Australia day for a non-Aussie

I am still amused about my experience last Friday when I preached about the celebration of Australia day. It was a strange feeling since I was the only one who is not an Australian citizen.

Anyway, I read an interesting blog entry from a Filipina who celebrated Australia day for the first time. I just found out that this fellow kababayan who writes so well is a daughter of Jimmy Paredes.

She writes

"I've been here less than a year, and I'm not even a citizen yet, and time will tell how much of my life I'll actually be spending here. I still feel very much like an outsider, and I'm not even Australian yet... or am I?"


Click here if you'd like to read the whole entry.

Anointed to Preach (Second Episode)

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
January 28, 2007
Reading I: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19
Responsorial Psalm: 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 or 13:4-13
Gospel: Luke 4:21-30

Since students are still on their holiday our parish is a little bit quiet. It’s good that my life as an assistant priest at the moment is still in “semi-holiday mode.” What I do during my spare times these days is I watch this American television series in DVD called Prison Break. The story revolves around a man who was sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit and his brother who designed the prison and gets himself thrown into the prison to help him escape. Sometimes I tempted to forward the DVD to find out what will happen in the end. I feel excited watching every episode I am always eager to finish the whole story and find out whether the two brothers will manage to escape or not.

Just as in all television series like Prison Break which give recaps of the previews series I’d like to give you some recaps of the last three Sundays’ gospel episodes to give us idea where are we now in the liturgical calendar of the Church:

We are now in the Fourth Sunday in ordinary time.

The gospel after the Baptism of the Jesus was about the wedding in Cana where Jesus miraculously turned water into wine (this is the Second Sunday of the Ordinary Time). For the first time in his public ministry he showed a sign of his power. Then the gospel reading the following Sunday or last Sunday (the Third) was from the Gospel of St. Luke. It’s about Jesus rolling down a scroll of the book of the prophet Isaiah that reads: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor… Jesus reveals that the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled at his coming. And today’s Gospel is continuation of the last Sunday’s reading we just heard the rejection of Jesus at Nazareth, his hometown, the first time he returns after beginning his public ministry.

I’d like to give you a preview for next Sunday, the next Gospel episode is about the calling of the first four disciples. What will he do them? Will they respond to his call? We have to know. So keep in tune!

The immediate rejection of Jesus in his own town today draws out the famous remark, “No prophet is accepted in his own native place.” Here we learn how Jesus’ message of salvation, his message of hope to the hopeless, his message of love to people quickly turn to rejection! Probably because people were too familiar with Jesus that’s why hey couldn’t simply accept him as the anointed one as described by prophet Isaiah. They saw Jesus just as one of them, an ordinary Jew. They knew his background; they knew his father who was only carpenter; and they knew his mother Mary. So when people heard Jesus claiming to be the fulfillment of the Old Testament’s prophecy they were filled with fury. What on earth this local boy is making up a silly story? He was insulting God, Israel and his home town simultaneously. They felt insulted with Jesus’ blasphemy so they rose up, drove him out of the town…but Jesus escaped them.

What it means to be a prophet? In the Old Testament a prophet is someone who is “one called by God to speak for Him.” A prophet is a spokesperson of Yahweh who must obtain the charisma to pass Yahweh’s the message to the people. The first reading today is the calling of prophet Jeremiah. Yahweh says, Before I formed you in the womb I new you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you. A real prophet is someone who is chosen by God and sent by him to speak the truth even in difficult circumstances. In the Old Testament there were also false prophets; they are those who do not speak the word of Yahweh rather they only speak their own minds. They were those who have no awareness of the evil and immorality in the world.

But a real prophet is someone who only speaks on behalf of God. Someone who depends on Yahweh alone as his refuge as the Psalm says, Be my rock of refuge a stronghold to give me safety for you are my rock and my fortress. The second reading today describes how exactly it is to be a real messenger of God. It is one of the favourite scripture readings from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians which describe the meaning of love. Love is the key word if one is a real messenger of God. If I speak in human and angelic tongues, but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

But Jesus is more than a prophet for he is God. His speaks with authority; he stands outside the cultic and political structure of his time. In his ministry Jesus speaks nothing but the love of God. Jesus himself is the embodiment of love. But his message of love is often rejected. Until today Jesus’ message of love if not rejected, still remain unknown to other people.

There four Gospels that narrates the love of Jesus to humanity – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Someone says that we Christians are the Fifth Gospel. We are called to proclaim to all our brothers and sisters that they are loved by God and are capable of loving. We are the modern day prophets, messenger of God’s love.

You and I are chosen by God even while we were in our mother’s womb. Do not be afraid if people may reject our calling. Sometimes even our own family, friends, loved ones and work mates may reject our witnessing. People may mock our faith; our modern society may find our Christian faith as taboo/traditional but let remember that Jesus himself was rejected and crucified because of his desire to pass the message of truth, love and mercy to people.

It’s not easy to be Christians but we will do it with God’s grace. Let our hands be hands of Jesus. Let people see the eyes of Jesus in our eyes. Let people feel in our hands the touch of Jesus. Let care like Jesus. Let speak like Jesus. Let love like Jesus.

Let us ask the grace to hear and practice the prophetic words of Jesus.

Father, you knew us in our mother’s womb. Before we were born you loved us.We cling to the promise you made to Jeremiah, to Jesus. Whatever you do, I will be with you.
Amen.

Aswang

Alas dose na ng hating gabi hindi ko pa natatapos ang homilya ko para bukas. Habang humihingi ng biyaya at inspirasyon biglang tumunog ang aking cellphone. Tit-tit-tit-tit.. Nagtext ang bunso kong kapatid na si Cune. Eto ang nilalaman.

"may lahi ka bang aswang?"

"ang pangit mo kc eh"

...ganyan ang banat kpag gs2 mong mabanatan! Hahaha!

End of message.


Lord strengthen my faith.


:)

Letter to Priests

Here is a letter to priests from Claudio Cardinal Hummes, the new prefect for the Congregation for Clergy.



My dear brother Priests,

I have felt a desire to address a cordial greeting to you, even if only through our Internet site.

I have been in Rome for a brief time, called by our beloved Pope Benedict XVI to cooperate with him in the service of love toward the priests, deacons and catechists of the Church.

In the first instance, you know that I must offer a deferential note of gratitude to Cardinal Dario Castrillón Hoyos, my immediate predecessor. It is thanks to his vision that I can now entrust my words to the mysterious paths of the heavens.

He has been a true friend of priests. He has carried you in his heart as a pastor; he has prayed for you; he has loved you.

Dear friends, it now falls on me to carry you in my heart, to pray for you, and to love you.

I cannot hide that I still feel like of a "novice." I have also had a bit of nostalgia on leaving São Paulo in Brazil. But, like Abraham, I trust in my Lord and God. I am here to be a bishop for you and a priest with you.

To serve priests! What a mission! What an "amoris officium!"

We are bearers of a specific identity that constantly characterizes us in our existence and in our activity. We are consecrated and incorporated into the activity of Christ. The gestures and the words of Jesus become re-actualized in time and in history to elicit in those who fulfill them "the same sentiments of Christ" and the same effects of salvation. The Church, in conferring the sacrament of orders, ontologically constitutes the priest as an "alter Christus," or as some say, an "ipse Christus"; and it establishes him as a minister of the word and as a minister of the prophetic action and pastoral love of Christ. His function, therefore, is not to exhaust himself exclusively in the dimension of worship, but to fulfill himself in the prophetic dimension by proclaiming the word and in the pastoral dimension by being a guide for the community.

Among the beautiful expressions of the Second Vatican Council is the following statement, which synthesizes the functions of the priest while delineating his identity: "Priests, while engaging in prayer and adoration, or preaching the word, or offering the Eucharistic sacrifice and administering the other sacraments, or performing other works of the ministry for men, devote all this energy to the increase of the glory of God and to man's progress in the divine life" ("Presbyterorum Ordinis," 2).

Dear brothers, we are proud and joyful of our priestly identity. We are proud to be priests.

It is true, ours is not an easy mission. But united to Christ the eternal High Priest, and with Mary, Mother of the first Priest and of all priests, we will always be mindful of giving testimony to the hope that is within us to our numerous brothers and sisters who, even today, long for the way, the truth and the life.

From the Vatican, Jan. 24, 2007
Memorial of St. Francis de Sales

Claudius Cardinal Hummes
Prefect of the Congregation for Clergy



I'd like to highlight his words again, "we are proud and joyful of our priestly identity. We are proud to be priests."

source: www.zenit.org

New Year's Resolution

Hango sa liham ko sa aking mga magulang (naks parang sulat ni Rizal, makabagbag damdamin).


"4pm nagpunta ako sa appointment ko sa gymnasium. Oo nga sa wakas natupad na rin ang new years resolution ko. Bale unang session palang naman. 1minute drive lang ang layo ng gym. Tinimbang, sinukatan ako at binilang kung gaano kadami ang taba ko. Babalik ako sa Tuesday para ibigay ang program ko. Yun lang."


Tatlong taon ko na itong new years resolution.
Matupad kaya?
Abangan.

Happy Australia Day!

"I suppose I am the only one present here today who is not an Australian citizen. However I have been in Australia for six years now and I have been always grateful and I feel blessed living in this beautiful country 'down under.'










Although I am not an Australian citizen, Australia is now my adapted country or I should say Australia has adapted me.

So I am speaking today with same sense of gratitude and joy of a fair dinkum Aussie as we celebrate together Australia Day this year 2007.

Today, we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia, being Australian, and being in Australia (as in my case). It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation. It's the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future...

...As we celebrate Australia Day with great sense of gratitude, let us pray that our homeland Australia may be transformed by the message of the Gospel and truly become a Christian nation."

----

Excerpt from my homily today

Mabuhay ang Australia! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Happy Feet

May mga ngiti na laging hinahanap-hanap.

(icmas january 2005)

Ngiti ng pag-kakaibigan.

(icmas november 2006)
Malayo man at kahit saan, ala-ala ay di malilimutan.

Hello M' Lenie at M' Tina!!! :)

Anointed to Preach

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time C
January 21, 2007
Reading I: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10Responsorial Psalm: 19:8, 9, 10, 15Reading II: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 17Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

A priest came out to say Mass with his face plastered with band aids.

“I’m sorry I look like this,” the priest said as he started his sermon. “This morning as I was shaving and thinking of what to say in my sermon, I cut my face.”

After the Mass, while he was going over the collection, he saw a note which read: “Father, next time shave your face and cut your sermon!” [1]

Some people say a short sermon moves the heart a long sermon moves the chair. I hope my homily today is not too long before you move out from your seat. Anyway, I would say the best sermon or homily is indeed one’s good example. There are some people who are so holy enough that they do not need to preach. (How I wish to be like that!)

In the first reading we heard from the book of the prophet Nehemiah about Prophet Ezra who is a priest and a prophet in the Old Testament. He presents the Law of God to the people consisted of men and women, and those children old enough to understand. As a priest his job was to interpret the God’s commandments to people so that all could understand and applied to their day to day life.

In the Gospel, we heard another preacher and teacher, he is the greatest of all preachers, and his name is Jesus. As St. Luke writes, the news about him spread throughout the whole region. He was so popular that people in Galilee and everywhere, were following him to hear him preach and teach. He has a special gift or aura that can attract great crowds that can touch their hearts and souls.

Secondly, Jesus speaks with authority, unlike the Pharisees at his time, he practice what he preach. In the Gospel story today, Jesus was telling the people (and us today) the fulfillment of words of the prophet Isaiah written several hundred years before him: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to God.

Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”

We are all Preachers

Throughout the world Jesus looks for instruments through which he can continue his teaching. We Christians St. Paul says in the second reading are members of the one Body of Christ. We are one body in Christ. Each one of have specific roles in building our community. One of our roles is to preach the Word of God to other people. Priests like Fr Frank and myself are not the only preachers. Parents preach too as also teachers in school and supervisors and bosses. Anyone in authority has to teach what to do and what not to do. You may not have the opportunity to preach in the pulpit like I do but as followers of Christ you too can preach his love and teaching through your example of forgiveness, mercy and acts of charity.

Jesus commissions us to spread God’s word to others since is his word gives wisdom, enlightens one’s mind, his command gives healing, and meaning. As we all proclaim together the Responsorial Psalm: Your Word, Lord are Spirit and life. But how can we preach about the love of Jesus, his teaching and his example if we are not familiar with the Word of God? When was the last time you open your Bible at home?

Perhaps the most constant failure of Christians is our reluctance to take our own Gospels seriously and entirely. If you remember I mentioned last week a quotation from St. Jerome, a 5th century saint, who said, “Ignorance of the Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”
According to the Second Vatican Council, the word of God provides us food for our souls, a pure and unfailing fount of spiritual life. We can buy all sorts of self-help book in the shop, books on new age spirituality, well-being, etc, however, still the word of God, the Bible is more important in our life as Christians because this book narrates the most important event in the history of People of God. In the bible we encounter, we relish the presence of Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life. Each time we open and read the Bible we learn and live the holy will of God, through the Holy Spirit.

As parents it’s your task to educate your children to our faith. Young people and young adults too must share their contribution in evangelizing the word of God.

Let us pray then that we may proclaim the Gospel, the good news of our salvation.

“Lord, we pray that our church may help men and women of every culture to unroll the sacred scrolls of their tradition, read attentively and reverently what is written there. Help us to follow Jesus and help each of us to recognise that the ancient scriptures are fulfilled in us.” Amen.


[1] From More Stories of Life and Laugther by Fr Ben San Luis SVD p 67.

Larawan, Kasalan

Ahem..welcome to Peter and Melissa's wedding.
Lagot kayo, you are no longer two but one na.

Happy.

Arrhae bearer Master Little Johnny, ring bearer Master Luis,

and flowers girls Nicola and Chichi

Just married.

At the wedding reception.

I just remember I forgot to sign the marriage certificate! :)

Peter and Melissa's Wedding

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church

Sunbury 11:00am,

January 20, 2007

Genesis 1:26-28, 31a, Psalm 32,Ephesians 5:2a, 21-33

The celebration we are having today in this beautiful and historical church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel all started with exchange of text messages two years ago in the Philippines.

Peter and Melissa met each other through my friends, Annette and Aurora, who were Melissa’s former fellow teachers at St. John the Baptist Catholic School in San Juan, Metro Manila. My friends formally introduced Peter to Melissa at Robinson Galleria in Ortigas, where they first met and where they had their first dinner (at Pizza Hut) and their first bonding as friends as they played at the mall’s children’s playground.

Peter and Melissa’s friendship deepened as they get to know each other, and they had to consume more phone cards for text messaging. I can still remember how Peter diligently record Melissa’s every single text messages on his little notebook. Peter’s typical "Vergara sentimentality" was then followed by his frequent visits at Melissa’s school at San Juan…and then, the rest is history.

Speaking of history Peter and Melissa’s wedding today is not only my first wedding this year but also it’s my first wedding as a priest. This is also my first time to officiate a wedding within the Vergara clan (I wonder who will be the next?). I hope the next time we will begin on time![1]


So, starting today, Peter and Mellisa, you will begin your journey of life no longer as text-mates or as yahoo messanger chatmates, but now as new Christian couples in our modern society. As Christian couples you are called to be witnesses of Christ’s unconditional love and care to his Church.

My dear friends, it’s a privilege for all of us here today to witness this significant moment of their lives, as they receive the Sacrament of Christian Marriage. As I said at the beginning that Peter and Melissa will pledge themselves before God as husband and wife, who will live the rest of their lives as one. As Jesus says, the two shall become one flesh.

When I asked Peter what he personally think about marriage, he said, “the main words that come to my mind are love, commitment, honour, trust and respect. It’s an unbreakable bond between two people that is blessed by God and His love.” I asked the same question to Melissa, she said, “marriage unites man and woman in an unbreakable bond of love…It is a giving up oneself completely to one another. They (couple) should really love each other unconditionally. They must accept each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

And so, we are here today, to support and pray for Peter and Melissa, that the biblical message and their understanding of marriage becomes a reality upon their marriage.

The Gospel reading they have chosen for their wedding is about Jesus’ strong position about the permanence of marriage: “What God has united, let no one separate.” Peter and Melissa wish to emphasise to us all here today the seriousness of their commitment. They both believe, they want to preserve, and they are willing to follow the powerful words of Jesus regarding marriage.

As I explained to you Peter and Melissa, and as we all know, the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church is permanent, lasting, and forever. The Church is faithful to the words of Christ: what God has united, no one must divide. This is the reason why there is no such thing as divorce in the Church. Once you are married it binds you forever until death. The vows you make today are, humanly speaking, not only difficult but impossible to fulfill. So, today, we ask God’s help and protection, for your human love is not enough. We ask the same God, whom we heard from the first reading, the God who created man and woman according to his image and likeness. We pray that his love will bind you together even at times of trials and difficulties.

Another aspect of marriage we heard from the readings is image of leaving one’s father and mother. It doesn’t mean that when you get married you will forget or take for granted your mum and dad, your nanay and tatay. No. Your parents still have important role in your life and will always will. You still need their guidance and support. However, to leave one’s father and mother means, your number one priority, between you and your family, is no longer them, but yourselves as husband and wife.

It’s never easy leaving the comfort of one’s family. It’s is not always easy to leave ones father and mother or one’s family and one’s country for the sake of love. It’s not easy to start a new beginning, but remember that God is also making a vow before you today. He promises to protect you, and help preserve your marriage and keep your love burning. Peter and Melissa, as Christian couple, you are called to nurture your spiritual life by making Christ be the center of your married life. Make Jesus be your first love.

As human beings you will not be able to meet all of each other’s needs, or bring each others’ total happiness and lasting fulfillment. Only God can do these things! Because God never comes into our lives by force, God comes into a marriage only by invitation. Make use of the sacraments of the Church to draw you even closer to Christ and each other. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Then, Peter and Melissa, no one will be able divide of your marriage, and you will be able to love one another, as one flesh and one body all the days of your life!

May you enjoy the lasting fruits of marriage. Amen.

[1] The bride arrived 40 minutes late!!

Funline

Inisa-isa kong pagnilayan ang aming mga mukha.

Aha, pang poster 'to ng isang comedy bar!

Shadows

A whisper
A calling from within

"Stretch out your hand"

* * *

Ang mga nagsiganap ng libre...

*artistic shots by joan m.

My First Funeral

Funeral Mass for
Dorothy Margaret Miller
29 July 1910 - 6 January 2007
January 16, 2007
St. Andrew’s Parish, Werribee

Ecclesiastes 3:1-9, Timothy 4:6-8; Matthew 5:1-12

It’s a pity that I didn’t have a chance to get to know such a wonderful person such as Dorothy. But I’m glad that I have an opportunity to hear this morning about her long life– how her life story began, her family backgrounds, her love for tennis and knitting, and of course her love and dedication for her family, children and grandchildren.

Each of us here today has our own memories of our parents and grandparents. Today we thank God for the beautiful memories of Dorothy which she shared with us, most especially with her loved ones, for touching their lives, for imparting with them her wisdom, her goodness and her Christian faith.

This is my first funeral Mass as priest and I feel honoured and find it a privilege to celebrate this Christian funeral Mass for such a well loved person as Dorothy who lived a long life, and who as St. Paul says at the second reading, someone who have fought the good fight to the end who have run the race to the finish line.

Dorothy’s long life which includes her joy, pain and suffering reminds us that life cannot be meaningful without love. This same love brought us here together in this church. Dorothy lived her good span of years and has now gone back to God. Though advanced in years, her death is a separation and a sad loss for her family. Her death is a reminder to us that death is a human reality we face everyday. Whether we like it or not, whether you are young or old, rich or poor, our own death is inevitable. We don’t know the day of our own death but we are sure it will happen. This is expressed powerfully from the first reading from the book of Ecclesiastes: everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.

But death is not the end of everything. Our Christian faith reminds us that the death of Dorothy is but a continuation of her life with our Risen Lord. Despite sorrow and sadness of death, our consolation and hope as Christians is our confidence that God will take care of her now that her earthly life is over. “Through the liturgy of the Mass we gather in gather in friendship here to ask God welcome Dorothy in his Kingdom. Through this Mass we share in the mystery of Christ who has gone through dear before us and has by his resurrection bequeathed to us all the one sure ground of hope and fulfillment.”[1]

Each person is so valuable in the sight of God that he or she is destined to enjoy a permanence which we call ‘everlasting life.’[2] The Gospel chosen by Dorothy’s family for today’s Mass is about the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus taught the multitude of people the eight beatitudes. They are concerned with virtue and how we can achieve that virtue. The beatitudes are a map of life, a series of directives or guidelines helping us on our journey to be with God, where we can achieve eternal life.


It is our prayer and our hope that our Lord may open wide the gate of heaven for Dorothy and so that she may now receive her great reward of eternal life with him in heaven. We pray from the depths of our hearts that her soul will now finally receive its peace and rest in heaven, where she will enjoy the fruits of her love, labour and sacrifice on earth. May the words of Jesus in the Gospel echoes in her today, Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.


“We entrust your dear soul, (Dorothy) to the Mother of God, your Mother, who guided you each day and who will guide you now to the eternal glory of her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”[3]








[1] Tom Stack, Funeral Homilies, page 87.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Final words of Pope Benedict in his homily at the funeral Mass of Pope John Paul II

Pictures: Beautiful sunset at Wilson Promontory, Victoria, taken by a friend (either Joan or Patricia?).

Molto Bono Vino (sarap ng wine!)

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time C

January 14, 2007

Reading I: Isaiah 62:1-5
Responsorial Psalm: 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Gospel: John 2:1-12

"Wedding at Cana"

I remember when I was still a seminarian one of my fears as I approached priestly ordination was to preach in front of many people. Before I couldn’t imagine myself standing in front of a big congregation, where some people are listening some are not, some are interested, half-interested or not interested at all.

***

And now, I, as priest, and as a preacher, one of my greatest fears is to preach about the readings from the Gospel of John. As always with the presentation of the story of Jesus from St. John, it is deeply symbolical and highly theological. Compared with the Synoptic Gospels – the Gospel of Matthew, Mark and Luke, the Gospel of John features long discourses, symbolic feature and images, and the glorification of Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah.

***

The Gospel reading we have today is the marriage feast at Cana. This story is found only in the Fourth Gospel. This story is rich with symbolic figures and images such as the transformation of water into in a sparkling best wine. (You know, since I arrived at St. Andrew’s, Fr Frank has been taking me around the parish, we had meals with parishioners, most were Italians, so I often got home a bit “sleepy” because wine. Italians never run out of beautiful homemade wine! They are proud to say “molto bono vino.”)

Secondly, in today’s Gospel we can look at the role of the Mary, her powerful intercession and her sensitivity to the needs of those around her. She is compassionate about the situation of the newly wed couple and she knows the consequences if the people found out that they run out of wine. So Mary asked her Son to do something.

Thirdly, we can look at how Jesus came to be involved with the situation, and his immediate response to her Mother, “Woman, how does your concern affect me?”

We also have to know the biblical and theological meaning of the words of Jesus when he said “My hour has not yet come.”

Unfortunately, we don’t have enough time to deal with them individually.

According to some Church Fathers, the story of wedding at Cana is the raising of the dignity of human marriage, the union of man and woman, as Jesus assisted the needs of the newly wed couple.

***

But what really is the core of the Gospel today as we enter the new season of the Church calendar the Ordinary Time? “Christmas season is now over, last Sunday brought an end to stories of Jesus’ birth, baptism and early life. Now it is time to hear about the work of Jesus as a full adult, as the man who was also God’s Word.”

The Church gives us a brief transition this Sunday, a preparation for hearing the narrative of Jesus’ life. We Christians are called through our baptism, to meditate and to contemplate on the life of Jesus. We do this basically by reading the Sacred Scriptures daily.

Sometimes we are engrossed with daily news; we more are excited about sensational stories from the tabloid; we more are eager reading forwarded emails or text messages from our friends than reading the bible. St. Jerome once said, “Ignorance of the scripture is ignorance of Jesus.”

Let us honestly ask ourselves, are we really interested about our faith?
Then, if you are, do you want to hear clearly the message of Christ in the Gospel?
But if you are not, let us ask ourselves what it is that pulls down or shakes our faith?

***

According to John in today’s Gospel, the wedding at Cana is “the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory and his disciples began to believe.” Once again the glory of God is manifested in Jesus. Last Sunday, we celebrated the Feast of Epiphany of the Lord – the manifestation of God in Jesus. The wedding at Cana may be called “Manifestation at Cana” because Jesus revealed his power and his identity as God. Because of Jesus’ compassion and ability to change water into wine the disciples believed that indeed Jesus is the only Son, the Messiah.

****

This Sunday of the Ordinary Time we begin the long journey of listening to the word of God and reflecting on the life of Christ. Pope Benedict said last year in his message for the 21st World Youth Day: “There is an urgent need for the emergence of a new generation of apostles anchored firmly in the word of Christ, capable of responding to the challenges of our times and prepared to spread the Gospel far and wide.”

So let us be attentive listening to the Word of God and put them into actions.

We don’t need to suffer terrible sickness, cancer, or have a tragic accident in our family before we turn to the Lord.

Let us invite Jesus now, for he is our friend and our God. Let us invite Jesus to transform us, to leave everything into his hands including our fears (my fear of preaching!) and problems, to turn our plain water into sacred wine, so that the fulfillment God’s glory comes to us and that we may share that glory to other people. Amen.

Remembering my parents' visit

October 27, 2006


It's real. Pari na talaga. In front of St. Andrew's Church, Werribee. Ate Zita (between Ama & Ina) my cousin from LA Calfornia has arrived to spend her weekend at Melbourne from her business trip in Sydney.


With Ama, Ina and Fr. Frank - my big brother Priest.


Enjoy the ride!


Di papatalo sa ama.


Tukayo ng Ina - little Patricia celebrates her birthday when this was taken... oopp parang si Volta ina ko. :)


Wow Jeepney in OZ! Exhibit at Bethany Primary School


Young boys and girls of Bethany Primary School enjoying photo moments with my Ina at Ama as they say "Mabuhay" instead of "cheese."

Epiphany 07

Epiphany of the Lord
St. Andrew’s Parish
January 6-7, 2007

Introduction before Mass

Today is the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek word epiphaneia that means “manifestation or revelation.” The Child born in the night of Bethlehem is manifested to the world as the light of salvation for all peoples.

We will hear from the Gospel a narration of the three Magi who came to from the East, adored the Child Jesus and offered him symbolic gifts: gold, incense, and myrrh. They were the first ones who witnessed the epiphany or manifestation of God’s revelation in the Child Jesus.

As we come to celebrate together on this Mass let us remember that we are here to adore the Lord with great joy. Like the Three Magi we have our own journey, we are looking for enlightenment, we are searching for answer, we are longing for happiness.

Let us now our present ourselves to the Child Jesus…

Homily

Epiphany Sunday in some countries is also called “Three Kings Sunday.” The Three Kings or Magi according to the Bible journeyed from the East following the Big Star leading to the place where the child Jesus is born, so they could worship him.

As I was preparing my homily yesterday afternoon the children song “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” was playing on my mind. It was because last Monday I went to my sister’s place to attend my nephew’s 3rd birthday party. I was there singing some children songs on a karaoke with my young niece and nephew. You know it is very typical for a Filipino family to have a karaoke at home. One of their favourite songs was “Twinkle, Twinkle” so it stuck into my mind until today.

I can imagine the Three Kings singing “Twinkle, Twinkle” as they ride on camel but with different words: “Twinkle, twinkle Big Star. How I wonder what you are.” Of course, this can’t be true, it’s only my childish imagination, however one thing is certain, the child Jesus whom the Three Kings were looking is more than a shining Star.

The child Jesus is God’s “epiphany” he is God’s manifestation who lights up the darkness of the world. As prophet Isaiah suggests in the first reading: See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the people; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory.

Epiphany Sunday is also known as the “second Christmas.” Our brothers and sisters from the Eastern Church, in line with the Julian Calendar, are celebrating Christmas this Sunday. We, who are in the Western Church ends Christmas season after the Baptism of the Lord, which is on Monday, however, we still observe the real message of Christmas: the ‘shining forth” or revelation of God to humankind in human form in the person of Jesus.

The Gospel reading we have this Sunday has many symbolisms.

The Three Kings or the three Magi, traditionally named Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar represent the Gentile world or non-believers. They were looking for the King of the Jews. Although they were not Jews, they must have felt they belonged somehow to his kingdom, too. “We have come to do him homage,” they said. They did not care if they were foreigners, strangers, pagans from the East. They are pagans but they are also members of God’s children.

Being the first ones to receive the news of the birth of Christ, they signify that the coming of the child Jesus in the world is not only for a particular group of people but for the whole human race. As the second reading tells us, “the pagans now share the same inheritance” of God’s salvation. The birth of Christ is God’s gift of salvation for Gentiles or Jews, and for all people.

The importance of the three Wise Men in our faith as Christians is not only their perseverance to pursue relentlessly the “Twinkle, Twinkle Big Star” that led them to the Child Jesus. But more than their patience and stamina, it is their act of homage and respect to the child Jesus that we need to follow. They recognise the Child as the newborn Messiah king, prostrate themselves, do him homage.

The three Magi expressed their act of worship to the baby Jesus by bringing him special gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. These three precious gifts brought by the Three Kings tell us something about the life and ministry of the Child Jesus: Gold is for the King; incense as an offering/sacrfice to God; and myrrh a symbol Christ’s future death but will gain victory over death.

And also in the Gospel story today, we have King Herod, a figure of someone who cannot accept the Child Jesus as the King of World. King Herod who in the beginning pretended to be a “Christ friendly” politician, ended up trying to kill the Christ-child. He will do everything for his love for power. He will compete directly with God in order to stay in power. He doesn’t want to see the glory of God’s manifestation. He doesn’t want God to be part of his life for he is full of pride.


So let ask ourselves, can we see ourselves like the Three Kings, persevering enough on our life’s journey? What gifts can we offer to the Child Jesus? Are we sometimes like King Herod who instead of welcoming Christ’s values we prefer to accept what the world tells us?

Prayer
Christ, Help us now to come to you, We want to walk in your light and rest in your warmth. Please keep us on the right road, heading toward your radiance, bringing our treasures, our assets, our gold, frankincense and myrrh, of our hearts.Christ, be born again and again in us. Be the gift we bear, the treasure inour hearts.
Amen.

Inang Maria (Mother Mary)

Mary Mother of God
January 01, 2007

We, Christians have always honoured Mary as the Mother of God. The Church defines her divine motherhood, as a truth clearly contained in Scripture[1] and in the tradition of the Church. The Council of Ephesus (430) affirms the validity of the divine truth that “Mary is the Mother of God.” Mary is predestined to be the Theotokos. It is a Greek term which expresses the title of Mary as the Mother of God or a God bearer.

The testimonies of the Gospel writers bear witness for us to Mary, as the one chosen by God to be the mother of his Son. We highly regard Mary’s divine motherhood because of her obedience and free cooperation with God’s plan of salvation.[2]

Luke’s Gospel tells us, that among all the women, Mary is the blessed one who was hailed by an Angel of God as “full of grace” (highly graced or favoured one)[3] from whom the awaited Messiah is to be born. And, because of her “yes” to God’s invitation, despite the great demand it would cause her, she finds herself a unique place in the history of humankind. For her “yes” expresses her greatest act of full participation in the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan of salvation: when he will send his Son, “born of a woman.”[4]

Mary as Mother of God will always be for us Christians an exemplar of a perfect human act of free response to do God’s will. However, our recognition of Mary’s divine motherhood, like all of her other titles, must always lead us to her Son, Jesus Christ.

When the Church formally decrees Mary’s Divine Maternity,[5] she not only uplifts Mary’s dignity as the Mother of God, but also preserves the fundamental truth that Jesus is both human and divine. So, Mary did not only give birth to a man Jesus, but she gave birth to the Second Person of the Trinity, hailed as the Christ, known as Jesus of Nazareth.

Intimately connected with Mary’s divine motherhood is the truth that she also becomes the mother of humanity as well. Mary is the New Eve restoring the broken dignity of the human race caused by Eve’s disobedience.[6] So whenever we reflect and call upon Mary as Mother of Jesus, and our mother as well, we recognize the gift of salvation we received from the mystery of the coming of the Son of God into the world.


[1] Cf. Lk 2:6, 7; Mt 2:1-10.
[2] Cf. LG 57.
[3] Lk 1:28 .
[4] Gal 4:4.
[5] The Council of Ephesus (430) affirms the validity of the divine truth that “Mary is the Mother of God.” Mary is predestined to be the Theotokos. It is a Greek term which expresses the title of Mary as the Mother of God or a God bearer.
[6] Cf. LG 56.

Consecrating our Family

Holy Family Sunday
December 31, 2006
St. Andrew’s Parish

Today’s Mass, coming a few days after Christmas, reminds us that Jesus, our Saviour, was born into a family. And this gives inspiration to the human family, the basic unit of society. We all have come from a family - we have different family stories, upbringings, we have unique childhood memories, the way our parents brought us up. Each of us comes from this basic unity of society called “family.”

As we grow older we come to realise the complexities of human family – the joy and sadness of family relationships. We experience the joy of welcoming a newly born baby in our family. We know the sadness of losing family members. We hear from other people or we experience ourselves the pain of broken relationships, family break-ups, divorce, misunderstanding, rebellious children, and so on.

Today is the feast of the Holy Family, and this gives inspiration to our family, and to every Christian family. The Holy Family ofcourse is unique. The child is God, the mother is sinless, and the father is a saint, no wonder they are called holy family.

Mary, Joseph and Jesus model for us the life of the Holy Family.

Joseph is a model of a faithful and caring father. Joseph exhibited great trust in God and demonstrated intense devotion and love in caring for Mary and Jesus. Scripture does not quote a single word of Joseph, and yet his actions speak volumes of a strong man devoted to God and family.

Mary is a model of a very understanding, loving and religious mother. Mary showed tremendous faith in God and trusted in God's love for her. As wife, she helped Joseph in his quest for holiness. As mother, she cared for Jesus with great love and tenderness.
Both Mary and Joseph created the environment which allowed Jesus to grow in wisdom and age and favor before God and other people.

Jesus is a model of obedient child. He was obedient to Mary and Joseph and obviously loved them both very much. And, out of great love for his Father and for us, he was obedient to all that God asked of him, including death on a cross.

The first reading we have today contains wise advice on how to lead a life pleasing to God within the family unit. Namely it insists on mutual respect in the relationship between parents and children. St. Paul at the second reading spoke of ourselves as God’s children, we belong to God’s family. We are reminded of the great love that the Father has given us: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believers in Him may not perish but may have eternal life." It is this free gift, undeserved by us sinners, that has made it possible "that we be called children of God."

The relevance of the feast of the Holy Family, in reference to the Gospel readings was the words of Jesus to her mother when he was found in the temple: "Why did you search for me? Did you not know I had to be in my Father's house?" ( Luke 2:49b). His relationship with his Father transcends his relationship with his human family.

Jesus loves his parents, but his top priority is the God the Father, his priority is to obey the will of the Father, not only for his sake but for the sake of humanity.

What is your priority for your family?

Does our family have a space for God’s peace, forgiveness and understanding?

Let us pray that the God will be part of our family that we will have an environment of holiness, like Jesus had with Mary and Joseph.

If we bring God as the top priority in our life, it would not be difficult for each member of the family to resist the bombardment of secular values, materialism, lack of forgiveness and understanding. Let us create a religious environment in our family by praying together, going to Church every Sunday, to inculcate to our children the importance of Christian faith and values. The problem is not time. We could find time, the problem is our priority. The environment of holiness itself is the protection of our families in today from the onslaught of values foreign to Christian outlook and understanding.

Let our family be a sanctuary of love, joy, peace and harmony.




Source: http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/