Join the Beloved Son Ministry as we journey to rediscover who we really are and how much we are incredibly loved not because of what we can do, what we have, or what others say about us, but because we are simply us. We are called the beloved. Let’s get to know the One who calls out to us.
This week's episode features Mr. Cheung's sermon during the Stations of the Cross today.
Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary TimeToday we are invited to examine our lives and how we have spent our time. What does the account of our stewardship look like? Have we been faithful stewards and safeguarding God's creation or have we been unfaithful ones, squandering the gifts God has given to us?
In the first reading today we hear from Third Isaiah, where we hear about the Israelites coming back from Exile. They find themselves face-to-face with a Jerusalem that is no longer recognizable. A devastated land, a land that was not filled with milk and honey. Yet, God tells them to rejoice and exult! Why? How? Later we hear Jesus sending disciples into the towns and villages like sheep among wolves to proclaim the Kingdom, to be true laborers for the harvest. Join me in diving deeper into this week's readings.Click here to watch the reflection.
In this Sunday's readings, there is a common theme of “yokes.” Elisha's yokes of oxen. St. Paul's reference to the yoke of slavery. Jesus' analogy of placing one's hand on the plow and looking back. These yokes can be likened to the attachments that hold us back and keep up from following the Lord reservedly and living the life for which we have been made — freedom, true freedom. What are the “yokes” that hold us back? Let us ask the Lord to break us free from them.Click here to watch the reflection.
Today the Church celebrates “Corpus Christi Sunday” or the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. As Catholics we believe that the Eucharist is not simply a symbol of Jesus's body or that it is merely a reminder of what Jesus did for us. Rather, the Eucharist, the bread and wine that has been transformed is the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Our Lord. Jesus is really and truly present in the Eucharist. Join Philip in reflecting upon this great gift.Click here to watch the video.
On this episode of the Beloved Son Ministry Show, Philip is joined by his two older sisters and they discuss faith, life, and their late father. Click here to watch the video.
Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Blessed Trinity, the great mystery of the Trinity, the mystery of Love, the mystery of God's love for each one of us. As Catholics we believe in the Trinity, that is, there are Three Divine Persons in One God. We do not believe in three gods, but only One God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a mystery, but not one that warrants our solving or deciphering. Rather, the mystery of the Trinity is one to be pondered and one that ought to fill us with awe. Something so incomprehensible and yet so personable. Something so divine and yet something in which we have been made partakers because God has taken on our human flesh. The Trinity is a community of love, the love with which we have been created, the love for which we have been created, and the love which makes us one, the Body of Christ, that which points us to heaven. Join Philip in reflecting upon this great mystery.Click here to watch this week's episode.
“Peace be with you,” “As the Father has sent me, so I send you,” “Receive the Holy Spirit” are three phrases that Jesus spoke to the disciples when they were hiding behind locked doors for fear of the Jews. Yet, Jesus appeared to them and spoke with them. Weeks later, the disciples along with Mary are once again in the upper room, but not in fear or hiding, but awaiting the Holy Spirit. Join Philip in reflecting on this great solemnity.
"I am going fishing" said St. Peter, and the other disciples who were there said "We also will come with you." At this point, Jesus had appeared to the Apostles several times already. They were no longer hiding in the locked room. But instead of spreading the Good News that Jesus had risen from the dead, Peter went back to fishing. Jesus encounters Peter individually after His Resurrection, asking him three times, "Do you love me?" What might Our Lord have been doing?Click here to watch the reflection.
Blessed Divine Mercy Sunday! On the Second Sunday of Easter, the Church celebrates in particular the Divine Mercy of Our Lord. In the Gospel reading we hear Our Lord appearing to the disciples who were hiding behind locked doors for fear of the Jewish leaders. Jesus does not reprimand His disciples for abandoning Him in His time of need, but shows them His wounds and offers unto them, not once, not twice, but three times (signifying many times) His peace. Let us give thanks for this great gift, the gift of God Himself and His infinite mercy.Click here to watch the reflection.
Tuesday within the Octave of EasterHappy Easter! Today is the Tuesday within the Octave of Easter. Every day this week is Easter Sunday. In this episode, Philip shares the significance of today's date, April 19th, in his life and its relation to today's Scripture readings. Click here to watch the video.
Happy Easter! The Lord has risen! Indeed, He has truly risen!You may choose to watch the video here.
Our Lord's body was taken down from the Cross and placed in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two devout Jews and Pharisees. On this day, the earth stood still, waiting for the gates of the place of the dead to be broken so that the souls of the just may be ushered up by the Lord. Today the earth is still and silent, eagerly anticipating the rush and noise of new life.Click here to watch the retreat session.Day 7 concludes our Holy Week Retreat. Thank you for praying with us!
Join Philip in praying the Stations of the Cross.
After being arrested, struck, questioned, sentenced, Our Lord was led to the praetorium to be scourged. He was then mocked by being crowned with a crown of thorns, dressed in a purple cloak and given a reed. Little did the soldiers know that they were truly crowning a King, a King who was chosen by God to gather all the peoples to Himself so that all who looked upon Him might be saved. His glory is shown not on a chair or throne like Herod or Pilate or Caesar, but rather on the Cross which He carried to His execution. We proclaim Christ crucified. It is by His wounds that we have been healed, by His death and Resurrection that we have life. Jesus loved His own to the very end. Jesus died for love of us.Click here to watch the retreat session.Join Philip each night of Holy Week in meditating upon and savoring the Scriptures of the day. To learn more, click here.
Join Philip in meditating on the Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross. Click here to watch the meditation.“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”“Today you will be with me in Paradise.”“Woman, behold your son… behold your Mother.”“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”“I thirst.”“It is finished.”“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”
At the Last Supper Our Lord instituted the Eucharist and the Priesthood, leaving unto us the Church and a share in His inheritance. This moment was foreshadowed in the Passover when the LORD God spared the Israelites the death of their first born by the blood of an one-year old unblemished lamb. Today, the true Lamb of God will be led to His slaughter so that not just the first born will be spared, but rather all who will come to believe in Him, who is the Son of God.Click here to watch the retreat session.Join Philip each night of Holy Week in meditating upon and savoring the Scriptures of the day. To learn more, click here.
Although the Suffering Servant has been given a well-trained tongue, he does not rebel or argue. He doesn't even shield his face from “buffets and spitting.” Perhaps in his heart, the Suffering Servant is uttering the prayer of the Psalmist, “In your great love, Lord, answer me” because he knows the Lord hears him and will deliver him from his enemies. While the Suffering Servant and the Psalmist both know that the Lord will deliver them, it is Judas now who delivers the Lord into the hands of the Chief Priests. It is this irony that brings about our deliverance from sin and death. Click here to watch the retreat session.Join Philip each night of Holy Week in meditating upon and savoring the Scriptures of the day. To learn more, click here.
The Suffering Servant is spoken of as a sharp-edged sword and who through him Israel will be gathered once again. He will also be a light to the nations, the Light that will bring about the salvation of the world. But not without betrayal and suffering, even at the hands of the Lord's own disciple. This is when the Lord says the He and the Father are glorified.Click here to watch the retreat session.Join Philip each night of Holy Week in meditating upon and savoring the Scriptures of the day. To learn more, click here.
The Prophet Isaiah speaks of the Suffering Servant who will establish justice and open the eyes of the blind and set prisoners free. Later the Psalmist cries out that the LORD is his light and salvation. In the Gospel our Lord is treated with kindness and luxury is poured out unto Him only meeting the criticism of His own disciple.Click here to watch the retreat session.Join Philip each night of Holy Week in meditating upon and savoring the Scriptures of the day. To learn more, click here.
Our Lord enters triumphantly as a king, perhaps to the Jews the long awaited Messiah who will restore the Davidic Kingdom on earth. The Jewish leaders tell Jesus to rebuke His followers, but He refuses, saying that if they will not cry out, the stones will. Our Lord enters triumphantly into the climax of His Father's will.Click here to watch the retreat session.Join Philip each night of Holy Week in meditating upon and savoring the Scriptures of the day. To learn more, click here.
When Jesus was told that His friend, Lazarus was dying, instead of running straight to seem him, He stayed where He was at for a few more days. This does not sound like the compassionate and loving Jesus that we know. Why does He do that? When He finally arrives, Martha, one of Lazarus' sisters met Jesus and gave a statement and confession of faith that is quite amazing. Join Philip in reflecting on this beautiful expression of faith even in the face of death. (To watch it, click here.)
After speaking with and listening to Jesus, the Samaritan woman left her water jar and went into town. The whole reason she went to the well at noon was to draw water, and now she doesn't even take her water jar with her. What happened? What was it that Jesus said that made her abandon her water jar and go into town? And what did she do when she went there? Join Philip in exploring the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well in this last installment of the three part Lenten Conference.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is perhaps one of the most famous parables in Luke's Gospel. It tells the story of a father and two sons. One asks for his share of the inheritance and goes away. The other stays behind but his heart is seemingly even further away. Join Philip as he reflects on the younger son and how this may aid us in our spiritual journey.
The Jewish People and the Samaritan People do not get along for there has been dispute between them, from different places of worship to even causing damage and destruction to the other. Hence when Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman, she was taken aback. But this was not what had caused her shame and guilt. It was the fact that she had been living under constraint and in bondage. Jesus had come to set her free. Today, Jesus comes to us to set us free from those things that weigh us down. Will we let Him? NOTE: The audio of the first 7 minutes or so is not clear but was is being said is a recap of Conference 1 and the reading of John 4:16-26. The rest of the audio is fine.
As we enter into the Third Week of Lent we are given the passage of Moses at the Burning Bush. What is so special about this encounter? God has drawn close to man so that we might draw close to Him. How is this drawing close lived out in our lives?
On the First Sunday of Lent the Church always proclaims the passage of the Temptations of the Lord by the devil. There is a reason for this. The devil attacks on something that is crucial — Jesus' identity, but Jesus knows who He is and so remains steadfast. Do we know who we are?
On the latest episode of the Beloved Son Ministry Show join me in exploring the life that we have been born into because of Christ: the life of the beloved. As baptized Christians we share in the Sonship of Christ, but what does that mean?
The Epiphany of the LordHappy Epiphany, brothers and sisters! On this episode of the Beloved Son Ministry Show I would like to share with you a homily I wrote, prayed with, and delivered on the Epiphany in fulfillment of the requirements for one of my seminary homiletics courses. The theme is as the title suggests, “Light of the Star.” I pray you enjoy it and may be able to draw some spiritual insights from it. And please do share any comments you may have. Happy Epiphany!
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph — Reflection for Christmas/Holy FamilyMerry Christmas brothers and sisters! Join Philip as he reflects on the Holy Family and how each of the individuals as well the Family as a whole can help encourage us to be better Christians, disciples, and witnesses of Christ this Christmas and this coming new year. They keywords are: docility, righteousness, obedience, and relationship. Philip also speaks on the upcoming feasts and solemnities.
Joyful Hope - Gaudete Sunday 2021In the midst of Advent and as we approach Christmas, the Church invites us to rejoice today, this Third Sunday of Advent. What is this joy? How and for what shall we rejoice? Join Philip as we explore this great joy.Click here for today's Daily Reflection.Click here for today's Mass readings.
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, May 30, 2021Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, which is the “central mystery of the Christian faith and life.” As Catholic Christians we believe in three divine Persons in one God, and this is a mystery to be appreciated, be amazed by, experienced, and not a secret code to be deciphered or a mystery to be solved. Join Philip in exploring and getting to know this most profound mystery. Happy Trinity Sunday!
Reflection for Pentecost SundayToday we celebrate the birthday of the Church! Come join me in celebrating this most important day, the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the people and so enabled them to go and bring the Gospel to all nations. Because of that first Pentecost Sunday we are here today. Happy birthday!
Seventh Week of EasterJesus prays for us to be one just as He and the Father are one. Yet, in today's world we see so much division and hatred. How can we strive to be one? How can unity be possible?
Sixth Week of EasterWe celebrated Mother's Day today and we heard the beautiful readings about God's love for us at Sunday Mass. In many ways a mother's love reflects God's love, a love that isn't dependent upon being loved back or any other factors. In other words, God's love is unconditional. It is also eternal. There was never a time that we can imagine when God did not love. Pretty awesome. God's love is eternal. You were always loved. You are loved right now, and you will never stop being loved. God's love is a love that lasts.
Fifth Week of EasterJesus implores us to remain in Him as He remains in us. What does it mean to remain? Does it mean to simply keep going to church and making sure the pews are filled? To remain does not mean to passively sit idle. Remaining is really an active participation. But how so? Will we take on this challenge?
Good Shepherd Sunday 2021 - Vocation Story Part 1 On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Church celebrates “Good Shepherd Sunday,” and we hear how Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays does His life for His sheep. Philip shares the first part of his vocation story.
On this Divine Mercy Sunday, may we allow the Lord's mercy to wash over us. Oftentimes we see our wounds and brokenness and weaknesses as things to be ashamed and we want to hide them. But don't forget, Our Lord rose with His wounds. It is by His wounds that we have salvation. Wounds are important. Wounds are places of encounter, and Our Lord waits to encounter you there. Invite the Lord into your woundedness and allow Him to bring great good and healing out of it. Jesus, I trust in You!
Day 7 (last) of our Holy Week Retreat/ConferenceHappy and Holy Easter to You All!
Day 6 of our Holy Week Retreat/ConferenceJoin us tomorrow Holy Saturday from 2:00-2:30PM for our final day. The link to join can be found here.Blessed Sacred Paschal Triduum to you.
Day 5 of our Holy Week Retreat/ConferenceJoin us tomorrow Good Friday from 8:00-8:30PM, and Holy Saturday from 2:00-2:30PM. The link to join can be found here. Blessed Sacred Paschal Triduum to you all.
Day 4 of our Holy Week Retreat/ConferenceJoin us Holy Thursday (will be pre-recorded), Good Friday from 8:00-8:30PM, and Holy Saturday from 2:00-2:30PM. The link to join can be found here.
Day 3 of our Holy Week Retreat/ConferenceJoin us Wednesday of Holy Week from 6:00-6:30PM, Holy Thursday (will be pre-recorded), Good Friday from 8:00-8:30PM, and Holy Saturday from 2:00-2:30PM. The link to join can be found here.
Day 2 of our Holy Week Retreat/ConferenceJoin us Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week from 6:00-6:30PM, Holy Thursday (will be pre-recorded), Good Friday from 8:00-8:30PM, and Holy Saturday from 2:00-2:30PM. The link to join can be found here.
Day 1 of our Holy Week Retreat/ConferenceJoin us tomorrow, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week from 6:00-6:30PM, Holy Thursday (will be pre-recorded), Good Friday from 8:00-8:30PM, and Holy Saturday from 2:00-2:30PM. The link to join can be found here.
Palm Sunday of the Lord's PassionWe have entered into the most sacred of weeks in the Church. Today we remember the day our Lord entered into Jerusalem for the last time only to leave the city as a criminal carrying His cross to Golgotha to be crucified. In his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul spoke of Jesus' self-emptying. This emptiness is not a feeling of loneliness, depression, or void. This act of emptying is the expression of God's infinite love for us. This self-emptying then gives great meaning to what our Lord cried out from the cross, ‘My God, my God why have you abandoned me?” In this act of self-emptying, Jesus stood in solidarity with the human race, and took on our sins so that we may be filled with His Father's love and mercy.
Fifth Week of LentThis is the last week before Holy Week. In this past Sunday's readings we hear about God's covenant with His people, the Son learning obedience from what He suffered, becoming the “source of eternal life,” and only a grain that falls to the ground that dies will bear fruit. As disciples, we are asked to lose our lives. What does that mean? How can we lose our life and yet find it?
The Temptations of Jesus and Our Identity Conference 2021 (Live)Given by Philip Cheung on March 20, 2021, 7PMThe very first thing that happened to Jesus after His baptism was that He was led into the desert by the Spirit to be tempted. The devil tempted Jesus three times. Although these three temptations happened more than 2000 years ago in the Judean Desert, the devil uses the very same ones today. The enemy has no new tricks. Join Philip in exploring this event in Jesus' life and how this relates to us today, especially with our identity.
Fourth Week of LentHappy Laetare Sunday, brothers and sisters! Traditionally the Fourth Week of Lent is called Laetare Sunday because it reminds us to “Rejoice” just like the Third Week of Advent, Gaudete Sunday. In today's Gospel reading we hear what is probably the most famous Bible verse that both believers and non-believers know - John 3:16. What does it mean that God loves the world? What does it mean to love?
Conference 3: The Invitation - Resistance and HumilityGiven by Philip Cheung on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 7PMOn the other side of this beautiful encounter between the father and the younger son is the elder son who stands to the side. This elder son who has stood by the father's side all this time becomes confused as to how the father could so easily take his younger brother back in and be so happy after all that he has said and done to them. The father invites the elder son to rejoice and celebrate with them but he is met with resistance. What does the father do? What does the elder son do? Why does it matter?
Conference 2: The Encounter - Reconciliation and CommunionGiven by Philip Cheung on Saturday, March 6, 2021, 7PMAfter the younger son reaches the depths of his misery, he begins to think of what he can do to get out of a seemingly desperate situation. He comes up with a plan to return home, hoping that his father will take him back, if not a son then even a servant. We will focus on the actions and words of the father, especially at the moment of a deeply moving encounter between the father and the younger son, and explore the richness of the meaning this encounter may have for our own lives by virtue of our very own baptism. Perhaps this encounter is really what we desire for in our own lives?