DIVINE FLAME

20 YEARS OF PERSONAL DEVOTION TO OUR LADY OF LA NAVAL (1991-2011)

2011-10-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

It was a hot afternoon in the summer, early May, of 1991 when I found myself sitting alone in a pew by the side chapel of Santo Domingo Church where our Lady of La Naval is enshrined. I was then young at 20, fresh from the university but uncertain of the future. Wanting to please my father, I was forced to take a course that disinterests me. He wanted me to continue on to graduate school to be a doctor while my potentials are geared for something else. Moreover, I was bitter over my family’s brokenness and ashamed of its repercussions.

As I sat there, I thought back. I could not remember when was the last time I’ve been to this church considering it was about less than two kilometers away from where I live in Frisco, Quezon City. I then realized how long I was away from the Church; not only this particular church but from the Catholic Church. My years in a secular university had turned me away from my Catholic up-bringing and sectarian education until high school. Religion and spirituality took a back-seat in my first two years of college. I was later caught in the fad of the “born-again” movement and joined a fundamentalist Christian church. It was strange and so unfamiliar yet I bore it because I was eager to be different. I belong to a new religion with popular and modern rituals so unlike the outdated traditions of Catholicism. Yet, there was still emptiness within me. It confounded to the confusion of how faith would work to bring some sense to my life characterized by dysfunctional relationships and economic insecurity.

All these thoughts were racing at random in my mind as I sat transfixed on the beautiful icon of our Lady that I began to talk to her. I felt no guilt while it was considered idolatry by any “born-again” Christian to do so. I was fully aware that it was the unseen spirit represented by the icon, not the icon itself, I was speaking to. Even if I was unsure of any divine presence at that moment, I asked for our Lady’s intercession to assure me that God is listening. In my doubts, I asked for a sign.

Instantly, the bright sunny day began to darkened and covered with clouds. Rain then suddenly poured down with thunder and lighting. It was almost a mystical experience for me. As the rain poured, so were my tears. I never cried in public before and felt unashamed that I had done so. Even still there were only a handful of us in the church that hour.

For the first time in years, I managed to pray the words of the “Hail Mary” in gratitude to her. It was the ultimate act of ‘backsliding’ from being a “born again”. The prayer nonetheless came so natural to me. I then remembered that it was among the first set of Catholic prayers I learned as a child taught by my late grandmother. Back then, I used to mumble meaninglessly the words while supposing to pray the rosary. But at that moment, I uttered it with full understanding and prayed it with the heart. Punctuating the words I prayed, “Pray for us sinners now and in the hour of our death, Amen.”

The rains stopped abruptly shortly after. I was ready to leave feeling inspired. Despite the uncertainty, I was hopeful. As I was walking pass the sea of empty pews leading to the front door, I saw a familiar person somberly sitting alone. I knew him to be my batchmate in college. We were in the same course. I knew him better in face but his name escaped my memory. I didn’t bother to stop to even acknowledge him. It would be awkward since we were mere acquaintance in class. I knew he felt the same way. We just gave each other that knowing glance and I went on my way.

I was admitted to the College of Medicine the following month. Coincidentally, it was in a school named after the title of Mary, Our Lady of Fatima. There I was surprised to see the familiar person I saw that faithful afternoon in Santo Domingo Church. He later confirmed that we were indeed there at the same time. He confessed to me about how badly he wanted to get into Medicine despite facing a personal difficulty. By Divine Providence he was admitted. We were supportive as classmates could be for a year. But that was as far as we got. We didn’t continue on exactly as friends when we later had to move on separately.

My classmate is now a surgeon. In fact, I recently saw him on TV. He is a volunteer of an organization devoted to repairing cleft-lips and open palates of those who cannot afford. He was literally bringing smiles most especially on children’s faces. It was commendable of him to lend his expertise to the less fortunate. I believe afterall, God had called him to this endeavor on that miraculous afternoon at Santo Domingo Church 20 years ago. Truly, “nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37).

As for me, I did not become a doctor. I eventually dropped-out of Med School after two more years. Financial constraints took its hardest blow when my father had renal failure that I had to give-up my study. My father died on October 8, 1998 during the La Naval novenas. I am now in a low-key, unprestigious career. And I still work hard to earn a living.

So, what then was La Naval’s miracle in my behalf?

Theologians shall surely agree if I say that to have regained my Catholic faith and to be brought back to its fold through Mary’s intercession was the greater miracle. Because of my devotion to La Naval, I was inspired to practice the religion I was brought into. But more than just expressing a religion and being ritualistic, I have realized that faith has to be lived.

I had both good and bad weather in life for the past 20 years as a La Naval devotee. By my devotion to her throughout the years since 1991, my faith in God never wavered. I was saved from self-destruction in every personal tragedy I encountered. I could have been easily blown away by the storms such as the terminal illness of my father to his eventual death; frustrations, work dilemmas and shattering interpersonal relationships, if not for our Lady who was perpetually at prayer with me.

Like Mary’s response to God’s divine will, “I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38), I have learned how to come to terms with those beyond my control and let God take over. My devotion encourages me to battle the raging tide of doubt and disbelief. It inspires me to hope amidst the strife of life and be not afraid of the future even with meager resources because I have more than I need-- I have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the constant intercession of our Lady of La Naval.

I know it was not mere coincidence that my classmate and I were in that particular church, at a specified time, in a precise area. I believe there are no accidents in matters of faith. Coincidence is God’s way of making us recognize His message to us. He uses time, place, things and people around us to coincide with each other to catch our attention; to make us realize that He speaks to us in daily events. We just have to adhere to His words and follow as Mary instructs, “Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5). Our Lady undoubtedly is conspiring with the Lord all of the time.

GOD SENDS LITTLE ANGELS

2011-04-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

“Hi Danny, actually I am not suppose to open my facebook, Therese and I made a pledge that I will abstain from facebook for the holyweek and she will not watch tv" : )

This was the actual intro of a friend’s e-mail to me recently about him and his daughter keeping the Lenten observance. I find it wonderful that father and daughter are brought together in a common act of faith.

Another friend, a mom, announces her daughter’s upcoming 1st Holy Communion in FB and the experiences (and excitement, too!) in preparing for the event. As prerequisite, the candidate for Holy Communion has to go through the Sacrament of Reconciliation or commonly known as confession. I find it amusing that her daughter had to ask about what she confessed about. We as adults may be wise enough not to disclose; be too embarrassed to admit or perhaps totally forgotten the experience of our own 1st confession. But in the candid innocence of children, vulnerable as they are, we are somewhat faced with the reality of our own vulnerability as adults.

As my friends and their families had migrated to the U.S. to seek the proverbial greener pasture, I observed that they have not lost the Filipino part of them. Keeping their link to the Catholic Church is a way of upholding their Filipino identity readily perpetuated to their children. It is ironic that Filipinos become more fervent in their faith when they go to lands where Catholics are a minority.

I learned that the Catholic Church in the U.S. encourages parents to be involved in their children’s spiritual formation. I find it strange that here in the Philippines (where Catholicism is the denominational majority) children are sent to church unaccompanied by parents or are left in the care of parish volunteers engaged in the children’s ministry. Here candidates for 1st Holy Communion attends Cathecism classes alone unlike in California where my friends had to attend with their children. And because of this, they were able to recapture the familiar experience of faith.

I commend my friends for bringing-up their children to the church as their parents before them. I am proud of them for looking-out for their children’s spiritual welfare. It is afterall very parent’s duty to raise their children believing in an Almighty God. In the Gospel, “little children were brought to Jesus so that he should put his hands on them, and pray. But the disciples scold them. But Jesus said to them, ‘Let not the little children suffer and forbid them not to come to me for such is the kingdom of heaven.’ And he laid his hands on them and blessed them.” Matthew 19:14-15

Moreover, religious exercises give the opportunity to every parent to get in touch with their own spirituality courtesy of the innocent interest of their children. To satisfy each child’s curiosity, parents become more attentive to what they otherwise had not given much thought about because life is too busy to ponder on.

I admit, despite my being a “practicing” Catholic, I am far from being the perfect model of Christianity. While I veered more towards religion, I claim not to be an authority on spirituality. But just like any adult, my time are most likely to be spend on things of consequence such as making a living, keeping relations and engaged in intellectual pursuits. Our adult sophistication and cunning as a result of acquired education and tested experiences had somehow altered the way we see religion and matters of faith.

It is truly timeless novelty to witness the milestones in the life of every child particularly those that initiates them to the folds of the faith. More than just a rite of passage for them, it becomes a source of renewal for their parents. Through the innocence of children we can indeed learn so much as adults. I can say at this point that our children are God’s little angels send to us adults to once again be like them. Hence, “When the disciples came to Jesus and asked him,’Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child in the midst of them and said, ‘I assure you that unless you change and become little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven, and whoever receives a child in my name receives me.” Matthew 18:1-5

May you all have an inspiring and blessed Holy Week.

WIFE, MOTHER AND A FAITHFUL DAUGHTER OF THE CHURCH

2011-03-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

It was most appropriate that my aunt, Aurora Quetulio Donadillo, passed-away March 25, 2011 It was the feast of the Annunciation. It was a most suitable day to meet her Creator as a faithful daughter of the Church and as a Marian devotee.

According to her sister (my mother), as a young lady she had considered entering the novitiate and later to take the vows as a religious. Yet God had a different plan for her. She may not have been called to be a religious but her calling was to be a faithful wife and a beloved mother.

I will always remember aunt Rory (as she was fondly called) as a timid and shy person. She was modest in every way. She was very sensitive yet she has the capacity to bear in silence whatever that depressed her. Although she has a confrontational side too, it was outlast by her nature to withdraw from upsetting situations. But she bears difficult situations by prayer, particularly of the Holy Rosary.

As any typical Filipino-Catholic family, we have a special devotion to the Virgin Mary (see blogpost ). Aunt Rory reared her daughters within the folds of the Church. Ever since I can remember, their family has closed affinity with the Church clergy particularly the Dominicans. The Catholic missionaries in their community had become personal friends. Prominent among them was the late Fr. Leo Hofstee O.P. a German prelate who immensely served the poor of the community until his death. Other members of the cleric became extended family that in any necessities can be counted on for spiritual support.

My aunt graduated with the B.S. degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Santo Tomas (a.k.a. The Pontifical and The Catholic University here in Asia). While my cousins attended secondary school at the Holy Rosary College. These are Dominican educational institutions.

As a Physical Therapist, aunt Rory served at the hospital within their community. But as a good and suffering mother that she was, she went abroad to help her husband augment the family income to be able to put their daughters to college. Bearing the pain of being away from her family, her efforts were rewarded by the diligence of their daughters. Soon the eldest became a lawyer and the other finished her degree in education and went on to graduate school to finish her masteral degree.

Aunt Rory suffered from the stroke that caused hemorrhage in her brain that took her in a state of coma. She was admitted to the University of Sto. Tomas University Hospital. As if reunited to her alma mater, The U.S.T., this year coincides with the quadric-centennial (400th) year of the university which was established in 1611. It would have been significant for her to be here if she were conscious. I later realized that nothing can be too trivial a matter at the throes of death. We may find ourselves looking for relevance from the simplest things to make sense of the incomprehensible.

Our family and friends had prayed for aunt Rory in her infirmary. Since only two at a time are allowed to stay at the ICU-CCU during visiting hours, the sympathetic staff let three of us stay and pray the Rosary. Yet we are hopeful of her miraculous recovery, we are resigned to God’s will. We prayed, “Lord, let it be done according to Your will.”

Aunt Rory was finally given the Last Sacrament. We by her deathbed had prayed and commended her soul to God until she breathed her last at about 5:00 pm, the same hour of her husband’s death. It is a bitter-sweet thought that she went ahead not so long after uncle Ledo, her husband, had died. It was only a year since the passing of her husband. It is as if she can’t stand being a widow that so soon she joined him. They were an odd couple. Certainly not perfect. Yet love and faithfulness endured stronger than the imperfections. Hence, it seems that even death can only separate them for so long.

Our family extends the gratitude to those who prayed, offered comfort and extended whatever assistance to us from my aunt’s infirmary to her internment. Special thanks to the priests who had prayed for and with us, gave the sacrament to my aunt and said the Holy Mass throughout the duration of the wake. They are:

Fr. Rogelio Alarcon, O.P.

Fr. Jay Miranda, O.P.

Fr. Raymund Jose, O.P.

Fr. Ferdie Bautista, O.P.

Fr. Clarke Marquez, O.P.

Fr. Jojo Dagohoy, O.P.

I conclude this post with the most essential message from God. This we have to remember so that we may neither fear death nor suffer too much from grief. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life that whoever believes in Me shall live though he died. And have eternal life.” ( John 11:25-26)

FROM ASHES TO ETERNAL LIFE: A Reflection for Ash Wednesday 2011

2011-03-09T15:35:00.000-08:00

The observance of Ash Wednesday today, as we begin the season of Lent, we are once again called to reflect on how we live our lives and contemplate what is essential in our life.

The Ritual of the Ashes, as it is called, is when the faithful are marked with a cross on the forehead using ashes from burned palm branches blessed from Palm Sunday of last year. This rite reminds us of our mortality and of how life can be so temporal. God said, “From dust you came, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19)

Despite of this, we are however reminded that there is a promise of immortality to those who hope in God’s mercy through Jesus Christ who gave up His life for our salvation. “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he died, shall live.” (John 10:25)

Most of us are probably intrigued if there really is an afterlife. In fact it is an issue that is in the core of every religion in the world. The human mind has forever been contemplating the existence of a world beyond this realm. Science has yet to discover whether it is real or not. Philosophy can only explain as far as human reason may permit. While the arts can only proximate the idea of the hereafter only through creativity and imagination.

It is only by faith can we truly believe the eternal life. It does make sense to most of us to believe that a life awaits us from this temporal existence. It is what gives meaning to the issues we confront in our lives. What is the point of doing good, being loving or caring, or bearing sacrifices if these does not warrant any reward after this lifetime? On the otherhand, there has to be a corresponding punishment for bad deeds, too.

Living in this imperfect world characterized by pain, suffering, difficulties and oppression, the idea of an afterlife gives us so much hope that we have the chance to be in a place of perfect happiness, joy, tranquility and freedom someday. Provided we have fulfilled what has been required of us by our faith. Or suffer the contrary consequences. Indeed, the eternal life is the ultimate act of Divine Justice.

Yes, it is but a matter of time. We each will leave this world when our respective lifetimes are over. The afterlife can be a heavenly thought or dreadful as hell. How we live and spend our lifetime here shall determine our place of immortality.

Let us pray,

Dear God,

As we begin the observance of Lent,

let us make the necessary reparations

so that we may be worthy to share in

the joy of Easter.

As today, Ash Wednesday,

we are reminded of our own mortality,

may we fully realize our total dependence

on Your mercy and salvation.

Strengthen us in our faith in Jesus Christ,

the resurrection and the life. So that we

may be worthy of His promises.

Forgive our sinfulness, O Lord

and give us a forgiving heart as well.

May humility and perseverance

guide us through our daily life.

We pray for a heavenly hope

and a fear of hell to inspire us

to be our best so that when this

lifetime has come to an end,

Eternal life with You be ours

someday.

Amen.

A VALENTINES’ DAY PRAYER

2011-02-14T05:40:00.000-08:00

We pray to God our Father,
As we celebrate Valentines’ Day

May we celebrate in earnest thought
about love beyond romance.
Dispel in us the artificial images of love
spawned by commercialism.

Let us not be blinded by passion
and protect us from lust.
Teach us temperance and
warn us against our excesses.

We pray that our expression of love
for each other grow to a
Greater extent to others specially
to those who needed it most.

As we experience the moments of love
let us express it with sincerity.
May we be ever forgiving and
ready to let go as fate wills it.

Remind us to always keep our relations
within Your tenets, Lord
And deliver us from illicit affairs and
guard us from selfish interests.

As we go through the rituals of valentines’
let us be reminded that You
O, Lord is love itself.

Grant us the wisdom to live in true love
not only today but everyday.

AMEN.

Jesus, Meek and humble of heart
Make our hearts like unto Thine!

FAITH NEEDS CONSTANT RENEWAL

2011-02-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

Commitment requires effort, giving of one’s time, sacrifice. What are important are not grandiose words but concrete deeds. It’s a warning against professing our faith and then failing to practice it; against making a good beginning and then not persevering.

Moreover, we must remember that faith is not a once-for-all decision, and then “live happily ever after”. But faith must be constantly renewed and reaffirmed.

- Fr. Bel R. San Luis, SVD
From his column “Word Alive”
in the Manila Bulletin, 10 July 1997

PRAYER FOR ETERNAL REPOSE

2011-01-24T09:15:00.000-08:00

40th Day of the passing of our beloved
Luis D. Quetulio
(September 12, 1952 – December 15, 2010)

“It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosened from sins.” – 2 Machabees 12:46

I. Opening Prayer:

+ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Lord God, loving Father, do not let hope die in us. But give us a great faith, and trust in You that You have prepared for Luis and for us a place of happiness where every tear will be wiped-away, where there is no more death or mourning or sadness, but only peace and joy with Jesus Christ, Your Son, and with the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be

L: Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
R: And let Your perpetual light shine upon them.
L: May they rest in peace.
R: Amen.

II. Gospel Reading:

At the last supper, Jesus said to His apostles, “Do not let trouble up set your hearts. Continue having faith in God and have faith in Me. There are many rooms in the house of My Father; if it were not so, I should have told you I am going there to prepare a place for you. I shall come back to take you with Me, so that you may be where I am going. Thomas said, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered him, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. no one can come to the Father except through Me.” – John 14:1-6

L: The Gospel of the Lord.
R: Praise to You, our Lord Jesus Christ.

III. Final Prayer:

Lord, help us to see death for what it really is,
the end of poverty and the beginning of riches;
the end of frustrations and the beginning of fulfillment;
the end of fear and the beginning of tranquility;
the end of weakness and the beginning of strength.

Let not grief overwhelm us, or a sense of loss
embitten us. But out of our sadness, let there arise
a new joy for so much given to us.

Cast out our fears and let not our hearts be troubled.
Let Your Spirit of peace come alive within our
experience and hurt, our sorrow and isolation,
our sadness today and loneliness tomorrow.

We humbly commend to You, Luis,
whom You called out of this mortal life.
You loved him always with a great love.

Now You have freed him from all evils of this earth,
bring him into Your Paradise where there is no more
grief or mourning or sadness. But peace and joy with
Your Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit forever.

We thank You for all the blessings You have given
to Luis in his mortal life. We pray that
he may be able to glorify You with the life that they
lived and the way he made use of his blessings.

Lord God, grant that we will never forget that life is
short and uncertain. Let Your Spirit guide us in holiness,
justice and service to our brothers and sisters.

We pray for the healing of all unhappy feelings Luis’
deaths now leaves in our hearts.

Be with us Lord, during our moments of sorrow and
loneliness. Be our rock, our fortress and our strength.

We trust in You and hope for Your glorious Resurrection.

We lift up to You our grief and sorrow, confident that
You will change our mourning to rejoicing that our beloved
Luis now rest in Your peace.

Amen.

One Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be

L: Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
R: And let Your perpetual light shine upon him.
L: May he rest in peace.
R: Amen.

+ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

MEMORIAL PRAYER

2011-01-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

1st Year Memorial of the passing of our beloved
Atty. Ledovino L. Donadillo
(April 15, 1935 – January 23, 2010)

“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. May the Almighty have mercy on your soul.”

+ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prologue:

We are born into this world and we all have to leave it sooner or later, but the memories will linger on. Yes, the memories of uncle Ledo may become a silhouette in the afterglow of forgetfulness. Let us once more turn to back track the trail from which we started and conjure picture that will constitute a segment of our beautiful past.

May the pain of losing him opens another door for joy. Good-bye, God has you in His keeping but you will always be in our hearts.

Let us pray,

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be

L: May the soul of our departed Ledovino, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R: Amen

L: Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
R: And let Your perpetual light shine upon him.

L: From the gates of the damn,
R: deliver his soul O, Lord.

L: May he rest in peace.
R: Amen.

THE BEST NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

2011-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will direct your path."

- Proverbs 3:5,6

"Blessed Are They That Mourn"

2010-12-30T07:17:00.000-08:00

For us who lost our beloved
Luis D. Quetulio
(1952 - 2010)

There is a day of sunny rest
For every dark and troubled nights;
And grief may abide, an evening quest,
But joy shall come with early light.

And thou, who, o’er thy friend’s low bier
Sheddest the bitter drops like rain,
Hope that a brighter, happier sphere,
Will give him to thy arms again.

Nor let the good man’s trust depart,
Though life it’s common gifts deny,
Though with a pierce and broken heart,
And spurned of men, he goes to die.

For God has marked each sorrowing day
And numbered every secret tear.
And heaven’s long age of bliss shall pay
For all his children suffer here.

- William Cullen Bryant

CHRISTMAS PRAYER

2010-12-25T19:23:00.000-08:00

Dearest Jesus,

As we celebrate your birthday, we take this opportunity to ask for your forgiveness for our failings, mistakes, weaknesses and sins we have committed during the year so that we may welcome the New Year fresh with your grace.

We thank you, Lord, for the gift of yourself to redeem us that we may share in the Father’s gift of eternal life. Truly, all the glory, praise and adoration are yours forever.

As we stand by this crèche to admire the depiction of your incarnation, let us not be lost in the splendor of the images represented to us rather to contemplate, with profoundness, the great mystery of our salvation that unfolds continually in our daily lives. We may not fully understand during this lifetime your mystery however let us share in the spirit to which the reason you were born unto us.

May we be inspired by the beauty of your humility as you came to us in poverty to enrich us. Despite our own insufficiency and unworthiness, with the help of your grace may we give you glory in return.

Nourish us, Lord, from your manger and keep us in your secured stable. Be our shepherd and guide us through the pastures of life. Share with us the warm comfort of your swaddling clothes and let us be soothed by the tender humming of the virgin Mary, your mother. Upon the watchful gaze of blessed Joseph, your guardian, may we be protected from all evil harm.

Teach us to adore and worship you in the spirit and in truth as the shepherds who beheld with their own eyes the salvation of all men. Let us see your glory in the midst of the darkness of this world as angels appeared on that dark night and proclaimed your birth.

Just as the wise men were guided by a bright and shining star, you be our light to guide our ways, upheld us in the truth and give meaning to our confused existence.

Give each of us a sense of responsibility to love and care for one another especially to those who are most need of them. Give us the courage to bring your Good News not only in words but most of all in deed and example.

We pray for faith, hope and love to reign in our hearts not only this season but throughout the year. May we be worthy bearers of your justice and mercy so that mutual respect and unity be formed in our society.

Let the message of the holy hosts of angels, on that first Christmas, resound to us today, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, goodwill among men!” (Luke 1:14) And may all come to pass as you will and say.

Amen.

2010-11-26T01:16:00.000-08:00

“We will always have all we need, to do all that God wants us to do, as long as He wants us to do it.” – Dr. Vance H. Havner

LIFE …… DEATH

2010-11-11T19:47:00.000-08:00

The question of the meaning of life
Can only be answered by life….. by living
You are arrived at the answer to life
When God has arrived in your heart
It is when one if threatened by death
That one begins to appreciate the significance of life
The closer Christ was to His glory, the closer He came to His death
His glory was His death – His death was His glory
Life is beautiful because it is life
The beauty of death is that it leads to a fuller life.
In life you cover more directions by going in one direction
Man’s quest for life – is his question about life
Man seeks an answer to his question – because he wants to define life
He does not realize that life cannot be defined without considering
life-here-after. Therefore it cannot be defined merely in terms of this life
because this life is not the whole of life –
the history of man is the history of life – his life
as lived individually and communally.
Even God is bound by this “law”. He can only love – because He is life
His love is everlasting – because He exists for all eternity
He is love because He is life
Christ comes – in the fullness of time – that we may have life more abundantly
He dies – in His chosen time – to give meaning to man’s life
He rises – in His predicted time – to assure us of life everlasting
He has given us the capacity to love forever because we can live forever.

- by Grido Argulles, S.J.

After reading this piece, I offer some points to ponder upon:

What is life for you personally? What is its meaning?
How do you view death? Are you afraid to die?
Do you honestly believe in life-after-death?
Do you have a concept of eternity? Can you somehow comprehend it?

I hope you and I will gain sufficient wisdom in the process of searching for the answers from our hearts.

Let us pray,

Eternal God, our Father,
We are humbled by Your greatness.
You are the Author of life; You are life itself.

We don’t have the answers to the many questions of our life
But our faith in You suffices for everything that are unknown to us.

You have given us life and showed us the way to live this
with meaning through the teachings of the Gospel.

May we be forever be true to our vocation and grant us the grace
to follow Your will until our last moment on this earth.

We pray, in the Name of Jesus Christ, Your Son
and our Redeemer. Amen.

Yours truly,

DJ FLAME

IN MEMORIAM

2010-09-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

“I’M FREE!”

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God has laid you see
I took His hands when I heard His call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play
Task left undone must stay that way,
I found peace at the close of day.
If parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joys…
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life’s been full, I savored much.
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee…
God waited me now, He set me free.

Let us pray,

Eternal rest grant unto them O, Lord,
And let Your perpetual light shine unto them.

From the gates of the damned
Deliver their souls O, Lord.

And may they rest in peace.
Amen.

A BEAUTIFUL GIFT OF PRAYER

2010-09-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

Lyrics by Bill Anderson

I said a prayer for you today
And know God must’ve heard;
I felt the answer in my heart
Although He spoke not a word.

I did not ask for wealth or fame
(I knew you wouldn’t mind);
I asked for priceless treasures rare
Of a more lasting kind.

I prayed that He’d be near to you
At the start of each new day,
To give you health and blessing fair,
And friends to share your way.

I asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small,
But that you’d know his loving care
I prayed the most of all.

SUFFERINGS AND SORROWS: LESSONS FROM MARY’S LIFE

2010-09-15T01:11:00.000-07:00

A Reflection on the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows
15th September A.D. 2010

As we read the Gospel account when Jesus hangs on the Cross while his mother Mary stood by at its foot, we are reminded of the prophetic words of Simeon 33 years prior. He said to Mary, “You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected; And a sword will pierce your own soul too so that the secret thoughts of many may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35)

Jesus as a man had experienced what every mortal has to go through in life. He experienced pain, loneliness, rejection, betrayal, grief. The prophet Isaiah called him “a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering.” (Isaiah 53:8) Mary shared in the suffering of Christ. She shared his pain and sorrows. In his earthly life, she has been the only mortal who was ever faithful to him. When his disciples and friends abandoned him, she never left him. Thus, from his birth to his death on the Cross, she was there with him.

Today, as we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary as our lady of sorrows, we pause for a moment as, with the eyes of faith, we look on that scene on Mt. Calvary with Jesus and Mary. We take a while from our hurried lives to reflect on Christ’s suffering and death and how it might have left for Mary.

Suffering and sorrow are indispensable. They are part of the human experience which is inescapable. They may come in varied forms from the mere trivial to the most tragic. They manifest in times of difficult moments and in challenging circumstances in which we may feel hopeless, alone, abandoned, in despair.

In the face of all these however, our faith in the saving power of God will carry us through these most trying times. Even in the face of death and grief we take solace in the life eternal promised to us by God. Hence, we don’t have to live in perpetual misery as we live our lives on this earth. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son Jesus Christ,” (John 3:16) to be “pierced through for our faults, crushed for our sins.” (Isaiah 53:5)

When Jesus suffered, “Ours were the suffering he bore, ours the sorrows he carried” (Isaiah 53:4) and “on him lies a punishment that brings us peace, and through his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) Because of these, we no longer have to feel too burdened by every suffering and sorrow that comes our way. We have hope that we can withstand each difficult experience and in every encounter we become stronger and wiser. We just have to trust in the Lord, as Mary did, that beyond darkness and death He will turn-on the light and give life eternal.

Amidst every experience of suffering and sorrow, let us rejoice in the promise of Jesus who tells us, “Cast your burden upon me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) He is to take on himself our sufferings if we let him. We just have to learn to give-up everything to him. He is more than willing to share with us our sorrows and comfort us when we are too burdened by the feelings of hopelessness and despair. We are not alone. We have a God who cares and see to it that we live a good and full life on this earth. We don’t have to live miserably for long. We just have to pray and ask for his help.

Jesus, as he hang on the Cross, said to his apostle John and to his mother, “Son, behold thy mother; Woman, behold thy son!” (John 19:26,27) Hence we, the faithful and the Blessed Virgin Mary, were beholden to each other since. We have Mary, the mother who feels and shares our own suffering through her Son Jesus. Thus, in our suffering and sorrow, we turn to her intercession, “To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears… and after this, our exile, show unto us the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.” (from Salve Regina)

Let us pray,

Father, as Your Son
was raised on the Cross,
to die as a ransom for our sins,
His mother Mary stood by Him,
sharing His sufferings.

May we in turn be like Mary,
to bear suffering with perseverance
and hope in Your promises.
May each painful experience
make us stronger and wiser
and more faithful to You.

We ask You for the grace to
be more resilient in difficulties
and accepting of challenges
that makes us better persons.

Be with us, Lord, in every sorrow.
May we be comforted by Your
constant presence amidst our pain
and recognize Your Divine design
during troubled moments.

With Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows,
We pray in the Name of Jesus Christ,
Through the power of the Holy Spirit,
That all glory be Yours, One God forever
and ever. Amen.

Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows,
Pray for us!

DON’T HURT YOUR NEIGHBOR EVEN WITH THE TRUTH

2010-09-12T02:43:00.000-07:00

From the perspective of Scripture, the most horrifying sin would be to use truth to gain unjust personal advantage at the cost of your neighbor.

We may whittle away the principle of truth until nothing remains and we no longer are capable of telling right from wrong.

Thou shalt not hurt your neighbor— with lies or with the truth. That’s the way it is in God’s Kingdom.

- Allen Thompson
From: July-August 1990 issue of Health and Home Vol. 31 No. 4

HONORING MARY BY LIVING HER EXAMPLES

2010-09-08T22:14:00.000-07:00

A Reflection on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
8th September, A.D. 2010

Most saints’ feastday in the Roman Liturgy are the day of their death which is considered their “birth in heaven”. However the earthly birthday of our Lord Jesus, John the Baptist and the Blessed Virgin Mary are honored in the Liturgy. The Church has given this distinction because of its significance in salvation history. Christmas is the birth of Christ, the day the Messiah entered into human history. While John the Baptist’s birth was according to God’s precise plan as he comes before the Messiah. Thus, Mary’s birth is marked by the church with a feast because her physical birth is essential for the Messiah to take flesh.

Beyond Mary’s physical motherhood to Christ, we honor her on her birthday for her virtuous life that each of us must emulate. Her life of total submission to the will of the Almighty is an inspiration to Christians throughout the ages. No other mortal exemplified the obedience of Mary. Many saints during their lifetime had been great sinners until they encountered the Lord at some point in their life. But for Mary, she had been obedient from her birth to her death. She was afterall spared from Original Sin as God declared “I will put enmity before thee (the devil) and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed.” (Genesis 3:15) This great privilege was bestowed upon her not because of her own merit but for the merit of her Son Jesus, the Savior.

As the angelic salutation declared, “Hail full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women.” (Luke 1:28) This reiterates her being distinct among mortals. She was “full of grace” meaning God had given her every grace possible; not partly but complete. Because of this she had the capacity to accept God’s will without reservation and with complete trust. Thus, she said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

Mary had been responsible to rearing Jesus and throughout his earthly mission she was with him. She was his greatest follower, the disciple who never wavered in her faith in him. She was instrumental for Jesus to make his first miracle turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. There she told the servants, “Do whatever he tell you” (John 2:5) are words that sums up what each of us must do, to follow what God tells us.

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother.” (John 19:25) At the foot of the cross, Mary stood by Christ as he accomplishes his mission to redeem mankind. She felt his pain and shared with him his sorrow. She rejoiced at his resurrection and saw him return in heaven. It was when the apostles “in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus.” (Acts 1:14) that the Holy Spirit came and the church was established. Throughout her remaining life on earth she never stopped working to further God’s Kingdom as part of the church’s mission.

Hence, Mary’s birth and life has to be celebrated. Jesus on the cross addressed St. John and his mother said, “Son, behold thy mother; Woman, behold thy son!” (John 19:26,27) was a mandate to her to care for us, that she may help us through her prayers. While to us (as we were represented by St. John) we should honor her— not as we honor or pay God our devotion rather to live her examples. Yet we honor her liturgically, we best honor her by emulating her life and upholding her legacy of humility and obedience to God.

Let us pray,

Our Father in heaven,
We praise You for Your great mercy.

Thank You for the gift of salvation
through Your Son Jesus Christ.

Thank You, Lord Jesus
for Your great love for us
for saving us by Your
death and resurrection.

Thank You for giving us
Your mother, Mary,
to be our own mother;
to be our model of humility
and obedience; of the virtuous life.

Mama Mary, help us by your prayers.
Intercede for us in our necessities
and inspire us by your examples.
Encourage us to know Jesus better
that we may walk by His teachings.
May we bear in mind always,
“To do whatever you Son tells us to do.”

We pray in the Name of Jesus,
our Lord and Savior.
Amen.

O, Mary, conceived without sin,
Pray for us who have recourse to thee!

THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER

2010-09-01T02:18:00.000-07:00

Lord, I believe in You; increase my faith.
I trust in You; strengthen my trust.
I love You; let me love You more and more.
I am sorry for my sins; deepen my sorrow.

I worship You as my first beginning.
I long for You as my last end.
I praise You as my constant helper,
and call You as my loving protector.

Guide me by Your wisdom,
correct me with Your justice,
comfort me with Your mercy,
protect me with Your power.

I offer You, Lord, my thoughts: to be fixed on You;
My words: to have You for their theme;
My actions: to reflect my love for You;
My sufferings: to be endured for Your greater glory.

I want to do what You ask of me: in the way You ask,
For as long as You ask, because You ask it.

Lord, enlighten my understanding, strengthen my will,
purify my heart, and make me holy.

Help me to repent of my past sins and
to resist temptation in the future.
Help me to rise above my human weakness
and to grow stronger as a Christian.

Let me love You, my Lord and my God,
and see myself as I really am: a pilgrim in this world,
a Christian called to respect and love all
whose lives I touch, those in authority over me
or those under my authority, my friends and enemies.

Help me to conquer anger with gentleness,
greed by generosity, apathy by fervor.
Help me to forget myself and reach out towards others.

Make me prudent in planning, courageous in taking risks.
Make me patient in suffering, unassuming in prosperity.

Keep me, Lord, attentive at prayer, temperate in food
And drink, diligent in my work, firm in my good intentions.

Let my conscience to be clear, my conduct without fault,
my speech blameless, my life well-ordered.

Put me on guard against my human weaknesses.
Let me cherish You love for me, keep Your law,
and come at last to Your salvation.

Teach me to realize that this world is passing,
that my future is the happiness of heaven, that life
on earth is short, and the life to come eternal.

Help me to prepare for death with a proper fear of judgment,
but a greater trust in Your goodness.
Lead me safely through death to the endless joy of heaven.

Grant these through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

- Pope Clement XI

SHARING COMMON HUMANITY IN TIMES OF TRAGEDY

2010-08-29T04:13:00.000-07:00

The aftermath of last Monday’s tragic hostage crisis has greatly altered the lives of those who were involved or has taken part in this hapless incident. The innocent victims and their families; the authorities and law enforces; the media people and us who have witnessed in horror whether from the actual site or from our television or radio, we each have been unwilling participants to this incident. Nobody among us wanted such incident to happen and how we wished it was resolved peacefully without anyone, including the hostage-taker, being killed. None of us condones such violent means to demand justice. Yet we may occasionally experience socio-political upheaval or endure geographical, ethnical or cultural divide, it has been shown from our history that we advocate peaceful resolution to every conflict. Moreover, we believe in the rule of law and adhere to the highest ideals of democracy. We never had anything in our culture that espouses intolerance or may indicate prejudice of people from other demography even when we were often the victims of such bigotry.

There is no doubt about the pain being experienced by the families of each victim and the outburst of sympathy being shared by every Hong Kong citizen. We are one in their grief. We mourn the lost of the lives of the people who had visited our island and had become our friends. How we wish they could return and share with us moments of fun and relaxation once again. But their tragic visit shall haunt us. We can only hope that our peoples can look beyond the hurt and move-on. Let us look not to each other as to our race, citizenship, gender or creed rather to our common humanity. We can celebrate life again. Together we can revel as we discover the unfolding of the beauty of our respective lands and cultures. We shall wait for the storm in our relations today to pave way to a brighter tomorrow with greater understanding and mutual trust.

For now, we honor the grieving and the memory of the innocent victims. We offer our sympathies and learn from whatever lesson this tragedy has taught us.

May Almighty God have mercy on us all and in His divine grace may we find consolation, enlightenment and peace of heart.

LIFE'S MOST

2010-08-17T03:02:00.000-07:00

We oftentimes hear the word “extreme” nowadays. We hear or experience extreme sports, extreme adventure or living to the extreme. Today’s generation demands so much from life. Nothing can contain us but the best, the biggest, the most. These are the modern reality that clamors for the ultimate quest in life.

The ultimate quest in life is to live it to the fullest. There is an instinctual need for us to be the best or to get the most out of what this world could offer. With all the ‘superlatives’ that are within our reach we wonder why we had to gain everything and in the end lose everything.

You may work to get to the summit of success in your career; prove to be the greatest and biggest among the lot and strive to have the largest of anything or the most expensive. You may reach the pinnacle of fame and fortune yet feel like an empty bottomless-glass waiting to be filled to the brim but never does.

It is commendable to labor for fame and fortune. Afterall, it is what makes our world go round. Whatever good they serve however will not suffice for anyone to claim a full life. These alone shall not give the meaning we seek in the process of achieving and succeeding.

I am sharing the following piece as a reminder to what constitute a full life. I lost the source or who wrote it but its’ not important. Whoever wrote this discovered the most essential ‘superlatives’ in life. I’ve been too redundant for words here but I hope you got the message.

THE GREATEST

The greatest handicapped: FEAR
The best day: TODAY
The best therapy: HUMOR
The easiest thing to do: FIND A FAULT
The most useless asset: PRIDE
The greatest mistake: GIVING UP
The greatest stumbling block: EGOTISM
The greatest comfort: WORK WELL DONE
The most disagreeable person: THE COMPLAINER
The worst bankruptcy: LOSS OF INTHUSIASM
The worst disease: ENVY
The greatest need: COMMON SENSE
The meanest feeling: REGRET AT ANOTHER’S SUCCESS
The best gift: FORGIVENESS
The greatest moment: DEATH
The greatest personal asset: CHOICE
The greatest knowledge: GOD
The greatest thing in the world: LOVE
The answer to everything: FAITH

SAINT DOMINIC DE GUZMAN: DEFENDER OF THE FAITH AND PARAGON OF CHARITY

2010-08-08T04:04:00.000-07:00

Today is the 8th of August, the feast day of St. Dominic de Guzman. He is one of my favorite saints because of his close affinity with the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Rosary.

Dominic (Domingo in Spanish) was born in Spain, in the town of Caleruega, in 1170, to Juana de Aza and Felix Guzman. At the age of seven, he was trained by a priest, who is also his uncle, in the clerical studies and the service of the altar. At fourteen, he was sent to the University of Palencia, the center of learning for the Kingdom of Leon. Moved with compassion, he sold his precious books for the relief of war refugees who were homeless and without resources. He said, “How can I study from dead skins when living men are starving?”

In 1193, Dominic was ordained priest. Aware of the dangers posed by the Albigensian heresy he founded the Order of Preachers (popularly known as the Dominicans) the purpose of which is preaching for the salvation of souls. He envisioned a group of apostolic men who live in common, profess the evangelical counsels (poverty, obedience and chastity), fervently celebrate the Holy Eucharist, study assiduously, persevere in regular observances, and preach the Good News of Salvation.

Consumed by his ardent love for God and neighbor, Dominic died in Bologna on the 6th of August, in the year of our Lord 1221 at the age of 51. He was elevated to the altars of the church in 1234 when he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX.

Legend has it that the Holy Rosary was given and taught to Dominic by the Blessed Virgin Mary herself in an apparition. This belief may have inspired the Dominicans throughout the ages to propagate the Rosary as the most popular Catholic devotional practice next only to the Holy Mass.

Saint Dominic, Pray for us!

NO TIME TO PRAY

2010-08-04T20:57:00.000-07:00

I knelt to pray but not for long,
I had too much to do…
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills wound soon be due…

So I knelt and said a hurried prayer
And jumped up off my knees…
My Christian duty now was done
My soul could be at ease…

All day long I had no time
To spend a word of cheer…
No time to speak of Christ to friends
They’d laugh at me I feared…

No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry.
No time to give to sols in need
But at last it was time,
The time to die…

I went before the Lord,
I came and stood
With downcast eyes…
For in His hands God held a book;
It was the book of life…

God looked into His book
And said, “Your name I cannot find…
I once was going to write it down…
But never found the time.”

- Adapted –

Prayer is the most essential practice of our faith. It is the act foremost to connect with the Almighty God. Anyone professing his belief in God but does not pray betrays the faith.

Prayer is an act of the will. It is not a matter of finding the time to pray but whether do you want to pray. To find ourselves too busy to pray stems from our limited notion that prayer has to take too much time and effort. We may find ourselves in quandary thinking about the seemingly sophisticated ways of praying taught to us by the church. Yet we miss the whole idea that God hears even the simplest prayer, prayed in earnest. Thus, time is not the essence of prayer, it is faith.

We who are consumed in the bonfires of the vanities see time as a tyrant. We constantly watch time ticking-away. We count the minutes, hours, days, months and years as we strive towards an unending quest for what this world can offer. We are deceived by the belief that the wisest investments are those in stocks, bank notes and real estate that grow overtime. Yet because of these ambitions, we are constantly frightened by the fact that we have so little control over our own lives. Lest it too late, we shall find ourselves possessed by those we possess.

For God however time is but a tiny drop of vapor that appears in an instant and then gone. The true and lasting investments are those invested in times of prayer and contemplation. And the real wealth is in our faith. The times of prayer are treasured opportunity to experience the unique and rich relationship that anyone shares with God. Prayer brings in enlightenment in times of confusion and wisdom that carries us through the most difficult moments.

When we do our obligation to pray, we do so out of faith and love for God. It is when we feel uninspired; when we find it too tiring or when we are loosing faith that we should pray even more. These are the perfect time to tell God what’s in our heart. Oftentimes, we don’t even need to voice out our prayers especially when we are lost for words. It is in these time when we let our spirit soar to meet the Divine and express the yearnings of our heart.

There is nothing complicated about prayer only if we acknowledge that it is the most natural thing to do; an act necessary to our temporal existence and essential to our passage to eternal life.

Hence, even in the midst of our busy life, anytime should be prayer time. It has to be integrated in our lifestyle. God gave us time, we should offer it back to Him.

IN GOD WE TRUST

2010-07-30T04:18:00.000-07:00

As a new administration assumes office of the Philippine government, new set of promises are made to better the life of every citizen of this land. Yet, these promises sound the same as the previous promises done in the past twenty four years; promises that never realized. Thus, the hopes and dreams of national prosperity remain elusive.

Broken promises made are perhaps one of the hardest to accept. One feels rejected, abandoned or betrayed. The scar left by such experience are deep that oftentimes results to hopelessness and distrust for those who broke their promises.

Despite our distrust of politicians, in God we trust. The Filipinos had remained steadfast hoping and dreaming for true change that someday shall usher in a more just and healthy society. Our faith comforts us that “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19)

In God we trust as we hang on to his promises for our beloved country, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, said the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

It is unfortunate however that at sudden moments of crisis, we tend to almost lose faith in the Words of God. We oftentimes do not see the hands of the Almighty working in our lives because we base our assumptions of His faithfulness on prevailing circumstances alone. We have delimited His power as if we can use at our own disposal. Yet He said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, said the Lord. For as the heaven is higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not here, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater. So shall my word be that go forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:8-11)

Furthermore, we tend to expect God to work on our own time. Yet we have to realize that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

“Therefore say unto them, thus said the Lord God; There shall none of my words be prolonged anymore, but the word which I have spoken shall be done.” (Ezekiel 12:28)

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (Habakkuk 2:3).

“To whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.” (Jeremiah 1:2).

“The grass wither, the flower fades: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” (Isaiah 40:8).

“He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.” (Psalm 105:8).

“Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, whish he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.” (I Kings 8:56).

It took 40 years until the Lord’s promise to the Israelites came true when they finally had the land of their own. For most of us, it is a long time. But God has to prepare His people for the life they will lead in the “promise land”. Those who doubted, questioned or became impatient of the Lord weren’t able to enter the land that included Moses to whom God entrusted the leadership of His people.

Thus, despite the broken promises of politicians and government authorities who failed us and betrayed our confidence, there is a God who will never fail us. We keep on trusting Him in the midst of uncertainty, anxiety and seeming hopelessness as we hang on to His Words knowing He is faithful to every promise He makes to us. Therefore, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.” (Hebrews 10:23) If we do, truly in God we trust!

Let us pray,

O God Almighty,
You are the Lord of our land and King of our people.
Reign in the hearts of our leaders that they may be
Your instruments of change for a better country.

Give us the grace to trust You more and more
especially in times of great crisis.
Shield the fragility of our spirits in time of
natural calamities and disasters due to our faults.

Teach us to work together for national unity
and progress; that each citizen may fulfill every
lawful responsibility to bring about a just and
moral society.

And that peace may reign upon our land where in
Your hands we entrust our destiny.

With full trust and confidence, we humbly pray
through the Name of Jesus, Our Lord together with
the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pray for peace in the Philippines.

San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, Pray for the Filipino people.

Blessed Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, Pray for the Filipino people.

Blessed Pedro Calungsod, Pray for the Filipino people.

THE GREATEST BLESSING LIFE CAN BRING

2010-07-19T04:19:00.000-07:00

THE GREATEST BLESSING LIFE CAN BRING
By Amanda Bradley

Father, let me always
have the special kind of faith
that will guide me day by day
and year by year.

Let me know the peace of mind
that comes from trusting You,
that shelters me from doubt
and want and fear.

Let me live a thoughtful life
that’s pleasing in Your sight,
a balanced life of work and play
and rest.

Let me use Your gifts to me
to always do what’s right
and help me grow to be my very best.

Father, let me turn to You
for guidance, strength and love,
and let me see the good in everything.

Please help me to remember
that as long as I have You,
I have the greatest blessing life
can bring.

GUIDE ME, OH LORD

2010-07-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

Guide me, Oh Lord
That I may learn to fold
The wings of pride so bold
That I may learn to unfold
The wings of humility, Oh Lord.

Guide me, Oh Lord
That I may be accord
In thought, in deed, in word
All and everything on record
In Thy Kingdom and in Thy Court.

Guide me, Oh Lord
That when my time is ruled
And I am being called
I may enter Thy Court
Holding on to Thy Word.

THE NETHERLANDS VS SPAIN: HISTORIC BATTLE FOR THE FAITH

2010-07-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

The Dutch and the Spaniards battle it out for soccer supremacy in the 2010 FIFA World Cup today. Although the Philippines is not a participant, since soccer is not a popular sport here, some Filipino sports enthusiast won’t pass on the chance to take a piece of the action or at least the hype as the world watches the battle from Johannesberg, South Africa.

The Dutch and the Spaniards had fought each other in some other time and circumstances in history. The rivalry was beyond sports or anything to do with ‘friendly competition’. In fact it was a bitter battle for conquest and dominion. It was a war story woven with the tale of faith. And it happened here in the Philippines.

In 1646, when the Philippines was still under the colonial rule of Spain, fifteen Dutch armed-strong fleet battled against two Spanish galleons in five naval encounters, known in history as the “Battles of La Naval.”

The attacks couldn’t have happened in more strategic timing when Manila was devastated by an earthquake in November the previous year. Moreover, it was part of the Spanish-Dutch War (1568-1648) which reached even the colonies in Southeast Asia. While the Philippines was then under Catholic Spain, Formosa (now Taiwan) and Indonesia were under the Dutch Protestants. In fact, preparations for the invasion were done in Indonesia.

The age of glory and faith went in hand with the perils of rivalry and envy. In the wide world, Catholic Spain had rivals and foes to contest her power; even destroy her mission to evangelize and civilize her land discoveries. Such were the Dutch and English privateers who were not only after the richness of the Philippine archipelago but also eager to supplant Catholicism with Dutch Protestant Calvinism. It was the age of galleon trade under the emblem of the cross and of Spain versus the age of the heretics with the banner of the skull and bones.

One such marauder, followers of Drake and Cavendish, sailed into Philippines waters and on March 15, 1646, a Dutch frigate fleet of five threatened Manila. Two Spanish galleons, veterans of the Acapulco trade, were hastily readied and sent out to defend the city. These sallied forth to meet the enemy, “trusting more to win by spiritual weapons than weapons of war.” The Spanish soldiers, religious and Filipinos among the crew, in one galleon named Almiranta (later named Nuestra Señora de la Encarnacion), prayed the holy rosary on their knees, trusting that they shall succeed against the enemy.

The enemy was sighted off the coast of Bolinao, Pangasinan and was engaged in battle from three to seven in the evening. The two galleons, the Almiranta and Capitana (later named Nuestra Señora del Rosario), valiantly fought with four Dutch fleet. It was two Spanish galleons against four of the Dutch. After a fierce artillery fight, the enemy fled with lights in their ship decks put off to avoid pursuit. The Almiranta was damaged but with only two casualties.

On July 29, the second battle was fought between Baton Island and Marinduque. The two bulky galleons in their patrols met seven enemy frigates, well-armed with superior artillery, manned by some 800 men. It was two galleons of the Spaniards versus seven of the Dutch. The chronicles of these events relate that the “battle was one of the fiercest and bloodiest lasting from seven in the evening till four at dawn—at which time, seeing how grievously maltreated their ships were and one on fire, they did retreat and seek shelter, and would not give battle though we called them to it.”

The chroniclers wrote that before the start of this battle, Fr. Juan de Cuenca, O.P., the chaplain of the Capitana, encouraged the soldiers and crew by saying that theirs shall be the victory. The armada’s commanding general, in a loud voice, made a vow that they promised to the blessed Virgin to go barefoot on pilgrimage to her shrine in the Dominican church and celebrate a special feast for her in thanksgiving for the victory they were seeking through her intercession. The same vow was made by the admiral of the other galleon.

Two days later, the enemy reappeared with six well-armed frigates between Mindoro and the island of Maestro de Campo. It was two of the Spaniards against six of the Dutch. The bloody encounter lasted from high noon to the Angelus (six in the evening) of July 31, 1646.

When the smoke of battle cleared up, they saw the Dutch fleet beating a hasty retreat abandoning one crippled ship and losing one. No casualty was reported in the two Spanish galleons. “And our armada,” the chronicles continued, “acclaimed that victory as miraculous and attributed it to our Lady, saying that she herself had fought and not men.” According to testimonies that the soldiers were shouting during the battle crying: “Viva la fe de Cristo! Viva la Virgen del Rosario!”

Hardly had the two galleons been repaired and refurbished when news came that a fresh Dutch fleet was nearing Mariveles. The galleons once again set to grapple with the superior enemy force. For ten hours on September 24, 1646, this fourth battle was bitterly fought between Ambil and Lubang islands near the coast of Batangas. And “seeing themselves hard pressed, the enemy escaped and took flight as our ships pursued and give fire still, though one, our Capitana, had been hit in the side and was feared for and yet it did not sink.” Seven men on the defenders’ side gave their lives for the victory.

On October 3, while one of the galleons was on patrol off Mariveles and the Almiranta undergoing repairs in nearby Cavite, three of the Dutch frigates returned to the scene of their last defeat and engaged the lone galleon. It was one Spanish galleon versus three of the Dutch.

The written testimonies say that the enemy “surrounded and fiercely set on her and fired on so close that there was long a danger of their boarding the ship. But our men, calling on God and our blessed lady, rose to the contest in such a way that they inflicted a woeful destruction among the enemy, and totally destroyed one ship and scattered the others which fleeting were met and severely punished by the ship “Galera” sent to our aid.”

There were only four casualties, Filipinos among them, in that fifth and final naval battle. Only fifteen men, in fact, had been lost by the defenders in all five encounters.

As Filipinos and as devotees of our Lady, we wonder: What would have become of our faith if the Dutch had prevailed? What impact did La Naval have in Philippine history?

Let the late National Artist for Literature and chronicler of La Naval, Nick Joaquin, answer these in his book Manila, My Manila:

“Imagine the Philippines as part of Indonesia! That seems incredible today— but it’s a might-has-been of our history. There was a time in the 17th century when our fate hung in the balance. Had events gone the other way, there might have been no Philippines at all.”

After these historic battles, the Dutch indeed no longer threatened the sovereignty of these islands by annexing it to the Dutch East Indies comprising then the Malayan archipelago. And never again was Catholicism threatened by Calvin’s Protestant followers in this part of the world.

With this answer I am sure you will feel a sense of national pride, also of humility and profound gratitude to God through the intercession of our Lady for keeping us sovereign and free.

VIVA LA VIRGEN DE MANILA!

And yes, the Spaniards was victorious versus the Dutch claiming its first World Cup title shortly before this was posted.

VIVA ESPAÑA!

(simultaneously posted on http://danflame.blogspot.com)

THE POWER OF PRAYER

2010-07-08T04:05:00.000-07:00

When things go wrong and the roads are rough;
When you feel like quitting ‘cause you’ve had enough;
When problems seem endless and no hope is in sight;
When all that you do turn out wrong and not right;
When you think no one else is worse off than you are;
When you feel no one’s as pitiful as you by far;
Take a moment to pray, ask for our Father’s advise.
You’ll soon understand better as you realized.
It could be so much worse and then you start to see.
Things aren’t as bad as they appear to be.
You’ve got a roof over your head and shoes on your feet.
While many are homeless, they live in the streets.
You’ve got food you can eat, and clothing you can wear.
While others are starving, their bodies are bare.
You’ve got friends and a loving family with much love to give.
While many alone and wonder why they still have to live.
You can see. You can hear. You can shout. You can talk.
While others are blind, they are mute, they can’t walk.
Just remember those things you’ve forgotten about.
Remember the people you can’t live without.
You may suddenly realize as these thoughts enter your mind.
It gets easier to leave your troubles behind.
So next time something that you should never forget.
Your Father has blessed you in generous ways.
He’s always beside you, you need simply to pray.
He’ll open your eyes when life doesn’t seem fair.
He’ll show you the way. He’ll make you aware.
Just ask for His guidance. Don’t worry He’ll hear.
Your problems will start to disappear.
Just don’t lose your faith. Don’t give up.
Know He’s always there and don’t ever underestimate,
the power of prayer.

- Adapted -

AND GOD SAID, “NO”

2010-07-05T23:26:00.000-07:00

Dedicated to Eleanor M. Vargas-Dondero M.D.

I was rummaging over old notebooks the other day for something to write about. Until, I stumbled on the following piece that brought back a bitter-sweet memory of my days as a medical student. It is entitled And God Said “No” by Claudia Minden Weisz. Here it is:

I asked God to take away my pride. And God said, “No.”
He said it was not for Him to take away but for me to give up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. And God said, “No.”
He said her spirit is whole, her body temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience. And God said, “No.”
He said that patience is a by product of tribulation; it isn’t granted. It is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness. And God said, “No.”
He said He gives me blessings; happiness is up to me.

I asked God to spare me pain. And God said “No.”
He said, “Suffering draws you apart from wordly cares and bring you close to Me.”

I asked God to make my spirit grow. And God said, “No.”
He said I must grow on my own. But He will prune me to make me fruitful.

I asked God if He loves me. And God said, “Yes.”
He gave me His only Son who died for me and I will be in heaven someday because I believe.

I asked God to help me love others as much as He loves me.
And God said, “Ah, finally you have the idea!”

Upon reading this piece of fine writing, I thought about how often we may have misunderstood God. Aside from the acceptance of God’s will, it is most certain that the other great challenge we each face in our prayer life is the determination of what is God’s will. We could endlessly ask God for anything but if it wasn’t His will, it shall never be granted. If it is however allowed by Him (take note: allowed not granted) chances are it will not be good for us, yet he permit that as to reveal to us a specific message or teach us a lesson.

Our prayers oftentimes demands of God to give what we want and not what we need. While we believe that He knows better and provide for our necessities even before we ever ask, we tend to forget that we have an actual role in order for us to receive what we need. Even if we believe that “nothing is impossible to God”- (Luke 1:37), we are aware that our temporal needs just don’t materialize in mystical fashion nowadays, such as the manna (see Exodus 16) from heaven. Miracles, or any acts that defy the laws of nature, are exclusively divine prerogative. Yet God may sometimes work in spectacular ways (such those revealed in scriptures or unscientific healings), His will are mostly carried-out in discreet manner; revealed through ordinary occurrences that can only be seen through the ‘eyes of faith’.

There are times in our life when God seems so distant. It is when He seems deaf to our prayers that we tend to doubt or get frustrated of Him. Only to realize that He had a better option for us than what we ask of Him.

Looking back during my medical studies, it was when I experienced the most difficult time of my young-adult life. It was a time of tremendous family and personal crisis. I could have given up on my studies sooner, primarily because of financial constraints; add to the burden of my father’s terminal illness. Moreover, I struggled through personal indecision to discontinue since I am not inclined to be a doctor, or to keep on pleasing my father who wanted me to be one.

In the midst of the personal chaos and struggles I experienced, I prayed to God for a way out. I had often, in desperation, cried to Him for help. Yet He seems to keep me there forever. But I later realized that He did so because He had a greater purpose for doing so.

To make a long story short, I eventually dropped-out of medical school and my father passed away but not before he came to terms with my decision. At this point, it seems meaningless that after going through the rigors, nothing substantial came out of my experience. You may wonder what had been God’s purpose for keeping me longer in med-school if He didn’t make me finish the course. The answer is written above.

The above writing, And God said “No”, was shared to me by a friend. Simple gestures such as this gave me reassurance and encouragement during those times. You see, it was during these most trying times that I was able to established meaningful friendships. In the midst of the bitter memories are the sweet ones with friends. I shall never forget the camaraderie, the acceptance and mutual understanding that I experienced with each of them. Indeed, according to an old adage, “True friendships are tested not in prosperity but in adversity.” I have no regret over my decision to quit since it was inevitable. I moved on however with greater courage because of the support and concern of those I’ve been with. Because of them I became emotionally stronger. I then came to realize that God never did abandon me. He was there with me all along, in each of the people who cared, shared of themselves and treated me with respect. I now learned that whatever God’s response to our prayers, “yes” or “no”, are for our greater good. And He does so for the love of each of us.

God indeed work in mysterious ways. He does reveal Himself to us constantly. And He does speak to us in the events of daily life. We just have to learn to fully trust Him. His response to our prayers might be always a “No”, but by keeping our heart open to His will, we’ll discover that it was an open-ended statement which is followed by His explanation that can only be understood by faith. Only then can we make sense of our faith in Him and fully appreciate His wonderful and loving kindness to us all.

God our Father,
Thank You for ever replying to my prayers.
Even with a “No”, I have faith that
You know what is better for me.
Teach me to submit always to Your will.
Grant me to wait constantly for You as
I let You work on my prayers in Your own
perfect time.

Bless my friends wherever they may be.
Keep them safe and their families joyful.
Help them be successful in their endeavors.
While we go about our respective lives,
let us continue to keep the fires of friendship burning.
And that we may be blessed by one another’s presence.

I pray for the others who have helped or supported me
in any way they could and may each one of them
continue to bear Your countenance among those
who are earnestly seeking You.

I ask for Your constant protection and grant us
the graces that we need to fulfill our life’s purpose.
I ask these by the Name of Jesus, our Lord, Savior
and King of our lives. Amen.

Mary, Help of Christians,
Pray for us!

THE BEST BIRTHDAY IS WITH GOD

2010-06-28T01:16:00.000-07:00

“Lord— I, because of your abundant kindness, will enter your house; I will worship at your holy temple in fear of you, O Lord.” – Psalm 5:8

It is certain that among the birthday traditions that almost every Filipino keep is to go to church. Just ask any birthday celebrant, most likely, going to church shall be among the ways to celebrate one’s natal day. Even among ‘non-practicing’ Catholics, who seldom go to Sunday Mass, will do so during their birthday.

For whatever reason: folk religiosity, superstition or sentimentality, we have one purpose in coming to church on our birthday— and that is to pray. Most pray in gratitude for the life given by God. More pray for particular wishes to come true. Others ask for guidance, direction or necessities. And some simply wonder to God if they had a real purpose for being born in this world.

We may not readily show how special we feel on our birthday but we have to admit that a sense of profoundness pervades, almost a religious experience, on this day. No matter how modest we are in keeping the celebration as simple as possible, we feel this day is extra-ordinary. No other day throughout the year can be personally pertinent as this day. So, it is but fitting to spend it with the One Who caused this day to happen— God.

“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me.” (Psalm 119:73) is a reiteration that God is our Creator. Hence, nothing can be more appropriate to celebrate one’s birthday but to give thanks to Him who is the giver of life and the best provider of our necessities because He knew what we need even before we ask.

God said, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.” (Jeremiah 1:5) Then Jesus said, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:7) God is our very beginning. He knew us better than we know ourselves. Thus, we have to continually come back to Him to pay Him homage and to express our ever dependence on Him even in the midst of human achievements.

“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.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Whenever we are in doubt or anxious about what lies ahead after each birthday, how comforting it is that He is there to guide our path and steer our direction, if only we will let Him.

We are indeed born into this world with a specific purpose. We had faith that tells us we are not here by accident. Even in the most unexpected circumstances surrounding a person’s birth, such as being born out of wedlock or with handicap, God had a pre-ordained plan to let such things happen. Even in the most tragic moments or when “bad things happen”, God allows them for a purpose greater than what any human perception could ever conceive of.

Kelly Jeppesen said, "What you are is God's gift to you. What you make of yourself is your gift back to God." God had given us the best gift on our birthday— life. It is up to us to make something out of this gift. How we live our life shall determine how we value this precious gift. We are responsible for this gift. We are to use it for the glory of the One who gave it. Someday when our earthly journey has finally come to an end, we will be face to face with God, and hopefully after thorough perusal of our life, He shall say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master's happiness!"- (Matthew 25:23)

As I celebrate another birthday today, I come to church in prayer with a heart full of gratitude, a soul yearning for mercy and a spirit filled with hope. And I pray to God to grant whatever wish I have as long as it is according to His will. I acknowledge my own powerless will against Him, even if He believes I can do something great from the life He gave me. Without Him I could do nothing. But with Him I could do everything. Only in these terms could anyone’s best birthday possible and to be able to look ahead with much faith because it is with the Lord.

The following prayer was adapted from ‘Presence: Prayer for Busy People’ (Copyright 1991 by St. Paul Publications, Makati City, Philippines), however, they may as well be my own words since it expresses the same sentiment and aspiration I have as I pray today.

+ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Dear Lord,
I thank You for giving me another year of life.
I thank You for all the people who remembered me today;
for all my achievements and all the friends You have given
me during the past year.

I thank You for all the experiences, the successes and
happy memories; for times of failure which reminded me
of my own weaknesses and of my need for you;
for times of joy when the sun was shining;
for times of sorrow which drove me to You.

Forgive me, Lord, for the hours I have wasted; for the
chances I failed to take; for the opportunities I missed in
the past year.

Forgive me that I did not use my talents and abilities to
the fullest because I was lazy and wanted things the easy way,
or I did not completely trust in Your support.

Help me in the days that lies ahead to make this coming year
better than last year and closer to You, my Lord.
Amen.

TODAY IS THE FEAST OF OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP

2010-06-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

Mary, the Mother of Jesus is called Our Lady of Perpetual Help because she prays for and helps all the children of God, especially those who ask for her assistance. The icon honoring her under this title was painted between the 14th and 15th century in Crete by an unknown artist. Now it is enshrined in the Church of St. Alphonsus Ligouri in Rome.

Mary is depicted holding her Divine Son, a child of two or three, in her left hand, while he clasps her other hand in his. The archangels Michael and Gabriel appear before them, carrying the instruments of the Passion of Jesus. With anguish the child gazes on the signs of his future suffering and death. To indicate the child startled with fear, the artist painted his sandal falling from his foot. In Greek characters are the abbreviated names of the four figures in the icon, Jesus Christ, Mary, the angels Michael and Gabriel.

The icon is a portrayal of the Passion of Jesus. Mary is His mother who will stand by Him in this mystery.

The title of Our Lady of Perpetual Help signifies Mary’s readiness to stand by all those who suffer. In the holy icon, she is pictured with her face turned not to Jesus, but to all those who gaze on the picture. Even though she is deeply saddened by the vision of Jesus’ eventual Passion, she turns with sympathy to all the children of the earth.

We believe she turns to all of us when we call on her in our troubles and sorrows. Her care never ends; it is a perpetual care.

For centuries, the picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Help has inspired Christians everywhere. Today Mary, the Mother of Jesus, still offers us her help and her love by praying with us to her Son.

Let us pray,

+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Come to my aid, O God.
O Lord, make haste to help me.

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of all good gifts,
I come before You to honor You in Your saints and to ask their help in my needs.
You promised those who ask would receive. Those who seek would find. Those who knock would have doors open to them. Hear the prayers of Your church. Grant my requests (mention your request here) and pardon my sins.
Amen.

Mary, Mother of Jesus, you were no stranger to suffering for you stood at the foot of the cross of Jesus your Son. And in that hour of total darkness, when your heart was pierced by the terrifying sight of your Son dying in agony, you entered into His suffering and made it your own.

Through your union with Jesus, give us new courage and hope before total darkness and despair. I come seeking your help and ask you to obtain my request (mention your request here). Grant us the grace to unite our sufferings with Jesus.

Loving Mother of our Redeemer, assist your people who cry out to you for help in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

(Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be)

L: We sinners call to you,
R: Loving mother help us!

L: Our Mother of Perpetual Help
R: Pray for us!

FATHERHOOD: THE EMBODIMENT OF MASCULINITY AND MORALITY

2010-06-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

The major dilemma of us single males in middle age are the pressures we get from society. Not unless any among us is brave enough to ‘come-out’ about his sexual orientation, he will be constantly questioned why he is not yet married or at least have a child of his own.

Not once during family gatherings was I asked about why I remained single. One relative, an evangelical pastor, even insinuated that my taking care of other children not my own such as nieces and nephews or adopt orphans are not good enough; that I have to sire my own from the “fruits of my loin” to please the Creator. Even in this time and age, I never disregard the words of God saying, “Go bear fruit and multiply” (Genesis 1:28), but I never knew God to be so demanding as how he suggested. Moreover, he made it sound as if God is a bigot! It was audacious of him to say what in my life is pleasing to God or not. While we are related, we are not close enough to know each other. So, what does he know about what and who I am? Only God knows and He be my judge.

Our culture indeed dictates that fatherhood is the ultimate expression of masculinity. It is a common notion that not until a man had sired a child, he is not fully a man. A man is regarded macho only when he was able to bring to the world, so to speak, the “fruit of his loins”. The measure of his virility is somehow proportionate to the number of children he has. Furthermore, nothing can be more virile than a man fathering from several womb.

I am not against all those who had children by more than one woman. Probably among us may have by some warranted circumstances. Neither I am against having so much children. Children afterall are blessings of the Lord. It is rather engaging in such, driven only by manly proclivities.

In some instances the masculine allure of fathers exudes. A certain sexiness may attract women to men who are father figure. Oftentimes the attraction is not physical but the profound sense of security and tender notion are what draws women to some fathers. How strange it is for a woman to want a man, married with children, that what attract her to him are the same reasons that keeps them apart.

The males as species are inherently competitive, particularly in their expression of sexuality. Yet we have evolved through the ages, certain traits remain to guarantee the survival of the race. Such are the attitudes toward procreation. Yet there may be some truth to these, it is unfortunate that we stop at this notion and disregard the true reason for fatherhood as it is ordained by the Creator.

Nowadays however we were able to integrate the primitive instinct with the values of character that defines modern fatherhood. We were able to view it in terms beyond biological but also include the moral and ethical aspects of being a man.

Virtue, its root vir is from the word virility; meaning pure; signify strength of character not of machismo. I was surprise to learn about this because I often associate this word as feminine as in the word virgin. This apparently indicates that there is a moral quality to being a man. This is what distinguishes us from the other species. There is more to masculinity than what the male ego has perceived it to be.

Jesus said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last and make himself the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) He told these to his disciples as a response to their bickering about whom among them is the greatest. This was a radical teaching during that time since Jewish society was predominantly patriarchal. As it is now, men will try to outdo each other in every endeavor. Whether it is in physical agility, intellectual capacity or spiritual aptitude, a man will long to prove that he is cut above the rest. And prove he is ‘bigger’, ‘larger’ or ‘better’ than other men.

But the greater competition any man will have to face is not against other men but his self. To face the challenges of fatherhood can be overwhelming yet may also be a frightening experience. While he may be socially proud, expectation of him to do his responsibility can be too much particularly among those who weren’t prepared for it.

Most abortions are consummated by the instigation of men who were not prepared or reluctant to take the responsibility of fatherhood. Most women who had an abortion will attest that they were forced to do it because their men demanded they did. Any man who is not man enough to face his responsibility is nothing but a miserable coward. He is willing to extinguish a helpless being, moreover of his own flesh, just to escape the demands of being a father.

Then Jesus took a little child, set him in the midst of them, and putting His arms around him said to them, “Whoever welcomes a child such as this in my Name, welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me, welcomes not Me but he One who sent Me.” (Mark 9:37)

With these words, we must realize that every child that comes in our midst has to be welcomed because they are of God. To terminate the life of the unborn go against the moral fiber of any society. Hence, every father’s refusal to take responsibility is a refusal of life itself.

Fatherhood indeed is a stamp of a man’s masculinity not because of this biological or sexual capacity but his ability to integrate the manly demands of society with his personal values ingrained in his moral core. While he may be proud of his status, he is ever mindful of his parental responsibility.

To be masculine is to be moral. A genuine man is the one who upholds the sanctity of life and is fully committed to it. To be fully a man, one has to be brave enough to face the challenges of fatherhood. And the best father is the one who is dedicated to his role. A man’s virility is measured not by how sexually adept he is but how virtuous and truthful he lives according to God’s tenets.

To those of you fathers who have read this blog:

My prayer is for you be the best father that you can every be. May God, our Father, abide with you in your parental endeavors and aspirations! Keep up the good work!

Yours in Christ,

DJ FLAME

A FATHER’S PRAYER

2010-06-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sharing with me the blessings of fatherhood.
I offer back to You all the glory from my being a father
for You are the greatest Father of us all.

Inspire me by Your love that I may become a better father.
Teach me how to understand my children, to listen patiently
to what they have to say, and to answer all their questions
kindly.

Keep me from interrupting them or contradicting them.
Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me.
Forbid that I should ever laugh at their mistakes or resort

to shame or ridicule when they displease me.

May I never punish them for my own selfish satisfaction or to show my power.
Let me not temp my children to lie or steal and guide me hour by hour that
I may demonstrate by all I say and do that honesty produces happiness.

Reduce, I pray, the meanness in me.
And when I am out of sorts, help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue.
May I ever be mindful that my children are children and

I should not expect of them the judgment of adults.

Let me not rob them of the opportunity to make their own decisions.
Bless me with the bigness to grant them all their reasonable requests

and the courage to deny them privileges I know will do them harm.
Make me fair and just and kind, worthy to be loved and respected

and imitated by my children.

Amen.

I MET THE MASTER

2010-06-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

I had walked life's way with an easy tread,
Had followed where comfort and pleasures led,
Until one day in a quiet place
I met the Master face to face.

With station and rank and wealth for my goal,
Much thought for my body, but none for my soul,
I had entered to win in life's mad race,
When I met the Master face to face.

I met Him, and knew Him and blushed to see
That His eyes full of sorrow, were fixed on me;
And I faltered and fell at His feet that day,
While my castles melted and vanished away.

Melted and vanished and in their place
Naught else did I see but the Masters face.
And I cried aloud, "Oh, make me meet
To follow the steps of Thy wounded feet."

My thought is now for the souls of men,
I have lost my life to find it again,
E'er since one day in a quite place
I met the Master face to face.

Author: Unknown

source: Speech Manual for Filipino High School Students (Volume I)
by Sr. Maria Reginalda Falca, O.P.

A PRAYER FOR THE PHILIPPINES

2010-06-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

- Preamble of the Philippine Constitution

Let us pray,

God our merciful Father
You are always been good to us
We pray with one voice for our beloved country;
for our leaders and for every citizen.

Lord, this is the Philippines the land of our birth; the land that we love.
You made this land and gave it to us.
Thank You for our freedom and patrimony;
and for the abundant blessings we constantly receive as a nation.

Rule among our people so that we may never misuse these gifts
through selfishness and greed.
Rule through our leaders and guide them in ways of justice and peace.
Counsel them O God, and may fortitude abide with them that they may conduct
the affairs of man in accordance with Your divine will.
Grant them the wisdom to make decisions for the benefit of the population
and not for their personal interest.
May the government seek to reconcile power with the needs of society,
to foster nation building and usher in progress.

Grant O Lord, to every Filipino the gift of respect for lawful authority,
justly exercised, that we may live as a united people,
one nation under God.
Help each citizen to live up to civil obligations with a sense of pride,
patriotism and conviction.
Inspire in each of us a sense of devotion to every duty
and an urgency to serve.
May we each develop a sense of responsibility to care for one another;
Ever ready to share and cooperate for the good of our family,
our community and our country.

Help us to live in peace with one another and
preserve the unity of our nation.
We pray for lasting peace particularly in regions
plagued by insurgency and separatism.
Teach us how to work for harmony and understanding
amidst the ethnic, social, political and religious diversity.

Hold us in Your hands, Lord Jesus.
Light our paths, advise us in our doubts, strengthen us in our difficulties
Help us right our wrongs and mend our ways
Heal our wounds of divisiveness and console us in our afflictions

Be with us, as ever, during calamities and national tragedy.
Teach us to respect and protect the environment and our natural resources.
May we be one in our effort to conserve energy and
keep our respective areas clean and safe;

Come to our aid, Lord
Bless our endeavors that foster nation building.
Grant us the necessary grace to be dedicated in our quest
for progress and development.
And inspire each of us to share the talents and skills You
bestowed on us to be used for the common good.

May our nation strive to form bonds of unity between countries,
to support policies and actions that fosters global peace.
Keep us free from foreign invaders, imperialistic and facist agenda.
Let us live in harmony with the international community;
Upholding always the human rights and dignity of every nationality.

We pray for the safety of every Filipino traveler and
those in foreign lands away from their love ones to work.
Lighten the burden of our countrymen who are oppressed
or experiencing injustice in other lands;
Strengthen those who are away from their native land facing racial or
cultural bias and console those who are longing for home.

Hearken us, Lord, in love for the truth in one another.
Help us to be people who consistently walk with you,
and living life in Your righteousness.
Make us realize that we are called to spread the Good News
not only among our people but also throughout the world.
So let us grow in faith, in hope, in love to become Your
faithful witnesses.
Let Your holy will be done for us. We pray in Jesus’ Name.
Amen.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pray for us!

San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, Pray for us!

Beato Pedro Calungsod, Pray for us!

Beata Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, Pray for us!

CHARACTER

2010-06-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

Watch out for your thoughts they become words.
Watch out for your words they become actions.
Watch out for your actions they become habits.
Watch out for your habits they become your character.
Watch out for your character they become your destiny.

Character is what distinguishes one person to another. The qualities by which a person is judged; his strengths and weaknesses. It is what dictates if a person can be considered morally upright or corrupt. No matter how it is defined, it’s the totality of the person’s acts, ways and how he reacts to different situations in life.

Character refers to a person’s conviction to take an independent stand and refuse to conform. Independent stand means he will not be governed by foreign power and free from the influence, guidance or control of others. On the other hand, it also refers to a person’s courage to admit being wrong and accept the truth at the cost of his ego.

Character may simply mean how others define you by name. There are names that are associated with certain character traits such as Judas may mean a traitor, Rizal a hero, Einstein a genius, Solomon a wise man. Although naming can vary from every culture, name gives each person his identity that may help shape his character.

Few of the names will become part of our life. They signify who we are and how we have lived. Solomon said, “The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known.” (Proverbs 10:7,9)

True character is tested during life’s difficulties and adversities. In times where lackness sets in, it is in these times wherein the true self is revealed. How he reacts to these situations signify whether he will be of great help to people in need. As Daisaku Gokkai said, “The only way to hone and polish our character is through our interaction with others.”

When we think of someone we know and admire, we associate that person to their names, thus, the credibility of the name is very important. Commitment in making a good name and maintaining it counts for something and we can do it. It’s just a decision we have to make. In a very high pressure situation, we can react like most people or we can choose to be different. Anyway, and anyhow, “A beautiful character begins in the heart.”

Indeed “Character,” according to Heraclitus, “is your destiny.” At the end, kings and paupers shall be judged by their good name and not for what they had. Thus, our destiny is not solely to be learned, rich, famous and powerful. Yet these are beneficial and unless these are used for good, these alone will not suffice for an upright character. Our true destiny is for each of us to become who we are as people living sensibly, in good terms with one another and in keeping with the will of the Creator. And here lies the strength of our character.

Let us pray,

God, our Father, thank You for giving us life.
We praise and adore You for loving us by giving Your Son, Jesus, as a ransom for our sins. We ask for Your forgiveness and mercy for all the times we have failed to live our life according to Your purpose. We are sorry for forgetting that our life’s quest is not to be wealthy, famous or powerful alone. Yet these are blessings from You, may we be reminded that these are to be used for the purposes You have set for us to accomplish—that is to further Your Kingdom here on earth.

Give us Lord a continuing sense to remember that at the end of our life, we shall be judged according to what we have become; by our character and not because of what we possess or lack in life. May we find the path to our true destiny—that is to be with You in eternity.

Who we are is Your gift to us. What we become is our offering back to Your goodness.
Give us the courage to live accordingly. May we be inspired by Your Holy Spirit so that with this life we may give glory to You as the one true God forever and ever. Amen.

2010-05-09T06:22:00.001-07:00

VOTERS’ PRAYER

God of our lives and of history,
we humbly beseech You to once again enlighten us voters
in this national and local elections,
to see through the political shroud of personality,
patronage and pay-offs.

Guide us in our responsible and critical choice of candidates
as we transcend the traditional politics of money, violence
and bribery.

Inspire and allow us to elect worthy men and women
who embody the spirit of true public service
in their moral consciousness.

Bless and inspire the candidates to enable them to ascertain
the value of government service as an instrument of social
transformation, development and maturity.
Instill in them the ideals of democracy whose cornerstone
is a government made for the people; of the people and
by the people.

Our dear mother Mary, embrace us with your maternal
Protection and care.
We pray that you would present to your dearly beloved
Son, Jesus, our supplication for honest, orderly, peaceful
and meaningful elections.
And may the Spirit of truth always reign in the hearts of
the Filipino electorate.

This we ask and implore through our Lord Jesus Christ,
in union with God the Father and the Holy Spirit,
One God for ever and ever. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER FOR THE NINE DAYS PRECEEDING THE ELECTIONS

2010-05-09T05:53:00.000-07:00

THE YEAR OF THE TWO HEARTS: THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

(Preliminary reflection, to prepare our minds and hearts for prayer.)

For several months now, we have been joining much earnest prayer to our efforts as Filipinos, citizens – Christian citizens – to help bring about a moral and spiritual renewal in our individual-, family-, and community- lives; in our social and political orders, toward true and profound reform in our society, as we prepare for the coming May 2010 local and national elections.

As the elections draw near, more intensely we pray to the Lord, to help us do our best to ensure that they be realized in good order, in full compliance of law; in conditions of genuine peace, in true freedom, and with ever growing political discipline and maturity on the part of our fellow citizens. Let us earnestly pray for this, knowing in faith how much we need God’s help and grace, that all this may come true.

To our prayer we must also join competent, persevering and hard work, unceasing watchfulness, that the electoral processes be carried out with total integrity from beginning to end, and that evil designs and purposes of those who may wish to disrupt, sabotage, break-up, or even nullify these processes may be prevented by the vigilance and courage of all Filipinos who cherish and defend truth, law, honesty, our true freedom and our cherished democracy. May the Lord Himself thwart the efforts of those with evil intentions.

May God be with us! May He lead us forward to a new and truly hope-filled chapter in our history as a people and a nation. May God lead us forward in hope.

NOVENA PRAYER

+ In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen. +

Father in heaven/ You wish us as Christians and citizens in our country/ to strive to participate with our people,/ fully and faithfully,/ toward building up a society and a nation/ whose social and political order is “founded on truth,/ guided by justice,/ realized in freedom,/ flowering in peace.” (Blessed John XXIII, Pacem in Terris)

You remind us in Scriptures,/ that “Unless the Lord build the city,/ they labor in vain who wish to raise it”;/ that not in personal lives alone,/ but in social and political strivings also,/ “Without Me, you can do nothing.”/ Without You, Lord,/ we can not/ deeply and lastingly/ bring to realization/ a true moral and spiritual renewal/ in our land.

We turn to You then, Lord,/ at this crucial time/ when our local and national elections are about to take place,/ and we beg You,/ for our people and our nation, and for ourselves:

that You may enlighten our minds/ and guide our consciences,/ ever to place the common good/ of our nation and our people,/ especially the good of those/ who are poor and have less in life,/ above all other lesser interests; that those we vote for/ will be those who will strive/ to serve our people’s interests,/ and not their own,/ above everything else;/ that they be those/ who will seek to make Your Will and Your Purposes/ truly present and operative/ in the governance of our society/ and in the working out/ of true solidarity and peace among our people;/ that they will be firmly dedicated/ to the true Christian “culture of life”;/ that they will never sacrifice truth and justice/ to the pursuit of gain and their narrow self-interest/ through lying, corruption and greed;

that You may purify the spirit/ in all those charged/ with the due realization of these elections,/ so that they will fulfill their tasks and duties/ in total obedience to the laws of our land,/ with complete integrity, honesty and transparency,/ seeking only that the will of our people/ and their free and rightful voice/ may truly express Your voice for us.

That the efforts of those/ who for their own interests/ seek to frustrate the full and honest exercise/ of our people’s right and duty/ in the electoral processes,/ be thoroughly thwarted/ by the vigilance, steadfastness and courage/ of those who will uphold,/ defend and guard our democracy/ and our democratic freedoms/ with conscience, integrity and all their rightful might.

Heart of Jesus, pierced for our sakes,/ at this crucial time in our history,/ lead all our people/ to the ways of truth and wisdom,/ love, selflessness and self-sacrifice/ which You gave us/ as the law of our own living./ Be with us now,/ Heart of our Savior, and have mercy on our people and our land./

Immaculate Heart of Mary,/ beloved mother of our people,/ intercede for us with Your Son,/ that we may fulfill our rights and duties/ during these elections/ with true purity of mind,/ with conscience and courage./ Be with us, our Mother,/ and pray for our people and our land.

Let us then pray: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be (3x)

The following prayer, addressed to St. Michael the Archangel, to thwart the designs of people of bad will, is the prayer prescribed by Pope Leo XIII against the work of the evil spirits in the world.

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And to thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. AMEN. (Pope Leo XIII)

Imprimatur:

+Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, D.D.
Archbishop of Manila
Chair of Committee of the Year of the Two Hearts

40th EARTH DAY: 1970 – 2010

2010-04-22T23:25:00.000-07:00

CARING FOR THE EARTH

The story of creation is a story of love and trust. Out of His great love for man, God have him the gift of life and created for him an entire universe of beauty and bounty, rich with all the resources man would need to sustain and to enhance his life. And because trust is born of love, the Creator made him lord of all creation, to have “dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all creatures that crawl on the ground.” (Genesis 1:26)

God saw that it was good. And He intended it for good willing that man, who His greatest handiwork--- made in His own image and likeness--- would make use of all creation of good. He made man the steward of creation, trusting him to care for and to cherish all the earth.

Everything would have been fine for mankind and for the earth if only men had behaved according to God’s plan. However, through the years, some had been remiss in their responsibility, forgetting the mandate that had been entrusted to them to care for the earth. Perhaps because knew no better or were misled in the understanding of them obligation, or because they had been distracted by the lure of other pursuits like material profits or gain.

Either from the ignorance or greed of some men, the earth has suffered. And only quite recently has mankind become aware of the results of this folly--- the environment has been damaged, precious resources has been depleted or totally lost, and even the quality of man’s life is being seriously threatened.

Fortunately, for us, it is not yet too late. All over the world there has been growing awareness of the need to reverse the cycle of death and destruction of the earth and the living things on the planet. There is a rising consciousness of what we reap when we violate the trust of the Creator, the source and giver of all life. There is remorse for neglect of the duty to care for nature and haste to make retribution through a renewal of lifestyles and priorities.

Our prayer now is for the continued blessings that more men and women will come to this realization and that they may continuously increase in number, in their commitment and in their cause; that more men and women may be affirmed in the conviction that economic development need not and should not be contrary to human and ecological development.

Our hope remains with the youth. It is to them that this generation will bequeath the earth and the covenant with the Creator to be stewards of it. May they be formed to appreciate and treasure the beauty of nature and committed to preserve the dignity and integrity of creation. And may they find the example and inspiration for this mission in responsible elders who sincerely aspire to be worthy of the trust of the Lord.

- Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz D.D.

Let us pray,

God, the Creator and Author of life,
We glorify You in all of creation.
We thank You for the blessings of nature.

Forgive us Lord, for neglecting our duty
as stewards of the earth.
Forgive us for destroying and abusing
the treasures You have given us.

Lord, inspire each of us to care for
the environment and respect nature;
Guide us in keeping the beauty and
wonders of the earth;
Teach us to fairly share nature’s bounty
with one another;

These we pray through Jesus Christ,
that we may glorify and constantly see
Your presence in one another and in
all creation.

Amen.

PRAYER TO THE RISEN CHRIST

2010-04-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

Lord Jesus Christ,
You have taken the sting from death
and robbed the grave of its victory.
In holy baptism, You have given us
a share also in Your risen life.

We thank You for all the good things
we have received from Your bountiful love.

We bless You for the courage
to carry our daily burdens.
We praise You for the salvation
You have won for us.

When we shall have finished
the work our Father gave us to do here,
be to us a gentle Savior.

May we seek You eagerly,
find You surely, and share in
Your unfading triumph
for all ages of ages.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Amen.

- From: “Treasures from Heaven”

PICKING UP ONE’S CROSS

2010-04-03T04:43:00.000-07:00

The death of my father twelve years ago was perhaps the most painful experience I had, so far. I left robbed of every opportunity that should have been mine. I felt betrayed by the very man who should have looked after my welfare, gave me security and protected my rights. I was depressed and felt so powerless. I don’t want to go on anymore. I wanted to give-up. I wanted to die. I had restless nights. Awake late the following day. Lock-up myself and sulk. I almost shut myself off to the world. Looking back, I was like a ‘dead-man’ walking. I was without future only a past filled with bitter memories. The emotional turmoil happening within me was too much for me to bear. Or so I thought.

How did I survive? – Inspiration.

In the midst of my misery, I never gave-up praying even if most of the time all I could manage to ask God was “Why?” At certain times, the “why?” is followed by “Are you there?” I never did doubt the existence of God. Yet I admit I felt He let me down. Yes, I told Him that.

I struggled to get-up, figuratively and literally. I would go to church as often as I could. It was a blessing that any where I live a church is always nearby. It was better to be here than wallow in self-pity at home. Besides, the sacred ambiance gave me a sense of solace. Here, I would hear Mass, say my prayers or just let time pass away. In these moments do I wonder what the other people doing here? What do each keep within their heart or what do they pray for? I feel a certain oneness with them. God showed me that I’m not alone in my suffering. We all need God. That’s why we are here.

Outside the church, vendors and beggars are common sight. These people are the epitome of poverty in this country. Among them is Lito.

Actually, I just gave him that name. We never really met each other. I have never known him personally but I often spotted him on a sidewalk by the church peddling garlands of sampaguita, the Philippine’s national flower used as an offering in church altars because of its fragrance. He would try to sell to everyone passing by especially those going to the church.

A stocky, sun-darkened complexion in his late twenties, Lito has never left his place regardless of the weather. I have seen him sweat under the heat of the afternoon sun and soaked to the skin during heavy rains. Yet, the smile (with some teeth missing) that he generously shares with others seems to conceal whatever pain he was experiencing. I have heard his hearty laugher while kidding with the other vendors. Once, I bought sampaguita from him and courteously thanked me for it.

It’s an ordinary story you may say, but not quite.

You see, Lito is an amputee. He doesn’t have limbs.

Yes, no arms, no legs. Only stumps of flesh were left where the missing parts are supposed to be. He moves from place to place by paddling a wheeled plank (like a skateboard, only broader to accommodate his whole body) with what remained of his upper arms.

At the sight of it, I could guess it was congenital. However, I don’t have the guts to ask him how he really lost his limbs. I think it would be impertinent of me to do so. It doesn’t matter since Lito doesn’t seem to mind.

I can’t help but admire the guy for being so strong and courageous. Can you imagine how a physically-handicapped (or ‘differently-abled’ to be politically correct) man fight the odds just to make something good out of his life? To be productive, even!

Then I asked myself, what am I doing with myself? Will I waste my life like this? If Lito can do it, why can’t I? Upon this realization, I was ashamed for demanding too much from God. Afterall, He gave me a complete body to go through life’s trials. I have been blessed with intelligence and the opportunity to get an education. What more should I ask? God equipped me with the necessary blessings that I can use to go through the difficulties of living. Lito took up his cross. I should too.

The cross faces us constantly. It is the symbol of the trials we always encounter in life. And Jesus challenges us as he said, “Take up your cross daily and follow me!” (Luke 9:23) But that word ‘daily’ is what gets to us. The daily chores become so routine and boring. The pressures and stresses of each day are like a grinding wheel. Yet, we must rise above these feelings, of fear and uncertainty. We must learn to be happy with each day as it is a gift from God. We must accept its special challenges and to inspire others by living our sense of purpose.

It’s been years since I last saw Lito. I no longer see him in his usual place. Maybe he had gone to face greater challenges somewhere. I never had the chance to get to know him. Or even talk to him briefly about how he had changed my perception in life. I could have thanked him for allowing himself to be used as God’s instrument for me to see things differently. In a way, he had taught me (and I thought I was so learned) a lesson that can never be acquired in any institution of learning. God’s ways are mysterious. Indeed, He uses the lowly of this world to manifest His glory to the proud and conceited at heart. And nothing can be so humbling than that.

Let us pray,

Heavenly Father,
I humbly ask for Your forgiveness if I took for granted Your gifts; for misusing them for worthless purposes or for serving my own selfish interest.

Thank you very much for Your blessings most especially for the gift of salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. Teach me to carry my daily cross as He did to Calvary and give me the strength to follow His examples.

Let me be Your courageous instrument of goodness and kindness to others. Likewise, may I always recognize You in others. May we learn to bear with one another as we carry our respective crosses; always patient and persevering in every trial.

And lastly, Lord, I respectfully submit to Your divine will. May I fulfill my life’s purpose accordingly, so that I may serve to Your greater glory. Amen.

THE CALL OF WOMAN: A Lenten Reflection on the 6th Station of the Via Crucis, Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

2010-03-28T02:31:00.000-07:00

In celebration of International Women’s Month
March 2010

The spontaneity of Veronica gives us an indication of the role of woman in the redeeming Church. She has a natural sense of faith and devotion, a deep intuitive grasp of the values of your message.

Woman is more of earth, more in touch with the here and now. She feels deeply with this sick child, with the neighbor who lost her husband, with a tragedy which takes place in the vicinity. Her emotions of love and tenderness and compassion are keenly sensitized. She moves first with the heart, then with the mind. She thinks in terms of hospitals and schools and playgrounds.

A mature and strong woman can do great things for the people of God. One who is selfish and possessive, an occasion of sin for others, can do great harm. Every great man has been cherished and inspired by sincere women. The downfall of every great man has been hastened by women who lost their sense of vocation.

Woman has always been the cradle of society. Now, you and the Church are asking her to become evermore the heart of the world. She is the guardian of decency and modesty. Only when she wakes to the harm being done by evil-minded men will the morals of society be changed. Her basic tenderness will reach out to the poor and oppressed. Her intuition and sensitivity will prompt her to expose the evils of injustice everywhere.

Let us pray,

Dear Lord,
Send us Monicas, and Teresas, and Brigits and Clares.
Give woman her true sense of dignity and vocation,
a true sense of equality as an image of God.
Make her realize the unique role she has among Your people.
Only when both men and women put their hearts and minds
wholly to the task will the work of Your redemption
of the world be accomplished.
Amen.

- From: The Shrine’s Everyday Prayer Book
Copyright 1978, The Reverend Oblate Fathers, Rome

THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST

2010-02-26T02:03:00.000-08:00

The controversial movie “The Last Temptation of Christ” depicted a hypothetical scenario if Jesus gave-up his task as the Messiah. In the movie, his supposed ‘last temptation’ was to abandon his messianic mission in favor of becoming a man for the love of a mortal woman, insinuation was Mary Magdalene. Fiction as it is, the filmmakers categorically disclaimed any historical proof and theological truth in the story. Further, it was unintentional to malign Christianity as an institution of faith. Despite the disclaimers, the movie nevertheless created controversy. I saw that movie myself and despite of the controversy it did not change my faith in Christ or doubted the traditional teachings of the Church. I just hoped and prayed that those who saw that movie may not be ‘tempted’ to doubt or loose faith. Afterall, it was just another work of fiction.

If we take the movie’s premise that Jesus would have chosen to stay as a mere mortal for the love of a mortal woman was totally absurd. As the Son of God, Jesus is one with the Father who is love himself. No other love is greater than God’s. Any form of love that Jesus may have felt as humanly possible such as camaraderie, intimacy or sensuality are nothing compared to the divine love that he possessed as a God. Thus, it was impossible for him to favor any human being as distinct from any other. We all are equal in the sight of God. Besides, to choose any mortal before God is an unforgivable sin!

If Jesus did marry, he would have done so for the same reason of any man-- that is to gain status, fulfill the need for physical intimacy and establish emotional security. However, he was not any man. He neither needed to gain status to bolster his ego (e.g. pride) nor create physical bonds to be emotionally secured. Yet he was truly a man, he does not need all these. Unlike the pagan gods of ancient times, such as those in Greek mythology, Jesus was not narcissistic. His strength of character is unlike any mortal. He had God’s full grace since he was born for a very specific purpose unique in human history. And that is to save mankind.

The true account of Jesus’ temptation is in the Bible when he fasted and prayed for 40 days before he embarked in his public ministry. His intended solitary experience in the dessert was regularly interrupted by Satan’s visit to keep him company. But some company was the evil one. The devil was not there to give him comfort or keep him at ease but to make it harder for him to focus on his preparation to become the Savior and thus destroy God’s plan for salvation.

Jesus was thrice visited by Satan to temp him. Although the devil might have visited him more than that within the 40 days he stayed at the dessert, only these three were revealed to us by God as a summary of the lesson we have to learn from this particular event in Jesus’ life.

Yes, these three temptations are representations of the torments that any human suffers in all levels of his being: the body, soul and spirit.

The first temptation of Satan was for Jesus to turn the stones into bread to satisfy his hunger. It was tempting to do so. This temptation represents every bodily torment we experience that may harm us in any way or contradict values and morals. This is not to deny the physical needs that are inherent. However, it is the indulgence that goes beyond answering to the call of nature or may go against the natural processes of life. Yet Jesus as a man did experience hunger, thirst and other bodily urges, he lived a well-balanced life fulfilling these needs as required and within God’s natural law. For us, there is a tendency to live excessively to our own detriment. Gluttony, sloth, fornication and other forms of urges may destroy not only physically but morally as well. Just like Jesus, we should learn how to tame our urges; to live only as required and keep always his word that says, “Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from God.”

In the second temptation, Jesus was brought by Satan to the steep wall of the temple and told him to throw himself to test if God will truly send angels to save him from harm. This was in effect a clever strategy of the devil to test Jesus’ faith. Satan even quoted the Scriptures saying, “God has given orders to the angels about you. Their hands will hold you lest you hurt your foot against a stone.” With this temptation, Jesus was assailed in his spirit. He may have been tempted to prove the promise of God about him yet his faith never failed. He doesn’t have to prove it because he had faith. How many of us had doubted God? There were times when we are assailed by contradictions and uncertainty. We feel God has abandoned us. Oftentimes, we pray to Him yet we ask him for signs and reassurance shows only our lack of faith. Sometimes, we even set conditions or bargain with God without fully trusting His will for us. Let us not be tempted to doubt God just because we didn’t get what we ask of Him. Surely, He has a good reason to do so for our sake. We should not try to ‘bribe’ or coerce God even in prayer, it will never work. For it is written, “You shall not put to the test the Lord your God.”

The third and final temptation, Satan brought Jesus to the farthest perspective to view the lavish and ostentatious sight of the world’s vanity. On display are wealth, power, prestige and every temporal wish of any man. All these shall be given to Jesus if he shall worship Satan. This temptation was an attack on his soul. Jesus, the man, may have been tempted to possess all these yet he knew too well how these are temporal and fleeting. He cannot exchange eternal life for the temporal life. Unfortunately for us, we easily fall prey to materialism and to the hedonistic lifestyle. Among us are those who will “give up their soul to the devil” to possess wealth, status and fame. And there are those who ‘worship money’ and are idolatrous towards their self; their relationships or to ideologies. We may have unconsciously and unintentionally neglected the worship of the one true God for these worldly possessions. But the price for our neglect is not worth all the possessions of this world. Hence, we listen to Jesus’ reply to Satan on this ultimate temptation, “Be off, Satan! It is written: worship the Lord your God and serve Him alone.”

Eventually, Jesus triumphed over himself by proving his strength in body, soul and spirit. He defeated Satan and conquered the world by his sheer might against every temptation and won for us our salvation.

Lets us pray,

Praise to You, O Lord!
You never abandoned us.
For our sake You send Your Son Jesus to save us.
May we live like Him full of faith in You most especially in times of temptation.
Grant us a strength of character to bear the trials of this life.
Let us not be blinded by the vanity of the world.
Make us remember always that the most essential are not the worldly possessions
But rest in our mercy for us.
We ask You to grant us the grace to live as You please:
Worshipping You, caring for our selves and serving others.
Make our Lenten meaningful and full of genuine intentions.
That when we celebrate Easter we will rejoice with a pure heart.
We pray through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

LOVE

2010-02-14T20:45:00.000-08:00

The Bible says that man has been created in God’s image and likeness. What in man corresponds most to God’s being is his capacity to love. And we resemble God most by the manner we love.

Love, unfortunately, has become one of the most misunderstood and confused word in any language. Some want it to mean nothing more than the attraction between the sexes. Others want it to mean no more than desire and its satisfaction. And when others speak of it, it seems that love and sex are synonymous. It’s all so sad because love understood as any of these is hardly love. It is confused: the wrapper is taken for the content.

Love is really like life. It is so vast in its meaning, so varied in its expressions and so rich in its manifestations that one has to be fully alive in order to understand love fully. As someone wrote: “The best definition of love is a loving person.”

If love is that capacity which makes us resemble God most, then we have to affirm as well that the measure by which we can test our loving is God himself.

God created everything not because he had to, but because, in his boundless love, He so willed that even His creature, man, should have a share in his Godhood, not by force but by free response of love. Man is free precisely because freedom is the necessary condition for loving.

Jesus became God’s Word of love to all men. He came to heal to heal the brokenhearted, to free the prisoners, to restore the sick to health, to forgive all sins.

St. Paul beautifully points out to us that Jesus expressed the greatest manifestation of God’s love: “Thought he was in the form of God, he emptied himself and took the form of a slave… obediently accepting even death, death on the cross.” Jesus lowered himself to the lowest known state so that he could raise us to God. In his love of his Father and of us, he chose to die a man so that we might live like God. And when he was to go back to his Father, he sent the Holy Spirit to dwell among us, to enliven us and to be the love that binds us together in one family of God.

The measure of love, then, is not what our hearts dictate or what our desires lead us to. Love is very much greater than what I now can feel. It is much more than urges I feel within. Love is, above all, the goodness of other persons in communion that is stronger than death.

In this sense, love includes the goodness of a man seeking the goodness of a woman, the goodness of a parent towards his or her child, the goodness of a friend seeking the goodness of another. Love never dies because goodness never dies.

- Reflection from:
Presence: Prayers for Busy People (copyright 1991 St. Paul Publications)

Let us pray

God, You are the source of true love; You are love itself.

Thank You for Your love for us by sending Your only

Son Jesus Christ o save us and all creation by His death

and resurrection.

Let us live in Your love. May we love You accordingly.

Teach us to love one another just as You love us.

Hence, we shall further Your Kingdom on this earth

by the love You have bestowed us.

All the glory and honors be Yours forever and ever,

in the Name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Amen.

GRANDMA AND OUR MARIAN TRADITION

2010-02-10T22:19:00.000-08:00

Today is the feast of the Our Lady of Lourdes. This feast is to commemorate the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France on February 11, 1858 to a humble peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous, who is now St. Bernadette.

On this day also, my grandmother Julia was born in 1920. Were she alive today, she would have been 90 years old. I remember that everytime we talk about her birthday, we would tell her that she should have been named Lourdes since it was, and still is, a common Catholic practice to name a child after the saint whose feast is being celebrated on the day one was born.

Because of my grandmother, our family shared a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was particularly devoted to Mary in her title Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario, La Naval de Manila, whose antique image is enshrined at the National Shrine of Our lady of the Rosary in Sto. Domingo Church. It is noteworthy to share this fact for later on it will play a significant part in my spiritual renewal.

Her children were not only sent to school to have an education but they also brought them up to the Church for moral and spiritual instructions. Thus, my mother and aunts were members of the Legion of Mary. One of my uncles entered the seminary. Although he did not become a priest, his religious education had formed his moral values to become a devoted family man.

Not only my grandmother but also my grandfather, who was a veteran of WWII, was a devotee of the Blessed Virgin. I remember my grandparents telling me their experiences how they survived the war. Undoubtedly, their faith in God was foremost why they survived and their devotion to Mary inspired them to never loose faith in the Lord. Mary for them was a special instrument sent to them for their protection. I remember the story when my grandfather had to go home from battle unnoticed by Japanese soldiers. My grandmother later told him that as she peered through their window she saw a mysterious cloaked lady escorting him to safety. My grandfather survived the infamous ‘Death March’ after the Fall of Bataan and Corrigidor because his faith was unwavering and that he had never loose hope. Amidst the stench and misery around him in the Japanese concentration camp, he prayed on clutching the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

Indeed our family had a strong affinity to the Blessed Virgin Mary inspite the fact that some among us, later on, had converted to other denomination or had become non-traditional Catholics. Yet, the respect and love for Mary remained. My aunt Purisima who became an Evangelical Christian maintained a ‘private’ devotion to Mary. Her full baptismal name Purisima Concepcion is Spanish for the Immaculate Conception to which the feast is December 8, her birthday.

The fondest memories I had as a child was the occasional gathering of our family for the praying of the Holy Rosary, oftentimes my grandmother leading the family in prayer. The ‘Block Rosary’, a movement that encourages families to pray together by bringing an image of the Virgin to stay at homes for a week within the neighborhood block, regularly visits our home. Thus, I learned to pray the rosary even before I learned how to read. I first learned to pray in English but later on, in primary school, I learned the prayers in our native tongue, Tagalog. Since the prayers were in English, I just mimicked the words without understanding what the words meant. As I grew-up I understood and meant every word of the prayers and most of all, I knew the relevance it holds to my faith.

During my years in the university, I was too engaged in intellectualism and liberal thoughts and I had no use for the spiritual. As young as I was, I searched for answers to the essential questions of life from philosophy, the social sciences to astrology. Later on, my quest for meanings had led me to other denomination; turning-away from the faith I was born into. I was into such quandary when my grandmother suddenly died in 1988. I was then a young eighteen year old who knew nothing but thinks like he knew everything.

It was not until 1991 that I was guided back to the folds of the Church through the intercession of our Lady. It was on that year in the month of May, a month dedicated to Mary, that I alone in Sto. Domingo Church, in front of the image of Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario, La Naval de Manila that begun my spiritual resurrection. Since that afternoon I had a new perspective in life. I came out of that experience with much hope and optimism amidst every challenge and difficulty I encountered in life. I constantly experience God’s mercy prevails through our faith in His Son Jesus. And that Mama Mary is always helping us pray for guidance and protection.
I believe there was no accident in matters of faith. Coincidence is God’s way of making us recognize His message to us. He uses time, place, things and people around us to coincide with each other to catch our attention; to tell us that He speaks to us in the events of daily life. I know it was not mere coincidence that I was in that particular Church at a specified time in a precise area. Somehow, I believe my grandmother is still praying for us now that she is with the Lord.

In gratitude, I fulfill the annual solemn novena to Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario, La Naval de Manila during October; a devotional practice handed down from my grandparents. I and two other cousins are continuing the devotion not only as a family tradition but out of genuine faith that goes beyond the external rituals. This we do, ever mindful that our expression of faith is not limited alone to prayers and piety but most of all in our work, character and relationships with others.

Let us pray,

Father God, we praise You for Your mercy. Our gratitude for You is endless. Thank You for this life we possess. Thank You for our families who love and care for us. We give You thanks for the gift of the Church to us, who teaches us Your truth.

May we ask You to see us through all the confusions and find You in every event of life.
May we hear You speaking to us daily and constantly grant us Your guidance and protection.

We pray together with Mama Mary, Our lady of Lourdes for those who seek Your mercy
to be healed of their sickness whether of body or spirit. Protect and strengthen those who labor in Your Name; those who are instruments of Your mercy. May there more respond to Your call to serve others who are in dire need; That in the end You shall be glorified forever.

We ask these in the Name of Jesus, Our Lord and Savior, together with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

CANDLEMAS

2010-02-02T17:20:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY 2: THE PURIFICATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
White Double 2 Class

The Feast of Candlemas, which derives its origin from the local observance of Jerusalem, marks the end of the Feasts included in the Christmas cycle of the liturgy. It is perhaps the most ancient festival of Our Lady. It commemorates, however, not only the obedience of the Blessed Virgin to the Mosaic Law in going to Jerusalem forty days after the birth of her Child and making the accustomed offerings, but also the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple, and the meeting of the Infant Jesus with the old man Simeon --- the Occursus Domini, as the Feast was anciently termed. This is the principal theme of the liturgy on this day: Jesus is taken to the Temple “to present Him to the Lord.” So the Lord comes to His Temple, and is met by the aged Simeon with joy and recognition.

The procession on this day is one of the most picturesque features of the Western liturgy. The blessing and distribution of candles, to be carried lighted in procession, preceded the Mass today ---- a symbolic presentation of the truth proclaimed in the Canticle of Simeon: Our Lord is the “Light for the revelation of the Gentiles.” The anthems sung during this procession, Eastern in origin, well expressed the joy and gladness of this happy festival, and the honor and praise we give to our Blessed Lady and her Divine Son by this devout observance.

Prayer for the blessing of the candles

O Lord Jesus Christ, the true Light who enlightenst every man that cometh into this world: pour forth Thy blessing + upon these candles, and sanctify + them with the light of Thy grace, and mercifully grant, that as these lights enkindled with visible fire, dispel the darkness of night, so our hearts illumined by invisible fire, that is, the splendor of the Holy Spirit, may be free from the blindness of all vice, that the eye of our mind being cleansed, we may be able to discern what is pleasing to Thee and profitable to our salvation; so that after the perilous darkness of this life we may deserve to attain to neverfailing light: through Thee, O Christ Jesus, Savior of the world, who in the perfect Trinity, livest and reignest, God, world without end. Amen.

- from The New Marian Missal (c. 1950)
by Sylvester P. Juergens, S.M.
(Doctor of Sacred Theology)

The Canticle of Simeon

Now, Master, You can let Your servant go in peace, just as You promised; because my eyes have seen the salvation which You have prepared for all the nations to see, a Light to enlighten the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel. – Luke 2:29-32

Let us pray,

Lord, we adore You for great mercy for us.
Thank You for revealing to us Your Son, Jesus Christ
to be the light of our salvation.
By Your grace, help us to be obedient to Your
Divine will as Mother Mary was.
May we trust in Your promises as Simeon did.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, purify our hearts
And inflame them with the fires of Thy love.
We ask these through Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.

BOB AND THE MEMORIES OF HOT FM

2010-01-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

LET THERE BE LIGHT

2010-01-07T02:28:00.000-08:00

“And God said, ‘Let there be light’: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. – Genesis 1:3-4

Fear of the dark is perhaps the most primitive fear of man. It is the earliest form of fear that we experience. It is a normal occurrence that a child at a certain age experiences fear of the dark. It is a universal notion that in darkness lurks something sinister. Thus, children fear to enter dark rooms for fear of ghosts, monsters and evil spirits that are likely to manifest in the dark. Moreover, in darkness we feel helpless against the danger that might be lurking within. Also, to walk in the dark we may stumble and fall. But a flick of a switch instantly lights a darkened room that instantly banishes our fear. And light illumines the path we walk on so that we may not stumble and fall.

While we outgrow our fear of the dark, other fears set in. At close scrutiny however, all fear stem from the fear of the unknown. This fear manifest due to lack of awareness or ignorance. Hence, we may no longer fear the physical darkness around us yet we now have to confront the greater darkness within us, ignorance.

It has been said that the greatest sin in the world is ignorance. Since all are sinners, we experience at some points in our life the impact of our lack of knowledge. An ignorant soul suffers trouble, disgrace, misfortune, despair, shame and guilt. We certainly wish we wouldn’t fall victim to any of these at any time. Yet, we are always vulnerable because in this world we can not be learned enough. Because of ignorance, figuratively speaking, dark is a soul in sin.

Light is the anti-thesis of dark. For “God divided the light from the darkness” stated in Genesis 1:4. Darkness is dispelled by light. As dark symbolizes evil, sin, ignorance, void, deceit and death; light denotes goodness, grace, wisdom, wholeness, truth and life.

Light is the main element of vision. While in the dark we see nothing, light filters through our eyes that we may see clearly; to learn and understand more vividly. God is goodness and light. We may see Him but through the eyes of faith, someday we shall be granted the eternal vision of Him if we have lived life worthily to be at His presence. Although it is very difficult to live such a life in this world of darkness and deceit, God send His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to be the light of our souls darkened by sin. “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shine in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. That was the true Light which lights every man that cometh into the world.” – John 1:4-5,9 Thus, there is a Catholic invocation for the soul of the departed asking God to “Let Your perpetual light shine upon him.” This is to pray for our departed brothers and sisters to be granted the beatific vision of God.

Hence, through Jesus Christ, we are saved from our own futile efforts to live life according to God’s will but by His grace it is possible for us to do so. Because of sin, we don’t see clearly and we are easy prey to the deceit of evil. However, the light of God’s truth overcomes the darkness of deceit; His Divine wisdom scatters the darkness of ignorance. The light of Christ illumines our soul that we may see clearly through the eyes of faith and direct our walk through the road we travel in life.

Let us pray.

You are the Light, O God. Illumine our soul darkened by sin. We seek the light of Your wisdom to dispel our ignorance; the light of Your truth to break the treachery of deceit; and the light of Your mercy and love to overcome our fears.

Lord, direct our path with Your guiding light. Let us not be dissuaded by the darkness around us. And if we are blinded by the darkness within us, may we have the grace to open our eyes of faith to see the vision of Your goodness.

Let Your light shine brightly from within us that we may be the bearers of Your light to others and make this dark world a brighter place until the end of time. We ask these through Jesus Christ, the Light of our life with the light of wisdom who is the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen.

IN THE BEGINNING GOD

2010-01-01T03:16:00.000-08:00

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light 'day', and the darkness he called 'night.' And there was evening, and there was morning - the first day."– Genesis 1:1-5

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”- John 1:1

It is most appropriate to start this blog with the ultimate beginning, God, and the best way to begin this first post is to quote from scriptures. The first verse was from the Old Testament Book of Genesis while the second was from the New Testament Gospel of St. John. Both attest that everything started with God.

We know that life is temporal. Our birth on this earth is the beginning and when we depart through death it is the end. In between these most significant moments is the great journey called life.

Indeed, life is a journey. Every journey has to start somewhere and there is a destination. Our faith tells us that all begins with God. Hence, our life started with Him and someday our destination is to be with Him in heaven.

An inspirational adage says, “The human spirit is restless unless it finds rest in God.” In a way, we feel some degree of restlessness in life. Amidst the cares of the world around us, we yearn for the spiritual. With this yearning comes the most profound yet commonly considered trivial questions, “Why are we born?” and “What is my life’s purpose?” Unless one believes that man has not only physical, psychological but also spiritual needs to fulfill, it would be difficult to learn and understand the concept of the Divine. Most of us may belong to certain religion, members of a church, religious congregation or has some spiritual affiliation and say “I do believe in God”, yet we may ask “What does God got to do with me?” In the midst of human sufferings, the personal challenges and difficulties that we face, many of us pray to the Unseen but familiar God taught to us from childhood. But how real is this God to us? Is our prayer simply a rite or a psycho-emotional coping device against the harshness of living? How are the human condition and our temporal existence related to the Divine? Constantly we seek for answers from every intelligent resource available to us or turn to the wisest authorities on the subject matter; we may academically or scholastically study the truths about God yet nothing suffices but faith alone. Even the revelation of God through the Church, sacred scriptures and writings are helpless to our personal quest without faith.

Hebrews 11:6 states “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”. Although believing is an inherent requisite for faith to flourish, it is not enough. We may believe in something but we don’t necessarily have faith in that something. St. Paul defined it in his letter to the Hebrews saying, “Faith is the substance of things hope for the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) Our knowledge of God is void without the faith that transforms us and guides our journey through life. Our intellect is inadequate to fully comprehend the mystery of God and our life. Yet, by faith we experience a sense of completeness beyond intellectual reason.

It is hard to have faith through our own efforts simply because it is God’s gift to us. If we search for Him and ask for it, it will be granted unto us. He promised, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:5-13). If we believe this promise, it would be certain that faith is instantly given unto us. For in faith lies our ultimate experience of God.

This blog shall be a personal log of my spiritual journey. There is something sacred and profound in this journey thus I think it most appropriate term for this is pilgrimage as it is distinct from any other journey we take in our life. Since I belong to the Roman Catholic Church, I shall talk about being Catholic and share my thoughts about the Church as an institution, its teachings and other issues that relates to her without prejudice to any denomination or religion.

I encourage others to join me in this pilgrimage. Although, I already stated that I do belong to a particular church, all are welcome particularly those who are in their own quest for God as they journey through. We don’t have to be of the same religious persuasion or denominational affiliation. In fact, in diversity we may come to know our faith in God is not limited to concepts, doctrines, dogmas and theological studies. Although these teach us the basic truths of our faith, they remain meaningless if we can not find their relevance to our relationship with God and others. We will most likely to share here our personal experiences as we move along in faith; how it transform us and guide us in our ways. We may share unique beliefs, ways of worship, prayers and distinctive rites and culture of our respective religion, church or congregation essential to our witnessing of our faith. We will do so without prejudice to one another but for better understanding of our common aspiration to get to our ultimate destination, God. There may be dissenting opinions however we will do so with respect for one another calling to mind that we are all children of God and that we are here on a pilgrimage.

Our pilgrimage begins today the first day of a new year, 2010 A.D. (Anno Domini). On this first day of the year this blog is launched consecrated to the Almighty and dedicated to all who are seeking Him in earnest and wish to be in this pilgrimage of faith. Let us pray,

O God Almighty, we are humbled by Your majesty as the great Creator. We thank You for the life that is given us. Thank You for all the blessings and necessary graces that You have bestowed us.

Bless this blog, O Lord. Make this a medium of Your presence among us. May everyone who browse this blog be enlightened by the flames of faith. Make this endeavor fruitful and fulfilling that anyone who joins this pilgrimage be blessed by Your graces. We offer every word that counts and help us make sense by Your wisdom.

Keep this blog pure in its intentions, genuine in its goals and delivered from selfish interest. Teach us to be humble in our thoughts and in our words that in all things You shall be glorified. Be with us as we communicate and express our thoughts. Remind us always that we are here not to battle each others intellect; or prove how much righteous we are against another; or more pious than any one else rather we are here to travel alongside one another in faith of You. As we learn from the sharing of one another, may we go beyond knowing for mere knowledge of our faith is useless unless we live it.

Grant us, O Lord, a charitable heart willing always to hear and understand each others reason. Give us all a sense of responsibility to bear with one another’s point of view and grant us a forgiving heart whenever it is needed. Teach us to present our contentions with respect and politeness and may we be magnanimous in every disagreement.

Lord, let us see You in one another. May Your Holy Spirit travel with us in this pilgrimage to guide and light our path. Grant us perseverance and the grace to follow Your divine will so that at the end of our pilgrimage we shall return to where we begun, You. We ask these through Christ our Lord together with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.