On this day, the Church pauses in deep prayer and remembrance for all the faithful departed, those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. It is a day of hope, of tender memory, and of trust in God’s mercy. The Gospel proclaimed today brings us words of comfort and promise from Jesus Himself:
“Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me… and I shall raise him on the last day.” (John 6:37, 40)
This Sunday’s Gospel presents the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector—two men who go to the Temple to pray, but whose hearts are very different. The Pharisee stands in confidence, listing his good deeds and comparing himself favorably to others. The tax collector, however, stands at a distance, unable even to lift his eyes to heaven. He beats his breast and says humbly, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
The Vocation Festival Series, Season 2 opened its first episode on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Formation House in Cagayan de Oro City. It is a continuation of the Vocation Festival activities that began earlier this year, as part of the ongoing effort of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SCJ) to accompany young people in their journey of faith and discernment. The gathering brought together 32 participants from various parishes of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, as well as from Bacolod in Lanao del Norte.
Today, the Church celebrates World Mission Sunday, a day to remember that every baptized person is called to share in the mission of Christ — to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth through prayer, witness, and love. It is fitting that our Gospel reading today is about persevering prayer.
SCJ Philippines Region 