18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

St. John Marie Vianney wanted to become a priest. However, he encountered difficulties in studying Latin and failed to pass the entrance exam the first time, and was required to take it a second time. Only by the recommendation of Abbey Balley, his mentor, that he was eventually ordained priest. After the death of Abbey Balley, he was appointed the Curé of a small town called Ars. The people there had little faith. Yet, for ten years or more, he transformed Ars for the better. How did he do it? What was his method? What pastoral plans did he create? None. He just lived as a priest, an alter Christus. People saw how he prayed and spent time in fasting and penance. He changed their hearts through his preaching and most especially through hearing confessions. He truly was another Christ to them.

My dear friends in Christ, today is Vianney Sunday. This is the day that we spend our time praying for all the parish priests and celebrate with them this feast. We call this day Vianney Sunday because St. John Marie Vianney is the patron saint of all the parish priests as he gave them a model of what it means to be in their office. Although St. John Marie Vianney serves as an inspiration for all the parish priests, we should not forget that the real model of the priesthood is Jesus. Only Jesus is the perfect priest; all other priests are not including St. John Marie Vianney. It is by this reason that parishioners should pray for their priests. They should pray for them that they may not forget to be an Alter Christus day by day. They should pray for them because the first target of the devil is always the priests. If there is no priest, there is no celebration of the Holy Mass. If there is no Mass, then where can we receive the Body and drink the Blood of Christ? If we cannot receive the Body and drink the Blood of Christ, then how can we have eternal life? John 6: 53 states. “Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man, you have no life in you.” My dear friends, I invite you then to pray for us priests and make a particular prayer this Vianney Sunday for all the parish priests. Amen.

Solemnity of the Corpus Christi

Flaviano Yengko was one of the youngest generals during the Philippine Revolution. In the beginning, he did not want to take part in the fight (revolution). However, the father of the young woman he loved was inclined toward Yengko’s rival, who had distinguished himself with his serenity and energy in several battles. Yengko decided then to show that he was man enough to fight for a great cause too. He joined Aguinaldo’s revolutionary army and he bravely fought in the Battle of Binakayan. But in the Battle of Salitran, he was fatally wounded. He was immediately brought to a hospital where he was nursed by his sweetheart. At that point, he finally earned the respect of the girl’s father. Yet, his love for the girl was not able to save him from imminent death. He was the youngest general who died in combat being at the age of 22.

The story of Yengko is not just about patriotism, but also how he loved a woman. In love, it is not just about sharing one’s life with the other but taking all the risks too for the sake of the other. In love, one says to the other that he or she is willing to give his or her blood for the latter. This kind of love and even far better than this kind is found in God. From the Bible, we learn that Jesus poured out His blood as a sacrifice for our sins. Not only that, Jesus also offered His body to establish the covenant between God and His people. Even before all these actually took place while Jesus was on the cross, He already offered His body and blood during the last supper. In Mark 14: 12-16, 22-26, it is said, “While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.” The said covenant is a covenant of love. God has showed us that His love is greater than the greatest sin of man. His love for us can save us from death as Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Today, as we celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, we are reminded that the celebration of the Holy Eucharist is a celebration of love. It reminds us that God does not only want to share His life with us but He is also willing to take the risks to love us. God offers His love for us through giving us the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist. The risk lies in our decision whether to receive or to reject His offer. If we can appreciate the tragic love story of Yengko and of others, then why should we ignore the love that God has offered to us?  

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity 2018

The mystery of the Holy Trinity, the three Divine Persons but one God, has a very little biblical support and most often, the Gospel of Matthew 28: 16-20 is used to provide a biblical foundation for this. In order to grasp the meaning and understanding of this mystery, early Christians developed the creed which shows the relationship of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The creed reveals how the early Christians understood that Jesus is not a secondary god because the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit “is not” separate gods; but three different persons in One God. But there are those who reject the creed and insist that they could not find the word “trinity” in the Bible. They do not understand that though the term “trinity” is not explicitly mentioned anywhere in the Bible, the creed is based on the understanding of the Bible such as in 1 John 5:7 which states, “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.”

What is significant in the creed when it shows the relationship of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, is its aim to guide us Christians to take part in the oneness of God. If we are indeed believers of the “trinity”, then we know that we can be one and united with one another. But what can make us united and one? It is neither idealism nor realism which can keep us one and united like the trinity. It is neither communism nor despotism nor socialism but love. Love is what the trinity reveals in their unity. Without love, there can still be unity between and among diverse personalities but such unity is not what the creed aims us to inculcate in our way of life. 

Love which expresses the unity of the trinity is what can make us one and united with one another. It means that where one goes, there goes the other too. This Trinitarian love should be our model in the Church, in the community, in the family and in all relationships. Such love is possible in real life when I listened to the story of a wife whose husband met an accident while on board a ship as a seaman. The husband was declared inutile by the doctor and the owner of the ship sent him back home. The wife took care of him with their two small children. But as the days passed by, she felt the burden of taking care of the whole family emotionally, financially and physically. She wanted to escape from her inescapable situation. At this point, she had nowhere to go but to attend a mass. After the mass, she talked to the priest and asked for his blessing. Beginning on that day, she found strength to face her life’s challenges. She never lose hope that her husband would recover his health despite the doctor said it would be impossible. She never gave up to take care of their two little children too. Years after, she visited the priest and informed how God has been good to them. Her husband miraculously regained his health and their life together as a family seemed to be better. She realized what she would have missed in life when she had turned her back on her husband and children during the time she felt exhausted. She said, it is her love for her husband and their kids which makes her stay. It is love that makes them one and united as a family.

Love indeed like the love of the trinity is full of mysteries.

Aron and Charise's Wedding 2-8-2018

“What is meant to be will always find a way” (Trisha Yearwood). Aron and Charise, that seems to be the theme of your wedding. Your mothers, Gina and Vivien, have been the best of friends. Yet, you show them that the two of you can be more than friends. You have known each other since your childhood days. You were even batch mates I supposed. Then circumstances have brought the two of you to fall in love with each other. Aron, could you still remember that day you took the chance to get the cell phone number of Charise from your mother? Charise, could you still remember the days when Aron tried to make you happy during the times you felt blue? In your relationship, Aron and Charise, you have experienced life’s ups and downs. You have eventually allowed the circumstances to separate you from each other for almost two years. But then again, circumstances have brought the two of you to carry on with your love for each other. Aron and Charise, does this wedding mean that you are really meant to be for each other?

If “meant to be” means you just allow circumstances to dictate your relationship, this is dangerous because your relationship is like a ship that sails without a captain. A ship without a captain may go to any direction but it does not know which port it is sailing. The winds and the waves may bring it to the seashore but never to its destination. Aron, you are familiar with what I have been saying being a third mate or a deck officer of a ship. This cannot be the meaning of “meant to be” for the two of you.

Aron and Charise, you know that your relationship is not just a product of your circumstances. Neither the winds nor the waves bring you together today in this church. Rather it is your love. You have made a choice in favor of love. You have made a commitment in favor of your love. Your relationship is like a ship with a captain which can reach its destination even if it means it shall sail against the direction of the winds and the waves. This is what it means to say “meant to be”. Both of you decide to spend your lifetime with each other with love. Without your decision to be together, there shall be no “meant to be for each other”.

Aron and Charise, as I end my homily, I remind you to always pray together. And if ever Aron and Charise you will be in a long-distance marriage due to the nature of your work, you can still pray for each other if you cannot pray together. Prayer is the key to a marriage labelled as “meant to be”. Though the future of you married life is remained to be seen, your prayer can assure you of God’s blessing and protection on your marriage. This wedding is really “meant to be”, if both of you will remain one and united in love until death.

Aron and Charise, does this wedding mean that you are really meant to be for each other? Let me answer this for you in the language of the Bible. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

God bless you and may your love forever grow. Amen.

Erwin and Lalaine's Wedding 2-8-2018

My dear friends, the opening statement in the decision made in the case of People of the Philippines vs. Ruben Takbobo, GR No. 102984, June 30, 1993, is worth mentioning to any couple who wishes to get married. It stated, and I quote, “The nuptial vows which solemnly intone the matrimonial promise of love for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part,’ are sometimes easier said than done, for many a marital union figuratively ends on the reefs of matrimonial shoals.”

Erwin and Lalaine, let this statement makes you aware that a meaningful married life is built on true love. True love is not just a word but an action word. With true love, man and woman do not just make promises rather they do fulfil what they have promised to each other.

Erwin and Lalaine, you know this from your experience. When Erwin asked you Lalaine if you have any boyfriend, you said no despite that you had many suitors. Lalaine, you even tried to discourage Erwin by advising him not to court you. But Erwin was determined and persistent. He sent you flowers by surprise. He befriended your family especially your parents. He cooked the food you loved most. All these are acts of love though he never said a single word that he loves you. Truly, actions speak louder than words when the time came for you Lalaine to decide whether to accept Erwin’s love or not. Though you had not given him any clue, you said it best when you told him to stop courting you. Erwin felt nervous when he heard this from you. He only felt relieved when you told him to stop courting you because you already accepted him as your boyfriend for you love him too.

Now, here you are in this church. Both of you know that the period for courtship has ended. The engagement period has also ended. But your love story does not end during those periods. This is why we are here on your wedding day to witness your public declaration of love. Your wedding marks the beginning of another period in your love story. This time however, your love for each other is measured to a great extent if indeed it is true love. True love is not just a word but an action word. As an action word, the love you have shown to each other from the time you, Erwin started courting Lalaine until you Lalaine accepted the marriage proposal of Erwin must not deteriorate. It is true love if you love each other until death. It is true love if you will never think of divorce or separation because you believe that in marriage your love unites you. It is true love when you say your wedding vows seriously and you mean every word you say. It is true love if you hold the belief that your marriage is willed by God. If you believe that both of you is a gift from God for each other, then no one can stand against your love. In Acts of the Apostles 5:39, it is said, “But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

Erwin and Lalaine, you have a beautiful love story. After this wedding, it is up to you with the grace of God how you continue to tell the beauty of your love story. Hopefully, we who are here today can listen again to both of you if the love you have expressed today before God will be the same love you will have in your old age. Erwin and Lalaine, you choose each other among the millions, may you love each other until death. Amen.    

Dawn and Jina's Wedding 1-11-2018

No matter how far the distance between a man and a w0man is, as long as they love each other, it (distance) does not matter. Distance, especially physical distance, is oftentimes considered a problem in a relationship. But for a man and woman who love each other, they know there are also good things that come with distance. One of the good things distance can do to two people who are in love is to show their commitment to their relationship.

Dawn and Jina, now that you are here in front of the altar of the Lord to take each other as husband and wife, whether near or far, be committed to each other. You learn from your experience what it takes to commit oneself for the good of your relationship. Dawn, you work here in the province, while Gina, you are in the Big City. You both know that what makes a relationship difficult is not just about being separated by distance but being separated yet you keep assuring each other how your love does not change. Your long distance relationship has not prospered if you have not been committed to each other.

Dawn and Jina, commitment means to be consistent in showing the love you used to share with each other. Even when everything seems to be difficult, you overcome all the obstacles in your relationship. It is a consistent choice to remind yourself how blessed you are to have someone who loves you and your only option is to love him or her in return.

Dawn and Jina, there are many relationships that end due to distance. They cannot sustain or maintain the love they have for each other. It is difficult for them to remain committed in their relationships. They find their excuse by saying that they are only human. Being human, they have their limitations and imperfections. Their limitations or imperfections affect their expression of love. Their limitations or imperfections affect also their commitment. If there is love, and there is commitment too, what is still lacking why their relationships failed to work? Well, let us go back to the Bible, particularly in 1 John 4: 16-17 that says, “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment.”

Dawn and Jina, the secret of a lasting relationship is your love of God. If you truly love each other, then you present each other before God not only on this day of your wedding but at least every Sunday. If this can’t be possible because you are separated by distance, then you can agree to pray together at the same time though both of you are at different places. No matter how far away you are from each other in distance, when you go to the church to pray, you can both find the same God who binds you today in your wedding. When you go to the church to pray, both of you can pray for your beautiful daughter whom God has blessed you. There is no substitute for prayer. It is the Bible that says God is love. So, if you really love each other, you must have a place for God in your relationship. When you stop praying together, you also put an end to your commitment. When you put an end to your commitment, then there is no reason to expect for love anymore.

Dawn and Jina, may your love be strong enough to stand with your commitment to take each other as husband and wife before God today. Amen. 

Sr. Sto. Niño de Kalibo

In the editorial column of Madyaas Pen, Panay’s Reliable Newsweekly, written by Mr. Ernesto T. Solidum, dated June 14, 2013, he asked, “What is the truth about Sto. Niño Festival and Datu Kalantiao?” He started with a very heart-breaking introduction for the Aklanons especially for the Kalibonhons. To quote in verbatim, he stated, “Pres. Ambeth Ocampo of the National Historical Commission six years ago said that based on their exhaustive study, investigation and documentation, the existence of the Barter of Panay and the Kalantiao Code are hoaxes.”

A relative and a neighbour at Rizal Street Kalibo, Aklan, the late Tay Roman A. dela Cruz, who happened to be our local historian and author, of course, came to defend what we used to believe as historic and historical. I could also recall that one of the defenders of our local history at that time was my professor in the College of Law, former Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member, Hon. Plaridel Morania. But in their defence, they had no available evidence in their hands. Even the written account about the baptism of the one thousand natives which some Aklanons believe as the origin of the Ati-Atihan festival was put in question.

Now, how are we affected by this historical controversy or controversy about our local history? How are we affected particularly as Kalibonhon? How are we affected also as a Catholic Kalibonhon?

As Kalibonhon, we have lost our contact with our historic past. This culture which we believe we inherited from the past generations, which we maintain in the present and which we shall hand over to the future generation is not true. It is considered a deliberately made-fiction presented as facts. If we follow the National Historical Commission’s discovery and conclusion, it means it is not true that the Barter of Panay is the origin of Kalibo Ati-Atihan. It is fake news!

But as a Catholic Kalibonhon, it does not change anything. Rather, it even boosts our faith. If Kalibo Ati-Atihan did not originate from the Barter of Panay, the direct, natural and logical conclusion is that what we celebrate every third Sunday of January is not a festival but a feast. It is not about the ati but it is all about Jesus, our dear Sto. Niño. It is not just a merry-making and street-dancing, but also a joyful procession because Jesus, our dear Sto. Niño holds our world in His hand. It is not just a cultural heritage because above all, it is a devotion to the Sto. Niño.

This devotion to the Sto. Niño is the origin of our celebration. What is my evidence in saying this? Our devotion to the Sto. Niño is handed to us by our forefathers and foremothers. For my generation and contemporary generations, we used to hear these before: “musyon ma-Sto. Niño kita sa Kalibo and masadsad panaad kita sa Kalibo.” We also heard people shouting, “Viva kay Sr. Sto. Niño!” These are expressions of our devotion to the Sto. Niño. Devotion is a form of worship. It is an expression of faith. Well, this is enough when presented as evidence for those who seek to believe.

Therefore, being a devotion, we should not say our celebration is better than the celebration in Ibajay, in Makato, in Batan, in Altavas, in Malinao and in Naile. Rather, we rejoice that the devotion to our dear Sto. Niño spreads all over our province. Being a devotion, we should not try to compete against the celebration in Cebu or in Iloilo. Rather we rejoice because they too are our co-workers in spreading this devotion to the Sto. Niño. We should not accuse or ask “who copied from whom”, because in Tondo and even outside the Philippines, Aklanons started to share this devotion to the Sto. Niño with the beat of their drums. So we must rejoice because of this development. 

Finally, being a devotion, let us be careful in saying, “this is OUR Sto. Niño". There is now a danger when we put emphasis on the word OUR. Because Sto. Niño is OURS, we tend to celebrate the feast on OUR own way even if it means OUR way is not pleasing to God. Instead of just saying "this is OUR Sto. Niño,"  why not say, "Sto. Niño, let us be Yours". By this, we mean to listen to Sto. Niño telling us WE ARE ALL HIS as He holds our world in the palm of His hand. Because Sto. Niño claims us as His own then we celebrate His feast according to God's way and not on our own way. 

To end, let us rejoice and be merry because Sr. Sto. Niño blesses us!” 

Viva kay Sr. Sto. Niño!