Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
May 31, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
The Lord is risen, Alleluia!
WITNESS TO THIS ARE:
1. THE DISCIPLES THAT TIME – Mary Magdalene, Peter and John despite the seeming unbelief and fear announced that the Lord is Risen. They came to UNDERSTAND that Jesus is Risen. With faith, may we come to “understand” that the Risen Jesus is with us in all our experiences, except in sin.
2. THE THINGS THAT POINT OUT THAT HE IS RISEN – The rolled stone, empty tomb and linens wrapped in the dead body of Jesus at the side. The disciples of Jesus came to EXPERIENCE Jesus in the proofs that He was Risen. Sacraments especially the Eucharist are visible signs that convey invisible graces, may we “experience” the Risen Christ in the sacraments.
3. THE DISCIPLES THIS TIME – given the fact that the Lord is Risen, let’s have an unwavering faith, if from sins He can forgive us, and from death he can raise us up, be convinced that He could give us all that is best for us. May we come to WITNESS that Jesus is Risen just like the disciples in His time.
Happy Easter everyone!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
May 24, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
I once asked a 3 year old boy in his grandmother’s wake, “Nasaan na si lola?” He answered back, “nasa heaven na po!” Glad to hear a strong statement from a child, such paves the way to have faith in the Risen and Ascended Christ. In our Gospel (Mt. 28:16-20) for this Sunday, St. Matthew accounted the visible Ascension of our Lord, WITH THIS, LET US MULL OVER ON THE FOLLOWING:
1. ASSURANCES FROM JESUS – that He is POWERFUL and He will REMAIN in us. The former confirms our supposed faith in Jesus, because, “all power in heaven and on earth has been given to Him” (cf. Mt. 28:18). While in the later, He assures that He will never forsake us by saying “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20). With these two assurances, may we experience peace and consolation with Jesus despite all the trials and hardships that we are encountering, especially nowadays with this Pandemic.
2. FOLLOWER OF JESUS – The Risen Jesus gave stress to baptism, He ordered the apostles to make disciples of all nations (cf. Mt. 28:19). Is baptism solely a sacrament? It is not only a sacrament that has to be received, but a way of life that has to be lived by. We are not just sacramentalized, we must be evangelized. After baptism we are called ‘Christians’ which means, ‘followers of Jesus.’
3. WITNESSES OF JESUS – This is the proof of true discipleship, becoming witnesses of Jesus to others. As Jesus ordered His Apostles, “teach them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt. 28:20) may we be living examples of the goodness and love of God to others. Amen!
A Blessed Ascension Sunday!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
May 17, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
As I reflect on this Sunday’s Gospel (Jn. 14:15-21), I cannot help but to remember my late father, Francisco, Sr. What Jesus said and did were in semblance with my experiences with Tatay. We have heard in today’s Gospel the farewell discourse of Jesus and the promise of another Advocate as He ascended in heaven, this prepares us for the next two (2) weeks celebrations, the Ascension of our Lord and the Pentecost.
LET US NOW CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING REALITIES IN JESUS’ FAREWELL DISCOURSE:
1. FAREWELL AND ANOTHER ADVOCATE – After the cancer diagnosis of my father at the age of 45, farewells directly or indirectly became prominent. My father did not say that he will leave us another advocate (he is not God), but his advice, principles and good examples linger until now, like, love one another as siblings, study well for that is the only thing that they could leave us, example of being a public servant, etc… Such for me, is the Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit is another Advocate for us, He will enlighten and strengthen us, He will teach us how to live life to its fullest.
2. LOVE AND KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS – Less than 30 years now since our father left us, I could still remember his instructions on how to live life, disobedience would mean less consideration and less love to our father. The same as through in Jesus’ invitation, to keep His commandments would mean love and enough consideration to Him if we follow His precepts. As He would say: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me” (Jn. 14:21).
3. INDWELLING AND ETERNAL LIFE WITH HIM – Jesus said, “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you” (Jn. 14:21). A friend of tatay once said to me, “para kang tatay mo, naglilingkod,” I was really happy hearing such affirmation and comparison, it’s an indwelling so to speak. Just like that if we remain in Jesus’ precepts, Jesus remains in us, as St. Paul would say, “…I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). Living in Christ in the here and now will bring us to live with and in Him in eternity.
My late father tried to live in the promptings of Holy Spirit, thus, this paved way for him to stick on to the precepts of Jesus. With this ‘living in Jesus,’ ‘indwelling’ took place. Witnessing such, I believe (and I pray) that he is now ‘living with Jesus’ in eternity. May this be my/our trend in life in the here and now and in the life to come, Amen!
A Blessed Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
May 10, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
The Gospels are written without fabrications. There are times we could see how the apostles struggled from their personal weaknesses just like in the Gospel periscope (Jn. 14:1-12) this Sunday, Philip failed to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and Savior (Jn. 14:8) With this, we are given guidelines for us accept Jesus totally in our lives. Jesus said, I AM THE:
1. WAY – This pertains to the WILL, as the saying goes, “it there’s a will, there’s a way.” What keeps us going? Who is prompting us, ourselves and our emotions, bad influences or others that lead us to nowhere? May Jesus and the Holy Spirit spur us to do things so as not to get astray.
2. TRUTH – no one has the monopoly of what is true, only Jesus has. When we talk about truth, we talk about the MIND. Knowing Jesus is knowing the truth. Whenever we are in clash with anyone, go to Jesus and we will be equipped with what is absolutely true and good, for we cannot be all the time hanging with just a bit true and a bit good.
3. LIFE – This pertains to the HEART, the core of our existence. we may be biologically alive but spiritually dead. May Jesus be our life, present in our hearts. If this is so we will be full of love and goodness, it’s a heaven here on earth until it’s full realization. Amen!
A Meaningful Day of the Lord!
Happy Fiesta, Mahal na Poong Sta. Cruz!
Happy Mother’s Day to my Nanay Edeng, and to all the mothers out there!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
May 3, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
There was once an orator who used Psalm 23 (The Lord is my Shepherd) as his piece, he delivered the said Psalm very well in front of many people. Before the program ended, an old priest was asked to impart a message, at the beginning of his message he also delivered the same Psalm after which he said, “I could no longer deliver with emotion and persuasion.” But the orator on his closing remarks said, “I know the Psalm but the old priest knows the Shepherd. Do we know the Shepherd?
JESUS, THE GOOD SHEPHERD:
1. PROTECTS US FROM THIEF AND ROBBER – Jesus said, “I am the gate for the sheep” (Jn. 10:7). Gate protects the flock from danger, Jesus used such figure of speech to point out that, “all who came before Him are thieves and robbers” (cf. Jn. 10:8), Jesus is the epitome in leadership, may we always recognize His voice and listen to Him and not to anyone at anything that could destroy us.
2. INSTRUCTS US – Words are said in order to impart something or to communicate. The messages from our Good Shepherd are instructions that ought to be heard and followed. In doing so, we will “have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10).
3. OFFERS US ETERNAL LIFE – As we journey through life we are not heading nowhere. Jesus our Good Shepherd wants to bring us to greener pasture (Ps. 23:2), if we experience otherwise, we opted for that. Be at peace with Him, despite of what is happening nowadays. Though we are finite and mortal, Jesus who conquered death will raise us up on the last day, Amen!
A Blessed Good Shepherd Sunday po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
April 26, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
Are we aware and sensitive enough how the Risen Christ reveals Himself to us? Let us now reflect on how the Resurrected Christ manifests Himself even during these trying times. In our Gospel for this Sunday (Lk. 24:13-35), 3rd Sunday of Easter, CHRIST MANIFESTED HIMSELF DURING:
1. HARD TIMES – “They (Cleofas and the other disciple) stopped, looking downcast” (v. 17). They were downcast with what had happened to Jesus. The two disciples did not recognize Jesus (Glorified Body) who travelled with them, that’s why Jesus explained everything to them. The same as through with us, there are times we could not see Jesus manifesting Himself specially in bad times, in this pandemic, but in prayers, in the stillness of our hearts, He will explain everything to us. He will enlighten and strengthen us along the way.
2. PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD – the two disciples said: “were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” (v. 32). The Word of God enables us: to know Jesus more, to feel and experience the blessings and love He has for us, and at the same time see ourselves, our flaws and misgivings vis-a-vis His precepts. May proclamation of the Word of God be an occasion for us to make the Risen Jesus alive in us.
3. BREAKING OF THE BREAD – “While he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him” (v. 30). Eucharist is our most intense union with God here on earth. Whenever we attend mass and encounter Jesus, do our eyes and hearts open to the Risen Jesus who loves us? At the moment, we are just having a spiritual communion with Jesus, we are not receiving Him in the sacrament, will this be a reason to be far from Him? May these trying times lead us to seek more the Word of God and envision to be with, for and in the breaking of the bread the soonest. Amen!
A Blessed 3rd Sunday of Easter!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
April 19, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
In our Gospel (Jn. 20:19-31) for this Sunday, Jesus brings forth to His apostles the following:
1. PEACE – The apostles were not yet sold that Jesus was risen, thus, with clouded mind and heavy heart the Risen Jesus appeared and brought forth peace to them. The same as through with us, amidst these trying times and uncertainties where this pandemic will lead us, hang on to Jesus, He will give us enlightenment and strength so as to be always at peace.
2. HOLY SPIRIT – The apostles abandoned Jesus, despite that, Jesus breathed on the apostles (the same breath that God blew on the nostrils of our 1st parents to have life – Gen.2:7) for new life and continuous mission (through the promptings of the Holy Spirit). New life is with us in the Risen Jesus. Bear in mind that we are not just existing, Jesus wants to put life in our existence, i.e., to live in, for, and with Him.
3. FAITH – This what Thomas professed upon seeing the Risen Christ, “My Lord and my God.” Faith is not solely from us, it is a gratuitous gift from God imbedded in our person. That as God reveals Himself, we respond in faith. Let us acknowledge that everything is from God, may we have a thankful heart and deep faith.
A Blessed Divine Mercy Sunday!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
April 12, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
The Lord is risen, Alleluia!
WITNESS TO THIS ARE:
1. THE DISCIPLES THAT TIME – Mary Magdalene, Peter and John despite the seeming unbelief and fear announced that the Lord is Risen. They came to UNDERSTAND that Jesus is Risen. With faith, may we come to “understand” that the Risen Jesus is with us in all our experiences, except in sin.
2. THE THINGS THAT POINT OUT THAT HE IS RISEN – The rolled stone, empty tomb and linens wrapped in the dead body of Jesus at the side. The disciples of Jesus came to EXPERIENCE Jesus in the proofs that He was Risen. Sacraments especially the Eucharist are visible signs that convey invisible graces, may we “experience” the Risen Christ in the sacraments.
3. THE DISCIPLES THIS TIME – given the fact that the Lord is Risen, let’s have an unwavering faith, if from sins He can forgive us, and from death he can raise us up, be convinced that He could give us all that is best for us. May we come to WITNESS that Jesus is Risen just like the disciples in His time.
Happy Easter everyone!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
April 5, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
There are two contrasting/ironical things in today’s celebration, the Triumphal Entry to Jerusalem and the Passion of Christ. These two are opposite, the former commemorates the entry to Jerusalem, that Jesus was accepted by the Jews as they shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mt. 21:9), while the latter was a rejection and mockery made by the Jews as they said, “Let him be crucified!” (Mt. 27:23). We are invited in our celebration for today to avoid incongruences and ironies, instead let us manifest a faith that is authentic and unwavering. Such will be possible if the following go together:
1. MIND AND HEART – The mind is the one responsible for thinking translated into acting. With our right mind, may we seek and stick on to what is true, thus, coupled with the heart, we are listening to God’s inner voice within us, guiding us what to do and how to do good things.
2. WORDS AND ACTIONS – More often than not, we hear the expression, “easier said than done,” this is true enough to those people who do not have conviction in life, those who do not have backbone to give flesh to the words uttered. May our words be our initial step in translating good actions.
3. RELATIONSHIP TO GOD AND NEIGHBOURS – As the First Epistle of John would say, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen” (4:20). The concrete manifestation of our love to God is our love of neighbours, these two should be inseparable as we tend to be authentic in our faith, such could be practiced in the here and now where needy is immense. Amen!
A Blessed Palm Sunday!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
March 29, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
If we think of an experience that is common to all of us, we could say that, that experience is ‘crying,’ thus, it is also the first experience of each of us. No one can say that he or she hasn’t experienced crying. In the moment of birth, we are expected to cry, something is wrong if we did not. Even Jesus in our Gospel cried for the death of a good friend Lazarus (Jn.11:35). This is a proof that Jesus is one with/among us (He became Man).
What then are the reasons behind crying (phenomenology of crying)?
1. EXTERNAL/ INTERNAL PAIN -The manifestation of physical or emotional pain, more often than not, is crying. This was the experience of Martha, Mary and Jesus in our Gospel (Jn.11:1-45). We may experience external or internal pain/hardship, but let us always bear in mind that we have Jesus, one with us in such experience, and alleviating our pains and problems.
2. REGRETS/ FEEL SORROW OR REMORSE – Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (Jn. 11:32). There are times when we missed chances (nanghihinayang) or feel sorry for something wrong we have done (nagsisisi), we cry. Jesus can do something for us just what He did with Martha and Mary. And if in case we sinned, His forgiveness is always there.
3. TEARS OF JOY – Jesus resuscitated Lazarus as a “prefiguration” of His resurrection and ours at the same time. This for sure brought joy to Martha and Mary. It was not explicitly said if Martha and Mary were still crying, but we could imagine if they do, it was because of joy for Lazarus was brought back to life. This is what Jesus wants, to bring us joy and salvation.
Jesus doesn’t want us to end up crying because of external or internal pain (PAIN OF THE SENSES) and remorse or regrets (PAIN OF LOSS), these two are the experiences in eternal damnation. May we always be positive despite the apparent helplessness brought about by the pandemic, COViD-19, if we have Jesus no virus can take away our lives. What Jesus wants is for us to be truly happy and at peace with Him, we may experience crying, but with Jesus the prevailing reason behind crying is JOY AND HAPPINESS WITH HIM HERE ON EARTH AND IN ETERNITY. Amen!
A Blessed Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
March 22, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
Have you ever imagine being blind? “May I invite you to close your eyes, what do we see? It’s total darkness, and it’s no joke if we will have it for life.” We often fail to acknowledge what we have until we lose them, e.g., sight, hearing and the likes. In this Sunday’s Gospel we have heard the healing of the man born blind (Jn. 9:1-41). This leads us to reflect on the following HEALING:
1. PHYSICAL BLINDNESS – One of the Messianic signs is healing the blind, thus, Jesus is really the Messiah, a healer. Let us come to Him and ask to stop this COViD-19. In the end, ‘greatest healing’ He could inflict us is to ‘raise us from the dead.’
2. SPIRITUAL/MORAL BLINDNESS –
The man born blind (Jn. 9:1) symbolizes each of us, we are born with original sin. And the healing process of the blind man took place when Jesus commanded the man, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” (Jn. 9:7), this pertains to the water of baptism that cleanse us in our spiritual blindness. Along the way, we could have personal sins (spiritual/moral blindness), the good Lord heals/forgives us in the sacrament of reconciliation. May we respond to the primary character of Lenten season, i.e., conversion (penitential character), let’s be sorry for our sins.
3. BLINDNESS OF UNBELIEF – the man born blind was given ‘sight,’ then came the ‘insight’ on who Jesus was, and the last that was manifested was ‘faith’ in the Son of Man, Jesus the Lord (cf. Jn. 9:38). This was more highlighted because of the unbelief of the Pharisees. May we be like the healed blind man growing in knowledge and faith in Jesus our Lord. Amen!
Thus, after all the healing by Jesus, may we have the heart for others especially to those who are in dire need. During these hard times may we see others and do away with BLINDNESS OF INDIFFERENCE. Amen!
Have a Meaningful Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
March 15, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
For sure all of us know how is it to be thirsty, and we cannot stand such without drinking the necessary amount of water that we need. From physical thirst, theme in our 1st Reading (Ex. 17:3-7) came the message of God’s providential care to Israelites, and the message that Jesus is the giver of water that gives life in the Gospel (Jn. 4:5-42). The Samaritan woman in our Gospel experienced Jesus the Messiah. With this, let us reflect WHAT TOOK PLACE:
1. ENCOUNTER – In the Gospel, Jesus was a Jewish stranger asking water to a Samaritan woman, He initiated to have an encounter with the woman so as to invite the Samaritan to believe and have faith. More often than not, Jesus is a stranger to us, a God we failed to acknowledge. However, He will always make a way for us to encounter and experience Him. May we encounter Jesus in the Eucharist, in the Word of God, in the occurrences in our lives (not only in good times but in bad times as well), in our neighbor and the likes.
2. ENLIGHTENMENT – After an encounter what comes next is enlightenment – chance to know Jesus more. Such is very evident with the Samaritan woman. At first Jesus for her was just a ‘Jewish stranger’ (v. 9), then she addressed Jesus as ‘Sir’ (v. 11), then a ‘Prophet’ (v. 19), a ‘Messiah’ (vv. 26-26), and finally ‘savior of the world’ (v. 42). Just like the woman from Samaria in our Gospel, may we grow in faith and in the knowledge of who Jesus is.
3. WITNESSING – “… whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (v. 14). The Samaritan woman at this point received Jesus and the living water that He gave, thus, from her sprang Jesus to others, she became witness of Jesus, the Savior of the world.
A Blessed Sunday po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
March 8, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
As I reflect on our Gospel for this Sunday (Mt. 17:1-9 -The Transfiguration), I remembered our 12 hour trekking in going to the Dumagats’ settlements, I have pondered then that our trekking was in semblance with life’s journey. We have reached the highest peak of the mountainous area in DRT (Sierra Madre mountain ranges) called ‘korona,’ only to know that we were just half-way to our destination. The same as through with life, let us not think that if we succeed or happy on a certain instance (or the other way around), that’s the end of it, life has its ups and downs. May these ups and downs in our lives give way to our real destination, i.e., glorified existence with our Lord in eternity.
LIFE IS A JOURNEY TO:
1. MOUNT SAINAI – Let us always be sensitive to God’s precepts and commandments and follow in the name of LOVE and not of fear.
2. MOUNT CALVARY – Let us learn to carry our own crosses in life, with FAITH we can surpass all the trials and challenges in life.
3. MOUNT TABOR – As Christ transfigured (prefiguration of His Resurrection) so do we, let us always put our HOPE in Him, it is not only, “habang may buhay may pag-asa,” but, “habang may pag-asa may buhay.” Amen!
A Blessed Journey with the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
February 29, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
As the song goes, “O Tukso, Layuan mo ako,” I don’t think this is true and effective in countering evil because the devil’s work is to ‘insist,’ we may succeed once or twice but Satan is always ‘waiting for opportunities.’ “Devil is like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1Pt. 5:8), with this, it is apt to say, “O Tukso, lalayo/lalaban ako!” We must “resist him, be solid in our faith” (1Pt. 5:9). If the devil ‘insists’ we can ‘resist.’
In today’s Gospel Reading (Mt. 4:1-11), Jesus was tempted. He could be tempted because He is fully human, but He never deviates from His perfect union with the Father. How then could we battle against evil forces?
1. KNOW THE DEVIL AND HIS WAYS – In combating evil forces, we have to know the devil’s ways and strategies, if not we might fall into his trap. More often than not, he is clever and his ways appear to be ‘good,’ but in truth they are all hoax. He could also use people who are near and dear to us to get us easily. Let us be cautious on the devil’s manner of enticing us.
2. KNOW OURSELVES AND OUR WEAKNESSES – We all have weaknesses, with this, let us bear in mind that the devil attacks us on these flaws in our person. It is in our weakness and vulnerability that the devil attempts to get us. Let us have a full grasp of who we are, and in our weaknesses ask God for strength.
3. KNOW GOD AND BE STRENGTHENED – We might think that Jesus won against evil because He is God and we are human, we need not to be like god to succeed, all we need to do is to know and hang on to Him. In our weakness, He is our strength and in our sinful ways, He is our refuge and guide. Amen!
A Blessed Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
February 23, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
There was a couple, whenever they quarrel they don’t talk to one another, whoever talks first is defeated. One time they had a quarrel, they were quiet over dinner, while watching TV and up to the point that they were about to sleep. The husband remembered that he had a 6am appointment, his wife usually wakes him up, he was on dilemma then, until he found a way, that was to make a note for his wife to wake him up, he placed the note on the table on the headboard near his wife, he said to himself, “you’ll give in, you have no choice but to talk to me to wake me up.” Night passed, the husband slept tight, as he opened his eyes and saw the clock, it was 8 in the morning, he saw a note on the table beside him, “wake up its 5am, you have a 6am appointment.” Hahaha!
As the proverb would assert, “To err is human to forgive is divine,” how then could we respond to the universal call to holiness if we have grudges against others. Hindrance to holiness could be the very self (selfishness) or clash with others. With this, may we hold on to what Jesus says in our Gospel for this Sunday, “love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt. 5:44).
LOVE CONNOTES:
1. NO REVENGE TO THOSE WHO HAVE DONE WRONG – We can never be in control of what others will do, what we are in control of is ourselves, our reaction. May we try to understand and forgive those who have wronged us, let us be proactive rather than reactive.
2. READINESS TO GIVE ANYTHING TO EVERYBODY – If we are to gauge our love to others, the questions of what to give (value) and to whom we give are insignificant. Could we give regardless of what and to whom we wish to give? May we concretely manifest our love and concern in our life of giving. Our generosity could start (or bring back) a harmonious relationship to others.
3. PRAYING FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU – A real test of sincerity is when a person let God intercede in whatever differences/grudges he/she has with anyone. Let us pray for their enlightenment and ours as well. Amen!
A Blessed Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
February 16, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
Days ago we had our Parish first and annual confession form different schools, that is, from grades 3 to 12, such gives me inspiration. Hearing them confess their sins convinces me that they are more sensitive and aware in what they are doing compare to the old ones. I often hear a confession, “nanuntok po ako,” “nanipa po ako,” “nangbatok po ako,” and the likes, he should have only said, “nanakit po ako,” almost all of them itemize the wrong acts toward others. While, old ones, more often than not, find it hard to admit the wrong doings toward neighbors, there are times, they justify. I sometimes hear, “Fr., kaaway ko yung kapit-bahay ko, kasi po ang magaspang ugali n’ya, s’ya naman nauna, etc…” Being sorry for our sins is the only way to follow God. With this, let us now reflect on how to totally obey God and let His will be done.
OUR LIFE OF OBEDIENCE TO GOD CONNOTES:
1. A DECISION – This is what the 1st Reading is telling us (Sir. 15:15-20), “Before man are life and death, good and evil, whichever he chooses shall be given him.” We are like on a crossroad deciphering what to choose, we are free, but let us note what Sirac said, “No one does he command to act unjustly, to none does he give license to sin” (v. 20). May we always be free from sins and not enslaved by the sins we are doing, and it is a choice.
2. PROMPTINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – This is the focus in our 2nd Reading (1 Cor. 2:6-10) that “the Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God” (v. 10). Obeying God is both our decision and His promptings through the Holy Spirit, all we need to do is to be sensitive to the Spirit in us since our baptism. The Holy Spirit could inspire us – putting in our thoughts God’s wisdom, and enthrone in our hearts God’s will.
3. FOLLOWING THE LAWS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS – Our Gospel (Mt. 5:17-37) for this Sunday talks about the Laws of Moses that ought to be followed, in elaborating the laws by giving their “implications,” Jesus made it clear that He has “come not to abolish (the law and prophets) but to fulfill” (v. 17). Let us not be like the Scribes and Pharisees who are legalistic and minimalistic, they failed to accept Jesus’ teachings for in the first place they did not accept Jesus as the promised Messiah. In our life of obeying God we are guided by the Decalogue and the teachings of Jesus our Savior. Amen!
Have a Blessed Sunday po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
February 9, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
Our Gospel for today (Mt. 5:13-16) speaks about discipleship. What does it take to be a disciple? To be a disciple connotes doing things for the faith such as praying, obeying the commandments, listening to the Word of God, receiving the sacraments and the likes. With this, faith will do something in the life of a disciple. Let us now reflect what will happen, A DISCIPLE COULD BECOME:
1. SALT OF THE EARTH – Salt serves as preservative and it gives taste. Using salt as metaphor, may we as disciples of Jesus, preserve goodness in our lives and eventually affect others to preserve theirs. Such could bring about tasteful existence and harmonious relationship to one another.
2. LIGHT OF THE WORLD – Another symbolic thing is given to us – light. Just like a light that produces rays (light) and emits heat, disciples are expected to emanate light, that we are guided and eventually could guide others, and also manifest a burning love to others.
3. AN AGENT IN GIVING GLORY TO GOD (v. 16) – Both salt and light become unnoticeable after serving their purpose, they do not draw attention to themselves, what is brought to the fore are the taste and light that they bring. As disciples, we must do things solely for God and not to ourselves, to give glory to God. Amen!
A Blessed Sunday po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
February 2, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
Today, Feb. 2, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. What then could we mull over from this Feast? What is it for us with our candles being blessed (as part of the liturgy)?
LET US REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING:
1. FULFILLING THE LAW – Mary and Joseph, being the parents of Jesus, knew the Mosaic law on cleansing about the firstborn son (Lev. 12), they adhered to it. As parents, do you adhere on God’s commandments and Jesus’ precepts so as to bring your children to God? And as children do you follow your parents in their endeavor to raise you as good people/Christians?
2. FULFILLING THE PROPHESY – Simeon and Anna, both were God’s servants, saw in the forty-day old child Jesus the fulfillment of the prophesied messiah. These two aged servants waited, saw and accepted God’s plan of salvation. As Christians, so to speak, do we tend to know and cooperate on what Jesus the Messiah has for us? Salvation is already served, all we need to do is to find and experience Jesus living in, for and with us.
3. THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION (Ps. 27:1) – May our candles (being blessed on this Feast) remind us that Jesus is our light and our salvation. As what Simeon acclaims: “… a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel,” may we always accept Jesus as our Light and share this Light to others through our good deeds. Amen!
A Blessed Feast of the Presentation of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
January 26, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
I asked the congregation to tell the person seating beside him/her: “Ikaw ba’y namumuhay sa kadiliman?” Most of them laughed despite the fact that it could be a possibility. WITH THIS, LET US REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING, THAT:
1. EVIL IS A REALITY – it’s not only in the olden days as with the prophesy of Isaiah in the 1st reading (Is. 8:23-9:3) and the fulfillment in our Gospel (Mt. 4:12-23) that life in the darkness is prevalent but also in the here and now. Thus, awareness on evil as a reality in our life will help us overcome its ploys and allurements.
2. WE NEED JESUS TO BE OUR LIGHT – As the Psalm responsory goes, “The Lord is my light and my salvation,” may we totally accept Jesus as our light and our guide. By the mere fact that we are baptized in Christ, we are called to follow Him just like the 1st four Apostles in the Gospel. The price of following Jesus is brought to the fore in the Gospel, by leaving behind their nets, boat and even their father. We are not to take this literally, but such situations give enough stress that nothing and no one should alter Jesus in our lives, He must be more than anything and anyone in this world.
3. WE ARE CALLED TO BE FISHERS OF MEN – There are significant qualities to become an effective fisherman, thus, these qualities are also needed in becoming fisher of men, these are, patience, perseverance, courage, right timing, know how to use the right bait and the likes. May we acquire these qualities and be equipped with Jesus’ teachings so as to be His instruments in spreading light and salvation. Amen!
A Blessed Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
January 19, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
I was asked by some members of the youth in Santiago Apostol Parish if I have a Sto. Niño image for they are gathering sacred images to be exhibited, I told them we have one in the house. Day before the exhibit they waited for me to come, only to hear, ‘Di pa kasi naglalakad, Di humabol sa akin’ (hehehe), with the smile on their faces and disappointment I supposed, I felt I should have given kind consideration to their request, but I became negligent. With this, let us reflect on the faith that we have, are we active or negligent?
1. ARE WE JUST SACRAMENTALIZED AND NOT EVANGELIZED? – The first Filipino Christians were baptized way back 1521, King Humabon and Queen Juana received the sacred image of Sto. Niño from Ferdinand Magellan as a symbol of entering Christianity. We are baptized, do what is expected of us, “do this for the faith!” And we are not just baptized/sacramentalized, we must be evangelized, “what does the faith do to us?”
2. DO WE LIKE TO BE BLESSED AND NOT TO BECOME BLESSINGS TO OTHERS? – Each of us wants to be blessed by God that’s why we keep on coming to Him. We have a lot of devotions (Black Nazarene, Perpetual Help, St. Jude, Sto. Niño and the likes) to implore blessings. The question is, are we just receiving blessings or we would want to be channels of God’s blessings? May we, who receive blessings become dispensers of God’s blessings to all the people we meet.
3. WE ARE SAVED, MAY WE BECOME AGENTS OF SALVATION – “The people walking in darkness see a bright light; light shines on those who live in a land of deep darkness… A child has been born to us, a son has been given to us” (Isa. 9:2, 6 – 1st Reading). God became man, for men to live in God. Objectively we are redeemed, what Jesus wants is our cooperation for us to be saved (subjective redemption), may becoming agents of God’s salvation be our endeavor. Amen!
Have a Meaningful Feastday of Santo Niño!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
January 12, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s not that He needs to be baptized, but through His baptism we are given the chance to reflect and understand our being baptized in His name.
In baptism we become:
1. ADOPTED SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THE FATHER – we are heirs of the Kingdom, death is not an end but the beginning of our real life with Him.
2. BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN/OF CHRIST – due to sin, human race is dispersed, in baptism we are brethren in/of Christ, may Christ unite us in belief and love.
3. TEMPLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – we are directed and prompted by the Holy Spirit in us, let’s follow Him.
These are the PASSIVE EFFECTS (what we receive from God) in baptism, the ACTIVE EFFECTS (what we give to God) lie solely on what we do or how we live our lives.
Whenever we make the sign of the cross, may this remind us of the passive effects of our baptism and spur us to endeavor to experience the active effects of our being baptized in Christ. May we share in the Threefold Mission of Christ as Priest, King and Prophet. Amen.
A Blessed Feast of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
January 5, 2020
Read Sunday Reflection
God became man for the reason that He wanted to manifest Himself to all of us. In today’s celebration, Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, the three Magi in our Gospel (Mt. 2:1-12) represent all of us, just like them let us:
1. Have a personal search for Jesus through our life of prayer, Sunday Eucharistic Celebration is an opportunity to encounter and receive Jesus in the proclamation of the Word and in His Body and Blood.
2. Be sensitive to those God-given-people around us and the occurrences in our lives for they could be God’s instruments and ways in manifesting Himself.
3. Acknowledge Jesus and praise Him, thus, in changing our ways (sinful ways) (Mt. 2:12) we are like the three Magi not wanting to betray Jesus.
May we experience Jesus manifesting Himself to us, Amen!
A Blessed Celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
December 29, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
There was ones a child who asked his father, “dad, how much do you earn in an hour?
The father replied, “why are you asking? Son, I’m a bit busy, you better go to bed, ok I’m earning 200 pesos per hour more or less.”
The son went to his room.
The father, conscientious of what he did followed his son in the room and asked, “son are you still awake? Would you like me to lend you some amount?”
The son replied: “yes dad, could you lend me a hundred box? I already have a hundred here, COULD I BUY AN HOUR OF YOUR TIME?
TIME is very essential, it means IMPORTANCE and LOVE.
The Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph had time for one another, let us imitate that as a family, for TIME SPURS US TO:
1. KNOW ONE ANOTHER – Not just by name and whereabouts, but by how each one feels. Let us try to know one another’s experiences.
2. BE TOGETHER IN KNOWING GOD – Just like the Holy Family who lived with, for and in God, let us be like them having a common experience in knowing and following God.
3. TO EXPRESS ONES LOVE -Spend time with our loved ones, for if we did, time spend to other people would mean sincerity and love.
Have a Blessed Feast of the Holy Family!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
December 15, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
Today is Gaudete Sunday, “Gaudete” means “Rejoice,” Sunday of Rejoicing. There’s this experience of rejoicing because we are half way in our Season of Advent, the coming of the Lord. Thus, let us mull over on FAITH, such spurs us to rejoice. Our Gospel for today (Mt. 11:2-11) speaks about the “faith” of St. John, his disciples and people that time and this time as well.
HAVING FAITH CONNOTES:
1. PEOPLE WHOM GOD USED – St. John sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Mt. 11:3) It’s not that John is in doubt about Jesus, but he wanted his disciples to go to Jesus and have an encounter with Him. God uses people as instruments to impart faith. They could be our parents, grandparents, brothers/sisters, friends, priests, nuns and the likes. Let’s be thankful to God for them. And also, may we endeavor to become God’s instruments for others to have faith.
2. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF THE DIVINE – Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see…” (Mt. 11:4). This is a personal experience of Jesus that convinced them [disciples of John] who to follow. Do we already have a personal experience of Jesus? We need not to search, we just have to look into our lives, we are created, and the sole purpose of God is to share His love to us. We are not just created, we are sustained. As the saying goes, “the best things in life are often given for free,” we received everything that we need out of God’s love and concern. Let’s be grateful.
3. NOT JUST ASKING BUT DECIPHERING WHAT GOD ASKS FROM US – “The least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he [John]” (Mt. 11:11), PAGTALIMA so to speak. In doing so, our faith is whole, not lopsided. That we are not just asking from God but sensitive enough to what God asks from us. Being “least” is the key to following, for such depicts humility. Only a humble heart could contain what God wants.
Prompted by FAITH in Jesus, may we keep on REJOICING. Amen!
A Blessed Sunday of Rejoicing!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
December 8, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
If we are to give a gift to a birthday celebrant, we will always consider if our gift fits/suits or is appropriate to the person, we will not give a toy to an adult celebrant nor a dress or something for an adult to a child celebrant. This Christmas season we are celebrating the birthday of our Savior, Jesus Christ, do we know what fits Him and what gift He wants? In our Gospel (Mt. 3:1-12) for this 2nd Sunday of Advent, we are asked to prepare for the coming of our Savior (this coming is of two senses, Jesus’ 2nd coming and His birth more than 2000 years ago), either or, what gift can we give to Christ who is coming. St. John Baptist in our Gospel is inviting us to be prepared and this could be our present to Jesus. The following could be our presents to Jesus, may we LET JESUS:
1. TOUCH OUR PRESENT LIFE – to live in Him so as to share Him. Let us not think that the time of Jesus is yet to come, in our time, He could be with us and we could be with Him.
2. FORGIVE OUR PAST LIFE – to call in mind our sins and be forgiven. This is the preaching of the Baptizer, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (v. 1). Forgiveness is always there we are the ones (sinners) that turn our back to Jesus and his Merciful Love.
3. GUIDE OUR FUTURE LIFE – to be with God and others in eternity. This is the aim of our Savior, Jesus Christ, if we experience otherwise, we disregarded Jesus’ plan of salvation. As the Gospel would say, “Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (v. 10).
A Blessed 2nd Sunday of Advent. God bless us!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
November 24, 2019
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In an overnight vigil, around 1:30am, I saw a group of kids, I asked them, “are you not sleepy? You sleep now or else you won’t grow,” they answered, “di po Fr., babantayan namin si Kristong Hari.” I was overwhelmed and happy by this encounter with the kids, they may not fully comprehend Christ as King, but they are convinced that He is such.
When we say Christ the King, what’s the first thing that comes into our mind? Maybe in conceptualizing this reality, we are thinking of an earthly king or a politician, a person with power, grandeur and wealth, but Christ’s Kingship is totally different. His being a King CONNOTES:
1. ETERNAL REIGN – he is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, He wants to inflict us His mode of existence, i.e., Eternal. From ‘chronos’ He will bring us to ‘kairos,’ grace-filled or opportune moment with Him.
2. NO BOUNDARIES AND TERRITORIES – He encompasses not just time but also space, He is the King of both heaven and earth, who else but Christ is the only King who has everything.
3. THE POWER OF TRUTH AND LOVE – sustain His Kingship, not the military or economic power. He let people follow Him (the truth) in the name of love and not of coercion.
May we let Christ rule our lives for He’s our King!
A Blessed Solemnity of Christ the King!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
November 17, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
Our readings for this Sunday (Mal. 4:1-2a – 1st Reading and Lk. 21:5-19 – Gospel) prepare us for next week’s celebration, the Solemnity of Christ the King. We will be reflecting on the ‘eschata’ or the ‘end times,’ not to frighten us but to endeavor to make Christ the King of our lives.
What will transpire on the ‘end times’ according to our Gospel are the DISTRACTION OF THE:
1. WORLD OF RELIGION – The edifices (churches) are part of this physical world, they are subject to deterioration or even distraction just like the temple in Jerusalem cited in the Gospel (cf. vv. 5-6). In the life to come we will no longer belong to the Militant Church but to the Triumphant Church. However, before the physical distraction of our church’s edifices, we are given the warning in the Gospel not to be swayed by false prophets and follow them (cf. v. 8), such would ruin our perception and our belief on the Church established by Jesus Himself.
2. PHYSICAL WORLD – “There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky” (Lk. 21:11). We may not have a full comprehension of these occurrences as of the moment, but we could suppose that these could lead us to what is best for us, for this is God’s project, there will be ‘new heaven and new earth.’ We may be at peace and contented with what we have right now, but for sure what will come is better than what we have right now, no more suffering, sickness, death and the likes. What we will be experiencing is peace, love and life everlasting.
3. WORLD OF RELATIONSHIP – Truth is always in clash with hoax, and so with goodness with bad and love with indifference or hatred. If this is so, no-holds-barred, let us always choose to be on the side of Jesus, on the side of truth, goodness and love. May truth, goodness and love not to be compromised. Relationships between family or to anyone may be destroyed (cf. vv. 12-17) as we choose to be on side of Christ, but different kind of relationship awaits in the next life, i.e., we are one family of God experiencing love and peace. As Jesus would say, “by your perseverance you will secure your lives” (v. 19).
A Peaceful Day with the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
November 10, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
Jesus died with us for us to live with Him. With this, we should say and hold on that death is a ‘doorway to eternal life.’ This is what the Gospel for today (Lk. 20:27-38) is teaching us, the resurrection of the dead. With the Sadducees’ question regarding Moses’ levirate law, i.e., “If someone’s brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother” (v. 28), THE FOLLOWING WERE BROUGHT TO THE FORE:
1. THERE IS RESURRECTION – “They can no longer die” (v. 36a). We are finite and mortal, thus we cannot hold on to our lives nor with what we have in this world. Given this reality, may we hang on to Jesus who will give us eternal life. Jesus’ resurrection is a blueprint of what will happen to us in the future, in His Second Coming.
2. DIFFERENT RELATIONSHIP – “The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage… they are the children of God” (v. 34-36). On earth, we have particular spouse or family, but in the next life, Jesus is very clear that different relationship awaits, we are one family of God, loving one another. As we are bonded by love for our biological family here on earth, we will also be bonded by love to God and to all His children. May we persevere to attain this kind of relationship.
3. DIFFERENT MODE OF EXISTENCE – “They are like angels” (v. 36b). From being finite and mortal, Jesus will give us an immortal mode of existence, eternal life with Him. From the passing time here on earth (chronos), we will have a ‘grace-filled time with God’ (kairos). Death will no longer have power over us for we have succeeded worldly things and selfish interests. Amen!
Have a Blessed Day of the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
November 3, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
In the past two weeks we are reflecting on prayer, that we come to Jesus persistently and not insistently and we come to Him with humble heart. This Sunday, we could say that prayer is an encounter with Jesus, it is always a dialogue. Thus, true encounter connotes words and actions from us and from Jesus, just like what is happening in the Eucharist (the highest form of prayer). In line with this, let us mull over on Zacchaeus’ encounter and interaction with the Savior (Lk. 19:1-10):
1. Zacchaeus “climbed a sycamore tree”(v. 4).
Jesus said, “come down quickly”(v. 5)
Zacchaeus’ effort was not meaningless, he gave in to Jesus’ inspiration to search and explore about the Savior. The sycamore tree could mean “God’s mercy” that Zacchaeus (and us) needed to climb, and the stature of Zacchaeus was a symbol of being small in front of God and the people because of sins. May we always be sensitive to God’s inspiration so as to search for Him and be consoled by His mercy. Let us climb and step on God’s merciful love and not stay in our sinful ways.
2. Jesus said, “today I must stay at your house”(v. 5).
Zaccheaus “received him with joy”(v. 6)
If you are visited by someone, it means you are important (brotherhood), and more so, if he/she dine with you that could mean love and concern for you are already sharing in one of the basic needs of a person to live (fellowship). In the Eucharist, we are visited by Jesus who wants to be with us so that we will be with Him. Hence, we are partaking in His Body and Blood for us to have the nourishment of our soul to live not only here on earth but in eternity, may receive Him with joy.
3. Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house”(v. 9).
Zacchaeus said, “Behold, half of my possessions I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times” (v. 8)
This is what Jesus wants for each of us, to bring salvation. If we experience otherwise, we are not doing what Zacchaeus did. Zacchaeus realized the importance of charity (love), as he wanted to give to the poor half of his possessions. And not only that, in the injustices he did, there was restitution, giving back what was ought to others and even more. May we be like Zacchaeus who know how to love and give to others what is due to them.
Have a meaningful encounter with Jesus and with one another. Amen!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
October 27, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
Stepping on the very place where our Lord Jesus Christ stood was an enriching experience. Hence, the most memorable and meaningful site for me in our pilgrimage to Holy Land, was the tomb where Jesus was laid, the Holy Sepulcher. When I saw the slab of rock where He was laid, I just said, “thank you and I am sorry.” I felt that I don’t deserved what He did, I’m unworthy. This was the experience of the Publican (tax collector) in our Gospel for this Sunday (Lk. 18:9-14), it was a coming to Christ persistently though not worthy. In this instance, a humble heart in approaching the Lord was brought to the fore. This was in contrast with the Pharisee’s attitude, a personification of a haughty heart in front of God.
A humble heart before the Lord admits HIS/HER:
1. UNWORTHINESS IN FRONT OF GOD – Who is worthy in front of God? No one! God’s goodness and love could soften our heart and make us humble. Hence, let us not fail to acknowledge His goodness and love, for us to always have an occasion for self-introspection and eventually make good our ways.
2. NEED FOR GOD – “Who is like God,” as the name “Michael” (the Archangel) would mean. We, creatures, need our creator. We are not self-sufficient by the mere fact that we are just created. More often than not, because of ‘what we have’ and what ‘we can,’ we become proud, not considering that everything comes from our good Lord. Let us not be like the Pharisee who before God attributes things to himself and not to God.
3. GRATEFULNESS TO GOD – This comes after experiencing the love of God and the need for God. The former, enables us to be overwhelmed, while, the later, keeps us to feel great because we have God. May we be thankful to God not only in some instances in our lives, but always be thankful to God for everything. Ironically, even in an unpleasant thing that comes our way we have to thank God, for what comes next is our experience of God unfolding His LOVE. Amen!
Have a Meaningful Encounter with the Lord!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
October 20, 2019
Read Sunday Reflection
(A Filipina with her Chinese husband)
Wife: “let us pray the rosary.”
Husband: “ok, sweethalt”
Wife: “Hail Mary full of grace…”
Husband: holi mely mothel of God…”
Wife: “Hail Mary full of grace…”
Husband: holi mely mothel of God…”
Wife: “Hail Mary full of grace…”
Husband: “paleho lang… Paleho lang…”
Hehehe…
“Persistence in prayer” is the common thing in our 1st Reading (Ex. 17:8-13) and the Gospel (Lk. 18:1-8). When we say, “PERSISTENCE,” it is the “MANNER” of coming to God, while, when we say “INSISTENCE,” it is the “MATTER” of coming to Him. Thus, we are taught today to come to Him persistently and not insistently. How then could we come to God with persistence (just like Moses in the 1st reading and the widow in our Gospel)?
1. UNWAVERING FAITH -Just as gold is tested in fire so as with faith. Is our faith to God dictated with what is happening to us? In both pleasant and unpleasant occurrences in our life, may our faith in God stand firm.
2. HOPE – Who else and what else do we need? If we have God, we have everything. Let us not put our hope on things of this world nor people with popularity or power, all of these are ephemeral, only God lasts.
3. HUMILITY – It takes a humble heart to approach God and seek for help. We are finite, He is infinite, we are mortal, He is immortal, may this reality spur us to come to Him with humility. Amen!
A Blessed Day of the Lord po!
Fr. Pol Evangelista III Sunday Reflection
October 13, 2019