KaPogi

In marriage rites, we witness a beautiful exchange of promises between the couple. It is a public expression of love and commitment. They are asked important questions, and each time they answer, “I do.”

“Will you love each other in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health?”
And they answer, “I do.”

But sadly, when trials and difficulties come, some people are tempted to change “I do” into “I go.” Promises are forgotten, commitments are broken, and love is tested.

In our Gospel today, we hear a similar moment between Jesus and Peter, a kind of renewal of vows between the Lord and His disciple. Three times Jesus asked Peter:
“Do you love me?”
And three times Peter answered:
“Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Why three times?

Because Peter had denied Jesus three times. During the Lord’s suffering, Peter became afraid and failed in his promise of loyalty. But Jesus did not reject him. Instead, He gave Peter another chance. He transformed Peter’s failure into an opportunity for deeper love and greater mission.

And after every answer, Jesus said:
“If you love me, feed my lambs.”
“Take care of my sheep.”
“Feed my sheep.”

My dear friends, love for Jesus is never just words. Love always comes with responsibility. To love Christ means to serve His people. That is why the real proof of love is not found in emotions alone, but in commitment, sacrifice, and service.

We see this also in people who serve our country, especially public servants, soldiers, police officers, teachers, and leaders. During oath-taking ceremonies, they promise to serve faithfully. In our “Panatang Makabayan,” we proudly say:
“Panatang makabayan, iniibig ko ang Pilipinas, Tahanan ng aking lahi. ”

But true patriotism is not shown only in speeches or ceremonies. Love for country is shown through honesty, discipline, respect for the law, concern for others, and willingness to sacrifice for the common good.

In the same way, if we truly love God, then we must also serve His people faithfully, with kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and generosity.

Today, Jesus is asking each one of us personally:
“Do you love me?”

What will our answer be?

May we not only say “I do” with our lips, but may we live it every day through our actions. And when trials come, may we never say “I go,” but instead remain faithful to God, to our family, and to the mission entrusted to us.

Friday of the Seventh week of Easter
John 20:15-19

“Smile is the first act of love.” – Mother Teresa
Ang ngiti ay simpleng bagay, pero may malaking epekto sa puso ng tao.

Sa bawat paggising natin sa umaga, sana ngiti agad ang maipakita natin sa ating pamilya. Dahil minsan, sa simpleng ngiti lang nila nararamdaman na mahalaga sila, na mahal sila, at may kasama sila sa laban ng buhay.

Huwag nating hayaang magsimula ang araw sa galit, sigawan, o simangot. Dahil ang tahanang may ngiti ay tahanang may pagmamahal.

Pagdating naman sa trabaho, dalhin natin ang ngiting puno ng kabutihan. Ang isang ngiti maaaring makapagpagaan ng pagod, makapagbigay lakas ng loob, at makapagpasaya ng araw ng ibang tao.
Hindi natin alam kung sino ang may mabigat na dinadala. Baka ang simpleng ngiti mo ang kailangan nila para magpatuloy at maging positibo sa buhay.

Kaya huwag nating ipagkait ang ngiti. Dahil ang tunay na pagmamahal, nagsisimula sa simpleng pagpapangiti sa kapwa.