Fr. Francis Tordilla

18/01/2026

11/01/2026

NEW MOSES, NEW JORDAN RIVER
One often-forgotten detail in the Baptism of the Lord is where it happened. For first-century Jews, geography was never neutral—it carried deep theological meaning.

The Gospel begins simply: “Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him” (Mt 3:13). In other words, Jesus moved from north to south in the biblical world. Symbolically, He went from a place associated with promise and grace to a place marked by repentance and sin.

This is significant. At the Jordan River, John preached one clear invitation: repentance. The waters of the Jordan gathered the chaos, guilt, and brokenness of the people who came to him, washing them away as they turned back to God.

The Jordan also echoes the final chapter of the Exodus. Israel passed through two waters on its journey to freedom: the Red Sea and the Jordan River. By standing in these waters, John prepares the world to recognize the Messiah as the New Moses—one who would liberate humanity from a deeper slavery, the bo***ge of sin.

Jesus’ decision to enter the Jordan reveals something astonishing about God: He is willing to meet us precisely where we are most fragile. He steps into our disorder, our weakness, our need for conversion.

In the Baptism of the Lord, we discover a God who became truly human and therefore understands the full depth of our humanity. And there is hope for us—real hope—if we allow Jesus to walk with us as we live out the dignity and mission of our own baptism.

04/01/2026

What do the Magi and the Quince Mártires of Bikol have in common?

Since today is Epiphany Sunday as well as the 129th Anniversary of the martyrdom of the 15 martyrs of Bikol, I decided to mash up the two occasions.

At first glance, almost nothing is shared in common. Different centuries. Different worlds. Different kinds of sources, some clearer than others. Any forced parallel would be unfair.

But if we step back and look holistically, one shared posture quietly emerges: they were seekers.

Here are three similiarities without stretching too much:

1. Seekers, not ready-made heroes
The Magi were not canonized saints or biblical superstars. They were outsiders who followed a sign they did not fully understand.
In the same way, the Quince Mártires de Bikol were not trying to become symbols. Historical sources—rightly—remain cautious about details. What is clear is that they were men caught in a turbulent moment, searching for truth, justice, and fidelity amid uncertainty.

2. Seeking always begins in ambiguity
The Magi had a star, not a map. They had to ask questions—and they even took wrong turns.
Historian Elias Ataviado reminds us that the impact of the Quince Mártires was deeply felt in Bikol precisely because their deaths raised questions rather than closed them—questions about conscience, power, and loyalty. Although only eleven were killed in BagumbayanTheir story, like the Magi’s, unfolds in tension, not in tidy conclusions.

3. Seekers are revealed by movement, not perfection
The Magi are remembered not because they knew everything, but because they moved—and returned “by another way.” The Quince Mártires are remembered not because every historical detail is settled, but because they stood by what they believed, even when the cost was high. Their seeking did not end in comfort, but in witness.

This Epiphany—and in remembering our local martyrs—we are reminded:
God often reveals Himself not to those with perfect answers, but to those willing to seek, discern, and act.

The real question now is not historical comparison—but a personal one:

When truth unsettles us, do we keep seeking… or do we stop at the first sign of uncertainty?

28/12/2025

We have domesticated Christmas—made it harmless, quiet, and private. But the first Christmas was dangerous.

There was a political power that wanted Jesus dead.
A king threatened by a child. A system afraid of truth, humility, and God-with-us. So the Holy Family fled—became refugees—not because they were weak, but because love always threatens unjust power.

That same power is still at work today.
It may no longer wear a crown, but it attacks our families just the same:

when success matters more than presence,
when money replaces mercy,
when screens replace conversations,
when fear replaces faith,
when love is reduced to convenience.

The Holy Family teaches us this:
God saves the world not by crushing power, but by faithful families—families that protect life, choose love daily, and trust God even when the world feels hostile.

So this feast asks us:
Who rules our homes—Herod or Christ?

If Christ reigns, our families may not be perfect, but they will be strong.
And that is still the most dangerous thing to an unjust world.

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas! Be the brew that brings Christ to others. ☕️🌲

07/12/2025

23/11/2025

FILIPINO KING
While the Philippines has a democratic, republican government and no experience with a traditional monarchy, the concept of Christ as King is understood by Filipinos through lenses that go beyond earthly, political kingship.

Christ’s Kingship is of Service, not Domination. The Feast of Christ the King, instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925, was a response to rising secularism and oppressive totalitarian regimes. Its core message is that Christ's kingship is fundamentally different from that of earthly monarchs or dictators. It runs against the current culture of self-promotion or aggrandizement which is the root cause of corruption. We deserve a leader who is willing to sacrifice oneself so you and I could feel safe and protected.

For us Filipinos, who have a history of colonialism and struggles against authoritarian rule, the idea of a king who rules through sacrifice, humility, and service—crowned with thorns, not gold—is powerful. This contrasts sharply with the "strongman" rulers or exploitative colonial masters of the past.

The most potent image of Christ for Filipinos is often the Suffering Christ like the Black Nazarene of Quiapo. His ultimate act of love and self-sacrifice on the cross is his coronation. This resonates with the Filipino value of enduring hardship (often called sakripisyo or pagtitios) for a greater good.

Mabuhay si Cristong Hadi. Mabuhay an Pilipinong matanos!

16/11/2025

NEW WORLD ORDER
The political turmoil we are in right now as a country is a signal that a new political order is coming. I hope it will not be through extra constitutional means. But these are indeed apocalyptic signs. By apocalyptic I don’t mean an “end-of-the-world” phenomenon. Apocalyptic means unveiling. All the readings this Sunday are apocalyptic in character since we are nearing the end of the liturgical year. They are unveiling a new order. This means the economic, political, social or even natural order of things are not meant to last. Banking on them is a risky business. Jesus not merely proposes but ushers in a new world order through His earth-shaking resurrection from the dead. It’s an invitation for all of us to order our lives around Jesus and not to anything that is fleeting. What are the things that should give way in your life right now so that Jesus’ new world order could reign?

15/11/2025

02/11/2025

Have you ever wondered what happens to the part of us that loves, remembers, and dreams — even after death?

That part is what the Church calls the soul — the invisible and immortal core of every human person. The soul is the immortal spark of God within us — the invisible core of our being that gives life, thought, love, and meaning. It is what makes each of us unique and capable of eternal communion with God.

The soul is the spiritual principle of life, the breath of God that makes us human. We know it exists because:

We are self-aware and capable of reflection — beyond matter and instinct. We can reason and choose freely. We long for what’s eternal. We have moral conscience — that voice of truth within.

Humanity, in every culture and age, has always reached for the divine. Created in the image of God (imago Dei), the soul is the foundation of human dignity and rights — sacred, personal, and destined for eternal communion with Him.

Who are the triumphant and suffering souls?
The triumphant souls are the saints in heaven — the Church Triumphant — living forever in the joy of God’s presence. The suffering souls are those in purgatory — the Church Suffering — being purified by love before entering that same glory.

But here’s the beauty: we are all connected. As the Catechism says, “The Communion of Saints is the Church” (CCC 946) — one family of believers: the saints in heaven, the souls being purified, and us here on earth. In this divine network of love, we can commune with the saints through prayer, and assist the suffering souls through our sacrifices and Mass offerings. Heaven isn’t closed off; it’s just a prayer away.

To whom does the soul belong?
Every soul belongs to God, its origin and destiny. “Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8). Because each soul bears His image, it is precious beyond measure — the ultimate reason why every human life deserves respect, protection, and love.

Don’t wait until death to care for souls.Feed your soul now with prayer, truth, beauty, and mercy. Pray for the faithful departed — because love that remembers is love that redeems.

Heaven begins with the choices we make today. Keep your soul alive.

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.”

01/11/2025

30/10/2025

This should be the heartbeat of every parish: evangelization through intentional discipleship. By "intentional", we mean, we train people to become the next leaders. Success is not measured by attendance or revenue but by replication—people growing in Christ and helping others do the same. A truly “rebuilt” church multiplies faith through personal witness and service. (Rebuilt, 199)