Fr. Fausto Gomez OP concludes the fourth and final part of his series with deep gratitude for God’s enduring grace. Reflecting on 60 years of priesthood, he emphasizes that his vocation has been sustained by love, prayer, compassion, and hope. As his journey continues, Fr. Fausto reminds us that, in the evening of life, we will be examined on love – the guiding principle of our lives.
In today’s readings, we are challenged to recognize and welcome the gifts of others, even those who may not share our faith. Like Fr. Jojo in Tai-O, who opened his heart to people from different backgrounds, we are called to embrace the gifts of others for the growth of our community. Jesus teaches us that “whoever is not against us is for us,” reminding us to promote inclusivity, unity, and openness in our lives.
In this Sunday’s Gospel (Mk 9:38-48), the disciples struggle with insecurity when they encounter someone outside their group casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus teaches them, and us, to appreciate the work of others for the Kingdom, even when expressed differently. The message is clear: small acts done in love, like offering a glass of water in His name, are precious to God. He is the “God of small things,” valuing pure intentions over grand gestures.
Boethius and Cassiodorus, two remarkable Christian scholars of the 6th century, bridged the gap between ancient Roman culture and the rising Christian world. Boethius, remembered for his influential work The Consolation of Philosophy, integrated Greek thought into Christian theology, while Cassiodorus, founder of the Vivarium monastery, preserved ancient manuscripts, ensuring the survival of important Christian and pagan works. Both men shaped the intellectual heritage of the Middle Ages, fostering a synthesis of faith and reason.
The Holy See has released a note, “The Queen of Peace,” addressing the devotion to Our Lady of Medjugorje. While the apparitions have sparked debate since their first occurrence in 1981, the Vatican’s focus has shifted towards the transformative impact of pilgrimages. Many who visit Medjugorje, even skeptics, experience deep conversion, returning to the faith with renewed purpose. Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of these spiritual fruits, stating that the focus should not be on the authenticity of the apparitions but on the grace of God at work in people’s lives.
In the third part of his reflection, Fr. Fausto Gomez OP shares the challenges and dangers he faced throughout his Dominican journey. From near-expulsions to grappling with doubts about his vocation, Fr. Fausto reflects on the mercy of God, the prayers of his mother, and the grace that sustained him through it all. He acknowledges the post-Vatican II struggles many religious faced, including the temptation to leave, but he remained steadfast, recognizing that his perseverance is not due to personal merit, but to God’s continual guidance and grace.
Today’s Gospel reveals two central themes: the Messianic secret and the disciples’ debate about greatness. Jesus’ mission as the Universal Christ is a call to sacrificial love, transcending boundaries, while the disciples’ misunderstanding of power highlights our own struggles for recognition. Jesus invites us to embrace the deeper meaning of His Kingdom—one built on humility, self-offering, and transcending human instincts.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples the true meaning of greatness. While they were preoccupied with earthly status, He reminds them that to be first in His Kingdom, one must be last and serve all. This message challenges us to reject the human tendency to seek personal gain in our faith and instead embrace a life of selfless service, rooted in love for God without measure.
Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, a 5th or 6th-century theologian, profoundly influenced Christian mystical theology. Rooted in both Neoplatonism and the teachings of the Church Fathers, his works like The Divine Names and Mystical Theology explore God’s transcendence and inexpressibility. Through both affirmative (cataphatic) and negative (apophatic) theology, Pseudo-Dionysius presents a path to understanding God’s infinite mystery, making him a pioneer of mystical thought in both the East and West.
Fr. Fausto Gómez OP recounts his second phase as a Dominican missionary, reflecting on his time in Manila and Macau. After teaching for over four decades at the University of Santo Tomas, where he advocated for bioethics and social justice, Fr. Fausto continued his mission in Macau. Despite facing challenges of adjustment, he remained dedicated to teaching moral theology and contributing to the local Catholic community through his regular column in O Clarim. His pastoral outreach extended across Asia, with a focus on Dominican formation, teaching the importance of community life, prayer, study, and preaching for the salvation of humanity.