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HOMILIES

EAVESDROP

This homily, based on Genesis 18:1-10a and Luke 10:38-42, is for the Church of the Gesu, Ateneo de Manila University.

We’re all familiar with the story of Martha and Mary–not only because we’ve heard this Gospel story before, but also because most of us have wrestled with the issue it raises in our own lives.

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Martha is frantic in the kitchen, concocting whatever she could to serve their special guest and friend, Jesus, who, because he’s very close to them, has probably shown up unannounced. She’s doing what she must, but her dear sister Mary isn’t. Needing help, Martha calls for Mary, but gets no answer. She peers through the smoke rising from the stove, and of course, there is Mary, sitting idly at the feet of Jesus, a special captive audience of one. If this had happened today, Mary probably would have already posted a couple of selfies with their celebrity guest on Instagram.

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HOMILIES

THE GOOD INN-KEEPER

This homily, based on Luke 10:25-37, was delivered at the Montserrat Religious Formation Center in Silang, Cavite during the closing Mass of the Workshop on Ignatian School Leadership.

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We’ve all heard the Parable of the Good Samaritan before, and of course, its message is loud, clear, and–given all that’s going on in our world today–timely: Just like the Good Samaritan, we are each called to help those in great need–even and especially strangers, those of a different race, region, or religion.

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HOMILIES

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

This homily, based on Luke 10:1-9, was delivered at the Oratory of St. Francis Xavier, Xavier School Nuvali.

What struck me today about our Lord’s words to his 72 disciples is that he’s “telling it like it is.” He wants to make sure he’s sending them off wide-eyed. He gives them clear warning of exactly what they’re up against: Not only will the work be too much and they, the laborers, too few, but they are also certain to encounter hostility–like lamb sent among wolves–as well as experience rejection from the households they will visit.

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But despite these warnings, our Lord’s overriding message to his disciples is: “Just do it anyway!”

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HOMILIES

FIRE FROM HEAVEN

This reflection is based on Luke 9:51-62. 

The brothers James and John weren’t called “sons of thunder” for nothing. When the Samaritans didn’t lay out the red carpet for Jesus and his entourage of disciples, the brothers got pissed big-time and suggested that they call down fire from heaven to destroy that inhospitable lot. But our Lord would have none of that and even chastised the two for it.

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HOMILIES

THE PERILS OF GOOGLING YOURSELF

This reflection is based on Luke 9:1-24.

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Have you ever googled yourself? It’s scary stuff. You never know what you’ll find–or if you’ll like what you actually find. Take your pick: Which of the following would you consider the worst-case scenario?

(a) Reading the rant of someone disgruntled with you (and we all know how the illusion of anonymity emboldens netizens)

(b) Beholding the last photograph of yourself you want the world to see

(c) Finding nothing at all!

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