Paring Pasyonista
Paring Pasyonista offers concise reflections on the Gospel seen through the lens of priesthood and the Passion of Christ. Each meditation bridges Scripture and vocation — revealing how the Word continues to shape, challenge, and sustain those called to serve.
The Healer
“…and as many as touched it were healed.”
He possessed healing that even a tassel on his cloak can heal those who touched it. He was consumed with positive energy that any kind of sickness was cured. He allowed people to get healed according to their belief in him.
Priesthood is Jesus healing the sick!
Lord Jesus heal our wounds and make us whole.
Mk 6:53-56
The Salt of the Earth
“You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?…” A disciple like the salt makes a difference in the world by making the dish of life tasty and delicious. A disciple like the salt preserves the goodness of life. A disciple like the salt kills bacteria that spoils the world yet remaining invisible.
Priesthood is to be the salt that helps others live that which is good to preserve and eliminate that which hinders one to grow in God.
Lord Jesus, have mercy on us when we forget to be the salt of the world.
Mt 5:13-16
The need to rest
“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”
Jesus knew that rest is important in the life of the apostles. Jesus understands the dynamics of human beings as different from robots and AI.
Rest is a time needed to make us realize that we are not simply doers but discerners of God’s will.
Priesthood is the capacity to balance work and rest. It is not hard labor, but a joyful life immersed in the mission.
Lord Jesus, forgive our tendency to do more than what you asks from us.
Mk 6:30-34
The Martyr
“I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
The martyr die standing for the truth. Martyrdom is a grace. The martyr exposes obstinacy of those who want to cover their failure to repent.
Priesthood challenges lies and falsehood. - continuous growth to be truthful and firm against all odds.
St Paul Miki and companions,
Pray for us!
Mk 6:14-29 (St. Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs)
The Follower
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
The follower is not blind. The follower knows Jesus. The follower loves Jesus. Jesus doesn’t make life difficult. A true follower is simply willing to take hardships when one finds denying oneself and carrying one’s cross difficult. For those who get it, it will be a yoke that’s easy to bear.
Priesthood is difficult for egocentric. The calling is to grow in God-centeredness and lessening of self-centeredness.
St. Agatha, prega per noi!
Lk 9:23-26 (St. Agatha, Memorial)
The Prophet
“Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?”
Rejected as an unassuming man. Humiliated for he was one of us. Mocked for he was just a common man. “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” He knew rejection is part of being a prophet. He knew the plight of the prophets before. Nevertheless, Jesus chose to live the painful truth than to live in a lie of oblivion. Only those who believed in Jesus are saved.
Priesthood is not a bed of roses and false promises but a vocation with rewarding thorns. It challenges and renounces death-dealing matters and stands firm to what is life-giving.
Mk 6:1-6
The Touch
“If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.”
The touch of a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. The touch that seeks healing The touch of a needy person “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”
It was the touch of faith, It was the touch that saves, It was the touch that heals
Priesthood is helping people touch Jesus with faith. Jesus heals not only the physical body but also the afflicted soul.