In the Eucharist, we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. How does this happen? During the Eucharistic Prayer, Christ, through the priest, takes the bread and the cup of wine, and changes them into his body and blood, just as he did on the night before he died. Although they still look like bread and wine, Jesus changes them into his real body and blood through his divine power. We call this transubstantiation. The appearance remains but the substance is changed. How can we know this? Through Faith. This mystery, along with the mystery of the Divinity of Jesus, the Trinity and the Resurrection, can never be fully comprehended but we know they are true because we believe in the words of Jesus. Hence, the reception of the Eucharist really is an act of faith.

Easter is no doubt a beautiful and glorious season. It is tempting to bask in its glory and constantly look at the sky. We are reminded, however, of the day when Jesus ascended into heaven. While the disciples “were looking intently at the sky as [Jesus] was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?” (See Acts 1, 1-11). It was as if they were being told, “Don’t just stand there, move! Do what you are told to do!” It is the same with us. It is necessary that, now empowered by the Holy Spirit, we journey with the people of God and help them see that even in the ordinariness of lives, God is present and alive.

The great Solemnity of Pentecost, the conclusion of the season of Easter, signals the birth of the Church. Jesus promised his disciples before he ascended to the Father that they will be “clothed with power from on high” before they are sent out to “preach in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (Lk. 24, 46- 49) And when the time of the fulfillment of this promise came, “there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind… and there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” (Acts 2, 1-3)

Today, look up to heaven. Remember your departed loved ones. Thank Jesus for giving us the assurance that we will all be reunited in heaven, and see God face to face.

Many times in the past, I mentioned that we are one with the Universal Church in the Synod on Synodality. For the past two months, members of our listening team have been engaging several individuals and groups in dialogue and conversation regarding their spiritual journey and their experience of the Church. We are now entering into the second phase of our listening session – the parish level.

The Second Sunday of Easter is also known as the Divine Mercy Sunday. In the year 2000, Pope John Paul, II canonized Sr. Faustina and, during the ceremony, he declared, “it is important then that we accept the whole message that comes to us from the word of God on this Second Sunday of Easter, which from now on throughout the Church will be called Divine Mercy Sunday.”

Easter gives us hope. The resurrection of Christ reminds us that death and darkness do not have the final word – after death comes resurrection, after darkness comes light. This is a very appropriate reminder as we continue to face life’s challenges. Sometimes, it is tempting to simply give up, to get stuck in darkness and wallow in pain, or to just be hopeless.

Palm Sunday begins Holy Week. Jesus makes his final entrance into Jerusalem, celebrates supper with his disciples, dies on the Cross, and rises again from the dead. As we progress from today, the solemnity of the week heightens leading up to the Paschal Triduum (sometimes called Easter Triduum).

It is difficult to admit one's faults, and sometimes even more difficult to ask for forgiveness. Pope Francis, however, reminds us not to be afraid, because the Lord is always ready and eager to bestow his healing love.

This Fourth Sunday of Lent is traditionally called Laetare Sunday. Similar to Gaudete on the Third Sunday of Advent, the term is the Latin equivalent for joy or rejoice. The Entrance Antiphon says it perfectly, “Rejoice (Laetare) Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.” Cf. Isaiah 66, 10-11.

This weekend, we begin the period of scrutiny for our three (3) Elects this year. For those who come to our 9:00 a.m. mass, you are aware of our friends whom we bless and send forth. Many are unaware though so let me take this chance to share with you the process (adapted from USCCB) these individuals go through in order to be received fully into the Catholic faith.

You are very well aware of what is happening in Ukraine. News channels give us gruesome scenes of explosions and attacks every day. Numerous innocent lives are lost. Cities, homes and properties are destroyed. People are displaced and are fleeing their country. Peace is gone. I am very sure that the anxiety that we feel when we watch the news is nothing compared to what the citizens of Ukraine feel on the ground.

In our experiences of hardships and challenges, we should remain steadfast in our faith. We should not grow tired of doing good.

Last week, I refreshed you with the meaning, goals, and methodologies of the Synod. This week, allow me to continue by enumerating four (4) attitudes we ought to have and four (4) temptations we ought to avoid (adapted from Facilitator Guide) when entering into the synodal dialogue.

Bishop Alberto Rojas announces with joy the kickoff of the Diocesan Phase of the Worldwide Synod on Synodality. Let us open ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we walk together in dialogue and consultation with all of God's people.

February 7-14, 2022 is National Marriage Week and February 13, 2022 is World Marriage Day. In celebration of these events, we are led to take a look at the sanctity of marriage and the ways through which we can support married couples.

Jesus in the Gospel this weekend called Simon, James and John, to follow him and become fishers of men. Jesus’ leadership style is to always involve others whom he calls disciples and friends. In the same manner, your active participation in the life of the Church is indispensable. Without you, “the apostolate of the pastors will frequently be unable to obtain its full effect; where lay responsibility is absent, the Church is incomplete.” (Apostolicam Actousitatem nos. 10, 21)

This weekend, St. Paul emphasizes how important it is to contribute out of love. “If I give away everything I own, and if I hand over my body over so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (1 Cor. 13, 3) Indeed, love is the only honorable motivation in the any endeavor. “Love never fails.” (1 Cor. 13, 8)

Peace and well-being to you and your families. As we begin this new year 2022, please join me in hope and gratitude to God almighty for all the blessings received last year. At the same time, we implore God’s providence and blessings upon us as we journey into the New Year.

Since we hear this weekend the story of how Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding in Cana, I want to share with you some catechetical notes on the wine that is used at mass... "CLICK HERE"