KaPogi

Brothers and sisters, do we still remember the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.

In today’s readings, one gift is especially highlighted, the gift of Understanding.
But understanding, in the Christian sense, is not simply about intelligence or knowledge.
Hindi lang ito simpleng pag-intindi.

True understanding involves both the mind and the heart. Hindi lang pag-intindi, kundi pag-unawa.
Sabi nga nila, “Unawa means una-awa.”

Before we can truly understand a person, we must first have compassion. And this is exactly what Jesus showed His Apostles in today’s Gospel.
After His death, the disciples were filled with fear, guilt, confusion, and doubt.
Jesus knew their weaknesses.

But when the Risen Christ appeared to them, He did not condemn them.
Hindi Siya nanumbat. Hindi Siya nanisi.
Instead, He simply said:
“Peace be with you.”
Jesus understood them. And because He understood them, He gave them peace instead of anger, mercy instead of condemnation.

But brothers and sisters, the understanding of Jesus was not tolerance for sin or weakness.
It was not saying, “Okay lang ’yan.”
True understanding leads people toward transformation.

That is why Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit upon them and entrusted them with a mission.
Imagine that, the very disciples who abandoned Him were trusted again.

Because true understanding does not imprison people in their weakness; it lifts them up to become better.
And this is also the message of Pentecost.

Though people came from different nations and languages, they understood one another because the Holy Spirit united their hearts for one mission , the Gospel.

The Holy Spirit does not simply teach us how to speak.
He teaches us how to understand.
Not to create division, but communion.
Not to separate hearts, but to unite them.

And perhaps this is what our world needs today, more patience, compassion, and understanding.
Sometimes people do not need judgment.

They need someone who will believe in them and say,
“I understand you.”

Because one sincere act of understanding can heal a wounded heart, restore hope, and change a life.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with understanding, compassion, and love.

Pentecost Sunday
John 20:19-23

Ten years of priesthood,
ten years of saying “yes” to God and serving His people. And what a beautiful way to celebrate this milestone surrounded by children, whose smiles remind us of purity, hope, and the joy of God’s presence.

Sharing blessings with the children whose joy, simplicity, and humility continue to inspire me in my priesthood.

In their smiles and pure hearts, I am reminded every day how to serve God with humility, love, and childlike faith.