Mass – Our Transfiguration Experience

2nd Sunday of Lent
March 16, 2014 – Year A
Readings:  Gn 12:1-4a, Psalm 33, 2 Tim 1:8b-10, Mt 17:1-9
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Many of us here have probably been up or at least close to Sharp Top.  That’s the first thing I did when I came here.  I wanted to tell all my parishioners in Virginia Beach that I have been up that mountain. (more…)

The True Meaning of Temptation

1st Sunday of Lent
March 9, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Gn 2:7-9, 3:1-7, Psalm 51, Rom 5:12-19, Mt 4:1-11
by Rev. Mr. Ray Roderique, Permanent Deacon

Step by step, Matthew has unfolded the story of Jesus. He begins by showing us how Jesus was born into this world. He goes on to show us, at least by implication, that Jesus had to perform faithfully his duties to his home before he began his duties to the world. He had to show that he was faithful in the smaller tasks before God gave him the greatest task of all. He goes on to show us how, with the emergence of John the Baptist, Jesus knew that his time had come to enter into his work. He shows us Jesus identifying himself with the people’s search for God. In that moment he shows us Jesus realization that he was indeed the chosen one of God, but his victory lay through the cross.

One thing that we ought to be aware of is the meaning of the word “Tempt”. (more…)

Time for a Spiritual “Selfie”

Ash Wednesday
March 5, 2014 – Year A
Readings: Jl 2:12-18, Psalm 51, 2 Cor 5:20-6:2, Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

We begin today the 40-day season of Lent; a time of prayer, fasting, abstinence, self-denial and going the extra mile in doing something for God and for our neighbors. Some of you were already here this morning for the giving of ashes. Still, we come back tonight because we cannot pray enough, as we all know. (more…)