Continuing our commemoration of Saint Francis of Assisi in the context of the 800 anniversary of his Transitus, we discuss in this episode the Canticle of Brother Sun or also known as the Canticle of Creatures.

This Canticle was composed by St. Francis while he was staying in San Damiano, tired and almost blind after preaching in Mount La Verna and receiving there the stigmata of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus this Canticle was born in the context of this mystical experience of suffering and the awareness of death's nearness and God's graces.

Francis tasked his friars to sing this Canticle when they preach. This canticle of praise, filled with Francis's vision of a universe mirroring the presence of the Triune God, could only have come from the heart of a mystic. When seen in the light of San Damiano, filled as it is with images of both saints Francis and Clare, the Canticle of Brother Sun becomes a beautiful, meaningful reflection of both.

The Canticle of Brother Sun

Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,

Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor, and all blessing,

To You alone, Most High, do they belong,

and no human is worthy to mention Your name.

Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,

especially Sir Brother Sun,

Who is the day and through whom You give us light.

And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor;

and bears a likeness of You, Most High One.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,

in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,

and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind

of weather,

through which You give sustenance to Your creatures.

Praised be You, My Lord, through Sister Water,

Who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire,

through whom You light the night

and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth,

who sustains and governs us,

and who produces varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Praised be You, my Lord, through those who give pardon

for Your love, and bear infirmity and tribulation.

Blessed are those who endure in peace

for by You, Most High, shall they be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,

from whom no one living can escape.

Woe to those who die in mortal sin.

Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will,

for the second death shall do them no harm.

Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks

and serve Him with great humility.

The post Usapang Saint Francis: The Canticle of Brother Sun appeared first on Tamang Usapan Podcast.

Past Attempts at Retelling the Gospel in Film

In the past, there have been no shortage of attempts—often successful ones—to represent the life of Jesus within the contemporary context of their respective times. We can mention, for example, Jesus Christ Superstar, the celebrated 1973 film adaptation of the extraordinary rock opera of the same name; The Gospel According to St. Matthew, the 1964 film written and directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini; and Jesus of Nazareth, the television miniseries directed by Franco Zeffirelli and first broadcast in 1977. More recently, and may be the most famous, is Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, a film that not only awakened renewed attention to the Passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, but also sparked controversy over accusations of antisemitism.

Yet believing—and even more so, showing Christian faith in our own time—is not simple. It requires, on the one hand, a rigorous fidelity to the biblical text; on the other, the urgency of speaking a language capable of meeting the sensibilities, cultural context and even the frenetic rhythms of contemporary humanity.

The Chosen: A New Phenomenon

This is where a global phenomenon like The Chosen—now in its fifth season and the sixth expected to be released by November 2026—succeeds where many other attempts have struggled. It is the first multi-season television series about the life of Jesus. The series does not simply “transmit” religious content: it translates it, it brings it to life. It does not offer a simple catechism lesson in video format, but constructs an authentic narrative, shaped by the dynamics of today’s great television series: characters who mature over time, relationships that slowly unfold, and stories that grow from one episode to the next.

This is not merely an aesthetic operation, but responds to a deeper need: to make the eternal Word once again capable of speaking to today’s context, transforming concepts often confined to the liturgy into living, accessible, and surprisingly familiar images.

The series, created and directed by American filmmaker Dallas Jenkins, premiered in 2019 as an independent project—financed through one of the largest crowdfunding campaigns in the history of cinema! — and succeeds in engaging audiences precisely because it transforms the religious message into a pulsating story, one capable of keeping us glued to the screen. Through the dynamics typical of major contemporary television productions, what we normally associate with prayer or ritual suddenly becomes familiar, concrete and deeply human.

In The Chosen, we see a Jesus who walks with his disciples, jokes, cries and shares in the fatigue of everyday life. This is not simply a narrative choice; it is an incredibly powerful communication strategy. Today, more than ever, people are searching for authenticity, genuine relationships and credible experiences. A Christ who is so close to us helps us understand that the Gospel is not an abstract theory, but a story that touches the very flesh of life.

After all, this is how Jesus himself communicated: not through complex concepts, but through parables built upon everyday images—fields, fishing nets, yeast—images capable of speaking to everyone.

“Imperfect” Disciples Like Each One of Us

Alongside Jesus, the series gives us disciples who are surprisingly human. Peter, Matthew, and Mary Magdalene (among many) do not appear as saints already prepared to be portrayed in stained-glass windows, but as men and women marked by doubts, wounds and fragility. And it is precisely this humanization that creates an extraordinary bridge with the viewer: in their conflicts, we recognize our own; in their fears, we rediscover our own search for meaning.

The communication of the sacred today must have the courage to present itself in this way: not as an unreachable perfection, but as a journey marked by falls and new beginnings. Faith is not a magic wand that erases problems; it is a new light that enables us to walk through them. In a time marked by loneliness and fragmentation, presenting Christianity as a community of fragile people united by a presence that listens becomes a message of extraordinary power.

Credibility: Our True Mission

The Internet, social networks and streaming platforms are not enemies of the sacred. They are simply the places where people today live, learn, encounter one another and build relationships. To inhabit these spaces creatively is no longer an option; it is a responsibility.

The great lesson of this new season in the telling of the sacred, however, is something else: credibility remains the decisive element. People are not looking for special effects or religious marketing strategies. They are looking for authentic witnesses. They are looking for someone who embodies the Gospel through concrete gestures of love, listening and welcome.

Modernizing the Christian message does not mean making it superficially “fashionable,” but knowing how to inhabit one’s own time without betraying one’s identity. New media therefore represent an extraordinary opportunity to show that Jesus continues, even today, to attract the human heart.

The Gospel Read in New Media

When used with authenticity, the tools of contemporary communication can transform a screen into a true place of encounter, where the sacred does not remain a distant object to be contemplated, but becomes a presence that is close, capable of speaking to the heart of modern humanity.

Every image projected, every dialogue carefully written, can become an invitation to open the Gospel once again—the Gospel that for millennia has been waiting to be read with new eyes—reminding us that our own lives are, in the end, the greatest “story of history” that can ever be told.

The post The Chosen TV Series and The Rediscovery of Telling the Jesus Story appeared first on Tamang Usapan Podcast.

This year, 2026, we celebrate the 800th anniversary of the "transitus" or transit of Saint Francis of Assisi from earthly life to eternal life. Kaya naman, this October 2026 we will be dedicating our episodes to the poverello of Assisi.

In this first episode, Russel and Lennon shares their story on how they came to know St. Francis, a short biographical note of the saint, and they will share and commentate on Francis' Testament.

To read the whole Testament of St. Francis, you can visit here.

The post Usapang Saint Francis of Assisi appeared first on Tamang Usapan Podcast.

Sa episode na ito, tatalakayin natin ang mystical tradition ni Saint Jerome at ang kahalagahan ng pag-aalay ng sarili sa Diyos, lalo na sa modernong buhay. Alamin kung paano natin maipapakita ang kabutihan at pagtanggap sa ating mga kahinaan sa pamamagitan ng spiritual na paglalakbay.

The post Usapang Oblation: Offering of One’s Sinful Self to God appeared first on Tamang Usapan Podcast.

Perhaps this is one of the most fascinating aspects of contemporary cinema: its ability to articulate profoundly theological questions without resorting to explicitly religious language. Through narrative conflict, visual symbolism and dense existential silences, the modern film evokes a horizon of transcendence in which the question of God persists not as an affirmation, but as an absent presence.

Cinema and Theology

The relationship between cinema and theology has always been shaped by this tension between visibility and concealment. Cinema is fundamentally an artifice of appearances, yet its most powerful and enduring effects often arise from what remains withheld, unspoken or only partially revealed. This power becomes especially evident in secular works that nevertheless confront ancient theological dilemmas: Why does suffering persist? What is the true meaning of sacrifice? How does one live with guilt, and where can grace be found in a thoroughly secularized world? In this sense, the screen becomes a space in which God is spoken of precisely by not being named.

Rather than secretly encoding a dogma or serving as a rigid allegory of faith, many modern films operate as implicit theological texts. They simply make visible the human condition before the absolute, capturing our finitude, loss, desire and hope. A film does not need to mention Christ, the saints, or Church doctrine in order to draw upon a profoundly spiritual imaginary. What matters is whether the work approaches human existence with a depth that remains open to mystery and moral seriousness.

A look at some recent films

Several recent films illustrate this beautifully. The Hand of God (2021), by Paolo Sorrentino, evokes theological currents while remaining largely an autobiographical and secular coming-of-age story. It is not a confession of faith, but a meditation on memory and loss. Its power lies in the way it makes providence conceivable only in retrospect—that is, something perceived entirely through the fragile and retrospective gaze of memory.

By contrast, The Room Next Door (La habitación de al lado, 2024), by Pablo Almodóvar, takes a different but equally compelling path. Focusing on mortality and euthanasia, the film enters directly into a theological dialogue on dignity, death and the limits of human autonomy. Almodóvar does not need to invoke the divine; rather, the film’s silence on the question only intensifies the moral weight of its inquiry, demonstrating how contemporary cinema can charge the questions surrounding the end of life with immense spiritual tension.

Saint Omer (2022), by Alice Diop, approaches all of this through a study of moral opacity. By exploring judgement, motherhood and racial isolation, the film refuses to resolve guilt through a clear-cut verdict of innocence or culpability. Instead, it forces the viewer to confront the agonizing difficulty of truly understanding the suffering of another human being. It is precisely here that its theological resonance emerges: in the encounter with an irreducible otherness that challenges human judgement.

A similar logic animates Evil Does Not Exist (2023), by Ryusuke Hamaguchi. Even before the narrative unfolds, the title itself poses a colossal metaphysical question. The film invites us to reflect on the fragility of our moral order, the quiet clandestinity of violence and the instability of human categories such as good and evil. Its theological value does not lie in the answers it provides, but in the profound space it creates for moral and ontological unease.

In conclusion

These works, suggest that the indirectness of contemporary cinema may be its most powerful theological instrument. In an age marked by rapid secularization and profound moral uncertainty, cinema continues to register experiences of sacrifice, judgement and hope that exceed purely rational and immanent explanations. Cinema does not need to be explicitly religious in order to participate in theological discourse. When a film succeeds in unveiling the hidden depths of human existence, its silence is never empty: it is the very medium through which transcendence can be perceived.

The post The “Case” of Contemporary Cinema: Speaking of God Without Naming God appeared first on Tamang Usapan Podcast.

Sa episode na ito, tatalakayin natin ang epekto ng information overload sa ating emosyonal na kalusugan at ang pagiging manhid ng lipunan sa mga nangyayari sa paligid. Paano natin mapapanatili ang ating moralidad at values sa gitna ng mabilis na pagbabago at pagdami ng balita.

The post Usapang Manhid: Why is There So Much Social Apathy? appeared first on Tamang Usapan Podcast.

Understanding Our Maritime Heritage and the West Philippine Sea

A deep dive into the significance of our waters and identity.

In this episode, Russel and Lennon engage in a heartfelt discussion about the importance of maritime awareness in the Philippines, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions in the West Philippine Sea. As they commemorate Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month, they emphasize the need for Filipinos to reconnect with their maritime identity.

Maritime Awareness Month

Every September, the Philippines observes Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMO). Russel highlights this occasion as an opportunity to deepen our understanding and appreciation of our maritime heritage. He stresses the commitment of every Filipino to advocate for our rights in the waters, especially concerning the ongoing issues in the West Philippine Sea.

"It's not just a problem for those living near the coast. It’s a national concern that affects us all." — Russel

A Look Back at Our History

Lennon shares insights into the Philippines' historical relationship with the sea, noting that before colonial influences, various kingdoms thrived based on their control of maritime routes. He points out that our identity as an archipelagic nation is essential, and we must not forget our roots as seafarers.

"Our ancestors were natural shipbuilders, and our maritime legacy is a vital part of who we are." — Lennon

The Current Landscape

The conversation shifts to the present-day significance of the West Philippine Sea. Russel notes the geopolitical challenges and emphasizes that our waters are not just a backdrop for local fishermen but are crucial for national food security and resource management.

Reflection on Identity

As the episode concludes, both hosts reflect on the collective identity of Filipinos as a maritime nation. They urge listeners to recognize the importance of our waters and to engage in discussions that promote awareness and advocacy for our maritime rights.

This episode serves as a gentle reminder of our shared responsibilities and the significance of understanding our maritime heritage.

Chapters

00:00 Panimula at layunin ng episode

01:35 What is MANAMO?

06:11 Importansya ng West Philippine Sea

18:43 Strategic location ng Pinas

23:49 More than a military matter

46:44 Some historical markers in WPS tension

54:37 Sec. Gibo Teodoro in Seoul Defense Conference

57:41 Reactions namin kay DND Sec. Gibo

01:10:12 Closing and bye-bye

Resources

The post Usapang Dagat: MANAMO, WPS, EEZ appeared first on Tamang Usapan Podcast.

In this episode (that we recorded after the original one could not be edited because of a technical problem), we discuss the seeming dichotomy in the Church of either being "sacramental/liturgical" vs. being "pastoral", a misconception that many Catholics, especially priests trained after the disaster that was the 60's, hold.

Pag hindi na liturgy ang centro ng buhay at ministerio ng pari, at ito ay platform na lang for his style and creativity, it can also warp into a platform of political agenda.

Our main argument in this episode is that walang dichotomy. In fact, kailangan manggaling sa sacraments ang pwersa para lumaban for social justice and true living of the sacraments is seen in our social awareness.

This is also in the context of the recently revealed intelligence briefing that under the Biden Administration (i.e. a "Catholic" president), traditional Catholics were classified as "extremists" just like islamists.

The post Usapang Simbahan: Sacramental vs. Pastoral? Or Both? appeared first on Tamang Usapan Podcast.

Lagi nating naririnig ang salitang "Orwellian" sa balita, sa Twitter/X, sa mga debate tungkol sa social media. Pero saan ba galing ito? Sa episode na ito, binalikan nina Lennon at Russel ang 1984 ni George Orwell: isang classic na dystopian novel na parang sumasalamin din sa kasalukuyan nating lipunan.

Pag-uusapan natin kung paano ginagamit ng Partido sa nobela (Ingsoc) ang wika (Newspeak), kasaysayan (memory holes), at pati na rin ang pag-ibig at katotohanan bilang mga instrumento ng kontrol. Titingnan din natin kung paano bumabagay ang mga tema ng librong ito sa ating sariling karanasan bilang mga Pilipino: mula sa Martial Law hanggang sa disinformation sa social media ngayon.

Aabangan mo rito:

• Bakit isinulat ni Orwell ang 1984 noong 1948, at bakit hindi lang ito tungkol kay Stalin.
• Ang tatlong sagradong slogan ng Partido at kung paano gumagana ang doublethink sa totoong buhay.
• Paano nawawala ang katotohanan kapag pinapatay ang wika (Newspeak)  at bakit mahalaga ito ngayong panahon ng fake news.
• Ang koneksyon ng 1984 sa ating sariling kasaysayan ng Martial Law at sa tinatawag na "historical revisionism."
• Isang pananaw na Katoliko: bakit ang totalitarianism ay hindi lang isyung pampulitika, kundi isyu ng dignidad ng tao.
• Ang tanong na iiwan sa'yo ng libro: kaya mo bang mag-isip nang malaya, kahit walang nakikinig?

Kung tuwing nababasa mo ang balita ay may bumubulong sa isip mo na, "para tayong fulfillment ng 1984," para sa'yo ang episode na ito.

For further readings:

• George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) — primary text.
• George Orwell, "Politics and the English Language" (1946) — essay on language and clear thinking; background for the Newspeak segment.
• George Orwell, Homage to Catalonia (1938) — his account of the Spanish Civil War; useful context for why he distrusted totalitarianism across the political spectrum.
• C.S. Lewis, The Abolition of Man (1943) — a contemporary philosophical parallel on the control of conscience and value.
• Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism (1951) — for a more academic/political-theory angle.
• Pope Pius XI, Divini Redemptoris (1937) — Church teaching opposing totalitarian ideology.

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The post Usapang 1984: Malaya Ka Ba o Akala Mo Lang? appeared first on Tamang Usapan Podcast.

Ang dami na namang mga balita ng recurring violence sa Pilipinas, sa mga schools especially. This issue is alarming because it's something very foreign to us. It raises questions: where is this coming from? Is it terrorism, but not in the traditional sense? In a previous episode, we discussed the impact of video games on youth behavior, but we concluded that there might be deeper influences at play.

The culture of violence

This episode takes a serious look at the culture of violence in Philippine schools and among Filipino youth. We need to reflect on this growing concern. There are security experts labeling this phenomenon as nihilistic violent extremism. Russel elaborates on this idea by contrasting traditional violent extremism—which often has political or ideological roots—with this new form, where violence itself becomes the objective without a clear cause.

"Violence, celebrated, encouraged, pinagdiriwang."

The Roots of Nihilism

Nihilism is a philosophy that rejects meaning and purpose. This perspective has been gaining traction, especially among youth who feel alienated from society. In a world filled with conflicting ideologies, nihilism posits that nothing matters, leading some to seek validation through chaotic and violent means.

"When we say nihilism, it's a rejection of meaning."

The Role of Online Communities

In today's digital age, online communities can become more important than physical organizations. We discuss how anonymity on the internet allows individuals to find validation in violent ideologies. Algorithms feed them content that normalizes violence, creating a dangerous cycle that can lead to real-world consequences.

"The internet changed the environment."

The conversation highlights the urgent need for awareness among parents, teachers, and the community. As we navigate these complex issues, it becomes increasingly important to engage in open dialogues about the factors contributing to this troubling trend.

While we may not have all the answers, understanding the underlying causes of nihilistic violent extremism can help us address the scourge affecting our youth today.

If you're interested in a deeper exploration of this complex subject, we encourage you to listen to the full episode.

The post Usapang Nihilistic Violent Extremism appeared first on Tamang Usapan Podcast.