Crisis (Shit) Happens

This is a spectacular day, isn’t it? The weather is perfect, people are smiling, the passengers are in good mood, the temperature is light, so what more can you ask? I wake up not so early though, did not take my breakfast, did not say my morning prayer, I took a bath before washing teeth, did not say good morning to some friends but still I am fine.

I have some plans for today and for the coming days in mind and not one of them is realized yet because I have so many unnecessary concerns that I prioritized like writing anything without any idea at all. Oh my grammar and English are becoming worse as expected as if I have never gone to any English class at all because of passion, I say. Passion is the only element I have now in writing this not grammar or lessons learned in school, just relying on my experience that are stuck in my brain for centuries old and now I’m putting them together in one piece. This is shit! How can I even do that that even the grade schools can never understand or read? Well, I don’t care what they will say or whether they will understand or not as long as I know that this will help me to release my emotions that are very sensitive today. Just let me speak maybe and let me express what is disturbing my life.

So I am writing today for no reason at all. I just want to write what is happening inside me right now at this very moment.

I am so disturbed of what happened to me the past days regarding my relationship. I am so distracted in my work that I can’t really concentrate in one thing I’m doing and sadly people easily recognize that which also adds to my distraction. Can they just focus on their work and family or business not so much putting concern on my life? Can they just listen and forget or feel and sleep the words and impressions that are disturbing them? If I can just please them maybe they will but I cannot presume that because that might clarify some uncertainties in their minds.

Anyway, I am still trying to figure out how to fix my life again and to put back the peace that I have lost, that sense of joy and pure energy and excitement without any personal interest or grudge to other people whether they are good or bad against me, that peace that puts me smiling everywhere I go and anything I do, that peace that only me who knows that time. That is what I wanted to feel again because today I am so really different, the old self was lost and I cannot grasp the idea of being happy. I know that a couple of days ago I was so high in love and now it seems like that love is gone and wasted. Yes, everything that happened seems worthless and no amount of price to be remembered. I am really sad and disappointed because I really thought things will just work perfectly and happily but now again somebody let go, I was busted and forgotten. Whether that is love or care, I don’t like to believe it anymore because it pains me ever more every time I remember that things now are back to normal -  no love, no motivation, no inspiration, nothing.

God, I’m sorry if I feel this way but I know you understand me right now. You now that I love you and you know that deep in my heart that you’re the most important in my life. But you also know that this feeling is my choice that I desired to feel. You know that even if this hurts me I still tried to try it because for me it makes me more of myself, significant, important, special, and loved.

So honestly it affected me intensely, when the person I love left me. If that is what is best for both of us then let it be. I will again accept it. I will accept all this pain. I just hope that she will still feel safe and loved. Actually this was my prayer before that she will find someone who will love her unconditionally where her heart will also find the same. Lord, is this the answer to my prayer? This sure surprised me and hurts me though your will be done, Lord! I know everything happens not without your consent so you know everything, every detail in us, you know them all, Lord. Just help both of us to work this pain out so that we can move on and make a life again.

Destiny Happens

Sometimes THINGS happen almost repeatedly, one mistake today and tomorrow the same mistake you fall. And unbelievably they happen so fast but you can track them anytime. Seriously! This is really sick! I always make the same mistake knowing that they are going the same route and end in the same feeling.

My heart once advised that the next time it happen it would be a different game, a different feeling of excitement but sadly I was wrong. I still missed the last spark to make the feeling into reality, making the ending open like a movie always creating another sequel to finally seize the whole picture and story. But, maybe there are things that just won’t work out for some people. Instead there are other things that are just meant for them. Well, I heard this from people, and they call it destiny. Crap! If this is what destiny for me, then holy crap! I just can’t figure out how to move next time. Why can’t I just make the perfect move now? I’m not comparing but some people can just perfectly find their destiny. They are already there - family, relationship, career, faith, promotion, dream house, wife or husband, etc. This is destiny, maybe. Will I just wait for the ones coming or have they arrived already that I am just blind and stupid? 

I tried to get close to this girl, known her for just a few times, met her smile and her care, her crazy stares a couple of times. It was quite perfect then. It seems like everything was crazily perfect those days. She was introduced by a friend and unlike some “first time meets” mine was just nothing. I never talked to her, never introduced really myself nor asked her anything. I just saw her in a second and that’s it she was gone. My first impression was quite fine. She looks pretty, simple but not so friendly. She never talked much to new people I guess so she was so behave and silent. Until after few weeks we met again unexpectedly in a very ordinary day. Somebody called me and fortunately it was her phone that this friend of mine used. So I was able to talk to her about her father who was then at the hospital for some medication because of leukemia. It was there when this relationship started to grow. I visited her in the hospital taking much time and effort to see her and help and console her in my own ways. So for a month we would see each other and eat lunch outside together, talk about anything, about our common friends. At the back of my mind I knew something is wrong and yet I hesitated to think deep about that. All I know someone is happy and I am happy as well. This is what they call making good memories together though I’m not so proud to say that this is really a good way of making memories for I know I have commitments. Sometimes when we go out I still feel ashamed and fearful because some people might see us and what will they say about us, about her and about me? They will surely think negatively against us even if we are just dating as friends. And that is a real issue for them when they see a committed person going out with another person. Shit! I can’t control that. But I still insisted in doing it. We dated a couple of times and enjoyed each other’s company.

The passing of days were full of passion and excitement. I began to work to be better of what I am. I cleaned my room. Gush! That was unbelievable because I don’t usually clean my room. I like it messy and unorganized though it also makes my mind dizzy. I wasted many hours in texting and calling. I even paid my bills bigger this time. Biggest so far because of this crazy life I’m working on...love, flirt, I don’t know. But I know it makes me happy and alive.

I don’t know but she also feels the same towards me, I guess. I never asked her about how she feels about me so I’m not that so sure. But as a person, I know something is also magical happening inside her. I just can’t ask her because it’s too early for that, I always tell my unreasonable mind. But there she is, she would smile back at me, call me her baby and send her affection. And that changed my life once again. I began to believe again that there are always second chances for those who believe and wait.

You know I’ve waited for so long already like more than a year just to move on and learn to let go a person I loved. This is embarrassing! I can’t easily move and forget the ones I love so much. It would really make me fall into tears especially when I am in bed. I have this selective memory where i can remember those silly words and gestures that made me happy. But those are also the memories that kill me every time they visit me. I had those worthless and energy less days. I cannot even think and focus on what I am supposed to do. I forgot to take care of myself. I just wanted to do anything just to cover the pains and the hurts every day. Even how strong I am still I cannot fight fairly the feelings that seem like cursing me and overshadowing the best opinions and character that I have. To fight the sickening emotion and tiredness I tried to keep myself busy with other things, things that can possibly fill my mind with stuff but not my heart. Yes, the heart still beats the same sound every day which really pains me with a taste of joy. I wanted to let go because the past is already not helping me to keep it but at the back of my mind I still want to remember it and smell its roses so red. This is crazy, right? I wanted to find peace but I can’t do it perfectly because peace is something that hurts, to find peace is always coupled with touching the pain as well just like the pain of letting go but keeping some of it because even a little of the memory is already peace.

It’s more than a year now and the feeling starts to subside and as it began to subside another person came. And it turns out that what happened a year ago is becoming real again today. The relationship I wanted to build, the feeling I wanted to feel and the memories I wanted to make are becoming too close. I don’t know the depth of this ending but seems its getting painful again and my fears are again resurging just like before. And just like before, I am not sure how to handle this issue again. Will I give in or give up? Will I just ignore the feeling and the good days we had or will I continue to show her affection and love? Yes, I know that from the very beginning, this was already wrong. I admit that it was really a bad decision to keep believing that there is future for both of us. Sometimes I thought to myself that there is always a possibility but I know it would be very difficult. In fact, even my imagination can hardly conceptualize the future for both of us. I just kept on thinking at least just a little maybe. But that is still wrong. I knew she also thought about that futureless relationship and she just gave in to that because it also made her feel safe and happy. But in the end, she also fainted and disappeared. I wanted before to tell her that no matter what will happen she should not give up and still I never mentioned that to her. Well maybe because I know she also cannot do it as I cannot do it as well. Now days are becoming pale and voiceless, no excitement, and just plain activities here and there just to keep the gap of my heart. But I know nothing is happening now inside and out. I don’t know what’s happening to her but I know what’s happening to me. This is life I guess and this is what they call destiny. All I have to do now I guess is to forgive the people in my life who have failed me in my expectations and forgive myself for the mistakes I have done again and again. This is my fault; this is my choice; this is my destiny. I just hope that things will go well again for me and for them. As usual, things change after some time, after some sleep, after some tears, after some smiles, after things that are destined to come and happen, only then things and my life will finally be perfect once again.

Keynote address

Fr. Roger Caalim, OMI our Parish priest, Fr. Boyet Cabrera, OMI our school director, Sr. Mary Paul Diorico, OND, our dean of studies, school administrators, teachers and staff, parents, friends, graduates, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

It is simply fitting to first of all to thank God for this wonderful event in your life as students who are now graduates. Likewise, this is a good opportunity to thank the parents and families of our beloved graduates who are here with us today for all the love and sacrifices they have lavished on our graduates. You are now beginning to harvest the fruits of your labor.

We'll, I'm very honored to be your speaker today for the commencement of your graduation.

For a couple of a days, (in fact, 2 days lang) I had a hard time twisting the possible reasons why I was chosen to be the speaker today. I thought there are many individuals whom we can think of as pilling in success in their lives. But Why me? We'll All I can think of is that I am a priest, young and vibrant, at ang pinakamadaling utusan ni Fr. Boyet na magsalita ngayon dito. Joke lang Fr. Boyet.

In any case, let me share to you some principles that could possibly help you understand a bit about the meaning of life and success in relation to this 53rd commencement exercises.

My family lives in the province of Cotabato. We were 6 siblings. My sister who was born next to me died when she was 2. We were quite a number and The meager income of my family somehow were just quite enough to send us through college. Fortunately, we have generous relatives who in a way helped us from time to time in our education.

Like some of you here, I know you also felt that life at times is tough, right? And sometimes, you can just feel that it's so unfair. But sometimes, you really just have to face some truths in life - that life is tough and if you want to succeed, you have to work harder, everyday.

But It doesn't mean that when you are having some tough and rough times in life that you can do nothing. In fact, most people who were successful in life have been to all these. Michael Jordan had to miss hundreds of shots that made him the best. Lucio Tan had to buy and sell empty used bottles that made his good in business. Manny Pacquiao had to go to the market everyday that made him the strongest and fastest boxer. Vice Ganda had to spend nights in comedy bars that made him the most admired tv personality today. Bb. Pilipinas Ms. universe 2014 MJ Lastimosa had to lose 2 times in the same pageant that she finally got the crown. All these stories and many others' tell us one thing, that we should never give up in life. The tougher life gets, the better the winning and success. Success is not what or who you are today but who you become everyday. Now, That's one.

Then the second is this: Your life is your own story. People might tell you what to do but it is your choice to make them real.

People used to tell me I'm not gonna finish my seminary formation. People would tell me I'm not gonna be a priest. So When i was in the seminary, little by little, I began to believe that they were right. Right in front of my very eyes, I did things according to their expectations. I failed to follow the seminary rules. I never listened to my parents to be a good seminarian. And later i just reaIized that I was sent out from the seminary for being immature and hard-headed. So I was out in the seminary for a year working in Davao, Bukidnon and Kidapawan. Then I asked myself, what am I doing with my life? I thought to myself that I cannot just let other people write my own story. I have to write my own story because this is my life. Yes, this is my life. So I went back on my feet, went back in the seminary and I told myself, i have to be back because this is what I want. Then after 7 years I was ordained a priest.

You may fail a lot of times in life. Whether you like it or not, at some point in your life, you will surely fail. We all do fail. But when you fail and stumble, stand up, and go back to your senses. Focus on your dreams not on your failures. For it is not what the world gives you that will determine your success or failure but how you respond to what is happening in your life.

You are graduates now, but it doesn't mean that the fight is over. You still have to work harder. Land a job. Help your family. Be the best person you can be.

Read, learn, listen, pray, love, make good decisions and never stop dreaming.

Graduates, the whole world Is bigger than what you think. It is so big that it can give you everything you need only when you want it. It is so big that it can conspire itself to help you achieve your own success.

You were taught different skills by your teachers and in this school. Use them for success. Use them to change your life. Use them to change the world and let us help one another to make it better.

And finally, Never forget that in your journey you have your family and friends who are so proud of you and they love you and will always love you no matter what. And you have a God who loves you too.

Let me end my speech by quoting to you the words of St. Teresa de Avila:

She says, "Let nothing disturb you.
       Let nothing ever frighten you.
       Everything is changing.
       Only God is unchanging.
       Patience wins everything.
       If you have God, you lack nothing.
       Only God is enough."

To all of you, may God remain with you forever to bless you. Once again, congratulations!

God gives in abundance

When God gives, He gives in abundance!

God loves us. You know that! God wants us to be full, complete. That is why He offers his life everyday for us. When god gives he gives in abundance. He gives himself as a free gift, a ransom for our sins. He is our payment for our debts. He is the source and summit of all Christian life.

When god gives he gives in abundance. And what does god give us? Everything we need. But most of all his love, symbolized by the body and blood of him.

Every human person is hungry for something. Others are hungry for food. They eat every minute. Some are hungry for affection, others for attention, others for fulfillment, for peace, abundance, health, love, forgiveness.

according to psychologists, The greatest hunger of man is love. That is why we want to dream, achieve, be praised, help, serve, to find love in our life. For love is what life means.

And this is what god offers each one of us in the Eucharist. He offers his life, his love. Jesus said, take this..take this..god offers us what we want, god offers us everything that we need in the Eucharist. Then why are we turning away from god, from the Eucharist? Maybe because we are too used to it, maybe because we don't see any change in our life. Maybe because we don't see any inspiration? Whatever our intention or disposition maybe, god still wants us to come and receive him. Others may not be so faithful to it but god has all the reserves left and ready for us when we come to him. Its just a matter of time, its just a matter of understanding, its just a matter of grace.

Why does god feeds us everyday? Because he wants us to be strong, equipped, ready for whatever trials, difficulties of life. He wants us to be more and more like him, humble before the father, obedient to the father.

And so this feast today calls for a celebration and thanksgiving for god has made available for us everyday. When we consume the body of Christ we know god becomes powerful for us. Yes, we may be weak even after receiving, we may again go back to our old ways, our old sins and mistakes, yet do not worry, the Eucharist, jesus Christ will be there to help us go through life. He will help us right our wrongs, he will strengthen us when we feel everything seems misfortunes, he will be there to comfort us and make us whole and at home at last.

Happy feast day of the HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST,!!!

Nativity of St John

The  birth of John the Baptist will remind us that like John, we were all borne from gods grace and love. He molded us. He formed us into what is best for us. He knew us from the very start. He put into us miracles for us to become special, important, unimaginably perfect. 

We just have to see and discover how god manifests his creativity, life, beauty and love for each one of us. 

Like john, we were all made special. Made for a sublime purpose. We were made to be his instruments of the gospel to others and to the world. 

Live who you were made to be! God bless!

Place your life on God's ground

God always wants us to be strong, able, amazing, happy and perfect. But we cannot do these if we are not on his side, if we always change our ground from one to another, thinking that there are other grounds better than that of God who or that can satisfy our wondering soul.

The Bible says, "God is our Rock. He is our fortress. He is our salvation." Yes, God is our ultimate and safe ground. He is our first and final defense. He alone makes all things possible. Therefore, ALL our dreams, plans and visions, relationships, career, everything we have must be rooted and anchored on God's ground. For though life may seem shaky or scary because of life's storms and tides, we are sure that we will be standing still at the end of the line if we stand on Him.

And so let our hearts and feet stand on God. Let us fight our battles standing as champions of God assured that he closely and gently holds us to make us survive and live more glorious days.

Stand up! Be strong! Be on God's ground!

Follow the Lord

Reflection: FOLLOW THE LORD AT ALL COST.

Fidelity and perseverance are not too common these days. Why? Well because Fidelity and perseverance and not easy journeys.

We can see how many people today for example are here with us in prayer.

This is a test and a question on how much we love the lord, this is a question of our discipleship and How important god in our life. 

I will be wet. The rain is too strong. AnD many other hindrances we allow to stop us from praising and thanking the,lord. 

Don't let any troubles or harms or dangers hinder you from following the lord.

Today, we are once again reminded of our call to follow the,lord at all cost. At all cost.

In our first reading, Elisha being chosen to be the next prophet after Elijah immediately accepted the offer. He followed and left everything.

Walang pasubali, walang pag aalinlangan.

The psalm today gives us a wonderful image why we have to follow the lord. The psalm says you o lord are our inheritance. During the time of jesus, for the Jews, the measure and dignity of a person depends on ones inheritance. If you don't have inheritance, you are less a person, your unimportant, you are worthless. Even today, we see the importance of ones inheritance. If your have no inheritance, you are poor. You have no future. If ther is, then it's very little hope.

What more do you seek if god is your inheritance? What more do you need if god is your inheritance. He alone gives us the dignity. He gives us the hope to survive.

The call to discipleship is an everyday call. Therefore, it also calls for an everyday decision, to follow our call, to follow the lord. To become disciples. This is what Paul in our second reading would like to point out, that god has gifted us with the spirit who will guide us to follow the lord, to do and choose good. Ew only have to allow the holy spirit to help us, to work in us.

The danger of being a Christian is this, when we feel we are already to comfortable. Too much comfort will tell us that we don't need anyone, it tells us that we have enough, resources, energy, strength, why else do I need god? Maybe if I can thank him, it depends on my schedule and availability. It depends on the situation, if situation calls for it, for my own benefit.

God calls us to follow him whatever our status in life, whateve kind of life we live. And the best way to follow the call of god, is to love. 

Following the lord means loving, not simply in a romantic way but to put love in everything that we do. It is to love at all cost. To serve with love. To love until we have nothing more to give.

God doesn't want fence sitters. St Eugene would call it sickening wick. When god calls us, he means business. 

And so we pray that we will be faithful to our call. To persevere in following the lord, to persevere in offering ourselves for others and for the benefit of gods kingdom.

God provides

The story of Joseph and his family in the book of Genesis is a reminder that God takes care of his family. That even amidst anger, problems, separation, god can still bring back together lost hopes, lost relationships, lost faith, lost love.

There should never be any chance that we keep in our hearts revenge, anger or curse towards other people. Whatever they may have inflicted or caused us pain and anguish, we should not let our hearts be rough or hard or indifferent. The bible says, "God will reward those who will persevere." And God's reward will always be peace, harmony and life.

Whatever you have lost in life, trust that the lord will provide you back more than what you best deserve.

Make God your first priority

The gospel reminds us of the importance of putting God as our ultimate priority in life. So that into whatever circumstances we face in life either good or bad, we should never falter in recognizing the need to love and trust God above all things. There may be oppositions and rejections from people or community when we proclaim and live the life of Christ, nonetheless, our fidelity must be firm and lasting. For the bible says "those who persevere in fidelity to God will surely be rewarded." It might not be easy at times to live the ideals of Christ's Gospel since for some it is boring and impractical, but though difficult it still is possible and the noblest of all.

Like the Israelites, though we face difficulties and pains, the Lord's strength will make us persevere and live. We may be slaves of our past hurts and pains or of our present wimps and frailties, yet God's heart is never blind to us. Just like for the Israelites, God will always strengthen us and lead us to a place we've never dreamed of. All we have to do is to make him our hearts' first desire and God will do the rest.

Be patient with my heart

"Faith without patience produces people who start off good, but burnout over time.  Patience without faith produces people that constantly suffer, but have no power to change their situation."

There are things in life what we cannot acquire in an instant. Oftentimes, one needs a lot of patience to persevere until the perfect time is achieved. This is true with faith. Faith teaches us to be patient to what God has destined for all of us. But it doesn't mean that when our prayers are not answered according to our human sense of time that God is not listening to us. It's just that God has prepared the right and exact event and experience much better to what we are expecting, the right recipe to make the best food in us.

For sure,  the heart of God is not far from us. He only asks us to be more patient with his heart. And when we are patient, we will discover that the appointed time of our liberation from sin, sorrow and pain is very close at hand.

God's greatest invention

"Death is God's greatest invention." God could have not died but still He chose to suffer and die for us to give us a share of life everlasting.

Let us continue to pray for our faithful departed as they continue to journey with us in deep prayer.

Why God became man

This is the purpose why God became man, to change our way of seeing him - not a God who pains and punishes, not a God who watches our faults, not a God who is beyond our reach, but a God who is close to us, loves and forgives us. - Fr Phil, omi

Death of Lolo

This morning, my grandfather died at the age of 97, Alejandro L. Saniel, Sr. A veteran soldier, wide reader, a good husband, a caring father to his 11 children and a loving grandfather to his apos.

I am so blessed to have him, my dearest and loving lolo.

His strong yet meek personality, his thoughtfulness and generosity, sincerity and all his simple smiles and laughters, one can never find so long decades.

He fears no one except to his wife, my late grandmother Celerina S. Saniel because thats how he truly loves her.

He grew older each day without any bitterness in his heart. He loved everything, his tilapia everyday meal na may gatas na anlene and rice. 

He has his pension money from his retirement as a veteran and everytime someone will ask him for money, my lolo without any doubt would be as generous as any person can be. 

He is so generous in everything.  He will surely spend time with his apos and children when they visit him even if that means excusing his siesta rest. Because for him, what truly matters is his family.

My lolo lived a simple life. I never heard him demanding anything. Never heard him complaining. Never heard him hating. He just sits on his chair and watch channel 2 and other entertainments, sits outside the porch reads the daily newspaper or books and on his side his cup for his phlegm. 

Everytime I come home and visit him, he will really find time talking with me, asking me where I am assigned, how am I doing, when I am coming back. Even if he is already in bed, he would really get up and go out of his room to see me.

You will surely be missed, lo. 

I know you have also been so blessed and felt so much happiness especially in your last years. You've been to many places, met great people, shared so much time with your family.

 Now I know you'll be in God's place you've ever imagined your whole life. Lola will be there with you and you parents and uncle jun. And the happiness you will embrace will be unimaginable.

Please watch over us always, lo. And please do pray for us, as what you've been doing for your entire life.

Rest in peace, lo! We love you!

Newspaper

May newspaper kaya sa langit?

My late grandmother used to hate my late grandfather everytime she sees him reading newspapers. My lola would say, "Andoy, undanga na imong sigeg basa diha, maayo pag manghagbas ka sa luyo para maka exercise ka." Because my lola didnt want him to be weak, thats all. And my lolo would just stay calm and continue reading.

Para nga daw silang aso at pusa minsan. Too opposite behaving differently but always in a balance. Pag maiinit ang isa, cool lng ang isa, and vice versa.

Pero Meron kayang newspaper sa langit? I thought that if there's a newspaper in heaven (baka lang naman), Im sure my lolo would still be reading them. And my lola would probably say the same things to him because she loves him that much.

And Im sure lolo is having no trouble with his phlegm there so he could read non-stop as long as he wants.

But from time to time, I know that even if his keen eyes are on the paper, his heart still beats for each of us, his family.

And if there's a newspaper in heaven or anything my lolo could read, I know he's happy. I know he's okay because he'll be reading with his God.

Wherever you are, Sit and relax, lo. You have all your time. You have no time to lose. 

Enjoy reading. Enjoy living.

Prayer

Disturb us, O Lord, when in abundance, we no longer thirst for the water of life;

When we reach the shore, for we have sailed too near and shallow;

When we achieve our dreams, for we have dreamed so little;

When we are so fascinated with all praises, for we have not done best;

Stir us, O Lord, when we fall in love with time and cease to long for eternity. Amen.

From dust to dust

  Today marks the beginning of Lenten Season, a season for prayer, fasting and almsgiving. 

   Today we catholics mark ourselves with the blessed ashes as a sign of our commitment to repentance. The ashes reminds us of our humble beginning - "from dust to dust." This calls for humility that in truth we have nothing to be boastful of for we are simply "dust." And yet in an unimaginable kindness and generosity God made us into his own image and likeness. 

   Yes, whatever achievements or pedestals of success we have achieved, or the happiness we felt, they all come from God.

Let us be sincere then in our repentance for the times when we feel we are powerful and oppressed the simple, when we boast of our life and mocked the poor, when we have everything and yet lost God.

    Today, once again, God calls us to Himself, to trust and depend on Him and to sin no more. Amen.

St Teresa de Avila

"Let nothing disturb you.

Let nothing ever frighten you.

Everything is changing.

Only God is unchanging.

Patience wins everything.

If you have God, you lack nothing.

God alone is enough." 

            - St. Teresa de Avila

Conversion of Paul

Tell the person sitting next to you, magbago ka na!" Yesterday we talked about the calling that each of us are called to evangelize and fight the demons.  Today we are reminded that for us to follow we must first of all change for good. 

Sometimes we learn the hard way. We wait for strange and difficult thing to happen to change or we wait for things to happen before we realize what we should be doing in thw first place.

In addition, what is so dramatic in this conversion paul was when he was healed from blindness. We too need some healing in sight that we may see what God wants us to see.

Theefore we are invited like paul to let god pass or stop us in our roads and let him change us.

Ash Wednesday

Today marks the beginning of Lenten Season, a season for prayer, fasting and abstinence. 

Today we catholics mark ourselves with the blessed ashes as a sign of our commitment to repentance. The ashes reminds us of our humble beginning - "from dust to dust." This calls for humility that in truth we have nothing to be boast of for we are simple dust. And yet in an unimaginable kindness and generosity God made us into his own image and likeness. 

Yes, whatever achievements we have, wherever pedestals of success we have achived, or the happiness we felt, they all come from God.

Let us be sincere then in our repentance for the times when we feel we are powerful and oppressed the simple, when we boast of our life and mocked the poor, when we have everything and yet lost God.

Today, once again, He calls you to Himself, to trust and depend on Him. Amen.

God answers our prayers

Queen esther reminds us that when we ask or pray, may we have in mind our total dependence on god in whatever he deems to give us necessary.

The gospel likewise reminds us that god truly answers our prayers in the way that is best for us.

This also reminds us that doing good to others does not determine the outcome of our action but doing good is christ law which we have to follow everyday.

Transfiguration

How can emotions or moods change our focus, perspective? Example, joy and hope. How can they lead us to glory?

Control your emotions and you control your destiny, your choices and decisions. For mostly we act according to our emotions.

God can help you change your moods and emotions. Peter from fear to strength. His healings and miracles, etc.

Jesus doesnt want them to feel sorrow to what will happen. He said, do not tell anyone what you see, what you know, imstead, tell them when I am there, on the cross. Because Jesus knew people are emotionally vulnerable. Therefore like Pope francis, the whole idea of the gospel is about joy. Find joy in the gospel in jesua and surely you'll find joy in life.

Some parents or children would close the reality of sickness to the patient so as not to affect their hope and joy.

Love and compassion

The first reading from the book of the prophet daniel speaks of the infidelity and sheer unfaithful of the israelites toward their god. God has been so generous and faithful to them and yet they remained stubborn and disobedient. 

And so how do we approch then our god for all this? The psalm is a prayer asking for forgiveness. It is a prayer for his justice and compassion amidsts our sinfulness.

Moreover, the gospel speaks of the measure we receive to whatever measure we give. Therefore, here, we ask for wisdom that we may always put love and compassion in all our actions. 

love begets love. Hatred begets hatred.

Judgement begets judgment. Forgiveness begets forgiveness.

God heals

God heals us even in ordinary ways. Naaman was hesitant to believe in prophet elisha but when he followed his instruction it was then that he was healed.

Pope francis said, god never gets tired in forgiving, it is us who gets tired in asking for forgiveness.

Ang problema, tayo itong napapagod humongi sa kanya ng lakas, pag ibig at pagpapatawad.

1. Healing comes from the lord.

Naaman never healed until he came to prophet elisha.

The story of a doctor who always visits the church after he conducts operations.

2. When you ask for something from god, never doubt just follow. God knows what to do to you. He never gets tired. It is us oftentimes who gets tired.

God's laws

Instructions and laws are very important. In fact, we are all guided by laws and rules - Right and wrong, easy or difficult.

Our prayer for today is for wisdom and understanding.  Wisdom to know gods laws and understanding, that we may have courage and strength to fulfill them.

Have you ever imagined having no laws to g.uude us?

God's hand is our strength

The strength of a person lies in his heart.

David the our first readong was chosen by god to be thw king after saul. Why? Because of the same reason, his strong heart.  A strong heart sees the hand of god in his life. 

This is the proclamation of the blind man in our gospel reading. The moment he recognized what jesus did to him, he knew he was a prophet.

Move forward

Move forward

Sometimes you fail on the same trails and baits and temptations. But the real matter is always to move forward.

In life, we will always face challenges and just trusting ourselves is not enough. We always need God to aid us.

We can never be smarter of any situation. Therefore, there is always a possibility of failing. 

But failure is always unfair if every situation is new. Therefore it should not be called failure but lesson or experience, neither good or bad. 

What is more important is that we know who to protect.

Short homily for Lolo

Short homily for lolo

There is no fear to be old now for we know its okay. You can still be the best person you want to be.

Lolo has learned the secret of life. In the end he lived the best life you could even see or imagine in this world.

If you dont have an old man or woman in your house you better buy one.

May the memories of lolo, his stories, his life and of lola will live for eternity.

Holy Family

Holy family

Story of satan

we know the importNce of fMily.

The family is the basic unit of society. The situation of every family reflects the situation of the situation. 

Everyrhing begins at home.

Xharity. Responsibility. Love. 

Why is it important to follow and respect our parents?

Follow because they know better than you. Thats why they are yiur parents.

Care for them. Because thata your responsibility.

There is no perfect Family.  But you family is what you need.

Prayer

Why do we pray?

Why do we pray?

Is this to help us from distress. Primary reason why people pray is to get something from god. 

But the primary reason is to a relationship with ggnodiij0i nnnnnnbnii.

What is prayer for?

1. Never stop praying

What occupies most of our time?

2. Never stop loving

the measure of being a father, etc is not money but love.

 Pray, love and you shall live.

Baptism of the Lord

Baptism of the Lord

Today is the end of christmas season and the start of ordinary time.

Today is the feast of the baptism of the lord. in the gospel from matthew John was baptizing in the river jordan asking the people for repentance when suddenly jesus appeared to the crowd. And coming to John he asked to be baptized by him. It was a surprise to john knowing that he is not worthy to do it. Yet jesus was firm and hesistant. And so john baptized him. What does it mean for jesus to be baptized? Does it mean that he is a sinner? No. It was not for jesus to be sanctified but to sanctify the water to be the instrument of the holy spirit in transforming the world. 

It was also to show that God loves us so that he even chose to consider himself to be part of us except sin.

Then when he rose from the water, the spirit of the lord dawned on him and the heavens were opened with the voice this is my son in whom I am well pleased.

This is what we also call anointing. In the early days, there were only three people who were anointed. The priets, to offer sacrifices for thr peiple. The propehts, to strengthen them to preach the word of god. Then kings to protrct hos people.

all of us baptized are anointed. We were chosen and blessed. We were given strength to fight evil.  We were given the stretngth to preach, we were given the goodness to offer prayer to god.

Baptism is not only to forgive sins but to help us transform lives. We should not focus only on seeking forgiveness for oneself but how we can transform amd make the world better.

Presentation of the Lord

Presentation of the Lord

Today we celebrate the presentation of the lord in the temple. in obedience to the mosaic law, mary and joseph offered the child child jesus to the temple after 40 days of his birth 

followed by the purification of mary.

There are several names referred to this celebration. It was called the purification of mary, presentation of the lord, encounter, candle day, consecrated life day.

Today I will be sharing three points: purification, presentation and poverty.

these three points will remind us of the truth that it is when we loose everything that we gain everything.

In purification, it is us who are purified, not jesus, not mary nor joseph. It is when we offer our weaknesses and sinfulness before the lord, and receiving his mercy and love that we are purified. 

In presentation, it is not jesus who is presented but the father has offered his son and in turn gained humanity through salvation.

In poverty, we remember all consecrated men and women who offered themselves, left everything for the sake of the kingdom. And in turn they receive everything. 

in this feast, may we find the lord as our guiding and ever-present light in the world. May we recognize him in our lives just like simeon and anna, who in prayer, poverty and simplicity recognized him and embraced him.

Three things we can ponder on our celebration today. One, to be purified is to receive gods mercy and love, and second when we recive them, we offfer them back to god, and finally to become solid proof and witnesses of gods love.

Tayong lahat ay tinawag na maging malinis, masunurin, at dukha sa mata ng Diyos.

May tatlong katanungan ang gusto kong bigyan ng pansin sa ating kapistahan ngayon ng Pag-aalay sa Panginoon sa Templo. Ito ay tungkol sa kalinisan, pagiging masunurin, at pagiging simple at dukha sa mata ng Diyos.

Ano ang mga bagay na nagpaparumi sa atin? 

Sa anong mga paraan tayo ay naging hindi masunurin sa Diyos?

Anong mga bagay o gawain na tayo ay nawawala sa pagiging mga aba sa mata ng Diyos? Mapagmataas? Materialistic? Mapaghusga? Mapang-api? Mata-pobre? Paglimot sa kapangyarihan ng Diyos sa ating buhay?

Nangyayari ang lahat ng ito kung ang ating buhay ay nasa kadiliman. Kung tayo ay lumalayo o pilit na nilalayo ang sarili sa liwanag na nagmumula kay Kristo.

Naway tanggapin natin ang liwanag ni kristo, at isabuhay at ipamahagi ang liwanag na ito sa ating kapwa ng sa gayon ay maranasan natin ang kanyang kapayapaan, pagpapatawad at pag ibig.

Salt and light

Role of the church in the society? To be jesus in the society, to be tje conscience in the society, to be the soul in the society.

 jesus wants us to be faithful and true to his words and the principles of his kingdom.

Light is to give comfort, strength, purpose and happiness to people.

Salt is not being mediocre. 

Proclaim the gospel and be its witnesses.

Temptations of Jesus

Temptations of Jesus

The story of the serpent in the book of genesis. This suggests that the devil from the start was there to deceive humankind. 

In the gospel, when jesus was in the desert, he was also tempted by the devil.

The devil tried to deceive jesus from the truth. 

Like jesus, we have also to be aware of the temptations in our life if we want to have a better outlook im life and to find life's real meaning and happiness.

Temptation is seeing things as it is not.  This means believing the truth which is not.

Today is the first sunday of lent. And in the coming days we will encounter many forms of temptationz and peoplw who will be tempted.

Temptations are real. Why are there temptations? We usually see temptations as a negative circumstance that happen or come to our life. Yet, on the other hand, ww can also see it on a different perspective. 

Temptations are just temptations. But temptations become sinful when a person acts on it. 

But the good side of temptations is that it tests our faithfulness,  our self-discipline, and our faith and love.

We dont need to look for temptations because they can be everywhere. But temptations can be very strong once we are also strong in faith. Have you noticed that? The more you pray, the more you see temptations coming to you. 

Why? Because the devil knew they have no hold on you. Those who are already tempted, they arent bothered with them.

The 3 temptations of jesus

1. Stone to bread

2. Jump and be caught by gods angels

3. Kingdom in exchange of worship

The root word for temptation is ____.

3 temptations

1. Basic needs

2. Power

3. Wealth

Never fail your God for he has never failed you once.

It is also interesting to know that when jesus was tempted in the desert, the angel was woth him until he passed all the temptations. In other words, whem we are in the desert face to face with the devil and tempted, God sends his angel to help us fight and face our temptations. So we have no reason to say tao lang kasi ako, mas puso at mahina at marupot. No, you are never alone. God sends shield and support.

I usually ask people, what is really important for you? Then if that is important for you, why are you doing this and that? Can you just embrace them and recognize that they are enough?

Temptations come in when we are alone. Alone means we have no one whom we can find comfort. Alone means as if the most important being in this world is yourself. Thats when temptations are really working. Because the devil knew you are weak.

2. Prayer for our fathers especially those who are still having some difficulty. Its not easy to handle a family. Somewhere, we make mistakes, wrong decisions. Wives, children, must also provide them comfort, care, help, understanding and love.

"If you will just keep the right attitude,  God will pay you back double for your trouble."

Failure begets failure, success begets success

Divorced parents

Oppressed as a child

Abused as a child.

You have to end the chain. 

"No matter what does or does not happen, keep believing for the favor of God in your life."

God fulfills

Yesterday we said that when god plans it is always the best. Today, our readings tell us that when god plan he will surely fulfill.

The story of Joseph in the first reading narrates the life of Joseph with his brothers. He was treated ill with jealousy and anger and finally sold to strangers. An yet we know he will still face his triumph.

The gospel also speaks to us about the the tragedy of the servants and the son I sent by the master of the land. Yet it tells us of the glory of Jesus in the end of suffering.

Let us pray not to be jealous of what other people have. Instead, let us be thankful of what god has given us.

God has a purpose

Our readings today tell us of the mystery of gods plan for us. I believe that god has destined each one of us to a better life. Joseph in our first reading suffered from the jealousy of his brothers. He suffered pain and anger from his brothers and sold to the strangers.

In our gospel, Jesus tells the story of the tenants and his son being treated ill and killed by the same workers. Jesus in the story prepares his listeners to his coming passion death and resurrection. And yet even knowing what will happen to him, he remained trustful to the father.

Let us be reminded that god has a purpose for each of us. If we only listen and follow him, we will surely receive the reward promised for each of us.

Have a blessed day!

God plans greatness

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.


Following what god wants for us is always a struggle. Because sometimes, our plans are not what god plans for us. That is why we have the faith given to us by god to help us make a leap and decision, that even if we do not understand the whole reality and truth, we may see the redeeming aspect of gods plan for each of us.

A husband or a wife might have some difficulty reconciling the fact that he or she has married this person. But god is way way knowledgeable than us. When god plans, he goes beyond human emotions, knowledge and understanding or wisdom. He knows the right thing, the exact moment, the precise word or gesture for everything.

Therefore, let us be consoled always in Gods word in us, his plans, his will, his love. Like Joseph, may we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to his plans in our lives.

God's greatness

God says, "You are healed"

I believe that each one of us deserves everything in life. I mean, everything! But you may wonder why there are still many imperfections in the world? Why is there poverty, pain, and sorrow so vast and real? Have we not been promised of every special favor from God?

The gospel today tells us about the healing of a leper. For many years, leprosy has brought much pain and suffering to that person. But when the leper saw Jesus he knew exactly that he has found healing. And it happened. The leper was finally healed.

Some of us might still be waiting for the moment when we will be saved from our pains, imperfections, illnesses or financial difficulties. But just like the leper, surely, God will do great thing for each of us in his most perfect time.

God saves

Three events are today's reading. The old Elizabeth bore a son, the unusual name of john, and the healing of the deaf and mute Zachariah

God fulfills his promise through johns birth

The firm obedience of Elizabeth and Zechariah on johns name

The reward of following The Lord.


These caused fear to the relatives and neighbors. How are these happening?
This shows that God truly saves.

He saves Elizabeth from pain and embarrassment
The name john means god saves
He saves the mute and deaf Zechariah

So what god cannot do to us?

Never stop dreaming

Magandang gabi sa lahat. Bgo ang lahat gusto ko po kayong batiin ng advance merry Christmas. Sino ba ang Hindi pa nakatanggap ng regalo dito taas ang kamay? Marami pala tayong wala pang regalo. Di bale, hintay2 LNG pag May time. Paki taas daw ang kamy ng mga bata? Yung mga bata lang po di young Isip bata at mukhang bata. Yan...mamaya pagkatapos ng misa you go here in front and take some candies. Ok bu don't run.

Let me ask you this question. What gift do you want for Christmas? Regalong gusto mong matanggap sa pasko? House and lot, car, money, relationship, family, business, joy, blessings, more blessings, etc.

Let me give you some time to think and imagine what you want for Christmas. Tapos na? Yung Iba siguro daming inisip..isa LNG muna.

This is my topic today. What you dream become reality.

In our first reading, ahaz knew what he needs but he was shy to ask from god. But it was not a hindrance to god. God knows what he wants. He wants his dynasty secured. And so god grant him a child to be born from one of his wives.

The gospel also speaks of dreams becoming real.

Joseph dreamt of an angel telling him you do this. Psychologists says dreams are coming from our unconscious mind. They are revealed through dreams.

If you want something to happen in your life, you have to dream it and believe it. You have to expect what you want to come or happen in your life. If not, nothing will happen to you.

If god has a dream, that would be you. We are always in his dreams. That's how he loves us.

Never stop dreaming for your life. And good things will come to you.