Fr. Narciso: Faith ties people together in Christ despite differences

by Abbie Christel Esguerra and Chariz Jiliane Cruz

“We are different in many ways, but we are united in one faith and one Lord.” - Rev. Fr. Narcisco T. Estrella, Jr., OP.

On the fourth day of the 32nd Family Rosary Crusade at St. Dominic Academy of Pulilan, Dominican faithful came as one in prayer and reflection as they continued their celebration of religious devotion.

There were two two occasions yesterday: the Memorial of St. Jerome and the continuation of the Novena in preparation for the feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval, as Fr. Estrella, OP. shared . At first, it may seem that these two celebrations are different and have no connection with each other. However, when the faithful reflect on their deeper meaning, they can realize that both lead all believers in the same direction: to know Christ, to love Christ, and to bring Christ into their daily lives.

St. Jerome is a reminder of the importance of the Sacred Scriptures, while the Blessed Virgin Mary, through the Holy Rosary, guides the faithful on reflecting on Mary's life and the life of Christ. Although they have different ways of guiding people, both serve as instruments that bring believers closer to Jesus.

“Una, para maalala natin si Kristo, at kapag nakilala na natin si Kristo, mamahalin natin Siya. At kapag minahal na natin si Kristo, uusbong sa ating puso at katauhan ang kagustuhang paglingkuran Siya at ang ating kapwa tao. Kaya ang Kapistahan ng Santo Rosario at ang Memorial ni St. Jerome ay parehong nagtuturo sa atin ng iisang direksyon,” the mass presider said.

(First, in order for us to remember Christ, and when we sought Him, we will love Him. And when we love Him, a desire to serve Him and others will come out of our hearts. That is why the feast of the Holy Rosary and the memorial of St. Jerome both teach us to one direction).

St. Jerome's life reminds believers that faith should not only be expressed through prayers and devotion but also through our actions, words, and service to others. By showing compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and love, we reflect Christ's teachings in our everyday lives.

Therefore, the Memorial of St. Jerome and the Novena in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the Holy Rosary may be celebrated differently, but they share one important purpose: to lead the faithful closer to Christ. Both are reminders that knowing Christ leads those who believe to love Him, and loving Him inspires them to serve Him and their fellow human beings. Furthermore, these celebrations are invitations to deepen faith and make Christ the center of people's lives.

These lessons were anchored on the Gospel reading from Matthew 13:47–52 as it was the central theme of the Eucharistic celebration’s homily. Yesterday's Gospel highlighted the Parable of the Net, where Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a net that gathers many kinds of fish.

The message of the parable illustrates that the faithful were called to remember that people are different in many ways. Each person has different experiences, abilities, and origins, yet these differences do not hinder everyone from being united in one faith and under one Lord.

The Gospel also demonstrates the significance of recognizing how actions and choices matter. Like the fishermen who separate the good fish from the unsuitable ones, Christians are encouraged to reflect on their lives and aim to choose what is good and to honor God.

Through the message of Matthew 13:47–52, the celebration served as a reminder that the faithful must treasure God’s Word, live out their faith, and preserve united as one community. Like the many fish gathered in the net, everyone is called to walk together toward the Kingdom of God.

As the 32nd Family Rosary Crusade continues, the call to continue to grow in faith and remain united in prayer becomes more constant. May the lessons received from the Sacred Scriptures, the Holy Rosary, and the celebration of the Eucharist guide the Dominican in their daily lives.

Looking forward to the remaining days of the FRC, may the Dominican faithful continue to know Christ, love Christ, and serve Christ through their love and service to others.#