February 2025

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, we celebrate a feast rich in meaning the Presentation of the Lord. It’s a moment of encounter: between the Old and the New, between expectation and fulfillment, between law and grace.

Imagine the scene: An elderly man, Simeon, and a faithful widow, Anna, have been waiting in the Temple for years, longing for the Messiah. And then, a humble couple walks in, carrying a baby. No royal procession, no dazzling signs—just a child in his parents’ arms. But Simeon and Anna recognize Him. They see, with eyes of faith, that this child is the salvation of Israel, the light for all nations.

Let me tell you a story. There was an old lighthouse keeper who had spent his entire life tending the flame, making sure sailors found their way home. Over the years, his eyesight faded, and he could no longer see the light as clearly as before. One stormy night, a young sailor arrived at the lighthouse, seeking refuge. The keeper admitted, “I have spent my life watching over the light, but I fear I can no longer see its brightness as I once did.” The young man smiled and said, “But because of you, I have found my way home.”

Simeon and Anna were like that lighthouse keeper. They had spent their lives watching and waiting in faith. And when they saw Jesus, they recognized the light, even when others didn’t. But in that simple act of obedience, or patience, something incredible happens.

Recognizing Christ in Our Own Lives

The Gospel tells us that Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, takes Jesus into his arms and proclaims: "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation" (Luke 2:29-30).

What’s striking here is that Simeon doesn’t see Jesus perform a miracle, preach a sermon, or carry the Cross. He simply sees a baby and believes. His faith allows him to recognize the light, even in its smallest, most hidden form.

And that raises a question for us: Do we recognize Christ in our daily lives? Not just in the big, extraordinary moments, but in the small, quiet ones? In the kindness of a stranger, in the struggles of a loved one, in the silence of prayer? Or are we like the people in the Temple who missed it altogether?

The Light That Purifies

Traditionally, this feast was called Candlemas because candles are blessed, reminding us that Christ is “the light of the nations.” But light doesn’t just shine—it also reveals. It exposes what is hidden, even the shadows in our own hearts.

St. Augustine puts it beautifully: "You fear to approach God? Fear not! He is the light that does not blind but rather heals. "Like Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus in the Temple, we, too, are invited to present ourselves before God. To let His light shine into our hearts—not to shame us, but to heal us. Maybe there’s a part of our lives we’ve kept in darkness, a wound we haven’t let God touch, a fear that keeps us from trusting Him fully. Today is an invitation to step into the light and be renewed. Pope Francis, reflecting on this feast, says: "To meet the Lord, we must go where He is: we must lower ourselves, become small, and embrace the path of humility and obedience." (Homily, Feast of the Presentation, 2020)

The Challenge of Patient Waiting

Waiting is hard. We live in a world of instant gratification—fast food, fast internet, fast solutions. But God’s timing is different. Simeon and Anna waited for years. And yet, they never stopped hoping.

St. John Chrysostom reminds us: "God’s delays are not refusals. In patience and faithfulness, the promise is fulfilled."

Maybe you’re in a season of waiting—praying for healing, direction, a breakthrough. And maybe you’re wondering if God is listening. Simeon and Anna’s story reminds us: God always fulfills His promises. Maybe not in the way or the timing we expect, but always in the way that is best.

Carrying the Light into the World

But this feast isn’t just about recognition—it’s about mission. Jesus is the light of the world, but He calls us to carry that light. Pope Benedict XVI once said: "Christians are called to be the light of the world, but they can only shine if they remain close to Christ, the true Light."

What This Means for Us

So, what does all of this mean for us? Pope Francis often reminds us that faith is about seeing with the heart. Like Simeon and Anna, we need to be people who recognize Jesus when He comes into our lives. And that requires:

1. Patience in Waiting – Simeon and Anna waited years to see God’s promise fulfilled. Sometimes, we need to trust in God’s timing, even when it feels slow.

2. Openness to the Holy Spirit – Simeon was “guided by the Spirit” (Luke 2:27). Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us in our daily decisions?

3. A Willingness to Share the Good News – Anna “spoke about the child to all” (Luke 2:38). We, too, are called to share the light of Christ with the world around us.

Carrying the Light Forward

My dear friends, as we celebrate this feast, let’s not just admire the light of Christ—let’s carry it with us. Like Mary and Joseph, let’s be faithful. Like Simeon and Anna, let’s be watchful. And like Jesus, let’s shine His light in a world that desperately needs it.

May Mary, whose heart was pierced out of love for her Son, pray for us. And may the light of Christ burn brightly in our hearts today and always. In the name of the father and Amen.

Have you ever felt like you weren’t good enough? Like you didn’t have what it takes to do something meaningful? Maybe you’ve thought, “I’m not smart enough, holy enough, or talented enough for God to use me.” If so, you’re in good company! Today’s readings are filled with people who felt unworthy—Isaiah, Paul, and Peter. Yet, despite their limitations, God called them to something greater. 

This is a message we all need to hear. So often, we allow our weaknesses to define us instead of God’s grace. But the good news is that God doesn’t wait for us to be perfect before He calls us. He calls us as we are and transforms us along the way. Let’s dive into today’s Scripture and discover how we, too, can respond to God’s call, despite our fears and doubts.

Recognizing Our Own Limitations  

Have you ever had one of those days where no matter what you do, nothing seems to work? You pour your heart into something, but the results are just not there. Imagine how Peter felt after fishing all night and catching nothing. And then Jesus, a carpenter, tells him how to fish! That must have felt like getting cooking advice from someone who’s never been in a kitchen. But Peter listens, and the result is a miraculous catch.

Peter's response is striking: “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” He realizes he is in the presence of something far greater than himself. It’s the same reaction Isaiah had in today’s first reading (Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8): he sees God’s holiness and feels unworthy. But here’s the thing—God doesn’t call the perfect; He perfects the called. St. Augustine once said: “God does not choose men because they are worthy, but by choosing them, He makes them worthy.” 

How often do we hold back because we think we’re not good enough? “I can’t volunteer at church—I don’t know enough.” “I can’t talk to that person about faith—I’ve made too many mistakes myself.” But look at Peter! His first reaction was fear, but Jesus didn’t reject him—He invited him into a mission. That brings us to the next point.

Trusting in God’s Call Despite Our Weakness  

Let’s be honest—sometimes we feel like God made a mistake in calling us to do something. “Surely, He meant to pick someone else!” But God doesn’t operate like that. Peter, Isaiah, and Paul (from today’s second reading, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11) were all deeply aware of their flaws, but they trusted God’s plan.

St. John Chrysostom put it beautifully: “The sea was Peter’s domain, yet he caught nothing. But when he obeyed Christ, his nets were filled. This teaches us that success comes not from human effort alone but from trusting in God.” 

Let me tell you a story about a man named John. He grew up in a rough neighborhood and made some bad choices, eventually landing in jail. One night, a priest came to visit and spoke of God’s mercy and how He calls even the most broken people to a new life. At first, John laughed. Why would God want someone like him? But the words stuck with him. Over time, he started praying, reading the Bible, and something changed. He decided to turn his life around, and years later, he became a youth minister, helping kids avoid the same mistakes he made. John, like Peter, felt unworthy. But **God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Stepping Out in Faith for Mission  

Pope Francis reminds us: “Jesus sees beyond our sins, our failures, and our unworthiness. He calls us to follow Him not because we are perfect but because He desires to transform us.”

Think about that. Jesus didn’t tell Peter, “Go clean yourself up first.” He called him as he was and transformed him along the way. The Church’s mission is the same—to cast our nets wide and bring people into an encounter with Christ, regardless of their past. But that means we have to step out of our comfort zones. 

I once heard a joke: There was a man stranded on his rooftop during a flood, praying for God to save him. A boat came by, and he waved it away, saying, “No thanks, God will rescue me.” A helicopter arrived, and he refused again, trusting God’s plan. Finally, he drowned and met God, asking, “Why didn’t you save me?” God said, “I sent you a boat and a helicopter—what more did you want?” 

How often do we do the same? We wait for some grand sign when, really, God is already giving us opportunities to step out in faith. Maybe it’s an invitation to serve in a ministry, reconcile with someone, or simply trust Him more. Like Peter, we may feel hesitant. Like John, we may doubt our ability to change. But Christ’s words remain true: **“Do not be afraid.”

Today’s readings remind us of a simple yet powerful truth: God calls us not because we are perfect, but because He wants to transform us. Peter was just a fisherman. Isaiah felt unclean. Paul persecuted Christians. And yet, each of them became great instruments in God’s plan. 

The same is true for us. No matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done, God’s grace is greater. The question is: Are we willing to trust Him? Will we step out in faith, even when we feel unworthy? Will we say, like Isaiah, **“Here I am, Lord, send me”?

So today, let’s not be afraid to say yes to God. Let’s put out into the deep, trusting that His grace will carry us forward. Because when we say yes, miracles happen. Int the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit amen.

     6th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME; Cycle – C; Feb. 16th, 2025

Jeremiah 17: 5-8; 1Cor. 15: 12, 16-20; Luke 6: 17, 20-26

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

It is always a joy to gather together as a family of faith, to listen to the Word of God, and to reflect on His promises. Today, we are given a challenging yet deeply reassuring message. We hear from the prophet Jeremiah about the contrast between trusting in human strength and trusting in God. We listen to Jesus’ Beatitudes, which flip worldly expectations upside down. And we are reminded that faith is the foundation of a blessed life.

Before we go into these messages, let me tell you a short story. A man was walking along a cliff when suddenly, he slipped and fell over the edge. As he plummeted down, he managed to grab hold of a small tree growing from the side of the cliff. Dangling there, he shouted, “Help! Is anyone up there?”

A deep, strong voice responded, “I am here, my son.”

The man, relieved, shouted, “Who is this?”

The voice replied, “I am the Lord. Do you trust me?”

The man said, “Yes, Lord! I trust you! Please help me!”

The Lord responded, “Let go of the tree.”

There was a long pause. Then the man shouted, “Is there anyone else up there?”

My friends, isn’t that how we often behave? We say we trust God, but when He asks us to surrender, to let go of our worries, our wealth, or our control, we hesitate. Today, let’s reflect deeply on what it means to trust in the Lord.

1. Trusting in God Over Ourselves

“Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:5). St. Augustine once wrote, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You, O Lord.” We live in a world that teaches us to rely on our own efforts—to trust in wealth, education, career success, or even our own cleverness. Yet, how often do we find that no matter how much we accumulate, no matter how successful we become, something still feels incomplete? Jeremiah warns us: when we place our trust solely in human efforts, we are like a barren bush in the desert, dry and lifeless.

On the other hand, those who trust in God are compared to a tree planted by the water, its roots deep and unshaken. What does this mean for us? It means that when troubles come—and they will come—those who rely on God will not be paralyzed by fear. Even in hardships, their faith sustains them. Let us ask ourselves: where is my trust today? If you’re facing difficulties—financial struggles, health problems, broken relationships—do you turn first to God? Or do you try to fix everything on your own? Surrender does not mean inaction; it means acknowledging that God is in control.

2: The Radical Call of the Beatitudes

“Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours” (Luke 6:20).

Jesus’ words in Luke’s Gospel can be unsettling. He does not say, “Blessed are the wealthy and successful.” Instead, He says, “Blessed are the poor.” Blessed are the hungry. Blessed are those who weep. This is not what the world teaches us! Pope Francis reminds us that: “We are called to find Christ in the poor, to lend our voice to their causes, but also to be their friends.” Jesus is not saying that suffering is good in itself, but rather that those who recognize their need for God are truly blessed. Wealth and comfort can sometimes deceive us into thinking we do not need Him. But when we experience struggles, we realize that God is our true source of joy.

Do we recognize the blessings in our struggles? Are we using our resources—whether time, talent, or treasure—to serve others? Let us ask God to help us live with open hearts, ready to give and receive His love.

3: The Great Reversal—True Riches in the Kingdom of God

“Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry.” (Luke 6:24-25)

Jesus’ words here are striking because they challenge our assumptions about success and security. While the world tells us that wealth, comfort, and status are signs of blessing, Jesus warns that these things can blind us to our need for God. The ‘woes’ in Luke’s Gospel are not curses but wake-up calls—reminders that if we rely too much on temporary things, we may miss the eternal treasures God offers.

St. John Chrysostom teaches, “Riches are not forbidden, but the pride, arrogance, and neglect of the poor that often accompany them.” Jesus is not condemning wealth itself but the attitude that prioritizes material gain over love, mercy, and justice. Those who are ‘full’ in this life but ignore God may find themselves spiritually empty when it truly matters. The Beatitudes teach us that true blessedness is found in our relationships—with God and with others. Love is not just an emotion; it is an action, a commitment to serve, to forgive, and to lift others up. St. Teresa of Calcutta once said, “Faith in action is love, and love in action is service.” The more we love, the more we imitate Christ. If we rely only on ourselves, we will constantly worry about what might go wrong. But faith teaches us to trust that even when we cannot see the whole picture, God is working for our good.

My dear brothers and sisters, as we reflect on today’s message, we must ask ourselves: Where is our heart anchored? Do we place our trust in fleeting things—money, success, comfort? Or do we trust in the eternal love of God?

Jesus tells us that true blessedness is not found in material wealth but in faith. If we want to live a flourishing life, we must root ourselves in God’s promises. He is our foundation, our strength, and our joy.

As we leave here today, let’s carry this message in our hearts. The world will always try to pull us toward self-reliance and worry, but we are called to something greater. We are called to be like that tree planted by the waters—steadfast, fruitful, and unshaken.

May the Lord bless us and strengthen our faith. And may we always remember those who trust in the Lord will never be put to shame. Amen.

7th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME; Cycle-C; Feb. 23rd 2025

1Samuel 26:2, 7-9.12-13,22-23; 1Cor. 15:45-49; Luke 6:27-38

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone wronged you so badly that you felt justified in holding onto your anger? Maybe it was a betrayal by a friend, an insult from a coworker, or even something as small as someone cutting you off in traffic. Our natural reaction is to hold grudges, to want justice, or even a little revenge. 

But today, Jesus presents us with an entirely different way of life one that seems almost impossible at first glance. He calls us to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, and to be merciful, just as our Father is merciful. It is one of the most difficult teachings in the Gospel, yet it is also one of the most beautiful and transformative.

As we reflect on today's Gospel, let us break it down into three messages that will help us embrace this radical love.

1. The Call to Radical Love (Luke 6:27-28)

Jesus says, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28). Now, let’s be honest—this is one of the hardest commands Jesus ever gave us. Loving our friends? Easy. Being kind to those who are kind to us? No problem. But loving our enemies? That’s tough! 

Imagine you're at a family gathering, and that one relative—you know the one—starts making snide comments again. What’s your instinct? Probably to snap back or avoid them completely. But Jesus calls us to something higher. Instead of responding with irritation, He asks us to respond with love, with patience, and even with prayer. St. John Chrysostom once said, “Nothing makes us so like God as our readiness to forgive.” Why? Because when we love those who don’t deserve it, we reflect the heart of God Himself. 

So, the next time you find yourself frustrated with someone, take a deep breath and remember Jesus' words: love them, do good for them, and pray for them. Who knows? Your kindness might be the very thing that changes their heart.

2: The Power of Forgiveness (Luke 6:36)

Jesus also tells us, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). I want to share with you a story of a woman named Immaculée Ilibagiza, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. When violence erupted in her country, she hid in a tiny bathroom for 91 days, listening to the horrors unfolding outside. Her entire family was murdered. 

After the genocide, she was given the chance to meet the man who killed her mother and brother. Can you imagine the pain she must have felt? But instead of seeking revenge, she looked him in the eye and said, “I forgive you.” That kind of forgiveness is not human, it is divine. It is only possible when we rely on the grace of God. St. Augustine once said, “Love your enemies, and you will have no enemy.” What does that mean? When we forgive, we release not only the other person but also ourselves. We break the chains of hatred and open ourselves to healing. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? A family member, a friend, a colleague? Let today be the day you ask for the grace to let go and move forward.

3: Living the Gospel in Everyday Life (Luke 6:37-38)

Jesus concludes with a powerful message: “Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:37-38). 

Imagine if we truly lived this Gospel every day. Imagine if spouses forgave instead of holding grudges, if neighbors reconciled instead of spreading gossip, if nations sought peace instead of war. The world would be unrecognizable! But let’s bring it down to a personal level. 

There’s an old joke about a man who prayed every night, “Lord, make me a more patient man.” Then, one day, he found himself stuck in traffic, his coworker spilled coffee on his shirt, and his internet stopped working. Frustrated, he asked God, “Why are you testing me today?” And God replied, “You asked for patience. I’m giving you opportunities to practice it!”

The same applies to mercy. If we ask God to make us more merciful, He will put us in situations where we have the opportunity to be merciful. It could be in the form of an annoying neighbor, a difficult coworker, or even our own family. These moments are not obstacles; they are training grounds for holiness. 

My dear friends, Jesus is inviting us to a life of radical love. This is not easy. But remember, Jesus never asks us to do something without giving us the grace to accomplish it. When we struggle to forgive, let’s look at the cross—where Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. When we struggle to love, let’s remember that God loved us first, even in our sins.

So, as we go forward today, I challenge you: Find one person this week whom you struggle to love. Pray for them. Do something kind for them. And in doing so, watch how God transforms not just their heart, but yours as well.

May we all become living witnesses of God’s mercy, and may our lives shine with the love of Christ.

Amen.