Homily on the Feast of Our Lady of Remedies, Malate
By Fr. Chris Kaamiño, SSC
We live in a world that is uncertain. Our climate is changing, with typhoons becoming stronger and more frequent. Our social norms and value systems are changing, where truth and justice seem not to matter anymore. Politics is also changing, with those with dictatorial tendencies winning elections here and abroad. Technology, especially with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, is transforming our world too at an unprecedented pace. Even our families, our friends, our relationships, and even ourselves, we are all constantly changing. Nothing is permanent; nothing stays the same. These changes and uncertainties can cause confusion, fear and anxiety in us.
To live and thrive in these uncertain and changing world, we need to anchor ourselves on something – or someone – that is solid and eternal. We cannot rely solely on ourselves or on others because we are all fragile and weak.
Amidst these uncertainties, our readings today remind us with what truly endures and to whom we should put our trust on.
In today’s first reading, we encounter prophet Daniel’s vision about the end times. In the end, it will not be the dictators of this world who will last. Nor will it be those whose lives had brought horror and disgrace to the world. Instead, it will be the wise – those who lead others to justice – who will live forever.
True wisdom, however, cannot come by relying on ourselves alone. We must rely on God’s word, as today’s Gospel reminds us: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s word will not pass away.”
Today, as we celebrate the feast of Mary, may we be reminded by her unwavering trust in God’s word and living her life guided by it. In Mary, God found someone who was willing to work with Him so that His plan may be realized. The same invitation is being extended to us. Like Mary, we are also being called by God to work with Him to bring about goodness and hope to our world that continues to suffer from wars, violence, corruption, exploitation, injustice, inequality, poverty and ecological disasters.
As we pray today, may we remember those who had been devastated by the recent typhoons that hit our country. With the threat of super typhoon Pepito, we pray for safety for everyone and those already severely affected by it, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
Today is also World Day of the Poor. In this mass, we pray that God’s word will continue to challenge us and transform our lives for the better, that like Mary, may we become generous in our service to God and humanity, especially to the poor. Like Mary, who gave birth to our savior, may we also give birth to our savior again by bringing about hope, justice, peace and healing to our wounded and broken world.
And when it’s time for us to leave this earth, may we leave it a much better place than we found it. Amen.
