First Gift

"Parable of the two sons"

Gospel                                                            Matthew 21:28-32

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:

“What is your opinion? 

A man had two sons. 

He came to the first and said,

‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 

The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’

but afterwards he changed his mind and went. 

The man came to the other son and gave the same order. 

He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. 

Which of the two did his father’s will?” 

They answered, “The first.” 

Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you,

tax collectors and prostitutes

are entering the Kingdom of God before you. 

When John came to you in the way of righteousness,

you did not believe him;

but tax collectors and prostitutes did. 

Yet even when you saw that,

you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

1000 Kilometers and One Answered Prayer

by Tolits Novio

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the story of a father and his two sons. One son says “no” but later obeys; the other says “yes” but never follows through. Jesus teaches us that true obedience is not found in our promises but in the direction of our hearts. God looks at how we turn back to Him, how we rise after falling, and how we allow His voice—not our own plans—to guide our steps.

Looking back at my journey, I see myself in both sons. There were seasons when I said “yes” to God in words but walked my own path. And there were moments when I felt tired, unsure, or reluctant—but still found the courage to obey when grace opened a door. My story is not perfect, but it is a story of being held and guided by a faithful God.

After graduating in 2009, I joined a Catholic community in our town in Rodriguez, Rizal. Serving in worship deepened my relationship with the Lord. He blessed my career—I became a licensed architect in 2011—and allowed me to serve further at The Feast. My life felt full, yet there remained a quiet prayer in my heart:

“Lord, if it is Your will, lead me to the person You prepared for me.”

For years, that prayer was met with silence.

I tried to build relationships, but nothing aligned. I began to think that maybe I was meant to stay single. I poured myself into work, service, and personal growth. I enjoyed my single years so much that I almost forgot that old prayer I used to carry.

Then one ordinary day in August 2023, unexpectedly and gently, God stirred something again. A girl’s message in our Feast Singles chat caught my attention—witty, smart, sincere. She stood out. And despite being 1000 kilometers away in Leyte, I felt a nudge in my heart. I asked the Lord, “Is she the one I prayed for years ago?” I was hesitant at first—tired of trying, tired of hoping. But in prayer I sensed a quiet whisper: “Nothing will be taken from you if you try.” So I tried. I prayed. I reached out. I visited churches in Leyte and lifted her name to God.

And little by little, God unfolded a story I never expected.

As I write this, my heart is full. I am no longer waiting—I am preparing. In a month, I will marry my fiancée, Rachel. The prayer I once whispered, the desire I had set aside, was answered in His time, not mine.

This Advent, the Gospel reminds us:

God’s justice is not punishment—it is restoration.

God’s peace is not the absence of waiting—it is the presence of hope.

We may come to Him like the first son or the second, tired or willing, hesitant or ready. But God patiently works in us until our hearts can truly say “yes.” As Psalm 72 says, "justice shall flourish in His time". Sometimes His justice is seen in the healing of our hearts, the fulfillment of long-forgotten prayers, and the quiet peace that arrives when His timing finally unfolds.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You see the desires of every heart.

You know the longing for love, companionship, and a future full of hope.

Teach us to trust Your timing, to grow in faith while waiting,

and to become the person You are shaping us to be.

Give strength to those who are tired,

peace to those who feel uncertain,

and courage to those who are afraid to try again.

May Your justice guide our choices,

and may Your love lead us to the relationships You have prepared.

When the right time comes, let our hearts recognize Your gift.

“When the time is right, I the Lord will make it happen.” Isaiah 60:22

Amen.

Gift for Jesus

The Gift of Hope Give Jesus the decision to hope again— even after disappointment, heartbreak, or long silence. “Jesus, revive the hope in my heart. Let Your peace fill my waiting.”

Ar. Tolits M. Novio is the Principal Architect of Arkidezman Design Studio and a servant-leader in the United Architects of the Philippines, where he continues to serve through national roles and mentorship. Beyond the practice of architecture, he lives his faith as a Worship Leader at The Feast Sta. Lucia, guiding others through worship and witness. Known to many as Arkitektolits, he is passionate about using his gifts to inspire young designers and honor God through his work.