The Underpinning

By Fr. Roy Cimagala That’s what the readings in Ordinary Time remind us of. From the Book of Job, we are already warned that our life here on earth is some kind of a warfare. (cfr. Job 7:1) And St. Paul in the Second Reading also tells us that we have to learn to be …

By Fr. Roy Cimagala That rather amusing gospel episode about those who were so amazed at the preaching of Christ in the synagogue that they could not believe that someone just like them, coming from the same place and whose family they knew, could preach the way Christ did (cfr. Mark 6:1-6), tells us that …

By Fr. Roy Cimagala We all have reason to be always hopeful and even optimistic despite the ugliest fears and worries we may have in our life. And that reason can only be that we can always count on God who is all powerful. Not only that, he truly cares for us, though in ways …

By Fr. Roy Cimagala Definitely, the main lesson we can learn from the Solemnity of the Epiphany when we commemorate the visit of the Three Magi to the newborn Jesus is that Jesus is meant to be the redeemer, not only to the Jews, regarded as the chosen people of God, but also to the …

By Fr. Roy Cimagala Happy New Year, everyone! As we open another year, let us first of all be thankful for everything that took place in the last year, regardless of what color they came, and look forward to this new year with great desire to do a lot of good things. We certainly have …

By Fr. Roy Cimagala On the Feast of the Holy Family, we are reminded that we actually comprise one big family of God with Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We are united, despite all the differences and conflicts we unavoidably have, due to the love God has for all of us which we should also reflect …

By Fr. Roy Cimagala Merry Christmas to all! On this most blessed and joyous day when we liturgically celebrate the birth of the very pattern and savior of our humanity, it is most apt to echo as often as we can this gospel acclamation in one of the Masses of Christmas. For, indeed, what can …

By Fr. Roy Cimagala The gospel tells us of King David feeling a little disturbed because while he was living in a house of cedar, the ark of God dwells in a tent. (cfr. 2 Samuel 7:2) And so, the prophet Nathan told him: “Go, do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is …

By Fr. Roy Cimagala This is said of Mary, the mother of Christ and our Mother too. This was prophesied already of her in the Book of Isaiah 7:14: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel.” And it was realized by that famous response of Mary …

By Fr. Roy Cimagala Each year, our longing for the birth of Christ is heightened, thanks to our tradition of the Simbang Gabi that up to now enjoys vast popularity especially among the simple people who are gifted with a lot of faith. Let’s hope that this tradition continues “sine fine” or “in aeternum.” We …