disciple of Coca-Cola spirituality with an easy, light, comfortable faith that never questions anything?

By Rems Noquiao

This week, we will be busy again preparing to visit out dearly departed in cemeteries. Despite the past typhoon and the coming bad weather, we, Filipinos will not find an excuse not to visit our deceased loved ones.

On November 1and 2, we will celebrate All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day, a time for reflection on the lives of saints and those who have walked before us, their devotion, and the inspiration they offer for living a life of purpose, compassion, and faith. While each saint lived in different eras and faced unique challenges, they shared a commitment to love and service that transcends time. Their stories serve as powerful examples of resilience, faith, and dedication to something greater than themselves.

All Saint’s Day are not only about the named saints of the Catholic Church but also those who died and shared with the eternal glory of God in heaven. They, too, are saints that we celebrate on All Saint’s Day.

While death is sure because we are but human beings, we are once again reminded that in God’s faithful people, life is changed, not ended. This day reminds us that sainthood is not about perfection; rather, it is about striving to make a positive impact, often amid adversity. Saints often faced profound struggles and setbacks, yet they persisted with a deep sense of hope 

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!