By Arkin Yeshua Aznar
SOCOM – St. Pius X Parish
“Hanggang saan natin kayang magmalasakit?”
This was the question raised by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula during the feast day celebration of San Roque Parish, Blumentritt, Manila in honor of the parish’s titular patron on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
In his homily, the Cardinal pointed out how Jesus recognized the faith even though that faith was from a stranger.
“Ang isang taong maaaring ituring na ‘iba’ ay kinilala ni Hesus dahil sa kanyang pananampalataya,” the Cardinal said.
This, as he said, shows that differences do not hinder God’s compassion for us; thus, the need to also strengthen compassion toward others.
“Madaling magmahal kapag ‘atin.’ Pamilya natin. Barkada natin. Ministry natin. Mga kaibigan at kakilala natin. Pero paano kapag hindi na sila ‘atin’?” he asked.
He further said that conversion involves not only a change of action, but a widening of heart.
“Ang tunay na conversion ay hindi lamang pagbabago ng ating mga ginagawa. Ito rin ay paglawak ng ating puso,” he said.
“Unti-unti tayong tinuturuan ni Jesus na lumampas sa pagkakanya-kanya, at makita ang ibang tao hindi bilang ‘sila,’ kundi bilang ‘tayo,’” he continued.
He underscored that the parish, just like God’s compassion, should be open to all.
“Kung ang bahay ng Diyos ay para sa lahat, dapat matutuhan din nating gawing bukas ang ating puso para sa lahat,” he mentioned.
Photos by Joseph Kyler Bernardo / RCAM Media | Photogallery
