23/05/2026
9️⃣th Novena Mass
Rev. Fr. Mathew Dontogan III reflected on the Gospel reading from St. John. He reminded the faithful that St. John himself was the witness and author of the Gospel of John, the Book of Revelation, and the Letters of John. As Catholics, he encouraged everyone to know the basics of our faith so that when questions from our brothers arise, we may confidently understand and explain the teachings and foundations of the Church.
Fr. Mathew reflected on the moment when Peter, while walking with Jesus, looked back at John and asked, “How about him?” Jesus answered, “Suppose I want him to stay until I come, what concern is it of yours?”
This reflection reminds us that even while following Jesus, Peter became distracted by comparing himself to another disciple. Fr. Mathew shared how this also happens in our own lives. Sometimes, instead of focusing on our own mission and calling, we become too concerned with what others are doing. We compare ourselves, criticize others, become envious, or fail to appreciate the good that God is accomplishing through them.
He reminded us that comparison itself is not always wrong, but we should learn to rejoice in the blessings and successes of others. Jesus did not call us to compete with one another, but to become instruments of His love in different ways. If others are doing well and faithfully serving God, we should be happy for them, because they are fulfilling the mission entrusted to them by the Lord.
Fr. Mathew emphasized that in our parish, everyone is called to help one another. God’s mission is not entrusted only to a few people, but to all of us. Each person has a unique path and responsibility in following Christ. Rather than being distracted by what others have or what others are doing, we are called to remain faithful to the mission God has personally entrusted to us.
He invited everyone to pray,
“Lord, help us to keep our eyes on You. When we feel distracted by others, by what others have or what they are doing, bring us back to our own path. Give us the grace to trust where You are leading us and the strength to follow You with a steady heart.”
Fr. Mathew also connected this reflection to Our Lady of the Way, who continually leads and guides us to Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. As followers of Christ, we walk together in faith, humility, and love. No one is above another, and all are equally called to serve the Lord in their own unique way.
As we end this Novena, may we ask the intercession of Mama Mary to help us become true followers of Christ, people who appreciate, encourage, and rejoice in the goodness and faithfulness of others, while remaining faithful to our own journey with the Lord. 🙏