THE GREATEST BLESSING LIFE CAN BRING

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

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

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

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”

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

“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

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!