Catholics called to follow Joseph’s faith amid hardships

Filipino Catholics were called to emulate Joseph’s faith in God amid difficult times during the third anticipated Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo on Wednesday.

During the Mass at the Greenbelt Chapel, Sto. Niño de Paz, Salesian priest Fr. Francis Gustilo said there are times when one has to make a decision amid unexpected events.

“Our sanctity is not to be raised on an altar. It is to be raised on a similar cross we do not want,” Gustilo said during his homily.

The Gospel reading was lifted from the book of Matthew, which focuses on Joseph being a good husband to the Blessed Virgin Mary and a father to Jesus Christ.

Gustilo challenged the faithful to also fight for what is just for the country amid the alleged corruption in relation to the anomalous flood control projects.

“Kung tayo ang mga Kristiyano, tayo rin ang mga Pilipino. Bayan natin to. Kahit hindi natin pagkakasala, aayusin natin alang-alang sa kabataan,” said Gustilo, a Theologian, is the President of the Don Bosco School of Theology in Parañaque City and former Vatican consultor on inculturation of theology.

(If we are Christians, we are also Filipino, and this is our country. Even if it is not our fault, we will make things right for the sake of the youth.)

The traditional nine-day Simbang Gabi is celebrated from December 16 to 24, concluding with a Christmas Eve Mass. — BAP, GMA Integrated News