The Power of Mustard Seed Faith

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 2, 2016 – Year C
Readings: Hab 1:2-3; 2:2-4 / Ps 95 / 2 Tm 1:6-8, 13-14 / Lk 17:5-10
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor 

Praying with all of you, as we celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, is such a great honor and privilege, for our presence here is an amazing expression of our faith.  Some of our friends or acquaintances may ask why we need to go to church, when we could pray at home or practically anywhere.  As we know and believe, God is everywhere.   

If we say that we are here to listen to God’s words, they may ask, “Can you not just read the Bible at home, or even listen to the sacred scriptures on a CD while you are driving?”  It’s more convenient.  (more…)

The Kiss of Jesus

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 4, 2016 – Year C
Readings: Wis 9:13-18B / Ps 90 / Phmn 9-10, 12-17 / Lk 14:25-33
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

A few hours ago Mother Teresa was canonized by Pope Francis at the Vatican, and she is now officially Saint Mother Teresa.  It is interesting to note that even a saint like Mother Teresa has her critics.  This should give us encouragement if, while trying to do something good for God and our neighbor, we are also criticized for our actions.  (more…)

Knowing Jesus

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
June 19, 2016 – Year C
Readings: Zec 12:10-11; 13:1 / Ps 63 / Gal 3:26-29 / Lk 9:18-24
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

First, I would like to extend prayerful greetings to all fathers here today:  biological fathers, foster fathers, adoptive fathers, spiritual fathers, and godfathers.  I want to wish all a Happy Father’s Day and thank you for your continued care of your family, the domestic church. (more…)

Holy Spirit’s Power

Pentecost Sunday
May 15, 2016 – Year C
Readings: Acts 2:1-11 / Ps 104 / 1 Cor 12:3B-7, 12-13 / Jn 20:19-23
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Yesterday afternoon, after I prayed our mid-afternoon prayers at the church rectory, I was admiring the beauty of the rain from the window.  And this led me and inspired me to once again read the free verse poem written by Michelle Sedas entitled “Welcome the Rain.”  I usually don’t read poems, but somehow this one I have read quite a number of times and part of it reads this way: (more…)

Mother’s Wisdom

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
May 8, 2016 – Year C
Readings: Acts 1:1-11 / Ps 47 / Eph 1:17-23 / Lk 24:46-53
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

To all mothers, godmothers, foster mothers, adoptive mothers, stepmothers, spiritual mothers and those who fill the role of mother – Happy Mother’s Day.  This is something that all of us without exception have in common.  Regardless of who we are or where we were born, we were all nourished, loved and cherished unconditionally for nine months in our mother’s womb. (more…)

We Are Never Alone

Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 1, 2016 – Year C
Readings: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29 / Ps 67 / Rev 21:10-14, 22-23 / Jn 14:23-29
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

A story is told about a grandfather who, one sunny Sunday afternoon, went to visit his daughter and her family.  As soon as he went in their door, he saw his little grandson, Timmy, crying inside the playpen.  When the little boy saw him, he lit up and cried:  “Grandpa!  Take me out of here!”  Is there a grandfather who can refuse that plea from his grandson? (more…)

The Good Shepherd Knows

Fourth Sunday of Easter
April 17, 2016 – Year C
Readings: Acts 13:14, 43-52 / Ps 100 / Rev 7:9, 14B-17 / Jn 10:27-30
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

About five decades ago, my uncle convinced my mom to allow me to spend a couple of days with his family in another province in the Philippine Islands.  I had a childhood experience that I will never forget, because that was my very first sleepover.  (more…)

Power of Divine Mercy

Sunday of Divine Mercy (Second Sunday of Easter)
April 3, 2016 – Year C
Readings: Acts 5:12-16 / Ps 118 / Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19 / Jn 20:19-31
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Not too long ago, a Catholic priest told his congregation in one of his Sunday homilies: “This may shock some of you, but I’m going to tell you that Christianity is not a good idea.”  He added, “Christianity is not a great idea.  In fact, it is not even an idea.  Christianity is a personal relationship with our living God who loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son to dwell among us, so He would be able to relate to us in a deeply personal way.” (more…)

Foretaste of Heaven

Second Sunday of Lent
February 21, 2016 – Year C
Readings: Gn 15:5-12, 17-18 / Ps 27 / Phil 3:17-4:1 / Lk 9:28B-36
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

From time to time, you see sales representatives in a store who ask to spray perfume on you.  They hope that you will like the scent and purchase some of the perfume.  It is also not uncommon in movie theaters, on TV and on the internet, that you are shown trailers of coming movies.  The theater owners and movie producers hope that giving you a foretaste of coming feature films will convince you to come back and see the entire movie. (more…)

Winter to Spring Journey

Ash Wednesday
February 10, 2016 – Year C
Readings: Jl 2:12-18 / Ps 51 / 2 Cor 5:20-6:2 / Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

In the middle of winter, we may find it a little challenging to picture in our minds the season of Spring, with its colorful flowers and green leaves.  But we all know that in a few weeks, these seemingly dead trees around us will come to life again.  It will help us and make us feel better, if we remind ourselves and each other, time and again, that this particular season will pass and give way eventually to much warmer weather. (more…)