Faith Speaks: Day 8 of Simbang Gabi
Faith Speaks: Day 8 of Simbang Gabi 22 Dec 2025 | 9 PM Anticipated Mass Fr. Rock reminds us of a truth that should stir our hearts: being blessed is not a reason to stay silent or inactive. In his homily, he shared about a video reel he recently watched, which discussed what psychologists call “self-importance bias” — the illusion that we are indispensable. This can make us hold back from using our gifts for the good of others and for the good of all. He connected this idea to what he calls “tahimik na kayabangan”—a quiet pride that shows more in inaction than in words. Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, who waited long for the blessing of a child, we too have received gifts — intelligence, abilities, skills, influence, and resources. Yet too often, we hesitate to act or deliberately refrain from acting because we think that if we do not act, others will not succeed. We avoid helping, or wait to be asked. He said these are forms of hiding behind pride. Fr. Rock reminds us: “Kung meron ka nang natanggap, ibigay mo ito, ipagkaloob mo, dahil biniyayaan ka na higit kaysa sa iba. Ang mga pagpapala ng Diyos ay hindi korona na isinusuot, kundi pananagutan na dapat tuparin nang tapat at may pagpapakumbaba.” True generosity is about taking initiative: helping without being asked, giving without seeking recognition, and serving without showing off — for the good of others and for the good of all. Every blessing we hold is meant to flow outward, becoming a source of hope, service, and compassion. Like John the Baptist, let us decrease so that Christ may increase in our lives and in the lives of those around us. 💛 Remember: if God has blessed you abundantly, you are called to act — not out of obligation, but out of gratitude, because everything comes from Him. Take initiative. Give freely. Use your intelligence, abilities, and resources to be the hands and heart of God — for the good of others and for the good of all. #Advent2025 #SimbangGabi2025 #CatholicMass #holymasstoday #OnlineMassToday #OnlineMassPhilippines #SanAndresApostolParishCainta #Antipolensis #AntipoloDiocese IF YOU WISH TO DONATE: BPI ACCOUNT | RCABAN SAN ANDRES APOSTOL PARISH - CONSTRUCTION FUND ACCT # 2401-0011-85 BPI PASIG MARKET AVE EXT.
