Another Filipino Candidate for Sainthood

Reflection Date: March 2, 2026 | Monday of the Second Week of Lent
Daily Readings: Daniel 9:4b-10; Luke 6:36-38

 Children of God:
Good News! The Vatican has opened the sainthood cause of Lingayen-Dagupan’s first bishop, Cesar Maria Guerrero. 

He was remembered not only as a Church leader but as a shepherd who quietly shaped generations of priests and lay people through his vision and service. 

The name Cesar Maria Guerrero may not yet be widely known, but his legacy continues to bear fruit. 

The Archdiocese credited him with establishing the Mary Help of Christians Seminary in Binmaley, Pangasinan, a place that formed young men for the priesthood and grounded them in discipline, prayer, and pastoral charity. 

He also became the first director of Catholic Action of the Philippines, a nationwide movement that organized and formed lay Catholics to actively participate in evangelization, social action, youth formation, and public witness to Christian values. 

Catholic Action, through structured groups for youth, professionals, and families, encouraged Catholics to integrate faith and life. 

It empowered the lay faithful  long before the Second Vatican Council strongly emphasized their mission. Bishop Guerrero believed holiness was not confined to the sanctuary but lived in streets and homes. 

His cause for sainthood invites us to rediscover that same active and merciful faith.

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus told His disciples to be merciful just as their Father was merciful. He warned them against judging and condemning, and instead called them to forgive. 

He promised that the measure they used would be the measure returned to them. 

What are our inspirations for today?

First, we are called to be merciful, like the Father.

Jesus commanded, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” 

He reminded His listeners that mercy began with God. 

Before they forgave, they had first been forgiven. Before they showed compassion, they had first received compassion.

Today, we receive mercy every time we pray, confess, and attend Mass. 

The question is whether we allow that mercy to flow outward to others. 

We are invited now to release forgiveness, to withhold harsh judgment, and to become instruments of healing in our families and communities.

Second, The measure we give becomes the measure we live.

Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you… For the measure you measure with will be measured back to you.” 

He used the image of a generous pouring, pressed down and overflowing. In Tagalog, we say, “siksik, liglig, umaapaw.” 

He taught that generosity creates a cycle of blessing.

Now we ask ourselves: How do we measure others in our daily conversations and judgments? Do we measure with kindness or with criticism? And what kind of measure do we want God to use for us?

Children of God:
Jesus set a high but beautiful standard for every disciple. 

Mercy was not meant to be seasonal but daily. Generosity was not meant to be occasional but habitual. 

We live in a world quick to judge and slow to forgive. 

Yet we are called to reverse that pattern. 

We become credible Christians not by titles but by tenderness. 

As we continue this Lenten journey, we choose mercy over measure and generosity over grudges.