Tag Archives: Robert Manasala

Every Christian, by virtue of baptism, is a missionary or is called to be a missionary. Today’s Gospel periscope contains some of the principles of missiology and the demands of missionary discipleship. From the beginning, it is very clear that Jesus’ mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God is intended for all peoples and forContinue reading ““God’s Mission and the Call to Missionary Discipleship” by Fr. Robert Manansala, OFM”

On this Easter Sunday allow me to focus our reflections on the themes of transformation and liberation and freedom from sin, suffering, darkness, death and decay as brought about by the power of the resurrection of Jesus. We begin with a story. The Jesuit Fr, Mark Link shares a beautiful story narrated by Ernest GordonContinue reading ““The Power of the Resurrection”, Easter Sunday, Year C by Fr. Robert Manansala, OFM”

The psychologist Abraham Maslow described peak experiences “as especially significant moments in life, involving feelings of intense happiness and well-being, wonder and awe, and possibly awareness of transcendental unity or knowledge of higher truth often from vastly profound and awe-inspiring perspective.” Peak experiences also “tend to be uplifting and ego-transcending, releasing creative energies and affirmingContinue reading ““Transforming Mountaintop Experience”, by Fr. Robert Manansala, OFM”

A story is told about a man who was on his way home after a Sunday Mass. The man was asked, “Is the homily done?” The man replied, “The Word of God has been proclaimed and preached, but it remains to be done.” A similar message was given by St. Francis de Sales. The saintContinue reading ““Called to be Prophets”, by Fr. Robert”

On May 27, 2002, Robert E. Serafin, an American soldier during the Second World War, was interviewed by the writer David Venditta of The Morning Call. In that interview he narrated how wounded and dying soldiers would cry out for morphine and for their mothers to be relieved from their pain. He shared how oneContinue reading ““Facing the New Year 2013 with the Blessed Mother Mary” by Fr. Robert Manansala, OFM”

There is a beautiful story about a four year old Margaret who loved her picture of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The picture hung low on the wall within Margaret’s reach and every night, she gave it a resounding kiss before she got into bed. One night, just as she was settledContinue reading ““Jesus, Mary and Joseph: Making Room for God” by Fr. Robert Manansala, OFM”

Midnight Mass Homily, shorter version (“The Birth of Jesus: God’s Humility and Generosity”) Charles Colson, the founder of Prison Fellowship, tells of a memorable experience he had while bringing Christmas gifts to the children of prison inmates. Colson and his wife met a small boy who told them his name was Immanuel. When Colson openedContinue reading ““God is with us! God is with us!”, by Fr. Robert Manansala, OFM”

The late US President John F. Kennedy is said to be very fond of a particular story. During his 1960 presidential campaign, he often used it to close his speeches. It is the story of Colonel Davenport, Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives back in 1789. One day, while the House was in session,Continue reading ““Bring in the Candles”, by Fr. Robert Manansala, OFM”