Holy Spirit Parish - BFQC

23/05/2026

May 24, 2026
Descent of the Holy Spirit Upon the Apostles

The Grace of the Holy Spirit

The Gospel Jn 20:19-23 and the 1st Reading Acts 2:1-11 tell us of two different instances of the Holy Spirit blessing the Apostles. In the Gospel, on the night of the resurrection (v19) when Jesus breathed on the Apostles and said “receive the holy spirit” (v22). God’s breath (RUAH) is Holy Spirit. In the First Reading, on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit manifested in various forms: first a noise like a strong driving wind filled the room (v2) and second, tongues as of fire appeared, parted and came to rest on the Apostles (v3). In both Readings, the Apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit for different purposes. In the Gospel, the forgiveness of sins (v23). In the First Reading, they began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim (v4). This was a Holy Spirit guided and aided great commission to make disciples of all nations (Gospel last week, Matthew 28:19).

Today is the birthday of the Catholic Church. Of course, salvation is made possible by the self-sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. But Pentecost marks the opening of the Church to the world. It is like a movie with teasers but essentially kept under wraps until its premier showing. In the 1st Reading, a large crowd gathered after being attracted by the Holy Spirit manifested by the roaring wind (v2). The multi-racial crowd - Parthians, Medes and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia …, as well as travelers from Rome (v9, v10) - were told of the mighty acts of God (v11) in their own language, spoken by the Apostles who were Galileans (v6, v7, v8) because they were enabled by the Holy Spirit to proclaim in different tongues (v4).

God indeed created us to be different from each other, despite which we are one in faith. We are as different as our thumb prints. But there is only one spirit even if there are different kinds of spiritual gifts (v4, 2nd Reading 1 Cor 12:3-7.12-13), the same Lord even if there are different forms of service/ministry (v5), the same God who produces all different workings in everyone (v6). Different but equals. God loves us all the same way.

We only have one body which is composed of many diverse parts performing different functions. It is the same with the Church – in one spirit, we all were baptized into the one body of Christ (v12, v13). We are the many parts making Christ’s body, diverse in gifts that come from one divine source but united in purpose which is the common good of those who love Him. The Holy Spirit broke all language and racial barriers, making us one community of believers. Today, we easily understand each other through a common language of love, kindness, charity, compassion, forgiveness and many more.

Best of all, the Spirit empowers us believers for ministry and witness. We carry on, doing our respective duties based on our special gifts.

Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth (Responsorial Psalm).

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16/05/2026

May 17, 2026
Ascension of the Lord

PUSH ON

Galilee. It was there that Jesus selected his first Apostles to start his public ministry. Following his resurrection, he instructed his Apostles to meet him there. And now, the transition: his Apostles receive the great commission to continue his work: go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; teach them to observe my commands. Jesus also promised – I will be with you always to the end of time (v19 and v20, Gospel, Matthew 28:16-20).

Jesus, who received all authority in heaven and on earth (v18), delegates to his Apostles the duty to further spread his message, to continue building his church. All nations. Open to everyone. That is what Catholic means. It was in fulfillment of this command that our faith, reached us. His Apostles at his sight worshipped him (v21) but some hesitated. Not in faith as we can see but in understanding his miraculous resurrection. They have witnessed his miracles. He made the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf and mute hear and speak. He taught with authority. They have seen him raise Lazarus from death; also Jairus’ daughter and the widow Nain’s son already on the way to the cemetery. But his resurrection was different – Jesus who was dead wills himself to live again.

We cannot hesitate. The great commission has been passed on to us, the baptized who received the Holy Spirit (v5, First Reading, Acts 1:1-11), to spread the good news. Evangelization is the way by which those who have found the greatest of treasurers tell everyone where to find it. We found it. So we must pass it on.
Jesus has been lifted up to heaven. The Apostles had looked up watching his Ascension until he was hidden by the clouds (v9), but he will come back in the same way we see him go (v11). This is a prediction of the second coming, and Jesus himself told his Apostles he will come back to fetch them. While we wait, we must push on – spread his good news, continue building up his church, adding to our number – because we are now his witnesses to the earth’s remotest end (v8). Not always by speaking but more importantly with a life of faithfulness to God. Let us be persevering.

We have been called; Jesus himself will give us the spirit of wisdom and understanding so that we will have full knowledge of him (v17, Second Reading, Ephesians 1:17-23). He will let us see how rich the heritage is that he promises his holy people (v18). As head of the Church, he has put all things under his feet (v22) and we should let him rule over us for he is above any name that can be named not only now but also in the age to come (v21).

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26/04/2026

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25/04/2026

April 26, 2026
3rd Sunday of Easter

Listen To The Good Shepherd

Peter said “Listen carefully” (v14, First Reading, Acts 2:14, 36-41). Last week’s First Reading also began with this verse. This is the first step to discipleship.

In the Gospel (John 10:1-10), Jesus told his audience “the sheep hear his voice, one by one he calls his own sheep and leads them out” (v3). At that time, listening was how they learned. Today, we “listen” to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, through careful study, attentive participation in Masses, recollections and retreats, etc.

Jesus is the gate (v9). We must know him. He the only legitimate entrance to salvation. Prayer is an important ingredient of our faith. He also said “I am the way, the truth and the life : no man comes to the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). The sheepfold (v1) is his kingdom. There, we will be safe; the shepherd leads the sheep in and out and find pasture (v9). Jesus comes so that the sheep may have life and have it to the full; he warns against thieves and bandits who come to steal, kill and destroy (v10). Be wary of these who enter not through the gate (v1, v8). They mislead us to shout “crucify him, crucify him.” This gets repeated when we sin. Let us also remember that narrow is the gate that leads to eternal life while wide it is that leads to destruction (hell).

Peter’s audience listened carefully. Accepting they have crucified Jesus who unassailably is “the Lord and Christ whom God has made” (First Reading, v36), they asked what they needed to do (v37). Peter called for repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and they will be forgiven and receive the Holy Spirit (v39). That, too, is the way the Lord calls us to himself (v39). Now after baptism, through the Sacrament of Penance that Jesus himself instituted (Mt 16:19; 18: 18), we confess our sins to the Priests who stand for Jesus and through whom we are also forgiven.

Christ is who we follow. His is the voice we listen to. He calls us. He suffered for us and left us an example to imitate (v21, Second Reading, First Peter 2:20-25). Our healing came from his bruises, from his cross, from his death (v24), though he was upright and did not fight back, trusting no one but God to judge him (v22–v23). We must be patient with sacrifices that come to us by being followers of Christ (v20).

The steps to holiness Jesus showed us. He invites us to take these steps, the path to eternal life. He is the guardian of our souls and he continues to watch over us; we, the sheep who have gone astray, must return to him (v25). He is all we need. The Lord is our shepherd; there is nothing we shall want. (Responsorial Psalm)

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20/04/2026

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19/04/2026

19 April 2026
3rd Sunday of Easter
HOPE FOR ETERNITY

The travelers to Emmaus had hoped Jesus’ mission was to free Israel (v21, Gospel, Luke 24:13-35) from Rome, then their occupiers. When he died on the Cross, that (wrong) hope had vanished. They were downcast! (v17) Jesus was finished!

This was “that very same day” (v13) - Resurrection day of the Lord. They heard of 3 women reporting Jesus’ body was missing; an angel announced he had been raised “but their story seemed like nonsense and they did not believe them” (Luke 23, v6 and v7). So they left Jerusalem. They left the Church. But Jesus travelled with them.

Jesus called them “foolish” and “slow to believe” (v25). Scripture says it was necessary the Christ should suffer before entering into his glory (v26). The others were “foolish” likewise for their lack of understanding. If they listened at all while Jesus was teaching, was the prophesy of the resurrection so difficult to comprehend?

How blessed we are who have not seen but believe. (John 20:29) But we, too, are often “foolish” – unbelieving, doubtful, disobedient, spiritually blind, clueless about God’s plan. The Road to Emmaus is like our journey. We must go back believing. On that Road was the first Mass after the Resurrection. Jesus made them rejoin the Church. He recited and explained the Scripture. Then, the breaking of the bread (v30). As soon as they recognized him, Jesus vanished. (v31) In that bread, Jesus remained. After all, as he held the bread at the Last Supper, Jesus said “This is my body”. When the Priest recites it, we believe. This is the essence of our faith. Sacramentally, we partake at Communion Jesus’ real presence. Christ’s body is broken and shared for humanity’s salvation. Filled with hope, the two returned to Jerusalem and told the others of the appearance of the Lord to them (v33-v35). Like them, let us share the good news.

In the First Reading (Acts 2:14, 22-33), Peter transitions from fear (Gospel last week) to boldly speaking of Christ’s death (1st Reading). “Listen carefully” he said (v14). Then he charged the Jews with Christ’s death: you are all guilty. (v23) Guilt is also on us. For we believe Christ died to save us from our sins. The sinless, the spotless lamb ransomed us sinners with his precious blood (v18-v19, Second Reading, First Peter 1:17-21)

Then he rises. And so indeed we should listen! Christ fulfilled the prophesies of David (v26, et seq. First Reading). Our flesh dwells in hope. God will not abandon us. Christ gave us faith and hope in God who raised him from death and gave him glory (v21, Second Reading). The path of life Jesus showed us (Responsorial Psalm) is the path to eternity.

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13/04/2026

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11/04/2026

April 12, 2026
2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER

Eternal Love

Nazareth. The angel’s announcement. Mary’s YES! Joseph’s YES! The journey to the census. The incarnation in Bethlehem. Jesus’ baptism. Peter said “you know … how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. … They put him to death … This man God raised on the third day … seen … by us … who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.” (First Reading on Easter Sunday, Acts 10: 34a, 37-43).

Beyond Calvary. The Church was unfolding. On the evening of the resurrection, Jesus appeared to the Apostles. The Prince of Peace greeted them “Peace be with you.” (v19, Gospel, John 20:19-31) He showed them his wounds; they understood and were joyful (v20). Again he said “Peace be with you.” Remove the guilt in your hearts. I forgive you. Then they were sent. The great commissioning. As the Father had sent him (v21). On a mission of salvation. With God’s breath, he gave them the Holy Spirit (v22). The sins you forgive are forgiven; if you retain anyone's sins, they are retained. (v23) Jesus’ resurrection opened for us the path to heaven where we must appear unblemished. But Jesus knew man would sin again. Sin separates man from God. Jesus instituted a way for man to be reconciled with God. God’s great Divine Mercy. Written from the beginning!

Thomas was absent. He said to see is to believe (v24 and v25). The Lord appeared again. Peace be with you, he said (v26). Examine my wounds and believe, Jesus said (v27). Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!” (v28). The doubter acknowledged Jesus’ lordship and divinity. A most profound declaration of faith. Was it sincere? “You believe because you can see me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (v29) Blessed are we then who believe what the early faithful had written that we may believe and have life through his name (v31). But do we deserve him? Is he truly Lord and God to us? The fulfillment of the promise requires our active participation.

The Apostles began to preach (v42, First Reading, Acts 2:42-47). Working many signs and wonders, everyone was filled with awe (v43). They shared with everyone (v44 thru v46). Properties sold to feed. Bread broken. Prayers shared. Day by day the Lord added to their community those destined to be saved (v47). How we have soiled the ideals of our Church. Especially with greed.

About us Peter speaks in the Second Reading (Peter 1:3-9). We have not seen him yet we love him, believe in him. We are filled with indescribable and glorious joy (v8). Jesus’ rising from death is our living hope of a new birth an unfading heritage (v7). Permanently reserved for us in heaven (v3 and v4), the goal of our faith (v9).

Give thanks to the Lord for his everlasting love. (Responsorial Psalm).

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04/04/2026

April 5, 2026
Easter Sunday

CHRIST, OUR HOPE, IS RISEN! ALLELUIA!

The Apostles did not yet understand the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead (Gospel, Jn 20:1-9). In fact, when Mary Magdalene found the tomb empty, she reported to the Apostles “they have taken the Lord from the tomb and we don’t know where they put him. When Peter and the other disciple reached the tomb, they found the burial cloths inside separately from the cloth that covered Jesus’ head rolled up. In the meticulous placement of these, Jesus continued to teach. He had mentioned he will be killed and rise again but this lesson was beyond comprehension.

So, Jesus stayed. We are witnesses of all that he did, Peter said; we ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead, Peter also said. (First Reading, Acts 10:34a. 37-43). He did not allow the empty tomb to be the only proof of his rising. The death of Jesus was real. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. He was buried, and this was why his empty tomb is important to our faith. His resurrection is real. If robbers stole his body as initially feared, the thieves likely would not unwrap him, they likely would have been rushing and left the tomb in disarray. Jesus left the tomb in good order so those who will witness his absence from it will see and believe.

In spectacular battle, death and life contended, the Prince of Life is risen, angels attest to it, he reigns immortal (Sequence).
Jesus conquered death for us believers for whom was unlocked the path to eternity (COLLECT [Opening Prayer]). This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad (Responsorial Psalm). We receive forgiveness of sin through Jesus’ name; we obtained new life (Sequence), a new identity in Christ. If then we are raised with him (2nd Reading Col 3:1-4), we should be transformed and live this new reality, seeking what is above, forgetting what are in this world. In other words, seek heaven where Jesus sits at the right hand of God.

We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song! (St. John Paul II) Let us thank God – his rising gives us second chances. Let us take these as opportunities for redemption and renewal.

Maligayang Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay!

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28/03/2026

29 March 2026
Palm Sunday

The Silent Suffering of Jesus and The Politics of Envy

Jesus was killed by envy. Many thought he would liberate the Jews from Roman bo***ge. His mission was to free us from sin. He was popular, he spoke with authority and he was able to perform miracles. The religious leaders had none of these. They envied him. He was a threat to their power, influence and even business (among others, in the Temple, they controlled the money changers). So, they invented false charges (blasphemy for calling himself the Son of Man) and put him on trial. They found guilty (Gospel Mt 27:11-54). Naturally. The persecutors were the judges themselves. The punishment was death but only Romans can pronounce it so they presented him to Pilate. They agitated the Jews who became a mob to clamor for his life. They even chose to free Barabbas instead of Jesus.

Pilate knew he was innocent but he had to appease the religious leaders who threatened disorder. He was the powerful Roman governor but he needed to balance interests (Rome’s and the religious leaders’). He had to keep the peace lest his track record is blemished. The religious leaders exploited it. Weakened, he gave in to cries of crucifixion. He washed his hands, a Jewish tradition, to deny responsibility. Seeing this, the crowd dared “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” Again another Jewish tradition – generational sin – which Jesus had said was wrong. Ironic that Jesus was shedding his blood to save people from sin but his detractors were mortgaging theirs and their descendants to be sure he dies.

He died for us. Thus, when we sin, we cry “crucify him!” We had been told countless times. The Readings have other lessons we should not miss.

On the way to Calvary, Simon of Cyrene (a city in North Africa, present day Libya) was forced by the Romans to help Jesus carry the Cross. Probably, he was visiting Jerusalem because he was a Jew and it was Passover. He resisted. It was not his politics. But the Romans ruled and he was unexpectedly thrust into service, prefiguring us Christians in the ways we are called to discipleship where we share in Christ’s suffering. Often unforeseen, sudden and surprising. This is how we are called to take up our crosses and follow Jesus. The Apostles were called the same way.

The crowd mocked Jesus all day. Untold suffering was inflicted on him. He was insulted. One shouted “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!” He was talking about his resurrection. They did not understand. After Jesus’ cried –“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” and gave up his spirit, it had to be a Roman Centurion, a Gentile, who would acknowledge Jesus’ divinity “Truly, this was the Son of God!” We know that now thanks to our forefathers and must witness that this is the Son of God!

Pilate himself, the Gospel says, was amazed at Jesus’ silence and meekness. He did not defend himself because the Lord God gave him a well-trained tongue to speak and give hope to the weary (1st Reading Is 50:4-7). He was sent not for himself but for us. He came to serve, not to be served. He is the suffering servant, the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophesies. Jesus gave all of himself. He could have avoided suffering. He is God and he could have escaped. He did not. For he believed “The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced.” He did not withhold even his life (2nd Reading Phil 2:6-11). By his birth and by his death he taught us to be humble and be obedient to the Father. “Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Amen!

21/03/2026

March 22, 2026
5th Sunday of Lent

Faith and The Glory of God

If we believe, we will see the glory of God.

Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that Lazarus whom he loved was ill (v3, Gospel, John 11:1-45). That was the equivalent of our prayer today. Send healing, O Lord. On hearing this, Jesus declared “This sickness will not end in death, but it is for God's glory so that through it the Son of God may be glorified” (v4). After two more days away (v6) he told his Apostles “Our friend Lazarus is at rest; I am going to wake him.” He put it plainly - “Lazarus is dead; and for your sake I am glad I was not there because now you will believe. But let us go to him.” (v14 and v15)

God’s timing is not the same as man’s. When Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been buried for 4 days (v17; v39). Someone said “He opened the eyes of the blind man. Could he not have prevented this man's death?” (v37) Both Mary and Martha told Jesus if he would have been around, Lazarus would still be alive (v21-v22; v32). Indeed! But God’s “delays” are actually setting up for something better, bigger. Jesus himself told his Apostles it was deliberate he stayed away and now they will see and believe! It is the same for us, so in faith we should be patient and continue to implore the Lord.

Martha also believed that God will grant Jesus whatever he asks. Jesus said Lazarus will rise again (v23). But Martha’s belief is resurrection on the last day (v24). Jesus meant now! Today! So, Jesus said: “I am the resurrection. Anyone who believes in me, even though that person dies, will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (v25-v26) Martha confessed her faith “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.” (v27) Perhaps, at the back of Martha’s mind “but Lazarus is still dead! You still arrived too late!” It is us doubting what we believe in.

Never doubt. As soon as Jesus ordered that the tomb be opened, she opposed saying by now the body would smell (v39). Jesus told Martha “Have I not told you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?” (v40) With the stone rolled, Jesus thanked God: “Father, I thank you for hearing my prayer. I myself knew that you hear me always, but I speak for the sake of all these who are standing around me, so that they may believe it was you who sent me.” (v41 and v42) We should always be confident in our prayers and be thankful for God’s blessings. He then raised Lazarus who came out of the tomb and many Jews started to believe Jesus (v45).

The raising of Lazarus gives us a taste of the fulfillment of the prophesy of Ezekiel (Second Reading, Ezekiel 37:12-14) when Yahweh will open graves and lead his people back to the soil of Israel (v12). This is liberation from death, a foretaste we saw in Lazarus whom Jesus ordered untied (Gospel, v43-v44). It also foreshadowed Jesus’ own resurrection. Ezekiel’s was not just about the exiled in Babylon returning to Israel, the promised land (which was also fulfilled). God put his spirit (breath) in us at creation. The same spirit will raise us from the dead and what he promised he will fulfill (v14). Being the resurrection and the life (Gospel, v25-v26), Jesus has absolute sovereignty over our life and death.

Our promised land is heaven, the new Israel and Ezekiel’s prophesy extends to those who have pleased God returning home. St. Paul thus explains that those who live by the flesh cannot please God (v8, Second Reading, Romans 8:8-11) and does not belong to God (v9). Sin is a barrier. It makes us dead (v10) but forgiveness and the spirit of God dwelling in us will raise us through the same spirit that raised Jesus (v11). Jesus is the resurrection; it is not some future event (Bro. Aldy). God raises us up all the time. He is forgiving. With the Lord, there is mercy and fullness of redemption (Responsorial Psalm).

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