Hand of the Sower Catholic Community

22/07/2026

HAND OF THE SOWER CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
Salt of the World Evangelization Resource
Mt. 13:37 “...the man who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.”

FAITHFOOD FOR THE FAITHFUL
July 23, 2026, Thursday
St. Bridget of Sweden

1st Reading: Jeremiah 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 36:6-11
Gospel: Matthew 13:10-17

***A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew…
Glory to You, oh Lord***

The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven has been granted to you, but to them, it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because ‘they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.’ Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: ‘You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and be converted, and I heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

***The Gospel of the Lord...
Praise to You, oh Lord Jesus Christ***‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

REFLECTION:
RECEPTIVE HEART
Bro. Mon de Ocampo, Triala PG NE

This Gospel reading begins with the disciples asking Jesus: “Why do You use parables when You are teaching?” The essence of the Gospel is that spiritual understanding of the Kingdom of God is a privilege and a gift revealed to receptive hearts (disciples) but hidden from those who are hardened and indifferent (the crowds). Parables serve to reveal truth to seekers while concealing it from those who refuse to hear.

Ask yourself: Which person do you identify with? The one with knowledge or the person without knowledge? Now, ask yourself: What insights have you gained about the “mysteries of the Kingdom”? What more do you desire to learn? Do you truly understand Jesus’ message and promise? Or do you have closed eyes, ears, and heart?

As human beings, we begin to understand through what we learn via our eyes, ears, and minds. However, deep understanding truly comes only from our hearts. The heart is the seat of wisdom and love. The Gospel emphasizes that hearing God’s Word is not enough; one must have an open and receptive heart to truly understand and be transformed by it.

Today, we are invited to consciously open our hearts and be attentive to what we notice, the emotions we experience, and the people we interact with. Jesus is present in all our interactions! Let us be awake and aware of God’s presence.

PRAYER:
Lord, open our eyes and ears and give us a receptive heart. Amen.

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22/07/2026

Ipagdasal natin ang lahat ng mga anak. Tara, pray tayo!

21/07/2026

HAND OF THE SOWER CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
Salt of the World Evangelization Resource
Mt. 13:37 “...the man who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.”

FAITHFOOD FOR THE FAITHFUL
July 22, 2026, Wednesday
St. Mary Magdalene

1st Reading: Song of Songs 3:1-4 or 2 Corinthians 5:14-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9
Gospel: John 20:1-2, 11-18

***Pagbasa mula sa Ebanghelyo ni San Juan…
Papuri sa Iyo, Panginoon***

Madilim-dilim pa nang unang araw ng sanlinggo, pumunta si Maria Magdalena sa libingan. Naratnan niyang naalis na ang batong nakatakip sa libingan. Dahil dito, patakbo siyang pumunta kay Simon Pedro at sa alagad na mahal ni Jesus, at sinabi sa kanila, “Kinuha nila ang Panginoon mula sa libingan, at hindi namin alam kung saan Siya inilagay!”

Si Maria ay nakatayong umiiyak sa labas ng libingan. Habang umiiyak ay yumuko siya at sumilip sa loob. May nakita siyang dalawang anghel na nakadamit ng puti at nakaupo sa pinaglagyan ng bangkay ni Jesus, ang isa’y sa gawing ulunan at ang isa nama’y sa paanan. Tinanong nila si Maria, “Babae, bakit ka umiiyak?” Sumagot siya, “Kinuha nila ang aking Panginoon at hindi ko alam kung saan Siya inilagay.” Pagkasabi nito’y napalingon siya at nakita niya si Jesus na nakatayo roon, ngunit hindi niya nakilalang si Jesus iyon. Tinanong siya ni Jesus, “Babae, bakit ka umiiyak? Sino ang hinahanap mo?” Akala ni Maria, ang kausap niya’y ang hardinero kaya’t sinabi niya, “Ginoo, kung Kayo po ang kumuha sa Kanya, pakituro nga po ninyo sa akin kung saan ninyo Siya inilagay at kukunin ko.” “Maria!” sabi ni Jesus. Humarap siya at kanyang sinabi sa wikang Hebreo, “Raboni!” na ang ibig sabihi’y “Guro.” Sabi ni Jesus, “Huwag mo akong hawakan sapagkat hindi pa ako nakakapunta sa Ama. Sa halip, pumunta ka sa aking mga kapatid at sabihin mo sa kanila na aakyat ako sa aking Ama at inyong Ama, sa aking Diyos at inyong Diyos.” Kaya’t si Maria Magdalena ay pumunta sa mga alagad at ibinalita sa kanila, “Nakita ko ang Panginoon!” At sinabi rin niya sa kanila ang mga sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus.

***Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon...
Pinupuri Ka namin, Panginoong Hesukristo***‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

REFLECTION:
MAGDALENA, IKAW AY SAWIMPALAD?
Bro. Celton Sindo, sower

“Magdalena, ikaw ay sawimpalad?” Lyrics ito ng isang sikat na kanta. Ngunit, lingid sa kaalaman ng karamihan, si Maria Magdalena na siyang patron natin ngayon, ay hindi sawimpalad. Oo, bagama’t nakilala siya bilang babaeng makasalanan—kung saan pitong demonyo ang pinalayas sa kanya ni Kristo, nagpapahiwatig lang ng dati niyang sukdulang kasamaan. Ngunit nagtagpo ang landas nila ni Hesus kung saan siya naman ay Kanyang naging masugid na taga-sunod! (Lk. 8:2-3)

Ang pagiging “markado” niya sa kasaysayan bilang immoral na pr******te ay pawang haka-haka lamang at walang matibay na patunay sa Banal na Kasulatan. Bagkus, ang malinaw niyang patotoo ay ito: nanatili siyang matapat na taga-sunod ni Hesus mula sa Kanyang pampublikong ministriya hanggang sa Kanyang kamatayan sa krus, hanggang ipagkaloob nga sa kanya ang pribilehiyong unang saksi sa Kanyang pagkabuhay na muli! Ang kanyang buhay ay matinding pagpapatunay sa matinding grasya’t habag ng Diyos sa sinuman, gaano man kadilim ang kanilang nakaraan.

Marapat ring pansinin, madaling-araw ang kapanahunan ng tagpo sa ating Ebanghelyo. Animo’y pahiwatig ito ng pagbabagong dahan-dahang naganap noon sa buhay ng ating patron ngayon. Na mula sa panlulumo sa malagim na kadiliman nang kanyang nakaraan, unti-unti namang sumisilay ang bukang-liwayway ng bagong pag-asa sa kanyang buhay!

Indeed, every Saint may have a dark past, but every sinner can have a brighter future!

PRAYER:
Sta. Maria Magdalena, ipanalangin mo kami. Amen.

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21/07/2026

For all those expecting a baby, tara, pray tayo!

20/07/2026

HAND OF THE SOWER CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
Salt of the World Evangelization Resource
Mt. 13:37 “...the man who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.”

FAITHFOOD FOR THE FAITHFUL
July 21, 2026, Tuesday
St. Lawrence of Brindisi

1st Reading: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85:2-8
Gospel: Matthew 12:46-50

***A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew…
Glory to You, oh Lord***

While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and His brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with Him. Someone told Him, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with You.” But He said in reply to the one who told Him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

***The Gospel of the Lord...
Praise to You, oh Lord Jesus Christ***‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

REFLECTION:
WE ARE ALL THERE
Bro. Barbie Atienza, PDCC

Earlier this year, I watched the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, the movie I have watched countless times since I was in my teens—so many times that I have memorized practically the whole repertoire. I simply enjoyed and appreciated the way Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber presented the tapestry of Christ’s life, passion, death, and resurrection. It is such a masterpiece.

But as I grew up, I would always hear questions about who was who among the apostles, Christ’s relation with Mary Magdalene, and His broken close affinity with Judas, and many more. But one I would hear often was, where was Mama Mary in all these. His very own family is not even in the script?

My take is that the platform presented what really counted in the Lord’s story of redemptive mission of love. It didn’t really change the story at all, as it was still complete. The people in the play—aside from the main personalities—were simply Jesus’ flock: His disciples, His followers, His fans. This was His family, as He says, “Whoever believes the will of my Heavenly Father is…” (Mt. 12:50) my family. Not that Mary or Joseph weren’t important; I believe they were there in the play—they were among those who believed and followed.

PRAYER:
Lord, make us true believers that You may also call us as Your very own. In our weakness and sinfulness, take us, oh Lord, and allow us to belong to You. Amen.

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19/07/2026

HAND OF THE SOWER CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
Salt of the World Evangelization Resource
Mt. 13:37 “...the man who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.”

FAITHFOOD FOR THE FAITHFUL
July 20, 2026, Monday
St. Apollinaris

1st Reading: Micah 6:1-4, 6-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50:5-6, 8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Gospel: Matthew 12:38-42

***A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew…
Glory to You, oh Lord***

Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from You.” He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah, the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. At the judgment, the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.”

***The Gospel of the Lord...
Praise to You, oh Lord Jesus Christ***

LOOKING FOR A SIGN!
Sis. Pebbles Puyat, TOPC

Jonah was a prophet who initially tried to escape his calling to go to Nineveh. No matter how far he ran, God gently guided him back to his mission—to warn the city about their wickedness and inform them that it would be destroyed in 40 days. When Jonah finally preached, the people of Nineveh, despite being pagans, believed in God. They sincerely repented, fasted, and turned back to Him, recognizing that Jonah’s words truly reflected God's message. Because of their heartfelt repentance, God showed mercy and forgave them, sparing the city from destruction.

Jonah’s story reminds us that God’s love and mercy are extended to everyone, not just a select few. Similarly, the Queen of Sheba, a pagan herself, searched for God's wisdom in King Solomon’s words. The key lesson here is the importance of repentance. The people of Nineveh demonstrated wisdom by recognizing God’s truth through Jonah’s preaching and choosing to turn away from their sins. Even people like the Queen of Sheba and the Ninevites, who were not part of God’s chosen people, saw and accepted the truth.

Reflecting on this, I wonder: do I see the need to repent from my own faults—such as selfishness, pride, or haughtiness? Do I recognize God’s wisdom in others—be it my family, friends, or even strangers? Do I look for signs or sensational events to confirm God's presence, or can I find enough in Jesus, the Power and Wisdom of God, to trust and believe?

PRAYER:
Lord, help me recognize You in others and in Your creation. Amen.

https://youtu.be/8AbNrc-gsmc?si=E60-wbliZz_dQPBr

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Hand of the Sower Catholic Community:A transparochial charismatic ...

19/07/2026

Going home to the family this weekend? Tara, pray tayo!

18/07/2026

HAND OF THE SOWER CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
Salt of the World Evangelization Resource
Mt. 13:37 “...the man who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.”

FAITHFOOD FOR THE FAITHFUL
July 19, 2026, Sunday
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16
2nd Reading: Romans 8:26-27
Gospel: Matthew 13:24-43

***A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew…
Glory to You, oh Lord***

Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds saying: “The Kingdom of Heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep, his enemy came and sowed w**ds all through the wheat and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the w**ds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the w**ds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the w**ds, you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time, I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the w**ds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

He proposed another parable to them. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown, it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’”

He spoke to them another parable. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.”

All these things, Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world.”

Then, dismissing the crowds, He went into the house. His disciples approached Him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the w**ds in the field.” He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. The w**ds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as w**ds are collected and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will collect out of His Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

***The Gospel of the Lord...
Praise to You, oh Lord Jesus Christ***‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

REFLECTION:

THE FIELD OF LIFE: WHEAT AND WEEDS
Fr. Rey Gella, OSM

In our Gospel today, Jesus tells us a story about a farmer who plants good seeds. But overnight, an enemy plants w**ds among them. When the servants notice this, they panic: “Sir, gusto mo bang bunutin na natin lahat ng damo?” But the master says: “No. Let both grow together until harvest.”

This is the real talk: Within us are both wheat and w**ds. Come to reflect on it. If we are honest, hindi lang “may w**ds sa paligid natin.” Minsan, tayo rin ang w**ds. Bakit? Kasi minsan, mabait (wheat), minsan masungit (w**d); ngayon, coolheaded (wheat); bukas, hot-tempered (w**d); minsan, prayerful (wheat), minsan naman, chismoso/chismosa (aray!). Mabuti kung minsan lang. Ang masaklap, kung palagi na lang ‘marites.’ May mga tao na walang ginagawa sa buhay kundi ang makialam sa buhay ng may buhay. Ang parable ay parang buhay natin — halo-halo, paiba-iba.

I’ll tell you a funny story pero may kurot sa puso. May isang lolo na nagtanim ng gulay sa likod ng bahay.
Apo: “Lolo, bakit hindi mo tinatanggal agad ‘yung mga damo?”
Lolo: “Hintayin muna natin, baka may pakinabang pa.”

After a few weeks…
Apo: “Lolo, mukhang mas malaki pa ‘yung damo kaysa sa tanim mo ah!”
Lolo: “Oo nga…parang ikaw — mas malaki ang yabang kaysa grades!”

Minsan akala natin, harmless ang “w**ds”, pero kapag pinabayaan, sila ang mangingibabaw sa ating buhay. Hindi rin naman natin pwede kitilin agad ang mga w**ds sa ating paligid. Malay mo, bukas magbago na. Wala naman yatang santo na nang ipanganak. Ang santo ay makasalanang binago.

The take is: God is patient…But not passive! The master in the parable is not lazy or indifferent. He is patient! God allows us time because He sees what we can become, not just what we are now. He doesn’t want to uproot the good while removing the bad. He gives us a chance to grow, change, and bear fruit. We are not yet a finish product. Hindi pa tayo tapos. We are a work in progress — may pag-asa pang mabago dahil buhay pa tayo. Habang may buhay, may pag-asa pa.

But remember: There will be a harvest — a day of reconning. Jesus is clear: Darating ang araw ng paghihiwalay — wheat and w**ds will not stay together forever. Hindi ito pananakot. Ito ay paalala. What we choose daily, matters. What we allow to grow inside us, matters.

Reflection for the Heart. Instead of asking: “Sino ang w**ds sa buhay ko?”, try asking: “Ano ang w**ds sa puso ko na kailangan kong baguhin?” Pride? Anger? Laziness? Bitterness? At the same time, “Ano ang wheat na gusto ni Lord palaguin sa akin?” Kindness? Forgiveness? Faith? Patience? This is our simple takeaway: God looks at us and says: “Hindi pa kita hinuhusgahan…kasi hindi pa ako tapos sa’yo.” So next time we mess up, let us not say: “Weed na talaga ako!” Instead, say: “Work in progress pa ako ni Lord!”

PRAYER:
Lord, I truly believe I am Your child. Mold me according to Your likeness. Amen.

TAKE OUT FOR THE WEEK:
God allows us time because He sees what we can become, not just what we are now.

https://youtu.be/kq_xVrdfjnQ?si=DNKikQibBvustkTf

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Hand of the Sower Catholic Community:A transparochial charismatic ...

18/07/2026

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of prayer. Tara, pray tayo!

17/07/2026

HAND OF THE SOWER CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
Salt of the World Evangelization Resource
Mt. 13:37 “...the man who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man.”

FAITHFOOD FOR THE FAITHFUL
July 18, 2026, Saturday
St. Bruno of Segni

1st Reading: Micah 2:1-5
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 10:1-4, 7-8, 14
Gospel: Matthew 12:14-21

***Pagbasa mula sa Ebanghelyo ni San Mateo…
Papuri sa Iyo, Panginoon***

Umalis ang mga Pariseong naroroon at nag-usap-usap kung paano nila maipapapatay si Jesus. Nang malaman ito ni Jesus, umalis Siya sa lugar na iyon. Maraming tao ang sumunod sa Kanya, at pinagaling Niya ang lahat ng may sakit. Ngunit mahigpit Niyang ipinagbilin na huwag nilang ipamalita kung sino Siya. Sa gayon, natupad ang sinabi ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ni Propeta Isaias: “Narito ang lingkod ko na aking hinirang, ang aking minamahal at lubos na kinalulugdan; ibubuhos ko sa Kanya ang aking Espiritu, at Siya ang magpapahayag ng katarungan sa mga bansa. Hindi Siya makikipag-away o maninigaw, ni magtataas ng boses sa mga lansangan, hindi Niya babaliin ang tambong marupok, hindi rin Niya papatayin ang ilawang umaandap, hanggang katarunga’y hindi nagtatagumpay nang ganap; at ang pag-asa ng mga Hentil, sa Kanya ay ilalagak.”

***Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon...
Pinupuri Ka namin, Panginoong Hesukristo***‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

REFLECTION:
TAHIMIK PERO MATATAG
Bro. Bernie Marco, FGS

Sa Ebanghelyo ngayon, gusto nang ipapatay ng mga Pariseo si Jesus. Pero imbes na lumaban o magalit, tahimik Siyang umalis at nagpatuloy sa paggawa ng mabuti. Nagpagaling Siya ng mga tao at ipinakita ang tunay na puso ng Diyos—mapagmahal, mahinahon, at maawain.

Sinabi rin sa Ebanghelyo na si Jesus ay hindi sisigaw o makikipag-away para lamang patunayan ang Kanyang sarili. Hindi Niya dudurugin ang “bugbog na tambo” o papatayin ang “mahinang ningas.” Ibig sabihin, hindi Niya tinataboy ang mahihina, sugatan, o pagod. Sa halip, lalo Niya silang inaalagaan.

Sa mga nangyayari ngayon sa ating bansa, maraming tao ang madaling magalit, manakit sa salita, at makipag-away lalo na sa social media at usaping pulitika. Kapag may hindi kasundo, agad nagkakaroon ng galit at pagkakawatak-watak. Pero si Jesus ay nagpapakita ng ibang paraan—ang paraan ng kababaang-loob, pagtitimpi, at kabutihan.

Sa unang pagbasa, kinondena ng Diyos ang mga taong mapagsamantala at sakim. Paalala ito na hindi natutuwa ang Diyos sa paggamit ng kapangyarihan para sa pansariling interes at hindi para sa kabutihan ng kapwa.

Bilang Kristiyano, tinatawag tayong maging tulad ni Jesus: kalmado pero matatag, mabait pero matuwid, mapagpakumbaba pero hindi natatakot gumawa ng tama. Hindi kailangang sumigaw para marinig. Ang tunay na lakas ay nakikita sa pusong marunong magmahal at magtiwala sa Diyos.

PRAYER:
Panginoong Jesus, turuan Mo akong maging mahinahon, mapagmahal, at matatag sa paggawa ng mabuti araw-araw. Amen.

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