The Philippine Chaplaincy Diocese of Christchurch New Zealand

The Philippine Chaplaincy Diocese of Christchurch New Zealand This page is one of the tools that can connect, help, uplift and nourish our Catholic faith.

Viva La Virgen!
07/09/2026

Viva La Virgen!

Tagalog Mass sa Lincoln/RollestonAt 3:30PM
02/09/2026

Tagalog Mass sa Lincoln/Rolleston
At 3:30PM

Save the dates!
27/08/2026

Save the dates!

Tagalog Mass tayo this Sunday.. . All Welcome!
14/08/2026

Tagalog Mass tayo this Sunday.. .
All Welcome!

Tagalog Mass tayo.. All Welcome!
11/08/2026

Tagalog Mass tayo..
All Welcome!

Homily: “Keep Your Eyes on Jesus”Gospel: Matthew 14:22–33My dear brothers and sisters,Today’s Gospel gives us a beautifu...
08/08/2026

Homily: “Keep Your Eyes on Jesus”

Gospel: Matthew 14:22–33

My dear brothers and sisters,

Today’s Gospel gives us a beautiful picture of faith.

The disciples are in the boat. The wind is strong. The waves are rough. They are afraid. Then Jesus comes to them, walking on the water, and says:

“Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Peter says, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you.”

Jesus says, “Come.”

Peter steps out of the boat and walks toward Jesus. But when he looks at the strong wind and the waves, he becomes afraid. He begins to sink and cries, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately, Jesus reaches out His hand and saves him.

Brothers and sisters, this is also our story.

Many of us Filipinos came here to Christchurch with faith and hope. We left our families, our comfort, and sometimes even our homeland because we wanted a better future. We work hard. We care for our families. We support one another.

But sometimes, life here can also feel like a storm.

There may be loneliness. Financial worries. Work problems. Family concerns. Homesickness. The pressure to succeed. Sometimes we smile outside, but inside we are tired.

And in the middle of our storms, Jesus tells us:

“Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”

The strong message for us today is this:

When life becomes difficult, do not focus only on the storm. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Peter began to sink not because Jesus disappeared, but because Peter took his eyes away from Jesus and focused on the waves.

In our daily life, the “waves” can be our worries, problems, disappointments, and fears.

So what can we do?

Every morning, before checking our phones, give Jesus one minute.

Simply say:

“Lord Jesus, I give You this day. Whatever happens today, stay with me.”

When work becomes stressful, pray:
“Jesus, help me.”

When you miss your family in the Philippines, pray:
“Jesus, take care of the people I love.”

When you are worried about money or the future, say:
“Lord, I trust You.”

And when someone around us is struggling, let us be the hand of Jesus for that person.

My brothers and sisters, we do not know what storms tomorrow will bring. But we know who is in the storm with us.

Jesus does not promise that there will be no waves.

He promises that He will not leave us alone.

So this week, I give you one simple challenge:

When you face a problem, before complaining, worrying, or becoming angry, stop for a moment and say: “Jesus, I trust You. Take my hand.”

Then do one small act of faith—pray, forgive, help someone, call a loved one, or simply continue doing what is right.

Because when our eyes are fixed on Jesus, even in the middle of the storm, we can keep walking.

Amen.

All Welcome! Tagalog Mass
17/07/2026

All Welcome!
Tagalog Mass

All Welcome at St. Mary"s Pro Cathedral this coming Sunday!
15/07/2026

All Welcome at St. Mary"s Pro Cathedral this coming Sunday!

FILIPINO MASS in LINCOLNALL Welcome!
03/07/2026

FILIPINO MASS in LINCOLN
ALL Welcome!

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