"Leaps of Faith"

Learn from the Wise Men

2012-01-01T00:26:00.000+02:00

The Three Wisemen travelled long and far searching for Jesus following the star and when they saw the child, they paid Him homage and gave Him their Gifts of Gold,Frankincense,and Myrr.I always wondered, why do the three have to travel together? They could have travelled individually but why the three together?It came to me that it was because they needed each other, that together hey could travel easier and their journey be light.As we start the new year, it would be a long year before us, yes with all its oppurtunities and chances but also with its uncertainties and struggles.Like the Three Wisemen stay close with your love ones, travel with them together, travel with Jesus. With others our journey can become light, meaningful and successful. Buon Viaggio.

Merry "MARY" Christmas

2011-12-10T19:39:00.015+02:00

Are you lost and confused in Life amidst struggles and pain?
Are you worried about what is to come?
Are you busy and tired preparing for Christmas?

Learn from the Blessed Virgin Mary. For her life, her simplicity, her humility and great Faith can help you and me.

Reading the Gospel Narrative of the Annunciation in Luke 1:26-38, it says all about how Mary was chosen among women to be the mother of our savior Jesus Christ, where she came from, how she said yes, and how she is full grace. Mary was the central figure in the story.
But notice in the narrative how it is all full of the presence of God the Father. “God sent the Angel,” “You have found favor with God “The Lord God will give Him the throne of David.” And it ends with “Nothing is impossible with God.”

We therefore realize that it is God’s Dream, God’s Call and God’s plan all over.
Yes, even in our Life. Let us not forget that it is all His will and His plan that follows.

We may be good in planning for our future, we may be wise in anticipating what is to come, we may be experts in preparing ahead of time, but in the end we realize that’s how far we can get, for it is God who decide.

“L’oumo propone ma Dio dispone,” Man proposes but God disposes.

Even in my Life there were times I thought I was good in planning for what is to come, that I was in control but then things happen differently and I realize God has other plans for me.

May we learn from the Blessed Virgin Mary who simply said: “I am just your handmaid. Let it be done to me according to your will.”

With this attitude in Life I believe our journey in life will be meaningful and our Christmas celebration will truly be Merry.

Merry “MARY” Christmas to one and all.

Think

2011-08-08T16:03:00.004+02:00

"Think", Moses told the Israelites: Think of how God has constantly loved us. Think of His Greatness and Goodness. Think of what in return you can give to God.
Everyday, we should never fail to see His Blessings and Goodness to you and me.
And we should never fail to Thank God also.

As we celebrate today the memorial of St. Dominic, founder of the "Order of Preachers. Let us learn from him who showed and taught his followers the value of Learning ,the value of thinking.
Let us also learn from st dominic of his great love for the Blessed Virgin and devotion of praying the Holy Rosary.

Prayer for Priests

2011-08-04T03:46:00.003+02:00

One Sunday before my Mass I was hearing Confessions.
A Lady came in to do her confession and towards the end, after I gave her the absolution.
She said, Father, Let me pray for you this special prayer for the priest.
She opened a handwritten note and began to read..Praying.

O Lord, thank you for every priest who has ever been a channel of Your grace for me.

Thank you for the one who baptized me, the priest who heard my first confession, the one who gave me Your Body and Blood for the first time.

Thank you for the one who confirmed me.

Thank you for the one who perhaps witnessed my wedding vows or perhaps anointed me with the Sacrament of the Sick.

O Lord, forgive me for complaining about Your priests, and give me the grace to speak only good about them. For it is through them that You touch me, make me whole, nourish me, and bring me to Yourself. Amen.

Then she went away.
What made that prayer meaningful for me though I have heard and read it many times. That Sunday..we were celebrating Father's Day.

Message of the Trinity

2011-06-19T03:43:00.002+02:00

Three persons in one God
Have you ever wondered why three persons? God The Father could do everything alone, or Jesus or the Holy Spirit, why three?
God I believe would like to remind you and me that alone we can only do so little but together with others greater things can be achieved.
That's the reason, I believe God has given us our love ones in life. To stand at our side, making our lives meaningful and our journey in this world light.
The special someone at your side, in your life, at work, in the community, your family, friend, spouse, for mr- the community, others, they are Gods gift to us to accompany us in our life time.
They may not be perfect, we may get upset with them at times or quarrel with them, sometimes we even wish that they are gone, but they are our help and with them life is meaningful.
Never take them for granted, besides we only have a lifetime to be with them.
Let us grow in our love and care for them, be grateful fornourr love ones and pray for them.
Just as we pray that we will grow in our love and care for God the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Do not be Afraid

2011-05-19T17:05:00.003+02:00

I start the year with so much worry,
Worry about what this year will bring.
Worry for my Mom who is sick and undergoing chemo.
Worry about the uncertainties.
But I take courage in the words of Jesus in the Gospel: "Do not let your hearts be troubled, have Faith in God and faith in me." Amen

New Year Reflection

2010-12-31T17:19:00.003+02:00

We celebrate today with joy and gratitude, with love in our hearts and we celebrate with hope and trust in God as we come to the end of the year 2010 and as we start the new year of 2011.
The first month of the year is January. It is named after the roman god Janus a deity with two faces, one looking at the past the other looking to the future. Because tonight and the next days to come is really a time for us to look at the year that was and to look forward.
We look at the past with gratitude as we realize what a journey it has been for all of us specially to be able to brave all the difficulties and hardships in life and even to make it to the end of the year.
We remember our joys and success and also those moments of failures and bad times knowing that we can always learn from them so as not to repeat them again.
Looking at the past is important as Jose Rizal would remind us: “A person who does not look back cannot reach his destination.”
And the future we look with eagerness and hope and trust.
It is a gift given to you and me. A new beginning, a chance to start anew, with new opportunities to love, to do good, to give and to serve.
Looking back and looking forward, but the now is also important
This is the time to make resolutions to make plans.
A beautiful message for all of us to ponder.
“Do not look back with anger do not look to the future with fear look around with love and anticipation.
The now is the time to do good to love and to serve and to be thankful.
I guess some have seen the movie kung fu panda, the master in the movie said. “yesterday is history tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift that is why it is called the present.
Lastly my dear brothers and sisters a beautiful message for you and me is to say: “To those I have offended I say I’m sorry, to those I may have helped I wish I did more and those who have helped me I say thank you.”
Never forget to say thank to you to your love ones and friends as you greet each other Happy New Year. And thank you to Jesus for the gift of life and a new chance to start a new year
God bless you and your family Peace Happiness, good health and Success
HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T16:18:00.004+02:00

I am reminded of a story of a little boy, bullied by three other bigger boys until one day he was cornered and has no way to run. The Little boy drew a line between him and the big boys and he dared them saying..try to cross the line and you will see! They did crossed the line, and then he said..So you see, we are now on the same side.
Christmas is about the Incarnation. Jesus as God becoming one of us. The Word made Flesh and dwelt among us..He is now on our side.
It is a mystery. Something we will never understand, God becoming man, like us?
But the message is clear.
God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.
He cares for us and He loves us.
Also God is with us now. He is on our side. He shares with us our joys and successes and yes even our pains and sufferings.
when we suffer and are in pain, believe that we are never alone.
It is just wonderful to realize that as we start the new year of 2011, with all its uncertainties, we believe that Jesus is with us. On our side , to help us to protect us and to keep us safe.
May our Lives this new year be filled with the graces of Peace, Happiness, Good Health and Success. God Bless you and me. HAPPY NEW YEAR.

4th SUNDAY of ADVENT

2010-12-19T17:54:00.003+02:00

The Youth of the Parish of St Joseph were doing a LIVE MANGER in front of the Church.
After my mass I dropped by and thank and congratulated them.
I was touched but felt a little sad because I noticed, though we had crowd during the mass, I only saw two couples who dropped by and found time to appreciate the Live Manger...and I noticed people were leaving and were in a hurry probably to go home or go somewhere else.
And said to myself. I hope and pray, that this Christmas, people will not be carried away by the many activities, celebrations, and parties that we will have and be in a hurry to leave and would fail to take time to visit and appreciate the center of the season and celebration. Jesus Christ Himself in the manger.
With all the Gift Giving and receiving may we not fail to see that Jesus in the manger is the Greatest Gift of all.
Learn from Mary and Joseph today. They were very much part of Christmas but they were never concerned of their own interest, their own agenda but were very much aware that someone greater was coming. That they were not operators but only Co-operators of the whole plan of salvation and that the center of all is JESUS CHRIST.

The Angels

2010-12-09T18:55:00.000+02:00

THE ANGELS.
A video clip of Children close to me. My Family.
Would remind you and me, as we celebrate The feast of the Immaculate Conception.
That we may not be like Mary, Immaculate and conceived without sin,
But we can always attain purity of heart.
When we acknowledge our faults, our mistakes, our sins, our failures
and would ask the Lord for Forgiveness.
He can grant us pardon and offer us peace and happiness in our hearts.

John means God is Gracious

2010-12-02T22:22:00.003+02:00

Happy Second Sunday of advent.
In all second Sundays of advent celebrations, John the Baptist would always be the central figure.
He is very important in our faith because
He is very much part of our preparation and celebration of Christmas
Remember even with the annunciation he was the one in the womb of Elizabeth who leaped for joy when she heard Mary’s greetings.
And as the Gospel reminds us today John prepared the way, the coming our Lord.
Let us learn from John Today for his Life, his message tells us a lot about how we should celebrate the advent season.
1. He showed us how he lived simply. “John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. “
It reminds us about what is essential in our preparation for Christmas.
Yes, the decorations, and lights and parties and all the trimmings- they are important
But more important and essential, and always we say what is essential is invisible to the eyes
Is the preparation of our hearts and souls, and of our lives.
To make ourselves at peace and worthy to receive Jesus.

2. His message: “Prepare the way of the lord make straight his path, “
Is a reminder for us to straighten up our hearts our lives.
In Life we loose our way, we commit mistakes and we have our failures and advent is a time to straighten it up .
There is the call for repentance and conversion.
This is the time when the word "sorry" is really meaningful to say sorry for our mistakes our failures and to change and to start a new with a resolve not to do it again.
And this is also the time even if it is hard to do to use the words "I forgive."
For there would always be some who could have us.
For as the poem says:
“Why be enemies if we can be friends
Why separate if we can be together
Why get angry if we can be at peace.”

And humility to be able to accept our limitation is a key for a meaningful repentance. Just Like John who said " I am not worthy to Even untie the straps of his sandals."

3. Lastly John whose name means a gift and that God is gracious reminds us
About Jesus as the greatest gift of all given to you and me even if we are not worthy of this precious gift
And we are also reminded that you and me, we Gods gift.
That we are His children, with dignity and are all loved.

Story of Giovanni, I believe is reminder for us that we are God’s gift and a beautiful example of repentance and conversion.
You and me, we are Gifts from God, and more that that we also have received lots of gifts.
This season of advent remember the invitation of the Lord, whatever gifts you have received give as a gift.

John means "God is gracious." Do you need something this Christmas? For yourself or a love one? Ask. Christmas is a time of giving and receiving gifts, for we have received The Greatest Gift of all-Jesus. Ask and believe that Jesus Himself will never fail you.

As prepare for Jesus, this advent, May He be our Light and may john be our model. Amen

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

2010-11-28T02:40:00.002+02:00

A new season, a new year in the church. A new beginning for us, a chance to start all over, to start anew, and a new opportunity to love , to forgive, to serve, and to do good.
Advent comes from the Latin word "adventus" which means 'coming'. For this season is the preparation for the advent of our savior Jesus Christ, the preparation for His Birthday, for Christmas.
This season invites each of us to have the Spirit, the right attitude as we prepare. And the spirit is mentioned in the gospel today when Jesus said: "Stay awake and be prepared for we do not know when the son of man will come."
VIGILARE, Being attentive, being awake,aware, and eager is the spirit and attitude of advent.
Being awake and aware and attentive, yes, first of all it reminds us of the end time when we will finally come face to face with God our creator. It is being aware and prepared for the end to come.
But there is another way of understanding being aware or vigilant or staying awake.
Like when we are driving we should be awake and attentive and vigilant so as not to hit someone.
Or like a mother who is attentive and awake specially when she hear the cry of the baby in the middle of the night.
This kind of being aware, being awake or vigilant is done because we have to do it, it is by obligation.
But there is another way of being awake and vigilant, and it happens when
we see a person who needs help and you are there to help that person even if he or she does not see you.
or being attentive and aware to the needs of your parents or your kids. when you know your mom or husband is busy or having a headache you don't bug her
or like when the priest is vesting at the back and you are there to help to assist not because you want to choke the priest but want to help
this is the kind of being aware and attentive and being awake, you do it because you want to and because you love.
and this is the spirit of advent and of Christmas.
Be attentive and aware and awake to the needs of others.
Be attentive and awake and aware to the goodness of God in your life, do not just see the troubles.
Be attentive to goodness of others not only his fault
Be attentive, be awake and be aware, that's the spirit that we should have this advent.
May we prepare for the coming of the saviour meaningfully, with joy in our hearts and right spirit, a spirit of vigilance for coming of Jesus. Amen

Notes of the Day

2010-11-26T16:27:00.003+02:00

The Coming of the Kingdom
Can be understood in Different ways:
1. It can mean the end time when we finally get the meet our creator and be with Him in His Kingdom in heaven.
2. It can also mean the Birth of our Savior as we prepare to celebrate Christmas.
3. It can also be understood as the Coming of Jesus into our Hearts, in our Lives in our family. It is the establishment of the Kingdom here on earth. A kingdom where we live with Love, peace, unity and Happiness and service for others.
Jesus said in the Gospel: “The Kingdom is among you already.”
When we come together at the table of the Lord to celebrate the Eucharist, when we as a family are united in Love and Peace, when we offer our goodness and help those who are in need , these are some signs that the kingdom is with us and that Jesus is in our hearts.
It may not be perfect yet, for that’s how it is here on earth but we believe we will have its perfection in heaven.

Be Alert
Maybe you have seen that advertisement on the Internet and TV of a funny lady, who was all excited waiting for black Friday shopping, Or maybe like those falling in line very early before the stores open or even those camping outside two days before.
That may sound weird or funny
But that’s the kind of excitement that we should have as we wait for Jesus. As we prepare for Christmas.
It is just sad because we give such excitement for shopping or other things but not for Christ.

The End
A friend asked me: "why did Jerusalem fell? And I answered because that’s how it should happen. Whatever rises, one day it will also fall.
The End is a reality. Just as there is beginning, the end will also come
And the end is also important. One could just imagine if the things we do here on earth will have no end, it would really be boring.
Just imagine if we start the mass and it will go on and on without end.
It reminds us also that If in Life we have troubles and pains and sufferings. There will be an end to it, someday.

Thanksgiving
I have a lot to thank the Good Lord for.
So many Blessings has been given to me and many I never even expected or asked for or even deserved to receive them and yet offered to me.
I say Thank you to the Lord this Thanksgiving celebration.

Teach me Lord
I go around greeting my friends and love ones with Happy Thanksgiving today
But I asked the Good Lord to give me the strength and enlightenment to offer the greeting to my friends who are experiencing troubles and pain these days.
Truly I find it hard and I feel sad.
For how could I really say meaningfully HAPPY THANKSGIVING?
To a friend who is in pain and dying of cancer in the hospice.
To a friend who got separated from his wife and cannot be together with the family these holidays.
To a family in financial trouble these past days.
To a mother who lost his only son who committed suicide.
Please teach me Lord.

CHRIST THE KING

2010-11-21T01:53:00.002+02:00

Today as we honor Jesus Christ our King
A clear picture is given to us in the gospel about his Kingship.
It will help us know more and more about our Lord, about how He is as our king and would help us grow in our relationship and love for Him and His life tells us also a lot about how to live as his followers.
We are reminded today that Jesus our King is unique and one of a kind
1. Unlike the usual image of a King with all their power and possessions and palaces. Jesus our King lived a life of simplicity and humility. “The son of man came and even never had a place to lay his head.”
2. Kings demand respect and be served. But Jesus came to serve, not to be served. Jesus lived a Life of total service. Especially for the lost, the poor and the sick.
3. Kings sits at their throne with their crown and scepter. Jesus hangs on the cross dying and suffering and still forgiving.
4. “And his Kingdom does not belong to this world.”
It is a kingdom founded on Love and service.
One of a Kind, and Unique,
And you and I, we all belong to this Kingdom.
# Story of Napoleon Bonaparte who wrote a memoir: Caesar, Alexander the Great, Charlemagne, These were great kings who ruled with absolute power and even violence and force...But where are they now? They are gone. And their Kingdom destroyed.
Jesus, He led with simplicity, humility and love and service, and now His kingdom is still flourishing and more men and women follow Him and even offer their lives for Him.
Our King is one of a Kind.
We wonder why do we celebrate Christ our King with this image Hanging on the cross, suffering dying and surrounded by thieves.
Answer: Because He wants to show to us the Kind of King he is to you and me.
1. That He is King who is true to His word. When He said I will Love you and serve you till I die, this He showed on the cross. Very far to what we are as his follower, how often we make promises even simple promises and often we break them and never keep them.
2. He is a King who is not detached or far from us. He shares with us our pains and sufferings. And so when we suffer, when we experience betrayal, hardships and pain, just remember our King is one with us and you are not alone.
3. He is a King who can forgive, and even if we have fallen in Life it’s never too late we can all start all over, because our king is forgiving.
4. And lastly he is a King who will love us whoever we are and whatever we are, it does not matter, we are His children, with dignity and we are loved.
That’s why when He was asked are you the King? He did not answer directly. It is not his title, position and power and money that made him a king but who He was.
And it tells us how to look at ourselves and others.
It is not the externals, titles, power or possessions or even nationality. But who we truly are.
One of a Kind
And the invitation and challenge today for you and me.
Make Christ the King of your heart of your soul
Make Christ the King of your family of your relationship and this community and this country
And just like the thief who accepted Christ, no matter what we experience these days, it may even be pain and suffering and failure and being lost,
Be hopeful and make Christ our king
Today you will be with me in paradise.

Power of the Holy Spirit

2010-10-16T16:07:00.003+02:00

I was at the pharmacy when suddenly a guy approach me and asked "You are the priest, right?" The priest from St Gertrude's? and He went on to say, You did a wonderful Homily this morning. and then he went on to tell me again everything he heard. Amazing how he remembered what I said.
I said Thank you for his acknowledgement and I said to myself. I can say lots of homilies but for this person to remember and be touched is not my work.
It must come from the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Power of the Holy Spirit can touch us and inspire us to do wonderful things in life for others and even for the Lord
Let us therefore always be open to His POWER and be inspired. Amen

18th Sunday Ordinary Time C

2010-08-02T22:34:00.002+03:00

POSSESSIONS / SHARING

Some Years ago in small and remote parish where I was assigned as a pastor,in Zamboanga Philippines. One day a poor family, came to the rectory, they were from the mountains,they were farmers , they come once a week to the town to sell their produce and to buy things they needed. they wanted to see me and asked me to bless their small and old image of the blessed virgin Mary. The mother came in and with her their two young girls ages 3 and 5. They were poor and please take note in my place when I say poor, they are with tattered clothes, they have practically nothing, no food stamps, they don't drive a car they walk barefooted. And so I blessed the image and blessed the family too.
The mother said thank you and the youngest girl who was then eating a corn on a cob motioned to me and stretched her hand and offered the other half of the corn.
I was so touched because, here was a child who practically had nothing, probably that was her only meal that day and yet could still offer something to me and still would like to give.
so touched I was that I offered them things from the rectory, food and other things for them to bring back home.

It was a very ordinary and simple event in my life.
But I always believe God allows ordinary events to happen and He sends angels to tell you and me His message.
That day, through the child, I believed, an angel, reminded me so much about myself, about possessions and about sharing.
When we were kids life was simple and our needs were simpler, little things would make us very happy but as we grow older and learn more things, more knowledge and become wiser, we know that we aspire for more also, we want to have things, materials things that could make us happy, gadgets money and often we want to have more. We aspire for more possessions.
Possessions, material things..they are important for us, for the future, for the family.
But the gospel reminds us also that possessions , materials things should never posses us instead or become the center of our lives that it dictates even our relationships.
The man in the gospel stored up so much that he forgot about the giver of life who could take away everything in an instance.
Possessions also are given to us as blessings and it gives us an opportunity to help, to share and to give.
The man in the Gospel had so much inheritance but it could not be shared.
How often, now that we have enough and for some even more that enough, the older and wiser we get the more difficult it is to give.
The lord has to remind us beware of the natural tendency to selfishness, and beware of greed.
In a way we are all blessed, and blessed tremendously, Let us learn to give the things we received as a gift to others.
Let us always asked the Lord to teach us to be generous. Amen

Lord Teach us to Pray

2010-07-25T06:49:00.000+03:00

we all are prayerful people,
we all believe in the efficacy, in the power and importance of prayer.
that's the reason why we come to Church for we believe that the Holy Eucharist is Prayer itself. In the words of Pope Paul VI: "The Holy Mass is a perfect form of prayer where we can ask for what we need and also give thanks."
Mother Therese ff Calcutta one day was so overwhelmed by the many blessings she received and so it was said that she asked the Lord, what should i do to give thanks? and the Lord told her "go to mass."

we all have our own way of getting in touch with God through our prayers
some are gifted with being able pray spontaneously, others are like the person in the Gospel who could only stay at the back of the temple and beat his breast and say Lord be merciful to me for I am a sinner.
In whatever manner you pray and speak to God be it only asking or giving thanks or all, as long as it is truly a lifting up of ones heart and mind and soul to God it is Prayer and you are praying rightly.

We all have our own experience of prayer and how God answered them.
sometimes it is a yes, and there are times it is a No, specially if it doesn't really help us. God will never give us if it could endanger our souls. That's the reason why I figured until now i never won the lotto. God knows that it will just destroy me.
sometimes the answer to our prayers takes a long time, my sister prayed for 17 years until finally they were blessed with two beautiful children.
but always remember when we pray and ask, it is not us who decides, it is God, in His own time and way. Let us always learn and believe He will answer not according to what and how we want.

In the Gospel Jesus offers to us the Lords prayer
Pope Benedict said it is the best guide for us on how to pray rightly and how our attitudes should be when praying.
when we ask we believe that Gods will be domne not ours.

My dear brothers and sisters
continue believing in the power of praywer
pray from the heart pray sincerely
and pray unceasingly even if at times answers are not experienced right away.

Have you had any troubles lately in receiving mails or emails?
Has no one wrote you or sent you or answered your mails?
someone said try "knee mails"
prayers and messages you send on your kness and God will surely answer them. Amen.

The Journey Man

2010-07-07T15:44:00.000+03:00

The Journey Man
Jesus is on a journey to Jerusalem (Lk.9:51)..A Tough Journey, for it was a journey through the dessert, a journey to suffering and death, a journey with hostile people never wanting him to enter their towns.
Jesus also appointed seventy-two others and sent them in pairs on a journey, (Lk. 10:1) on a mission to proclaim His good news. He ask them to travel light and to proclaim peace and hope.
Reflection Notes
1. Life is a Journey. whatever we do in life at work, as parents, as students is also a journey. Reaching our goals and aspirations in life is a journey, our relationships is a journey and yes our christian life of following the Lord is a journey.
It has a beginning and an end.
Some are just beginning, others half way and still others are on their last leg of travel in this world
we worry often how far have we reached or how long have we journeyed or how high we have achieved our goals.
Someone said: "It doesn't matter how far or high or long we have journeyed, what matters is HOW MUCH we have LOVED.

2.The Journey may have its joyous and meaningful moments but sometimes it gets interrupted by dark moments, pain and suffering and even death and it pains us. Like Jesus, there will even be some who would reject you and be hostile to you.

Someone shared." Try the Three Letter P's"
a. Perseverance, hold on and never loose faith, fight to the finish. If You fall stand up again and continue. Jesus fell three times and three times He stood up again and continued carrying the cross.
b. Patience. Learn to hold back, to take it easy and learning to be cool when instances would temp us to flare up or to react with anger or hatred. When Jesus was rejected by the some villagers, the apostles flared up right away, demanding: Lord let us pray for fire from heaven to destroy them!. Jesus instead travelled through another village.
Having patience could spare us from lasting conflicts and even hurting others.
c. Prayer. Its our strength and power in times of hardships and dark clouds in Life. With God we believe nothing wrong could ever happen.

3. We are not travelling alone in this world.
It really made sense for Jesus sending his apostles in pairs. I have been travelling lately alone, and I know It would be more fun if I shared it with a company.
In our Journey in Life let us remember that we are not alone. Never take for granted people around us, sometimes we are more charitable to others and people not really close to us but we fail to give quality time to those very near us or in our family.
Do not step on others or use others just for us to reach our goals. It would be very sad if it happens.
4. Stop overs. Like on a journey we experience stop overs, places and people we meet along the way. Thank God for them for their Love and goodness. They help us grow in Life and their Love gives us more inspiration to go on.
In my Journey, I have met so many special persons who guided me and helped me. In Italy, In Rome , In Bologna, in Florida, in New York, in Sangali, in Eicas, in Icas, in tetuan, even my family, all over. I feel sad because often times I fail to get in touch with them But I hope that my sincerest prayers for them will be enough.

5. Travel Light. Our heartaches and anger and sin and other unimportant things we carry in Life can be an added burden. It won't help our journey. Learn to travel Light.

6. Journey with Hope. Travel with Faith. It will surely help us to find meaning, happiness and success in our Journey.

Travel Safely and May we have a HAPPY TRIP.

My Dad showed me the TRUE IMAGE OF GOD THE FATHER

2010-06-21T03:04:00.003+03:00

Today I remember my Father Agripino "Pin" Faustino.
He was my protector. (One day back home in Kabatan, Zamboanga del sur, when I was just a kid, I won't forget How my dad bravely carried me in his arms, as we were fleeing , evacuating, while people were panicking around us, to a safer place, for the bandits, terrorists were attacking the next nearest town. I thought then, that with him nothing wrong could ever happen.)

He was a Good Provider. Whatever I asked he will give. I guess that's the reason why in a way I kind of developed the attitude of Getting what I want always). He will never fail to give and so even now even if he has gone back to the father in heaven, I still ask him for help in times of need and hardships in life and I know he will never fail me.

He was my Guide. On his death bed he told me simply and clearly when at a time I was not certain of my future, I was a seminarian then, He said: "You have started it finish it."

A Protector, A Provider and my Guide.
My Dad. PAPANG really showed me the true traits of our Heavenly Father in Heaven.
Papang, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Treasures in Heaven

2010-06-18T21:26:00.005+03:00

We are wise!
We make plans for the future
We save for the rainy days
We store and save and often ready for any eventuality.
We get Insurances and some even have Funeral plans already.
(My Mom had prepared already a space in the cemetery for her and for my dad so that they can be together.)
But I still wonder, Is there an assurance that we can enter Heaven in the end?
It reminds us therefore to be ready and to make preparations for our souls.
And Jesus' words are really meaningful when He said: "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth or decay can destroy nor thieves can break in and steal."
Today, I was called to visit Ralph Esposito, a Brother Knight, for communion and anointing. He is sick, in pain and suffering.
Before I left he requested, Father, can you give me the final rite already? I know I am going. I have asked for forgiveness already and have forgiven those who caused me pain and I wish to be prepared to meet the Lord.
I gave him the last rite, And I believe that he was truly prepared and ready.
May we also make preparations for the end
For we know not when the Lord will call us.

In Thanksgiving for the Gift of Priesthood

2010-06-13T08:06:00.000+03:00

THE GIFT OF PRIESTHOOD

2010-06-13T07:37:00.002+03:00

These are days of Joy, of Meaning, of Hope and of Fulfillment.
As I celebrated my 18Th year as a Priest,
And on the celebration of the Holy Mass, the cantor sung beautifully the words: "You are a Priest forever in the line of Melchizedek."
In Rome, Pope Benedict the XVI brings to a close the great celebration of the Year of the Priest.
I am reminded on the day of my Ordination When I chose for my symbol "The Seed." For it was how I looked at myself then and even until now.
A Seed who is so insignificant, sometimes can be taken for granted, powerless,and small.
But full of Hope, for this same Seed can "Grow and can even become the largest of trees."
The seed can achieve great things. A seed, no matter how small can grow and be of great service and help to others, "Shelter and food for animals and birds." Its branches can reach out, and it is ever growing and living and until when it can go is unimaginable.
Through the Overflowing Love of the Lord I received this precious gift.
He is my strength and help and He lifts up my nature.
The Gift of Priesthood is in me like a Seed, No matter how insignificant, No matter how imperfect I am, The Power of Jesus can help me reach out and touch the hearts of others,
Achieve great things and be an instrument in my own little way, of God's Love and good News.
That I can grow and always be full of hope for the future.
I will always be grateful for the Gift of Priesthood, grateful for the opportunity The Lord has given me to be of help to others at the service of the Lord, and always Hopeful for many many more opportunities and things to come.
May the Good Work that he has began on me be brought to its Fulfillment.

Corpus Christi Homily

2010-06-11T15:56:00.000+03:00

Prayer for the Graduates

2010-06-03T18:54:00.003+03:00

Almighty Father, source of Wisdom, Goodness and Love.
Through the sacrifice and care and love of parents, teachers, you gave these wonderful boys and girls knowledge and experience. Thank you very for your blessings, for we believe everything comes from You .
They are graduates now.
And now Lord as they move forward, learning more in life, teach them to use their knowledge wisely, help them in their own little way make our world a better place to live and to make life in this beautiful world meaningful and easier.
Grant them all your grace of strength, of peace and courage and faith that they continue serving one another and you in effective ways.
That they may realize that everything they receive and they do is a fulfillment of Your will.
Bless us always with your Love through the intercession of the blessed Virgin and St Joseph, In Jesus name Amen.

HOLY TRINITY

2010-05-29T22:10:00.005+03:00

Trinity Sunday.
Unlike other feast or celebration in the church when we honor a person or an event, today we celebrate a belief.
Our Faith on the One Triune God, that there are three persons in one God, God the father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
It is a mystery something that our minds could never reach or fathom. It defies logic or mathematics, for how can it be 1+1+1=1
This is what the Lord is telling us today in the gospel: " I have much more to tell you but you cannot bear it now But the Holy Spirit come upon you He will guide you by the truth."
But we believe because Christ said so, Go and make disciples of all nations baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
and always we will be Trinitarian, when we make the sign of the cross, that's our faith and trust in the holy trinity.
and it is sad when how sometimes this profession is not used in the right and proper way.
a story about how a visitor, a foreigner in our country the Philippines was impressed and amazed when he saw a man before climbing a coconut three made the sign of the cross and remarked about his being religious and he was corrected don.t be impressed for he is climbing to steal coconuts.
today we are reminded about how we profess and hold our faith one the triun God the right and sincerest way.
It reminds us also about the message of Unity.
Just as God the father God the son and God the Holy Spirit are one Unity is also important for us
In our lives that we should make an effort to be always be close and united with God, for "apart from him we can do nothing." Jesus said. In Him we have our strength and our being remain united with Him
Work for Unity at Home
to our couples stand firm there will always be challenges in your relationship hold on and be united it is worth fighting till the end.
The family gets its strength in being close to each other and united. Its vacation time take the opportunity to find time to be together.
St Joseph is doing great because of the unity and love of many.
Our country, will always be united, for it is the United States of America, but there is an invitation to practice it sincerely and faithfully and use unity for doing more good and showing love for others.
As we honor God the Father, God the son and the Holy Spirit, as we celebrate our faith let us also ask to help us become an instrument of unity and peace, Amen

The Power

2010-05-25T03:04:00.002+03:00

Pentecost Sunday
Is a very special occasion in the life of the church.
For it is like the “birthday of the Church.” On this day everything in the life of the church started when Christ empowered his disciples to proclaim His message of love to the world.
For me it is personally special because 18 years ago today ( I clearly remember everything) in an unfinished church back home with my family and friends I said my first mass. "18 years and still going."
Pentecost comes from the word “Pente” and “coste” = 50 days after Easter we also end today Easter season. The Light of Easter will be put off, but it should continue burning in our hears, that we should continue burning with love and sacrifice for others and for the Lord.
Christ gave His disciples and you and me the power, the gift of the Holy Spirit- the Power, the force that would animate us, inspire us.
And we know how much we need inspiration.
It was the late Bishop Fulton Sheen who said: “ we are suppose to be chosen people but often we behave like frozen people” and frozen indeed we become sometimes on our practice of our faith, frozen, when we are not able to love and serve and to forgive.
Christ giving us the holy spirit.
Please be reminded that the Holy Spirit is with us already. When we were baptized when I was ordained, when you were confirmed we received the Holy Spirit, and Pentecost is just a yearly celebration of looking at ourselves and and the church and discover again our soul, the holy spirit in our hearts.
You may fail to see it sometimes, but always the holy spirit is with us, that allows to do wonderful things, for me to say this homily with all my incapacity, for you to come to church today and forgo with other things in life, to beautifully sing with our inspired choir, to do things for others silently without expecting any acknowledgement, visiting those who are sick…do you see the power of the holy spirit working, even to realize these things is a gift of the holy spirit.

The Spirit offers us Peace. And we know much we need it. With all the conflicts and confusion in our lives, in the family and in the world, surely we really need the gift of peace.

Lastly the Spirit is our advocate, our protector.
There are times when we are afraid and worried, about our future,about our love ones.
Learn to ask the guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit. He will never fail us and nothing wrong could ever happen.
The Holy Spirit protected the Church. It kept us going through ups and down all these two thousand years.
Someone said. No matter what scandal or troubles will rock the church It will persist because it is protected and founded on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let us ask the Power of the Holy Spirit to come upon us, fill our hearts and enkindle in us the fire of love and that we will receive strength, inspiration peace and power to forgive and be renewed. Amen

PRAYER

2010-05-19T18:41:00.003+03:00

In this age of technology, it is easy to keep in touch with friends and love ones
with cellphones and emails.
I can even call my mom anytime for free

As Jesus speaks to the Father through prayer we too can also communicate to Jesus and the Father.
Let us be reminded today of the need to pray and its power and to pray unceasingly as Jesus told us.
As Jesus prays to the Father he also prays for us.
Let us not only pray for ourselves but also for others specially for our love ones and those who don't have anyone to pray for them.

Maybe you are concern about unanswered prayers?
Jesus assures : ask the Father in my name and your joy will be complete.

If you have troubles receiving emails, and that lately no one has been answering your mails?
Someone said:
try "Knee Mails": mails or messages you send on your knees, through prayers and Jesus will never let you down. Amen

ASCENSION SUNDAY

2010-05-16T23:17:00.002+03:00

The Lyrics of this song, that I heard on the radio (whose title I never got to know) rightly expresses it:
"Saying Goodbye is not an easy thing to do, it can make you angry, it can make you cry, it can make you feel so sad and you don't know what to do, its not easy to say goodbye."

It can be leaving home or going away like being deployed to the Middle East, (Picture ofPaige, standing at the side of her father holding his hands as they were being deployed to the middle east)
It can be the going away of bishop Thomas Winski,
It can be our graduates saying goodbye this school year,
It maybe about a lost love and separation,
Or the passing away of a love one which is the hardest.
It is never easy and so hard to say goodbye. “Goodbyes are difficult.”

Jesus is saying goodbye today in the gospel as we celebrate Ascension Sunday. He is going back to the father, He is going to heaven.

Normally those who are left behind are the ones affected, who feels the pain. When I left home, I was not crying, I was excited, but my family, my mom they were the ones crying. How I wished I could leave something behind to appease them, and my nephew jokingly said: ‘You could leave us your credit Card!)

But Jesus offers us His encouragement, His words of consolation. In the scriptures, these days, we hear the many encouragement of the Lord, saying:
" I will not leave you orphaned." I will give you the Advocate, The Holy Spirit to be with you in Spirit and in your hearts.
"I pray to those who believe in me that they will be one." That we will not be harmed and be scattered.
He said. " Do not be Afraid for I will be with you till the end of time."
"I am going to prepare a place for you so that where I am you also will be."
So many words of encouragement of hope and assurance for us who are left behind.

My Brothers and sisters, even the spirit of Ascension offers us so much hope and encouragement.
Its meaning in our lives is actually a Blessing.
Ascension means, that just as Jesus ascended to heaven, we too can ascend from wherever we are, we too can stand up, we too can start a new life always.

Sometimes we think that if we have fallen, there is no more hope, if have sinned that we are doomed.
No, we can still start all over again, yes we may stand up and fall and fall always but ascension tells us not to loose hope but to learn to stand again and begin anew,

We look at our lives and we become desperate because sometimes there is no progress, sometimes there is so much hardships and troubles. So much poverty. Ascension tells us, we can rise, we strive hard, continue working faithfully and that there will be better times.
Sometimes we tend to say “that's what we are and that's how far we can go..No, we can still stand up again.
That’s Ascension and it gives us hope and encouragement and meaning to continue serving and loving.
Be glad my dear brothers and sisters for just as Jesus ascended, we too can ascend in life, in love and to be with him and with our love ones in heaven. Amen

St. Mathias

2010-05-14T18:18:00.003+03:00

Why Me?

Sometimes I wonder why was I chosen to be a Priest.
Who am I to deserve so much Blessings and Opportunities.

The Lord Jesus would say in the Gospel today: “You have not chosen me, I have chosen you. Go and Bear fruit that will last.” Jn. 15:16.

I still wonder why me but one thing is clear that I have to go, in gratitude for the blessings I received, for being chosen, to go and serve and continue loving and fulfilling the mission at hand that I was given to fulfill..to bear fruit that will lasts.
(We celebrate today the Feast of St. Mathias, chosen to replace Judas. Why Mathias? We wonder why.)

Palabra de Dios

2010-05-13T16:32:00.002+03:00

My Homily during my First mass with the Spanish Community in Winter Haven Florida. (Sixth Sunday of Easter, Mother's Day)

Es una costumbre, cuando alguien se va a separar de su familia, que los padres y mayores ofrezcan consejos y palabras de sabiduría o bendición a la persona.
Yo también fui bendecido y recibí palabras de aliento de parte de mi Madre cuando partí de mi casa hace una semana para venir a Winter Haven.
Esto es lo que Jesús esta haciendo en el Evangelio de hoy. El esta partiendo. Lo próximo sera la Asención, así que El ofrece palabras de consejo, palabras de sosiego, aliento, y palabras de paz a sus discípulos.
Esas palabras son también para ustedes y para mi.
1. El no quiero dejarnos huerfanos.
A. Entonces nos da el Paráclito, el Espíritu Santo, el defensor para protegernos y guiarnos. Siempre debemos pedir al Espíritu Santo que nos inspire y nos fortalezca en todo lo que hacemos en nuestras vidas.
B. El nos da a MARÍA, nuestra Madre Celestial. Su mes de mayo y Mayo es el mes de María. Pídele a Ella su protección.
C. El nos ofrece Nuestras Madres, para que sigamos sintiendo El Amor y Cuidado del Padre en este mundo. Recordamos hoy a todas las madres y rogamos por su salud y felicidad.
(cuando partí mi madre estaba preocupada y llena de dudas; me preguntó quien me iba a cocinar en Winter Haven. Yo tengo mas madres que me cuidan, como Carmen quien me brinda de su cocina latina).

2. El nos Bendice con la Paz. Bien sabemos cuanto lo necesitamos, para nosotros mismos, para nuestras familias, para nuestra comunidad y para el mundo entero. Cuantos conflictos y peleas hay en estos tiempos, en verdad que necesitamos Paz.
Estas son las palabras de Jesús y nos pide que lo sigamos para que se cumplan, porque: "el que me ama cumplirá mi palabra."
Y añade que nunca debemos perder el consuelo porque si cumplimos sus palabras, El nunca nos faltará, El siempre estará aquí para protegernos.
Alegrensen mis queridos hermanos y hermanas porque así es que Jesús nos ama y cuida.
Vamos entonces a Amarnos los unos a los otros mientras continuamos amando a nuestro Padre Celestial. Amen.

Springtime

2010-05-01T16:06:00.000+03:00

Few months ago, friends from Winter Haven Florida, sent me pictures through face book of their dying plants and fruit trees and flowers due to frost. It was the start of winter and it was a sad scene.
Recently, I received pictures again but this time it was of blooming, flowering beautiful flowers. It is springtime.
Our Almighty Father has set an order in this world, that is, from death to Life, from sadness to joy, from winter to springtime, from Lent to Easter. A hopeful movement of time from hardships to better times.
Let us be glad and always be hopeful for always there will be Life, Joy, Better times and Easter.

HAPPY EASTER

HOLY FAMILY

2009-12-30T22:54:00.003+02:00

I was browsing the Internet for a good definition of FAMILY.
One said, "It is the basic unit of society."
Another: "A Group of People coming together by reason of consanguinity, friendship and a common goal, etc.."
Still another said, poetically: "It is where I Belong."
But the best definition I saw said: "FAMILY-is FAther, Mother, and all the children and parents saying to one another I LOVE YOU."

As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family

We remember today our own family
we acknowledge how it is a special gift given to us, to have a family, to have love ones and friends near us and a family where we belong.
It is what made our Christmas celebration complete and meaningful, having our family around us. It completes our Life.
It is a precious gift, Let us love our family.
It is sad to hear how some would easily break their family for personal reasons and how they won't fight and defend their family and how they allow attack against the family.
Our Family is worth fighting for and worth keeping.

Sometimes we become too idealistic about our family. How we would like to have a perfect family, perfect dad, perfect mom, perfect kids, even in our parish family we also expect perfect parishioners and perfect priest or pastor.
But human and created as we are, we are never perfect, with our imperfections it is just too much to achieve a perfect one.
But one thing is clear though, as long as there is Love, understanding, acceptance and forgiveness, we can still have a Happy Family and a"perfect" Family.

******************

Create a family that is close to God, close to each other, and close to others or Neighbors..it is a secret to a Happy and Holy Family just like the family Of Jesus, Joseph and Mary.

******************

3 "O" needed to achieve a Holy Family
O bedience - Like Joseph and Mary
O ffering - Like the Holy Family going to the temple for the Presentation.
O remus - Like Joseph, Mary and Jesus Praying to the Heavenly Father

******************

Family is very important
It is where we are formed. It is where the kids stay most of the time and learn a lot.
Not even the school, the media or church could equal what the kids learn at home from their parents.
It is where we have received our faith.
We are here now in church because in the past a love one or a member of the family taught us about the value of prayer and church and faith.
And I wonder what will the future look like for kids now who are never formed at home with their faith because some parents believe they respect what they want to believe and to practice in the future.

*******************

We pronounce PARENT like "Pay Rent"
Maybe because that's really what parents are suppose to do, like a pay back for what they themselves received from their parents.
and so we give back by being examples and models to other.

Today we pray that PEACE, HAPPINESS, UNITY, and SUCCESS will reign in our FAMILIES, Amen.

CHRISTMAS MOMENTS

2009-12-26T20:54:00.003+02:00

Tonight we receive The Greatest Gift of all: JESUS CHRIST Our Savior.
A Gift offered to us by the Heavenly Father flowing out of His abundant Generosity and Kindness.
A Gift we don't even deserve because of our unworthiness.
A Gift that is totally unexpected, just like what Santa Claus could give us.

Notice how in life we often receive unexpected gifts and gifts that we don't even deserve.
Notice how often we are blessed unexpectedly by God even if we didn't ask for it.
And we realize that Christmas is always happening the whole year through in our lives not only this Christmas or this season but every moment of our lives.
There are always Christmas Moments.

*****************

JOY

December 17, I celebrated my Birthday.
A very special, one of a kind Birthday and memorable for me.
I had picture taking with Santa Claus.
I received Gifts and special Birthday song from parishioners after the mass.
The School Cheerleaders gave me a surprise Birthday Cheer in front of many watching basketball that day.
Then Friends gave me a party in the evening.
But what really made my day complete was when after the party towards midnight I was going home and I received a sick call.
I went to give a dieing person absolution and the last rite.
As I celebrated my Birthday I was praying for a person who was completing his life here on earth and was about to go.
After the family Thank me and I went home
In the middle of the night, at the end of the day
I felt the greatest feeling of Happiness and Contentment that really made my day complete.
I said This really is my special day.

*********************

What should we do this Christmas?

In the Sunday readings, John was asked by the people "What should we do?"
The context of the question was the uncertainty and confusion of the people in the time of John and Jesus.
The question was asked because they wanted to know more about following Jesus
and the question also had something to do with asking what should we do this advent season?
I was asked the same question by the family and the wife of a person by the name Joseph who just died and I was there comforting the family and blessed the remains. Joseph left his wife with two very young children.
They asked me that same question on that third Sunday of advent: what should we do, father?
I was so speechless and very sad that I didn't know what right words to say in those difficult times.
I asked my self what do you say to families about Christmas in times like this. In times of death, suffering and loneliness and poverty.

********************

A Friend came to me and asked:
Father what shall I do?
These days I feel I am lost
I don't feel well
I am unhappy and I feel nothing right is going on in my life.
I don't know what to do and I dread and worry thinking of how long will this "desert experience" last.

I said:
I guess this is really what Christmas is telling us.
Christ coming to us as a Child and now He lies on the crib looking so helpless and powerless and looking with an uncertain future.
"God becoming Man" I guess must be "like being lost"
But take courage and journey with Jesus, I said.
With Him there is a promise of Hope and better tomorrow.

******************

CHRIST MAS

Some I observed would really like to take Christ away from Christmas.
A friend, working at a call center, told me that they were asked not to greet Merry Christmas to clients but just say: Happy Holidays.
I heard at the Philippine airport, workers were asked not to greet passengers and balikbayans with a Merry Christmas, saying that it connotes asking for gifts.
Others would just prefer to greet Seasons Greetings.
But I still believe that the Best way to greet others is to say MERRY CHRISTMAS

********************

After the midnight mass
I saw the people who came to church went home and I heard many would be with their love ones and together they will celebrate Christmas.
I went home and ALONE I prepared myself a peanut butter sandwich with a diet coke.
As I ate alone I thought of the families celebrating.
I felt at peace also when I thought that I was being one with those who were alone and have nothing for Christmas and I know there were many.
I was one with those who did not have their families and love ones
And it was made more meaningful when I thought that I guess this was really How the First Christmas was, so simple, so peaceful but very contented.
I went to bed that night with the JOY of Christmas in my heart

Advent Boy

2009-12-16T22:08:00.003+02:00

Today I express my sincerest Joy.
For The Almighty has done great things for me.
He has given me my Family who formed me and prepared me to succeed in this world.
He has given my my Friends and Love ones who are always there to protect me and keep me away from harm and helping me live life meaningfully.
He has given me the chance to be His instrument to bring others closer to Him and to proclaim His message of Love and Peace.
He has given me the Faithful around me whom I serve in my own little way making my mission complete.
He has blessed me with Good Health and contentment.
Above all He has given me my precious Life, and at the age of 42 I am still going.
For all these I say Thank You to the Almighty Father
I am filled with Joy and this Advent Season,
I am Truly an Advent Boy.

JOY

2009-12-14T03:31:00.002+02:00

The Third Sunday of advent is called Gaudete Sunday.
It is called "Rejoicing Sunday" or Joyful Sunday and notice we lighted the pink candle today.
I feel great today because for ones "I am allowed to wear PINK."

JOY is the theme of our celebration.

We hear today from the readings that joy comes in many forms.

In the book of Zephaniah, Joy comes because of the absence of fear and worries and of enemies and it is something celebrated with festivities.
Be Happy This Christmas and celebrate.
Don't allow the gloom and dark clouds in life overwhelm us.
Celebrate even simply and celebrate with prayer, with the Eucharist.

Paul, in the second reading speaks of joy as something in our own being, in our hearts.
He use words like honor, trust and graciousness.
It is something we achieve when we are at peace. That's the reason why we ask for forgiveness for our failures and we also forgive those who have wronged us.

Then in Gospel, John was asked what should we do? And Joy takes a new form..he said "whoever has two cloaks and food share it to those who are in need..joy now is achieved when we give, when we help others.
joy is achieved when we share.

Someone observed that, for joy to be completely achieved when you share follow the right order.
the order is J O Y, Jesus, Others and You..for joy to be complete we must have time , and be able to share to Jesus, others and oneself. In the right order and making an effort to consider all: Jesus, others and oneself.

Let us pray for true joy in our hearts and lives and in the Family and the world this Christmas and all the days of our lives. Amen.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

2009-12-08T06:04:00.004+02:00

As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception,

As we honor today our Blessed Virgin Mary this Advent Season, when we prepare for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Three Special Gifts are promised to you and me.

1. The Gift of Purity of Heart and Forgiveness.

We may not be conceived without sin and Immaculate but The Blessed Virgin is given to us as our model reminding us that we too can strive to attain purity of heart and soul and that we can be forgiven by God.
We ask for forgiveness and go to confession , we use the words "I'm sorry", and we also use the words "I forgive" to those who have wronged us.

2. The gift of Joy and Peace.

Happiness and Peace in our hearts, in the family and in our community.
When Elizabeth heard the voice of Mary..the baby leaped with joy in her womb
and Elizabeth declared with joy "Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with you..."
Yes, even if life is difficult and our times hard, we can still be at peace and experience true joy and contentment if we are at peace with God and with others.

3.The Gift of Hope.

" For nothing is impossible with God."
I know each one of us would like to receive a special gift..pray and believe that Jesus will give you and me that gift we need.

May our Blessed Virgin Mary today help us attain purity of heart and soul, true joy and Peace in our hearts and in the family and Hope for a better Life.

ADVENT REFLECTION

2009-12-06T16:29:00.003+02:00

ADVENT

A - Awaiting for the Coming of Jesus Christ: His Birthday, His
coming to us through Grace and when He comes back in Glory.
(Wait for Jesus.. Not for Santa Claus or for gifts or for Bonuses..)

D - Do Good. It is a Time to Give, to Share, to Help others. When
we do good we make ourselves pleasing to God.

V - Vigilant. Stay awake and watch for we know not when He is
coming. Watch and See Oneself, what others Need and What God wants you to do.

E - EUCHARIST. The Holy Mass should be important in all our
schedules these season. It is a Time to Pray. A time to be Spiritual.

N - NO to Sin and vices and bad habits. Say Sorry and use the word
I Forgive you often.

T - THANKSGIVING. Say Thank you to Jesus for your Life and the many
Blessings and Love He showered upon you and your Family.

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

2009-11-29T23:06:00.004+02:00

Today is the first Sunday of advent
Advent-comes from the word "adventus", "ad venire" - the coming, to come.
And we ask today who is coming?
I asked a group of children, who is coming at Christmas time?, whom are we waiting for?- and they all answered Santa Claus.
It is our Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST who is coming.
You may wonder why in the gospel today we have a different picture presented.
It is not about the a child being born in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes and who is with Mary and Joseph. But rather about the end, when the savior is coming accompanied by signs and surprises.
It is is because, we have the "Three Comings of Jesus Christ."
1. When He was born in Bethlehem. His coming in time.In the history, in the past, when He became man.
2. Another coming Is the here and now when we receive Christ in our hearts, through grace, when we listen to His words and we allow Him to touch us and make us better persons
3. His coming in glory, at the end of time at the end of life when we will finally meet Him again face to face.
So the celebration of advent is really something bigger than we we ordinarily think about.
And the church celebrates in advent the three comings of Christ.

The Gospel my dear brothers and sisters
is a call to prepare and to to prepare rightly.
that we need to have the right mind the right idea of what advent is..
that it is the coming of Jesus.
Lets never forget that the decorations and music and celebrations are all secondary..Christ should be the center.
we also need to have the right attitude, the right disposition
that it should be of joy and the sharing of joy, of Love to others.

We should have the right attitude of watchfulness and anticipation,
and it is a grace to have the attitude of watchfulness and readiness.
1. to see the true meaning of things we see around.
2. to see that aside from ourselves our needs even our families there are others who need our love and help.
3. to see the moments and occasions of grace that Christ knocks at our hearts.
4. to see that life is not forever that we should all set ourselves and prepare to meet Christ one day.
Let us ask and pray for these grace as we start the season of advent today
to have right mind, right attitude and disposition and grace of being watchful for the coming of Christ, amen.

THANKSGIVING

2009-11-25T14:32:00.002+02:00

The past months, St. Gertrudes in Bayville New York has been my home away from home.
This time I journeyed together with the new pastor Fr. Stephen Brigandi
going through with him in all his new experiences and realizations in a new mission.

There were tough times and overwhelming situations
But also there were the moments of joy and success
and they all helped made our task as priests meaningful.

Even if I already had my own experiences in the past as a young pastor back home in zamboanga. I would say that there where many new instances of enlightenment that I have experienced with fr. stephen and I also have learned a lot.
The Faithful, my families and friends in st. gertrudes have never change
They were loving and caring as ever
and when I left after summer I shared to them
How I was so greatful for the Love and generosity I saw in st gertrudes and I said to show my gratitude, I will always try to give my best wherever I go to continue serving and loving others and helping them experience Christ also
The Love I received is the same Love I will give.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY

2009-08-19T19:39:00.004+03:00

In the Gospels these past Sundays we have heard about Jesus being presented to us as The Bread of Life.
There is one very important message that we should never fail to reflect, which is: THE HOLY EUCHARIST. The Holy Mass.
Its Meaning, its Importance and the need for us to grow in our Love and devotion for the Eucharist.

Its meaning.
Pope Benedict XVI said: The celebration and worship of the Eucharist enable us to draw near to God’s love and to persevere in that love" “Sacramentum Caritatis” (“The Sacrament of Charity”).
It is our source of strength to love, our source of grace to live meaningful lives as his followers. It is our Life , the Truth and our way to eternal salvation.
For me, in the Eucharist everything in my life as a priest, in my achievements and successes and in my my struggles, everything find its meaning. and I know if ever the day will come when I will be away from it, then it will be my end.

Its Importance.
I remember when we were kids whenever my mom would invite us to prepare to go to mass, there were times when we just wanted to stay at home and would even say that we will just attend mass through the television or just pray the rosary in the evening. And she would tell us: "Not even a hundred praying of the rosary could equal one attendance of the mass". We got the message and we all went to mass.
St. Theresa of Calcutta said: if the Eucharist is taken for granted, something breaks up in life.

Our Love and Devotion
I believe it is something that we have learned from others, maybe from a neighbor or a relative or from our parents.
we love the Eucharist because someone in life were our models and gave us good examples and taught us about the Eucharist
I know, I am a priest now because my mom , my parents taught me about Love for the Eucharist.
And i believe, that if ever we want that the next generation, the kids will learn to love the Eucharist then we should be the models, we the grownups, the parents should give them good example.

As we receive Christ today, may we be renewed and become better persons, growing in our love for one another and Christ. May we grow in our appreciation and love for the Eucharist. As the source and summit of our christian Life, Amen

The Assumption

2009-08-15T06:04:00.004+03:00

On the feast of the Assumption
We recognize that the Blessed Virgin Mary is in heaven
We celebrate the fact that Mary was assumed body and soul to heaven
It is a doctrine in the church that was defined by Pope Pius XII in 1950

Pope Benedict in his message, said: “today is a day of joy, for God has won, Love has won and that God is powerful, powerful even death.”
He makes the impossible happen
A reminder for you and me that in life there are things that we think they really are impossible but God is powerful and can make them happen.
For all our prayers today, Believe that God can make them happen.

We are reminded also today that we have now a Mother in heaven
A Mother who is our model and help
That one day we too can be with her

Finally the Assumption reminds us that the Blessed Mary brings hope and joy
Elizabeth experienced it when she was visited by Mary
Times are tough for many nowadays
Many are burdened and overwhelmed with many things happening around us.
struggling financially
personal crosses, problems in life and in the family
It’s a hard life
But the message of the assumption is Hope and Joy with the help of the Blessed Virgin
That there will be better times for us
Four you and me
For your family
for our parish
For the country and for the world
There will be better times

We honor today the blessed virgin
We ask for her intercession in all our prayers and we ask for the grace to grow in our love and devotion for our Mother Mary. Amen

Still on a Journey

2009-07-20T18:27:00.002+03:00

I am reminded of the universal thumb rule In driving which says:
“Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the steering wheel and stop when you are sleepy and exhausted.”

As we travel in Life with the things we do
It matters when we know where we are heading and what we would like to achieve and reach.
Our goals and vision matters.

There will always be distractions, be it successes or disappointments.
Joys or sorrows, but it will help a lot if “our hands are on the steering wheel” don’t let anything or anyone distract us.

And when it becomes unbearable and tiresome, learn to stop and rest,
to be re energized and then to continue the journey.

Return to Rome 2009

2009-07-16T22:55:00.002+03:00

On a Journey

2009-07-14T15:14:00.002+03:00

Jesus sent his apostles on a journey, two by two
To proclaim his good news and He instructed them on how to conduct themselves and how to carry out the mission.

I have been traveling again these past days
Traveling alone
and I certainly see the wisdom of Jesus sending his apostles on a journey two by two
Jesus knew the journey could be fun and easy when one share it with a company.

But I am not really alone, on the road I have met special persons who with their generous heart have made my journey meaningful and joyful. They are many and I pray that the Lord will bless them abundantly for their goodness

Travel Light.
Literally, I am doing it. I have learned that one need to bring only the essentials and the rest the Lord will provide. And Yes this has been proven many times. The Lord takes care.

Proclaim the message of peace, hope and Love is what I strive to bring in the name of Jesus
In simplicity and humility it is done and with sincerity I believe the journey can be successful and the mission can be accomplish
I continue my journey and I wish myself a wonderful trip
Buona Giornata.!

Thank You

2009-07-01T00:40:00.003+03:00

To Fr. Peter Puntal, to Mom Aida, to Laurie, To Jane and to all St. Joseph Office Staff, to Fr. fracilus, friends from the filipino community, to the Parishioners of St. Joseph..To my Friends, for your love and care and generosity. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

Homily on the Healing Power of Jesus

2009-06-30T23:26:00.002+03:00

My Anniversary

2009-05-29T05:30:00.000+03:00

Sixteen years ago today I was ordained a priest by the late Archbishop Francisco R. Cruces at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Zamboanga.

I take the opportunity today to REMEMBER.

To remember our Good Lord who gave me my vocation as a precious gift. How He has loved me and protected me and guided me and sustained me to remain a priest.

And I remember today to say from the bottom of my heart Thank You, Jesus.

I remember today my parents and my family for their love and support.

I remember my father who told me on his deathbed. “Whatever you have started finish it and bring it to fruition.” His words kept me going and were my strength in my life.

I remember my mother who prays for me and my intentions everyday, never failing to mention my name in her prayers. The reason why I am still a Priest.

I remember my friends and those close to me who helped make my life and my vocation more meaningful because of their care and help.

I remember the faithful, the flock, that the Lord gave me to tend and the fulfillment it gives to serve them.

And I remember that this precious gift of Priesthood is for me to keep till the end of my life.

Guided by the HOLY SPIRIT

2009-05-16T07:25:00.000+03:00

On a Friday afternoon I made my rounds of visiting patients in Winter Haven Hospital, FL. for anointing and communion.
I had 4 patients on my list.
At one time I entered a room where I saw a man lying on the bed and beside him was I believed his son and wife.
They were all surprised to see me and I was surprised also because I realized I just entered a room not on my list and they even never requested for a priest.
I apologized for the mistake and then went on to the right rooms.
As I was about to leave a nurse called me and requested if I could visit one more patient.
I went back and found out that It was the room that I mistakenly entered.
I prayed for the patient, led him to a confession and anointed him and bless the family also.
And I left.
The next day I was told that the patient I anointed died and the family were glad that I was able to pray for him before he passed away.
The family became my friends and they requested me also to do the funeral and blessing of ashes.
Until now I still wonder why I entered that room.
What brought me to the door of that room when in fact I had the correct room numbers on my list.
Amazing how The HOLY SPIRIT works.
Amazing how the Lord create wonders

Undying Love

2009-05-04T17:44:00.003+03:00

The Image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd
“Who knows and lays down His Life for His Sheep”
Reminds us of how He truly Loves us and Cares for us.
This Love is always. A Lasting Love, that is, Till the End.

As His followers we too are invited and challenge to have the same undying Love and care for one another and for the Lord.

Is this still possible?
I believe YES. It is very much possible.

During the mass yesterday I was asked to Bless Fran and Doris Nolin who were celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary.
Now that's an example and clear proof how Love can be till the end.

Obeying The Lord

2009-04-23T15:06:00.002+02:00

To Obey God Is to Follow His Will and Commandments which is LOVE.
To Obey God is therefore to LOVE.
(Peter and the Apostles said: “"We must obey God rather than men.”)

I see the Love among the faithful who comes to church every morning offering their time for the Lord and serving the community.
The same Love I see as kids from St. Joseph carry their contributions of food stuff for charity.
The Love of a wife caring for her sick husband.
The Love of a wife who stands at the side of her husband in pain at the hospital as I give the Last rite.
The Love of a mother taking care of her baby.
The Love of a mom who takes care of me at home as part of the family.

I see this Love wherever I go
And this is how they Obey God and follow His Will.

HAPPY EASTER

2009-04-14T17:00:00.000+02:00

On Easter Morning,
I said the 6:30 early morning Mass.
It must have been due to lack of sleep but absentmindedly, after the choir sang the Gloria..I led again the congregation to recite the Gloria.
Halfway, I realized we did the GLORIA Twice and the people even obediently prayed it with life.
I apologized to the community during the homily..but then I realized that it was fitting. why? Because it was The Glorious Celebration of all. It was EASTER SUNDAY.

May The JOY and PEACE that EASTER brings be felt by all in their hearts, in their lives, and in their families.
and May the words of Jesus who said "Do not be Afraid" be our strength and Hope in times of trouble, AMEN.
HAPPY EASTER

FLORIDA Chrism Mass 2009

2009-04-09T18:50:00.003+02:00

I am in Winter Haven, Florida in the Parish of St. Joseph. Yesterday, Holy Wednesday Was the Chrism Mass of the Diocese of Florida Clergy held at their famous The Queen of the Universe Shrine. I was fortunate to be invited and was blessed with the opportunity to renew my Priestly vows. My pastor Fr. Peter Puntal also introduced me to the Bishop Thomas Wenski and I was blessed to receive a personal greeting of welcome from him. A memorable moment was my first meeting with the 12 Filipino priests incardinated in the diocese of Florida who saw to it that I was taken cared of and how we enjoyed sharing stories from back home. An inspiring experience also was to meet the Filipino community with warm welcome and with loving excitement inviting me to join them in their gatherings. This is just the start in my stay in Florida and I am really excited

Lord, Teach me to Pray

2008-10-08T18:20:00.003+02:00

I was sharing one day to a friend how I was tired and burdened by problems and how it was stressful.
And he said “maybe father Archie you had not prayed enough.”
Not prayed enough? I say mass everyday sometimes three times a day and pray the rosary and many more devotions and you say I did not prayed enough?
I was about to react with protest, but it came to me, I thought that he may have a point.
That I have not really prayed enough, rightly and truly.

I pray “ your will be done” and yet I insist on what I want to receive.
my prayers sometimes is a long list of petitions and I forget to thank God.
I pray often with my heart still laden with hatred and anger and sin.

The Apostles in the gospel today asked the Lord: “Teach us to pray.”
I ask the Lord also to teach me to pray rightly, sincerely and truly. AMEN

Prayer for Workers

2008-09-22T03:20:00.003+02:00

A Prayer for Workers
O glorious Joseph! Who concealed your incomparable and regal dignity of custodian of Jesus and of the Virgin Mary under the humble appearance of a craftsman and provided for them with your work, protect with loving power your sons, especially entrusted to you.

You know their anxieties and sufferings, because you yourself experienced them at the side of Jesus and of His Mother. Do not allow them, oppressed by so many worries, to forget the purpose for which they were created by God. Do not allow the seeds of distrust to take hold of their immortal souls. Remind all the workers that in the fields, in factories, in mines, and in scientific laboratories, they are not working, rejoicing, or suffering alone, but at their side is Jesus, with Mary, His Mother and ours, to sustain them, to dry the sweat of their brow, giving value to their toil. Teach them to turn work into a very high instrument of sanctification as you did. Amen. By Pope John XXIII

23 Sunday Ord. Time A (Heaven)

2008-09-07T16:51:00.000+02:00

The Lord always cares for us
He wants us to live meaningful and fruitful lives
And it is His wish that at the end of time we will be with him in his kingdom in heaven.
“I am going to prepare a place for you…so that where I am you will also be.”

And so in the gospel he gives us guidelines
Teaching us the right path to take
And the right thing to do.

1. He reminds us about how the good we do in our life time can help us enter heaven.
“whatever you bind on earth, shall be bound in heave,…..”

2. He gives us prayers as a way of keeping in touch with him.
Becoming closer to him and knowing him personally is a big help when we stand before him at the judgment seat at the end time.

3. He reminds us also about fraternal correction and helping others be on the right path here on earth.
When someone commits mistakes we have the duty to help and correct them.
Tell them the truth even though truth hurts
For in the end it will be the truth that will set us free and save us.

4. He also gives us the commandment as the summary of how we should conduct ourselves in this world. Loving God and neighbor.

These are Jesus’ words for our salvation
And “If today you here His words. Harden not your hearts.”

Missing the Point

2008-08-24T05:11:00.002+03:00

When the Lord Jesus asked “who do you say that I am?”
The apostles came up with different answers.
They missed the real point, the real answer
And it was Peter who got it right when he professed:
“You are the Messiah the Son of the Living God.

When we approach Jesus, when we pray, may we not miss the real point that
He is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, The Almighty,
The All Powerful who knows and sees everything we need
and who knows what is best for us.

In our relationships may we not take for granted others and their real need.
That when we help it should be for the others good
That we may always be aware of what is truly needed and what is best to share
Otherwise we miss the point.

May we not deviate from our real point of destination which is heaven
That our lifetime should be a preparation to be with God someday
May we not miss our target in the end which is HEAVEN

Yet even if we miss the point.
Remember! The Lord will never fail us and will never miss the point of helping, protecting us and saving us.

Mothers

2008-08-18T04:20:00.003+03:00

The Canaanite woman
A Mother with her great Love and concern for her child.
Reminds us of our Mother in Heaven, The Blessed Virgin Mary
Who will never forsake us.
She reminds us also about our Mothers here on earth as we acknowledge them and pray for them.
(Just Like michael Phelps kissed her mom after winning his 8th gold medal).

Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin mary

2008-08-15T00:47:00.002+03:00

These days we witness how young men and women-athletes in the Beijing Olympics 2008,
Give their best in their sports and are victorious and in the end are honored with medals.

Today the Blessed Virgin Mary is also being honored.
She said YES to be the mother of our Lord at that time she never knew what it entailed and how it will bring her so much sorrow at the foot of the cross.
She fulfilled that YES
And today as we celebrate the feast of the Assumption
We are reminded how in the end she was assumed body and soul to heaven.

Just Like the blessed Virgin
We too can excel and do our best in our own fields in life.
In our own little way we can be the best parent, the best friend, the best public servant. We can excel at work or in school or in the community.
By offering our Love and acts of goodness to others.
How to do it so that it will be the best?
Just do it with love and with sincerity.
It may not look much but whatever is done with Love always matters and is meaningful
and it will be the best and our Lord will surely appreciate it.

The reward may not be right away here on earth
though I believe some would receive them in their lifetime
But it will be in the end when the good we have done will be rewarded in heaven
Just like Mary was assumed to heaven we too can be with her in heaven.

Let us pray that we will grow in our love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin
That we will learn from her and make her our model
That we will be blessed through her intercessions as we offer our needs and prayers
And that in the end with her help we can enter heaven. Amen.

The Sea of Life

2008-08-10T22:23:00.001+03:00

The waters, the sea that surrounds Bayville
Is what makes Bayville beautiful and famous to visitors.

These same waters we know are at times so calm and peaceful and we love to go out sailing.
but there are times when it is rough with big waves, difficult and chaotic.
.

Our Life, our relationships, even our family or community here on earth can be compared to the sea, to the waters.
There are times when it is calm and peaceful when we are happy and contented, at peace
And we love those days and how we wish sometimes that it stays that way

But we know just like the sea.. There are storms and strong waves.
That life and relationships can be chaotic and problematic
The calmness can be disturbed at times by death of a love one, sickness, unfaithfulness or betrayal.
That’s Life brothers and sisters.
As uncle vinnie would always say: “questa la vita.”

In the Gospel today, we are reminded that when these things happen
Let us not forget that we have Jesus our lord whom we can go to
He can walk through the rough sees
He can overcome it for us
And for all of us who are walking on the rough waters these days
he Is telling us come walk through it.
Yes Peter come walk through the waters.
Don’t run away or hide from it.
Walk through it.

Jesus can save us, He can help us
He saved peter though he had little faith

Allow Jesus to reach his hand and save you
Allow Jesus to touch your heart help you to learn to forgive
Allow Jesus to give you strength to carry your cross ad to walk the rough sees
And do not be afraid He says for it is I
He is our Lord and savior.

The Parable of the Wheat and Weeds

2008-07-18T21:15:00.003+03:00

Once again Jesus use parables to impart to us his message
Today we have the parable of the wheat and weeds.
1. First it tells us about the reality of the world we live in
That in this world, there is good but there is also the absence of good that is evil.
We all desire to live well, happy, contented and at peace
But every now and then we are awaken or shaken with the reality of sorrow, pain, sickness and troubles.
We are reminded about these realities so that we will know how to face them,
That we wont get discourage but trying ones best to overcome them.
In another scripture reading the lord reminds us to bear these crosses and carry them with Him.

2. The parable also reminds us about sowing good seed.
Doing good in life. Sharing an act of love and kindness to others.
They are not useless even sometimes nobody gets to know the good we do
For every good we do will merit us good.
Whatever you sow is what you will reap.
What you do to others, others normally will do it to you
Sow good seed and it will bear fruit abundantly,
do not sow bad seeds otherwise you will have weeds.

3. In the end it is God who will judge us on how we conducted ourselves in this world,
how we tried to be of help to others and how we loved.
Brothers and sisters the good we do in this world will never go unnoticed for God knows and sees everything.
and the parable tells us, there will be judgment in the end.
Gather the wheat and put them in the barn, while gather the weeds and burn them.
We don’t have to judge others or even at times bring them to justice
God and even nature will have a way of giving justice
Some people even say that even here on earth there are some who are paying already for the wrong they have done.
God will judge us in the end.

Hope of the Seed

2008-07-13T18:50:00.002+03:00

The Parable of the Seed and the Sower
Offers us many points of reflection today for these are symbols rich in meaning.
1. The Gospel tells us that Jesus is the sower and the seeds are His Words which He offers to us as truths as paths to peace and happiness and even salvation.
And He invites us to be a Good Soil
To accept His Words of Life, allow it to nourish us and shape us
To overcome obstacles of selfishness and even hardheadedness that could choke up the seeds of life.
Be open to the Jesus, have time for Him and accept Him in our lives.
So that in the end our life can bear fruit a hundredfold.

2. The Seed is something insignificant, small and ordinary but ones planted it can grow and become a big tree that could give shelter and food to animals and birds and even man. It is something that could become extraordinary.
The Seed can be an act of love or a simple act of goodness that when offered from the heart can mean a lot to others.
The seed can be an small offering for the poor, though nothing compared to what others can give but could help a lot those who are in need.
It can even be a simple smile for a neighbor that could brighten their day.
The seed can be an hour for the Lord today, it may look not much but surely can please the Lord and could merit us blessings.

3. The Seed can grow and be transformed. It can change
The seed could be ourselves. When sometimes we say I am hopeless and could never change
But given the right desire and grace from God. Surely we can start all over again, start a new Life.

I will give you rest

2008-07-06T17:54:00.002+03:00

We all have our own burdens in life.
Crosses that we carry.
Some we share and ask for help but others we keep to ourselves and carry it alone.
Our burdens could be others, a neighbor or even a husband or a wife or kids and our burden can even be ourselves.
It can be a guilt or a sin that we keep.
Or something we failed to fulfill in life.
It can even be the one we all share these days-the burden of ever-rising energy cost and cost of goods.
Many are tired.
And there are many burdens, crosses that weighs us down.

Today, Let us be comforted and encouraged by the words of Jesus: who said: “ Come to me all you who are tired and find life burdensome. And I will refresh you. I'll give you rest, true peace and happiness.”

Peter and Paul

2008-06-29T05:49:00.001+03:00

Apostles Peter and Paul
Two great saints, considered after Christ, as the cornerstone of our Faith.
In St. Peter’s basilica their statues stand tall at both sides of the entrance telling us that indeed they are the pillars of the church.
Two great men, chosen from among us, ordinary men with their weakness and strength.
Remember: Peter He denied the Lord three times, he was the man of “little faith.”
Paul was a persecutor of Christians.
But when they were transformed and when they were converted..
Both Lived their faith and died fighting for the faith as martyrs.
Peter crucified upside down and Paul beheaded.

Today may we realize that our faith is a Gift from the Lord
That this Faith was preserved through the Love and Blood of many saints and martyrs starting with Peter and Paul.
That as a gift we need to treasure it.
That we need to Live our Faith
And in the end pass it on to the next generation.

In the end may we say like Paul said: “I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith;”

No Fear

2008-06-22T03:32:00.002+03:00

Someone noticed that in the papers and television- we often get “Breaking news or alerts,” these days. They said it is being in a crisis mode. And that this is the state of and condition of our times. Often worried and living in fear.

A deeper study of who we are.( specially in Philosophy) One desiring and wanting to achieve what is good and happiness will tell us how fear and the positive which is courage is a reality.
We all have our own fears.

Fear can be positive in a way when it protects us from harm.

But fear can become an instrument of the devil
When it becomes an obstacle to live our faith fully. When it hinders many and silence many to say what is right and true, when works of love and of God are not shared because of fear.

We live in a time when because of popular opinions, its difficult to say same sex marriage is wrong, also abortion and many more.
It is even difficult for some to make the sign of the cross in public
Now that some would even like to remove the word God from paper bills and put away the need of prayer even in schools.

This is the message of the Lord today. To avoid these instances when because of fear love and good works are paralyzed.

The Lord invites us to learn to surrender everything to Him, to trust Him

“Do not be Afraid”
Words used by The Angels to call Joseph and Mary and the Saints and Prophets.
Words used by Pope John Paul II “Non Habete Paura.” Encouraging us in the modern times.
Words said to St Gertrude’s by the Lord when she had a vision.
These words are even repeated more tan 365 times in the Gospel
And Jesus Himself tells us 3 times in the Gospel “Do not be Afraid.”

Pray to the Lord of Harvest

2008-06-15T01:50:00.003+03:00

With all our troubles and problems in life
the crisis going on these difficult times
when almost all are complaining about prices of gas and food going up and with no end in sight.- we are just like the crowd in the gospel dejected and harassed like sheep without a shepherd.

But one thing is encouraging. We have a Lord who watches over us . Who feels sorry for us. And he said: “PRAY, ask the Lord of harvest to send laborers to his harvest.”

The Lord is reminding us today not to underestimate the power and importance of PRAYER.
That in our troubles and crosses raise your voices to God in Prayer to ask for help.

Someone said if you are weary and could not sleep try counting sheep.
A Christmas carol even changed it by saying not only count sheep but count your blessings instead. But the best advice is the one which says when you are weary and cannot sleep and troubled instead of counting the sheep or blessings, try talking to the Shepherd instead. (Moments)

Pray to the Good Shepherd Jesus.

In St. Francis church in Brooklyn a sign is posted saying: Keep them coming in “God will always answer those knee mails.”

St. Gertrude's Feast 2008

2008-06-10T17:08:00.003+03:00

At the Feast
Beyond those flickering, colorful and bright lights were the Love and friendship and laughter shared by those who came to show their support and those who served for its success

Beyond the 'saltiness' of the surrounding since we were by the sea-were the sacrifice and hard work offered by many men and women of the parish. Not only those whom we saw but above all those who were silently working at the background.

I believe those were real instances when we tried to live up to that call of Jesus to be the "light of the world and the salt of the earth."

And may this be true not only at the feast but also everyday. Amen

"Speak Lord, your servant is listening"

2008-06-08T23:50:00.002+03:00

At Jones Manor, a lady patient approached me as I entered the door and asked me to say a prayer and bless her and hold her face because she was suffering from a toothache. As I blessed her she said “I believe , Fr. Archie. This is the Lord’s way of telling me stop cursing and not to say bad words anymore when I get upset.”

These are simple events in our lives when The Lord speaks to us.
Personal experiences of the Lord inviting us to do His will.
Special moments of the Lord ‘CALLING.’ us.

Like Mathew in the Gospel today let us be open to the Lord’s invitation to follow Him, to serve and to Love.
In the words of the child Sammuel let us also say: “Speak Lord, your servant is Listening.”

Be Strong and Have Faith

2008-06-01T19:00:00.003+03:00

After the devastating earthquake in southern china recently that took away so many lives, a few days later an article came out on our newspaper in Long Island about what added to the destruction. where how the buildings were not properly constructed and how low quality materials where used on those buildings and the foundations where not really that strong.
For Buildings it matters when the foundations are strong so that when storms and earthquakes come it will endure.
And so also in Life and in our Faith in Jesus and Love.
It matters, if great is our faith and trust.
For there will always be storms in life and “earthquakes” that will rock us every now and then.
Our strength and faith can help us persevere and withstand the trials and hardships.
The Lord says "Be strong and have Faith in me and you can be saved."

My Leap of Faith

2008-05-29T06:41:00.002+03:00

Fifteen years ago today on a Saturday afternoon,May 29,1993 the late Archbishop Francisco R. Cruces, D.D. imposed his hands on me and ordained me Priest of Jesus Christ.
It was a special day that I made my LEAP OF FAITH in Life.
A leap that have gone through different times of ups and downs
at times has been exciting, terrifying, nurturing, comforting, but always challenging.
I am Thankful to the Lord for giving me this precious gift of Priesthood and also for helping and protecting me through these 15 years and the years to come.

Memorial Day Prayer

2008-05-27T05:38:00.003+03:00

Almighty Father
Source of all Goodness and Love, we come to offer our praise and thanksgiving to you today, As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Bless the men and women, who have offered their lives at the service of our country receive them and protect them in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence.
We pray also for those who have died serving our country. Receive them in your Kingdom.
We also remember the families of our troops, and ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes and grant them your peace, protection and strength to fill their lives.
May the members of our armed forces be filled with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.
We ask this through the Intercession of our Blessed Lady, through Christ our Lord, Amen

My Mom's Love of the EUCHARIST

2008-05-25T04:30:00.004+03:00

I am a witness to my Mother’s Love of the EUCHARIST. I remember how when I was a kid my mom would encourage everyone at home on Sundays to go to the village chapel and there attend the Liturgy of the Word, since in our place where I grew up at that time the priest could only visit ones a year. But the community gathered every Sunday for the “mass.” Later when we transferred to the City my mom would wake up very early in the morning and would attend and serve mass at our Parish. As a catechist I saw here many times teaching children and preparing them for First Communion. Now at 83, on Sundays she hears masses on TV from EWTN and other Local channels. That’s an example of an undying Love for the Eucharist. A Love for the Lord. A model and reminder for you and me as we celebrate CORPUS CHRISTI.

Pentecost Sunday

2008-05-11T04:15:00.000+03:00

A very special occasion in the life of the church.
For some it is like the “birthday of the Church” because it was on this day everything in the life of the church started and was made possible.
Christ gave us the power, the gift of the Holy Spirit- the Power, the force that strengthened, protected the Church. It kept us going through ups and down all these two thousand years.
Someone said. No matter what scandal or troubles will rock the church It will persist because it is protected and founded on the power of the Holy Spirit.

For me it is also special because on this day I said my first mass 16 years ago and I believe it is the power of the Holy Spirit that has kept me a going on, a priest.
We ask today what difference can the celebration of Pentecost have in our lives today.
Allow me to share three things.
1. We can ask for strength and the power or “the push” we need in life. To change or to start anew if ever we have gone astray or have done wrong. He can be our energy and life to stand up again if we are down.
Surely in life, in our relationship with one another and with God, there will always be times
When its difficult. The Power of the Holy Spirit can be our help.

2. We ask for Peace also today. These were the words of Jesus at Pentecost. “Peace be with you.“
We look around us and there is so much hatred, conflicts, quarrels and war.
Among countries, at home and even in our lives sometimes we experience the absence of Peace. Let us ask Jesus, the Prince of Peace to bless us with this needed Peace.

3. Forgiveness. We can ask the Lord to teach us for we know how difficult it is.

Let us ask the Power of the Holy Spirit to come upon us, fill our hearts and enkindle in us the fire of love and that we will receive strength, peace and power to forgive and be renewed. Amen

Jesus and Suffering

2008-05-07T01:18:00.003+03:00

Jesus speaks of the reality of Suffering in the Gospel today.
It is said “to live is to suffer.” That it is part of human nature, in as much as we are not perfect and so is the world we live in, Pain and suffering would always be part of us.
During our lifetime the experience of pain and suffering is inevitable.

We all have our troubles, burdens and problems in life. Our share of pain and suffering.
And in the world around us where we live the troubles are overwhelming also. We have crisis all over. Too much suffering.

But let us learn from Jesus today.
In the readings first we have Jesus and the 12 apostles and those close to him, they all went to the upper room to PRAY.
Let us not waver in our faith. Let us not loose hope. We can always raise our eyes to heaven and pray. That prayer is still powerful if we want to overcome the pains and sufferings in life. Yes, prayer can still help a lot. There maybe other ways to solve the crisis around us but Jesus reminds us about the power and strength there is when we come together and pray.

Jesus also tells us: There is suffering, yes. But never fail to see and taste the Light and the Goodness of the Lord. That we are still blessed and that we can still count on our blessings.
Never fail to see the goodness of Lord even amidst pain and suffering.

Even if there is the cross we are still blessed and should never forget to say Thank you to Lord.

Looking at the cross we see pain and suffering but Jesus’ body and arms and the cross shows the letter T. and Y. meaning Thank You.

EASTER: "Time for me to Fly."

2008-03-23T00:20:00.000+02:00

Easter means Life as Jesus was victorious over suffering and death. He has risen and is alive.
It means not being afraid. It signifies Light and Truth, and Goodness has won over darkness.
It also means starting anew. As it coincides with Spring when nature blooms anew.

For me. “It is a time to Fly.” A Time to be back, a time start anew.

I was on vacation back home with my family and love ones. I had more than enough time for myself and now I am ready to go on Loving and Serving.

Live Life Now

2007-11-18T01:57:00.000+02:00

Looking at the Temple and remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed’

And Jesus reminds us that Things of this world, material possessions, beauty, titles and achievements and success and yes even our Life will have its end.

I was guiding a group of pilgrims in Rome and we came to Forum Romanum (The Roman Forum,) which was the political and religious centre in ancient Rome, in all its grandeur and beauty..all that was left were its ruins.

So Live well now, make the most of what God has given you, Love instead of hating, Make friends not enemies, serve and not being served, Enjoy Life and not destroy it because this is only one chance, one moment that God has given you and me.

St. Gertrudes and Friends

2007-11-12T21:28:00.001+02:00

Thank You

2007-11-12T20:56:00.000+02:00

Today I am going back to Rome. I am leaving St. gertrudes my "Home away from Home" for the last 6 months. When I went to Jones Manor(Nursing Home) the other day to say the mass. The Ladies immediately observed and remarked "Father, You have gained weight." I believe thats how much Love I received and experienced here in bayville. I thank the Lord for the chance to serve in my own little way. I thank the Lord for the beautiful experiences, The gift of friendship with many parishioners, with the pastor Fr. Peter and his staff. I thank the Lord for my many 'Mothers' in the community and fathers and brothers too. I pray for each one of them that the Lord will bless them and their family abundantly for their goodness and generosity. As I travel and continue my journey, may the Lord be my protector and guide. Amen

New York

2007-11-02T03:06:00.001+02:00

All Souls Day

2007-11-02T01:47:00.002+02:00

"When someone remembers us or our special days or anniversaries, we feel good and happy."
Today, I believe our departed Love Ones are also happy knowing that we all remember them and pray for them.
Let us pray that the Lord will grant them eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon them and that they may rest in peace. Amen

2007-11-02T01:47:00.001+02:00

All Saints Day

2007-11-01T01:32:00.000+02:00

As we honor our saints today
1. The readings and Gospel reminds us who and what they are to us.
2. That they are our models to strive for holiness and to come closer to God.
3. That they are our intercessors, instruments who could bring our prayers and
petitions to God the Father.
ex. Practice of asking the help of St. Joseph in selling properties.
Choosing of a saint for Confirmation name. It tells us that they are of great
help for us.
4. That we should always be, as our faith tell us: In Communion with the Saints.

Almighty and Everlasting God,
who dost enkindle the flame of Thy love in the hearts of the saints,
grant unto us the same faith and power of love;
that, as we rejoice in their triumphs
we may profit by their examples, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gothic Missal

Be Humble

2007-10-28T04:59:00.001+02:00

The Lord tell us today through a Parable how He is pleased with a humble person and how He dislikes the Self-righteous.
He offers the way of Humility. if we want to live meaningful lives.
This way of Humility is one of those “road less traveled” or followed because
normally we all want the easy road, the road of popularity and comfort, the road of glory.

It is like against what we normally do and learned since childhood, That we were all taught to win, to be number 1, to fight and not to loose.

It is not an easy way. As the song says: “O Lord its hard to be humble.”

It comes from the word humus-meaning earth
A person who is able to bow down to the earth in front of others is a humble person.
One who does not think that she or he is better or more important than others.
It is someone who is able to forgo his own interests for others.
One who accepts his incapacity and limitations.

Who is a Humble Person?
1.A humble person is one who amidst his success and self worth is still aware of his limitations and that every now and then can commit mistakes and when it happens he accepts his mistakes.
A humble person accepts that nobody is perfect.
He is not the one who says I am the greatest…Even Jesus the greatest man ever, never even mentioned the words the he is the greatest.

2. A humble person is one who can say I am sorry and in the end can be forgiven and can be helped.

3.A humble person is who listens even if he is sure of what he knows and believe because he believe that others has something to say. In the end a humble person respects others.

Jesus is always pleased with humble people and so He always reminds us to learn to be humble.
Following the way of humility can also be a way to greatness and a way to heaven.

PRAYER

2007-10-21T04:21:00.000+02:00

The Lord reminds us today about the importance , the value of prayer and the right attitude we should have in praying.
I am reminded of the saying. An apple a day will keep the doctor away and I believe its true also when we say a prayer each day will keep the adversary, the bad things in life away.

We all have varied experiences in praying.
For some prayers are immediately answered. Like in a case of a lady who was cured of her cancer right away.
For others, it takes a long time. It took my sister many years praying to have a child and she was already 42 when they had their first baby.
Still for others seemingly their prayers are never answered. And they get discourage and they stop praying.

Story: of praying and seemingly unanswered prayers.

Never get discourage in praying.
God knows what is best for us and He will decide what to give. It is not for us to demand.
He will surely bless us with the best and never give us something that could harm or destroy us.
Pray without weary and pray unceasingly and believe miracles can still happen. amen

"T. Y. Lord"

2007-10-14T04:00:00.000+02:00

The Gospel reminds us:
First. That Jesus is a Healer. To those who ask His help for heeling, He never fails. Ten Lepers approached him for help and they went home healed and happy.
Jesus can help us. He can heal us from illness, from cancer. He can heal us from our fears and worries and experiences of no peace. He can heal our troubled minds and body,. He can heal troubled relationships. He can heal us even from financial problems.

Approach Jesus today through your prayers. And you shall be Healed.

Second. Jesus was impressed with the leper, a foreigner who showed his gratitude by coming back to say thank you and was sad to know that the nine others never came back.

The Lord is pleased with one who appreciates and acknowledges the many blessings received in life through the goodness of the Father.

The Lord is happy with anyone who knows how to say Thank You for Gods Love showered upon him.
Sometimes its easy to ask for a favor but we forget to say thank you and just forget everything ones we have what we want.
Its easy to say prayer before going to bed and prayer before meals but after having a good nights rest and a new life and after being filled, we just go away and forget to say thanks..

Be grateful to God, for everything we have and are all Blessings from Him.
Say Thank you to Him.
This Eucharist which literally means Thanksgiving can be our sincerest way of showing how grateful we are for Gods Love and we say from the bottom of our hearts, mind and presence.."Than You, Father."

"Increase our Faith"

2007-10-07T06:58:00.000+02:00

October 4, 2007. A special date in St. Gertrudes, in Bayville NY, When we had a wonderful, meaningful and successful Healing mass attended by so many believers in the Healing Power of Jesus. Some said it was the biggest gathering ever of Prayer for healing in Long Island attended by many priests and deacons and Bishop Libasci and the preacher and healer was Fr. Anthony Ozele. It was a night filled with LOVE and FAITH.

At one time when seeing the crowd started to fill up the whole building, and I was getting worried, I said “we will surely run out of chairs tonight.”. But I was awaken and reminded when a Parishioner “Lara” remarked: “where is your faith Father?”

Surely, we all have faith. We believe. That there is a power and force greater than all of us. Precisely why we are here attending the mass. Our religion is our faith.

But it is a reality that we fall short in our faith.. We doubt and we question. We doubt the sincerity and faithfulness of a love one and others, it can happen we doubt even about God.
Remember Mother Theresa of Calcutta. Very soon for sure she will be canonized a saint but recently we all heard how she herself questioned and doubted her faith and the Love of Jesus.
We all have a weak faith, we are not that strong and perfect
That’s why in the Gospel there is a request and Prayer: “Lord, Increase our Faith.”

This our weak faith, remember also. Many times, it will be tested. It can be tested by tragedies in Life, loss, separation, sickness and even financial problems..

But we can learn from Mother Theresa today. She doubted , yes. But she never stopped desiring to be close to the Lord and to continue serving and doing good.

Story: A man who just started serving the church and really was serving faithfully was just diagnosed when he went for a checkup with a terminal cancer in its serious stage and was given only 5 months to live. How do we comfort him. What are the ride words to tell him to encourage him.
But this man said instead. I am sad not because I am sick but because I could have served earlier and I could have done a lot more for the Lord.

Lord, Increase my Faith. Amen

Riches and Wealth

2007-09-30T06:44:00.000+02:00

Points to ponder: on the story of The Rich man and the poor Lazarus.
1. Riches and wealth, they are Gods gift to us. They are good; it could help us live better lives in this world.
But the gospel reminds us, not to center our lives on them. Why? Because in the end... They mean nothing, we can never bring them with us and many were destroyed by them in the process of attaining them in life.

2. Our wealth, Riches should be acquired through honest means. It can happen just because they are so attractive to us…we step on others, at times we use others just to attain them.

3. They are God’s gift to us for a purpose: They are given to us, to be shared specially for those who are in need and we are being reminded not to be carried away by greed and to learn to give and to help.

4. There is more to wealth and material things in this world.
I remember when I was a child. Life was difficult then for my parents. How I wanted a toy and I was begging my father to buy me one. I remembered crying, asking my father.. And he just told me. You study hard, be a good boy and pray. And you will have lots of then when you grow up.
I never got that toy I was asking, but I’ll always treasure the words of my father. That there are more to material things in this world. That there more to wealth…that is, the value of hope, the value of working hard and Loving God.

5. Use God’s gift of wealth to merit heaven, to gain the reward of being with the Father.

"We May Never Love Like This Again"

2007-09-16T05:52:00.000+02:00

The Gospel reminds us of a Loving and merciful Father in heaven.
It is worth noting to say God Loves you and me.
Because it happens, due to our bad experiences in life, due to our sorrows and crosses and the horrors we see in the world, we tend to say God is too far from us.
A song writer back home said: Is God perhaps asleep? “Natutulog ba ang Dios?”

Learn to look at the bright side. Learn to see that there are many things in life that God gave us as blessings and many we never asked or expected to have and yet were given to you and me.

God Loves us, and just remember to count on your blessings.

He is the shepherd who leaves the 99 unattended to tirelessly search for us in the wilderness and who rejoices and carries us home tenderly when he finds us. He is like the woman who does not cease to search until she finds that missing silver piece, and when she finds it, she is filled with joy. He is the father in the story of the prodigal son, who no matter what the son did, he accepted and welcomed him back.

Realizing Gods Love for us is a call also to Love one another. To show and share the Love we received from God to others.

The cross is always a symbol of this call to Love. Jesus’ hands are nailed and he stares at us asking: Can you Love for me? Can you forgive and be merciful for me?
Look always for opportunities to show your goodness and Love to others. Do not postpone and take things for granted. A chance to love is always passing, we may never have the chance anymore.
As the song says. We may never Love like this again

Pardon me for reflecting on the parable of the prodigal son this way. You know commentaries and scholars would always judge badly the elder son who complained to the father because he was never given a special treatment no matter how he served the father.
But I guess maybe the father also failed to really show concretely to the elder son the right love and care he needed that’s why he complained. Maybe he took him for granted saying anyway you will always be with me and have everything in the end.
The lesson, it can happen that we are more loving and generous to others and we take for granted those immediately close to us and we know always we need to affirm our love for them.

God Loves you and me. Let us Love one another now.

Lord.. Teach me to be Humble

2007-09-02T19:31:00.000+03:00

When Jesus said: "Those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
He reminds us about the difficult lesson of Humility.
A virtue that the Lord would like us to practice.

Humility comes from the word "humus" meaning earth or ground. To stoop to the ground
When one forgets or forgoes ones needs and interest for others, when one serves not oneself but others.
It is associated with being meek, docile and simplicity of heart

It is a difficult virtue.
In as much as we somehow have the tendency to be selfish. The tendency to think first of oneself and interests.
We also live in a culture of self assertion, pride, self promotion.
We hate being stepped on and trampled.
It seems, Humility is a virtue of losers not winners and we always were taught to fight and win and not loose.
In business they say you will not succeed if you are humble. Because you always have to exaggerate and promote oneself.
It is indeed a difficult virtue.
As the song says:"O Lord, Its hard to be humble when you are great in many ways..."

But Jesus said it is needed for one to better understand His ways and teachings and to obey God, His commands.
It is important so as to gain eternal life.."unless you will become like a little child you cannot enter the kingdom of God"
It is a way that we can be exalted and be blessed.

Jesus invites us to take the way of humility in our dealings with others and with Him. "Clothe yourselves in humility in your dealing with others." 1Peter5:5

Jesus our Savior

2007-08-28T18:59:00.000+03:00

When Jesus was asked in the gospel will there be a few be saved?
The person asking Jesus truly believed that Jesus Christ is a savior.
Jesus indeed is our only and true savior, the one who will never fail us and abandon us.
We can depend on gadgets, technologies and even special persons in our lives who we believe can save us. But they have their limitations. They can fall short, they can fail us.
Trust in Gods power as our savior
Do not make him only the last resort when everything fails.

May the Lord save us from harm, from those who wish to hurt us, save us from sufferings and pain. Save us from sickness and above all save from us from sin so as to merit being with him in his kingdom at the end of time. amen

PCF Reunion 2007

2007-08-25T21:02:00.001+03:00

Gathering of PCF Priests in Staten Island. Organized by Rev. Fr. Rey Adalid, OP. August 20, 2007.

"FIRE"

2007-08-19T05:30:00.000+03:00

Jesus said: “I have come to Light a fire on the earth.”
Jesus is making use of the symbol of fire to tell us his message today.
Fire we know has many characteristics,

1. Fire first and foremost, when burning is warm (hot).
The Fire that the Lord is telling us is Gods burning Love for all of us.
“God so Love the world that he gave his only son.”
Jesus offered Himself on the cross because of Love
We may at times forget and take God for granted but Gods Love is always for us .
It is inconceivable of God forgetting and ceasing in His Love,
for that would also be the end of everything.

2. Fire purifies and refines
We stand before God and we realize we are blemished by sin, we have our mistakes and faults.
But The Lord would like to purify us, refine us making us better persons, better children and follower.
He wants to burn away everything we put in God’s place, whether it be work, money, family, property, sports. All of these things are good, but none is God and God always demands first place
The Lord would like us to change and be transformed.
Be it in our attitude, on how we relate with those around us, it can be our vices, it can be our addictions. And we know eventually they are self destructive and could lead hurting others
But often we postpone, we put off the fire of invitation to change.
Let us allow the fire of God to purify, transform and change us.
.

3. Fire gives Light to its surrounding
It is an invitation for us to give good example to others and to live our faith for others to see,
To be the light, the torch of truth
Christ wants us to be passionate in our faith for Him, for others, in love.
There’s a reason why the pure, loving heart of the Blessed Mother in this statue of Our Lady of Fatima has a flame on it, because it’s burning with love. Her heart, which was pure from the first moment of her conception, burns out of love for God and for us.

Christ wants to light us on fire. He wants us to light us like a torch so that we might carry that torch throughout life, lighting up the world. On the day of our baptism, we received the Light of Christ and were instructed to keep that torch burning brightly until the return of Christ Jesus. How are we doing? Would others be able to say that we carry that light of Christ, the light of the joy of the Resurrection, no matter how much darkness there is, no matter how much suffering?

Come O Holy Spirit fill the Hearts of thy Faithful and Enkindle in them the Fire of Your Love. Amen

Blessed with MARY

2007-08-15T03:40:00.000+03:00

People say that I am Lucky and that I am always blessed.
Personally I believe it is true but not only because of being lucky but more of having to do with my being close to the Blessed Virgin.
You see, whenever I need something or whenever I am about to make a decision or whenever i am in trouble and needs help, I speak to the Blessed Virgin in prayer entrusting to her everything. And everything comes out well.
I believe it all started when I was a child. We were living then in a rural remote barangay in Kabatan, Zamboanga del Sur. I got seriously ill and there was only one doctor in town who my mother said gave up on my case. She prayed that night to the Blessed Virgin and consecrated me to the Miraculous medal of the Blessed Virgin and after that she saw me got better.....and many years later I became a priest and ever since I received all I need always through the help of the blessed Virgin.
ASSUMPTION, 2007

"Be Prepared"

2007-08-12T01:09:00.000+03:00

We are all familiar with the words: “Be Prepared.“
It is the motto of scouts, it is the secret of success of many, and nowadays it is even an important principle of national security-the country, being prepared for any eventuality specially against evil doers.
A great help for student before taking exams, also for those seeking jobs and in life in general-to be prepared is something beneficial.

We prepare for the winter times, others say we prepare for the rainy days.
We always take value in being prepared.
We prepare for the future. We have insurances. My mom is old and sickly but she already has a reserve spot in the cemetery.
That’s how prepared we are.

But there is a question that the Lord would like to ask us.
Amidst all our preparations, Are we prepared for death?
or amidst all insurances. Are we assured to enter heaven?
This is what the gospel is asking us to give some thought today, not that it’s a bad news but something we need to learn to accept.
We do not know when the lord will call us.
We do not know when the son of man will come.
We do not know how and when death will come and they say often it comes like a thief in the night.

So the Lord said “be prepared.”
Be vigilant, “gird your loins and light your lamps.”
The Lord himself gives some points on how to prepare.
He said: “store up for yourselves treasure in heaven.”
Live good lives in the eyes of the lord and others, do good. And in doing so file up points to merit heaven.
We can always do good and God is pleased with the good we do, it can erase mistakes and help us to heaven

Prayer is also an important preparation for heaven. Its like talking to God and we establish relationship with Him and gets to know something about us so that when we stand before Him we will not be like strangers before Him.
A woman used to come to church because she said I’m afraid when they bring me in for my funeral, God may not recognize me and will ask and who are you?

We prepare so that when the Lord will call us, we will not be worried and afraid because we have done our part.

St. Ignatius, memorial

2007-07-31T19:24:00.000+03:00

The Image of the wheat and weeds is a clear picture of the reality of Life.
That there is goodness and evil in our midst. That there is joy and also sorrow and pain. That there are good times and also the bad times and yes even good health and sickness.
Amidst all these, the Lord would like us to have an attitude of Trust and Confidence.
To learn to surrender ourselves to His love and Power.
Here, the Prayer of St. Ignatius is fitting:
The Prayer of surrender.
“Take Lord, receive all my Liberty, my memory my understanding and my entire will. Give me only Your Love and your Grace, that’s enough for me.” Amen.

Abba Pater

2007-07-28T19:44:00.001+03:00

"Ora et Labora"

2007-07-22T14:32:00.000+03:00

Story of two wood cutters: started cutting wood at the same time and ended in the afternoon together, One cut woods without stopping the other found time to rest but at the end of the day the one who stopped and rested had more firewood than the one who did not stop. When asked how he did it that he had more. He said when I rested I took time to sharpen my axe that’s why I was able to cut more wood.
In the Gospel there are two ways presented of serving the Lord and two ways of being a follower.
1. Martha who is always busy working and serving others
2. The other Mary who took time sitting by the Lord and listening to him and she did the better part.
I believe The point of the story of Jesus with Mary and Martha is not to invite us to choose between being a Martha or a Mary. The true disciple needs to be both Martha and Mary.
That yes, we can become busy serving, working and doing good, but we should never forget, to sit down and rest, to offer quality time for others. To kneel reflect and listen to God’s word.
Work hard and be productive, serve and do good but we should always have time also to rest. To offer quality time for others and Time in Prayer for the Lord
No wonder Mother Theresa and even Pope John Paul II are famous because they work and serve but at the end of the day we see them kneeling down and praying to the Lord.

Good Works

2007-07-15T17:25:00.000+03:00

Our Love for the Lord compels us also to express our charity for our neighbors.
To Love God also means Love for our neighbor. “Loving ones neighbor as you love yourself.”
Everyday there will always be opportunities for us to show good deeds to those who are in need, “neighbors” all we have to do is to be aware and look around.
Examples:
1.When the prayer group where all excited to chip in and help a woman with her kids.
2.When certain families of our community where helping a young boy to find him a poster home.
3.Offering time for the sick in the community.
That neighbor can even be right in our own homes.
To have an “eye” for those who are in need is always part of us as a lover and follower of Jesus.
Help and Do Good just like the Good Samaritan
Also be aware of the challenges and reasons and justifications that would come up often hindering us to express our good works. There will always be temptations as obstacles to Love.
Love, do Good and Feel Good afterwards.
Love, do Good, even if there are no one around to acknowledge and clap their hands.
Jesus knows and sees everything and he said:“ If you help or give even a cup of water to the little ones, to those who are in need, you will not loose your reward. Mt 11:1.
He also said in John: Those who serve me, him I will honor.
May we grow in Love and Generosity. Amen

Travel Light and Right

2007-07-08T04:45:00.001+03:00

The lord sent his disciples by pair on a journey to proclaim the good news,
He advised them to carry no purse, no sack or traveling bag, no extra tunic.
He asked them to Travel Light.
We believe that Life is a journey and certainly as we travel in this world it makes sense and will help a lot if we travel light not carrying unnecessary things, extra baggage.

When I came to Bayville, I brought 1 small bag only. I figured I had me carrying myself already which was too heavy already so I just brought the important things. Travel light

In this world if we are weighed down if we carry so much it will affect our journey in life

Things we carry that are extra baggage
1. Anger and hatred. It weighs us down, the more we get angry, the more we are affected specially when the other we see is unaffected.

2. Sin can weigh us down, though we say sometimes nobody knows about them but God sees and knows everything, it is an extra baggage. Let it go ask for forgiveness go to confession.

3. Pride can be too high, to heavy that could pull us down and make us fall

4. Of course too much attachment to things of this world could also weigh us down surely they are important, money, possessions, but we will not bring them with us and often they become the coz of troubles for those left behind.

Travel light if we desire to reach our destination-Heaven

Travel well and Right also
Last Tuesday I was asked to go to the cemetery for the blessing before burial of a young man and it was in Locus Valley. My First time to enter that beautiful one of a kind cemetery, and I learned when we enter the cemetery so that we will not get lost, to arrive at the destination. It says all we have to do is to keep right. Keep right always and you will be on the right tract.
I believe my dear brothers and sisters in life, that’s the way to go also, if we would like to attain salvation one day at the end of our lives. Always keep right , always do what is right and nothing wrong could ever happen.

More Power and Happy Trip.

4th of July in Bayville, 2007

2007-07-04T17:44:00.000+03:00

As we celebrate today FREEDOM! Let us continue asking the Good Lord Jesus to Free us from pains and sufferings, from sorrows, tears and crosses.
Bless us with a life of Peace, and Happiness. Amen
God Bless America!
Happy 4Th of July!

Journey with Jesus

2007-07-01T17:29:00.000+03:00

Jesus is on a journey to Jerusalem.
It was a difficult travel, first it was in the desert and second there were people who were hostile to him. Who rejected him
It was a journey to the cross, to suffering. And Jesus went on in this journey.

We are reminded today of our own journey in life, me as a priest, as married couples, as parents, in our work, relationships and as a Christian.
We believe that Life is a journey, that we are traveling in this world. It has a beginning and an end, and we have destinations-success and Heaven.
we are on a journey and like Jesus we encounter the realities in life, yes there are good times but there are also the bad times, the rough times and rejections of others and crosses.
Through the example and teaching of Jesus in the gospel today we can actually learn important truths about how to face our life’s journey.

It can be summarized in 3 letter P. The three Ps.
First Jesus journeyed with Perseverance. He never gave up even amidst the dangers and sufferings.
He said something about holding to the plow and not looking back.
I know there will always be times in our lives when problems are overwhelming
I am reminded of a song of Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush about a couple who lost everything, their home and his job and he complains:
“In this proud land we grew up strong, we were taught to fight to win never thought we could fail coz no one wants you when you loose.”
The wife encouraged him by saying: “Don’t give up coz you have friends. Don’t give up are not beaten yet. Don’t give up I know you can make it good.”
Sometimes its easy to say I surrender. I loose.
Jesus is teaching us an attitude of determination.
Believing that at the end of the tunnel, there will be better times.
Patience.
A patient man is he who ‘bears pains and trials calmly or without complaint.’
Be patient with people who are getting along your way
Be patient in Life.
Learn to hold back, let it pass, don’t flare up right away, be cool.
The apostles flared up right away, “lets send them fire from heaven,” but Jesus said no.
I am reminded of a boy who defined the word Christian and said It is one who is patient, understanding who doesn’t fight back or talk back, he added, Dad is a Christian but my mom is not.
PrayerAs we travel in this Life we can have Jesus with us to guide us and see us through.
Learn to call Him for protection, guidance and help while traveling to lead us on.
We don’t have to wait till we reach “rock bottom” or the last two minutes before we call on God for help. Pray and call on God.

With Perseverance, Patience and Prayer, we believe we can travel well in peace and happiness in our life time.

Buona Giornata!, Buen Viaje!, Have a pleasant Trip!