Catholics told: Be like Mary in facing challenges

MANILA, Philippines — People should face 2021 and its challenges “like Mother Mary,” Baclaran Church parish priest Fr. Roland Balase said during the New Year’s Eve mass.

In his homily, Balase said Mother Mary agreed to bring Jesus into the world despite her doubts.

“Through Jesus, we are children of God. We are given this blessing and privilege by our Lord. Like Mary, we should continue to journey and face challenges that may come our way every day, through all the doubts that could come in this present day and age,” Balase said in Filipino.

Balase said that while 2020 was “miserable” for everyone, he urged Catholics to keep their faith and belief in God. He cited the pandemic, the natural calamities and the killings of Sonya and Frank Gregorio in Tarlac and the nine indigenous villagers in Panay.

“We, the people, are proof that God is faithful and He would not abandon us. Even if it might feel that what we are going through right now does not make ssense and (we do not deserve it), we have faith that in the end, we would find His glory,” he said.