Month: May 2026

• Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9
• Psalm: Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56
• 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
• John 3:16-18

Today is the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, the fundamental doctrine of the Catholic Church: that there is One God in three distinct Persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in perfect unity. There are not three gods, but one God. St. Augustine taught us that the Trinity is a mystery too profound for the finite human mind to fully grasp. He illustrated this through the analogy of a child trying to empty the ocean into a small hole in the sand, suggesting that understanding the Trinity is equally impossible for the limited human intellect.

However, this doctrine has been revealed clearly both in Sacred Scripture and in the dogmatic life of the Church. The Church’s liturgy reveals to us not only the God who is Trinity, but also the Trinitarian structure of Christian existence and tradition, as beautifully elucidated by the Fathers of the Church, especially St. Augustine.

On May 25, 2026, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV launched his first encyclical entitled Magnificat Humanitas, meaning “The Magnificent Humanity.” This encyclical is a product of profound reflection intended to guide human hearts toward a deeper understanding of the human person within the context of modern technology, particularly the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It warns us about the dangers of AI and the possible loss of human dignity in this digital age.

Through the Holy Father, the Church speaks to the world about AI, which has increasingly influenced how people work, think, relate, create, learn, and even understand human identity itself. Thus, the Church is morally bound to address its ethical implications and social risks. The Holy Father lovingly reminds us that the real question is not simply how advanced AI may become, but whether humanity itself becomes more faithful, wiser, and more truly human through its development, without losing its God-given dignity.

We must be transformed by Jesus through the Gospel message and Truth, rather than reduced to human robots controlled by a few through the power of algorithms and modern technology.

Furthermore, the Holy Father said: “AI may simulate intelligence, but it cannot love, sacrifice, show compassion, or carry moral responsibility.” This is a timely awakening for all humanity. Our profound transformation must remain rooted in humility, shared responsibility, authentic human presence and relationships, and in listening to many voices. Inventions and technology can assist humanity, but they cannot save it. No machine can fulfill the deepest desires of the human heart — only Jesus Christ can. Ultimately, God must remain at the center.

The three readings today remind us of the wonders of God revealing Himself to Moses as a merciful and compassionate God. St. Paul likewise strives to impart blessings of peace and love by invoking the Trinitarian blessing: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.”

In the Gospel taken from St. John, we encounter important truths. Instead of merely trying to rationalize this fundamental doctrine, perhaps we are invited to know God through a different and more personal approach.

First, the Gospel states succinctly that God is motivated by love to give us His only Son so that everyone who believes in Him might have eternal life. God’s giving of His Son, Jesus Christ, through the Incarnation and His Paschal Mystery, reveals God’s deepest intention and desire: that we might have eternal life. Believing in God’s immense love for the world leads us to a deeper knowledge of God Himself.

Second, while it is true that our human capacities cannot fully explain who God is, it is also true that we are capable of personally knowing and practicing love. We encounter opportunities to give and receive God’s love in our ordinary daily experiences. The more room we make for God’s loving identity in our lives, the more our own identities become shaped by His love. The more our identities become love, the better we are able to love others. The act of loving becomes a reflection of the God who reveals Himself through love.

Third, Moses ascends the mountain and encounters God in a radically personal way. We see the same reality in the Gospel today, where Jesus speaks with Nicodemus in a deeply personal encounter. Moses comes to understand God as the breath of all life: merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and rich in kindness and fidelity. Jesus reveals God as faithful, non-judgmental, liberating, and life-giving. In one word: God is love (1 John 4:8).

Our Catholic identity, being made in the image of the Trinity, calls us to love one another.

What is happening in our world today gives us a profound opportunity to influence others to recognize and participate in God’s loving Trinitarian identity. But this transformation must begin within ourselves — through internal reconciliation as individuals and as communities.

Let us begin to realize that God is indeed very close to us. If Christ is God, and if Christ dwells within us through the Holy Spirit, then through the sacraments God truly lives and acts within us. This ever-living God continues to touch us and dwell among us.

Our loving relationships reflect God’s truth.

Our unity reflects God’s undivided communion.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, OSA

• Acts 2:1-11
• Psalm 104:1,24,29-30
• 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7
• John 20:19-23

Today, we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, fifty days after the Resurrection of Jesus. With this great feast, the Easter season comes to its glorious conclusion. The promise of Christ to send the Holy Spirit upon His Apostles, gathered in the Upper Room in Jerusalem, was finally fulfilled. This sacred event marks the birth of the Church.

In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we hear how the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles gathered in Jerusalem. Those who were once fearful and uncertain were transformed into courageous witnesses of the gospel.

In the 2nd reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, we are reminded that “we are all one in Christ Jesus.” This remains one of the Church’s greatest concerns today: fostering unity in a deeply divided world. It is also the battle cry of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, whose episcopal motto is “In Illo uno unum” — “In the One, we are one.” It beautifully expresses the hope that although we Christians are many, we become one in Christ.

The gospel from St. John tells us how the risen Jesus appeared to His disciples and bestowed upon them the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on many beautiful truths that can deeply touch our hearts.

First, Pentecost reminds us that Jesus is always faithful to His promises. After His Resurrection, He fulfilled His promise to send a Helper and Advocate who would strengthen His disciples and empower them to become His witnesses to the ends of the earth. The coming of the Holy Spirit was marked by a strong driving wind and tongues of fire descending upon those gathered. Suddenly, they were able to speak in different languages and understand one another through the power of the Spirit.

What a powerful manifestation of God’s enduring love and presence in the life of the Church! The Holy Spirit transformed fear into courage, confusion into clarity, and division into communion.

Second, Pentecost reminds us of the intimate connection between peace, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus greeted His disciples with peace and commissioned them, saying, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (Jn 20:21). He then breathed the Holy Spirit upon them and entrusted to them the ministry of reconciliation through the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus’ act of breathing upon His disciples mirrors God’s act of breathing life into Adam at creation. It is no coincidence that the Hebrew and Greek words for “spirit” can also mean “breath.” The Holy Spirit is the very breath of God that gives life, renews hearts, and restores relationships.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Church continues Christ’s ministry of reconciliation, especially through her sacramental life. The Church exists not merely to teach doctrines, but also to heal wounds, forgive sins, and restore peace among God’s people.

Sadly, many people criticize the role of the Church without recognizing that, in every conflict and division, Christians are called to become instruments of peace and harmony. This reconciling presence of Christ is the mission that the Church continues to uphold and pursue as a way of life.

Third, the gospel reminds us of the call to unity in diversity.

Let us revisit the Jewish feast of Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks, which commemorated the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. It celebrated God’s covenant with His chosen people and became the foundation of moral and ethical life for the Jewish nation.

But through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, God established not merely a covenant written on stone tablets, but a new community written in the hearts of believers. In Christ, there is no longer “Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female,” for we are all one through the Holy Spirit who guides us into truth.

This message is especially important for us Filipinos today.

Our country is deeply divided by politics, corruption, and social conflict, often at the expense of the poor and vulnerable. The political climate has become so toxic that dialogue and reconciliation seem almost impossible. Social media has amplified criticism, anger, and hostility from every direction. Everyone has opinions, yet many are no longer guided by prayer, discernment, or the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

We have forgotten how to truly listen. We have lost openness to journey toward one another’s sacred dwelling place — the human heart.

Pentecost reminds us that we must rediscover the common language of love, peace, and unity.

During the first Pentecost, the disciples were even accused of being intoxicated. Yet, through the power of the Holy Spirit, they accomplished something nearly unimaginable: they transcended their differences, boldly proclaimed the gospel, and brought many people to conversion because the Spirit was with them.

My dear brothers and sisters, the Holy Spirit continues to work in our lives today. If we open our hearts, learn from the teachings of the Apostles, and allow the Spirit to guide us, we will witness wonders beyond our imagination.

May this Pentecost renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and make us instruments of unity, peace, and reconciliation in our troubled world.

Come, Holy Spirit, Come

Fr. Arlon, OSA

• Acts 1:1-11
• Psalm 47:2-3,6-7,8-9
• Ephesians 1:17-23
• Matthew 28:16-20 

Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. In many dioceses around the world, this solemnity, originally celebrated last Thursday, is transferred to the Seventh Sunday of Easter so that more of the faithful may gather together to celebrate and reflect more deeply on its significance in our Christian faith.

John Henry Newman, whom Pope Leo XIV declared the 38th Doctor of the Church on November 1, 2025, beautifully wrote in his meditation on the Ascension: “This is the triumph. Earth rises to heaven. I see Thee going up.” These words profoundly capture the mystery of Christ ascending into heaven after His Resurrection. In the Ascension, humanity itself is lifted up. Jesus does not abandon the world; rather, He opens heaven for us and leads us toward the Father.

The readings today lead us to a deeper understanding of this solemn event in the life of our Lord.

In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we hear of the Risen Lord being taken up into heaven before the eyes of His disciples. The angels proclaim: “This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen Him going into heaven” (Acts 1:11). The Ascension is not merely the departure of Jesus from the earth. It is the culmination of His saving mission. Christ returns to the Father so that humanity may one day share eternal life with God. What the Apostles witnessed with their eyes, we now embrace through faith and hope.

In the second reading, Paul the Apostle reminds the Ephesians of the marvelous generosity and goodness of God. Through Christ, we have become sharers in His glory. Heaven is no longer a distant dream but our true destiny — the inheritance promised to those who remain faithful to Him.

The gospel taken from the final verses of Matthew the Evangelist, presents the Risen Lord appearing to the eleven disciples on the mountain before His Ascension.

One line in particular always strikes me deeply: “When they saw Him, they worshiped, but they doubted.” It is surprising to hear that even after seeing the Risen Lord, some still doubted. Why would Matthew include this detail?

Perhaps Matthew wanted to reveal the very human response of the Apostles before such an extraordinary mystery. Faith does not always remove every hesitation or uncertainty. It is possible to worship and still struggle to understand fully. The disciples believed in Jesus and adored Him, yet they were still trying to comprehend the fullness of His mission and the meaning of all that had happened.

In many ways, we are like them. There are moments when we believe strongly, and yet questions, fears, and doubts still arise within us. But the beautiful thing is this: Jesus did not reject His disciples because of their weakness. Instead, He entrusted them with His mission.

The Ascension of Jesus gave to the Apostles and through them, to the Church, the mission of bringing the message of salvation to all nations. Through Baptism, we have become members of Christ’s Mystical Body, brothers and sisters in the Lord, and heirs to the promise of heaven.

The Ascension also gives us a clearer vision of our eternal destiny. Our life does not end in death. Our journey is ultimately directed toward eternal communion with God. Christ ascended before us so that we may follow Him one day into everlasting joy and friendship with the Father.

To believe in the Ascension is to believe that heaven is real, that our lives have an eternal purpose, and that one day we too are called to share in the glory of the Risen Christ. This inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and eternal.

At the same time, the Ascension inspires us to continue the mission entrusted to the Church. Jesus commands His disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

Through Baptism, we are called not only to believe but also to witness. Our lives should encourage others to encounter Christ, to rediscover faith, and to open their hearts to the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Augustine of Hippo once said: “Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.” These words beautifully express the meaning of the Ascension. To lift up our hearts is to anchor our hope in God and not merely in the passing realities of this world.

The Ascension of Jesus is a consoling promise — not only for the disciples long ago, but for every generation of believers. We do not need to deny the darkness, struggles, or uncertainties of life. Yet even in the darkest moments, we are assured that we are never abandoned. Christ has gone before us, and He remains with us.

As we celebrate this Solemnity of the Ascension, may we bear witness to the gift of salvation entrusted to us. May we continue the mission of proclaiming the Good News with courage and fidelity.

And as we journey through a world filled with distractions, confusion, and uncertainty, may we remember that hesitation and doubt can be part of the human experience. Yet the Lord still calls us, just as He called the Apostles, to continue His ministry with courage and hope, trusting in the promise of the Holy Spirit who strengthens and guides the Church in every age.

God bless you.

Fr. Arlon, OSA

• Acts 8:5–8, 14–17
• Psalm 66:1–7, 16, 20
• 1 Peter 3:15–18
• John 14:15–21

Today is the 6th Sunday of Easter, and within these six consecutive Sundays, many of us have come to realize more deeply that the Risen Lord is truly alive. He continues to walk with us, teach us, and remind us that He was truly seen by the Apostles after His Resurrection. On several occasions, Jesus greeted them with the words, “Peace be with you,” assuring them that everything He had spoken and promised was true and real.

On November 4, 2025, right after the typhoon, many evacuees came to our Retreat House seeking shelter. When the storm had passed and the weather became calm, everyone gradually returned to their homes. Yet one unexpected guest remained — a brown stray dog. My Augustinian brothers eventually welcomed this rare and unexpected member “de familia.” We named her Leah.

Leah came to us quietly and unexpectedly, but over time she became part of our community. On February 5, 2026, she gave birth to eight beautiful puppies. We grew to love Leah because of her gentleness. She was never aggressive toward retreatants and visitors. Amazingly, she never entered the chapel or rectory unless invited. She proved herself to be an intelligent and remarkably disciplined dog.

What touched us most was the extraordinary love and care she showed her puppies. We observed how Leah sacrificed for them. Many times, she would allow the puppies to eat first before taking food for herself. If nothing remained, she would simply stay quiet and wait patiently for another opportunity to eat. In her own simple way, Leah revealed something profound about love and self-sacrifice.

I share this story because I believe that even animals, through their natural instincts, can teach us valuable lessons about love, care, and sacrifice — lessons that we humans are sometimes slow to learn.

This simple story connects beautifully with today’s Gospel.

In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Philip courageously proclaimed the Gospel to the people of Samaria, and many accepted the faith with joy.

In the second reading, First Epistle of Peter encourages Christians to remain ready to give witness to the hope they have in Christ, even amid suffering and trials.

In today’s gospel from St. John, Jesus promises His disciples that He will send them another Advocate — the Spirit of Truth.

Jesus speaks these words during His farewell discourse to His disciples. He knew that His suffering and death were near, and so He wanted to strengthen them.

First, Jesus reassures His disciples that although He would soon leave them physically, they would never be abandoned because He would send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, to remain with them and continue His presence among them. He reminds them that true love for Him is shown by keeping His commandments, not merely as rules to follow, but as a response flowing from a loving relationship with Him. The love Jesus asks from us is deep, sincere, and sacrificial, expressed through faithfulness, care, and self-giving for others, like the strong bond within a family, or like the tender and selfless love Leah-the dog showed for her puppies, though Christ’s love is infinitely greater and more profound.

Second, when Jesus speaks of “another Advocate,” we understand that Jesus Himself was the first Advocate before the Father on behalf of humanity. Now, the “another Advocate” refers to the Holy Spirit, who continues to intercede for us and guide us toward God. Jesus’ departure would pave the way for the permanent gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling within His disciples and within the Church.

Third, the disciples would come to realize that the Holy Spirit is the bond of unity between the Father and the Son, a communion in which the Church also participates. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are drawn into the very life and love of God.

The evangelist John also presents a contrast between the community of disciples and the unbelieving world. Those who remain closed to the Spirit of Truth stay in darkness because they refuse to open their minds and hearts to God’s revelation. But those who welcome the Holy Spirit grow in faith, understanding, and love through their witnessing and discipleship.

The early Christians trusted the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and amazing things happened. They understood the message of Jesus deeply; therefore, they believed, were baptized, and courageously proclaimed the Gospel despite persecution and hardship.

We, too, should not be discouraged by our weaknesses or feel unworthy as followers of Christ. The same Holy Spirit who strengthened the Apostles continues to work within us today. He gives us courage, confidence, wisdom, and perseverance so that even in difficult times we may continue to share the Good News of Jesus.

Therefore, the Holy Spirit teaches us how to love others genuinely and sacrificially. Even the simple example of my mother, +Rita, all the Mothers in the world, and also like Leah, the dog-mother, reminds us that self-sacrificial love has the power to overcome barriers of distance, indifference, and even suffering.

The Holy Spirit helps us love others even when it is difficult to do so. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, love becomes possible, healing becomes possible, and faithful discipleship becomes possible.

May God bless all the Mothers in the world. Happy Mother’s Day.

Fr. Arlon, OSA

• Acts 6:1–7
• Psalm 33
• 1 Peter 2:4–9
• John 14:1–12

  We continue to rejoice on this 5th Sunday of Easter. Yet, if we are honest with ourselves, many of us remain at the level of amazement rather than allowing a true transformation of the heart. We are easily distracted—by politics that divide, wars that isolate, and economic pressures that distress us. These disturbances often fill our hearts with anxiety instead of the deep and lasting joy that Easter brings. And yet, the readings today gently inspire and strengthen us. Like the Apostles, who remained committed to preaching despite their struggles, we are reminded that God continues to work, and the community of believers continues to grow.

  In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see the early Church facing internal challenges. There were tensions and concerns within the community, yet through discernment, humility, and cooperation, they remained faithful to their mission. Their commitment to prayer and service allowed the Word of God to spread, and the number of disciples increased. It is a quiet reminder to us that even our own difficulties, when entrusted to God, can become opportunities for growth.

  In the second reading, St. Peter reminds us that we are a holy people, a spiritual family formed by God. United with the risen Christ, we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Him. This is both our dignity and our calling—to live as people gradually transformed by His love. Sometimes we forget this identity, yet the Lord never forgets who we are in His eyes.

  The Gospel today, taken from John, shifts our attention. Unlike the previous Sundays filled with Resurrection appearances, we are brought back to Jesus’ intimate words during the Last Discourse. At first, these may sound like farewell words, but in the light of Easter, they become words of promise. They lead us toward the Ascension and gently open our hearts to Pentecost.

  Allow me to reflect on a few important points from this Gospel.

  First, the disciples are searching for understanding when Jesus speaks of going away. They are confused, and Thomas expresses this honestly: “Master, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” In many ways, Thomas speaks for all of us. There are moments in our lives when we feel uncertain, when God’s plans are not clear, and when His words seem difficult to grasp. Like the disciples, we sometimes hear but do not fully understand; we see but do not fully believe. It was only after the Resurrection that the apostles began to comprehend and truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God. In our own lives, understanding also comes slowly—through prayer, through experience, and through staying close to Him.

  Second, the mystery of the Incarnation remains beyond our full comprehension. But perhaps it is not the “how” that should trouble us. With God, all things are possible. The more important question is “why.” Why did God choose to come so close to us? Why does He continue to reach out to us? The answer lies in His infinite goodness and love. When we encounter genuine love in our lives, we begin to glimpse something of God’s love. And yet, we often overlook this truth—that God has reached out to us in the most profound way. Despite our weaknesses, our mistakes, and our failures, His love continues to triumph. In giving us His Son, He reveals how deeply we are loved and how blessed we truly are. If we take this to heart, it can slowly change the way we see ourselves and others.

  Third, Jesus challenges His disciples: “How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” He responds, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” These words may seem difficult, but they are also clear and deeply personal. To know Jesus is to know the Father. To believe in Him is to share in His life and mission. He invites us into this relationship—to remain in Him as He remains in the Father. And then He makes a remarkable promise: “Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and even greater ones.” This is both a challenge and a call to commitment. Our faith cannot remain passive or superficial; it must be lived each day—with gratitude, with trust, and with quiet fidelity in the ordinary moments of life.

  Fourth, Jesus does not give the disciples a direction or a plan in the usual sense. Instead, He points to Himself: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” He is not offering a “GPS , Global Positioning System ” or a set of instructions, but inviting us into a relationship. In Him, the invisible God becomes visible. What seems distant becomes near. What seems unknowable becomes known through love. And perhaps this is where our hearts are gently led—to trust not in our own understanding, but in His presence.

  We can only imagine how the early Christians struggled to understand and express this mystery. Even before doctrines were fully defined, the Holy Spirit was already guiding them as a community, leading the Church forward in faith. In the same way, the Spirit continues to guide us today, even when we do not fully understand the path before us.

  And so, my dear brothers and sisters, we are invited to respond in simple but meaningful ways: through small acts of love, quiet expressions of gratitude, and a willing acceptance of the crosses we carry each day. These may seem small, but they purify our hearts and draw us closer to Christ.

  Let us hold on to His words: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”

  May we continue to grow as a Church—like the early Christians—filled with the Spirit, rooted in prayer, and faithful in service.

  God bless you.

  Fr. Arlon, OSA

---

Ang Diktado sa Kasingkasing: Ika-5 nga Domingo sa Pasko sa Pagkabanhaw, Tuig A

• Mga Buhat 6:1–7
• Salmo 33
• 1 Pedro 2:4–9
• Juan 14:1–12

  Padayon kitang nagmaya niining ika-5 nga Domingo sa Pasko sa Pagkabanhaw. Apan kon atong tan-awon pag-ayo ang atong kaugalingon, daghan kanato nagpabilin pa lamang sa kahibulong ug wala pa gyud makaabot sa tinuod nga kausaban sa kasingkasing. Sayon ra kaayo kitang madistract—sa politika nga nagbahinbahin, sa mga gubat nga nagpalayo kanato sa usag usa, ug sa kalisod sa ekonomiya nga naghatag ug kabalaka. Kining mga butanga kasagaran mopuno sa atong kasingkasing ug kahadlok ug kabalaka imbis nga kalipay nga dala sa Pasko sa Pagkabanhaw. Bisan pa niana, ang mga pagbasa karon nagdasig ug nagpalig-on kanato. Sama sa mga Apostoles nga nagpabiling matinud-anon sa ilang misyon bisan pa sa ilang mga pagsulay, gipahinumduman usab kita nga ang Dios padayon nga naglihok ug ang komunidad sa mga magtutuo padayon nga motubo.

  Sa unang pagbasa gikan sa Mga Buhat sa mga Apostoles, atong makita ang unang Simbahan nga nag-atubang ug sulodnong mga hagit. Adunay mga tensiyon ug panaglalis sulod sa komunidad, apan pinaagi sa pag-ila sa kabubut-on sa Dios, pagpaubos, ug panaghiusa, nagpabilin silang matinud-anon sa ilang misyon. Ang ilang paghatag og bili sa pag-ampo ug pag-alagad maoy hinungdan nga mikaylap ang Pulong sa Dios ug midaghan ang mga tinun-an. Usa kini ka pahinumdom kanato nga bisan ang atong mga kalisdanan, kon itugyan nato sa Dios, mahimong dalan sa pagtubo.

  Sa ikaduhang pagbasa, gipahinumduman kita ni San Pedro nga kita usa ka balaang katawhan, usa ka espirituhanong pamilya nga gihimo sa Dios. Nahiusa kita kang Kristo nga nabanhaw, ug gitawag kita sa paghalad ug espirituhanong mga halad nga makapahimuot sa Dios. Mao kini ang atong dignidad ug tawag—ang mabuhi isip mga tawo nga hinay-hinay nga nabag-o pinaagi sa Iyang gugma. Usahay makalimot kita niini, apan ang Ginoo dili gyud makalimot kung kinsa kita sa Iyang panan-aw.

  Ang Ebanghelyo karon gikan kang Juan nagdala kanato sa laing kahimtang. Dili sama sa miaging mga Domingo nga puno sa mga pagpakita ni Jesus human sa pagkabanhaw, karon gidala kita balik sa Iyang suod nga mga pulong atol sa Katapusang Panihapon. Sa unang tan-aw, mura kini og mga pulong sa panamilit, apan sa kahayag sa Pasko sa Pagkabanhaw, kini nahimong mga pulong sa saad. Naggiya kini kanato padulong sa Pagsaka sa Langit ug nagbukas sa atong kasingkasing alang sa Pentecostes.

  Tugoti ako sa paghatag og pipila ka mga punto alang sa atong pagpamalandong niini nga Ebanghelyo.

  Una, ang mga tinun-an nangita ug pagsabot sa dihang si Jesus nagsulti nga Siya mobiya. Nalibog sila, ug si Tomas maoy misulti alang kanilang tanan: “Ginoo, wala kami masayod kon asa Ka paingon. Unsaon man namo pagkahibalo sa dalan?” Sa daghang paagi, si Tomas nagrepresentar kanato. Adunay mga higayon sa atong kinabuhi nga dili nato masabtan ang plano sa Dios. Usahay makadungog kita apan dili makasabut, makakita apan dili pa gyud motoo. Human pa sa Pagkabanhaw nga ang mga Apostoles nakasabot ug mitoo pag-ayo nga si Jesus mao ang Anak sa Dios. Sa atong kinabuhi, ang pagsabot moabot usab hinay-hinay—pinaagi sa pag-ampo, kasinatian, ug pagpabilin duol Kaniya.

  Ikaduha, ang misteryo sa Pagkatawo (Incarnation) labaw pa sa atong hingpit nga pagsabot. Apan dili tingali ang “unsaon” ang angay makapaguol kanato, kay sa Dios walay imposible. Ang mas importante nga pangutana mao ang “ngano.” Ngano nga mipaduol kaayo ang Dios kanato? Ngano nga padayon Siyang nagpadayag sa Iyang kaugalingon kanato? Ang tubag anaa sa Iyang walay kinutuban nga kaayo ug gugma. Sa dihang makasinati kita ug tinuod nga gugma, makatilaw kita gamay sa gugma sa Dios. Apan kasagaran malimtan nato kini—nga ang Dios miabot kanato sa labing lawom nga paagi. Bisan pa sa atong mga kahuyang, sayop, ug sala, ang Iyang gugma mopadayon ug modaug. Pinaagi sa paghatag sa Iyang Anak, gipakita Niya kon unsa kita ka bililhon ug ka mapinalanggaon.

  Ikatulo, gihagit ni Jesus ang Iyang mga tinun-an: “Ngano man nga nagaingon kamo, ‘Ipakita kanamo ang Amahan’?” Ug mitubag Siya, “Ako anaa sa Amahan ug ang Amahan ania Kanako.” Tingali lisod sabton, apan kini tin-aw ug personal kaayo. Ang pag-ila kang Jesus mao ang pag-ila sa Amahan. Ang pagtuo Kaniya mao ang pag-apil sa Iyang kinabuhi ug misyon. Gidapit kita Niya sa pagpabilin diha Kaniya, sama sa Iyang pagpabilin sa Amahan. Ug naghatag Siya ug usa ka dakong saad: “Ang motoo Kanako makahimo sa mga buhat nga Akong gibuhat, ug labaw pa gani.” Usa kini ka hagit ug tawag sa tinuod nga pagpangga sa atong pagtuo—nga dili lang kini magpabilin nga walay lihok, kundili mabuhi matag adlaw uban sa pasalamat ug pagsalig.

  Ikaupat, si Jesus wala maghatag og direksyon o plano sama sa atong gipaabot. Hinuon, Iyang gipunting ang Iyang kaugalingon: “Ako mao ang dalan, ang kamatuoran, ug ang kinabuhi.” Dili Siya naghatag og sistema o lista sa mga buhaton, kundili nagdapit sa usa ka relasyon. Diha Kaniya, ang dili makita nga Dios nahimong makita. Ang layo nahimong duol. Ang dili masabtan nahimong masabtan pinaagi sa gugma. Tingali mao kini ang paingon sa atong kasingkasing—ang pagsalig dili sa atong kaugalingong pagsabot, kundili sa Iyang presensya.

  Mahimo natong handurawon kon giunsa sa unang mga Kristiyano ang pagpamalandong niini nga misteryo. Bisan wala pa maporma ang mga doktrina, ang Espiritu Santo naggiya na kanila isip komunidad, nagtabang sa Simbahan sa pagpadayon sa paglakaw diha sa pagtuo. Sa samang paagi, ang Espiritu padayon usab nga naggiya kanato karon, bisan pa kon dili pa nato klaro ang tanan.

  Busa, mga igsoon ko, gidapit kita sa pagresponde sa yano apan makahuluganon nga paagi: pinaagi sa gagmay nga buhat sa gugma, hilum nga pasalamat, ug andam nga pagdawat sa mga krus nga atong gidala matag adlaw. Bisan gamay kini tan-awon, kini makapahinlo sa atong kasingkasing ug magpaduol kanato kang Kristo.

  Magkupot kita sa Iyang pulong: “Ayaw kamo kabalaka. Nagtuo kamo sa Dios; tuo usab kamo Kanako.”

  Hinaut nga magpadayon kita sa pagtubo isip Simbahan—sama sa unang mga Kristiyano—nga napuno sa Espiritu, lig-on sa pag-ampo, ug matinud-anon sa pag-alagad.

  Ang Dios magapanalangin kaninyong tanan

  Padre Arlon, OSA