Editorial Disclaimer: This homily reflection, theological journal, and spiritual commentary synthesizes the homily delivered on Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time (September 18, 2026) by Rev. Fr. Marvin Riquez, Shrine Rector and Parish Priest of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Fatima in Urduja, Caloocan. Reflecting on Luke 8:1–3, this essay examines the contrast between transactional human relationships and genuine Christian discipleship, challenging the faithful to serve God not only in moments of personal desperation, but in lasting gratitude and daily generosity.
Almost every person has tasted the sting of transactional friendship:
“Naranasan niyo na ba yung nung may kailangan ang tao sa inyo, kilalang-kilala ka… pero nung nakuha na ang kailangan, hindi ka na kilala?”
Celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Rev. Fr. Marvin Riquez opened his reflection at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Fatima in Urduja with this universally felt reality. When someone is in dire straits, they shower you with affection, polite greetings, and constant attention. Yet the moment their problem is resolved and comfort returns, you are ignored, forgotten, or treated like a total stranger.
Turning to the day’s Gospel (Luke 8:1–3), Fr. Marvin contrasted this human fickleness with the quiet, steadfast devotion of the holy women who journeyed alongside Jesus: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others.
1. Gospel Comparison: Transactional Devotion vs. The Holy Women of Galilee
| Dimension | The “Convenience” Believer | The Holy Women of the Gospel (Lk 8:1–3) |
| Trigger for Approaching God | Severe crisis, illness, financial ruin, or family chaos. | Encountered Christ’s healing, forgiveness, and deliverance from affliction. |
| Response Once Blessed | Disappears from the pews; stops praying and resets to old worldly habits. | Stayed with Jesus: Followed Him from town to town and never left His mission. |
| Contribution to the Kingdom | Consumes church resources and asks for prayers without giving back. | Provided for Jesus and the disciples out of their own personal resources (sariling ari-arian). |
| Endurance Under Fire | Flees the moment following God becomes uncomfortable or demanding. | Remained steadfast all the way to Calvary, the Cross, and the empty tomb. |
2. Malalimang Pagsusuri: The Trap of the “Pang-Kagipitan” Faith (Deep Dive)
-
1. The Pastoral Reality of the “Emergency Confession”:
-
Fr. Marvin shared a candid pastoral observation from his daily priestly ministry: a parishioner approaches him distraught, begging, “Father, pwede po ba magpakumpisal? Kasi po may matinding problema ako.” The priest obliges, offering the sacrament of reconciliation, counseling, and spiritual direction.
-
For several weeks, the individual is seen devoutly attending Sunday Mass. But as the crisis passes, months go by, and eventually, the seat is empty again. Later on, the person is spotted strolling through malls, active on social media, completely distant from the altar. Then, when the next financial or relational catastrophe strikes, they return to the rectory doors in tears.
-
As Fr. Marvin frankly challenged: “Bakit kung kailan lang may problema, doon lang lalapit sa Diyos? Kapag naibigay na ng Diyos ang kaginhawahan, nalilimutan na ang Diyos.”
-
-
2. The Women Who Put Their Means at the Service of the Gospel:
-
Luke 8:1–3 highlights a revolutionary truth in Scripture: Jesus was accompanied not just by the Twelve Apostles, but by women whom He had cured of evil spirits and diseases.
-
Instead of returning home to enjoy their restored health in comfortable isolation, they dedicated their restored lives to the Lord. They used their material wealth, energy, and presence to sustain the itinerant ministry of Christ. They understood that being healed by God places a sacred duty of gratitude upon one’s heart.
-
-
3. Moving from “Users” to “Servants” of Grace:
-
True discipleship does not treat God like a spiritual vending machine or a roadside convenience store.
-
God is infinitely good, and He will always listen to our cries in moments of trouble. But our relationship with Him must mature. We cannot spend our entire lives running to the Lord only when the house is burning, only to walk away when the fire is put out. Genuine faith responds to answered prayers with deeper fidelity, active ministry, and sacrificial giving.
-
3. Tatlong Pagninilay sa Pagsasabuhay ng Pasasalamat sa Diyos
-
Do Not Forget the Hand That Healed You: When the storms of life clear and peace returns to your household, let that be the time you run even faster toward the altar. Make your gratitude visible through consistent prayer, faithful reception of the sacraments, and active parish life.
-
Offer Your Resources to the Mission: The women of Galilee supported the Lord out of what they possessed. Ask yourself: How am I using my time, my physical strength, and my financial blessings to build up God’s kingdom and assist the poor?
-
Be a Friend to Christ in Good Times and Bad: Human beings break promises, but God never abandons His children. Strive to be the kind of disciple whose love is constant—walking with the Lord on sunny days of harvest just as faithfully as in dark valleys of trial.
Let Fr. Marvin’s Friday reminder challenge our daily prayer life: may our devotion never be reduced to a desperate plea in times of crisis, but rather a lifelong offering of joyful, grateful service to the God who heals, sustains, and redeems our lives.
Reflecting on Fr. Marvin’s homily, have you ever caught yourself praying intensely during hard times, only to become lukewarm when things get easy? How can you show consistent gratitude to the Lord for the blessings He has poured into your life? Share your spiritual reflections below!