17/07/2026
READ | An excerpt from the homily of Rev. Msgr. Rizalino Francisco Jr., Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga during the Concelebrated Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Msgr. Rizalino said; "In this time, the world tells us to rely on what we can see, but today's feast reminds us that God often begins in small things, a tiny cloud, a quiet prayer, a humble woman from Nazareth. From these small beginnings came abundant reign, the savior of the world and our salvation."
Today's readings reveal how God accomplishes His greatest works through humble beginnings. Elijah waited with unwavering faith until a tiny cloud appeared over the sea, the first sign of the abundant rain God had promised. In the Gospel, God chose a humble woman from Nazareth whose faithful "Yes" opened the way for the coming of Christ. As St. Paul reminds us, "when the fullness of time had come," God sent His Son, born of a woman, so that we might no longer be slaves but beloved sons and daughters, heirs to His Kingdom.
On this Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, we are invited to trust God's quiet work in our lives. What may seem small to the world, a prayer offered in faith, an act of obedience, a heart surrendered to God, can become the beginning of His greatest blessings. Like Elijah, may we persevere in hope; like Mary, may we say our faithful "Yes"; and like St. Paul reminds us, may we live confidently as God's beloved children, knowing that His promises are always fulfilled in His perfect time.
