Postscript to Jesus calling us, “come to me”

Quiet Storm by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, 08 July 2026

It has been three days since Sunday when we heard Jesus calling us to “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Mt.11:28-30).

It is one of the shortest and most memorable passage in the gospel but, how do we really come to Jesus in order to rest and feel light?

The good news is, it is Jesus who actually comes to us first, inviting us to come to him to find rest and feel light. Exactly like at the meeting of the Risen Lord and Thomas the Apostle eight days after Easter as narrated to us by John. You will recall that last Friday was the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle (June 3) when I presented in my homily Caravaggio’s painting called The Incredulity of Thomas done in 1602. This is the second time I have used a painting by this renowned Italian painter said to be the favorite of the late Pope Francis too.

*Photo of painting by Caravaggio, “The Incredulity of Thomas” via wikipedia.commons.org.*

Thomas “refused” to believe the Apostles’ news to him that Jesus had risen, saying that “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (Jn.10:25).

Many times we are like Thomas, a Didymus, with a twin in life like doubt and certainty, belief and unbelief, darkness and light.

Like Thomas, we say unconsciously that “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (Jn.10:25) because it is when we are suffering, when we are in darkness, when we are in doubt when we truly search and long for God and Jesus.

It is not that Thomas nor we could not believe that Jesus had risen or doubted Christ at all; actually, Thomas believed in Jesus that is why he came on the eighth day to await the Lord’s coming in the same manner that we still pray despite our “doubts”.

Now a week later, his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:26-28)

See the artistry of Caravaggio in this painting, that characteristic play of light and darkness emanating from Jesus, illuminating Thomas and his elder Apostles Peter and John.

All darkness in life are diminished, even vanished completely when we bring everything and everyone in the light of Jesus Christ who comes to us to enlighten us, to illumine us from many darkness we go through in life like Thomas on that night of the eighth day of Easter.

But, there is more to the light of Christ that we can see in this Caravaggio painting.

Amid its stillness and silence, one could feel deeply Jesus Christ’s words last Sunday – come to me – echoed softly, personally, lovingly to Thomas. And to each one of us today.

John tells us that Jesus simply said to Thomas to “Put your finger here and see my hands, bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God” (Jn.20:27-28).

Okay, fine… it is just my imagination or my contemplation that I heard Christ’s words last Sunday echoed in this scene, “come to me and I will give you rest” but, there is something so beautiful and deeply personal with Jesus in saying or implying those same words here. You can hear it so close, so near you, not from afar especially when you consider its Filipino translation of “Lumapit kayo sa akin” or the informal “Halikayo at lumapit sa akin” that both indicate a separation of even a few feet away from Jesus who is calling us.

See the proximity of the four people in this painting. That is how close Jesus gets to us whenever he comes to us, inviting us to come to him in order to find rest especially in those dark moments in our lives, when we feel hurt and abandoned. When we are so stressed out as seen in those wrinkles on the foreheads of the three apostles!

Contrast their images to the serenity of Jesus. Most of all, see also the hands of Jesus, of how his left hand with the nail wound visible moving aside his garment so that Thomas and his companions may see further his pierced side.

Whenever Jesus comes to us, calling us to come to him to show us his wounds from the cross to remind us that before all our pains and hurts came, he was there first to suffer and be wounded and died for us.

And he has come to us again, calling us to come to him because he had risen, assuring us that all our wounds like his will heal eventually! That is when we experience rest. And being light in life.

But, what I love most in this painting is the way Caravaggio depicted the Risen Lord holding the hand of Thomas while probing into his side wound:

How lovely! Caravaggio must be in the highest heaven when he painted this part.

Remember when Thomas dared to say unless he sees the nail marks in the Lord’s hands and put his hand at his side, he would not believe?

Jesus knew it so well not only with Thomas but with each one of us, of our being a Didymus, always with a twin of doubt so that he does not merely appear but touches us to experience deeply, personally his loving presence through his wounds.

See how Caravaggio depicted the left hand of Jesus again with the mark of nail holding the very hand of Thomas, directing his finger into his pierced side. You could feel the sure grip as well as gentleness of the Lord’s hand in leading the finger of Thomas into his pierced side wound. So dramatic as if it is not enough for Jesus to being present but most of all, experienced as closest at possible.

Jesus touches us always, literally and figuratively by holding our wounded selves to experience his wounded self too. He does not only call us in words but leads us with his total self.

Christ’s invitation for us to “come to him” remains personal and personalized. Not mass produced like what is happening these days where speed and reach are the main considerations, not the person.

While writing this piece yesterday, one of the blogs I follow came out with a new article exactly about last Sunday’s gospel scene, claiming that if God texts us today, these very words to “come to me” by Jesus would be his “text message” to us (https://thedevotionalguy.blog/2026/07/07/if-god-sent-you-a-text/).

I believe so. Because text messages have become the closest things we can have of anyone in these days of social media. However, if ever you receive that text message from Jesus, run outside to meet him personally for surely, he had come. Amen. God bless you.

*Photo by author, St. Michael Retreat House, Antipolo City, 16 June 2026.*

Probing the “dark places” within us

Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Friday in the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year II
Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle, 03 July 2026
Ephesians 2:19-22     <*{{{{>< + ><}}}}*>     John 20:24-29

Thank you,
dear Jesus 
for this first Friday in July 2026,
the feast of your Apostle Thomas
called Didymus:
some say due to his having
the twin of faith and doubt
but most likely also our
very own twin because
like him,
deep within us
are many "dark places"
that need to be enlightened
by your light.

Thomas called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. so the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later, disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:24-28)

Every day 
you also come to us,
Lord Jesus
amid the many darkness
around us,
often in our locked doors 
of doubts and disbelief,
cynicism and pessimism, 
grief and hopelessness;
many times we think
we infer
we rationalize
that your Resurrection
and presence are just too good
to be true!

So many things within us
resist a faith too easy to claim
or put into effect just to believe
you; enlighten the many "dark places"
within us that we have become 
so skeptical these days:
our government and church
are just like so similarly plagued
with corruption and evil
that are sadly allowed
or tolerated,
justice utterly lacking with
evil doers seem to be more
favored than law-abiding ones
with all these persisting because
many are oblivious to the 
darkness and disorder going on.

Where are you,
Jesus in all of our mess
in life as individuals,
as a nation,
as a church,
as a family
that we most often
doubt than believe?

Guide my hand,
lead my finger into your
wounds, 
dear Jesus
that I may experience 
you Risen;
let me experience your 
coming and loving presence
amid our darkness
and woundedness;
let me not seek you
Jesus in spectacular things
in feel-good situations
but like Thomas
in touching your wounds
in that dark room
be enlivened with your
inner light of peace
and assurance that
more than your miracle 
of rising from the dead
is the reality of living,
of life coming out 
from real death.

Grant me that spark of
faith like in Thomas 
while touching your wounds,
Lord Jesus
so that a glimmer of hope
within me may finally glow
and grow as I follow you,
my Lord and 
my God.
Amen.

Life as a daily Exodus

Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Monday in the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year II
Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles, 29 June 2026
Acts 12:1-11 ><}}}}*> 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 ><}}}}*> Matthew 16:13-19

*Photo by Dra. Mylene A. Santos, MD, in Ericeira, Portugal, 16 June 2026.*

Our readings today are a parable of the Church, of what we should be as the Body of Christ celebrating the Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul, the pillars of the Church. Most of all, both speak of that reality in our lives that life is a daily exodus from our selfish self.

We celebrate St. Peter and St. Paul together as pillars of the Church because they were able to overcome their great differences in personalities as well as their diverse cultural and social backgrounds to be won over by Jesus Christ in proclaiming his good news of salvation. Both eventually died as martyrs like Jesus.

*Photo by author, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela City, 10 June 2026.*

They displayed deep trust in the Lord whom they have come to know on a personal basis following a series of deep personal exodus through their daily conversion. Saints Peter and Paul did not become saints overnight; they went through a series of personal conversions, of abandonment of selves to God.

The churches in Europe need a lot of this exodus process like in Germany where some clergymen and laypeople refuse to accept the Vatican decision that homily is reserved only for the ordained ministers while a traditionalist group are threatening to ordain bishops and priests without Vatican approval. These are so unlike in the Church before when men and women who eventually became saints chose to suffer in silence than defy Church decisions that eventually through time were accepted.

There is always darkness and uncertainties in the Church, a kind of exodus we need to cross like in the experiences of Sts. Peter and Paul we heard in our first two readings today.

On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly.” The chains fell from his wrists. The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision (Acts 12:6-9).

*Photo by Mr. Lorenzo Atienza of the bass relief of St. Peter by artist Nick Lugue at the Malolos Cathedral, 12 June 2019.*

How could Peter sleep soundly after being arrested and thrown into prison with two soldiers sandwiching him inside his cell while a host of other guards secured the area outside?

It is a very amusing story about our “prince of the Apostles” sleeping soundly so similar with St. Joseph who slept soundly too in a similar critical situation when he decided to silently leave Mary who was found pregnant with a child before they were married.

Both Joseph and Peter slept soundly under critical situations because of their complete trust and faith in God, of their abandonment of selves to God. We find it difficult to sleep when we have problems because we cannot decide decisively as we lack trust and faith in God, unlike Peter and Joseph.

But, Peter shows us another dimension of his trust in God – his total trust also in the Church, believing that they were all praying for him.

It is a beautiful imagery of the Church then and now, always in darkness during night time when Peter was imprisoned. And that is the parable of this scene: it is always a time of Exodus for us in the Church, of passing over from every trials and difficulties, always trusting our leaders, trusting our faithful and most of all, entrusting everything to God!

If there is one thing most needed these days in our Church especially in the Philippines is this attitude of being in an Exodus, of exiting from our imprisonment in partisan politics so that we can go back to our true mission and mandate of preaching Jesus Christ not only with our words but with our lives. We in the Church can be political without being partisan; the moment we become partisan, most likely we are no longer preaching Christ because we are already rooting for somebody else instead of God.

May we imitate Peter by abandoning everything to God in deep prayers, following God not our plans as symbolized by his putting on his belt and sandals as commanded by the angel.

*Photo by Mr. Lorenzo Atienza of the bass relief of St. Paul by artist Nick Lugue at the Malolos Cathedral, 12 June 2019.*

Life can only become a daily exodus when we learn to trust and abandon ourselves to God like St. Peter and St. Paul as we see also in his letter to Timothy:

I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:6-7, 17, 18)

Imagine the stress of being in prison but without any hint of duress on Paul while awaiting death as seen with his incomparable eloquence in writing, something very evident in all his letters where he always expressed his total abandonment of self to Christ, of his faith in God.

In this beautiful portion of his letter to Timothy, Paul reminds us that life as a daily exodus is to live our lives as a worship to God expressed in that opening line am already being poured out like a libation. A libation is a drink offered to gods in ancient Greece and Rome; as he approached death, Paul summarized here his entire life as an offering to God that we also see in his other writings.

That is the challenge of this solemnity to us, that we live our lives as a form of worship to God.
Our very lives in itself are a prayer, always centered on God, something so foolish when we go by the standards of the world today that is all show – palabas – with nothing substantial inside because only money and fame matter. Paul was very much like Peter who lived their lives as prayers that like Christ in the end, both offered the highest offering of all, martyrdom.

Second thing we find in this excerpt from Paul’s letter to Timothy is the deeper meaning of death as a passage to heaven, an exodus: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom” (v.18). Paul freely accepts his death, making it a blessing for others that we must emulate. Instead of having those bucket lists of things to do before dying, Paul is teaching us death comes in every present moment that we must always prepare for its happening so that the next generation may continue the good things we have started.

**The lithography of Sts. Peter and Paul in Missale Romanum by unknown artist with initials F.M.S (19. cent.) printed by Typis Friderici Pustet. (Renáta Sedmáková | us.fotolia.com)**

The key to unlocking how Peter and Paul achieved so much for God and for the Church lies in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ mirrored in their lives.

Many Christians are losing their faith and interest in the Church, leaving in great numbers because of the mixed signals we give them on what do we say who Jesus is. The Church grew in leaps and bounds during the time of Peter and Paul because both apostles shared the true Jesus Christ not only in their words but also in their deeds. They trustingly and humbly went through daily exodus beginning in their very selves in knowing Jesus Christ more clearly, loving him dearly, following him closely and witnessing him daily. May your Monday lead you a fulfilling exodus. Amen.

Jesus our Light

Lord My Chef Sunday Recipe by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A, 25 January 2026
Isaiah 8:23-9:3 ><}}}}*> 1 Corinthians 1:10-13.17 ><}}}}*> Matthew 4:12-23

*Photo by author, sunrise at the Lake of Galilee, the Holy Land, May 2019.*

More than a month ago at the Midnight Mass of Christmas we have heard this Sunday’s first reading, that beautiful prophecy by Isaiah fulfilled in Jesus Christ’s coming.

First the Lord degraded the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the end he has glorified the seaward road, the land west of Jordan, the district of the Gentiles. Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness: for there is no gloom where but now there was distress. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone (Isaiah 8:23-9:1).

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled… (Matthew 4:12-14).

As we move forward into Ordinary Time, we hear anew one of the most beautiful promises in the Old Testament of how the coming of the Christ is the “breaking of dawn of salvation” as Zechariah sang in his Benedictus after naming his son “John” when light bursts forth to dispel the darkness that had enveloped us for a long time.

*Photo by author, sunrise at the Lake of Galilee, the Holy Land, May 2017.*

Notice that it is those who live and walk in darkness literally and figuratively speaking are always the first to come forward into the light like the people in Galilee at that time, especially the towns of Zebulun and Naphtali who were actually names of Jacob’s two other sons. Their tribes settled in that area of Galilee that was at the border with other pagan countries always subjected to wars and conflicts with foreigners. Their lands were literally in the dark, never at peace as if forsaken.

Here lies the good news of this Sunday: after hearing the news of John’s arrest, Jesus launched his public ministry. Notice how plain and simple was Matthew’s narration, “When Jesus heard that John had been arrested” – it was another period of darkness for the people with rampant violence and injustice. However, it was not totally dark at all: see how Jesus withdrew to Galilee; Christ’s “withdrawing” to Galilee was not something negative but actually more of a positive development. Jesus chose to begin his ministry in that forsaken province of Galilee to show his love and concern for the people long forgotten. Remember how at that time that Jerusalem was the center of everything, something like an “imperial Manila” we call these days.

Here we find again that imagery of Jesus like in his birth that happened during the darkest night of the year that 30 years later, he chose to go to the darkest region of Israel to bring light of salvation to everyone. Jesus comes to us most in moment of darkness in our lives! When we are troubled by sins and problems, never lose that spark within for Christ had come, is coming and continues to come to us! Matthew mentioned this prophecy of Isaiah of the great light shining in the land of gloom not really for his readers then and now to remember what God had done in the past but to make us all aware always that God continues to send us his Son Jesus in these dark moments of our lives. In telling us how Jesus began his ministry by withdrawing to Galilee in the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, Matthew wants us to be aware of what God has done for us, of giving us Jesus, the true Light of the world right into the many darkness we are going through in life today.

More than the news overseas that we have heard like wars and the breaking apart of world peace and order with America suddenly flexing its muscles to remind everyone they are still great and powerful or the very frustrating corrupt lawmakers of the country, we are all in some form of being in the midst of darkness in our personal lives too like a sick loved one or a problematic brother or sister.

*Photo by author, San Juan, La Union, 08 January 2026.*

God has delivered us from slaveries of sin and selfishness in Christ’s coming and presence among us. Surely there would always be darkness and shadows in our lives this 2026 but Jesus is telling us today in his withdrawing to Galilee after hearing John’s arrest that we need to get out of our own darkness! There is no more darkness in Christ’s coming; it is us who have darkened our lives with our selfish interests like the quarrels and animosities against one another that St. Paul warned against in the second reading.

Every time we destroy our unity, our oneness, we plunge ourselves into darkness. Whenever we refuse to bow down, when we refuse to give way, when we refuse to forgive even forgo or let go of others inanities, we go back to darkness. Inasmuch as Jesus Christ is the great light who shone on the many darkness of our lives, he is calling us like the first four disciples to bring his light to others.

Was it really that easy for the brothers Simon and Andrew, especially brothers James and John to immediately leave behind their livelihood and father so easily for Jesus? Not really. Matthew need not go into details about their call and conversion because most likely, they went through the same stages we have gone through or going through right now as we pray and reflect about our life direction. Like us today, Simon and Andrew, James and John experienced burn out, searching for meaning in life that after listening to the words of Jesus, they felt and saw him as the light enlightening everything for them. They saw in Jesus their lives and very person getting clearer that they decided to follow him and become fishers of men.

How far are we willing to repent and be converted in the light of Christ to start anew living in the land of loving God, self, and others?

*Photo by author, Bolinao, Pangasinan, 19 April 2022.*

I have always loved sunrise. Though sunsets are more colorful and dramatic like a spectacular show called palabas in Filipino, sunrise is different: it is more of paloob, an inside movement that is subtle yet intense when light steals into shadows as the sun is gradually breaking open the darkness to reveal what is unseen.

That is why our Filipino term for sunrise is more evocative of its deeper meaning as pagbubukang liwayway which literally means breaking of dawn. Every morning person (madrugeño in Spanish) knows so well those feelings of being up before sunrise, of exactly catching the breaking of dawn that is always joyful and liberating with a certain kind of lightness and relief from deep within because another day is given us.

Maybe it is a carry over with my having worked for three years in the graveyard shift covering the police beat while still working at GMA News in the late 1980’s. But more recently, I feel that imagery of coming forward into the light resonates most after a good confession when we deeply realize God’s immense love, that God is not that really angry at all with us because of our sins, that there is a bright light to always look forward in this life amid all the darkness and shadows enveloping us.

Today is the National Bible Sunday. It is when we prayerfully read the Sacred Scriptures everyday that we see the light of Christ in our selves, in our lives. The more we pray the Scriptures, the more we are enlightened, the more we are filled with the light of Christ that enables us to see too his light on the face of those we meet daily. Let us step out of our darkness in life this Sunday and everyday to henceforth experience and share Christ. Amen. Have a blessed, enlightening week ahead!

A wedding and a funeral

Lord My Chef Wedding Recipe by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Homily, Wedding of Ellah and John Victor
Santuario de San Jose Parish, Greenhills, Mandaluyong
27 December 2025

A former student in our girls’ high school invited me to officiate her wedding last December 27, 2025; we were supposed to meet December 20 before my Simbang Gabi in our university chapel for my formal invitation when her father died suddenly that same afternoon while on a trip down south with his fellow big-bikers.

Ellah was so devastated with the news, wanting to reset her wedding. She has been working overseas for the past three years and had saved enough for her wedding day. Her only request from her parents who have separated when she was in elementary was for them to be together when she gets married. And they willingly obliged for their unica hija. And then tragedy struck exactly a week before her wedding day that happened to be the feast day of St. John Evangelist, the beloved disciple of the Lord. Sharing with you my homily on that bittersweet day of wedding of a beloved student and funeral of her father.

*Photo by Joseph Kettaneh on Pexels.com*

Congratulations, Ellah and JV on this most joyous day of your lives.

I know, it must be so difficult for you, Ellah but I am so glad that you still pushed through with your wedding today as planned. Your dad would not be happy if you had this postponed.

Showbiz ka rin talaga, Ellah! Parang cine – a wedding and a funeral.

But, let it be clear with you both, Ellah and JV that God willed it for you get married today on the feast of Jesus Christ’s beloved disciple St. John the Apostle and Evangelist. God wanted you to be married this day – not next year nor next month, nor last year. This is the day that the Lord has made for you to seal your love at His altar in this beautiful church because God has great plans for you, Ellah and JV.

Our gospel is so beautiful – the story of Easter when Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the the other disciple went out and came to the tomb (John 20:1,2-3).

*“The Three Marys” (1910), painting by American Henry Osawa Tanner from biblicalarchaeology.org.*

Here we find a most beautiful image of human relationships, of how a woman needs a man, and a man’s readiness to be at her side, to comfort and accompany the woman.

Just like you today, Ellah and JV.

Of course, Mary Magdalene and Simon Peter were both disciples of Jesus. They have no romantic relationships. But, the mere fact that Mary thought of reporting the missing body of Jesus to Peter being the leader of the Apostles speaks a lot to us these days when gender equality is overextended.

A woman needs a man for leadership that is why he is the man of the house. This we find in the rite of putting on veil on the newly-weds: only the head of the woman is covered because in every family, in every couple there is only one head, one leader – the man. Wherever there are two heads, it means there is a monster. There can be no order in any relationship when everyone is the leader or the head. This is most especially true in every couple.

However, let it be clear too that these mutual need of woman for man and man for woman is always governed by love which is more than a feeling but a decision, a meeting of one’s mind and heart. If your read the letters of St. John like what we have in our first reading today, you will realize three important lessons by the beloved disciple about LOVE:

First, God is the source of love.

Ellah and JV, remain rooted in God for “God is love.” If there is one thing you have found so clear in your lives since college, Ellah and JV, God has always been there with you. His abiding love never forsake you both, especially in your most trying times. Keep serving Him in your parish, in your lives, in your married life. Handle life with prayer.

Second, St. John tells us that love is not merely said in words but proven in deeds and works.

Walk your talk of “I love you.” One of the things I ask couples preparing for marriage is, who should be the first to greet, to speak when you have an LQ? Sino dapat maunang kumibo kapag nag-away ang mag-asawa o magkasintahan?

Many say it should be the man but I ask them whatever happened to the principle of ladies first? On the other hand, some say whoever caused the quarrel must be the one to apologize but the problem is, would anyone admit fault? The answer is simple but difficult to practice: whoever has more love to give must be the first to blink, must be the first to make the move. Love in any relationship is not a competition. Just keep on loving and loving. Show and make your love felt in actions. Not just words.

Third, very clear with St. John that love is always self-giving.

The true measure that you have loved is when you are able to love somebody else more than yourself. Love is always the giving of self.

In another part of his letter, St. John beautifully wrote that “No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us” (1Jn.4:12).

Remember, Ellah and JV, Jesus is always between the two of you, not in front nor at your back. Whatever you do to each other, you do it first to Jesus. When you work hard JV and become patient with the tantrums of Ellah, you first become loving to Jesus and then to Ellah. The same with you Ellah: when you take care of JV, when you cook his favorite meal, you are first loving Jesus then JV. But, the moment you become mean to each other, when you become unfaithful to each other, Ellah and JV, you become unloving first to Jesus and then to each other.

Wedding is not everything, Ellah and JV. There will be dark days and difficult times ahead of you, just like now as you grieve at the death of your dad, Ellah.

But, remember Ellah and JV your gospel today: Easter happened when it was dark; the tomb was empty because Jesus had risen from the dead. Like in life, whenever it is dark and empty, hold on to each other Ellah and JV, have faith in God for there in your midst is Jesus Christ.

Never lose hope in life; as I used to teach you Ellah in high school, hopelessness is the opposite of love, not hatred. The moment you find no hope in everyone and in everything, then you stop loving and that is when you start destroying everything and everyone. Never lose that hope and you will always find love, Ellah and JV. God bless you more and blessed Merry Christmas!

When things are not clear with us

Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 17 November 2025
Monday in the Thirty-Third Week of Ordinary Time, Year I
Memorial of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious
1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63   <*(((>< + ><)))*>   Luke 16:35-43

*Photo by Fabrizio Verrecchia on Pexels.com*

Jesus asked him,
"What do you want me
to do for you?"
He replied, 
"Lord, please let me see."
Jesus told him,
"Have sight;
your faith has saved you"
(Luke 18:40-42).

What a touching story
for this Monday
as we quickly approach
the end of our liturgical
calendar,
when Jesus likewise
in the gospel is on his final
journey before his Passion
to Jerusalem.

"What do you want me
to do for you?"

Honestly,
Lord Jesus,
I do not know
 what I really want
in life;
as I get older,
it seems the
more I get confused
and afraid of many things
as I start to feel my body
ageing, getting weaker,
forgetting a lot of things,
feeling desperate at times
like that blind man at the roadside.

And so,
I cry out to you too
like him with
"Jesus, Son of David,
have pity on me!"
This time I know what I want
from you:
like him,
let me have sight;
clear my mind
and my heart
and my soul
of all doubts and fears,
hesitations
and mistrust
that I too may leave
the "roadside"
to follow you closer on
the road to Jerusalem
like St. Elizabeth of Hungary,
praying more,
believing more,
giving up more,
and giving more
of myself to you
through others.
Amen.

Today we also pray
in a special way to all
those having problems
with their in-laws,
those grieving the lost
of a child,
and widows:
O St. Elizabeth of Hungary,
you went all through
these pains and sufferings,
please pray for the many 
wives and mothers 
and widows going thrugh
these. Amen.

Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Our Lady of Fatima University
Valenzuela City

Blessed desolation

Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 10 October 2025
Friday in the Twenty-Seventh Week of Ordinary Time, Year I
Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2     <*((((><  +  ><))))*>     Luke 11:15-26

*Photo by Mr. Raffy Tima of GMANews in Batanes, 05 October 2018.*

Your words today
are so powerful, Jesus:
the Prophet Joel called it
"the Day of the Lord"...

Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; yes, it is near, a day of darkness and of gloom, a day of clouds and somberness! Like dawn spreading over the mountains, a people numerous and mighty! Their like dawn has not been from of old, nor will it be after them, even to the years of distant generations (Joel 2:1-2).

What a moment
of blessed desolation,
Lord: tangible darkness
everywhere that comes from
within, that feeling of being 
afraid because you are calling me
to return to you, O Lord;
it is a blessed desolation
because despite the darkness
and emptiness, you are here
within me, Lord when  
your darkness is light,
your emptiness is fullness;
it is blessed desolation for
in the stillness and silence
of losing everything,
you are present, Lord,
within me
in every crisis,
in every turmoil
extending your hand
to make me experience
your power - "the finger of God"
that make realize all good things 
come only from you 
and nothing bad could ever
come from you as some in the crowd
accused Jesus.

Let your day, 
O Lord, come!
It is not enough that
we do not sin
but we must always
be filled with your Spirit,
always in your state of grace
so that there is no space for
evil to return and occupy us;
let us not be complacent
with your presence
and friendship, Jesus:
renew us daily in you
so we revere you daily,
ever ready 
to follow you.
Amen.

Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Our Lady of Fatima University
Valenzuela City
(lordmychef@gmail.com)

*Photo by Mr. Raffy Tima of GMANews, 27 October 2018.*

Becoming like a lamp shining in the dark, the path of Transfiguration

Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 06 August 2025
Wednesday, Feast of Transfiguration of the Lord, Cycle C
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 ><)))*> 2Peter 1:16-19 ><)))*> Luke 9:28-36

*Apse of the Transfiguration Church at the Holy Land from wikimedia.org.*

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem (Luke 9:28-31).

Lord Jesus,
I feel afraid in this scene;
how difficult it must have
been to the three Apostles
privileged to join you up on 
Mount Tabor at your Transfiguration
for it was not all glory -
I could imagine the fear
and sadness hearing 
Moses and Elijah speaking
about your coming 
"exodus",
your Passion,
Death, and Resurrection.
Why do you have to go through
those sufferings and death?
Why do you have to leave
and depart from us?

Like Peter,
I would have said the
same to you, "Master, 
it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents, 
one for you,
one for Moses,
and one for Elijah"
so that we could just stay
and remain up there in glory.

You know it so well,
Jesus how when we are
so wrapped in joy and glory
and mystery,
we hardly understand
a thing except the experience
of being overwhelmed,
of finding you,
of seeing you,
and being with you;
lead us down the mountain
into life's daily realities
where we you want us to
bring that light to many others
going through darkness in life.

We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts (2 Peter 1:18-19).

*Spring blooming of poppies in Galilee near the Nazareth, against the background biblical Mount Tabor, Israel; photo from iStockphoto.com.*

Enlighten our minds
and our hearts,
Jesus, like Peter
to realize the deeper truths
of your transfiguration
and of our own transfiguration
that begin always in a prayer life,
an intimate relationship with you
that gets clearer
when we are in darkness,
when with you at the Cross;
let us take seriously
every Mount Tabor experience
proclaiming it as
"altogether reliable"
like Peter because
 we experienced you,
we heard you
and was with you;
guide and strengthen us,
Jesus
when we are in darkness
for that is when you transfigure us
into yourself,
when you speak to us of our
own "departure";
most of all,
keep us "attentive" to you
in those dark moments
to be like a
"lamp shining in a dark place"
(2 Peter 1:19).
Amen.

 Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Our Lady of Fatima University
Valenzuela City
(lordmychef@gmail.com)

*Church of the Transfiguration, Mount Tabor, Holy Land; from custodia.org.*

Lent is entering darkness of our hearts in the light of Christ

40 Shades of Lent by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Second Sunday in Lent, Cycle C, 16 March 2025
Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 + Philippians 3:17-4:1 + Luke 9:28-36

*Photo by author, the metropolis at night from Timberland Highlands Resort, San Mateo, Rizal, 08 March 2025.*

Both our first reading and gospel this Second Sunday in Lent are set in the darkness of the night. Despite being the favorite setting to portray evil and horror not only in movies but even in the Bible, the darkness of the night has a unique charm of its own.

It is in this darkness of the night when the moon and the stars shine brightest. It is in this darkness of the night when we are delighted with the most wonderful ensemble of sights and sound no stage could duplicate when a sparkle of fireflies outline a treetop while crickets and geckos – tuko – with all the other insects and animals sound like a live symphony orchestra.

So many things in this world and in this life are best seen and experienced in the darkness of the night to be truly appreciated. And that is the call to us this second Sunday in Lent – that we enter the darkness in our hearts with the light of Jesus Christ for us to be transformed and transfigured in his image as his disciples.

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem (Luke 9:28-31).

*Mosaic inside the Basilica of the Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor, Israel from commons.wikimedia.org.*

We have been saying since Ash Wednesday that life is a daily Lent, a daily exodus from darkness into light, from sin into forgiveness, from slavery into freedom.

Every day we “pass over” to many darkness in life like sickness, loss of a loved one, failures and other trials and sufferings that come our way. Sometimes so dark, sometimes not so dark. But most dark of all darkness we go through are those darkness of sin and evil along with its many scars left right in our hearts following the constant temptations by the devil for us to turn away from God, for us to refuse to love others and even our very selves.

*Photo by author, St. Paul Spirituality Center, Mt. Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet, 06 January 2025.*

Our readings this Sunday assure us that in that it is in those darkness we find God who had come nearest to us in Jesus Christ. It is during those darkness like an exodus that we pass from passion and death to resurrection where Christ is calling us; hence, the need for us to listen to him and follow him. It is from this passing over the darkness of sins and trials when we are purified and transformed, transfigured into better persons and disciples of Jesus because that is where his light is most visible too.

To enter into these dark places in our hearts is the beginning of our conversion, of our daily Lent when we return to God, to his covenant we keep on breaking in sin.

*Photo by Ms. Analyn Dela Torre, 12 February 2024 in Bgy. Caypombo, Santa Maria, Bulacan.*

Lent as a preparation to Easter is also a renewal this covenant we have in our baptism which we renew every year at the Masses of Easter. That is why we have the story of the covenant of God with Abraham in the first reading that was set at night with the darkness signifying the trials we go through in life.

As the sun was about to set, a trance fell upon Abram, and a deep, terrifying darkness enveloped him. When the sun had set and it was dark, there appeared a smoking brazier and a flaming torch, which passed between those pieces. It was on that occasion that the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the Great River, the Euphrates” (Genesis 15:17-18).

Feel the terrifying character of the event as narrated by the author of Genesis; but, remember also how God remained with Abraham that night. It was after this episode that God first promised Abraham to become the father of all nations with children as many as the stars above.

But it was not all light with Abraham after this episode as he went through a lot of darkness in life like when he wondered when God would finally give him his own son as he grew older. When Isaac was finally born and had grown, God tested Abraham, asking him to sacrifice to him Isaac. Abraham willingly obeyed God that as he was about to kill Isaac, an angel stopped him and told him how God was so pleased with him that he was doubly blessed anew! Abraham passed over that very dark night in his life by completely trusting God who never abandoned him in life! Most of all, because Abraham never backed out from darkness.

That is the charm of darkness: it can bring us fears and anxieties but as one poet said, only the brave who dare to walk the darkness of the night shall see the beauty of the moon and stars above. In a little while after all the uncertainties and difficulties of the night, we arrive at a new day. Darkness is the prelude to light and day.

Entering into those dark places in our hearts can be terrifying but it is the only path towards true freedom with Jesus as our companion in our exodus. Refusal to go into those dark places in our hearts will keep us only deeper in darkness – anxious and afraid, always wondering when we shall see light which will never come unless we come out and pass over the night.

Recent turn of events in our country are so Lenten in nature, our own passover and exodus – hopefully – from darkness into light.

After those long six years of darkness in the deadly war on drugs of the past administration, we finally saw the light of God’s mercy and justice coming with the arrest of the former president.

It must have been so tortuously painful to the families left behind by the thousands of victims of tokhang.

Though I feel so glad with the turn of events, I still refuse to celebrate nor even join the heated discussions. I feel more the need for us to pray and reflect, to find God and where he is leading us — maybe into those dark places in our hearts to see how we too have contributed to that dark period in our history.

A reporter-friend who volunteered in the care for orphans of the tokhang victims recently shared her reflections in these turn of events where she claimed “we are Duterte”.

Huh? It is chockful. And shocking.

As I prayed and reflected on it, I agreed with her. Prior to Duterte’s coming to power, we as a nation have allowed the forces of darkness to come upon us with the RH bill later followed by bills and proposals for divorce, same sex marriage, and return of capital punishment. There was already this great darkness hovering above us even before Duterte came to power.

Sad to say, that darkness started in our hearts which St. John Paul II referred in his encyclical Evangelium Vitae as “culture of death”.

Let us heed the calls by St. Paul in today’s second reading to “stand firm” in Jesus (Phil. 4:1) because to conduct ourselves as “enemies of the cross” of Christ will surely lead only to “destruction” (Phil. 3:18-19). Let us avert our total destruction as a nation by finally confronting the many darkness within us in Jesus Christ. Amen. Have a blessed week ahead.

*Photos in the collage are not mine but from various sources like TIME magazine and Mr. Howie Severino of GMA7 News.

Advent is journeying like Joseph & Mary to bring Jesus in darkness

Quiet Storm by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, 13 December 2024

*Photo by author, Camp John Hay, Baguio City, December 2018.*

Thanks to social media – finally, the beauty and splendor of our faith is once again made known widely especially during this lovely season of Advent. Two beautiful posts from Facebook recently caught my attention that prompted me to share this blog.

First is from the wife of my former student in Bulacan whose wedding I officiated during the COVID pandemic in early 2022. This had actually shaped my prayers and reflections this week. She wrote:

Last Sunday I mentioned in my homily how during Advent the days are shorter and nights are longer, starting earlier than usual. How true indeed that the darkest nights are the longest nights, especially during Christmas. And that’s one of the beautiful reasons Jesus was born on December 25 which is the darkest night of the year.

“Kung kailan magpapasko…” is one expression we dread to hear ourselves or dear ones saying at this time of the year. “Kung kailan magpapasko at saka magkakasakit… mawawalan ng trabaho…” or “mababasted o maghihiwalay.” Worst, “kung kailan magpapasko at saka mayroong mamamatay.”

This Advent, Jesus reminds us how in the cold, dark nights are others He is searching too to remind them that He actually came for them. Jesus wants us to be the “inn keeper” to bring Him to the poor and suffering, the sick and the children, those who have failed and are so disappointed in life, those deep into sins, feeling lost and alone in this merry season.

Dare yourself to be open to Jesus this Advent when He suddenly comes to you to bring Him to someone who needs cheering and reassurance Christ is coming again, Christ had come, and Christ comes.

Simply be aware how blessed you are and Jesus will tell you, will direct you to whom you must pray for or even visit.

Many times, we try doing something good to be blessed but the truth is, we have been tremendously blessed that is why we are able to do something good. God can never be outdone in generosity. Remember that before we can bless anyone, we are first blessed. That is why we have to keep on blessing others by being kind and caring always to anyone because we have been so blessed.

This I noticed since my first year in the priesthood – God would always lead me to some sick people to visit and anoint with oil, hear confessions and receive the Viaticum. That’s every Christmas which I have adopted as a personal tradition, a panata (pledge). That is why when I was assigned as a chaplain at the Fatima University Medical Center in Valenzuela, I felt God affirming my Christmas panata with the sick as He leads me to new directions in my ministry. The other year, I visited my kababata in Bocaue Christmas evening to hear his confessions and anoint him as he reached the terminal stage of his renal disease. A few days after new year, I was back to celebrate Mass at his funeral. So glad to have visited him and brought him Jesus.

*With my classmate and friend Bernie, 12 December 2024.*

Yesterday I visited a classmate and friend from college, Bernie. We last saw each other before our graduation from UST in 1986 after the EDSA People Power Revolution. We reconnected in 2019 when our seminarian now priest Fr. RA was assigned in his parish in Aritao, Vizcaya where Bernie is an active member and supporter.

Two years ago he asked me for prayers after being diagnosed with cancer and yesterday, he suddenly called me during breakfast to say he has been declared cancer-free by his doctors. As a thanksgiving, he is attending a healing Mass at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Marilao, Bulacan with his parish priest. And they were staying in a private retreat house in Baliuag, Bulacan owned by my friends too! In fact, I held my 50th birthday party there that despite my toxic schedule yesterday, I hurriedly visited Bernie.

As I drove home amid a horrendous traffic at the Nlex, I felt like Joseph with Mary journeying to Bethlehem to bring the Son of God, Jesus Christ into the world. I hope that I just did that to my classmate and friend yesterday.

*Photo by author, 28 November 2022, RISE Tower, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela City.*

During these four weeks before Christmas, say a prayer for anyone you know or may have heard to be going through difficulties lately like not feeling merry and bright, suffering mentally, grieving for loved ones, struggling financially, going through some family problems, suffering physically, dealing with severe blows like failures and disappointments in life, and a host of other trials and tribulations others may be going through this month alone.

Pray also for those caring for the sick and suffering. Many times, we are so focused with their patients, forgetting the very crucial roles caregivers do for the sick and impaired or challenged. Remembering them, giving them a little gift or a card or spending precious moments with them can be their merriest Christmas! Many of them rarely go on breaks, especially on Christmas. They need Jesus so badly whom they rarely experience especially when the people they care for are very demanding.

Anyone who visits the sick, cares for those in pain and sufferings, consoles those grieving or simply be present with those going through financial or psychological difficulties is like Joseph and Mary going to Bethlehem to give birth to Jesus, to make Jesus present. The Lord needs us to bring Him closer to those silently crying, silently in pain. Think of the immense blessings that have been poured out to us beforehand and soon, be surprised for more blessings too.

Let me share with you this beautiful prayer shared to me recently too by another friend, a well-respected and multi-awarded photojournalist:

Let’s not forget. Christmas is Jesus Christ. Not money nor things nor food. It is only Jesus, always Jesus dwelling in us. Amen.