Holy Spirit Parish - BFQC

22/08/2026

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22/08/2026

August 23, 2026
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

“But Who Do You Say I Am?”

The people had diverse opinions on who to them was Jesus; they knew the Messiah was coming, but did not recognize He was already in their midst (v13 and v14, Gospel Mt 16:13-20) teaching and performing miracles. The more important question was to the Apostles: “But who do you say that I am?” (v15,). He had to be sure they already knew. Simon Peter confessed “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (v16)

Perhaps, we can answer the question better than the people in those days. The more important one is do we align our lives to Jesus?

Here, for the first time, Jesus talked about the Church he was building, appointing Simon, renamed Peter, sending him on a mission in the early church, the rock upon which “I will build my Church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” (v18)
Both Peter and Eliakim were given keys (v19, Gospel; v21, First Reading, Is 22: 15, 19-23). To Eliakim, the house of Judah (v22). To Peter the Church. Commonly, the key opens and shuts. Jesus told Peter “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (19, Gospel) On matters of faith, the Pope is infallible. Peter became the first Vicar (Pope) of Christ, setting the stage for unfailing succession. Pope Leo XIV is our 267th Pope.

The “key” is a symbol of authority. It is entrusted to be used responsibly for the Church and the faithful; not for anyone to own it – for it is owned by God and God alone. “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (v36, 2nd Reading, Romans 11:33-36) Our responsibilities in the Church may be likened to a “key” but only to open doors to welcome and make space for everyone – those willing to serve, the lost, the rejected, those who feel unworthy, to allow them to encounter Christ (Bro. Aldy Balmes). We are mere stewards, to care for the Church for its future generation.

The Lord also referred to Eliakim as the son of Hilkiah (v20, First Reading), and Peter: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.” (v17, Gospel) We all have human (flesh and blood) limitations. What we know of God is by divine revelation – not by our own power, knowledge, wisdom or study. We acquire knowledge by God’s permission. And God is revealed to us differently, depending on different situations and opportunities.

Paul is awed and we should be, too : How rich and deep are the wisdom and the knowledge of God! We cannot reach to the root of his decisions or his ways. (v33, Second Reading). We trust. We obey. We give thanks. We worship. We pray. His love is eternal; he will not forsake us, for we are

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16/08/2026

August 16, 2026
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

God’s Unfailing Love For All

Bread is an important topic in the Bible. And when there is bread, there will be crumbs. What are these crumbs to us? Waste that is swept away? The Canaanite woman (Gospel, Mt 15:21-28) believed that crumbs are overflows from God’s abundant and inexhaustible mercy.

The Gospel account took place in Tyre and Sidon, both pagan territories (now in Lebanon). And Jesus went there to spread His Gospel which is a lesson about faith and persistence. The woman recognized Jesus as “Lord, Son of David” and asked for his pity as her daughter is tormented by a devil (v22). Jesus ignored her and His Apostles wanted Him to dismiss her (v23). Days ago, they wanted the more than 5,000 dismissed for concern over food. Jesus said His mission is for the lost sheep of the house of Israel (v24) – not for her! She knelt, continued to plead (v25). She believed Jesus was the only answer to their problem. Bread are for children, not dogs, Jesus said (v26). Maybe, Jesus meant – are you my child? She remained humble and steadfast. She did not ask for the whole bread. She did not need the whole bread. “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” (v27) You are our master Lord, and crumbs from you are all we need! Great is your faith, Jesus said and her daughter was healed from that moment (v28). God also tests us. He makes us wait. At times, His answers are not what we prefer. Do we have a persistent faith?

Jesus’ mission is for the “lost sheep of Israel.” When we are conquered and enslaved by sin, Jesus nevertheless seeks to gather us. He does not abandon us. And He established a Church that is open to all who believe. Isaiah (1st Reading Is 56:1, 6-7) prophesied about the “foreigners” – non-Israelites who choose to follow the God of Israel. These are the ones who acted out their faith, ministering to the Lord. They became His servants (v6). He promised to bring them to His holy mountain and make them joyful in His house of prayer “for all peoples.” (v7)

In true universal fashion, Paul’s mission from the Lord was to be the apostle to the Gentiles (2nd Reading Rom 11:13-15, 29-32). Paul’s mission reached us, eventually. In this Letter, he was writing to the Romans telling them of fresh starts the Lord gives. The disobedient who returns to God are blessed with His mercy. For the promises God made are irrevocable 8
O God, let all the nations praise you. (Responsorial Psalm Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 )

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09/08/2026

9 August 2026
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

God’s Absolute Sovereignty

“My precious child, when you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” (Footprints in the Sand)

In fear and despair, Jesus found them. The disciples’ boat was a few miles off the shore, buffeted by strong winds. In the darkest moment of the night. He walked on water to get to them. (Gospel Mt 14:22-33) From the mountain where he was praying to the Apostles in trouble. It was instantaneous. He is always with us, watching over us, protecting us.
Was it a ghost? New fear. And confusion. “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” (v27) Peter wanted more proof. “If it is you Lord, make we walk to you.” (28)
In the storms of our life, let us not ask God to prove Himself. Jesus obliged Peter who also miraculously walked on water, momentarily because he gazed away from the Lord and focused on the strong winds. Faith evaporated. Fright ruled. He started to sink. That is what happens when our attention strays from the Lord. Peter panicked. Save me, Peter pleaded (v30) and immediately Jesus extended his hand and saved Peter. Oh, our little faith. How can we even doubt? (v31)

God has absolutely sovereignty over all of creation. As soon as they got onto the boat, the wind died down and they worshipped him saying “Truly, this is the Son of God!” (v32) But He is not only in the spectacular. In quiet and stillness, He is also present. God is in all and in everything but we do not recognize Him in fear, doubt, noise. Peter was face to face with Jesus but the storm distracted him.

In the same noise, all would be present-day tragedies, Elijah did not see God. He was on the mountain, in a cave seeking refuge (v9, 1st Reading 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a), running away from people who wanted him dead. Elijah was a prophet. The Lord talked to him. The Lord said go out for He is passing by. Elijah found Him not in the strong wind, landslide, earthquake (v11), not in the fire, but in one tiny whispering sound. (v12)

Lean in. Listen. Pay attention. The Lord is calling, telling us something always. From the spectacular to the quiet, all graces, the Israelites were given a lot, over the course of their long history that Paul outlined, all fulfilled in the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. But the Israelites have not accepted Christ and this, Paul lamented (2nd Reading, Romans 9:1-5). Let us pray that they finally hear and see the light.

Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation. (Responsorial Psalm, Ps 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14)

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01/08/2026

August 2, 2026
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Holy Eucharist

It is the Holy Eucharist the First Reading (Isaiah 55:1-3) is leading us to. All who are thirsty are invited to come to the water and receive it without cost (v1). Remember Jesus told the Samaritan woman He is the living water who quenches thirst forever (John 4:14). The Lord asks that we heed Him and eat well, listen and we will have life, an everlasting covenant renewed, the benefits assured to David (v3, First Reading). It was from David’s line that Jesus came: “Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse (David’s father), And a Branch from his roots will bear fruit.” (Isaiah 11:1; Matthew 1:1 et seq).

The Holy Eucharist is also pre-figured in the Gospel’s multiplication miracle (Matthew 14:13-21) to feed the 5,000 men, not counting women and children (v21) who followed him upon hearing where he was (v13). He was grieving because of the death of John the Baptist but his grief takes the backseat. Bread was taken, blessed, broken and given. Today, the multiplication continues at Mass, we eat without cost consuming Christ’s body and blood, to our hearts’ content. Same food and quantity for all.

More than 5,000 needed to be fed. The Apostles suggested they be dismissed to fend for themselves. It was to them an unsolvable problem – and not even their problem to solve. Jesus said NO! He pitied the people. Feed them yourselves, he ordered the Apostles. He wanted their participation. Jesus was teaching them care, to act out of love, the same love he had for the multitude; ingraining in them trust in Him. He magnifies the little that we contribute. What the Apostles had was surely insufficient. Give me what you have, Jesus said.

Then He prayed. That indispensable ingredient of faith. Ask the Father. 5 loaves and 2 fish were multiplied and distributed. Not just enough but more than needed. God gives more than we need. We just need to recognize his graces, and be thankful for them.

God loves us so much His death did not separate us from Him (Second Reading Romans 8:35, 37-39). We can conquer all trials and tribulations overwhelmingly through Him and His love (v37). He never lets go of us. Now, He remains with us through the Eucharist. Through prayer. Let us call on him. Through our love for Him expressed in our love for others. He is all we need. Because he answers all our needs. (Responsorial Psalm). Heed His call. Go to Him. Listen. He is Merciful. Kind. Patient. Our hope. Generous. Gracious to all. Just. Holy. (First Reading; Responsorial Psalm)

25/07/2026

July 26, 2026
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Finding the Kingdom of Heaven

God calls us according to His purpose and for those who love Him, all things work for good (v28, Second Reading, Romans 8: 28-30).

Over the last weeks, we read about the Kingdom of Heaven which is likened to planting and growing. Remember that Jesus said the sower is the Son of Man (Mt 13:37), the field is the world (Mt 13:38). Today, the Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a buried treasure that a person found in a field (v44, Gospel, Mt 13:44-52) – the same field the Son of Man had been tilling! It gives him so much happiness that he sold everything he had to buy the field so he can securely possess the treasure (v44; Mt 13:37). The finder was not being selfish but was obviously unprepared for what he found. So, he left, got ready by dispossessing himself of everything, and then came back to “buy” it.

The journey to the Kingdom of Heaven involves giving up our earthly attachments. The world’s riches combined cannot buy it so giving up “everything” that enables us to keep this immeasurable treasure means we forget about ourselves and dedicate our life to God and all His works. Jesus said “if any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it, and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.” (Mt 16:24, 25). One wonders, are we such treasures that Jesus sacrificed his life for us? Do we consider Jesus our pearl of great price (v45) that we will give up everything to possess Him? (v46)

So it was with Solomon (First Reading, 1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12) who had a chance to ask God for riches, good health and long life or death of his enemies (v5, v11). Instead, contrary to human nature, Solomon asked for wisdom to govern God’s chosen people (v9). God values a heart that seeks wisdom and not material wealth (v10). And this is what God desires from us: serve His people; a heart transformed, away from the world. Wisdom is the first gift of the Holy Spirit –the world’s perishable things despised, the eternal aspired for.
Back to the sense of the weeds and the wheat, warning those who do not find the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus said at the end of age (v49) a net will gather all kinds of fish (v47) but the bad are thrown away (v48) to the fiery furnace (v50).

The Gospel ends with Jesus now looking at us – share his good news like the household head who brings old and new from the storeroom (v52): the Old Testament and His teachings now written in the New Testament. The new fulfills the old – forming one comprehensive whole to lead us to know, understand and live the principles of God’s Kingdom. The beggar tells others where he found bread! We are beggars, too, and must tell others where we found the Kingdom of Heaven. Let us love the Lord’s commands (Responsorial Psalm).

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20/07/2026

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10 Reasons Why You Should Arrive Early for Mass

Many Catholics rush into church at the last minute, and some even arrive after Mass has already begun. While life can be busy, arriving early for Mass is a beautiful habit that can deepen your worship and strengthen your relationship with God.

Here are 10 reasons why arriving early matters:

🔹 1. You Prepare Your Heart for Worship
Mass is not just another event on your schedule. Arriving early gives you time to quiet your mind and prepare your heart to encounter Christ.

🔹 2. You Can Pray Before Mass Begins
The church is a sacred place. Arriving early allows you to spend a few moments in personal prayer before entering into the liturgy.

🔹 3. You Show Reverence for the Eucharist
Catholics believe that Jesus is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. Coming early is one way of showing respect for the Lord whom you have come to worship.

🔹 4. You Avoid Distractions
Rushing through the doors at the last minute can leave you stressed and distracted. Arriving early helps you focus on God instead of worrying about what you missed.

🔹 5. You Participate in the Entire Mass
Every part of the Mass has meaning. By arriving early, you ensure that you are present from the very beginning of the sacred celebration.

🔹 6. You Set a Good Example for Others
Children, family members, and fellow parishioners notice our habits. Your punctuality can encourage others to treat Mass with greater reverence.

🔹 7. You Have Time for an Examination of Conscience
Before Mass, you can reflect on your week, thank God for His blessings, and ask forgiveness for your sins.

🔹 8. You Enter into the Sacred Atmosphere
The moments before Mass are often filled with silence, prayer, and recollection. Arriving early allows you to enter into this sacred atmosphere rather than interrupt it.

🔹 9. You Demonstrate Love for God
When we truly value something, we make time for it. Arriving early is a simple but meaningful way of showing that God comes first.

🔹 10. The Saints Encouraged It
Many saints emphasized the importance of preparing well for Holy Mass. They understood that proper preparation helps us receive greater spiritual fruits from the liturgy.

✨ Mass is the highest form of worship on earth. If we arrive early for work meetings, appointments, and social events, how much more should we strive to arrive early for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?

Next Sunday, try arriving 10–15 minutes early. You may be surprised by how much more peaceful, prayerful, and meaningful your experience of Mass becomes.

19/07/2026

July 19, 2026
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Kingdom of Heaven

This continues from last week’s Parable of the Sower. Today, the Master sows good seeds of wheat on his field and as he slept, the weeds were planted by the devil (v24, v27, v25, v28, GOSPEL Longer Form Matthew 13:24-43). As they sprouted, they looked the same. Nearing harvest, their difference becomes clear. The weeds, like sin, became darker; they are without fruit. The wheat blooms, its fruit, the grain, encased in several layers of protection, its most outer, the hull, in shiny golden color. It is like God’s embrace and we are embraced by many more in our faith.

Look at the world, Bishop Barron says. It is full of good. But there is also bad. We are surrounded by weeds. Even within us, there are weeds. Lethargy, laziness, unforgiveness, sin. Let us not allow these to dominate us. Jesus said at harvest, from the field, the world (v38) the weeds are bundled up to be burned (v29). Hell to the sinner and who influence others to sin (v41, v42). The wheat is harvested and goes to the Master’s barn (v30). To heaven goes the righteous (v43).

The Master’s field was first empty. The Kingdom of Heaven grows. God patiently waits for the good to grow. It starts small, like the mustard seed, but grows to become a tree where birds build nests (v31, v32). Jesus also said if we have the faith as small as a mustard seed, we can move mountains. We are small but with capacity for a lot of good.

The yeast, small in quantity, invisibly leavens the whole batch (v33). Yeast is influence. Jesus warned about the leaven of the Pharisees, their hypocrisy, corrupting influence, spiritual pride. Be wary of the weeds. They appear in various forms. But in this parable, God’s silent army Jesus calls yeast, working for the Church, influencing goodness and kindness, learning and following Christ’s example, who gives hope we shall be allowed to repent (v19, First Reading, Wisdom 12:13, 16-19). There is no oth

11/07/2026

July 12, 2026
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Word Calls Us Home
“Listen”, Jesus said starting his teaching today, the Parable of the Sower (v1, Gospel, Matthew 13:1-23). The ear is the window to the heart. Blessed are those whose ears hear, eyes see! (v16) God speaks and his Word is sown into our heart (v15; v19) which is likened to 4 types of soil (v4, et seq). The sowing was indiscriminate; the kind of soil (v4, et seq) was least of the sower’s concern. This is God generously dispensing grace to all, equally and universally.

But we have to meet grace with our own effort. And how? With hearts that reject, hard like the path? (v4, v19) Or rocky, where the Word cannot take root to grow, withers with life’s challenges? (v5, v6, v20, v21) Or thorny, occupied by worldly concerns, like desire for earthly wealth, which choke the Word? (v7, v22) Or rich soil, that allows the Word to grow and bear much fruit? (v8, v23)

Jesus’ teachings are followed with His action. I came to save you, He said, and He let Himself be led to the Cross. Obey, He said, and He obeyed the Father unto His death. Forgive, He said, and He forgave those who nailed Him to the Cross.

His Word does not come back to Him until it accomplishes its purpose (v11, First Reading, Isaiah 55:10-11). The Word stays in our hearts (the Holy Spirit dwells in us!), not idling but stirring us. Listen, He says before He even talks about growth. He calls everyone home – that is the purpose of the Word.

With God’s grace, the unproductive soil may one day be rich. Jesus said, changing their ways, they will be healed by God (v15, Gospel). The Word does not give up on us. There is no permanent judgment now. Not yet. The Father makes the sun shine and the rain fall on the just and the unjust (Mt 5:45), to fertilize the soil, again indiscriminately, to let seeds germinate, grow and produce food for us and grain to plant (v10, First Reading), continuing the cycle. Like the Sacraments that cultivate our hearts. God leads us to fruitfulness. We cannot stay - or become - unproductive.

When obedience to the Word leads us to suffering and sacrifice, it is not to frustrate us; God permits it (v20, Second Reading Romans 8:18-23) to identify His children (v19). There is hope (v20) for the Word assures us of salvation and incomparable is that glory (v18). Yet, there is a subtle warning. Those who do not understand – who do not act according to God’s purpose – will be deprived of even what they have (Gospel, v11, v12). Let us wait with eagerness until God sets our bodies free (v22, v23, Second Reading,). Just like God who sees everything waits for us to be fruitful. Let us be good soil and bear much fruit (Responsorial Psalm).