(Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 31(30); Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42)

Theme: His Crucifixion and Glory - A Foundation of Hope

Good Friday’s readings about Jesus Christ's passion and death remind us that in our darkest moments, God is present and active; He quietly turns our weaknesses and suffering into opportunities for His glory. Indeed, those who stay in Him are glorified.

This understanding of suffering is connected to the suffering of our Lord Jesus, foreshadowed in the pains of the Suffering Servant in the first reading from the Prophet Isaiah and recorded in the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The passion narratives of these Gospels testify to what the Lord does with a broken but willing heart: how He mends its brokenness, reshapes it for anointing, and cares for it, lifting it towards holiness.

This elevating essence of suffering was aptly described in John’s account of the Lord’s Passion and Death. After examining the accounts in the Synoptic Gospels, Evangelist John chose to emphasize less our Lord Jesus’ human expressions of abandonment and fear and more the purifying essence of His Passion, His triumph, and His glory upon the Cross.

In other words, John’s Good Friday account of the Lord’s passion and death highlights not only our Lord Jesus’ fears, feelings of abandonment, and suffering but also provides an inspiring narrative of life lessons from the true Lamb of God, whose blood cleansed our sins and fulfilled the Father's work for our redemption.

Therefore, we can conclude that those who seek the Lord’s merciful love will not be forgotten in times of trouble. For the One whose Cross became His glory – a visible reflection of His self-emptying love and a testament to His faithfulness – can transform our sufferings and life’s difficulties if, as the Psalmist says, we flee to, trust in Him and remain in His love.

For Evangelist John, the crucifixion and glorification of our Lord Jesus were one event in His life, revealed as He hung on the cross. Therefore, just as it happened for our Lord Jesus, healing and salvation would evolve through our sufferings if we remain in His love.

Thus, Good Friday reveals the power of the compassionate, true High Priest who never abandons those in His love during sickness, suffering, or trials. Therefore, anyone who calls on His name will not be denied His deliverance and comfort, whether in this life or the next. We must learn to believe and trust that the One who fulfilled the Father’s will, crucified and glorified on the throne of the Cross, will surely perfect our services, joy, success, and happiness. Let us remain in His love, for those days of pain will pass.

(Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; Psalm 116(115); 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15)

Theme: The Memorial Ritual of Salvation

Before laying down His life for us on Good Friday, our Lord Jesus had supper with His disciples; as St Paul noted in the second reading, during that supper, He instituted the Eucharist, which He asked us to do in remembrance, memory, or anamnesis of Him.

In other words, He provided us with a ritual for the New Passover meal that supplants the annual Jewish Passover celebration of the Lord's liberative act, as referenced in today’s first reading, which vividly recounts the suffering and liberation of the People of Israel from Egypt.

Through the Mass, we recall our Lord’s sacrifice on the cross, the establishment of the new Passover, His blessed Resurrection, ascension into heaven, and our purification and redemption. The Mass is an anamnesis, or memorial, of the once-and-for-all sacrifice by the Redeemer, who continues to share with those sincerely gathered to receive His cleansing and redeeming grace.

Indeed, the bread of blessing we consume and the wine in the cup of blessing we drink serve not only as a communion in the Lord’s salvific sacrifice but also as a participation in His banquet of love, which is brought to life within the hearts of those partaking in the Eucharistic celebration; we are not only called to embody its fruits of love and compassion but also to share this grace for the salvation of the world.

And so, the passion of our Lord Jesus is not repeated but commemorated. By it, we are inspired to renew our lives and remain open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. In other words, tonight's celebration reminds us that our past salvific stories and all Eucharistic celebrations today have become one; therefore, when we hear the phrase “body of Christ,” it is the Lord Himself offering His body and blood to us, for our purification and salvation.

A purification He demonstrated when He washed the feet of His disciples. By doing so, our Lord revealed that He intends not only to wash our feet on Good Friday but also to cleanse us from sin. In response, our task is to present ourselves to the Lord each day for purification; to partake with a pure heart in His banquet of love; and, before leaving this world, share with others the joy, happiness, success, security, and peace gained from the Lord’s Holy Mass of remembrance.

Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22(21); Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14-27:66

Theme: The One and Only Passion of Our Redemption

This Sunday, we gather with our Lord Christ on the Mount of Olives. We recall His preparation before His joyful entry into Jerusalem, His betrayal by close friends for thirty pieces of silver, and His Passion, which led to His death on the cross.

This week, we unite in the Lord's name to culminate our Lenten observances by reflecting on the zenith of our salvation. Let us contemplate His meekness, humility, and simplicity amidst betrayal, aggression, blackmail, humiliation, revenge, and selfishness.

We will also observe His submission to the Father’s will in the Garden of Gethsemane, witness His companions betraying and denying Him, see Him questioned and suffering at the hands of His enemies, accompany Him as He carries our crosses and sorrows to Golgotha, and mourn with Him as He triumphs over death, transforming it into an open door to eternal life.

Thus, as Prophet Isaiah noted in his Song of the Suffering Servant in the first reading, our Lord Jesus was and remains the Suffering Servant, who listened to the Father, embraced the sacrifice of love for men and women, and demonstrated his determination to lift us out of our earthly nature and transform it into a suitable nature of immortality.

In the words of Saint Paul in the second reading, although He possessed the capacity to transform us from heaven, He chose to embrace the shame of human nature so that we would not be shamed. This Sunday, we must confess that the Lord is not only the Blessed One, our Eternal Saviour, and the Exemplum of God’s obedient love and exalted glory, but also our Lord, in whom we trust to deliver us in times of temptation, protect us against those who seek our downfall, grant us the strength to remake ourselves, and empower us with wisdom to stand firm in the face of adversities.

Finally, this week, we are reminded that our failures, compromises, or indifference have not erased His Love for us. He says, "I call you friends."

And so, He invites us not to retreat in despair but to worship sincerely with our hearts, to open our minds to His words, and to surrender our whole beings to His transformative grace.

Today, we have honoured His Blessed Name with palm branches; tomorrow, He awaits hearts that are repentant, forgiving, and prayerful—yours and mine—open to the glory of His resurrection.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

(Ezekiel 37:12-14; Psalm 130(129); Romans 8:8-11; John 11:1-45)

Theme: WHAT HE OFFERS TO THE SPIRITUALLY DEAD AND UPLIFTED

Last Sunday, we reminded ourselves that God's transformative power extends to everyone made in His image, for He aims to shape our lives and actions, especially those considered lost, unspiritual, or mentally challenged, into reflections of His glorious splendour.

In other words, He offers healing when we are physically and spiritually unwell, strength when we are tired of life, second chances when we admit our failings, and eternal life if our trials, sufferings, and challenges lead us through the door of death.

This Sunday’s readings reaffirm the Lord’s unwavering commitment and divine purpose. From Ezekiel 37:12ff and John 11:1-45, He emphasizes His promise to raise from their graves anyone—whether physically or spiritually dead—by filling them with His Spirit and life. Thus, He offers revival, second chances, or eternal life to those who trust in Him.

Since those in graves of suffering, failure, and setbacks cannot help themselves, it is our duty to assist all created in God’s image. However, St Paul reminds us in the second reading that we will not be effective in God’s ministry if we live selfishly and work without His grace.

And so, let us ask in prayer for the power of execution and inspiration to bring others back to Him. In Galatians 6:1ff, we are encouraged to compassionately help anyone, whether spiritually alive or dead, to reconcile with the Lord. In Romans 15:18, we are called to use our gifts to teach others to obey the Lord through both words and deeds.

Therefore, our mission is to inspire and support others in living more like the Lord, helping them to restore their self-esteem, confidence in their abilities, hope for the future, and will to live. Let us not forget that our mission is universal; therefore, we must reach out to all, whether they are physically, spiritually, or mentally challenged, so they can experience God's tenderness and be integrated into a family of faith where they feel accepted, understood, supported, and respected; where they can love and be loved; and where they can rediscover God’s presence and the life that offers hope, overcomes pain, and endures forever.

(1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13; Psalm 23(22); Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41)

Theme: Upliftment of the Least and Overlooked

Reflecting on this year’s Laetare Sunday readings, I was inspired by the reminder that even the least, the unattractive, the overlooked, and the unlearned can see the light of Christ, be shaped by it, and be transformed to reflect God’s goodness and kindness. Ultimately, no one is beyond the reach of the Most High’s transforming power.

However, some people will not rejoice on Laetare Sunday because they believe, or have been made to believe, that they cannot transform their lives, and are not fit for purpose. And so, they have conceded to being unlovable; that their homes are "shitholes"; and some have embraced the generational systemic stigma of hopelessness.

In other words, some people have either been forced or have willingly chosen to behave in ways that, as St. Paul describes in the second reading, could be called shameful, unfruitful, and unproductive. Consequently, they have become, within our families and communities, objects of distress and horror.

Should we close the gate against them or ask how we might change their minds? This Sunday, we are instructed to imitate what Prophet Samuel did for the overlooked and unremarkable David, and what our Lord Jesus did for the man born blind. Thus, our mission is to lift the curse and transform the lives of the shamed, condemned, exploited, and vulnerable in our communities. To listen to their stories or claims, help them to experience the Spirit’s anointing, be patient with their transformation, and prepare them for lasting success.

Therefore, we are called to focus on showing compassion and fostering people’s transformation rather than increasing the suffering of the afflicted or causing pain to others. Yes, we must show mercy to others in the same way, with the same generosity, and with the same promptness, as we would want others to show mercy to us.

Let us join the Good Shepherd in alleviating suffering, comforting the afflicted, guiding the fallen, and empowering the fearful. Share His transforming grace and never use your position to deny others opportunities for change and renewal.

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR A, 2026

(Exodus 17:3-7; Ps 95(94); Romans 5:1-2, 5-8; John 4:5-42)

Theme: Our Gracious Encounter Is Sufficient, Draw Near and Testify.

Having followed the LORD’s instructions and quenched the thirst of God’s people, Moses named the place Massah andMeribah, because of the murmuring and quarrelling among the people and their testing of the LORD by asking, ‘Is the LORD among us or not?’

In the face of today’s challenges, we sometimes ask – and indeed, some have asked – Is the Lord among ustoday? Is He present in our world, burdened by conflicts, hardships, and widespread disorder? Is the Lord aware of the instability, fragmentation, and irreligiosity prevalent in many families? Does He have plans to improve our condition?

Our hearts are not hardened; therefore, we believe that it is the LORD who quenched the thirst of His people, revealed Himself warmly to the Samaritan woman, and welcomed her community into His fold, demonstrating that He loved us even when we were sinners and graciously granted us new life. Yes, He is the eternal rock who rescues us and remains close to usat all times. St. Paul reminds us that the Lord justified us by faith, granted us access to His presence, and filled us with hope for a better world both now and in eternity.

And so, we have moved beyond the idea of a non-existent God. For we understand the transcendent and immanent Lord is willing to quench our insatiable thirst for life, meaning, success, and happiness. Therefore, let us now pause to drink from His well of life; let us bow our heads and surrender to Him as the Samaritan woman did in today’s gospel.

Close your eyes and picture yourself with our Lord Jesus at His well, where He is asking for your heart. Are we willing to surrender for a deeper life of faith? He understands our concerns deeply—are you prepared to share them and seek a solution with Him? Will you hold back, knowing that the I Am who spoke to Moses and the Samaritan woman is speaking to you? The Samaritan woman did not fully understand Jesus’ identity, but still asked Him for living water and brought her community to Him. Are you ready to listen, to be committed, to testify for Him, and lead your family to Him?

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR A 2026

(Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 33(32); 2 Timothy 1:8b-10; Matthew 17:1-9)

Theme: Redeemed from Eternity for His Glory, and By His Revealed Gospel

In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that our Lord and God overturned Diabolos’ victory in the Garden of Eden, nullified the curse of pain and death, and revealed the path to our redemption, salvation, and eternal life. He did this not because of our deeds, but for His own purpose: to preserve the imago Dei given to us from the beginning of creation.

In other words, since this was done for His own purpose, it indicates that our redemption had been planned and completed in God’s realm but was made manifest when the Creative Word became the God-Man. Therefore, our Lord Jesus is the mystery and revelation of the LORD’s Proto-Evangelium (or the LORD’s first gospel message) about our redemption sealed with His blood, which was revealed to Father Abram and other ancestors in faith, and was preserved within the precepts of the law and the shadows of prophecy.

Therefore, our Lord Jesus’ Transfiguration affirms that He is the bearer and fulfiller of our redemptive promises enshrined in the eternal first gospel, revealed to Abram, secured within the law, and proclaimed by the prophets. Yes, He conveyed the truth of prophecy by His presence (Rev. 19:10), and by the light of His grace, we can obey the Lord’s commands.

Hence, as believers, we seek the face of our Lord Jesus, who redeems and enlightens. We should listen to Him, who made us inheritors of Abraham’s blessings, secured our salvation within the law, fulfilled the prophetic messages of our redemption, and now watches over us, instructs us, comforts us in suffering, sustains us on earth, and offers us the hope of eternity.

Like Abram, we ought to trust the Lord, the Designer and fulfiller of our redemption. And so, in this period of mercy, we ought to pray for grace to correct our flaws, confront our fears, and wait for the Lord's promise, especially during times of suffering and struggle.

Our patience is never in vain, for the transfiguration of our Lord Jesus reassures us that our lives are not destined for perpetual misery and hardship. Therefore, let us anticipate the divine strength derived from the light of faith, the blessings that flow from the wells of charity, and the inspiration for victory and success through the Spirit of Hope.

The One who eternally ordained our redemption and blessed us in the days of Abram, redeeming us in His Messianic era, will continue to anoint us in this age of the Holy Spirit.

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT 2026

(Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Psalm 51(50); Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11)

Theme: The Contest He Won, the Eternal Re-clothing We Attained

On Ash Wednesday, we declared the start of the hour of favour, that the Lord has defeated the creators of human challenges and afflictions in this world, thus making way for us to be re-clothed with immortality lost by the first Adam and Eve.

However, we are aware that the prince of darkness, Diabolos, the father of those who cause human suffering, roams our world to regain his victory in the Garden of Eden, using vulnerable men and women distracted by the pursuit of wealth, power, fame, adulation, and self-deification. These individuals are susceptible to the Tempter's schemes and misinterpretations of God’s word regarding their identity and purpose in life.

And so, we might stumble just as Adam and Eve did in Eden, whose rebellion against obedience caused them and us to lose the clothing of immortality and the sense of presence within the divine realm of the Trinity. They were cast into the wilderness of sin and death.

Nevertheless, this favourable Quadragesima season, or the forty-day preparatory period for the commemoration of our redemption, evokes, as St. Paul observed in today’s second reading, the contest between the New Adam, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the father of those responsible for human tribulations. The battleground was the desert, the penitential abode of man and woman. Following the Spirit, our Lord Jesus willingly and obediently accepted the contest to end the reign of the prince of darkness, to overturn the curse on man and woman, and to guide them out of the wilderness to life.

He reminded the enemy that He had not come to showcase His identity; that He was not seeking public recognition; and that He is united with His Father, whose will is supreme. Therefore, He did not nag, cry for food, or crave other gods, as the Israelites did in the wilderness. He paved the way for our hearts to be adorned with modesty and humility; He illuminated our being with the light of truth and justice; and granted us the abilities needed for acts of faith and charity.

Therefore, we are protected by God’s grace to overcome temptations, recover from failures, seek God’s mercy, and remain steadfast in serving Him. Although the first Adam covered us with a loincloth of fear, corruption, and death, the Second Adam re-clothed us with a garment of salvation. That garment guarantees the victory of those who remain in Christ Jesus.