ECP.Official

25/08/2026

𝟭𝟮𝟱 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗙𝗔𝗜𝗧𝗛, 𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘!

The Episcopal Church in the Philippines joyfully celebrates its 125th Anniversary from 9–11 October 2026, under the theme:
“𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘖𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦: 𝘚𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵” 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴 2:6–7

Join us for three meaningful days of fellowship, service, learning, worship, and thanksgiving as we celebrate God’s faithfulness throughout 125 years of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines.

𝟗 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘 | 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍

9:00 AM–5:00 PM
📍 Episcopal Cathedral of St. Mary and St. John

𝟏𝟎 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐘 | 𝐒𝐘𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐔𝐌
“The ‘Love Story’ of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines:
A 125-Year Journey of Service” by Rev. Dr. Ben Ngaya-an

“Entering the Last Two Minutes of Vision 2028” by Atty. Floyd Lalwet
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
📍 Episcopal Cathedral of St. Mary and St. John

𝟏𝟏 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘 | 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐒
125th Anniversary of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines
Celebrant and Preacher: The Most Rev. Nestor D. Politic
📍 Procession starts 8:30 AM at SATS Community Court

For 125 years, we give thanks for a journey rooted in grace, strengthened by faith, and expressed through service. May we continue to reach out and sustain the work of Christ together.

Come, join us, participate, and celebrate this historic milestone.

22/08/2026

A reflection on Matthew 16:13-20 by Deacon Anfernee Sawad (Episcopal Diocese of Northern Luzon)

MEMORY VERSE FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2026
"You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16)

In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks a fundamental question of which I believe every follower of Christ should answer—not just once, but continuously throughout life: “Who do you say that I am?”

When you think about it, every person on this planet believes something about God, but it can vary a great deal. What we believe about God affects all sorts of other things, like how we pray, how we behave, how we react to the things of this world, and how we respond to them. Not only that, but our understanding of God – our theology – is never purely academic and can change over our lifetime. In fact, it should change as we grow in our faith. Again, I believe the reason why this question is so very important is because: How we answer this question directly affects how we live out our faith and how we live out our lives.

Consider how our mental image of God shapes our daily posture:

• God as a "Divine Scorekeeper": We live in constant anxiety, striving desperately to make sure our good deeds outweigh our sins.
• God as a Distant Presence: We feel accepted, but we live as though God is far off in heaven, detached from our daily choices.
• God as a Stern Judge: We approach prayer with fear, hesitant to bring our honest desires to Him.
• God as a Loving Parent or Friend: We turn to Him for refuge, speaking candidly with Him throughout our day.

All throughout my ministry and when visiting people, when hard times hit—when we face grief, suffering, or sudden loss—people naturally ask me these kinds of questions: “Why did God allow this evil?”, “Why did God allow this to happen to me?”, “My mother/brother/friend was a really good person? Why did they have to die so early and suddenly?" How we navigate these painful moments depends entirely on what we believe about God's character. Jesus knew this, and that’s probably why He initiated the conversation in this Sunday’s gospel reading, because He knew that what the disciples thought of Him would affect how they would live their lives going forward. Their theology – their understanding of God – mattered. It mattered then and it matters now. So Jesus sat the disciples down and had a theological conversation with them.

Of course, we know the answer now: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16). It was a groundbreaking confession of the heart. However, for many of us today, Peter's answer has become a default "Sunday school" response—something we recite with our heads rather than embody with our lives. But if Jesus were to ask us that same question right now, He wouldn't just be looking for a correct catechism answer. I firmly believe that He would want more than the default answer. I’m sure He would ask us: "What else? What more? How does that confession change who you are?" I truly believe Jesus wants us to answer that same question with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind (Matthew 22:37) because this question and how we answer will reflect how we live our lives today, how we practice our faith, and what our actions will be.

Lastly: this question, this response from Peter, and how we add more in our own response is not meant to be answered once. When we grow, our views change, and so does our theology – how we understand God. As we mature, face new seasons, and grow in faith, our understanding of God inevitably expands. Therefore, it is good to come back to this question from Jesus every now and then. Not just once when everything is calm, but also during the hard times, the soft times, the happy and sorrowful times in our lives. During those nights when we struggle to sleep, during those days when we feel successful and lively, it is good to ask, “Who do you say that I am?”

What we believe about God affects how we approach every aspect of our life, including how we make our way through these times. How we answer Jesus today reflects where our heart truly rests, shaping how we love and serve God and our neighbor.

A reflection on Matthew 16:13-20 by Deacon Anfernee Sawad (Episcopal Diocese of Northern Luzon)

Image: "St. Peter" stained glass window at Christ Church Brunswick (Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, Anglican Church of Australia). 📷 raaen99 (Flickr)

ECP.Official

14/08/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠!

The ECP Executive Council, meeting on 30 July 2026, has resolved and announced that the 13th Provincial Synod will be held on 6th – 7th May 2027 in Baguio City.

📅 May 6–7, 2027
📍 Baguio City

Let us prepare our hearts and prayers as we look forward to this important gathering of the Province.

13/08/2026

A reflection on Matthew 15:21-28 by Bro. Jericho Cabarles (Episcopal Diocese of Southern Philippines)

MEMORY VERSE FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2026
“Ginang, napakalaki ng iyong pananampalataya! Mangyayari ang hinihiling mo.” (Mateo 15:28)/“Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” (Matthew 15:28)

Ang pananampalataya marahil ang isa sa mga salita sadyang kay hirap na ipaliwanag. Ito ay isang paniniwala sa isang bagay bago pa man matanggap, makita o maramdaman. Ang pananampalataya ng babae sa ating ebanghelyo ngayon ay napakalaki na maging si Hesus ay napahanga nito, at dahil dito ay nakamtan niya ang kanyang hinihiling. Tunay nga na ang ating pananampalataya ang nagiging daan upang maging ganap ang ating mga panalangin.

Katatapos ko lamang ang pag aaral sa seminary at ngayon ay magpapatuloy ng gawain sa kung saan ako itatalaga. Hindi naging madali ang pag aaral ko sa Saint Andrew's Theological Seminary sa loob ng apat na taon. Nariyan na sinubok ang aking katatagan sa pinansyal, sa academics, sa pakikisama, at sa kalusugan- at ang lahat ng iyan ay nangangailangan ng pananampalataya upang malampasan. Hindi lang minsan akong nanalangin na sana ay malampasan at mapagtagumpayan ko ang mga ibat-ibang hamon sa loob ng seminary kundi sa bawat araw ng aking pananahan doon. Nariyan na pinanghinaan ng loob, subalit higit na malakas ang paniniwalang dinala ako ng Diyos sa kalagayan na ito, Siya rin ang tutulong sa akin upang mapagtagumpayan ko ang lahat ng balakid tungo sa gawaing ipagkalooob Niya sa akin.

Ang Mateo 15:21-28 ay nagtuturo o nagpapaala-ala sa atin na, una- ang ating pangangailangan ay siyang magtutulak sa atin upang magkaroon ng mas matibay na pananampalataya. Kung wala tayong kailangan sa Diyos, paaano tayo sumampalataya sa Kanya? Katulad ng babae sa ating ebanghelyo, gagawin niya ang lahat para sa anak niyang nangangailangan ng paggaling. Ibinaba ang sarili, kinalimutan ang hidwaan sa pagitan ng lahi at kasarian alang-alang sa kanyang pangangailangan. Pangalawa, ang pananampalataya rin ay dapat na nagpapakita ng pagtitiwalang walang humpay. Noong una hindi pinansin ni Hesus ang babae, subalit hindi tumigil ang babae sa paghingi ng tulong hanggang sa pinagtuunan siya ng pansin ni Hesus. Ang pananampalataya ay hindi sumusuko kundi nagpapatuloy. At pangatlo, hindi kailangan ng katayuan sa buhay upang tayo ay manampalataya. Kikilanin tayo ng Diyos hindi dahil kung ano o sino tayo kundi kung gaano katatag ang ating pananampalataya sa Kanya. Kung papaanong hindi naging hadlang ang lahi, kasarian at katayuan sa buhay ng babae upang makamtan niya ang kanyang kahilingan, ay ganun din ang ipagkakaloob sa atin ng Diyos. Hindi mahalaga ang ating status kundi ang ating pananampalataya.

Sa aking pagpapatuloy sa gawain kung saan ako tinawag ng Diyos, naniniwala ako na sa pamamagitan ng aking pananampalataya ay mas lalo akong maging malapit sa Kanya. Naniniwala akong hindi maging madali ang maglingkod sa Diyos sa pamamagitan ng paglilingkod ko sa Kanyang simbahan. Ang bawat hamon na aking kakaharapin ay siyang magiging daan upang mas maging matatag ang aking pananampalataya at paniniwalang ipagkakaloob sa akin ng Diyos ang nararapat upang makayanan, malampasan at mapagtagumpayan ang bawat hamon na darating sa aking buhay.

A reflection on Matthew 15:21-28 by Bro. Jericho Cabarles (Episcopal Diocese of Southern Philippines)

Image: "Jesus heals the daughter of a woman of Canaan" by Mr. William Brassey Hole (1846-1917), Scottish Episcopal Church (Anglican Communion)

ECP.Official

12/08/2026

𝐏𝐁`𝐬 𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐂𝐏 𝐄𝐗𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐋
Saint Augustine Cathedral in the Valley, Episcopal Diocese of Santiago
July 30, 2026

𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓. 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐅𝐑𝐔𝐈𝐓. 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐃’𝐒 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.
“𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵.” — 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 15:5

As the Episcopal Church in the Philippines gathers in prayer, discernment, and shared ministry, we are reminded that Christ is the True Vine. Whatever we accomplish as a Church must flow from our abiding relationship with Him. Our strength is not found merely in programs, resources, or institutions, but in Christ who gives life and makes our ministry fruitful.

With this foundation, we look to the future with faith and courage. Through Vision 2036, we are challenged to expand our missionary presence, establish new congregations, develop mission centers, strengthen our clergy and lay leaders, and steward our resources more strategically. We are called not to compete with other Christian communities, but to complement one another in the One Mission of God.

We also celebrate the growing participation of the ECP in the wider Anglican Communion, sharing our experiences while learning from our brothers and sisters around the world. Our mission is strengthened when we listen, learn, collaborate, and invest in the formation of leaders who can faithfully serve in a rapidly changing world.

And as we prepare to celebrate 125 years of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines on October 11, 2026, may we give thanks for the faithfulness of generations before us while embracing the mission entrusted to us today.

May we remain rooted in Christ, united in hope, faithful in mission, and fruitful in service—not for our own recognition, but for the glory of God.

✠ The Most Rev. Nestor D. Poltic, Sr.
Prime Bishop

07/08/2026

A reflection on Matthew 14:22-33 by Sis. Perlyn Mae Cinto (Episcopal Diocese of Davao)

MEMORY VERSE FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2026
"You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31)

Our memory verse for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus' disciples encountered chaos as they were crossing the Sea of Galilee shortly after the miraculous feeding of the 5,000. The passage recounts the miracle of Jesus walking on water and Peter's courageous request to join Him.

After reassuring the disciples that it was truly Him and not a ghost, Peter asked Jesus to let him walk on the water and his request was granted. At first, he managed to step out of the boat and walked toward Jesus. However, when he noticed the strong wind, fear overcame him and he began to sink. In that moment of desperation he cried out, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30). This leads us to verse 31 where Jesus, after saving Peter, gently rebukes him saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31).

This situation reflects a reality many of us may have experienced, though of course not everyone. We often find that when life is smooth, when we are happy, abundant, and in good health, we are very eager to praise God with all our hearts. However, when life gets tough, when challenges arise, problems come one after another, our faith in God wavers. We may start to question Him: Bakit ako pa Lord? Sobrang sama ko bang tao? Naglilingkod naman ako sa iyo. Bakit ganito ang paghihirap na dinaranas ko? Doubt is part of human nature and even Jesus' closest followers experienced it. Many theologians agree that "little faith" or "doubt" does not imply a complete absence of belief, rather, it indicates a belief that is fragmented by competing concerns. It is the experience of trusting God in concept but getting overwhelmed when real-life challenges arise.

Like Peter, he initially trusted Jesus and stepped out of the boat to walk towards Him, but when his focus shifted to the strong winds fear took over causing him to sink. He forgot that Jesus was with Him. This shows that human faith can often be weak. We treasure God's Words and His promises in our lives, yet when trials come we are distracted and overwhelmed, leading us to doubt Him and question His existence. We can easily become like the disciples, tempted to take our eyes off Jesus and focus on the threatening circumstances around us. Life’s challenges, such as the fear of failure, pressure from decisions, financial and physical struggles, and even the chaos in our country can distract us. In these moments we may question Jesus' power and presence. Despite Peter's moment of doubt he was never forsaken by Jesus. He was saved as soon as he called out to Him. Likewise, Jesus is always ready to reach out and save us from our struggles, even when our faith falters, as long as we humble ourselves before Him in prayer.

This gospel reading reminds us that only Jesus can save us from whatever storms or difficult situations we are facing. Thus, we are challenged to focus our attention on Jesus alone. Whenever we feel overwhelmed and distracted by the unpleasant things that are happening around us may we turn our eyes back to Jesus, call upon His name, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to direct us in every decision we make. Doubt can serve as a stepping stone for spiritual growth and a more mature faith, but we must not dwell on it forever. Let us not allow doubt to drown us spiritually. This gospel reading calls us to trust Jesus' words and remain faithful to Him even in the most challenging seasons of our lives. Let us redirect our focus to Jesus and ask for His mercy.

Jesus never let Peter drown in the water and similarly, even in our moments of doubt, He will never forsake us. Instead, He will help us until we recognize His grace in our lives, just as the disciples ultimately acknowledged Him as the true Son of God. May we always remember that Jesus is bigger than our problems, stronger than the storms, and that He will never abandon us. He will always be there to keep us from sinking into our struggles. Therefore, let's remain faithful to Him.

A reflection on Matthew 14:22-33 by Sis. Perlyn Mae Cinto (The Episcopal Diocese of Davao)

Image: Etched glass "Galilee Window" in the Galilee Chapel at St. Faith's Church, Rotorua (Māori Diocese of Te Manawa o Te Wheke, The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia)

ECP.Official

31/07/2026

A reflection on Matthew 14:13-21 by The Rev. Depia Leah Ngislawan-Omaweng (Visayas Missionary Diocese)

MEMORY VERSE FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2026
"They need not go away; you give them something to eat." (Matthew 14:16)

As I reflect on the feeding of the five thousand, I realize that the greatest miracle did not begin with the multiplication of the bread but with the compassion of Jesus. Though He sought solitude after the death of John the Baptist, He did not overlook the needs of the crowd while carrying His own grief. Instead, He was moved with compassion and responded with love. This reminds me that true compassion is not merely an emotion but a way of life, a heart that is moved to serve through loving action.

Our memory verse, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat” (Matthew 14:16), is a profound lesson from Jesus. While the disciples saw only shortage, Jesus saw possibility. He did not ask for what they did not have, He simply asked them to bring what they already had. As R. T. France observes, Jesus was not only performing a miracle but also forming His disciples to participate in His ministry. Likewise, N. T. Wright reminds us that the Kingdom of God advances when ordinary people place their ordinary gifts into the hands of an extraordinary God. Jesus was teaching His disciples, and He continues to teach us today, that God’s work begins not with abundance but with faithful offering.

This has become a living witness in my experience. As a priest serving a new parish with limited resources in the Visayas Missionary Diocese, I often find myself worrying about how we can provide for the needs of the congregation and sustain our ministries. Yet since the beginning of my ministry, I have continued a simple tradition I embraced in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines, my home diocese. After almost every Sunday Eucharist, we gather for a “bring and share” or potluck fellowship meal. At first, I wondered whether there would be enough because our worship often ends around lunchtime and our congregation is small. I worried that our limited resources would not be enough for everyone. Yet week after week, our parishioners faithfully bring whatever they can—rice, vegetables, a simple dish, something they have cooked, or even just a small portion to share. Time and again, I have witnessed God’s quiet miracles. No one leaves hungry. More importantly, we nourish not only our bodies but also our fellowship as one family in Christ. Through this simple practice I have come to realize that Christ continues to feed His people today, not only through the Bread of Life we receive in the Holy Eucharist, but also through hearts that willingly share their daily bread with one another.

The feeding of the five thousand continues to remind me that this miracle begins when we stop focusing on what we lack and faithfully place what we have into the hands of Christ. He continues to say to His Church, “You give them something to eat.” Every act of generosity, no matter how small, becomes an opportunity for God to reveal His abundant grace. When we bring what we have and share it in love, Christ transforms our ordinary offerings into extraordinary blessings, reminding us that His Kingdom is built not on the abundance of our resources but on the abundance of hearts willing to trust, to give, and to love.

A reflection on Matthew 14:13-21 by The Rev. Depia Leah Ngislawan-Omaweng (Visayas Missionary Diocese)

References:
- R. T. France, "The Gospel of Matthew" (NICNT)
- N. T. Wright, "Matthew for Everyone", Part One

Image: "Feeding of the Five Thousand" stained glass window in The Priory Church at Bolton Abbey (Diocese of Leeds, Church of England, Anglican Communion). 📷 Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P.

ECP.Official

27/07/2026

ECP VIRTUAL BIBLE STUDY SCHEDULE FOR AUGUST 2026 📖 💻
Join us every Sunday at 7:00PM (Philippine Standard Time) online via Zoom. All welcome!

+ August 2 (Tenth Sunday after Pentecost). Presenter: Deacon Ford Wawey (Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines). Biblical text: Matthew 14:13-21. Memory verse: "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." (Matthew 14:16)

+ August 9 (Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost). Presenter: The Rev. Roda Gomae S. Sagwil (Episcopal Diocese of Southern Philippines). Biblical text: Matthew 14:22-33. Memory verse: "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31)

+ August 16 (Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost). Presenter: Ms. Laura Bernice S. Ocampo (Episcopal Diocese of Central Philippines). Biblical text: Matthew 15:21-28. Memory verse: "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." (Matthew 15:28)

+ August 23 (Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost). Presenter: Ms. Clarisa Climaco (The Episcopal Diocese of Davao). Biblical text: Matthew 16:13-20. Memory verse: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16)

+ August 30 (Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost). Presenter: The Rev. Fr. Daniel Joseph de Guzman Nillo (Iglesia Filipina Independiente Diocese of Greater Manila Area). Biblical text: Matthew 16:21-28. Memory verse: "You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." (Matthew 16:23)

ECP.Official

25/07/2026

A reflection on Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 by Larry Chase S. Gayag-a (Episcopal Diocese of Central Philippines)

MEMORY VERSE FOR SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2026
"... darating ang mga anghel, ihihiwalay ang masasama sa mga matuwid...." (Mateo 13:49)/The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous...." (Matthew 13:49)

Sa mga talinghagang ibinahagi sa Mateo 13, ipinapakita ni Hesus kung ano ang kaharian ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng mga simpleng bagay na madaling maunawaan—tulad ng butil ng mustasa, lebadura, kayamanan, perlas, at lambat. Sa unang tingin, tila ordinaryo lamang ang mga ito, ngunit sa mas malalim na pagninilay, makikita natin ang napakalalim na kahulugan tungkol sa ating pananampalataya at relasyon sa Diyos.

Ang butil ng mustasa ay maliit, ngunit kapag itinanim, ito ay lumalaki at nagiging malaking puno. Ganito rin ang ating pananampalataya—maaaring magsimula sa maliit, ngunit kapag ito ay inalagaan at pinatibay, nagbubunga ito ng malaki at nagiging kanlungan ng iba. Ang lebadura naman ay nagpapakita na kahit maliit ang impluwensya ng kabutihan at pananampalataya, kaya nitong baguhin ang kabuuan ng ating buhay.

Sa talinghaga ng nakatagong kayamanan at mahalagang perlas, ipinapakita ni Hesus na ang kaharian ng Diyos ay higit sa lahat ng kayamanan sa mundo. Ang taong nakatagpo nito ay handang isuko ang lahat upang makamtan ito. Ito ay paanyaya sa atin na suriin ang ating mga pinahahalagahan—handa ba tayong unahin ang Diyos kaysa sa anumang bagay?

Ang lambat naman ay sumisimbolo sa paghuhukom—na darating ang panahon na paghihiwalayin ang mabuti at masama. Ito ay paalala na ang ating mga desisyon at pamumuhay ay may kahihinatnan.

Naaalala ko nuong muli naming buuin ang Kabataan ng Fairview Episcopal Resurrection Church (FERC) taong 2004. Ilang taon ding hindi naging organisado ang nuon ay tinatawag na FERC Youth. Mula sa simpleng kwentuhan naming mga Kabataan nuon habang Nasa lamay ay nabuo ang ideya at kanaisan na muling i-organisa ang grupo ng mga kabataan ng FERC. Mula sa maliit na bilang hangang sa lumago, naging progresibo, mayabong, nakapag rekrut ng mga bagong kaanib na kalaunan ay na tanggap bilang mga Anglikano at hangang sa kung ano na ito ngayon... Ang SKEP-FERC (bagong pagkakakilanlan ng mga mga Kabataang Episcopal) ay naging at patuloy na yaman di lang ng FERC bagkus maging sa buong ECP at sa komunidad na ginagalawan nito. Naniniwala ako na ang bagay na ito ay nagtalaga at magtatalaga na sa huli, ito ay naging at patuloy na kaparaanan ng Diyos na maunawaan ang mabuti sa masama.

Sa kabuuan, ang mga talinghagang ito ay nagtuturo sa atin na ang kaharian ng Diyos ay mahalaga, makapangyarihan, at karapat-dapat paglaanan ng buong puso. Nawa’y patuloy nating palaguin ang ating pananampalataya, pahalagahan ang presensya ng Diyos sa ating buhay, at mamuhay ayon sa Kanyang kalooban.

A reflection on Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 by Larry Chase S. Gayag-a (Episcopal Diocese of Central Philippines)

Image: The Philippine Star

ECP.Official

17/07/2026

A reflection on Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 by Ms. Rhonda M. Bosaing (Episcopal Diocese of Santiago)

MEMORY VERSE FOR SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2026
“The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.” (Matthew 13:37)

There is this w**d in my garden, locally named "paragis". Its roots run deep and extensively, intertwining itself with the roots of my vegetables and ornamental plants. If this w**d is not uprooted while it's still young and small, and is left to grow and mature with other plants, you can forget uprooting it because if you do you will end up uprooting your plants as well. This w**d is also very invasive, so you have to be really patient by uprooting them one by one when they are still young and small, but doing this on a large-scale corn farm is labor intensive and very costly. So, this w**d has now become a bane of our local corn farmers.

In the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus urges us to be patient with the w**ds in our lives. Human instinct is that when we see injustice done our immediate reaction is revenge or retaliation and when we do it, without thinking of the consequences, we end up hurting ourselves and/or our families.

When my father was gunned down on July 31, 1989, after the initial shock, disbelief and grief, came the feeling of taking revenge. We knew who did it, but with no solid evidence, officially the case remained unsolved. At the time my mother said, "Bahala na ang Diyos sa kanila" (Leave it to God). Then after a few years, the person who we knew did the crime was killed in a tragic road accident. I would like to believe that this was the Lord’s doing, giving my family justice for what happened to our father.

We live in a messy world and human as we are, we constantly seek retribution for every wrong or injustice we see and feel, but in this parable Jesus asks us to focus on being fruitful wheat instead of wasting our energy on being bitter and seeking revenge because it takes a toll on our health, our relationships and our souls. It is not our job to judge, to take revenge, or to destroy the w**ds in our lives. Instead, Jesus is asking us to remain deeply rooted in Him, bearing good fruit and trusting that He will make all things right in His own perfect time.

A reflection on Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 by Ms. Rhonda M. Bosaing (Episcopal Diocese of Santiago)

Image: "The Parable of the Tares" stained glass window at Washington National Cathedral (Episcopal Diocese of Washington, The Episcopal Church, Anglican Communion). 📷 Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P.

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