The story is told about a preacher who wanted to stress the importance of fasting and abstinence during Lent. Seeing that many in his congregation were well-fed, even overfed, he started his homily by saying: “Remember, our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, not cathedrals or basilicas!”
The story is told about a doctor who asked his secretary: “Where is the next patient?” “Oh, I sent him home,” said the secretary. When he asked why, her response was: “Because he said he wasn’t feeling well.” * * * In today’s Gospel (Mt. 14, 13-21) we hear of Jesus being disturbed by the [...]
The story is told about a man who had a religious conversion. He gave up his worldly ways. He stopped reading “Playboy” and “Penthouse.” Now he reads “Prayboy” and “Repenthouse.” * * * In today’s Gospel (Mt. 13, 44-52) Jesus teaches us – in the Parable of the Buried Treasure and in the Parable of [...]
The story is told about a wife who consulted a fortune-teller who told her: “Your husband will meet a violent death.” To which the wife responded: “Yes, I know that already. What I want to know from you is whether I will get away with it.” * * * In today’s Gospel (Mt. 13, 24-43), [...]
The story is told about a mother superior and three nuns who were stopped by a traffic policeman for overspeeding. The mother superior contested the allegation, stating that they were religious, and that God was with them, including the Blessed Mother and their patron saint. To which the policeman replied: “In that case, I will also fine you for overloading.”
The story is told about a young lion that asked his mother: “Where is happiness?” The mother lion responded: “On your tail.” Upon hearing this, the young lion started chasing his tail, and spent the whole day doing so. Seeing the young lion tired and exhausted, the mother lion said: “Son, you don’t chase happiness. [...]
The story is told about a father who asked his nervous little boy: “What’s wrong, son?” “I left my bike outside our gate,” was the little boy’s answer. “Don’t worry, the Holy Spirit will look after your bike. Now, lead us in our prayer before our meal.” And the little boy started: “In the name [...]
“MABUTI PA ang tanghali, tapat.” * * * “Tanghaling tapat!” Loosely translated into English, this Tagalog expression speaks about being sincere, honest and clear like the noonday sun. In today’s Gospel (Mt. 28, 16-20) Jesus’ Ascension mandate to His disciples is clear: “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name [...]
The story is told about a dying wife who told her husband: “When I die, don’t write ‘RIP’ (rest in peace) on my tombstone. Instead, write ‘SUS’ (see you soon!).” * * * In today’s Gospel (Jn. 14, 15-21), Jesus tells his disciples that He will see them again “in a little while.” He is [...]
MANILA, Philippines—Somewhere in Spain, during a recent pilgrimage, I wanted to ask the name of a courteous sales lady. Unable to remember “name” in Spanish, I switched to Latin, and asked her: “Nomen?” I was astounded when, with a smile, she said: “I have no men, but I plan to have one in the future.” [...]
THE STORY is told that Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi will not step down, and was supposed to have said to his people: “My dear Libyan people, I will never Lib-ya!” * * * Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. In today’s gospel, Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. Well, there are various kinds of shepherds. The [...]
ON MARCH 19, 2011, I stopped to bless a bloodied, unconscious person lying on the road; he had figured in a motorcycle accident under the Guadalupe Bridge in Makati City. As I was blessing him aloud, imagine my surprise when suddenly, he opened his eyes, looked at me, and said, “Fr. Jerry? Fr. Jerry Orbos? [...]
