Rev. Fr. Nicanor Lalog II
Monday, August 17, 2026 8:31 am
359 total reads
Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Monday, Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time, Year II, 17 August 2026
Ezekiel 24:15-23 ><]]]]'> + ><]]]]'> + ><]]]]'> Matthew 19:16-22
Photo by author, Malagos Garden Resort, Davao City, August 2018.
Your words today,
O Lord are so touching
that reaches deep down my
inmost being;
both readings speak
about losing: Ezekiel's wife
died while the young man
in the gospel asked
"what do I still lack?"
Both readings are
so timely for us these days
when we have so much of
every thing except of you,
O Lord; we rarely ask
"what do I still lack" in its
truest sense - of learning to let
go of what we have in order to have
the most essential.
Often,
we think of having what
we still lack in order to have
more of every thing;
but you teach us today,
Jesus, what we really lack
is you through others;
what we really lack are
the poor and the sick,
those who have less in life;
what we really lack still
is life eternal,
of having you O Lord
as basis and foundation
of our relationships.
In this time when rains
continue to pour
for the third straight week,
the more we are concerned
of what material things we still
lack and forget about the warmth
and smiles of others so disadvantaged
due to floods and lack of work;
teach us, Jesus,
to be like Ezekiel in the first
reading to see and realize
that the most painful loss
in this life is not losing a loved one
nor wealth and things
but in losing our souls to
sin and evil.
Amen.
Rev. Fr. Jerico Habunal
Monday, August 17, 2026 8:29 am
322 total reads
Gospel Reading for August 17, 2026 – Matthew 19: 16-22
LAW OF LOVE
A young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
————
In the Gospel of today, Jesus clearly states that it is not enough to follow the commandments that tell us what we should not do, or what are called sins of commission—the wrongful actions that we actively commit. The LAW OF LOVE for God and neighbor also requires us to do virtuous things, or the things that we ought to do. These are what we call sins of omission—the good that we fail to do.
Remember that at the beginning of the Mass, we acknowledge our sins in the Confiteor: “. . . in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do . . .”
Like the rich young man in today’s Gospel, sins of omission are among those that many of us commit because doing good requires us to give of ourselves to others, especially to those in need. It requires great sacrifice, courage, and commitment to God to speak up against injustice, violence, and corruption that cause poverty and suffering. It requires us to share our resources. It requires us to walk the extra mile and extend a helping hand.
Perhaps it is also time for us to include in our examination of sins of omission our neglect of the environment and of all other creatures created by God. Ecological balance is essential to the survival of our planet and, therefore, to our own survival.
Lord Jesus, help us understand your laws and give us the courage and strength to live them out. Amen.
Rev. Msgr. Wilfredo Andrey
Sunday, August 16, 2026 8:32 am
3,567 total reads
20th Sunday A
Is 56:1.6-7
Third Isaiah (c. 55-66) concludes the prophetic book, set after 515 B.C. in Palestine with the temple rebuilt. The exile’s hardships have eased, shifting focus to ritual laws, Sabbath, and fasting. Compared to Second Isaiah’s broad vision, this view narrows but emphasizes universalism, aligning with figures like Jonah and Ruth. The passage highlights Israel’s expanding inclusiveness, stressing God’s intervention and calling for covenant fidelity, reflecting the bilateral nature of the covenant. Historically, foreigners in Israel had limited rights, but over time, especially after the exile, acceptance increased, as seen in this oracle. Converts to Judaism, including foreigners accepting Yahweh, will enjoy full ritual rights, with Sabbath observance and sacrifices valued equally for all nations. The temple, traditionally exclusive, will be open to all, with no active proselytizing suggested; Israel’s universalism is a fact, not an action plan.
Rom 11:13-15, 29-32.
Paul, speaking to Gentile Christians, calls himself their apostle (v13; Gal 2:7f) and hopes his mission will make Jews jealous, leading some to convert (v14). ‘My race’ (v14) shows Paul’s identification with Jews. Their rejection (v15) refers to Jews’ rejection of the Christian message. The apostle suggests that if Jews’ failure to respond led to the spread of the Gospel among Gentiles, their eventual acceptance will bring spiritual revival (v15; 6:4). Christ’s redemptive work encompasses the universe (Col 1:20; Eph 1:9t). The ultimate Jewish conversion is sure because God’s call is irrevocable (v29). As with Paul’s pattern of negative leading to positive (5:12-20), the Gentiles were saved from disobedience (1:18-32) through Jewish rejection. Now, God’s forgiveness also offers Jews salvation (vv30f). Paul sees this widespread sin being overcome by God’s greater mercy (v32; 5:20).
Mt 15:21-28
Matthew’s narrative is more didactic and not simply a miracle story, showing the tension between exclusivist Jewish identity and openness to Gentiles. Jesus, near Phoenicia in northern Galilee, encounters a Gentile woman who addresses Him as “Kyrios” ( κύριος ), meaning “Lord”. The term in the NT usually refers to Jesus Christ as God incarnate and when applied to the Messiah, signifies his divine nature. The equivalent of the Hebrew term YHWH transfers to the person of Christ all those characteristics that the Hebrew title attributes to the person of God.
Jesus initially responds reservedly, referencing Gentiles as dogs to emphasize his Jewish mission, but the woman persists, earning his praise for her “great faith.” The story highlights her courage and faith, with the healing becoming secondary to her act of faith.
The Canaanite woman is a compelling figure. She is a woman in a male-dominated society. She is a foreigner who ventures alone into a Jewish setting. When she encounters a seemingly detached and distant Jesus, she refuses to give up. She displays boldness and a sense of humor. Ultimately, she becomes one of the most respected figures in the gospels. Today, our actions often contradict our beliefs, even though we understand the message. Negative stereotypes still exist, but the core of our faith is universal love, which is constantly tested. It’s not just a concept but a reality that each of us must live out. May we be welcoming to all and imitate the persistent faith of the woman, which would push us beyond all limits in following the Lord. Amen.
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