Browsing the 2017 archive of Fr. Reggie's Reflections

WHY MARY?

Posted by John Sage on 12/23/17

Today we revisit the biblical account of the ANNUNCIATION and we encounter the figure of Mary, the maiden of Nazareth again. Why is Mary important in our approach to Christmas? Is it just because of her role as natural mother of the Son of God? Yes, the crib is ... Read More »

JOHN THE BAPTIST: A LAMP FOR US

Posted by John Sage on 12/17/17

The Gospel describes John the Baptist as a witness “to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.” (Jn. 1:7) He was like a lamp that showed us Jesus, the one and only true Light of the world. What happens to a lamp that can teach ... Read More »

THE ROLE OF THE MESSENGER

Posted by John Sage on 12/09/17

Aside from the personal touch that comes with a human being knocking on your door, the messenger is also one of the most reliable means of getting to a client or business partner since he defies traffic, delivers and collects on time, and achieves instant feedback from customers. In ... Read More »

“BE WATCHFUL, BE ALERT!”

Posted by John Sage on 12/02/17

After celebrating the THANKGIVING DAY AND BLACK FRIDAY with festive spirit, our Gospel for the first day of Advent gives a stern warning: “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” (Mk. 13:33). The word “ADVENT” springs from the Latin word ‘ADVENTUS’ which means ... Read More »

PARABLE OF THE LAST JUDGMENT

Posted by John Sage on 11/25/17

We have reached the end of the Church’s calendar year with the Feast of Christ the King. The figure that’s presented is a king who will judge us. He will decide on that final day who will or will not share his kingdom forever. It’s a dreadful scene. But ... Read More »

PARABLE OF THE LAST JUDGMENT

Posted by John Sage on 11/19/17

We have reached the end of the Church’s calendar year with the Feast of Christ the King. The figure that’s presented is a king who will judge us. He will decide on that final day who will or will not share his kingdom forever. It’s a dreadful scene. But ... Read More »

WISDOM AS BEAUTY PERSONIFIED:

Posted by John Sage on 11/11/17

In the Philippines, in most marriages I have solemnized, the bride always arrives late from thirty minutes onwards. Very rare have I observed that the groom was late. In fact there were times when the groom was already there way ahead of me. What the Gospel just narrated is ... Read More »

“SERVANT OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD”

Posted by John Sage on 11/03/17

One of the strong criticisms directed at Catholics by Protestant fundamentalists concern calling the Pope “Holy Father” and priests “Fathers." They say this is against the teaching of Christ. They cite Mt. 23:9 of this Sunday’s gospel which reads: “You must not be called ‘Teacher’... You have only one ... Read More »

THE GREATEST LAW IS THE LAW OF LOVE

Posted by John Sage on 10/28/17

There is a story of a Filipino Priest who wanted to go to America and thus was interviewed for his visa application at the US Embassy. To determine that he was indeed a priest, the interviewing officer told him to recite the 10 Commandments in order. Forgetting its correct ... Read More »

RETURNING LOVE

Posted by John Sage on 10/21/17

When the Jews asked Jesus whether it was lawful to pay to the emperor or not, He gave a brilliant answer: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but give to God what is God’s.” This, of course was not a direct answer to their question. Instead, Jesus made them ... Read More »