Fr. Jade Shares

Zacchaeus short, tax collector and considered by others as tax collector stood hopeful and humble. Jesus rewarded him together with his family. [Luke 19:1-10, Tuesday of the 33rd Week in the Ordinary Time]

The blind man did not stop in life. He moved on in life despite his disability - begging at the roadside, calling on Jesus and even finding his way to approach Jesus. As Jesus said, "your faith has saved you." [Luke 18:35-43, Monday of the 33rd Week in the Ordinary Time]

Further signs will happen after tribulations. These signs and warnings are actually opportunities for us to change and make our lives better. [Mark 13:24-32, 33rd Sunday in the Ordinary Time]

Remove Jesus, it is hell here. See Jesus and it is Heaven here. Jesus said, "the Kingdom of God is among you." [Luke 17:20-25, Thursday of the 32nd Week in the Ordinary Time]

By looking for the other nine healed lepers, Jesus wishes to show them how important they are to him. More than the healing, Jesus wants us to grow in faith. That was why he said to the grateful healed leper, "Your faith has saved you."[Luke 17:11-19, Wednesday of the 32nd Week in the Ordinary Time]

We thought the challenge is only to avoid sin but Jesus warned the disciples of another important thing. That is not to cause others to sin. How? 2 ways: correct others of their wrong doing and forgive or recognize others' efforts to change. [Luke 17:1-6, Monday of the 32nd Week in the Ordinary Time]

Values over vanities. Humble gesture of one's trust in God rather than flaunting pride before people. [Mark 12:38-44]

Gamitin ang pera para makipagkaibigan. Huwag gamitin ang pakikipagkaibigan para magkapera. This is a way we can show ourselves that we are not serving both God and mammon. [Luke 16:9-15, Saturday of the 31st Week in the Ordinary Time]

Jesus challenges us to employ ingenuity in advancing the Kingdom of God. We do not easily give up. We are not to be timid. [Luke 16:1-8, Friday of the 31st Week in the Ordinary Time]

Before we get confused to the math of parable of the lost sheep and lost coin, let us remember that those parables firstly recognized the sinfulness of the tax collectors and public sinners. [Luke 15:1-10, Thursday of the 31st Week in the Ordinary Time]

God wants to be the only one. He does not deserve other choices on par with Him. Will we just neglect everything else? No. God being the Only One means everything else will be taken cared of in light of our relationship with God.

Jesus is not a cruel punisher waiting for us to commit mistakes but He's our Savior wanting that everyone is saved. [John 6:37-40, Commemoration of All Souls]

We have so many men and women who lived lives of love for God and man. They are so many that we celebrate a special feast day to remember and celebrate their lives and witnessing. Indeed, we are all good by default and every unpleasant life situation carries much wonder and grace. [Matthew 5:1-12, Solemnity of the All Saints]

When asked by a scribe as to what is the first of the commandments, Jesus clearly stated that it is to love God and neighbor.[Mark 12:28-34, 31st Sunday in the Ordinary Time]

The parable of Jesus of the guests in a wedding banquet points to us the we need the rightful and true value of ourselves and others. [Luke 14:1, 7-11, Saturday of the 30th Week in the Ordinary Time]

What stops us at times from doing what is good and right is our need for approval or go signal from others. Jesus healed the sick man regardless. [Luke 14:1-6, Friday of the 30th Week in the Ordinary Time]

Jesus made an important choice of 12 disciples in a morning. He blessed mornings. Thus, every start of the day is a beautiful opportunity to be God's servants. [Luke 6:12-16, Feast of St. Simon & St. Jude]

Jesus said,"for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough." Therefore, be strong enough to do good and to avoid evil. [Luke 13:22-30, Wednesday of the 30th Week in the Ordinary Time]

Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to seeds and yeast. God values inherent dignity and potentials. (Luke 13:18-21, Tuesday of the 30th Week in the Ordinary Time]

A woman who was suffering from physical abnormality for 18 years was finally healed by Jesus but was criticized by the leaders of the synagogue for doing the miracle on a Sabbath. These critics needed to be "straightened up" also. [Luke 13:10-17, Monday of the 30th Week in the Ordinary Time]

Jesus asked the blind Bartimeous what he wanted him to do for him. We would hear Jesus asking what other want him to do for them. Why? [Mark 10:46-52, 30th Sunday in the Ordinary Time]

Jesus cited 2 kinds of tragic deaths - execution & accident. Jesus pointed out that a worst kind of death can be caused unrepentance. [Luke 13:1-9, Saturday of the 29th Week in the Ordinary Time]

If we are sensitive to the threats around us, we ought to recognize also the graces and wisdom from God. [Luke 12:54-59, Friday of the 29th Week in the Ordinary Time]

Jesus came to disturb man from the deceptive superficial peace that is being offered by the enemy. God is waking us up from this evil spell. Let us not conform to wicked ways instead, we respond to God's call to reform. [Luke 12:49-53, Thursday of the 29th Week in the Ordinary Time]

One of our primary calling is to be good steward. The Gospel today suggests 3 traits of a good steward: owning the responsibility, taking initiative & being just. [Luke 12:39-48, Wednesday of the 29th Week in the Ordinary Time]