The triumph of human fortitude...
http://www.vimeo.com/17150524
Friday, December 10, 2010
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
I conduct personalized Spiritual Recollection/Retreat for families and private/government organizations.
I conduct talks and I facilitate Recollection for families and private/government organizations.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Aggie Catholics: Top 14 Reasons To Read The Bible
Aggie Catholics: Top 14 Reasons To Read The Bible: "Top 14 reasons why we need to read the Bible:14 - Because God is the Divine author (2 Tim 3:16). 13 - It teaches us the ways of salvation (..."
Saturday, October 30, 2010
When I'm Gone. A Poem for All Souls Day...
When I'm Gone
By: Lyman Hancock
When I’ve come to the end of my journey
and I have traveled my very last mile
Forget if you can that I’ve frowned
Remember only my smile...
Forgive unkind words I have spoken
Remember some good I have done
Forget I ever had heartache
And remember only our fun...
By: Lyman Hancock
When I’ve come to the end of my journey
and I have traveled my very last mile
Forget if you can that I’ve frowned
Remember only my smile...
Forgive unkind words I have spoken
Remember some good I have done
Forget I ever had heartache
And remember only our fun...
Forget that I've stumbled and fumbled
And sometimes fell by the way
Remember: I fought some hard battles
But had you at the close of my day...
Do not grieve for my going
I would not have you sad this day
But in time gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay...
Perhaps in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the West
Come stand a few moments above me
Remembering only the best...
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Story of the two horses...
There is a place in the countryside with a field that has two horses in it.
From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing....
Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.
This alone is amazing.
If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell.
Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.
Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell.
It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.
As you stand and watch these two friends,
You'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse,
And that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk
To where the other horse is,
Trusting that he will not be led astray.
When the horse with the bell returns
To the shelter of the barn each evening,
It stops occasionally and looks back,
Making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owners of these two horses,
God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect
Or because we have problems or challenges.
He watches over us and even brings others into our lives
To help us when we are in need..
Sometimes we are the blind horse
Being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.
Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way....
Good friends are like that... You may not always see them, but you know they are always there.
Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.
And remember...
Be kinder than necessary-
Everyone you meet is fighting
Some kind of battle.
From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing....
Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.
This alone is amazing.
If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell.
Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.
Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell.
It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.
As you stand and watch these two friends,
You'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse,
And that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk
To where the other horse is,
Trusting that he will not be led astray.
When the horse with the bell returns
To the shelter of the barn each evening,
It stops occasionally and looks back,
Making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owners of these two horses,
God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect
Or because we have problems or challenges.
He watches over us and even brings others into our lives
To help us when we are in need..
Sometimes we are the blind horse
Being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.
Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way....
Good friends are like that... You may not always see them, but you know they are always there.
Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.
And remember...
Be kinder than necessary-
Everyone you meet is fighting
Some kind of battle.
Monday, September 06, 2010
The parable of the pencil...
A PENCIL MAKER TOLD THE PENCIL 5 IMPORTANT LESSONS JUST BEFORE PUTTING IT IN THE BOX :
1.) EVERYTHING YOU DO WILL ALWAYS LEAVE A MARK.
2.) YOU CAN ALWAYS CORRECT THE MISTAKES YOU MAKE.
3.) WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS WHAT IS INSIDE OF YOU.
4.) IN LIFE, YOU WILL UNDERGO PAINFUL SHARPENINGS,
WHICH WILL ONLY MAKE YOU BETTER.
5.) TO BE THE BEST PENCIL, YOU MUST ALLOW YOURSELF
TO BE HELD AND GUIDED BY THE HAND THAT HOLDS YOU.
We all need to be constantly sharpened. This parable may encourage you to know that you are a special person, with unique God-given talents and abilities. Only you can fulfill the purpose which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot be changed and, like the pencil, always remember that the most important part of who you are, is what's inside of you.
1.) EVERYTHING YOU DO WILL ALWAYS LEAVE A MARK.
2.) YOU CAN ALWAYS CORRECT THE MISTAKES YOU MAKE.
3.) WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS WHAT IS INSIDE OF YOU.
4.) IN LIFE, YOU WILL UNDERGO PAINFUL SHARPENINGS,
WHICH WILL ONLY MAKE YOU BETTER.
5.) TO BE THE BEST PENCIL, YOU MUST ALLOW YOURSELF
TO BE HELD AND GUIDED BY THE HAND THAT HOLDS YOU.
We all need to be constantly sharpened. This parable may encourage you to know that you are a special person, with unique God-given talents and abilities. Only you can fulfill the purpose which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot be changed and, like the pencil, always remember that the most important part of who you are, is what's inside of you.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
My Gospel Reflections for Friday August 6: Luke 9:28-36
My Reflections:
Why did Jesus brought along Peter, John and James to the mountain of Transfiguration? It was for them to see and experience what shall await them if they will not give-up and continue to be faithful to the teachings of Jesus.
It was a foretaste of heaven actually, but before heaven there shall be trials, before heaven there shall be persecutions and before heaven our discipleship might be severely tested. Test and trials are part and parcel of our Christian discipleship no one who choose to follow Jesus is exempt from it.
But after all the trials of our discipleship has been said and done with; there shall be an ecstatic experience of heaven for all of us.
So always be faithful to your discipleship and never allow the temptation of this world to distract you. ...
Why did Jesus brought along Peter, John and James to the mountain of Transfiguration? It was for them to see and experience what shall await them if they will not give-up and continue to be faithful to the teachings of Jesus.
It was a foretaste of heaven actually, but before heaven there shall be trials, before heaven there shall be persecutions and before heaven our discipleship might be severely tested. Test and trials are part and parcel of our Christian discipleship no one who choose to follow Jesus is exempt from it.
But after all the trials of our discipleship has been said and done with; there shall be an ecstatic experience of heaven for all of us.
So always be faithful to your discipleship and never allow the temptation of this world to distract you. ...
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Four Boyfriends...
Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends.
She loved the fourth boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best.
She also loved the third boyfriend very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.
She also loved her second boyfriend. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.
The girl's first boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him!
One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, 'I now have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, will I be all alone?'
Thus, she asked the fourth boyfriend, 'I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?
'No way!', replied the fourth boyfriend, and he walked away without another word.
His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.
The sad girl then asked the third boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'No!', replied the third boyfriend. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else!' Her heart sank and turned cold
She then asked the second boyfriend, 'I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?'
'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!', replied the second boyfriend. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.'
His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was devastated.
Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.' The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.
Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!'
In truth, you have four boyfriends in your lives:
Your fourth boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.
Your third boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth.When you die, it will all go to others.
Your second boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave.
And your first boyfriend is your spirit. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.
However, your spirit is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity.
Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.
She loved the fourth boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best.
She also loved the third boyfriend very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.
She also loved her second boyfriend. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.
The girl's first boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him!
One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, 'I now have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, will I be all alone?'
Thus, she asked the fourth boyfriend, 'I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?
'No way!', replied the fourth boyfriend, and he walked away without another word.
His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.
The sad girl then asked the third boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'No!', replied the third boyfriend. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else!' Her heart sank and turned cold
She then asked the second boyfriend, 'I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?'
'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!', replied the second boyfriend. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.'
His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was devastated.
Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.' The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.
Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!'
In truth, you have four boyfriends in your lives:
Your fourth boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.
Your third boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth.When you die, it will all go to others.
Your second boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave.
And your first boyfriend is your spirit. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.
However, your spirit is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity.
Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
My Gospel Reflection for June 6 Sunday Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ: Luke 9:11-17
My Reflections:Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) this is the same Body and Blood that we partake when we receive Holy Communion during the celebration of the Holy Mass.
There are countless stories about the miracles of the Body and Blood of Christ some are well known some are not there are even some that has not been told yet or perhaps it will never be told it will just be kept in the hearts and minds of those who adored and were enlightened by Jesus in the celebration of the Holy Mass and during their Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration.
In the gospel there were more than five thousand people who were following Jesus and they have no food to eat. So the apostles told Jesus to dismiss them so that they can find a place where they can stay and eat.
But Jesus said to them: "Give them some food yourselves." And right there and then the miracle of the multiplication of the Bread slowly started to unravel before the apostles eyes with five loaves and two fish —they were able to feed more than Five thousand people.
The miracles of the multiplication of the loaves and fish emanated from the mercy and love of Jesus, let us remember that these people who’ve been following Him were the very same people whom He had performed miracles and healings: Jesus did not want them to go hungry and so He feed them all and they had more to spare.
These feeding of the multitude still happens today when we attend the celebration of the Holy Mass Jesus thru the priest during Holy Communion still gives us His blood and Body for us to partake.
Let us take notice of the actions of Jesus in the gospel: He looked-up to heaven, He blessed the bread broke them and He gave them to the disciples to give to the crowd who have nothing to eat. These actions are the very same actions that the priest does during the celebration of the Holy Mass during the second part of the Mass. (Liturgy of the Eucharist)
As Jesus was merciful and loving to the crowd in the gospel and to us also now; He wants us also to be His channel of mercy and love to our fellowmen. Let us remember this solemnity of the Body and Blood of our Lord by always making a big difference in the lives of those who are going hungry, those who have less in life, those who are poor in spirit and wealth and those who are already desperate because of poverty.
Let us be the living Body and Blood of Jesus. …
There are countless stories about the miracles of the Body and Blood of Christ some are well known some are not there are even some that has not been told yet or perhaps it will never be told it will just be kept in the hearts and minds of those who adored and were enlightened by Jesus in the celebration of the Holy Mass and during their Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration.
In the gospel there were more than five thousand people who were following Jesus and they have no food to eat. So the apostles told Jesus to dismiss them so that they can find a place where they can stay and eat.
But Jesus said to them: "Give them some food yourselves." And right there and then the miracle of the multiplication of the Bread slowly started to unravel before the apostles eyes with five loaves and two fish —they were able to feed more than Five thousand people.
The miracles of the multiplication of the loaves and fish emanated from the mercy and love of Jesus, let us remember that these people who’ve been following Him were the very same people whom He had performed miracles and healings: Jesus did not want them to go hungry and so He feed them all and they had more to spare.
These feeding of the multitude still happens today when we attend the celebration of the Holy Mass Jesus thru the priest during Holy Communion still gives us His blood and Body for us to partake.
Let us take notice of the actions of Jesus in the gospel: He looked-up to heaven, He blessed the bread broke them and He gave them to the disciples to give to the crowd who have nothing to eat. These actions are the very same actions that the priest does during the celebration of the Holy Mass during the second part of the Mass. (Liturgy of the Eucharist)
As Jesus was merciful and loving to the crowd in the gospel and to us also now; He wants us also to be His channel of mercy and love to our fellowmen. Let us remember this solemnity of the Body and Blood of our Lord by always making a big difference in the lives of those who are going hungry, those who have less in life, those who are poor in spirit and wealth and those who are already desperate because of poverty.
Let us be the living Body and Blood of Jesus. …
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
My Gospel Reflections for May 28 Friday: Mark 11:11-25
My Reflections:
Is it bad to get angry? Yes it is bad to be angry for the wrong reason/s—however if we get angry for the right reason/s then it’s not bad.
In the gospel reading for today we see Jesus got angry for the right reasons twice: first when He cursed the fig tree and the second one was when He went to the temple and He saw that the temple was not being used for worship instead it was being used as a venue for money changers and other commercial things.
Anger per se is not bad for so long as we can rightly justify the origin of our anger—let us remember that Jesus Himself got angry.
Let us ensure that the anger that we’ve felt will not stay long in our hearts for at the end of the gospel reading Jesus tells us to forgive anyone against whom we have a grievance so that our heavenly Father may in turn forgive us of our transgressions. ...
Is it bad to get angry? Yes it is bad to be angry for the wrong reason/s—however if we get angry for the right reason/s then it’s not bad.
In the gospel reading for today we see Jesus got angry for the right reasons twice: first when He cursed the fig tree and the second one was when He went to the temple and He saw that the temple was not being used for worship instead it was being used as a venue for money changers and other commercial things.
Anger per se is not bad for so long as we can rightly justify the origin of our anger—let us remember that Jesus Himself got angry.
Let us ensure that the anger that we’ve felt will not stay long in our hearts for at the end of the gospel reading Jesus tells us to forgive anyone against whom we have a grievance so that our heavenly Father may in turn forgive us of our transgressions. ...
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