By Fr. Roy Cimagala Especially when we enjoy a lot of blessings and privileges in our life, and yet also carry with us our share of shameful weaknesses, failures and sins, the example of Zaccheus, the rich chief tax collector who had great love for Christ, (cfr. Luke 19:1-10) should inspire us. As we read …
The Underpinning
Finally, the Easter Triduum!
By Fr. Roy Cimagala This is the highest point, the climax, of the redemptive work of Christ. With the Easter Triduum, which starts in the evening of Holy Thursday with the celebration of the Mass of the Last Supper, we are made to understand that Christ, whose idea of human redemption is not only for …
The Judas in us
By Fr. Roy Cimagala This is a “caveat emptor” that will always be relevant in our whole life. We may already consider ourselves as good Christians because we pray, attend Mass, do some good works, etc. But if our relationship with Christ is really not strong, deep and abiding, and always in the process of …
Going to the extreme of love
By Fr. Roy Cimagala With the celebration of Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, we begin the Holy Week of our liturgical calendar, the most important week of the year that commemorates the culmination of the redemptive mission of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s on this day that we are told how Christ went to …
Be quick to go to Christ
By Fr. Roy Cimagala That gospel episode about a blind man who immediately called on Christ when he learned that it was Christ who was passing by (cfr. Luke 18:35-43) should teach us the lesson that we should always go to Christ, being quick to do so in spite of the many obstacles we can …
Developing a keen sense of management and accountability
By Fr. Roy Cimagala That’s what we are reminded of in that gospel parable about a man who embarked on a journey and entrusted all his possessions to his three servants, giving them different amounts of talents. (cfr. Matthew 25:14-30) When the man returned from the journey, he asked for an accounting of what he …
Serving without strings attached
By Fr. Roy Cimagala That’s how we should serve. Without conditions, without saying enough, without feeling entitled, without strings attached. With such attitude toward serving, we channel the very way Christ served us and continues to do so up to now and until the end of time. We are reminded of this truth of our …
Consequence of our life’s social character
By Fr. Roy Cimagala Given the social character of our life, we have to make sure that we are always contributing to the common good. Whatever we do, even if done alone, should have that motive always in mind. Even if we are not aware of the social character of our life, the truth is …
‘Much will be required of the person entrusted with much’
By Fr. Roy Cimagala Christ clearly said this. In that gospel parable where he told his disciples to be always prepared for judgment, (cfr. Luke 12:39-48) Christ clearly admonished his disciples to be ready to face the Lord, able to account for all the things that have been entrusted to them. If they are given …
Effective vigilance only when we are with God
By Fr. Roy Cimagala That gospel parable about the 10 virgins (cfr. Matthew 25:1-13) obviously reminds us of our serious duty to be vigilant at all times because God can call us anytime and we should be ready for it. We should also be very vigilant because all kinds of evil can come and assault …