THAT intriguing story of how St. Matthew, a tax-collector, was called by Christ to be one of his apostles (cfr. Mt 9,9-13) brings out the truth of our Christian faith that God can choose anyone to pursue a special vocation and ministry, irrespective of how...
THAT’S what we can gather from that gospel episode where Christ first forgave the sins of a paralytic man before curing him of his disability. (cfr. Mt 9,1-8) And that’s simply because it is the spirit and not just our bodily or biological constitution that...
WE need to be clear about this. Our Christian faith is not optional in our life. It is neither relevant only to some affairs and concerns in our life. It should be the main guide in all our affairs, be they in matters of the...
THAT’S what we can get from the gospel episode of Christ’s disciples buffeted by big waves in the middle of the sea and Christ was just asleep. (cfr. Mt 8,23-27) “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” the disciples woke Christ in terror. But Christ reproached...
IF we really are serious in following Christ, we should set no conditions and, instead, open ourselves to whatever and wherever God’s providence would lead us. This is a truth of our faith that is highlighted in that gospel episode where a scribe wanted to follow...
THIS is indeed the true mark of a real child of God. It’s when like Christ we are not afraid to complicate our life just to help everybody, especially those who are in need of some pressing as well as precious help. In the gospel reading...
NOTHING is lost if we dare to ask God for some miracles or some special and extraordinary favors. If God sees that it would really be for own good, he will surely grant it. If not—and he can only be the one to know if...
CHRIST said it very clearly. “It is not anyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ who will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Mt 7,21) Indeed, we always have to be open to God’s will...
“BEWARE of false prophets! (Mt 7,15) That’s what Christ told his disciples. These days, this warning assumes a most urgent character, since we cannot deny that we are having many people who are presenting themselves as prophets and yet their messages can stir serious doubts...
WITH Christ telling his disciples not to give what is holy to dogs, or throw one’s pearls before swine, (cfr. Mt 7,6) we are somehow reminded that in our worldly affairs, no matter how technical they are or physically straining and dirty, we should never...