Come, follow me: Heeding God’s Call in this busy world

Today’s Gospel talks about the story of how Jesus called his first disciples. As the story goes, Jesus was walking along the shores of Lake Galilee. As He was walking He saw two fishermen, Simon and Andrew, casting their nets. Jesus told them, “Come, follow me.” The two abandoned their nets and followed Jesus.

The Francis Effect: How the Papal Visit in Manila Challenged a New Generation of Faithfuls

Most of the superheroes that we grew up with are images of strength, extraordinary capabilities and out of this world abilities. Most of them would either be in leotards or will be flying up high with the wind on their cape. Some would have the ability to control things while some the ability to regenerate. As a kid, you either wish that you are one of these superheroes or wish that one of them will magically appear right in front of your doorstep.

Last week, the nation witnessed a superhero fly in from the other part of the world and it felt like that the kid in every one of us started jumping up and down in excitement. However, this superhero was very different from the one everyone grew up with. 

No, he did not have the power of flight but it seems that he made our spirits fly with his presence. No, he did not have the power of telekinesis, but it seems that he was able to move millions of people. No, he did not have the power of a flame-thrower, but he rekindled the flame in the heart of millions of Filipinos. He did not have a cape or a leotard but priestly vestments. He did not have a bow and arrow for a weapon but what he had was a Crucifix and a Bible. His name is Francis - a superhero yet human in every way possible.

Pope Francis' Homily at Quirino Grandstand

“A child is born to us, a son is given us ” (Is 9:5). It is a special joy for me to celebrate Santo Niño Sunday with you. The image of the Holy Child Jesus accompanied the spread of the Gospel in this country from the beginning. Dressed in the robes of a king, crowned and holding the scepter, the globe and the cross he continues to remind us of the link between God’s Kingdom and the mystery of spiritual childhood. He tells us this in today’s Gospel: “ Whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it” (Mk 10 :15).

Pope's Message to the Youth at University of Sto. Tomas

Dear Young Friends,

When I speak spontaneously I do it in Spanish, because I don’t know the English language. May I do it? Thank you very much. This Fr Mark, a good translator.

Pope's Homily at Tacloban Airport

If you allow me, I prefer today to speak in Spanish. I have a translator, a good translator. May I do that? Thank you very much.

We have a high priest who is capable of symphatizing with our weaknesses but one who is similarly been tested in every way yet without sin. Jesus is like us. Jesus lived like us. Jesus is the same with us in every respect except sin. Because Jesus was not a sinner.

Pope's Message to Families at Mall of Asia Arena

Dear Families,

Dear Friends in Christ,

I am grateful for your presence here this evening and for the witness of your love for Jesus and his Church.  I thank Bishop Reyes, Chairman of the Bishops’ Commission on Family and Life, for his words of welcome on your behalf.  And, in a special way, I thank those who have presented testimonies and have shared their life of faith with us.

Pope Francis' Homily at Manila Cathedral

Do you love me? Thank you.

“Do you love me?…  Tend my sheep” (Jn 21:15-17).  Jesus’ words to Peter in today’s Gospel are the first words I speak to you, dear brother bishops and priests, men and women religious, and young seminarians.  These words remind us of something essential.  All pastoral ministry is born of love.  All consecrated life is a sign of Christ’s reconciling love.  Like Saint Therese, in the variety of our vocations, each of us is called, in some way, to be love in the heart of the Church.