Jesus recognized the "sinners" who were better than the "saints" of his time in their openness to his message. [Matthew 21:28-32, Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent]

St. John the Baptist in answering the queries of these individuals spoke of at least 4 ways we can find happiness. [Luke 3:10-18, 3rd Sunday of Advent]

The conversation of Mary and angel Gabriel during the annunciation revealed God's many favors to seemingly insignificant young girl from Nazareth. [Luke 1:26-38, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary]

Powerful names were mentioned but God sent His message from a voice from the wilderness. The images of flattening and straighthening the way of the Lord give us an idea of the bulk of work needed to prepare the way of the Lord to us. [Luke 3:1-6, 2nd Sunday of Advent]

The teaching of the Lord to his disciples about "walk the talk" was followed by the teaching about listening to God and obeying accordingly. It was compared to a wise man who built his house on rock amd not on sandy ground. I then say that it is not enough to say 'walk the talk'. We also need to 'act the hark.'

Jesus' heart was moved in pity at the sight of the people who were weary and hungry. This moved Him to do something. Sympathy is improved by empathy but empathy is completed by charity. [Matthew 15:29-37, Wednesday of the 1st Week of Advent]

Jesus in his call to the first disciples immediately expressed what he planned for them to become. He called them to become fishers of men. It necessitated much trust for these fishermen for Jesus to be able tell them of such a challenging task. [Matthew 4:18-22, Tuesday of the 1st Week of Advent]

Unity in adversity. Diversity in unity. The centurion's plea with Jesus' favorable response showed these important values. (Matthew 8:5-11, Monday of the 1st Week of Advent)[1st Novena Mass for the Immaculate Conception, Manila Cathedral]

Jesus said, "heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away." We are to put our trust in Jesus words, his promises.[Luke 21:29-33, Friday of the 34th Week in the Ordinary Time]

Jesus was straightforward in saying that persecution and even death await those who follow Him. Red Wednesday is a celebration of our faith and hope in the Lord in the midst of suffering and pain for the faith. [Luke 21:12-19, Wednesday of the 34th Week in the Ordinary Time]