Please click on the link:
http://www.sanctepater.com/2010/07/lists-every-catholic-should-be-familiar.html
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 5, 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. ...
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
My Gospel Reflections for Wednesday May 19: John 17:11-19
My Reflections:Anyone who knows that he will be permanently leaving the people that he loved will only wish the best for them.
In the gospel Jesus knew that the hour for His arrest is near and He knew very well that He will be permanently leaving His followers. That’s why He commanded them to God the Father for the Father to take care of them-that’s how much Jesus loved us He only want the best for us. He wants us to always be connected with God and be aware of His abiding love for us.
But the puzzle is this: there are some who purposely ignore the love of God—they know that the right way is to follow the way of God. But they choose to follow their own ways that leads them to sin.
We pray for their enlightenment that they would choose to embrace the love of God that is always there for them thru the celebration of the Holy Mass and thru the Sacrament of Confessions. ...
Monday, May 17, 2010
My First reading Reflections for Tuesday May 18: Acts 20:17-27
My Reflections:
In the first reading Saint Paul talks about the trials and difficulties in following Jesus—in spite of these odds Paul continued and he never allowed himself to be deterred by the trials. Until his death he remained true to his calling: To be a faithful servant of the Lord.
In the first reading Saint Paul talks about the trials and difficulties in following Jesus—in spite of these odds Paul continued and he never allowed himself to be deterred by the trials. Until his death he remained true to his calling: To be a faithful servant of the Lord.
Some people have this misconception that the moment we decided to follow Jesus it will be a bed of roses already for our lives. It doesn’t work that way—the moment we decide to follow Jesus expect trials that would test the mettle of our discipleship.
We must be faithful no matter the hardship and trials for there will be a reward for us if not in our lifetime it surely will happen in our afterlife. …
Thursday, May 13, 2010
My Gospel Reflections for Saturday May 15: John 16:23-28
My Reflections:
If we ask the Father though Jesus with faith we shall certainly receive it. However there are instances that God gives us answers that are somewhat hard for us to comprehend. However as we are enlightened by the Holy Spirit we shall realize that the incomprehensible was actually a blessing in disguise.
Think of the temporary setbacks that we encounter as we move forward with our lives—God gives us setbacks not to weaken us but to further strengthen us as we move-on with our lives.
Let us not waiver in asking God for guidance and help through; let us continue to trust our all knowing God for He knows what is best for us. …
If we ask the Father though Jesus with faith we shall certainly receive it. However there are instances that God gives us answers that are somewhat hard for us to comprehend. However as we are enlightened by the Holy Spirit we shall realize that the incomprehensible was actually a blessing in disguise.
Think of the temporary setbacks that we encounter as we move forward with our lives—God gives us setbacks not to weaken us but to further strengthen us as we move-on with our lives.
Let us not waiver in asking God for guidance and help through; let us continue to trust our all knowing God for He knows what is best for us. …
Sunday, May 9, 2010
My Gospel Reflections for Monday May 10: John 15:26-16:4
My Reflections:
Is it hard to testify on behalf of Jesus? It’s hard for some for some its not—those who can boldly bear witness has the Advocate in them to strengthen them.
How then can we have the presence of the Advocate in our lives? It is thru the deepening of our faith on Jesus. Based on my experience the Advocate or the Holy Spirit manifest its presence in our lives after we’ve known Jesus deeply after which we are enlightened to feel the presence of the Advocate in our lives.
It is therefore paramount that we exert effort to know Jesus deeply; let us not be content with the knowledge about Jesus that is feed to us. Let us exert personal effort to have a first hand knowledge about Jesus. ...
Is it hard to testify on behalf of Jesus? It’s hard for some for some its not—those who can boldly bear witness has the Advocate in them to strengthen them.
How then can we have the presence of the Advocate in our lives? It is thru the deepening of our faith on Jesus. Based on my experience the Advocate or the Holy Spirit manifest its presence in our lives after we’ve known Jesus deeply after which we are enlightened to feel the presence of the Advocate in our lives.
It is therefore paramount that we exert effort to know Jesus deeply; let us not be content with the knowledge about Jesus that is feed to us. Let us exert personal effort to have a first hand knowledge about Jesus. ...
Monday, May 3, 2010
My Gospel Reflections for Tuesday May 4: John 14:27-31
My Reflections:
Peace is what is missing in most part of our world right now; peace is what is missing in some of the families now; peace is what is missing in some of us right now.
Who then can address the absence of peace? It’s Jesus! He gives us peace that nobody in this world can give us. even if life is hard once we have Jesus in our hearts there would be peace within us.
Even if life is uncertain we shall have peace because we’ve already accepted Jesus as our Lord and personal savior. …
Peace is what is missing in most part of our world right now; peace is what is missing in some of the families now; peace is what is missing in some of us right now.
Who then can address the absence of peace? It’s Jesus! He gives us peace that nobody in this world can give us. even if life is hard once we have Jesus in our hearts there would be peace within us.
Even if life is uncertain we shall have peace because we’ve already accepted Jesus as our Lord and personal savior. …
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
The five finger prayer...
Make the 5 finger prayer a part of our lives.
1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all, which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all, which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Little Grain of Gold by: Rabindranath Tagore
I had gone begging from door to door
in the village path, when a golden chariot appeared in the distance and I
wondered who was this King of all kings!
My hopes rose high and I thought my evil days were at an end, and I
stood waiting for alms to be given unasked and for wealth scattered on all
sides in the dust.
The chariot stopped where I stood.
His glance fell on me and he came down with a smile. I felt that the luck of my
life had come at last. Then all of a sudden he extended his right hand and said
to me: What can you give me?’
Ah, what a kingly jest was it to open
his palm to a beggar like me. I was confused and stood undecided, and then from
my wallet I slowly took out the least little grain of corn and gave it to the
King of all Kings.
But how great my surprise when at the
day's end I emptied my bag on the floor to find a least little grain of gold
among the poor heap. I bitterly wept and wished that I had the heart to give to
him my all.
The Prayer of Saint Francis...
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
“O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.”
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
“O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.”
From the Imitations of Christ...
Do not worry about who is and is not on your side: simply make sure that God is with you in all you do.
Have a clear conscience, and God will defend you. For if God chooses to help you, no malice can do you harm.
If you know how to suffer in silence, without doubt you will receive the help of the Lord. He knows when and how he will free you, so resign yourself into his care. It is for God to give help and give freedom from trouble.
For the sake of humility it is often good for others to know our weaknesses and tax us with them.
When a man holds himself humbly because of his weakness, it is easy for him to please others and calm those who are angry with him.
God protects and frees the humble, loves and consoles them. He leans down to the humble, he bestows great grace on them, he lifts them from their lowliness into glory.
God calls the humble gently to him, and to them he reveals his secrets.
If a humble man is humiliated, he is happy enough and at peace, because his support is God and not the world.
Do not count yourself as having made progress until you feel yourself inferior to everyone.
A peaceable man is of more use than a learned man.
If you are a slave to your feelings, you will see good actions as bad, and you will easily believe the worst; a good and peaceful man will see good in everything.
Whoever is truly at peace is not plagued by suspicion. Whoever is discontented and disturbed will be blown about by gusts of suspicion: he cannot rest and will not let others rest either.
He often says what he should not say, and fails to do what it would be best to do.
He knows what other people ought to do, but not what he should be doing himself.
Worry about your own behavior first; you can worry about other people later.
You are good at making excuses for your own behavior and showing it in the best light, but you do not want to accept the excuses of others. It would be fairer for you to accuse yourself and excuse your brother.
If you want other people to put up with you, put up with them first.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Fern and the Bamboo...
One day, a small business owner decided he’d had enough. Enough of the unremitting workload, enough of the lack of response, enough of the crushing loneliness.
He went into the woods to have one last talk to God. “God,” he said. “Can you give me one good reason why I shouldn’t quit?”
The answer took him by surprise. “Look around you,” it said. “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”
“Yes,” the man replied.
“When I planted the fern and the bamboo, I took very good care of them. I gave them both equal amounts of food and water. I gave them sunlight in spring and protected them from the storms in autumn. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant fronds soon covered the forest floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year, the fern grew even more splendidly than before but nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. Still I would not quit.”
“Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But day by day the sprout grew. First a shoot, then a seedling, and finally a cane. Within six months, the bamboo cane had risen to a height of 100 feet. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.”
“Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have been growing? Growing the roots that you need to produce your fruit. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will not quit on you.”
“Don’t compare yourself to others. All of my creations have different purposes, different journeys, and different timescales. The bamboo had a different purpose from the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. Your time will come. You will rise high.”
“How high should I rise?” the man asked.
“How high will the bamboo rise?” asked God in return.
“As high as it can?” the man questioned.
“Yes,” God replied. “Give me glory by rising as high as you can.”
The small business owner left the forest. And never went back.
If nothing seems like it is happening in your life, despite all the work you’re putting in, remember that you’re probably growing roots not fruit. Stick with it. One day not far from now, there’ll be a fantastic harvest.
He went into the woods to have one last talk to God. “God,” he said. “Can you give me one good reason why I shouldn’t quit?”
The answer took him by surprise. “Look around you,” it said. “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”
“Yes,” the man replied.
“When I planted the fern and the bamboo, I took very good care of them. I gave them both equal amounts of food and water. I gave them sunlight in spring and protected them from the storms in autumn. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant fronds soon covered the forest floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year, the fern grew even more splendidly than before but nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. Still I would not quit.”
“Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But day by day the sprout grew. First a shoot, then a seedling, and finally a cane. Within six months, the bamboo cane had risen to a height of 100 feet. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.”
“Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have been growing? Growing the roots that you need to produce your fruit. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will not quit on you.”
“Don’t compare yourself to others. All of my creations have different purposes, different journeys, and different timescales. The bamboo had a different purpose from the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. Your time will come. You will rise high.”
“How high should I rise?” the man asked.
“How high will the bamboo rise?” asked God in return.
“As high as it can?” the man questioned.
“Yes,” God replied. “Give me glory by rising as high as you can.”
The small business owner left the forest. And never went back.
If nothing seems like it is happening in your life, despite all the work you’re putting in, remember that you’re probably growing roots not fruit. Stick with it. One day not far from now, there’ll be a fantastic harvest.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
1Reflections for December 13: third Sunday of Advent Luke 3:10-18
Reflections for Sunday December 16, Third Sunday of
Advent, Luke 3:10-18 (12-15-12)
Gospel:
The crowds asked John the
Baptist, "What should we do?" He said to them in reply, "Whoever
has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food
should do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said
to him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He answered them, "Stop
collecting more than what is prescribed." Soldiers also asked him,
"And what is it that we should do?" He told them, "Do not
practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your
wages."
Now the people were filled
with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the
Christ. John answered them all, saying, "I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his
sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan
is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his
barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Exhorting them
in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.
+ + + + + + +
(1) Reflections
A boy was taught by his father
that there was only one way to be happy and it was none other than to
accumulate wealth. He imbibed his father’s teachings so he studied very hard
and he eventually became one of the very rich in their town. On his quest to
acquire worldly treasures he stepped on the toes of many people, he created
many enemies on his way up and upon reaching the pinnacle of his ambition he
became greedy and he subsequently discovered that it was very lonely at the
top.
He was on his quest once again
to find the magic formula to happiness so he went to a wise old man in the
mountain to seek his advice. The wise old man gave him only one advice: Learn
to share whatever you have for it is in sharing that you will find happiness.
He followed the wise advice and he felt happiness as he had never felt it
before.
In our gospel the crowds asked
John the Baptist, "What should we do?" (This was in response to
John’s call for them to repent) John said to them in reply, "Whoever has
two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food
should do likewise." Perhaps the crowds were becoming self-centered
already. They only cared for their own needs and never on the needs of their
fellowmen.
The season of Christmas is not
about what we will receive. It is about what we can freely share. The real
essence of Christmas is in sharing not in receiving. Let us try to wholeheartedly
share and we will feel the highest degree of happiness that we would not be
able to feel when we accept gifts.
On this third Sunday of advent
John the Baptist message is loud and clear it is about learning to share no
matter how little so long as it comes from the bottom of our hearts. Let us
share to the poor, to those who are badly in need, let us share to those who
cannot pay back our generosity. There are many of them in poor communities and
in places affected by disasters and calamities. Like our brothers and sisters
who were badly affected by the devastating typhoon named Bopha or Pablo in Mindanao.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
My Gospel Reflections for November 15; thirty-third Sunday in ordinary time: Mark 12:24-32
My Reflections:
During the end of the millennium (1999) some people predicted that the end times would come. Some even stored food already but nothing happened. We were all successfully ushered to the next millennium. So when is the end times going to happen? Nobody knows but God.
However, each and everyone of us faces our own inevitable end times and that is our deaths. When someone is sick with cancer doctors would even predict the days or months that we are going to last until the inevitable end.
Do we need to be afraid of our own death? It depends; for someone who has not developed a personal relationship with Jesus death is like a plague that needs to be avoided. But for those who have developed an intimate union with Jesus death is nothing but a gateway to something that is beautiful and heavenly.
Jesus in the gospel predicted a frightening depiction of the end times (the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.) perhaps some of the people who was within hearing distance of Jesus were afraid; maybe a few of the disciples were afraid too.
Fear not, continue moving on with your life—if we have this intimate relationship with Jesus we will not be afraid of the end times or of our own deaths. There are even some who would willingly embrace natural death with open arms because they know that death is the start of our everlasting journey with God. When death comes we will be able to see God and we will experience rapturous joy for the reason that we are already with our creator who loved us more than anyone else.
On the other hand, the horrible end times being described by Jesus is also a reality that will certainly happen. This is reserved for those people who know God but refuse to follow His teachings. After their deaths, they will be forever in the dustbin of hell.
In the first reading it says: “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be on everlasting horror and disgrace (Daniel 12:2). …
During the end of the millennium (1999) some people predicted that the end times would come. Some even stored food already but nothing happened. We were all successfully ushered to the next millennium. So when is the end times going to happen? Nobody knows but God.
However, each and everyone of us faces our own inevitable end times and that is our deaths. When someone is sick with cancer doctors would even predict the days or months that we are going to last until the inevitable end.
Do we need to be afraid of our own death? It depends; for someone who has not developed a personal relationship with Jesus death is like a plague that needs to be avoided. But for those who have developed an intimate union with Jesus death is nothing but a gateway to something that is beautiful and heavenly.
Jesus in the gospel predicted a frightening depiction of the end times (the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.) perhaps some of the people who was within hearing distance of Jesus were afraid; maybe a few of the disciples were afraid too.
Fear not, continue moving on with your life—if we have this intimate relationship with Jesus we will not be afraid of the end times or of our own deaths. There are even some who would willingly embrace natural death with open arms because they know that death is the start of our everlasting journey with God. When death comes we will be able to see God and we will experience rapturous joy for the reason that we are already with our creator who loved us more than anyone else.
On the other hand, the horrible end times being described by Jesus is also a reality that will certainly happen. This is reserved for those people who know God but refuse to follow His teachings. After their deaths, they will be forever in the dustbin of hell.
In the first reading it says: “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be on everlasting horror and disgrace (Daniel 12:2). …
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
My Gospel Reflections for MondayJuly 20: Matthew 19:38-42
My Reflections:
Majority of the scribes and the Pharisees were through and through against Jesus. They demand for a sign for what purpose? But Jesus knew them well; He knew the evil in their hearts.
We may not be like the scribes and the Pharisees who persecuted Jesus. But we are like them once in a while because sometimes we also demand for a sign from God. Especially when we are about to make major decisions we ask God for a sign.
For me, asking God for a sign is an indication of weak faith, come to think of it; why will we ask God for a sign if we have our full trust and faith in HIM?
Majority of the scribes and the Pharisees were through and through against Jesus. They demand for a sign for what purpose? But Jesus knew them well; He knew the evil in their hearts.
We may not be like the scribes and the Pharisees who persecuted Jesus. But we are like them once in a while because sometimes we also demand for a sign from God. Especially when we are about to make major decisions we ask God for a sign.
For me, asking God for a sign is an indication of weak faith, come to think of it; why will we ask God for a sign if we have our full trust and faith in HIM?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
My Tribute to our Parish Pastor: Rev. Fr. Leonardo R. Bagos
In a few
days our Parish Priest whom we fondly called Fr. Nards will be leaving us to go
to his new place of assignment here in the Diocese of Imus. How time flies. It
is as if just yesterday when he first set foot in our Parish (Saint Joseph’s
Parish, Carmona Cavite) but the reality of it all is that his six years term
will be over in a few days.
I would
like to write here the many positive improvements that he instituted in the
parish. First is the positive change that is very visible and that is the
church’s edifice. When He took over the church was in the infancy stage of its
construction now it’s done already. I credit him for tirelessly thinking of
ways on how to raise funds for the church’s completion.
It seems
impossible to me that he was able to achieve it considering that nowadays money
is hard to come by due to the economic crisis. But he persisted, he never
waivered in his firm faith in God that He will be able to realize his vision of
a beautiful church.
The next
visible positive change is the very orderly process of Communion wherein
communicants would orderly fall in line per pews. He meticulously instructed
the parishioners how to fall in line and how to properly receive Christ with
respect and reverence.
There
were a lot more positive changes that he instituted to name just a few: Clean
and green church environment, inventory of the church’s properties. He put in
place an excellent sound system to ensure that the Word of God is clearly heard.
But for
me one of the few that would be forever etched in my mind is how he made sure
that proper respect and reverence is given to the Eucharistic celebration and
to the Body of Christ itself. For example during Communion whenever there’s a
communicant who does not say Amen after he says: “The Body of Christ.” He would
politely ask short and probing questions to the communicant once he finds out
that the communicants doesn’t know how sacred the Consecrated Host that they’re
about to receive. He would just place his hand over their heads and pray over
them instead of giving them the Body of Christ. Every now and then he would
also give short catechesis before he gives his final blessings and it often
focuses on the proper respect and reverence to the Body of Christ.
Just like
Jesus during His three years public ministry, Father Nards had also his own
share of persecutors in the parish. If Jesus had the Pharisees and the Scribes;
Father Nards had a few parishioners who wanted to embarrass and malign him. It
pained him I’m sure of it, however being an Alter Christus and knowing him to
have a soft and forgiving heart I am very sure that he had already forgiven
them and even prayed for them too.
Now that
you will soon leave the parish, I’d like to say that I will miss the
friendship, the occasional exchange of ideas, the discipline and the frequent
instructions for the Lay Ministers.
My
prayers will forever be with you Padre. God bless you always!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
I will be back in a few hours.
To everyone,
after two days without broadband connection I'm back again. I hope that you'll visit me again. Thanks for your patience.
God bless,
Marino
Monday, April 6, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The story of the Three Trees
"Once upon a time there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."
Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."
Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one," and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped . At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
"The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best."
Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."
Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one," and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped . At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
"The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best."
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The True Meaning of Love according to Saint Paul: 1st Corinthians 13:1-13
If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not arrogant, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not harbor ill feelings over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails. If there are foresights, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing. For we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.
When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things. At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.
So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is Love.
Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not arrogant, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not harbor ill feelings over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails. If there are foresights, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing. For we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.
When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things. At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.
So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is Love.
Happy Saint Valentine’s Day to all!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
My Reflections on the first reading for January 25, Sunday Acts 22:3-16 (The Feast of Conversion of Saint Paul)
My Reflections:
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. What has Saint Paul done to merit this great favor from God? To think that he was the number one persecutor of Christians during his time. He even took an active part in the killing of Saint Stephen, the first Deacon and the first martyr of the church.
This is a puzzler to all of us, why was he chosen by God to spread the gospel among the gentiles?
While on his way to Damascus he was blinded by a light then he heard a voice saying: “'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” then Saul asked: “Who are you sir?” and Jesus said: “I am Jesus the Nazarean whom you are persecuting.”
Upon reaching a certain point on his journey God used a man named Ananias to heal the blindness of Saul. Thereafter, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and began his mission of evangelization to the pagan nations.
The conversion of Saul was not his doing it was God who converted him to be His disciple. However Saul did his part also on his story of conversion for he was a changed man when he regained his sight.
Like Saul’s conversion, we too have heard a lot of stories of transformation from bad to good, from an atheist to an ardent believer, from a hardened sinner to a Saint. Perhaps we can relate to their stories of conversion because once upon a time we were sinners too. And we heard God’s call for us to follow Him. We were swept off our feet by God and we were never the same again for we have converted for the better.
Let us therefore be an instrument of conversion for those who have not yet heard about the good news that is Jesus.
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. What has Saint Paul done to merit this great favor from God? To think that he was the number one persecutor of Christians during his time. He even took an active part in the killing of Saint Stephen, the first Deacon and the first martyr of the church.
This is a puzzler to all of us, why was he chosen by God to spread the gospel among the gentiles?
While on his way to Damascus he was blinded by a light then he heard a voice saying: “'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” then Saul asked: “Who are you sir?” and Jesus said: “I am Jesus the Nazarean whom you are persecuting.”
Upon reaching a certain point on his journey God used a man named Ananias to heal the blindness of Saul. Thereafter, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and began his mission of evangelization to the pagan nations.
The conversion of Saul was not his doing it was God who converted him to be His disciple. However Saul did his part also on his story of conversion for he was a changed man when he regained his sight.
Like Saul’s conversion, we too have heard a lot of stories of transformation from bad to good, from an atheist to an ardent believer, from a hardened sinner to a Saint. Perhaps we can relate to their stories of conversion because once upon a time we were sinners too. And we heard God’s call for us to follow Him. We were swept off our feet by God and we were never the same again for we have converted for the better.
Let us therefore be an instrument of conversion for those who have not yet heard about the good news that is Jesus.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)