JUBILEE YEAR CELEBRATION IN ST. ANNE'S CHURCH

Committee for Jubilee Year: "Pilgrims of Hope"- 2025 of Diocese of Hong Kong will hold a Spiritual Pilgrimage in St. Anne's Church called "Compassion for Prisoners". There will be a special Prayer Service and Holy Mass will be held at St. Anne's Church (Stanley) on Sunday, 8 June 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. All faithful are warmly invited to join in this spiritual journey.

SPIRITUAL SHARING ON MERCY HK ANTI-DRUG SERVICE

Title: Seeing Jesus Among the Drug Addicts: A Spiritual Experience in MercyHK
Proposed date: June 29 2025, August 17 2025 or September 28 2025
Proposed time:12:30 nn – 2:00pm

Purpose: To inspire and empower parishioners through spiritual reflections and practical actions in support of anti-drug initiatives, fostering compassion and understanding toward drug addicts, and encouraging active participation in the campaign. Drug addiction knowledge would be shared.

Language: Chinese and English

TAGALOG MASS

The 5th Sunday Tagalog Mass on June 29 at 7:15 AM. Special blessings will be given for those with birthdays and anniversaries on this month. For those who wish to do the offering and share their blessings to the distressed Domestic Helpers who are in the shelter houses please bring it and offer them personally during the Mass Offering.

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them" 

(Acts 2:4)

Saint Cyril of Alexandria (375-444 A.D.) said, "It can easily be shown from examples both in the Old Testament and the New that the Spirit changes those in whom he comes to dwell; he so transforms them that they begin to live a completely new kind of life." Are we ready to continue our journey of faith in a new kind of life? (*)  

The separation between lovers can be a profoundly emotional and challenging experience. When two people who deeply care for each other are apart, it can lead to feelings of longing, yearning, and emptiness. The absence of a loved one can leave a person feeling lost, alone, and uncertain about the future. This sense of disconnection can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, depression, or restlessness.

The story of Romeo and Juliet is a classic example of the intense longing and yearning that can occur between lovers. Despite the obstacles and challenges they faced, their love for each other only grew stronger. Similarly, the biblical account of humanity's relationship with God reveals a deep longing for connection. Before sin, Adam and Eve enjoyed a loving, harmonious, and peaceful relationship with God. However, after sinning, they were separated from God. It resulted in spiritual death.

Fortunately, God planned to reunite humanity with Himself through the work of redemption. This salvation history began with God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, fulfilled this plan through His passion, death, and resurrection. After His resurrection, Jesus met with His disciples several times before ascending to heaven.

The Gospel of Luke provides a detailed account of Jesus' ascension. The passage can be divided into two parts: Luke 24:46-49 and Luke 24:50-53. The first part summarizes Jesus' identity and mission, emphasizing His suffering, resurrection, and the preaching of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus' mission was not just about His own journey but also about empowering His disciples to continue His work.

The second part describes Jesus' ascension and the disciples' response. As Jesus ascended to heaven, He blessed His disciples. Although Jesus physically departed, He did not leave His disciples. Instead, He changed the way He would be present among them. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus can accompany His disciples and the Church wherever they are.

The disciples responded with joy and worship, staying in the temple and praising God. They believed that Jesus would fulfill His promise, and His departure did not mean He was leaving them but rather changing His presence among them. This response demonstrates their trust and faith in Jesus' plan.

In a similar way, Jesus' ascension looks like a separation without abandonment. Although He is no longer physically present with us, He is still with us. We are with Him in a spiritual sense. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is present in the lives of His followers, guiding and comforting them. This presence is not limited by space or time and allows Jesus to be with His disciples wherever they are.

The question for us is, are we open to Jesus' presence in our lives, especially in our struggles? Can we experience the comfort and guidance of the Holy Spirit, even when we feel separated from God? As we reflect on Jesus' ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit, may we deepen our understanding of His presence in our lives and respond with joy and worship.

Conclusion

Jesus' ascension beautifully illustrates the concept of a separation without abandonment. As we navigate the challenges of life, may we find comfort in the presence of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. May we be open to experiencing God's presence in our lives, and may our faith be deepened by the knowledge of Jesus' enduring presence with us. (*)

Rev Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

In a world plagued by conflicts, violence, and uncertainty, the desire for peace is a universal and profound human need. If you were to ask 100 people if they need peace, nearly all of them would respond with a resounding "yes." But why is peace so essential to human existence? The answer lies in the numerous benefits that peace brings to our lives.

The Importance of Peace

Peace is not just the absence of conflict or war; it is a state of being that encompasses inner calm, emotional well-being, and positive relationships. When we experience peace, we feel centered, grounded, and more capable of navigating life's challenges.

Peace promotes emotional well-being by enabling us to manage our emotions and respond to situations more effectively. It also improves our relationships by fostering understanding, empathy, and positive interactions with others.

Building Peace 

So, how can we build peace in our lives and in the world around us? Albert Schweitzer's wisdom offers valuable insights: "Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace." This quote highlights the importance of cultivating compassion, empathy, and kindness towards all beings. By doing so, we can create a ripple effect of peace that spreads far beyond our individual lives.

The Role of Faith

In today's troubled world, the gospel of John 14:23-29 offers profound insights for reflection. Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit as a helper and advocate to guide and comfort us. This spirit will teach us everything and remind us of Jesus' words, especially regarding peace. Jesus also gives his peace to us, which is not like the world's peace. This peace is a gift that enables us to live faithfully amidst turmoil.

Relevant Messages for Our Present World

The gospel's messages are highly relevant to our present world. In a world filled with anxiety and uncertainty, Jesus' promise of peace offers comfort and reassurance. We can find solace in the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance. The emphasis on love and obedience highlights the importance of nurturing relationships with God and others. By prioritizing these relationships, we can build stronger, more meaningful connections.

Taking Action

Peace is a fundamental human need that brings numerous benefits to our lives. By understanding the importance of peace, building peace in our lives, and taking action to promote peace in the world, we can create a more harmonious and loving global community. Are we willing to smile and take a journey of peace together? (*) 

Rev Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

He is also a top leader in the Catholic Church. He looks with a wide view and includes all interests coming from different perspectives. His kind and compassionate leadership will bring about a loving and harmonious church and hope for the future. According to Maxwell, "a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way."

Pope Leo XIV knows, has gone, and shows the way. It is Jesus Christ. Today we read an important passage of the Gospel of John (John 13:31-33a.34-35) in which Jesus talks about love. In a world marked by division, conflict, and hurt, Jesus' command to "love one another" (John 13:34) stands as a light of hope. This call to love is not just a suggestion but a fundamental principle for living in harmony and peace.

The world is plagued by numerous challenges, including conflict and violence, division and polarization, and injustice and inequality. Wars, terrorism, and interpersonal violence leave deep scars. Societal divisions based on race, religion, politics, and economics often lead to mistrust and hostility. Systemic injustices and inequalities perpetuate suffering and hinder peace. We cannot eliminate those problems without love.

Jesus' command to love one another is rooted in His own love for humanity. This love is unconditional, selfless, and transformative. Jesus loves without condition, demonstrating a profound acceptance and care for each person.

His love is exemplified through sacrifice, showing that true love often requires putting others' needs before one's own. Jesus' love has the power to heal, restore, and bring people together.

In response to Jesus' command, we are called to seek to understand and relate to others' experiences and perspectives. Jesus also calls us to act with kindness and care towards those who are suffering or in need. Moreover, we are to work towards addressing systemic injustices and inequalities that harm individuals and communities.

By embracing Jesus' command to love one another, we can contribute to love and can mend the emotional and physical wounds of individuals and communities. Then, we can foster understanding and unity among diverse groups, promoting peace and cooperation. Finally, we can inspire a culture where peace is valued and pursued in all aspects of life.

In a world in need of healing and peace, Jesus' call to "love one another" offers a powerful and transformative path forward. By embracing this command and living out love in our daily lives, we can contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious world. Are we ready to carry out the message of Jesus?

Let us pray that we, under the shepherding of Pope Leo XIV, be able to love one another and build a new world filled with love, peace, and harmony. Indeed, love for one another is the fundamental culture for peace. (*) 

Rev Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

Life is a journey that requires restoration in various aspects, including physical, ecological, and spiritual. Our bodies have an incredible capacity for self-restoration through cellular regeneration, and the Earth has natural mechanisms to main-tain its ecological balance. Similarly, our spiritual lives need restoration and main-tenance.

"God is a God of restoration! He can rebuild, renew, and restore all that was broken." 

(Joel 2:25)

This exchange is significant, as it highlights Jesus' patience and understanding of Peter's weak-nesses. By asking Peter this question three times, Jesus provides an opportunity for Peter to reaffirm his love and commitment.

Scholars offer various interpre-tations of Jesus' three-fold question.Some believe Jesus was testing Peter's love and devotion. Others think Jesus was showing His deep love for Peter.

Another perspective is that Jesus was challenging Peter to restore his commitment and faithfulness after his denial.

Jesus' approach to restoring Peter's faith is noteworthy. First, he acknowledges weak-nesses. Jesus is aware of Peter's weaknesses and imper-fections.

Second, Jesus encourages growth. He encourages Peter to grow in love and service. Third, Jesus guides Peter towards a path of stronger commitment and faith.

The Gospel reminds us that our faith can be weak and limited, and we may feel discouraged.

However, Jesus Christ provides spiritual restoration for us. He understands our weaknesses. Jesus also knows our limita-tions and imperfections.

Then, how should we cooperate with Jesus in restoring our faith? We can learn from Peter, who is humble and trusts in Jesus' guidance.

Approaching Jesus with humi-lity and trust helps us to acknowledge our needs of restoration.

In addition, prayer can be a powerful way to restore our faith. Saint Monica's life is a testament to the power of prayer and intercession in restoring faith. Her persistent prayers for her son, Saint Augustine, ultimately led to his conversion.

In conclusion, spiritual restora-tion is a vital aspect of our journey with God. Jesus' dialo-gue with Peter reminds us that God is a God of restoration, who can rebuild, renew, and restore all that was broken. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can experience spiritual restoration and grow in our relation-ship with Him. (*) 

Jesus Christ provides spiritual restoration for us. He understands our weaknesses. Jesus also knows our limitations and imperfections.

Rev Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

Love is a fundamental and existential need in our lives. Yet, many people feel unloved and unwanted, a reality that can be more profound than physical hunger. Mother Teresa aptly described this experience, highlighting the deep longing for love and acceptance that resides within every human heart. In this context, the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his merciful love offer a profound response to our deepest needs.

God is Love and Mercy

God's nature is defined by love and mercy. Scripture affirms that "God is love" (1 John 4:8, 16) and reveals his merciful heart through various accounts, including the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-27).

Jesus Christ, as the manifes-tation of God's love and mercy, embodies these divine attri-butes through his life, death, and resurrection.

The Connection Between Resurrection and Merciful Love

The Second Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday, celebrates Jesus' resurrection and his boundless mercy towards humanity. This connection is rooted in the belief that Jesus' resurrection is not just a triumph over death but also a demonstration of God's love and mercy. Through his resurrection, Jesus offers us a new life filled with hope, peace, and the promise of eternal life.

Jesus' Appearance to Thomas

In today's Gospel (John 20:19-31), Jesus appears to Thomas, showing him his wounds and inviting him to trust. This event reveals Jesus' heart, full of love and mercy, and serves as a powerful reminder of his presence with us in times of need. Jesus' wounds are open channels of mercy, symbolizing the flow of love and forgiveness that emanated from his sacrifice on the cross (John 19:34).

Gifts of Mercy

Jesus bestows three precious gifts of mercy upon us:

First, peace: Jesus offers peace to his disciples, freeing them from remorse and self-absorp-tion. This peace awakens missi-on and enables us to become witnesses of mercy.

Second, the Holy Spirit: Jesus grants the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we experience God's mercy and are lifted up from our misery.

Third, wounds of Jesus: Jesus shows his wounds, which are a testament to his enduring love and mercy. By contemplating his wounds, we realize that our weaknesses are accepted in his tender love.

Becoming Merciful

As we receive mercy from Jesus, we are called to become merciful towards others. The lives of the disciples, who shared their possessions and cared for the needy after experiencing Jesus' mercy (Acts 5:15-16), served as a powerful example.

We can follow their lead by: First, sharing our blessings: being generous and caring towards those in need. Second, showing compassion: looking beyond appearances and seeing the beauty in others' souls. Third, forgiving others: extending mercy to those who have wronged us.

Conclusion

On this Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday, we are invited to trust in Jesus' mercy and love. May we reflect on Jesus' heart, full of mercy, and strive to become merciful towards others.

As Jesus said to Saint Faustina, "My mercy is greater than your sins and those of the entire world." Let us open our hearts to receive his mercy and share it with others, especially those who are hungry for love and acceptance. Are we ready to share Jesus' love and mercy to our neighbor? (*) 

Rev Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing the triumph of life over death and the fulfillment of God's promise of salvation. Through His suffering and death, Jesus Christ entered into a new and eternal life, paving the way for believers to experience a similar transformation. This experience of new life is rooted in faith, as it is faith that supports the reality of Jesus' resurrection from the dead.

The Power of Faith in the Resurrection

The accounts of Mary Magdalene, Peter, and the unknown disciples at the empty tomb (John 20:1-9) illustrate the importance of faith in recognizing the risen Jesus. While they did not encounter the resurrected Jesus in the tomb, John's Gospel was written so that people might believe (John 20:8).

Saint Paul's encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 26:12-18) is a testament to the transformative power of faith. Paul's life was forever changed, and he became a fervent proclaimer of the resurrection, spreading the message to the Gentiles.

The Significance of the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus is central to Christian faith, demonstrating God's power over death and sin. It serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' divinity and the validity of His teachings. Through His resurrection, Jesus offers believers the hope of eternal life and the promise of spiritual rebirth. This message was at the heart of Paul's ministry, as he emphasized the significance of the resurrection for salvation and the fulfillment of God's promises (Acts 13:32-37, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

Easter: A Celebration of New Creation

Easter embodies the theme of new creation, reflecting the profound transformation that occurs through faith in Jesus Christ. This new creation is not limited to individual spiritual renewal but also encompasses the broader hope of cosmic renewal and the ultimate restoration of all things.

The resurrection of Jesus is seen as the first fruits of this new creation, assuring believers of their own future resurrection and the renewal of the entire creation.

Celebrating Easter

During Easter, Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with various traditions and liturgical practices. The Easter Vigil is a significant liturgy that marks the transition from Lent to Easter, symbolizing the passage from darkness to light.

Family gatherings are also an integral part of Easter celebrations, with many families coming together to share meals and participate in activities that symbolize new life and renewal.

Spiritual Reflection and Renewal

The Easter celebration offers an opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewal. It invites believers to contemplate the significance of Jesus' resurrec-tion in their lives and to embrace the hope and promise it brings. Through the resurrec-tion, believers are reminded of God's love and the call to live out their faith in tangible ways. This reflection can lead to a deeper connection with God and a renewed sense of purpose and hope.

Conclusion

Easter is a profound celebration that encapsulates the essence of Christian faith: the resurrec-tion of Jesus Christ and the promise of new creation. It is a time for joy, reflection, and spiritual renewal, offering believers a chance to reconnect with the core of their faith and to find new meaning and purpose in their lives. Through the resurrection, believers are invited to experience a new life, one that is filled with hope, promise, and the assurance of eternal life.

How do we celebrate Easter in our lives? Are we willing to share the message of Jesus' resurrection to people around us like what Saint Paul did, making people believe in Him? (*) 

As we celebrate Palm Sunday, we are reminded of Jesus Christ's profound love and sacrifice. His journey to the cross was not just a physical one but also a spiritual one, demonstrating unwavering love and compassion for humanity.

Jesus' selfless nature and willingness to forgive those who wronged him exemplify his teachings and actions, particularly in his prayer, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

Forgiveness is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, and it has significant implications for our relationships with others and God. By forgiving others, we release resentment, heal emotional wounds, and reflect God's character.

Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiveness in his teachings, often using parables and examples to illustrate its significance. In the Lord's Prayer, he taught his disciples to pray for forgiveness, saying, "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12).

True love is associated with commitment to the end. As an unknown proverb says, "Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do, long after the mood you said it in has left you."

Jesus' commitment to his mission and his love for humanity are a powerful example of this principle. Abraham Lincoln's statement, "Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality," underscores the importance of commitment in making promises a reality.

As we reflect on Jesus' sacrifice, we are called to examine our own lives and relationships, seeking to emulate his example of love and kindness. We are inspired to live out our faith with greater purpose, demonstrating love and compassion to those around us. By doing so, we honor Jesus' sacrifice and embody the values of his teachings.

The Passion of the Lord serves as a powerful reminder of God's love for humanity. It highlights the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and selflessness. As we commemorate Palm Sunday, let us take a moment to reflect on the significance of Jesus' Passion.

May we be inspired to live out our faith with greater purpose, demonstrating love and compassion to those around us. By doing so, we honor Jesus's sacrifice and embody the values of his teachings. (*) 

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, silence is often undervalued. Many people are constantly connected to their devices, social media, and the internet, leaving little room for quiet contemplation. However, research suggests that silence has numerous benefits for our mental and physical well-being, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved focus and concentration, enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills, better sleep quality, and introspection.

Silence has long been recognized as a powerful tool for personal growth, self-awareness, and self-correction. From a psychological perspective, silence can play a crucial role in fostering self-consciousness, enabling individuals to confront their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and make positive changes.

We read a very thought-provoking passage on the Fifth Sunday of Lent that reminds us of silence and repentance (John 8:1-11). The evangelist narrates a story about a woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees and the scribes brought her to Jesus, who at dawn sat down and taught people in the temple area (John 8:2). They said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So, what do you say?" (John 8:4-5). However, they asked with dishonesty. "They said this to test him so that they could have some charge to bring against him" (John 8:6).

As usual, Jesus did not directly respond to the question. He bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger (John 8:6). Silence and tension emerged. They lost patience and urged Jesus to give them answers. Again, Jesus did not respond to their request; rather, he said, "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her" (John 8:7). "Again, he bent down and wrote on the ground" (John 8:8).

Then, silence and tension appeared again, bringing a different ambiance. The crowds, especially the Pharisees and the Scribes, shut their mouths; their minds were filled with perplexity and strange self-examinations. At the beginning of the conversation, they tried to trap Jesus. They were speechless and trapped in their minds. Self-awareness and introspection led them to their shame, and they departed one by one, beginning with the oldest one. Jesus remained with the woman.

Jesus knows the power of silence and how to use it. He proves that silence is a powerful tool for fostering self-consciousness and self-correction. Silence can facilitate positive change and personal growth by providing an opportunity for introspection, reducing impulsivity, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing problem-solving. This is precisely what happened to the Pharisees and the Scribes.

What can we reflect on and learn from today's gospel? As we navigate the complexities of modern life, embracing silence can be a valuable strategy for cultivating greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and improvement.

The Lenten Season is an opportune time to enter silence, reflecting on our inner and spiritual life about our sins. Silence will help us to see ourselves rather than focus on others' mistakes and sins. It encourages us to repent.   Silence, indeed, has the power to motivate us to repent. (*)

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent, is a celebration of joy and renewal. In this liturgy we "pass over" from a world of sin to a world of reconciliation. The Church reads the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32), a powerful reminder of God's love, mercy, and joy.

As we journey through the Lenten season, this story offers a profound reflection on the spiritual joy that comes from repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

The Absence of Joy in Life

Without joy, life would be dull and meaningless.

Imagine kindergartens without children laughing and playing or wedding feasts without celebration and cheer. Joy is the spark that ignites our passion and purpose.

As Helen Keller said, "Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow." Aristotle also emphasised the importance of joy in connection with happiness (eudaimonia), highlighting the need to live a virtuous life and strive for our highest potential.

The Spiritual Joy

The parable of the Prodigal Son teaches us that spiritual joy is intimately linked to repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation. When we repent and turn back to God, we experience the joy of being reunited with our Heaven-ly Father.

This joy is not just a fleeting emotional experience but a deep and abiding sense of peace and reconciliation.

The Prodigal Son's Journey

The Prodigal Son's journey is a metaphor for our own spiritual journeys. We, like the Prodigal Son, often stray from God's path and find ourselves lost in the darkness of sin. However, it is in this moment of darkness that we are called to repent, turning back to God and seeking His mercy.

The Father's Joyful Reception

The Father's joyful reception of the Prodigal Son is a powerful illustration of God's love and mercy. The father runs to meet his son, embracing him and welcoming him back home with open arms. This joyful reception is a reminder that God's love is not based on our worthiness but on His own character.

Lenten Reflection Questions

As we reflect on the parable of the Prodigal Son during the Lenten season, let us consider its spiritual richness. First, we can ponder repentance and forgiveness. How can we, like the Prodigal Son, turn back to God and seek His mercy? Second, we may focus on the Father's love.

How can we experience the Father's joyful reception in our lives, and what does it reveal about God's love and mercy? Third, it is necessary to reflect on spiritual joy.

How can we cultivate a clearer understanding of the relationship between spiritual joy, repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation?

Conclusion

As we journey through the Lenten season, may the parable of the Prodigal Son remind us of the spiritual joy that comes from repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

May we, like the Prodigal Son, turn back to God and seek His mercy, and may we experience the Father's joyful reception in our lives. (*) 

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

Is there such a thing as a life without tragedy? Tragedies, whether human error or natural, are inevitable and can be devastating.

Literature often explores this universal theme, captivating audiences with its portrayal of human suffering, conflict, and the complexities of the human condition.

A classic example is William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, which employs imagery, foreshadowing, and conflict to create a sense of inevitability and devastating consequences.

Tragedy in the Gospel

Today's Gospel reading (Luke 13:1-9) discusses two tragic events. The first is the killing of Galileans by Pilate, whose blood was mingled with the blood of their sacrifices (Luke 13:1).

The second is the collapse of a tower in Siloam, which crushed eighteen people (Luke 13:4).

These tragedies raised ques-tions among the Jews, who believed that the victims were sinners.

However, Jesus shifted the focus from the victims' fate to the importance of repentance. "I tell you, but unless you change your ways, you will all perish as they did" (Luke 13:3, 5).

A Call to Repentance

The message is clear: without repentance, people will perish. Jesus illustrated this point with a parable about a fig tree that failed to produce fruit despite being given three years to do so (Luke 13:6-9). The vineyard owner wanted to cut down the tree. Still, the gardener intervened, asking for one more year to care for and fertilize it. This parable highlights God's expectation that people will bear fruit through repentance.

A Warning and a Promise

The parable warns that God's patience has limits. While Jesus is willing to accompany people on their journey toward repentance, there comes a time when procrastination is no longer acceptable.

If people fail to repent, they will perish, which would be the ultimate tragedy.

A Reflection

As we reflect on this Gospel reading, let us ask ourselves. First, have we responded positively to the call to repentance?

Second, are we putting off our repentance until it's too late?

May we heed Jesus' warning and bear fruit through repentance, lest we suffer the last and definitive tragedy.

Applications: Come to confession

We all need to be reminded of this truth, of the importance of repenting from our sins. We should also pray for the many people, who also need to be reminded of it.

As Catholic Christians, we are blessed with a very clear, concrete way to repent, as often as we need to. It's called going to confession.

In the sacrament of confession, when we live it from the heart, we climb back into the arms of our heavenly Father, hiding nothing, freely admitting our need for him.

Confession is God's gift to us, just as much as the Eucharist, and baptism, and the Church itself. He wants us to make use of it.

As your information, the schedule of Sacrament reconciliation is every Saturday at 5 PM, or you can contact the priest every time you want to make a confession.

Today, he is asking us to let him make us happy, by repenting, by turning away from our sin and selfishness and turning back into his arms. Let's not disappoint him. (*) 

In today's world, we witness endless political and economic tensions. One of the primary factors contributing to these tensions is the pursuit of worldly glory. Worldly glory refers to the recognition, admiration, and prestige that individuals or nations receive from the world for their achievements, wealth, power, or status.

There are at least two key indicators of worldly glory: wealth and material possessions. This includes accumulating riches, living luxurious lifestyles, and owning valuable assets.

Second, military might and dominance. This appears in possessing military power, controlling territories, and exerting influence over other nations.

To maintain worldly glory, individuals and nations often engage in a spirit of competition, continuously achieving and innovating. They also defend and grow their power, wealth, and status through strategic maneuvers.

However, all worldly glory is fleeting. History has shown us the rise and fall of great empires, such as Babylon and Rome. Even today, the current superpower countries are facing challenges from emerging nations.

As Thomas Hobbes astutely observed, "In the nature of man, we find three principal causes of quarrel. First, competition; secondly, diffidence; thirdly, glory."

In stark contrast to worldly glory, today's Gospel reading (Luke 9:28b-36) reveals a different kind of glory rooted in prayer and faithfulness to God. Jesus' Transfiguration on the mountain, where He appeared in dazzling white alongside Moses and Elijah, demonstrates a glory not tied to economic or political power.

This glory is a gift received through prayer and is reserved for those faithful to God. As Jesus prepares to face His Passion, He gives His disciples a glimpse of His divine nature, confirming His identity as the Son of God.

The Transfiguration is a powerful reminder of Jesus' glory and God's love and approval. As believers, we are called to join Jesus in His glory by denying ourselves, taking up our crosses, and following Him.

As 1 Peter 5:4 promises, "When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." Those who receive this endless and eternal glory from Jesus will experience everlasting peace, free from all fears and anxieties.

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

A leader has various impacts on other people and the environment. Following Donald Trump's election as president of the United States, the world is bracing itself for significant socioeconomic and political shifts. Trump's unconventional leadership style and policies have sparked optimism and global concern.

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

I recall a woman approaching me, requesting a prayer for her grandson, who had a speech impediment. At just two years old, he was unable to speak, causing immense concern for his family. I remembered him in my masses, especially during consecration, hoping God would grant him the gift of speech.

Praise the Lord, just two days ago, she shared the wonderful news that her grandson had begun to sing a few words of the "Happy Birthday" song at his grandfather's birthday celebration.

Effective communication is not just about possessing the ability to speak; it's about the trans-formative power of speaking well. This art involves conveying ideas and thoughts and igniting minds and hearts with clarity and engagement. In this transformative process, speech psychology underscores the importance of vocal delivery, including tone, pitch, volume, and pace.

During my minor seminary years, I was fortunate to receive public speaking training, which I am deeply grateful for. Every Sunday evening, we would gather for a two-hour program called "Academy." I remember the nervous excitement I felt as I prepared to speak before an audience, whether reading texts, delivering messages, or engaging in debates. These experiences were invaluable in shaping my understanding of effective communication.

Today's readings focus on the significance of speaking in relation to a person's character. As Sirach 27:4 reminds us, "The defects of a man are seen when he begins to speak." The first reading continues, "Praise no one before he has spoken, since this is the acid test" (Sirach 27:7). The Gospel reading concludes with a profound reminder: "For the mouth speaks from the fullness of the heart" (Luke 6:45). This verse underscores that speaking is not just about the words we utter, but also about the intentions and emotions that drive them.

Jesus cautions us to be mindful of our words, reminding us that our speech can bless or harm others. As we learned last Sunday, Jesus taught us to bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us (Luke 6:28). By choosing to speak words of kindness and compassion, we demonstrate our commitment to being children of the Highest (Luke 6:35).

Our words have the power to shape our lives and the lives of those around us. As the saying goes, "Beware of your thoughts, for they become words; beware of your words, for they become actions; beware of your actions, for they become habits; beware of your habits, for they become character; beware of your character, for it becomes your destiny."

Today's readings encourage us to cultivate wisdom in our speaking. It's not just about pronouncing words or conveying sentences; it's about the profoundly spiritual act of speaking. As Luke 6:44 reminds us, "Each tree is known by the fruit it bears." How we say, the words we choose, and how we convey them all reveal our character and our spiritual essence.

As Plato aptly said, "A wise man speaks because he has something to say; a fool speaks because he has to say something." Let us take a moment to reflect on our speech and ask ourselves: What have we said, and how have we conveyed it? This introspection is key to becoming more self-aware and mindful in our communication.