Vocation Crisis 101

"Vocation crisis is like a "desert place" where we solely depend upon the divine providence of God as He alone knows the oasis of life hidden at the next bend of the road."

-- quoting myself

"Vocation crisis can either break you or make you a fuller being."

-- quoting myself

"Vocation crisis is a blessing...especially when it teaches you how to love eternally without requiring anything in return..."

-- again quoting myself

Ang sumusunod ay "excerpt" mula sa aking email sa aking mabait, maganda at kahanga-hangang kaibigan na si Pinky Marie nuong Jan 23, 2000 1:40 pm

******

Nasa gitna ako ng ikinakasal at ng tatlong pari na nagkakasal, nagdarasal ako na parang ganito ang sinasabi sa ko sa Kanya, “Lord saan mo ba ako gustong ilagay, dito ba sa isa o sa isa.” Napakaganda pa ng background music, naiiyak pati kaluluwa ko. Gusto kong lumagay sa parehong bokasyon pero in that instance nasabi ko na mas lumamang pa rin ang bokasyon ng pagpapari kahit kaunti.Subalit patuloy pa rin ang pagmamanman sa nagaganap sa aking kalooban.

*******

........“Father I am in love.” “Kanino?”, sabi niya. Tinanong ko kung natatandaan niya ng prayer na iniwan ko sa kwarto niya at kinuwento ko kung paano tayo nagkakilala, nung hinanap ko ang bahay ninyo at una tayong nagkita, yung pangalawa sa Bethany, sa Exhibit ni Badong, sa “Jollibee take-out”, sa bahay ninyo, sa Sta. Isabel at sa phone. I told him that we have a very prayerful friendship and that you are one my answered prayers.

.....Ipinakita ko ang pictures mo at sabi, “eh kilala ko ito!” sabay sampal sa akin.

........ “Ano ngayon ang gusto mong gawin?” tanong niya. Sabi ko gusto ko po na mai-express sa kanya/sa iyo ang love na ito na naaayon sa Kanyang kalooban. “Ano pong gagawin ko?”, tanong ko.

........“Ligawan mo” tugon ni Father (kung will talaga ni God Pinks, friends pa rin tayo kahit hindi mo ako sagutin ha! Sige na…). “Paano po di bibigyan ko ng bulaklak?” “Father marami na po’ng nanliligaw sa kanya makikigulo pa ba ako saka nagdidiscern din siya?”

.........“Paano po nag-promise ako na I will love her unconditionally magkakaroon ng contradiction?”

........Basta sabi niya na malaya ako ngayon dahil nasa labas ako ng seminaryo na walang mga pari na laging nakabantay sa amin, ito yung pagkakataon na mag-explore upang mas makita ko ang aking sarili.

......“Hindi kaya unfair naman on her part dahil diko pa talaga sure kung sa priesthood ako at kung mag-ggf man ako gusto ko sana siya na ang magiging partner ko for life e hindi ko pa naman sure kung married life ang vocation ko?”

.......... Sabi niya dapat sabihin ko sa iyo, “Eto ako mahal kita, pero hindi ko alam kung saan ang bokasyon ko, at para sa iyo ako ay nagtataya at sana ikaw din ay magtaya para sa akin.”

..........Sabi din niya, “malay mo kayong dalawa pala…kung hindi naman ay marami ka pang mamemeet” “Siguro, Father takot lang po akong mag-taya” tapos ko.

..........Around 3:30pm dumating si Odra at Dennis at inubos namin ang pagkain ni Fr. Egai sa fridge niya. Pagkabusog ay nagpaalam na kami kay Fr. Egai at kumain uli kami sa Minor Seminary....

******

PRAYER OF THOMAS MERTON

My Lord God,I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me nor do I really know myself. And the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this, You will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though, I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my struggles alone. Amen.

On Vocations

Here is Pope Benedict XVI's address on Vocation Sunday-

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, in which the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is observed, I have had the joy of ordaining in St. Peter's Basilica 15 new priests of the Diocese of Rome. Together with them, I think of all those that, in all parts of the world receive priestly ordination at the same time. In thanking the Lord for the gift of these new priests at the service of the Church, we put them in Mary's hands, while invoking her intercession so that the number will grow of those who accept Christ's invitation to follow him on the path of the priesthood and consecrated life.

This year, the theme of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is "Vocation in the Mystery of the Church." In the message I have addressed to the entire ecclesial community for this occasion, I recalled the experience of Jesus' first disciples that, after meeting him on the lake and in the villages of Galilee, were captivated by his attractiveness and love. The Christian vocation always implies renewing this personal friendship with Jesus Christ, which gives meaning to one's life and makes it available for the Kingdom of God.

The Church lives from this friendship, nourished by the word and the sacraments, holy realities entrusted in a particular way to the ministry of bishops, priests and deacons, consecrated by the sacrament of holy orders. For this reason, as I underlined in the same message, the mission of the priest is irreplaceable and, although in some regions there is a lack of clergy, there is no doubt that God continues to call adolescents, youths and adults to leave all to dedicate themselves to the preaching of the Gospel and the pastoral ministry.

Another special way of following is the vocation to the consecrated life, which is expressed in a poor, chaste and obedient life, totally dedicated to God, in contemplation and prayer, placed at the service of brothers, especially the little ones and the poor.

However, let us not forget that Christian marriage is a vocation to holiness in the full sense of the word, and that the example of holy parents is the first favorable condition for the flowering of priestly and religious vocations.

Dear brothers and sisters, let us invoke the intercession of Mary, mother of the Church, for the priests, and men and women religious; let us pray, moreover, so that the seeds of the vocation that God sows in the hearts of the faithful will mature and bear fruits of holiness in the Church and the world.

source: zenit.org

Vocation Promotion

Good Shepherd Sunday (Year B)

“The World Day Prayer for Vocation”

May 6-7, 2006 Holy Child’s Parish, Meadow Heights

Today, the fourth Sunday of Easter is called Good Shepherd Sunday or also known as “The World Day Prayer for Vocation.” There are many different vocations we can follow God in holiness – marriage, religious life, priesthood, lay apostolate or single blessedness. But today the Church is urging us, together with all the faithful believers around the world, to pray particularly for the increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

We need to pray for new shepherds and pastors who will preach the Word of God, who will administer the sacraments and who will lead the communities in our time.

This is why on this occasion, the bishop (as he does everyday) asks all of us in the seminary in Carlton, except the first year students, to share our vocation story in all Masses this weekend in different parishes in Melbourne and Bendigo. The bishop and priests in the seminary are hoping and praying that we will encourage young people (and also those young at hearts) to listen carefully to the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and to respond generously to his calling.

I think I’ve mentioned already in one of my homilies here how I ended up studying for the priesthood. I can’t remember any dramatic moments in my life hearing the voice of God from heaven, “John Joel come follow me, I want you to become priest.” No, God didn’t call me that way.

When I was young I always wanted to become a soldier or an architect. I never desire to become priest because I knew a priest is not allowed get married. I could not imagine myself then growing old without a wife. And I thought it was impossible for me to become priest since I got easily attracted with beautiful girls in the school!

It was my grandmother who influenced me to follow this vocation. She was very prayerful and went to Mass everyday. Today actually is her birthday. God bless her soul. Also some of my friends in highschool were the ones who encouraged me to enter the seminary.

So Jesus called me in a very special way or should I say, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, seized me by the neck with his huge staff and led me straight to the seminary –- I was only 16 years old then and I felt like a small sheep needed to be kept safe inside the sheepfold.

I spent five years of my life inside the seminary. It was not easy leaving my family and my friends but years had gone very fast. I really enjoyed living in the seminary because there we played basketball everyday! You know if AFL is a religion in Australia, for many young Filipinos basketball is a way of life! But, in a deeper sense, I developed in the seminary a closer relationship with Jesus through the Eucharist and with the help of Mary.

To cut the long story short, I left my seminary in the Philippines and I decided to continue my training here in Australia. And, I’m here speaking before you, as now, an ordained deacon. And I am looking forward for my ordination to the priesthood this year. It’s been almost ten years since I responded God’s call, although it’s not always easy but I didn’t have any regret. In fact, I’m really grateful that despite my imperfections God wants me to be instrument of spreading his love to his people.

In his very first message for “The World Day Prayer for Vocations,” Pope Benedict says, “To respond to the call of God, and to set ourselves upon the way, it is not necessary to be perfect.” We are simply needed to recognise our need for Christ. “Our fragility and human limitations are not obstacles, provided that they contribute to making us always more conscious of the fact that we need the redeeming grace of Christ.”

This year, there are 30 seminarians and 5 deacons, including myself, at Corpus Christi College Seminary in Carlton. With your support and prayer, hopefully we will continue to increase in number.

Now, if there is anyone here who is interested or curious about the priesthood or if you are contemplating religious life. I encourage you to pray and ask for God’s help and blessing to give you strength and courage to respond faithfully to his calling. As I said, you don’t have to be perfect or 100 percent sure about it. If you have any questions or doubts please feel free to approach Fr. Joe, the sisters or myself after this Mass.

So, I ask you all, to please pray that many young people today will consider the vocations to the priesthood and religious life. As Pope Benedict says, “when people pray—vocation flourishes.”

And, as we continue this Mass, let us also remember that whether we are called to marriage, religious life, priesthood, lay apostolate or single blessedness. We all have the same invitation to imitate according to our state of life, our Lord, who loving professed himself today as: “the Good Shepherd…who lays down his life for his sheep.”

Investiture '95

"Si bunsong Cune at si kuya Joel"

Shortly after the Mass ceremony of my investiture when I was a first year seminarian in Immaculate Conception Major Seminary in Guiguinto, Bulacan. The bishop of the diocese normally vests a seminarian with white soutane as a sign of a new life, leaving the old one, in following the call of Christ.

Drawing

Mas madami pa yatang drawing ang notebook ko kaysa lecture.

Unfinished (2003)

Ininip na inip (1996, Immaculate Conception Major Seminary)
My Crush in Highschool (at ng bayan!)

Art Exhibit

Hindi ko naman masasabi na talagang artist ako dahil may mga kaibigan, mga pinsan at kakilala ako na talaga namang professional sa larangan ng sining. Isa sa mga idolo ko ay ang dati kong kaklase na si Padre Conrado "Badong" Santos Jr. Hindi lang siya magaling sa basketball (matulis ang siko!) kundi'y kilala siyang mabuting pari at pintor sa Bulacan.

Naisipan ko lang ipost dito ang ilang ginuhit ko nuon habang naguubos ng oras at walang magawa, o kaya'y kapag may iniiwasan akong mahalagang gawain. Pero mas madalas kapag inaantok o naiinip ako sa klase lumalabas ang pagka-artistic ko.

Jesus of Nazareth (1996, 2nd year college)
My favorite saint, St. Therese of the Child Jesus (2003)


Blessed Mother Teresa (2002?)

Henyo

Kakaiba talaga ang wisdom ng kaibigan ko. Kahit na mula highschool hanggang ngayon ay magkasama pa rin kami ay marami pa rin akong natutunan sa kaniya. Itago na lang natin siya sa kanyang totoong pangalan, Odra Noel.


"It takes time to tango."

"Paano na kapag tumanda na si Bart Simpson?"

"Ang pagmamahal ba ng aso talagang hanggang puppy love lang?"

Lost and Found (update)

Minsan siyang nawala at minsang nasumpungan. Ngayon naman siya ay nabasa kaya't pagsasama nami'y nauwi sa luha.

Eto ang email ko sa amin:

Biyernes ng gabi ay naghouse blessing ako sa bahay at photography centre ng kaibigan ko sa Pascoe Vale. Naiwan ko ang takip ng holy water kaya nang ilagay ko ito sa bag kasama ang cellphone ko ay napatunayan ko na nakakabasa din pala ang holy water. At nalaman ko din na hindi water proof ang cellphone ko. Gumagana naman ang orasan nito-- pero di na pwedeng pantawag. Paki-announce sa Pulilan na sira ang phone ko na gamit sa roaming.

Kaya ko pala kinakabisado ang kanta at chords ng "Stay" ng Cueshé. Akala ko nagpoprocrastinate lang ako yun pala may pag-aalayan ako nito.

Para sa iyo ito "hello moto":

STAY

I believe
We shouldn’t let the moment pass us by
Life’s too short
We shouldn’t wait for the water to run dry
Think about it
Cause we only have one shot at destiny
All I’m asking
Could it possibly be you & me?

So if you’d still go, I’ll understand
Would you give me something just to hold on to?
And if you’ll stay, I’ll hold your hand
Cause I’m truly, madly, crazily in love with you

Time has come
For us to go, our separate ways
God forbid
But my mind is going crazy today
I feel so cold
Feel so numb
I’m having nightmares but I’m awake
Help me Lord
Fight this loneliness
Take this pain away

Now that you’re gone,
I’m all alone
I’m still hoping that you would come back home
Don’t care how long, but I’m willing to wait
Cause I’m truly, madly, crazily in love with you

--
Now I'm procrastinating!

St. Peter Chanel

2nd Friday of Easter

Acts 5:34-42; Jn 3:31-36

April 28, 2006

Corpus Christi College

The word “martyr” in early Christianity referred originally to the Apostles. The Apostles were the first models of fearless confession of their faith in Christ under persecution.

The first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles, gives us a glimpse of the suffering of the apostles as they continue to give witness of the risen Lord. “They went rejoicing that they had had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name of Jesus.”

The word “martyr” later on extended its meaning to those who shed blood, embraced suffering and death as consequence of their testimony to their faith in Jesus, Son of God and risen Saviour.

St. Peter Chanel, whom his martyrdom we remember today, was one among those who began and carried on the missionary work in the islands of Oceania. He was martyred on the island of Futuna in 1841. According to the Office of Readings today, the death of St. Peter Chanel has planted Christian faith to the people of Futuna, and even shared the fruits of his martyrdom to the other islands of Oceania.

The death St. Peter Chanel reminds the classic words of Tertullian: “the blood of the martyr is the seed of the Church; the more we are mown down, the more in number we grow.”

In his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Oceania, Pope John Paul praised St. Peter Chanel and all others who were martyred in Oceania, he said, “they are not the only greatest glory of the Church’s past in Oceania but also its surest source of hope for the future…May their memory never be forgotten! May they never cease to intercede for the peoples for whom they shed their blood.”

Whenever, we celebrate the feast of the martyrs into liturgical celebration, we recall not only the martyr’s heroic deeds and their marvelous contribution to the Church but above all, we recognise Christ as the first martyr, who shed his blood of our salvation. As we remember today, St. Peter Chanel’s martyrdom or his ‘birthday’ in heaven, we glorify Christ who gave him strength to face his death for the sake of the people of Futuna.

St. Peter Chanel tells us that he could stand any kind of physical torture and painful death, not by his own power and endurance, but by the strength he received from Christ. For St. Peter Chanel and all Christian martyrs, Jesus Christ alone is source of their hope for the future. As in the Psalm today says: “The Lord is the stronghold of my life: before whom shall I shrink?”

The story of the multiplication of the bread in the Gospel, demonstrates that Jesus has gifts and resources to meet the full range of human needs. He supplies the daily bread that people need to sustain life. The feeding of the crowd thus confirms that Jesus is the source of our strength, he is the source of life and indeed: he is the surest hope for the future.

So as we prepare ourselves for our future ministry in proclaiming the holiness and truth of the Word of God, let us put our complete confidence in the Risen Christ, who is our hope and our life.

And like the saints and martyrs, let us pray that the witness of our faith will shine forth in our daily lives – so like St. Peter Chanel, we may as well become surest hope for the future of the Church.
- John Joel 4:00 AM

***

Happy feast day to all my friends in St. Peter Chanel Parish, Deer Park!:)

Lost and Found

May kaibigan ako na laging nawawalan ng cellphone. Ako isang beses pa lang nawalan ng cellphone (Nokia 30210). Iniisip ko, siguro nahulog ko 'yun ko sa pampublikong sasakayan o kung saan. Hanggang ngayon umaasa pa akong magkikita kaming muli. Apat taon na ang lumipas...

Kamakailan lang, nagkahiwalay kaming sandali ng cellphone ko (Motorolla E...blabla). Akala ko magiging ala-ala na lang siya tulad ng una. Pero salamat na lang at pwedeng lagyan ng picture ang screen nito. At buti na lang picture ko ang wall paper nito kaya madali itong naibalik sa akin.

Kaya lang, kailangan ko pang ipaliwanag sa nagsoli sa akin na "Crystal Voice of Asia" ang kasama ko sa larawan.

close na kami ni Sheryn!:)

World Record

Nakakatuwa sa unang pagkakataon kahapon lang ako walang natanggap na maski na isang text message sa aking local cellphone at Smart roaming. Dahil dito para akong nag-retreat.

*****

Kahit na madalas kasama ko lagi ang aking mga kaibigan ay mas gusto ko minsan ang mapag-isa at maglaan ng oras na mag-muni. Sa pagkakataong ito mas naalala ko ang pinakamahalaga at pangmatagalan at di lilipas na bagay--ang relasyon ko sa Diyos.

Sermon Ko

5th Friday of Lent

Jeremiah 20:10-13; John 10:31-42 April 7, 2006

We have heard several times this week from the Gospel of John different situations when Jesus finds himself in conflict with the hostile Jews of his time.

In the Gospel last Monday, Jesus defended an adulterous woman from being stoned to death at the hands of the Jews. Last Tuesday, Jesus declared to the Pharisees that he is the Son Man whom will be lifted up by them. In the Gospel last Wednesday, Jesus told openly to the Jewish people that he can liberate them from their slavery to sin. Yesterday, we heard about Jesus inflicting serious insult to the Jews as he proclaims himself greater than Abraham.

Today, once again, John tells us another encounter of Jesus with Jews that would increase their fury and indignation against him. This time Jesus explicitly tells them his equality with the Father, declaring himself as the Son of God. The Jews were seriously insulted so they reach rocks to stone him. In this situation, Jesus finds himself defenseless, ironically similar to the adulterous woman whom he saved from stoning.

The claim of Jesus as the Son of God, in today’s Gospel, challenges the very cornerstone of the Jewish faith. The Jews couldn’t just tolerate listening to his testimonies. How can this man be the “Son of God?” How, this man, an ordinary human being like them, a fellow Jew, can be “working with the Father” the God of Israel?

The Jewish leaders couldn’t stand any longer his blasphemies. They want to get rid of him. But Jesus never gives up, he wants them to believe what he says is the truth. So he reminds them of his good works. But, like him the Jews would never give up either. For them his blasphemies deserve stoning. They tried to arrest to Jesus, but he managed to escape them.

Jesus’ failure to win over his enemies mirrors the first reading.

The reading from Jeremiah is disheartening, discouraging, and yet it is worded not just with anguish but with conviction and power. Bishop Coleridge mentioned in his talk last Wednesday that a false prophet never suffers. Jeremiah endured too much suffering from enemies and even from his friends. Jeremiah being a true a prophet knows the faithfulness of his God, who is “like a mighty champion.” Like Jesus, Jeremiah believes that in the end, his persecutors will stumble themselves and will not triumph over him.

The psalm response, “In my distress I called upon the Lord and he heard my voice,” is the prayer of those who resist evil, who refuse to be overcome by own weaknesses or by enemies’ threats. Psalm 18 describes God: our rock, our fortress, our deliverer, our refuge, our strength. It must have been the prayer of Jesus himself, when he finally succumbs to the threats of his enemies and allows his own destruction at their hands.

As we reflect upon the Gospel readings this week, they tend to put the Jewish people of Jesus’ time in a bad light. How could they be so stubborn not to believe Jesus’ powerful testimonies? How could they not accept the fullness of God’s revelation in Jesus?

It’s a pity, isn’t it, how they fail to recognise Jesus, as the Messiah, the Son of God.

But, then we must be careful not to condemn the Jews of Jesus’ time. We are not really in a position to think ourselves superior to the enemies of Jesus or more holy than they were.

We have long been privileged to know Jesus and the Father in the power of the Spirit. Our seminary formation, our prayer life and formal study, allow us more access to know Jesus as the Son of God.

So, as we continue our vocational journey together in this place, may we open our hearts in generosity to the Spirit of God, so he may form Jesus, the Son of God, in our lives.

Short Intro to d X

Station of the Cross

Corpus Christi College

March 31, 2006

Anyone who has a true devotion to the passion of the Lord must so contemplate Jesus

on the cross with the eyes of his heart that Jesus’ flesh is his own.

(Pope St. Leo the Great)

Once again, we gather in this chapel to participate in a service of the Stations of the Cross. The devotion to the Stations of Cross dates back as far as the 4th century, when early pilgrims to the Holy Land used to commemorate during Holy Week the Crucifixion and Death of Christ. The pilgrims would pray and meditate at the actual spots where, as best they knew, Jesus Passion took place. By doing so, they re-traced the footsteps of Our Lord Jesus Christ and brought into their lives the meaning of his suffering and death on the cross.

Although we are not in the actual place of Christ’s crucifixion, we invite our Lord to dwell among us and help us meditate on his sorrows as we listen to the scripture readings and prayers, and as we gaze upon the images of the Stations of Cross in our chapel.

This morning, we are challenged by Deacon Thinh in his homily. He challenged each of us to enter deeply into the mystery of Christ’s passion and death that made our salvation possible.

May this holy exercise, increase our desire to accept the challenge of the Gospel today. And may every grace be ours, as we walk the Way of the Cross with Our Lord Jesus Christ.

***Update lang***

Medyo comedy (oo comedy nga) ang pag-lead ko sa Station of the Cross kanina. Nawala ako sa konsentrasyon ilang beses palang di tugma ang binabasa ko sa station. Buti may naglakas loob na lapitan ako (at sabihan akong adik!). Mula 5th station binasa ko 8th station, tapos balik ko uli sa 6th, may nilampasan pa daw ako. Kaya pala biglang naghihina si Jesus. Sorry po Lord! Next Friday sa Cathedral naman ako maglelead kasama ang Archbishop. Concentrate..contrate..concentration..consetrate...

Congratulations Graduates!

Here are some words of wisdom from a young writer for the graduates of batch 2006 . Just to add little bit of wisdom, I think real education is not just an education of the mind but also an education of the heart.

Congratulations to the graduates of Immaculate Conception Major Seminary, St. Dominic Academy and Pulilan Central School!

The school you graduated from does not determine the quality of your future. There are still small-minded companies that only accept applicants from the supposed top universities but don’t let that stop you. Just because you came from one of the more popular schools doesn’t mean you can rest easy. And it doesn’t matter either if you came from a school that no one else has heard about. It is you, and not your diploma, that will make your future.

Make good decisions. Remember, the decisions you make after college (or highschool) have real-life consequences. Making a mistake no longer means just being sent to the dean’s office or failing a test. This is the real world we’re talking about.

Stay in touch with your friends. There is something important about not forgetting the people who knew you when you still had braces, when you were obsessing over that hot senior, when you were scared to death about getting your class cards. They will keep you young. They will keep you grounded. Don’t stop learning.

Say hello to the real world. Now your real education begins.

- Pam Pastor

Lord Have Mercy

I find these prayer intercessions meaningful especially this season of Lent. Response to each intercession is "Lord Have Mercy."

For all who mourn and weep this day/night.
For those suffering the anguish of a broken heart.
For those awaiting execution or certain death.
For all who are in an agony of indecision.
For those in constant or bitter pain.
For an understanding of the role of suffering in our own lives.
For a more intense commitment to relieving the sufferings of others.
For an authentic spirit of obedience and humility.
For a sincere love for Jesus Christ our brother and saviour.

Rejoicing in the company of the Virgin Mary, Mother of God and all the saints, let us commend ourselves, one another and our whole lives to You, O Lord.



c Archbishop's Office of Evangelisation Archdioces of Melbourne 2006

Nakakainggit sila

Nasan na kaya ako kung natanggap ako sa PMA nuong 1999?

photos taken from www.philstar.com, inq7.net, www.newsflash.org

Turning 28

God is Love

"Eros, this gift of love between a man and a woman, comes from the same source of the goodness of the Creator as does the possibility of a love which renounces the self in favour of the other."

Pope Benedict XVI has published his first encyclical to show how Christianity does not repress love, but elevates it. Read the whole encyclical.

Enjoy life

Minsan sila'y bata...

Pahabol na valentine notes

Basta ang alam ko kapag mahal mo ang isang tao ayaw mo siyang masaktan kahit sa isang pinakamaliit na bagay.

Bawat sandali mahal mo siya kahit wala ka man sa piling niya. Kahit di ka niya nakikita.

Lumipas man ang mahabang panahon ala-ala niya'y iyong dala-dala.

Ang tunay na pag-ibig ay hindi nagwawakas, magbago man ang oras, taon at panahon ang diwa nito'y walang tigil sa pagbalong.


3.51am

Discovery

Habang nakikikain ako kagabi sa bahay ng kaibigan kong mag-asawang Malaysian-Chinese ay pinapakinggan ko silang mabuti kapag nag-uusap sila sa kanilang dialect. May mga salita akong narinig na pamilyar sa akin kaya tinanong ko sila kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng mga salitang iyon. Laking gulat ko nang malaman ko na tugma ang kahulugan nila sa wika natin.

Ilan sa mga ito ay sumusunod:

ba
na
tali
sayang
inum
mahal
mura
anak
sabon
lima

Ang iba naman ay napakalapit ng tunog:

dalawa: duwa
apat: ampat
luya: udya

Galing! Manghang-mangha talaga ako. Buti na lang napigilan ko agad ang maiyak.

My First Italian Couple

Wedding of Mark and Vittoria
St. Monica’s Church, Moonee Ponds
January 29, 2006

Buon giorno a tutti, sia lodato Gesu Cristo. Benvenuti a tutti in questo giorno speciale nel quale celebriamo il matrimonio di Vicky e Mark. E per me un unore essere qui con voi. Grazie per la vostra presenza.

When I was working at the parish in Deer Park, I had a privilege to visit elderly Italian parishioners in their homes. I really enjoyed visiting them not only because Italians were very religious people but I was always entertained each time I saw wedding photos displayed inside their house. Looking at their black and white wedding photos probably taken back home in Italy before they migrated to Australia reminded me that every married couple has their own story to tell about marriage —stories of ups and downs, joys and loneliness, success and failures.

Today, Mark and Vittoria will begin their journey of life as married couple. I mentioned to Mark and Vittoria last Thursday that they would end today their old relationship, simply because today they are going to publicly declare before God and all of us here their love to each other. Above of all, because today God will bless as “husband” and “wife” to one another.

In the first reading, Daniel read a story from the book of Genesis telling that man and woman were created by God to be together: “The reason someone leaves parents and takes a partner is so the two of them can become one.” This passage helps us reflect the purpose of being human. We are created by God to enjoy not just the thrill of love, but also the importance of love. Love pulls us out of our selfishness. Love enables us to share to other people the love we receive from God. And this is what is happening between Vicky and Mark today as they stand before God and all of us here in this beautiful church.

As Mark and Vittoria receive the Sacrament of Marriage, they are giving their entire selves freely to each other, not just as friends or partners, but above all as “husband” and “wife”, not only today, but for the rest of their lives.

However, my dear friends, human love is not perfect. Human as we are, we commit mistakes; sometimes we hurt each others feelings; and sometimes we end up with broken relationships. Humanly speaking marriage vow is not only difficult but also impossible to fulfill.

The reason why Mark and Vittoria is getting married in the Church is because they want God to be part of their lives. They both recognize that human love is not enough to keep them together. The Psalm read to us by Michelle, speaks about the desire Mark and Vittoria for God’s help and protection, as it says: “May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.”

The second reading talks about St. Paul’s advice to the Christian communities in Rome on how they should live in the way that pleases God. Maranda read to us very clearly the words of St. Paul: “Love each other as much as brothers and sisters should, and have a profound respect for each other.” In this passage, St. Paul was urging the early Christian community to be patient in suffering, to keep on praying, to be humble and to live in harmony with one another.

Even though this passage is intended for the church community in Rome, Italy, nearly two-thousand years ago, these same words of St. Paul are addressed to Mark and Vittoria today here in Moonee Ponds. As husband and wife, Mark and Vittoria, you are called to be skilled at conflict resolution and comfortable with your differences, in order to achieve your dreams in building a happy family (together with your unborn baby).

The Gospel reading chosen by Mark and Vittoria for their wedding is about Jesus’ strong position about the permanence of marriage: “What God has united, let no one separate.” Mark and Vittoria wish to emphasise to us all here today the seriousness of their commitment. They have gone through a lot of difficult trials in their relationship but these only strengthened their love to one another.

Mark and Vittoria, we are united with you in prayer that may you both fulfill and live up the will of God in marriage: “What God has united, let no one separate.” Always remember that your love to one another reflects to us and to the rest of the world what God is like. Help us to understand the truth of the permanence of marriage. And when your unborn baby finally comes out, teach us to reflect upon the goodness of God, the giver of life.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Then, Mark and Vicky, we promise you in the Name of Christ, that you will be able to love one another all the days of your life! Amen.

E bello essere qui con voi e congli sposi. Caro amici preghiamo per questi sposi affinche questo santo matrimonio possa superare tutte le difficolta della vita. Noi benediciamo il signore e gli sposi con tutto il nostro cuore.

***
Sa mambabasa: 'wag tutularan ang grammar ko!

Paalam Ka Ernie

Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa ako makapaniwala sa pagkamatay ni Ernie Baron. Laging nakikinig ang Ama ko sa programa niyang Knowledge Power sa DZMM nung elementary pa yata ako. Dito natutunan ng Ama ko ang healing power ng bawang at dahil dito nagsimulang mag-amoy adobo ang bahay namin. Kay Ka Ernie ko natutunan ang heling wonder ng medicinal plants tulad ng kakawate, luya, oregano, banaba, sambong, at pati yata marijuana. Sa kanya ko unang narinig ang pinakamahabang pangalan ng tao, mga imbentor, scientists at kung anu-ano pa.

Minsan kong sinubukan ang tonic water ni Ka Ernie mula sa Pyramid at patagong nagsuot ng Pyramid hat niya nung periodical exams namin nung highschool. Tatalas daw ang memorya kapag uminom nito at pagsuot ng pyramid hat habang nag-rereview. Para mas epektib kumain din ako ng mani. Sayang nga lang nakalimutan ko agad kung naipasa ko ang exams ko na yun. Siguro selective ang memory ko.

Dati lagi pa akong tinatawag ng Ama ko kapag si Ka Ernie na sa TV Patrol. Natataon naman lagi na nagpapakain ako ng aso kaya tatakbo ako ng matulin para maabutan siya upang madadagan naman ang aking kaalaman. (Buti di ako sinabihang 'adik' ng aso).

Nakakalungkot isipin na wala na si Ka Ernie. Naging parte din siya ng "childhood" ko. Nakakamiss ang regular niyang imbitasyong umattend sa kanyang seminar sa Camias tungkol sa cleansing diet o gamit ng pito-pito.

God bless your soul Ka Ernie!

My First Filipino Wedding

Wedding of Jacqueline and Sherwin
St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, Geelong
January 22, 2006

My dear friends, in behalf of Sherwin’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Petronio and Silangan Pascual, who came from the Philippines to attend this ceremony, and of Jacqueline’s mother Noriet and step-dad Steve, I would like to welcome you once again to the marriage of Sherwin and Jacqueline.

Sherwin and Jacqueline, the day has now arrived, the day that both of you have been looking forward to and planned for a long time is being fulfilled today in this beautiful basilica. Many of your friends and loved ones are here today to witness and pray with you as you receive the Sacrament of Marriage. Although your family, relatives and friends back home in Norzagaray and Manila can’t be here today, I am sure they are praying and thinking about you at this very moment.

Sherwin and Jacqueline, you have come here today, first of all, because you love each other, both of you have assured me that you wanted to offer yourself freely to each other because of love. As you stand before the altar, you may recall the day you first met in December 2001. And as you stand next to each other, I invite you also to remember how your friendship at pinagsamahan started to grow deeper into love despite a long-distance relationship. You have experienced how difficult it was when the one you love is physically far away from you. Now that you are together, and today, as Jesus says in the Gospel, “(You) are no longer two, but one body” it is our hope that you will continue to nourish and deepen the love you received from God. Make it grow stronger, faithful and fruitful, so that your love becomes an image of Christ’s love to us all humans as it should always be.

Sherwin and Jacqueline, you have come here today to get married in the Church, above all because you want God to be part of your relationship. Christian marriage, my dear friends, is a sacrament; it is not just a social event or dance party we attend at weekends. Marriage as a sacrament means God blesses Sherwin and Jacqueline, as husband and wife, that’s why they are getting married before His altar, rather than in the park or their favorite spot at Geelong beach.

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, as the first reading speaks in your behalf: “may (Yahweh) bring you to old age together.”

Your second reading, St. Paul’s Letter to the Church of Corinth is one of most eloquent descriptions of love that has ever written. St. Paul was speaking in his letter about the gift of love: “Love is patient, and kind, it is not jealous, it is not rude…love does not come to an end.” Sherwin, “love is patient and kind” but Jacqueline can be impatient and can be unkind, or minsan sumpungin. Jacqueline, of course “love is not jealous” but one day Sherwin may get jealous. Yes, “love is not rude” but lovers can be rude without realizing it. And, “love never ends” but since St. Paul have written those words countless lovers have fallen out of love.

How can you avoid those human failings? I’m sure as this day has drawn near, the two of you have received a lot of advice specially from your parents, and certainly before the day is over you will receive a lot more.

What advice I can give you, Sherwin and Jacqueline, is to make God number one in your lives. Make Jesus Christ ALWAYS your first love, because he alone can satisfy our longing, and him alone is the source of true love. Jesus says in the Gospel you have chosen, that when one gets married, he or she “must leave father and mother.” 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 you marriage and keep your love burning. But this is possible if you make God your first love. Amen.

Illiterate

Paano ba mag-lagay ng links sa blogs ko?

Gusto ko sana i-add ang mga sumusunod:

http://riotikz.blogspot.com/
http://www.knucklecracker.blogspot.com/
http://deardiarya.blogspot.com/
http://www.askalfreak.blogspot.com/
http://spaces.msn.com/members/christinejoy1222/
http://mickvergara.blogs.friendster.com/
http://plum-plum.blogs.friendster.com/
http://sye2005.blogs.friendster.com/

Ang makasagot ay pag-kakalooban ng surprise gift na kahit ako ay di ko pa alam kung ano.

My First Funeral Homily

Funeral Mass for Vicente Cerdana
St. Andrew’s Parish, Werribee
January 14, 2005
Wisdom 3:1-9 2nd Reading: Romans 6:3-9; John 14:1-6

It’s a pity that I didn’t have a chance to get to know such a wonderful person such as Lolo Vicente. But I’m glad that I had an oppurtunity to hear stories about him when I had lunch at Tita Frances’ house last Monday. After hearing some anecdotes and memories about Lolo Vicente from Lola Aurelia, Tita Cora and Tita Frances, I realized how such a wonderful person he really was. When I saw the pictures of Lolo Vicente from his Golden Wedding Anniversary with Lola Aurelia in 1996, he reminded me of my own Lolo, who like him, had dedicated his whole life to his wife and his family.

Each of us here today has our own memories of our parents and grandparents. I remember Tita Frances was telling me that her father was an active and vibrant person; he was full of energy and he had a good memory; he was such a prayerful person that he even included President GMA in his daily prayers. He used to pray three decades of the Rosary with Lola Aurelia everyday, which again reminds me of my own Lolo and Lola.

Lolo Vicente had a very strong Christian faith, and obviously, he shared his faith to his children and grandchildren. The faith of Lolo Vicente in Jesus Christ is our faith as well, and this is what that brings us all here today in the Eucharist. Although Lolo Vicente’s death brings sadness and grief most especially to his wife, children and grandchildren, his loved ones here in Australia and in the Philippines, our Christian faith tells us that despite death life is not absurd and meaningless.

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. But death is not the end of everything. Our Christian faith reminds us that the death of Lolo Vicente is but a continuation of his life with our Risen Lord. The reading from the Book of Wisdom echoes our hopes and confidence in this reality, as it says: “the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them.”

In the second reading St. Paul talks about the mystery of our faith through our baptism. Like all of us Christians, Lolo Vicente began his life’s journey with Jesus on the day he was baptized. When our parents decided to have us baptized in the Catholic Church, we were no longer mere human beings but we became sons and daughters of God. St. Paul tells that when we were baptized we have been buried with Christ and shared his own death, “so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” This is our hope and prayers for Lolo Vicente today, together with all our departed loved ones and those who have died recently.

The Gospel chosen by Lolo Vicente’s family for his funeral Mass today is about the dialogue of Jesus with his disciples after his Last Supper. We heard in the Gospel one of the most comforting words of Jesus: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me…” Let us allow the words of Christ to enter into the depths of our hearts and let sink it deeply into our souls: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

Sometimes, we become like Thomas who was confused, wondering and don’t know what future holds; like him we try to make sense of everything and ask: “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Likewise, when the sting of death struck our family, we ask, “Lord, we don’t know where our departed loved ones are going?” Then again, our Christian faith tells us that death is not the end. The glorious Resurrection of Christ reminds us that death is not something to be afraid of. He assures us that he is “the way the truth and the life.”

So Lolo Vicente’s death is not the end. Although our hearts are full of sadness, but at the same of joyful hope and profound gratitude knowing that his life is changed, not ended. We can still be close to him and he is close to us still.

I’d like to borrow the words of Pope Benedict in his homily at the funeral Mass of Pope John Paul II: “We entrust your dear soul, Lolo Vicente, 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.”

Untitled

Di ko alam kung ano ang title ng entry ko ngayon kaya "Untitled" ang nilagay ko. Baka di kasi maintindihan ng mambabasa, dumarami na kasi ang adik ngayon.

Sa loob ng labing-isang taong lumipas pag-kagraduate ko ng highschool ay narealize ko na sa loob ng labing-isang taon pagka-graduate ko ng highschool (Inulit ko lang para sa mga adik.). Sa loob ng...

...lagi ko na lang kinu-compare ang pang-araw-araw ng karanasaan ko sa buhay ngayon sa buhay ko nuong highschool. Lagi na lang ang high-school life ko ang batayan ko ng pagbabago o hindi pagbabago ng aking buhay.

Halimbawa.

a. Marami kong damit na nuong highschool na minana ko lang sa kapatid o kung sinong nagbigay (eg. t-shirt, pantalon, sapatos, uniform). Ganito pa rin hanggang ngayon.

b. Nuong highschool takot ako sa mga crush ko lalo yung magaganda ngayon mature na ako, di na uso ang crush-crush...(humahaba ang ilong ko).

c. Nuong highschool maliit lang ang mundo ko. Ngayon madami ng nakakakilala sa akin kaya lalong lumiliit ang mundo ko.

d. Nuong highschool takot akong ma-epiphanise (look for the word "epiphany") ng damdamin ko sa mga crushes ko. Kaya hanga ako nuon sa mga kakilala ko nuong hs na di torpedo o yung malalakas ang loob. Pero hindi ako hanga sa mga taong "courageous" sa maling pagkakataon. Halimbawa ay hindi ako hanga sa taong sumulat nito sa akin:

Hi John, how's it going? Thanks for getting back to me. How is your week going so far? It's Wednesday and we're half way there. Can't wait for the week, it's been a long week so far. I really need to start having some fun around here. To do that I need to meet some fun people to hang out with. As I think I mentioned before, I just moved here from the U.S. a few weeks ago. Lived in St. Louis, Missouri my whole life until now. I just wanted a fresh, new start somewhere and my job gave me this opportunity. Of course it may not be permanent but I love it so far. It is a different world out here, so i'm still kind of adjusting and finding my way around. Not to mention I don't know anyone around here. I definitely want to meet up with you soon if you're down! According to the site I live close by so we could really meet whenever you want. Maybe you could show me around a bit? Hit some bars, do some dancing, see a good show. I'm up for anything! You tell me. I'm sure there is plenty to do around here. You can be my tour guide. Don't worry, i'll repay you for your time ; ). I know it might be kinda of weird since we don't know each other but let's take a chance...why not? I promise I won't bite : ), unless you want me too, haha. How 'bout it? Are you interested?

(Pangalawang sulat na niya yan at di ko na siya sinagot baka kasi maniwala akong totoong tao ang sumulat nito sa akin.)

e) Nuong highschool walang sumusulat sa aking ng Ingles o nagpe-plert (hehe) tulad niyan.

f) Nuong highschool sipunin ako. Ngayon walang pinagbago.

g). Nuong highschool lagi kong iniimagine ang itsura ko pag-above 20's na ang edad ko. Ngayon lagi kong ini-imagine ang itsura ko nuong highschool.

h.) Nuong highschool mabilis akong maubusan ng halimbawa kapag nagpapaliwanag. Hanggang ngayon.

***********

Taon taon, tuwing magpapalit ang taon, pagkatapos ng putukan, tumitingala ako sa langit at pinagmamasdan ang mga bituin. Lagi kong tinatanong sa isip ko kung ano ang magaganap sa taon na ito...sino ang mamatay, ano ang magagandang mangyayari, atbp. Ngayong taon na ito di ako nakatingala sa langit, di ko napagmasdan ang mga bituin. Pero tuloy pa rin ang pagkumpara ng nuon at ngayon.

****

Salamat sa Diyos sa biyaya ng buhay.

My Homilies from Advent Season*

*I lost my advent homilies somewhere. Wait till I find them. (para namang my regular readers ako..hehe)

Epiphany of our Lord

Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord
Isa 60:1-6; Ps 71:1-2.7-8 10-13; Eph 3:2-3.5-6; Mt 2:1-12
Holy Child Parish, Meadow Heights
January 7-8, 2006


Once there was a priest who celebrated his 25th anniversary and was receiving gifts from the parishioners. A florist’s daughter gave him a box. The priest shook it and said to the girl, “Are they flowers?” The girl was surprised, “How did you know, Father?” The priest knew the profession of the girl’s parents, so he could guess easily.

Then another boy came with a box, the priest shook it and said, “Is it a pair of shoes?” The boy asked, “How did you know!” The priest knew because the boy’s parent had a shoe store.

Then little Johnny, the son a bottle shop owner, came forward and the priest saw the box. It was leaking.

“Ah I know what it is,” the priest said to himself. He put his finger on the wet part and tested the liquid. “Is it wine?” he said.

Johnny shook his head, “No.” Then the priest scraped the leaking box again with his finger, tasted it, saying, “Brandy?” Johnny replied “No, Father!”

“Is it perhaps Mass wine?”

“No, Father. It’s a puppy!”*


Today is the feast of the Epiphany of our Lord. You may ask what the word “epiphany” means. Epiphany means a manifestation or revelation of something that is hidden. In other words, epiphany means an exposition of something mysterious or concealed, like a Christmas gift. Some of you probably got a new pair of shoes, shirts, play-station games, kitchen wares, etc. at Christmas. We can compare the feast of Epiphany to the moment we opened the gifts we received on Christmas, that’s when we got to know what was inside the wrappings.

Today, the second Sunday of year 2006, we celebrate “the unwrapping” of the gift we received from God on the first Christmas. The gift we received on the first Christmas day was far more than anything else in this world because it’s no other than the birth of our Lord Jesus.

The image of the child Jesus is the epiphany or the revelation of God’s love to us all. God has given us the gift of His Son who will be our light and hope in the world we live today. The manifestation of God’s love links with the first reading: “The nations come to your light and kings to your dawning brightness.”

The celebration of Epiphany in some countries is also known as “Three Kings Sunday.” The manifestation of God began when the Three Kings or Wise Men traveled from the East (Mesopotamia) to Bethlehem in order to pay respect and homage to the newly-born King of the Jews. The Three Kings are also called the Magi; they were astrologers or astronomers who were studying the movement of the stars as a guide to major events. We heard in the Gospel they were attesting to King Herod that the bright star which they were following would guide them to the place where the infant King was to be born.

According to most scholars the three Magi were pagans who did not know the true God of the Jews. Inasmuch as they were intellectual people, they were also very superstitious. For example they believed that the fate of each human being depend on stars. Of course this not so, but God made use of their superstition to show them where to find the baby Jesus. God has chosen and revealed to them that the King he had promised to Jews had now come. What the Gospel of Matthew is trying to point out here is that the three Magi represent the Gentile world or non-believers to be 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.

According to the tradition the names of the three Wise Men are Melchor, Caspar and Balthasar. The importance of the three Wise Men in our faith as Christians is not only their perseverance to pursue relentlessly the star that led them to the Child Jesus. But more than this, it is their act of homage and respect to the child Jesus that we need to follow. The three Magi expressed their act of worship to the baby Jesus by bringing him special gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Today, the relics of the three Magi, according to tradition are believed to be kept in the Cathedral in Cologne, Germany, where the young people had the chance to visit during the World Youth Day last year. Like the Magi, the young people from different parts to the world together with the Pope, travelled to Germany to pay homage to the Lord. We can make the Magi our models, to follow their example and offer the Child Jesus all that we have and are.

We must always keep in our hearts that Epiphany is a celebration of God’s gift of Himself to us in the Child Jesus. When we find ourselves in difficult circumstances, when we feel tired about our problems, when we struggle in the darkness of weakness and sin, let us look at Jesus. Like the bright star that gave hope and courage to the Magi may Jesus be our guide and strength.

Let us invite Jesus, to shine in our lives and the lives of our loved ones, and make us special gifts to one another. And as we gaze upon his image lying quietly in a manger, let us express our confidence and trust in God, knowing that He loves us and is always with us. Amen.

---

* thanks to Fr. Bel San Luis SVD

Happy New Year

Year 2006 na ilang oras na lang mula ngayon. Ano kayang magandang new year's resolution? Siguro magiging masipag na lang ako para madali kong matupad.

Teka, matagal na pala akong di nakapag-blogs dito ah busy kasi ngayong Christmas season. Ang dami-dami ko sanang kwento na nakakatawa at kapupulutan ng aral... kaya lang tinatatamad ako magsulat. Next year na lang. :)

Showbiz 2

Pinapanuod ko sa ngayon ang Extra-Challenge sa internet hindi ko alam kung kelan ito pinalabas sa Pinas. Ang episode ay "Promdi" ang mga challengers ay sina Ruffa, Donita at Jasmine Trias. Ang ganda ng setting, iba't-ibang farm sa Batangas; palaisdaan, bukohan, bibehan, pinitak, atbp. Kanina pa ako tawa ng tawa kay Booba okay pala siya eh. Isa pang nakakatawa ay si Jasmine Trias; matagal na siyang sikat pero ngayon ko lang siya napanuod at napakinggan na di kumakanta. Kanina pa siya tili ng tili at cute siyang magtagalog ("konti excited, pero mas takot").

Pero ito talaga ang kwento ko.

Pagkasimba ko kaninang hapon ay inayaya ko ang kaibigan ko na mamasyal sa Federation Square nabalitaan ko kasi naa nagshooting duon kanina ang cast ng OK Fine. Pagkababa ko ng tram may nakita ko isang grupo ng mga asians na nagkokodakan. Pamilyar sa akin yung isang babaeng maliit iyun pala si Nicky Valdez. Si Edu Manzano nandun din. Pero si Bayani ang nilapitan ko sabay mano, kumustahan at picture taking (buti may camera na ang mobile phone). Tapos sabi ko, "Sa'n si Papa Aga?" Yun pala katabi ko lang. Habang kausap ko si Aga, isa lang ang naconfirm ko: lahat pala tayo may ka-look-a-like! O pano ina-antok na ako.

Senti

I went to St. Francis Church in the city to hear Mass this afternoon. After the service I went to Our Lady's chapel to pray. And then I saw a group of Asian teenage girls who were also there praying. I noticed that one of them looks like her -- the object of my affection in highschool. It's been long years now but her memory is still haunting me...(or perhaps entertaining me).

She gave me the greatest happiness as well as the sadness during my highschool life. Looking back, I realised that though it sometimes felt like a wound in my heart, but it didn't matter, because I loved her anyway. Mine was a disordered love because she didn't love me in return.

I discovered in my young life that love wounds us and the wound does not simply disappear. It forms a scar and such scars are lasting signs that can hurt again, but they allow us to go on living a humanly fulfilled life that may be all the more mature because of suffering. So I thank her and am still praying for her, inspite of everything I became a better person and forever be indebted to her for teaching me how to love.

Paalam Kakosa

Paalam kakosa Franzen akala ko ikaw ang mananalo sa Pinoy Big Brother. Maraming natuwa sa iyo at lalo na siguro ang ABS-CBN dahil kumita sila sa iyo. Isang simpleng pasasalamat lang ito sa pag-entertain sa amin sa gitna ng kahirapan ng buhay (at dahil kamukha mo ang isang classmate kong pari na ngayon:). Simple ka at natural. Pasok MTV girls! :)

My First Wedding Homily

Readings: 1 Cor 13:4-7,13 Ps 34,2-3.4-5.6-7.8-9; Mk 10: 6-9

Mystery of Love

Last Wednesday, we came here to this church to have a rehearsal. Unfortunately, we couldn’t have a rehearsal that night because the Church was double-booked. There was a funeral rosary at that time. I think no one would dare to have a wedding rehearsal with a coffin inside the church. Anyway, I was really glad that evening because I had a chance to have a brief interview with Matthew and Holly.

I learnt that they’ve known each other for more than twelve years now. I asked them, “When you first met each other did you fall in love straight away?” They both answered “no”. I thought they would say “yes”.

You know, it really struck me as I drove back home to Carlton, I started to wonder “how love develops between two people?” If Matthew and Holly didn’t feel anything on their first meeting, I wondered what made their love grow deeper. With so many people around why did they choose each other? Why they love each other? Why are they getting married today? Isn’t it a big decision to make a lifetime commitment?

But when I looked at the wedding booklet yesterday I found the answer. There is a quotation from Elizabeth Browning, it says, “I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.”

I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you….

For me these words speak of confidence, contentment, happiness, peace and love. I’m sure this is what Holly and Matthew have found from each other. They both found confidence, contentment, happiness, peace; they found love towards each other. So that today, in this church, they choose freely to publicly declare their love and fidelity firstly before God and second to their loved ones and friends.

Christian marriage

It’s a privilege for all of us here today to witness a significant moment of their lives, as they receive the Sacrament of Christian Marriage. We have here a lovely Christian couple, Holly and Matthew, who 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.

Christian marriage is special because couples recognise the important role of God in their relationship. Holly and Matthew are both aware that human love isn’t enough if they don’t reserve a place for God in their lives, God who is the source of love.

Matthew and Holly’s faith in Jesus Christ will be manifested before us as they promise each other their love and fidelity in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. By these words, they fulfill the words of Jesus in the Gospel, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh.

So, I invite you my dear friends to join Matthew and Holly, in being aware of the presence of God today in this sacred ceremony, in this beautiful church. The beautiful music and flowers, the presence of our bridesmaids, maid of honor, groomsmen, best man, and our cute flower girl, Olivia; they all make us aware not only of the solemnity of Christian marriage, but also the goodness of God’s creation. As we all responded to the Psalm read to us by Annalise: The earth is full of goodness of the Lord.

Christian Love

Sarah read the famous passage about love from First Corinthians. St. Paul was saying to the early Christian community that the most fundamental part of being a Christian is love. His description of love is patient and kind, never jealous, never boastful, not self-seeking. No doubt many couples see this passage as a description of the love they have for each other, but Paul is encouraging them to have this love for everyone.

This passage is very appropriate for Matthew and Holly who love each other, to love each other’s families, to love their co-workers at the Police Force and at the Alfred Hospital, and to love the people who live in their neighborhood.

Prayers

Matthew and Holly, all your love comes first from God, who loved you even before you discovered love. My prayer for you today, is that you return that love you both received. Don’t refuse the opportunities to share it. May it benefit you, your family, your friends and your loved ones. Always remember that Love never fails.



**I can't wait for the photos!

Parang kelan lang ringbearer ako sa kasal ngayon ako na ang nagkakasal. Natatandaan ko pa nung pangalawang beses na nag-ringbearer ako nalate kami ng Ina ko sa kasal. Hindi na kami umabot sa simbahan kaya sa reception na lang. Natatandaan ko pa din nung araw na iyon sa loob ng jeep ako pinalitan ng damit pang-abay ng Ina ko. Nilagyan p niya ako ng polbo ang likod ko mainit kasi. Ito'y habang nanunuod sa akin ang mga pasahero.

May Isang Studyante

Parang natanggalan ako ngayon ng tinik sa dibdib ( o sa talampakan?). Limang minuto lang ang nakakalilipas nang matapos ang oral exams ko sa Canon Law. Labinlimang minuto akong "i-ninterogate" ni Judicial Vicar, at sa loob ng maikling sandali ay kailangan kong ipakita sa kanya na may "alam" ako kahit papaano sa Canon Law. Masaya ako dahil sigurado akong naipasa ko naman ang orals exam na worth 50%, kaya lang e may essay pa na worth 50% din (di ko pa nasisimulan).


Ala-ala mula sa klase ko sa Canon Law...


Tuwing first period ng klase, oras na magsimula ang lecture automatic bumibigat ang mga mata ko at kusa silang pumipikit. Kasabay nito ang pag-lipad ng aking diwa sa mundo ng panaginip. Mararamdaman ko na parang humihinto ang daloy ng dugo sa utak ko. Nag-iiba ang kulay ng ceiling, lamesa, silya at mukha ng katabi ko. Sa madalit salita, hindi ko talaga mapigilan ang makatulog.


Pero gifted yata ako dahil kahit nakakatulog ako sa klase ay nakakapagsulat pa rin ang kamay ko. Tuloy-tuloy ang pagsulat ko kahit ang isip ko ay nasa Pilipinas at nagbabakasyon o nasa loob ng PBB. Kakaiba nga lang kinalalabasan ng sulat ko: shorthand na Arabic.


Nakakaguilty minsan.


Nakakahiya din naman minsan. Isang beses nang bumalik ang diwa ko sa klase ng Canon Law; namulat na lang ako na ang pinang-susulat ko na pala ay ang aking berdeng highlighter!

First Baptism

Cayden, I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Second Homily

Corpus Christi College
November 3, 2005
Rom 14:7-12; Lk 15:1-10


God’s mercy

We hear in the Gospel today two parables told by Jesus: the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. They are actually followed immediately by the related parable of the Prodigal Son. These three parables in chapter 15 of Luke’s Gospel are commonly called the ‘three parables of God’s mercy.’ However, the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin are short and simple compared to the parable of the prodigal Son.

Jesus spoke these parables as his response to the Pharisees and scribes who were grumbling about his attitude toward the tax collectors and sinners “who were coming to listen to him.” The Pharisees, being righteous as they were, simply couldn’t accept the fact that offering hospitality and sharing meals with the social outcasts are acceptable in the eyes of God.

In the eyes of the Pharisees, associating with sinners is an irreligious and scandalous act. To serve as host at the table for tax collectors is beyond their imagination. They were grumbling because this is exactly what Jesus was doing.

Why is someone like Jesus, who claims to be the Messiah, making friends with sinners whose bad reputations are known to the public? Does he know what he’s doing?

The righteous contempt of the Pharisees shows how much they misunderstood the mercy and compassion of God to sinners.

The Pharisees’ grudging spirit prevents them from understanding that God’s love encompasses everyone, including the tax collectors and sinners. Their self-righteousness blinds them from realising we are all equal in the eyes of God. Since each one of us is a child of God, whether a person is holy or not, God’s mercy is available to them.

This links with St. Paul’s warning in the first reading, “Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”


Joy in finding the lost

The joy of the shepherd and the woman is the description of God’s joy at the repentance of a sinner.

When Jesus told the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, he didn’t intend his audience to look simply at the reaction of the shepherd and the woman when they lost a part of their property. What Jesus emphasized was the joy of finding what was lost.

The shepherd shouts out loud to his friends and neighbours: “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.”

Likewise, the joy of the woman after finding her lost coin outweighs her tireless efforts in searching and sweeping the entire house just to find it. She’s even willing to throw a party for her friends which would cost her a lot of money.

The woman cries out, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.”

Challenge

The challenge of the Gospel for us today is the same challenge which Jesus gave to the Pharisees: Are we willing to celebrate with God and his angels who rejoice each time a repentant sinner comes to Jesus?

Those who find God’s mercy offensive can’t celebrate with the angels when a sinner repents.

“The parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin expose the grudging spirit that prevents us from receiving God’s mercy.

Only those who can celebrate God’s grace to others can experience that mercy themselves.”

My First Homily

Jesus a Man of Integrity
Homily on the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Is 45:1, 4-6; 1 Thes 1:1-5b; Matt 22:15-21)
St. Leo the Great Parish, North Altona
October 15, 2005

“Thank You”

“Thanksgiving and Congratulations!” is the theme of the letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians which we hear from the Second Reading.

Together with Silvanus and Timothy, Paul expressed his gratitude and praise for the church of Thessalonika for their faith in God, charitable acts to one another and perseverance and hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

I come here this evening, with a joyful heart like St. Paul’s, to thank and congratulate not the Thessalonians, but you all, the people of North Altona.

Thank you for your support, encouragement and prayers. You know that you have been part of my journey toward my training to the priesthood.

Last Saturday, in St. Patrick’s cathedral, I was ordained as deacon by Archbishop Hart, together with three seminarians for the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Ordination to the diaconate is the final step towards the priesthood. At the ceremony, we committed ourselves to lifelong celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of God. We promised obedience to the Archbishop and to his successors. Most of all, we received the ministry to serve God’s people and to proclaim the Gospel.

Last Monday, I celebrated my fifth year in Australia. It seems only yesterday, when I left my home country, the Philippines, I was then full of uncertainties and doubt whether I made the right decision in joining the seminary here.

Five years ago, my mother accompanied me on my flight to Australia but we were immediately separated as soon as we arrived at the airport because a priest from the seminary picked me up and took me to the seminary in Carlton.

In the evening the priest drove me to the presbytery of Fr. Paul, where I would be staying until the school year began. Unfortunately, Fr. Paul was not home or probably he was just hiding from me!

So we drove back to the seminary, disappointed. I remember the priest was so apologetic to me. It wasn’t a good welcome was it?

After a while, we went back to the presbytery and we got Fr. Paul at last! I remember Fr. Paul welcomed me and gave me a fatherly hug. That was the beginning of my journey in Australia. I am thankful to God that I started the new episode of my life in Australia, with a humble priest and with the generous parishioners of St. Leo’s.

So borrowing the words of St. Paul, I say to you all, “I (we) always mention you in my prayers and thank God for you all, and constantly remember before God our Father how you have shown your faith to me in action.”

The Pharisees

It’s been a week already since my ordination and I still can’t believe that I am now a cleric. I am now a member of the hierarchy of the bishops, priests and deacons. I am now an ordained minister of the Catholic Church. I am now one of the leaders of our religion.

And so when I was reflecting on the Gospel reading today I was warned and alerted not to be like the Pharisees.

In the Gospel, we hear Jesus called the Pharisees and Herodians hypocrites. The word “hypocrite” is a term meaning “an actor” probably a “stage actor” or simply a pretender.

The Pharisees were leaders of sect within Judaism at the time of Jesus. They were known as false interpreters of the Scripture and some were extremely hostile to Jesus.

The Gospel we hear this evening is a classic account of how the Pharisees tried to put down the integrity of Jesus by trapping him in a dilemma. As a tactic the Pharisees first praised Jesus, “Master, we know that you are an honest man and teach the way of God in an honest way.”

After this they asked Jesus, “Tell us your opinion, then. Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

The dilemma is this, if Jesus should answer it was all right to pay tax to the Emperor, Jesus would be ostracized or hated by the common people who saw paying taxes to the Emperor as an offense to Israel. Many Jews saw paying taxes to the emperor as a symbol of political and economic subjugation.

But if Jesus should answer it was against God to pay taxes to the Roman Empire then he would be accused by the Pharisees as an anti-Roman, if not a revolutionary.

Jesus’ clever response put his enemies in silence. He showed them a coin saying, “Whose head is this? Whose name?” The Pharisees replied, “Caesar’s.” He then said his classic response, “Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar – and to God what belongs to God.”

Integrity of Jesus

The issue here is not only about the general principle of the relationship between religion and society, or our legal responsibility to the State and our obligation to give God what belongs to him.

The Gospel today is also inviting us to look at the integrity of Jesus. Jesus, as opposed to the Pharisees, is a man of integrity, honesty and truthfulness.

Jesus wants us to have a sincere heart.

“Deep human relationship, whether in friendship, family, marriage, or any form of commitment, is sustained by goodwill, honesty and sincere heart.”

God wants us to be true to our words. “A hypocrite does not give to God what belongs to God, for God wants a sincere heart. Only an upright heart pleases God.”

We pray in this Mass, asking for God’s help and grace to shape our lives according to the gentle and humble heart of his Son, Jesus, so that like him we may all stand out in our community not as Pharisees but as persons of integrity.

I am Yours

Ah, they now call me "Reverend." I feel so little. I feel unworthy...

"I said, Ah Lord; look, I do not know how to speak; I am a child! But the Lord replied. 'Do not say, and I am a child'. Go now to those to whom I send you and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to protect you - it is the Lord who speaks." (Jer 1:6-7)

My Dear Diarya*

My Dear Diarya,

Ang mga ginawa ko ngayong araw na ito ay:

Gumising ng 6:05, 6:10, 6:15 at 6:20 ng umaga, naligo at nakaabot sa naman sa 6:45 Morning Prayers. Nagmeditate ng 30 minutes (partly nakatulog “sleeping with the Lord”) sa Gospel reading of the day: “The Lord’s Prayer (Lk 11:1-4). Pinaulit-ulit kong sinasabi sa isip ko “Lord, teach us to pray.” Tapos Misa ng 7:30.

Nagbreakfast ng ‘darak at conditioner’ (tawag ko sa cereals, cornflakes and the like). Habang kumakain ng ‘patuka sa manok’ naki-epal ako sa grupo ng mahihilig sa morning quiz bee sa newspapers. Napanis laway ko. Out of 15 questions isang lang ang nasagot ko naunahan pa ko ng one split second. Tanong: “Notably what soldier was ordered from the Philippines to Australia in 1945?” Answer: Douglas Mac Arthur. Yabang! Yun pa di ko masagot.

9am. Naka-set na ang books, notes, articles at ang pinahiram sa akin na laptop computer na kailangan ko pag-gawa ng assignment essay. Kinakailangan ko kasing lumabas ng kwarto ko dahil kung hindi ay mag-poprocrastinate lang ako (kagaya ng ginagawa ko ngayon).

Around 10 am tinawagan ko ang favorite kong classmate na babae nung highschool na isa ng nurse sa L.A. Halata ang American accent niya habang umoorder ng Piattos, Chippy, pusit at chichirya sa pinsan niya na nasa kabilang linya. Ang cute! Binigyan ko siya ng konting updates tungkol sa classmates namin at ilang contact numbers nila. Sinabi ko na naging crush ko siya nung hs pero di naman siya naniwala at naiba ko naman bigla ang topic.

11.30 nasa recreation room na ako. Nakapatong ang laptop sa table-tennis board at ready na talaga akong magsimula. Dumating si Fr. Fabian para mag-init ng kanyang paboritong niyang Indian cuisine lunch. Lunch time na pala! Dumating din si Anh, 5th year seminarian from Vietnam para magsaing ng rice. Pag-lunch kasi dito sandwich lang pagkain pero solve na dun ang mga Aussies! Matamlay ang mukha ni Anh nang makitang ubos na ang stock ng bigas. Nagvolunteer ako ng kumuha ng bigas dahil gutom na rin ako.

11.45 naglakad ako papunta sa grocery store. May nadaanan akong tindahan ng mga formal dress for men. Tumingin ako ng formal suit. May inirecommend sa akin ang may-ari. Nang itanong ko ang price ay dali-dali akong lumabas. Suit & trousers: $995.00 (multiply by 40 pesos= P39,800!!!)

12:30 pauwi nako bit-bit ang 10 kilos na rice. Maraming ala-ala ang bumalik habang naglalakad ako pauwi. Naalala ko pag-iigib ako ng tubig nuong wala pa kami gripo sa bahay. Naalala ko si Renalyn B., crush ko nung grade 5 na nakakasabay ko minsan sa pagbili ng pandesal, mantika, Maling o itlog sa malapit na sari-sari store tuwing 5:30 ng umaga. Pagbalik ko sa recreation room wala na si Anh. Tinawagan ko siya bakit ang napaka-tagal ko daw. Akala niya sa kitchen lang ako kukuha ng bigas! Buti di siya umiyak. Naalala ko bigla ang Vietnam Rose.

1:05pm nag-internet ako habang inaantay maluto ang sinaing ni Anh. 2:00pm nang matapos akong maglunch. Bumalik ako agad sa kwarto ko—this is the biggest mistake I ever done today. Dahil pag ganitong oras nagiging time-space-war ang kwarto ko. Nagkamalay na lang ako bandang 3:30pm sa dami ng tumatawag phone ko at isang text message na mula kay Pinky.

4:00pm. Hinakot ko na pabalik sa kwarto ko ang laptop at mga books na kailangan ko sana sa pag-gawa ng essay. It’s unbelievable. This can’t be true! (sabi ko sa sarili ko.) Wala akong nagawa.

4:30pm nasa city ako para maghanap ng suit and pants na isusuot para sa kasal ko sa Saturday (actually pag-katapos ng kasal ko). Marami akong pinasok na stores sa Melbourne Central (mall). Nagulat ako may mas mataas pa pala sa unang price nanakita ko kanina— suit lang $1,099 na! (o P43, 960). Ang budget ko ay $200 lang (bigay ng ate ko).

Sa kalalakad ay nakasalubong ko si Tita Heide, kaibigang kong Filipina. Sinamahan niya ako sa paghahanap ng damit ko. Kailangan kong magmadali dahil may evening prayers kami ng 6:00pm. Ang pinakamura ay $349+15 (alteration of trousers)= $360. Pero $150 lang ang binayad ko si Tita Heide na ang the rest. Gift daw niya sa akin. Ang bait niya talaga. Is this part of the hundredfold which Christ was saying about those who have left their family, friends and loved ones for the sake of God’s service?

6pm. Evening prayer. The magnificat anthiphon is “The Almighty has done great things for me; Holy is his name.” Very true indeed!

7:20pm. Tumawag ako sa mga friends ko para iconfirm kung makakarating sila sa kasal ko this Saturday. Habang kausap ko ang isang kaibigan kong Pilipina, narinig ko sa TV nila si Toni Gonzaga. Pinoy Bigbrother na! Si ate Racquel ang hula kong matatanggal this coming Sunday. Sana magtagal muna si Sam sa Bahay ni Kuya dahil alam ko pag napapanuod siya ng mga kaibigan ko sa Pinas ay parang nakikita din nila ako sa TV screen so hindi nila ako gaanong mamiss. (Di naman kumidlat, siguro totoo, hehe.)

8:23pm. I have to stop here now. Wednesday ngayon matagal na akong hindi nakapagnovena kay Mama Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help.


Night Prayer:
“ Lord, give our bodies restful sleep; and let the work we have done today be sown for an eternal harvest. Through Christ our Lord.”

______________
* Ang My Dear Diarya ay kinopya ko sa pamagat ng kwelang blogs ni Mr. Dj. Makamasa ang kanyang kwento at nakakatuwang basahin.

Love Letter

I composed this entry last 19 August as my written response to one of the seven questions which my Archbishop would ask me on my ordination to the diaconate this coming Saturday.

Strangely enough, after I finished writing my “intention to commitment to celibacy” I remembered the love letters I wrote in high-school and college, when I opened my heart and vulnerability to the object of my love. This is what Christ did when he died and suffered on the Cross in Cavalry 2,000 years ago.

“In the presence of God and the Church, are you resolved, as a sign of your interior dedication to Christ, to remain celibate for the sake of the kingdom and in lifelong service to God and mankind?”

I promise with sincere faith in the presence of God and the Church, that I am resolved to embrace faithfully a lifelong commitment to celibacy. As I publicly take this oath to remain celibate for the rest of my life, I express with full sincerity my interior dedication and personal response to the love of Jesus Christ.

I promise to observe the law of celibacy from the very day of my ordination until the end of my life and I am resolved to faithfully live a lifelong celibacy not only as an expression of my personal commitment to follow Christ, but also as an outward sign of my humble resignation for his service, and deepest desire to make myself available for his people. In particular, I ought to offer myself to God with undivided heart and self-less love and I am willing to serve his Church to the best of my ability for the rest of my life.

I earnestly believe that celibacy is an invitation and a beautiful gift from God. To remain celibate for the sake of the kingdom and in lifelong service to God and humankind is a wonderful opportunity to dwell deeply in the mystery of God’s love. With great joy and thankful heart, I therefore feel privileged to accept wholeheartedly the gift of celibacy which God offers me in this ministry. I am prepared to act in accordance with this lifestyle and more importantly I am resolved to continually enter into a deeper personal relationship with Christ.

As I promise to observe the law of celibacy throughout all my life, I am also aware that celibate life is a very challenging way of life; there will be emptiness, temptation and difficulty that I will encounter in the future. With this in mind, I completely entrust myself to the grace of God through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that I may always remain steadfast in prayer life and faithful in my commitment to celibacy both in deed and word.

Invitation

With Praise and Thanks to God

You are warmly invited to be present when

Justin Bernard Ford

Kieran Patrick Meade

Thinh Xuan Nguyen

John Joel Vergara

are ordained to the Diaconate

by the Most Reverend Denis J. Hart D.D.
Archbishop of Melbourne

On Saturday October 8th, 2005 at 10.00 am

At Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Albert Street, East Melbourne

Concelebrants are requested to bring white vestments
and to be vested at the Knox Centre by 9.30 am

Refreshments will be served following the ceremony
at Catholic Theological College, 278 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne (cnr Eades St)