In today’s Gospel, a scholar of the law asks Jesus the essential question: “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus points him to the heart of God’s command: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself.” But the man, looking for limits or loopholes, presses further: “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus responds not with a strict definition, but with the Parable of the Good Samaritan. What makes the Samaritan good is not his title or knowledge of the law, but his compassion in action. He stops, sees the suffering, binds wounds, and gives of himself—while the priest and the Levite, respected religious figures, pass by, perhaps out of fear, ritual concerns, or inconvenience.
Category Prayers
Sacred Heart Formation House, Cagayan de Oro City, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today’s Gospel presents one of the most inspiring images of the Church in mission: Jesus sends seventy-two disciples ahead of Him, two by two, to towns and villages. Their task is simple yet profound—to announce peace, bring healing, and prepare hearts to welcome the Kingdom of God.
All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day in the Catholic Church: A Time of Remembrance and Communion
The celebrations of All Saints’ Day on November 1 and All Souls’ Day on November 2 are central to the Catholic Church’s tradition of remembering the dead. These days honor both the saints who have attained heaven and the souls who are still undergoing purification. Together, they remind Catholics of the “Communion of Saints,” that unity between the Church on earth, in purgatory, and in heaven. Continue reading
Reclaiming Halloween: A Catholic Perspective on All Hallows’ Eve
Halloween, widely celebrated with costumes, decorations, and “trick-or-treating,” is often seen as a secular holiday centered on fun and fright. Yet, its origins are deeply spiritual, with significant Catholic traditions focused on honoring the communion of saints and praying for the departed. For Catholics, Halloween offers a special time to reconnect with its holy roots and celebrate in a way that reflects both tradition and faith. Continue reading
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
The World Day of Consecrated Life is a special day that celebrates the dedication and commitment of those who have chosen to live a consecrated life in service to God and others. This annual event, which is observed on February 2nd, was first established by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1997 as a way to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions made by individuals living in religious communities and as consecrated laypersons. Continue reading
