Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 21 October 2025 Tuesday, Feast of St. Pedro Calungsod, Martyr Romans 5:12, 15, 17-19, 20-21 <*((((>< + ><))))*> Luke 12:35-38
Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 5:20-21).
Your words today, O Lord Jesus Christ are so inspiring so reassuring and edifying in these most troubled times of our lives; everywhere we look or turn, there is an anomaly, a corruption happening or unearthed that sadly hurt most the poor and marginalized.
Yet, despite our many trials and hardships in life these days, we never run out of good people going out of their ways to help, to care, to guide those in need; most wonderful to hear most of these great stories of love and care are by simple folks, so unlike those supposed to be more educated, more upward and mobile!
It was the same situation of persecution when St. Pedro Calungsod kept his lamp lighted with good works among the locals in Guam where he met his martyrdom. Keep us faithful, Jesus overflow us with your grace while awaiting your daily coming especially during the most trying times. Amen.
Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 20 October 2025 Monday in the Twenty-Ninth Week of Ordinary Time, Year I Romans 4:20-25 <*((((>< + ><))))*> Luke 12:13-21
Photo by author, Jerusalem, May 2017.
Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” (Luke 12:13-14)
Lord Jesus, I felt I am that "someone in the crowd" asking you to tell my brother to share the inheritance with me and honestly, I felt so stunned with your answer.
I was shocked and surprised, could not speak a word to explain to you my side of the story but wholly, I felt so liberated. I felt so free, finally. Because your reply was so reassuring, with you even calling me a "friend".
How foolish for us to be so engaged with material pursuits in life that never truly give us fulfillment except success which is so relative; so true are your words, Jesus: "one's life does not consist of possessions."
Lord Jesus, teach me to let go of my many possessions that actually possess me and make me unfree; instead of possessions, let me have relationships - with you in others; like Abraham, give me the grace to know you so that in knowing you, I may value the truest treasure that remains forever and ever. Amen.
Lord My Chef Sunday Recipe for the Soul, 19 October 2025 Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C Exodus 17:8-13 ><))))*> 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2 ><))))*> Luke 18:1-8
Photo by author, sunrise at Camp John Hay, Baguio City, November 2018.
There are just five more weeks remaining in our current liturgical calendar and soon after the Solemnity of Christ the King on November 23, we shall usher in the new year with the season of Advent on November 30 – the four Sundays before Christmas.
That is why today and next Sunday, as Jesus nears Jerusalem Luke tells us more teachings of the Lord about prayer not found in other gospel accounts, namely, the parables of the unjust judge and persistent widow, and the Pharisee and the tax collector.
Remember that prayer is so central in the message of Luke in his gospel account as well as in the Acts of the Apostles wherein we see Jesus and the early Church always at prayer. For Luke, prayer is more of a relationship with God than a ritual, an expression of our faith in God. Hence, the need to persist in prayer like that widow in today’s parable by Jesus.
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought…’because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.'” (Luke 18:1-5).
Photo by author, Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, Baguio City, 2019.
While we are all very familiar with this parable, one thing needs to be clarified: many times we are indeed “persistent” in our prayers like that widow in the Lord’s parable but after a long time of praying, we wonder, even doubt God as nothing seems to happen to our prayers that remain unanswered.
So, what is to persist in prayer like that widow in the Lord’s parable?
The answer lies not entirely in the parable but in the conclusion by Jesus as presented by Luke:
The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:6-8)
We reflected last Sunday in the healing of the ten lepers that faith is a relationship expressed when we are grateful to God who blesses us as shown by the Samaritan leper healed. This Sunday, Luke deepens that truth that prayer is an expression of faith when he called Jesus as “Lord” at the conclusion of the parable.
First, we notice him telling us how “The Lord said”. Luke did not simply use his usual style of narration of “Jesus said” because in using the title “Lord”, he gives a solemn tone to the declaration by Jesus at the end of the parable where its lesson actually lies.
Moreover, it is the title “Lord” is what the disciples attributed to the Resurrected Christ; to call Jesus as “Lord” is to have complete faith in him.
Painting of “Parable of the Unjust Judge” by Pieter de Greber (1628) from Web Gallery of Art,http://www.wga.hu.
Second, when Luke wrote “The Lord said” in the conclusion of the parable, he was introducing a revelation to which we must all “pay attention” as the Lord demanded his listeners then. God is more than that unjust judge in the parable because as the Lord said, “he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.”
Actually, the parable is not about praying unceasingly or persistently to obtain one’s favor because “the Lord said” God does not wait for his “chosen ones who call out to him day and night”; recall how Jesus had said in many instances that even before we ask God in prayers, he already knew what we needed. God is always speaking to us and we merely respond to him when we pray. That is why every time we pray, our prayer is already answered because we have responded to God. But, have we really listened to God in our prayers? This leads us to the important teaching of the Gospel this Sunday.
Third, the most important teaching in that conclusion of the parable of the persistent widow and unjust judge, Jesus our Lord teaches us that God does not only give justice but actually “does justice speedily” or swiftly.
“To do justice” in the Bible means more than rendering a fair judgment like in our courts; in fact, it means differently because “to do justice” biblically means “to justify”, “to renew”, and “to save” as Paul used extensively in his letters.
Therefore, to pray persistently is primarily to pray to be saved or justified. The main lesson of today’s parable is still faith – faith in God who saves us; faith in Jesus Christ our Lord who will come again to lead us to eternal life; and faith that must be reawakened in us always because without it, we cannot find salvation in God nor meaning in this life.
We pray not just to have things which God always knows so well even before we ask him. But, why still pray if God knows what we need? Because we do not know what God needs from us which is to pray always for him, to have him because he is our life, our salvation.
That is why we must persist in prayer and never lose heart because the moment we stop praying, the more we get discouraged in life, then we start doubting God and his love for us, his powers and beautiful plans for us. When this happens, everything falls and we alone suffer and lost.
Hence, the Lord’s challenge to each one of us today with his question at the end of the lesson of his parable, “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
To persist in prayer is not about wearing God down but of allowing our hearts to clarify our desires until we silently surrender to what God knows is best for us which is salvation, to be with him in eternity.
Since Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem, that has always been the most frequently asked question to him. And where can we find its answers? Right in the Sacred Scriptures as Paul reminded Timothy in the second reading: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2Tim.3:16-17).
Photo by Mr. Nicko Timbol, Chapel of the Angel of Peace, OLFU-RISE, Valenzuela City, 03 October 2025.
When we fill ourselves with the Word of God, we are filled with God which is basically what holiness is. That is when we live in deep faith in God when our faith becomes so powerful and transformative because it is aligned with God and his Will as we reflected the other Sunday.
Therefore, to persist in prayers is also to align ourselves with God and his plans and agenda when we can declare like St. Paul that “It is no longer I who lives but Christ in me” (Ga. 2:20). As we have always said, prayer does not change things and situations; prayer changes the person primarily to be like Christ, to be faithful to God always.
Life is difficult, often like a battle with many enemies always attacking us. God is always with us, knows our needs so well but it is still us who shall fight the many battles in this life like the Israelites in the first reading. Without faith and prayer, we cannot fight our many battles in life like the Israelites who prevailed over the stronger forces of Amalek. We can only have the advantage in our many struggles and trials in life when we completely place ourselves under the banner of God in Jesus Christ. Amen. have a prayerful and faithful week ahead, everyone. Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela City (lordmychef@gmail.com)
Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 17 October 2025 Friday, Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop & Martyr Romans 4:1-8 <*{{{{>< + ><}}}}*> Luke 12:1-7
Your words, O Lord Jesus this Friday are so lovely, so comforting especially in this time when many fear ageing, suffering, and death.
I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one (Luke 12:4-5).
How I wish I could hug you, Jesus, lean on you while relishing your calling us "my friends" not to be afraid of those who kill the body; more than trusting you, let me live in you, Jesus like Abraham as explained by St. Paul in the first reading who deeply trusted God in everything; deepen my consciousness as a senior citizen that life does not end in the grave because the soul persists even after death; thank you also for the gift of hair though it had thinned and turned gray, now sparse and perhaps easier for the Father to count and remember but most of all as signs of his love and care for me; let me not be afraid, Jesus, for I am worth more than the sparrows.
St. Ignatius of Antioch whose feast we celebrate today, pray for us modern people so afraid of pain and suffering and death: pray for us to be like you - to accept death, even pursue death which is our rebirth to new life. Amen.
Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II Our Lady of Fatima University Valenzuela City (lordmychef@gmail.com)
Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 16 October 2025 Thursday, Memorial of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin Romans 3:21-30 <*((((>< + ><))))*> Luke 11:47-54
Photo by author, Sacred Heart Novitiate, Novaliches, May 2018.
If there is one thing I could wish from you, Lord Jesus, at this very moment after hearing your words to sit beside you, just be with you to feel you - are you angry with us? Or mad, at least disappointed?
I feel afraid and worried, Lord.
The Lord said: “Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say (Luke 11:52-53).
You are not only filled with courage and wisdom but very bold to express them; how I wish, Lord, I could have that grace to truly speak my heart out, to express what the Father had sent me to proclaim, to disturb the complacent and corrupt, the indifferent and self-righteous among us; or, at least, grant me Lord the diplomacy and formality of St. Paul who was very much like you in proclaiming the truth boldly and courageously.
Let me sit more often in your silence and feelings, Jesus; let your salvation be manifested in me without any tinge of boasting except only in your most holy name. Amen.
Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II Our Lady of Fatima University Valenzuela City (lordmychef@gmail.com)
Photo by author, Nagsasa Cove, San Antonio, Zambales, 19 October 2024.
Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 15 October 2025 Wednesday, Memorial of St. Teresa of Avila, Virgin & Doctor of Church Romans 2:1-11 <*{{{{>< + ><}}}}*> Luke 11:42-46
Photo by author, Mt. Arayat viewed from Angeles City, Pampanga, May 2022.
Your words, O Lord Jesus are sobering... and so liberating.
You, O man, are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment. For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things… Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:1, 4)
How lovely are your words through St. Paul today, Jesus: "You, O man, are without excuse, everyone of you"... whoever you are. And that's all of us!
What a beautiful reminder in this time that when it comes to God's judgment, not one of us is any better than the other; indeed, there is no partiality in you, O Lord, because you are so kind to give each one of us to have that chance to change for the best, to be able to enter into a communion in you in prayer.
On this Memorial of St. Teresa of Avila, teach us to strive in prayers, to learn her ways of discipline and humility, of openness and trust in you so that we may enter into your very heart O Lord where only you would suffice. Amen.
St. Teresa of Avila, Pray for us!
Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II Our Lady of Fatima University Valenzuela City (lordmychef@gmail.com)
Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 14 October 2025 Tuesday in the Twenty-Eighth Week of Ordinary Time, Year I Romans 1:16-25 ><}}}}*> + ><}}}}*> + ><}}}}*> Luke 11:37-41
Photo by author, The Manila Club, BGC, June 2025.
Lord Jesus, give me the courage and boldness of St. Paul to declare "I am not ashamed of the Gospel" (Romans 1:16); how wonderful that he was able to echo your very feelings and stand when invited by a Pharisee to a dinner:
The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before meal. The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil” (Luke 11:38-39).
Invitations and being ashamed go together but do not necessarily match perfectly; to be invited means to be included, a gesture of hospitality and kindness that sometimes make us feel shy and ashamed; however, many times when invited we feel "obligated" to be untrue in our feelings and thoughts in order not to offend our hosts while sometimes, there are those who abuse and overstep in the hospitality of the one inviting.
But you, Jesus, tells us today that an invitation is not merely to get into a house or home but of the other person; hence, an invitation is a call to be true for it pertains to something inner within us not to be ashamed of what true and good like your words that pierce the surface, "You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside?" (Luke 11:40).
Let me go inside myself Jesus but, most of all, come to me, Lord Jesus and feel me with your honesty and sincerity, courage and boldness to be not ashamed of what is true and good. Amen.
Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II Our Lady of Fatima University Valenzuela City (lordmychef@gmail.com)
Photo by author, Angels’ Hills Spirituality Center, Tagaytay City, 24 April 2025.
Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 13 October 2025 Monday, 108th Anniversary of Last Apparition at Fatima, Portugal Romans 1:1-7 ><]]]]'> + ><]]]]'> + ><]]]]'> Luke 11:29-32
We celebrate today the 108th anniversary of the final apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal that made it the most relevant proof in modern times of the existence of God and of his immense love for mankind through his Son Jesus Christ.
It was on this date, October 13, 1917 when the “Miracle of the Sun” happened at Fatima as the Virgin Mary appeared for the last time to Lucia Santos and her two younger cousins now Saints Francisco and his sister Jacinta Marto along with an estimated crowd of 70,000 made up of believers and unbelievers as well as skeptics and hecklers. They all witnessed the phenomenon that many verified with sworn accounts of how the Sun “danced” in the sky and then careened to Earth while emitting radiant colors that lasted for about ten minutes.
It was the sixth and last apparition of the Blessed Mother to the three children that began on May 13, 1917 and since then, devotion to Our Lady of Fatima grew which also boosted the praying of the Holy Rosary after the Blessed Virgin Mary introduced herself as the Lady of the Rosary. It was on that last apparition when the Blessed Mother told the children how World War I would soon end with a warning that “People must amend their lives and ask pardon for their sins. They must not offend our Lord any more, for He is already too much offended!”
Though the Fatima feast is officially set on May 13, many churches and devotees around the world still celebrate the October 13 apparition not only because of the dancing sun miracle but most of all of the ever-timely and relevant calls of the Blessed Mother for penance and conversion that echo the teachings of her Son Jesus Christ in today’s gospel:
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah… At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here” (Luke 11:29, 32).
Procession of the National Pilgrim Image of Fatima at her National Shrine in Valenzuela, 13 May 2025. Photo credit to the owner.
With the recent calamities and corruption scandals that have been rocking our nation these past four months, the Fatima apparition of October 13, 1917 remains significant especially for us in the Philippines today for three reasons.
First, we have to see the last apparition of October 13, 1917 not as the final one but the start or beginning of the unfolding of more revelations and realizations for us. In fact, Sr. Lucia continued to received private visions while in the convent as a nun in 1925 through the 1930’s. During her last interview in 1957 while already a cloistered Carmelite nun, Sr. Lucia revealed how during that last apparition to them (her two cousins have died in 1919 and 1920 during the flu pandemic), the Blessed Virgin Mary looked very sad and never smiled to indicate the gravity and seriousness of her messages to them.
The Blessed Mother must be looking more sad than ever with us Filipinos since July this year with the wholesale corruption by DPWH officials in connivance with some former and current lawmakers that have caused so many people to suffer with perennial flood. Most especially because those involved in the worst corruption we have so far are Catholics and Christians! Imagine the pain of the Blessed Mother who is surely crying, saying, “mahiya naman kayo!”
One problem with the common perception of many people even up to now with the last apparition of Fatima is to equate it with the end of the world, of worldwide catastrophe that have instilled more of fear and even controversies that included doubts of the Vatican allegedly not fully revealing the Third Secret despite assurances from the visionary herself, Sr. Lucia who said before her death in 2005 that all Fatima Secrets have been fully revealed.
If we take the Fatima apparitions as a whole, we find in it more of messages of hope and joy for us in the Philippines and the world. The Blessed Mother appeared in Fatima not to scare us but to inspire us to turn away from sins, to be converted and be holy so that the world may truly find peace in Jesus her Son.
The last things do not necessarily mean destruction like when we say in Filipino it is the end or “wakas”, it usually means “wasak” or destruction; normally, when there is wakas and wasak, there is “bago” or new being built or established to replace the old one.
Therefore, the last apparition at Fatima in 1917 is also the signal of new beginnings, new undertaking, new opportunities, new hope in Jesus Christ who is the ultimate sign of God’s loving presence among us amid the trials and difficulties like these calamities and corruption in the country. It is not being simplistic but we just have to trust Jesus and his Mother Mary that we be sorry for our sins, stop doing what is sinful and evil, be converted and lead holy lives. Repentance leads to true wisdom because it is only in doing what is right when things would be right in order.
Photo by author, July 2023.
At the last apparition in Fatima 108 years ago, it is very interesting how two elements prevailed on that day: rains and the sun. And these are our second and third points of reflection on the sign of Fatima.
According to official accounts, rains have soaked wet the people and the whole of Cova da Iria in Fatima, Portugal for two days, October 12-13, 1917 before the Blessed Mother’s final apparition. How wonderful is the plentiful sign of rains, of water that signify the call for inner cleansing and purification of our hearts and person.
And when the sun “danced” later, the people were astonished how they and their clothes where dried along with the whole surroundings as if it had not rained the previous day and night after witnessing the spectacular display of colors and light!
May we see more of the light of Jesus in our lives so we may be cleansed and ready to work for another day of conversion and holiness just like St. Paul in the first reading today who reminds us to be witnesses of Christ:
… but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Bentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ (Romans 1:4-6).
As witnesses of Christ and pilgrims of hope, we are invited today more than ever in the light of the Blessed Mother’s last apparition at Fatima in 1917 to usher in new hopes for us to become better persons who build stronger families and more vibrant church communities.
At Fatima 108 years ago today, we are invited by the Blessed Mother to be focused more in revealing God’s will as experienced and prayed in the the Sacred Scriptures than taking sides in politics and going down to the worldly debates on abortion and divorce as well as gender issues beyond male and female.
How true indeed are the words of Jesus that “this generation is an evil generation seeking so many signs” to stretch its concepts of justice and equality, of rights and freedom without recognizing the need for humility and acceptance, responsibility and maturity as exemplified by the three children at Fatima. Let us make today the beginning of our conversion and transformation in Christ Jesus with the help of the Blessed Mother. Amen. Our Lady of Fatima, Pray for us.Fr. Nicanor F. lalog II, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela City (lordmychef@gmail.com)
From cbcpnews.net, 13 May 2022, at the Parish of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Valenzuela City.
Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 13 October 2025 Monday in Twenty-Eighth Week of Ordinary Time, Year I Romans 1:1-7 <*((((>< + ><))))*> Luke 11:29-32
Photo by author, St. Paul Center for Renewal, Alfonso, Cavite, August 2025.
Are we doomed, Lord Jesus? Your words today are so penetrating and we deserve them considering the news of wholesale corruption in our country, the indifference of many that sadly include shepherds of souls.
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah… At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here” (Luke 11:29, 32).
The sign of Jonah is about repentance while the sign of the queen of the south is about wisdom; true wisdom happens when we repent because repentance is an expression of our fear of the Lord that is the beginning of wisdom; teach us, Jesus, to be signs who point to you, the "someone larger" than Jonah and the queen of the south for you are the ultimate sign of all; like Paul, let us be the living witnesses of your glorious resurrection by proclaiming your good news of salvation both in words and in actions. Amen.
Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II Our Lady of Fatima University Valenzuela City (lordmychef@gmail.com)
Photo by author, St. Paul Center for Renewal, Alfonso, Cavite, August 2025.
Lord My Chef Sunday Recipe for the Soul, 12 October 2025 Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C 2 Kings 5:14-17 ><}}}}*> 2 Timothy 2:8-13 ><}}}}*> Luke 17:11-19
Photo by author, view of Israel from Mt. Nebo, Jordan, May 2019.
Our gospel setting this Sunday strikes a deep lasting impression on anyone who had been on a Holy Land pilgrimage: of those vast expanse of desert in Israel where dusty roads have been replaced by modern concrete or asphalted roads.
Perhaps the feelings remain the same today and during the time of Jesus when he and the Twelve were near the border between Samaria and Galilee, several figures who turned out to be ten lepers appeared at a distance, waving their hands to the Lord. It must have been a surprising sight, then and now, of being found in the desert. Imagine the desperation in their voices of those ten lepers, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” (Lk.17:13).
Jesus right away told them to go show themselves to the priests, and as they went, they were healed. But only one—a Samaritan—returned to thank Jesus who wondered aloud: “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you” (Lk.17:17-19).
“The Healing of Ten Lepers” painting by James Tissot en.wikipedia.org
Last Sunday we reflected that faith is primarily a relationship with God; hence, its powers or efficacy will work only when aligned with God and his Holy Will. We will never know how strong we have grown in faith until we get into tests and trials. That is why, the need for us to imitate the Twelve in praying to Jesus, “Increase our faith” (Lk.17:5).
We grow best in faith when we worship God with our fellow believers in the celebration of the Holy Mass especially on Sundays which is our Sabbath. More than a day of rest, Sabbath is a day of restoration to God, with others and most of all, with one’s self. It is a return to Eden, a dress rehearsal of our entry into heaven to dwell in God’s presence eternally.
This is where lies the beauty and significance of this healing of ten lepers – they were not only restored to health but restored in God, to their families, and to their community and fellow believers.
Photo by author, Jerusalem, May 2017.
Those ten lepers have never known any rest at all since getting afflicted with the disease for they were cut off from homes, worship, and community. That is why they could not get near Jesus as they have to keep their distance from everyone according to their laws in order to prevent infecting others and spreading the disease. Likewise, it was the very reason that anyone healed of leprosy or any serious sickness must first present themselves to the priests who have the sole authority to declare one has been healed and therefore may be allowed to reintegrate with their family and community or society in general. Being declared as healed of sickness like leprosy at that time meant the restoration of one’s rights to worship in the temple or synagogue especially on Sabbath.
When Jesus healed them, he restored more than just their bodies and physical health. In sending them to the priests, Jesus invited them into the wholeness of what the Sabbath really is like peace, inclusion, and dignity.
Or, salvation in short.
Sad to say, only one realized this when he returned to thank Jesus. The healed Samaritan leper knew and felt a deeper healing had taken place within him that he responded with heartfelt gratitude to God in Jesus. There was a deepening of his faith in Jesus when he decided to return to thank the Lord that also expressed his desire to enter into a relationship with Jesus.
Photo by author, Sacred Heart Novitiate, Novaliches, QC, 20 March 2025.
Whenever we thank people for their kindness no matter how little that may be, it is more than acknowledging the other person but most of all, of expressing our links with them as well as our desire to be one with them, especially with God who showers us with good things daily. That is why the Mass is also called Eucharist – from the Greek eucharistia meaning “thanksgiving”. After his skin was cleansed of leprosy in the first reading, Naaman the Syrian Army General declared before the Prophet Elisha that he would worship the Lord alone as he returned to his home with two mule-loads of Israeli soil.
Sorry to say but whenever we refuse to celebrate the Mass on Sundays, it means that we are one of those nine ungrateful lepers healed by Jesus! Don’t you feel being called like the Samaritan to return and give thanks to Jesus for the many blessings you have received this Sunday?
See how in this age of faith in a mass-mediated culture that we have become so impersonal, trusting more our gadgets and all those apps like Siri and Waze as if we have already lost faith in the human person. And God.
Photo by Mr. Nicko Timbol, Chapel of the Angel of Peace, OLFU-RISE, Valenzuela City, 03 October 2025.
We spend practically our entire days in front of all kinds of screens than with the face of a human person. Again, this sadly extends to the way we worship with many still stuck in the pandemic mode of online Masses not realizing the important and irreplaceable aspect of personal encounter of Jesus in the actual Mass with other believers.
God remains God even if we do not go to Mass every Sunday. It is us who are losing greatly whenever we skip Sunday Masses, our Sabbath. God specifically made his third commandment to “Remember to keep holy the sabbath day” because Sabbath reminds us that life itself is holy in the first place, a sharing in the life of God. What a tremendous blessing still that even if we forget God or disregard God every Sunday, Paul reminds us today of the beautiful truth and reality that “If we have died with Jesus we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself” (2Tim.2:11-13).
Can you imagine that? If we are unfaithful to Jesus, he remains faithful?
Every Sunday, Jesus tells us to “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you” despite, in spite of our many sins and absences from the Sunday Masses in the past because he wants us to experience the deeper wholeness that comes with faith and gratitude as experienced by that Samaritan leper he had healed. As we continue to journey with Jesus toward Jerusalem facing many trials and sufferings along the way, he calls us to come to him in the Sunday Mass to deepen our faith by resting in his presence.
Is there a space in your life at this stage that you feel like one of those lepers, longing for healing and restoration? In the silence of this Sabbath day in our Sunday Mass, speak to Jesus especially after receiving him Body and Blood in the Holy Communion. Amen. Have a blessed week ahead! Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela City (lordmychef@gmail.com).
Our Lady of Fatima University-Valenzuela, June 2025.
lordmychef.com 