Team Jesus

 “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”  This verse struck me because it reminds me that I have responsibilities not only to other people but also to God. God teaches us to do what is right and to give Him the importance He deserves in our lives. Sometimes, I become too focused on my schoolwork, personal problems, and other things that I forget to spend time with God. Through this Gospel, I realized that even though I have many responsibilities in life, I should never forget God because He is the one who guides me. I believe God is telling me to be responsible, honest, and faithful in everything I do.  Moving forward, I will try to become more responsible in my studies and in my daily life. I will also make time to pray and thank God for His blessings. I will remember to do what is right even when it is difficult and to put God at the center of my decisions. I will apply this Gospel by balancing my responsibilities and my relationship with God....

 During difficult times, we ought to be lost in a world full of distractions, practicality, and people who view life so differently from us. “We live safe and secured lives” that we don’t have to think beyond our tasks, only those that would contribute to the goals that we are so determined of attaining. We lack awareness. We become so comfortable of fulfilling the needs of everyday life.  We lose sight of those that truly matter, those who truly matter because we are so focused on the things that are already set for us, eventually leading us towards a life so focused on walking a straight path, ignoring the rocks that would make it bumpy. What we don’t always notice is that God walks with us through the bumpy roads, guiding us through and through. Even when we become so focused on other things, He still stays with us. Many times it has been where I would be distracted, worried, and afraid of what comes after. I am accustomed to having a certain feeling when it comes to school...

 “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.” In the Gospel reading, God reminds us that He has gifted us a place we can call home—a place where we can find peace and rest. He created a world that provides us with what we need throughout our lives. However, when our personal interests get the better of us, we often forget Who gifted us with such abundant blessings. We can become the worst versions of ourselves when we begin comparing ourselves with others, measuring how many things we have under our names, and developing the habit of claiming ownership over things that we can never truly possess—especially when they are far greater than material things. Last Sunday, October 4, 2026, I was truly amazed by how the priest related the Gospel to the ongoing issue surrounding Pax Silica, and I came to understand why. Authorities have simply taken away something that was never truly theirs to begin wi...

 Today’s Gospel reminds us that following God is not about being perfect or never making mistakes. We are all sinners, and there will be times when we disappoint God, the people around us, and even ourselves. The first son initially refused his father, but he eventually changed his mind and did what his father asked. This shows that our mistakes do not define us forever. What truly matters is having the humility to recognize when we have gone wrong, repent, and turn back to God. This Gospel also makes me reflect on what it truly means to be a follower of God. It is easy to say that we believe in Him or call ourselves Christians, but our actions should also reflect our faith. Like the second son who said yes but did not go, we can sometimes say the right things while continuing to live in ways that go against God's will. True faith requires more than words. It requires us to listen, repent, change, and sincerely try to follow God's path. There will always be moments when we beco...

 Imagine giving medicine to a toddler. Usually, they resist. In the child's mind, the medicine tastes horrible and they are put in an uncomfortable situation. However in the mind of the person giving the medicine, it is necessarry for the child to recover. That kind of relationship is quite similar to our Relationship with God.  Today's gospel tells the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, and it emphasizes that God's ways is not like our ways. Just like how a toddler and an adult do not meet eye to eye, us humans also cannot understand why God is putting us through certain situation. Adults know more than toddlers, and God knows even more than humans.  Although it is sometimes a challenge, I think it is incredibly comforting that God, creator of all things, promises to never leave your side. Just the thought of it makes me realize that many of my problems are actually not that big of a deal, and even if they were, God can handle it anyway. Whenever I am reminded that ...

 Matthew 18:21–35 tells a story of forgiveness and mercy toward one’s fellow brothers and sisters. In this gospel, a servant was forgiven an enormous debt by his master. However, when he faced the same situation with his fellow servant, he did not act with the same mercy and demanded immediate payment. When the master learned of his hypocrisy, he grew furious and punished him. Forgiveness must not be withheld when we are called to show grace and true compassion. Mercy is just as important when it comes to equality and justice. Extending grace as a child of God is a way to follow in His teachings. As a young person, I see how easily grudges and misunderstandings disrupt our relationships. There are times when we are blinded by anger, forgetting that true mercy should be freely given. After all, we're all just human; no one was made perfect. Choosing forgiveness, even in difficult situations, is what has enriched my faith and deepened my connection with God's word. Heavenly Fathe...