Most Rev. Dave Dean Capucao, DD (Bishop of the Prelature of Infanta) in his homily during the 131st Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (21 January 2026)
“The act of healing the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath is an example of love dismantling the barriers that we often construct in the name of following tradition.
It is crucial for us to reflect: Are we allowing fear of institutional norms to stifle the inherent call to radically love those in need?
Let us remember that love is the heart of our ministry. To love Christ means we must dare to extend that love to his people especially the marginalized.
In the tradition of St. Polycarp, we are called to be nurturers of compassion, proactively seeking out those who wander and are forgotten, rather than merely providing for the comfortable and familiar.
We ask ourselves today: Whose hands are truly withered today? Kaninong kamay kaya ang nabubulok sa kasalukuyang panahon?
Certainly, the man with a withered hand in the Gospel embodies a physical ailment. But let us not overlook those whose hands are tied by the injustices and marginalizations of our society.
The structural effects of social inequality, economic disparity, social disconnection, presents us all with withered hands needing care and regeneration.
Sa panahon ngayon at sa ating kultura, mayroong ibang interpretasyon yung withered hands. May kasabihan tayo, “Nabubulok ang kamay mo kapag nagnakaw ka.” Sana nga mabulok ang mga kamay ng mga nagnakaw ng kaban ng bayan.
Maraming kamay ang nabubulok kasi systemic na ang pagnanakaw. Pero kailangan na itong pagalingin. Kailangan ng lumapit kay Jesus upang humingi ng kagalingan.
With the love of Christ, there is abundantly enough for all.
May our Blessed Mother guide us in our path towards pamamayani ng kagandahang loob ng Diyos.
May our hearts be ever willing to reflect God’s love and move towards the healing of our world.”