Pananatili

Mahal kong,

Huwag mong naising lisanin kita; wala 'kong hangaring ika'y mag-isa. Sa'n man magtungo, ako'y sasabay, magkabalikat sa paglalakbay. Mananahan sa tahanang sisilong sa 'yo, yayakapin ang landasin at bayan mo. Poon mo ay aking ipagbubunyi at iibigin nang buong sarili. Sa'n man abutin ng paghahanap, ikaw at ako'y magkasamang ganap. Ipahintulot nawa ng Panginoon: ni kamataya'y maglalaho, anino ng kahapon. Dahil pag-ibig ang alay sa 'yo, mananatili ako. H'wag nang naising tayo'y mawalay, h'wag nang isiping magwawakas ang paglalakbay.+

Nagmamahal,



+titik ni Noel Miranda; inawit ng Bukas Palad

Another Day

11:34pm
Dear Jesus,

Here is the outline of my activities today:

9:15-10:30am Concelebrated at the Mass at MacKillop College together with hundreds of secondary students. The school celebrated today its foundation day. (May nagpicture sa akin na dalawang studyante, feeling sikat :)

10:30-11:00 am - Tea ("merienda") with school principal and fellow priests.

11:00 am -12:00pm - Outdor party with teachers, students along and Victoria Police Band; enjoyed cotton candy while watching students play games, rides, etc.

1:30-2:30 - Celebrated a funeral Mass for Dianne Lucas. She was a 50 year-old mother of two children; she suffered and died from a huntington's disease and cancer.

3:00- 3:15 pm - Burial at cemetery

3:30-4:30 pm - Hospital visitation. Santo Manna died at the hospital today. I blessed his remains and consoled his family. Administered sacraments of reconcilliation and anointing to some patients.

6:00-7:30 pm - Concelebrated at Confirmation Mass for Corpus Christi Parish School students.

7:45-9:30 pm - Concelebrated at Confirmation Mass (second batch)

10:30 - Late dinner with a bishop and parish priest.


I thank you Lord Jesus for this day. I am sincerely sorry for all my sins, please forgive me. Help me to pray like I never pray before. Help me to start anew life with you. Renew in me your Spirit. Look not on my sins, unworthiness, selfishness and the hardness of my heart, but make me an instrument of your loving grace and presence. Amen.

The Australian People's Saint

Mary Mackillop Prayer


Most loving God,
We thank you for the example
Blessed Mary MacKillop
who in her living in the Gospel
witnessed to the human dignity
of each person.

She faced life's challenges with faith and courage.

We pray through her intercession for our needs...

May her holiness soon be acknowledged
by the universal Church.

We make this prayer through Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Biography
Miracle

My sister Maricon at Mary MacKillop's grave

Pray for me.

Healing

Once again, only in the Philippines!

These inspiring videos from youtube.com show Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center's (CPDRC) revolutionary system in penology aimed at inner discipline through a choreographed physical exercise.

Whether we are living within the four walls of the prison or not we have to face that we all need rehabilitation, and it all begins from within.

Watch this first. Then watch this next

It's Show time: Radio Gaga Sister Act Jumbo Hotdog

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Bigla ko tuloy namiss ang flag ceremony at field day namin sa elementary school :(

Praying to Pray

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 28-29, 2007

Gen 18:20-32; Col 2:12-14; Lk 11;1-13

Prayer
What is a prayer? "Prayer is the life of the new heart. It ought to animate us at every moment" (CCC 2697) Prayer is a conversation with God. All religions in the world express there acts of worship, faith and belief through prayer. There are different kinds of prayer – vocal prayer and mental prayer. Vocal prayer is when we utter words aloud (eg rosary, novena, etc) and mental prayer is when we talk to God in the silence of our hearts. (note: in the Catholic tradition, expressions of prayer are through vocal prayer, meditation and contemplation)

Sometimes we do not see the importance of prayer. Oftentimes we do not know how to pray or what we have to pray for. Like Jesus’ disciples in today’s Gospel we need instructions how to pray, what to pray for and why we need to pray.

In response to the request of his disciples, Jesus repeated the commonly spoken of as the Lord’s Prayer, “from which it appears that above all we are to pray that God may be glorified, and that for this purpose we may be worthy of His kingdom, living in conformity with His will.” We ask for nothing unless it be in accordance with God’s divine will. Inasmuch as we pray for spiritual guidance we also ask God for temporal things – food, health, strength, shelter, etc., so that we may continue to serve God and our neighbours. Finally, there are the evils which we should pray to escape, the penalty of our sins, the dangers of temptation, and every manner of physical or spiritual affliction, so far as these might impede us in God's service.


Persistence in prayer
We have to be persistet in praying. The First Reading shows what persistence means. We heard Abraham bargaining with God. Jesus recommends the same shrewdness in the Gospel. He gives the famous parable of knocking on the door of a friend at a late hour to borrow some bread. The friend refuses because he and his family are all in bed. Jesus says, “If he does not get up to give the visitor the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.”

Why do we have to be persistent? Why we need to pray over and over again? Why bargain?Because of love. When we love someone, we want to spend time with her/him; we never wish to lost contact with the person we love. Love requires us to be always in presence of the object of our love be it physical, emotional or spiritual presence.

Blessed Mother Teresa gave a tip when our prayer life runs dry, she said, “The only remedy for the lack of prayer is to pray again.”

Does God listen to our prayer?
The answer is yes. Yes, God always answers our prayers. Jesus himself says, “ask and you will receive.” However, though we trust the words of Jesus why it seems many of our prayers remain unanswered. When we do not receive what we are praying for. We must not stop praying. For prayer enlightens our mind, increases our trust in God and even changes our attitude into goodness. Most of all prayer deepens the degree of our intimacy with God.

God always answers our prayers. His answer is either yes or no, but always God answers our prayer in the way that is best for us. When Jesus says “ask and you will receive” he does not specify precisely what we ask for. He just says, “ask and you will receive.” Sometimes we receive what we ask for, sometime we do not.

Sometimes we are unaware that what we praying for may not be good for us, or might harm somebody else, or might prevent us from growing as a person. In that case God’s answers us or gives us something, something better than what we asked for.


The Serenity Prayer (Reinhold Niebuhr)

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

*
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Hi to Jordan Samantha, my niece and model for this entry. :)
CCC- Catechism of the Catholic Church

Destined for Christ

We go on pilgrimage for the Truth, but the Truth is not a set of loftly ideas. Truth is a person.

We go on pilgrimage seeking an encounter with the one who IS the Truth. Only this encounter can give real meaning, a new horizon and a decisive direction to our lives.

Of course there are times on our pilgrimage when we will feel lost, when we feel that the goal has slipped out of sight behind some mountain or lost in some forest.

At such times we remember the story of the two disciples on Easter Day who were walking home to Emmaus (Luke 24:15-35). They had lost sight of the goal and were in despair.

But at their darkest moment, when they felf most lost, Jesus joined them on their journey. They did not know who it was at first - only later did they look back and realise that it was the very one who had called himself "THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE" (John 14:6).

Jesus himself has walked the full human pilgrimage from birth to death, and by his resurrection has broken beyond the horizons of this world into eternity. Now he walks with us as our companion on the journey.

You are destined for a face to face encounter with Christ!

+Archbishop Denis J Hart

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Special thanks to Ms Ruthie Vergabera of Southern Christian College of the Philippines, Midsayap, North Cotabato, Philippines.

Funny

Enjoy life! Only in the Philippines!

Part 1

Part 2

:)

Playing Busy

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
July 21-22, 2007

Busyness of life
Over the last few months that I’ve been here at Werribee I've kind words of welcome and hospitality. Oftentimes people would ask me if I am settling alright here ofcourse my answer is a big "yes". People are very friendly but sometimes they ask me "funny" questions like what I do after celebrating Mass. There is an impression that a priest is ordained just to celebrate Mass. That was my impression too! Well, I am a priest now for ten months and I’d say the demands on my time and energy as a priest are relentless or at times overwhelming. In short, busy. But who is not busy? We all have work to do and tasks to accomplish be as priests, parents, employees or students. See, even our young children they are super busy too; they have to juggle their time on their home works, and other activities like music lesson, dance, sports, etc.

We live in a super-busy world. And because we are busy we want everything instant. We want everything and we want it now. We have instant messages, email, fax, internet. Time is so precious that we want instant food, education, job and money. We want things to be done quick, fast and better. We demand instant information, medical service, instant diet, and we even demand instant boyfriend or girlfriend! :)

Technology is supposed to make life easier and give us more leisure time. But it seems the more technology advances the more become busy and less time. We walk down the street, it's not ordinary to people without a mobile phone or i-pod to their ear. People are busy sending text messages to their friends even during meetings (Mass?).

We are too busy that oftentimes we want to do different tasks at the same time - multi-tasking. Oftentimes it works. For instance my eldest sister has a talent doing things at time. She can cook meal, wash clothes, while at the time feeding her 3 children. (I had a talent too. When I was studying I could write down notes and sleep at the same time during class).

Multi-tasking Mary
The Gospel story we have today reflects our business in our life. At the same time it teaches us that in terms of our relationship with God, it is not healthy to be busy or preoccupied with so many things in mind. When we want to serve God we need to make certain priorities, we need balance by doing things one at a time.

The story of Martha and Mary teaches us some wisdom on how we can offer hospitality to God and particularly how we can make Christ welcomed in our life. Jesus goes to the house of his friends Mary and Martha, sisters of Lazarus. Jesus comes as friend and as guest receiving two level of hospitality from the two sisters.

Mary & Martha
Mary arranges herself at Jesus’ feet and focuses clear wide eyes upon him, listening to his word, while Martha bustles in the kitchen about getting dinner ready.

“Martha and Mary are often seen as symbols for a balance of hospitality. Martha represents the tasks of preparation-cleaning house, cooking food, setting out the dishes and cups, and the like. Mary represents the personal care of the visitor-listening, paying attention, spending quality time in conversation. Both are important.”

But in response to Martha’s (exasperated) request that Mary help out a little, Jesus remarks that, no, Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken away from her.” Jesus is not saying to Mary that food or the chores of making meal are unimportant. (Personally I find food more important :). Jesus would like to remind Martha that she has forgot about him as guest, as she was anxious and worried about many things, and her mind was on work – like us, she was super busy!

“The moral of the story actually is this: real hospitality means a two-way relationship. Host and guest open to each other and become present to each other in various ways. Yes, hosts do work on the details, and work hard. But they always remember the visitor while they prepare. They do not become distracted from the reason for the food. Excellent hosts manage somehow to get everything ready but then to truly listen to and converse with the one who has come.”

Active contemplation
Both Martha and Mary play a significant role in their attentiveness to Jesus, while meditation, listening on Jesus’ word is accorded an essential preference.

Yesterday, I attended a special Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral to celebrate the 1 year out before World Youth Day in Sydney. The Cathedral was packed with so many young people from schools and parishes, together with parish coordinators and representatives. Bishop Prowse said in his homily “there is no greater encounter than to encounter Jesus in our life.”

Let us sink his words in our hearts....“There is no greater encounter than to encounter Jesus in our life.”

Mary, by listening to Jesus’ word, by contemplating on his presence, has encountered Jesus more deeply in her heart.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of our life, let us give hospitality to Jesus let us welcome him not only in action but also with contemplation. Contemplation means we need to find time to sit down, let us let go of worldly distractions in order to hear and understand Jesus’ thoughts and insights more deeply.

We need to meet God “face to face” at it were, because we are made for him, we are made for worship. We find our rest on in Jesus, as St Augustine says, “our hearts are made for you, O Lord, and they will not rest until they rest in You." Amen.

Bb Socorro Laniog

Ipinanganak si Binibini Socorro Laniog taon 1929. Nagtapos siya sa National Teacher College nuong 1960.
Sa loob ng halos 37 taon nagturo si Ma'am Laniog sa St Dominic Academy, Pulilan, Bulacan, kaya't ilang salin ng henerasyon sa Pulilan ang pinalad na dumaan sa kanyang istrikto ngunit masayang istilo ng pagtuturo. May nagsabing kung may Mary Walter daw ang pelikulang Tagalog ay may Miss Laniog naman daw ang SDA.

Huling naglingkod si Ma’am bilang guro sa Fernandez College Technical High School sa Baliuag kung saan siya ay nagturo sa loob ng 7 taon.

Nakakalungkot ang mga huling taon ni Ma’am dahil siya ay halos nabuhay sa hirap. Madalas siyang makikitang nakaupo sa harap ng munisipyo ng Pulilan, nag-aabang at nanghihingi sa mga kakilala o kaya’y sa mga naging estudyante niya.

Ipinagkait man kay Ma’am Laniog ang maginhawang buhay, siguradong kung saan man siya naroroon ngayon ay tinatamasa na niya ang ibayong ligaya at yamang taglay ng Poong Maykapal dahil na rin sa kanyang paglilingkod at mabuting pakikitungo sa kapwa.

July 1, 2007, inihatid sa huling hantungan si Ma’am Laniog sa Garden of Love Memorial Park. Dahil sa dami ng tao na nagparangal at nakiramay kay Ma’am Laniog sa burol at Santa Misa, masasabi daw na isa ito sa pinakamalaking okasyon ng libing sa bayan ng Pulilan.

"wala na po sya please pray for her soul"

- Peejay

"lam u n b blita? patay n c ms. laniog. c lerelyn n eileen gay send message thru frendstr.."
- Pilar

"MS. LANIOG PASSED AWAY LAST NIGHT SA PALTAO NAKABUROL.."

- lerelyne

"sa mga ka batch ko! iniwan n tayo ni maam laniog!lets pray for her!"

- rio

" please pray for the soul of our teacher ms.laniog,she passed away last night."

- Eileen gay

joel: sa bisita ng paltao ata binurol

elsa: dami siguro pumunta noh? parang reunion

elsa: ilang generation ang estudyante nya eh

joel: oo nga parang reunion tayo lang wala

elsa: di bale maintindihan nya un...may representative nman tayo eh

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"Marami ang natuwa,napaiyak at napasayang atin ulirang guro na si ma'amLaniog. Ngunit sa kabila nito, marami tayong natutunan aral sa buhay na hanggang ngayon ay atin pa rin bitbit kahit san tayo magpunta. Isa ka ma'am Laniog na humubog ng akin buhay, ikaw ma'am isa sa naging gabay ko kapagtuklas ng buhay. ang iyong walang sawang pagbibigay pangaral ang patnubay ng iyon mga mag-aaal. Lumipas man ang maraming panahon...tanim pa rin namin sa aming puso ang iyon mga sinambit at ito ay bahagi ng buhay.sa huling pagkakataon... Maraming maraming salamat sa amin mahal naguro.... BB.SOCORRO LANIOG....hanggang sa pagkikita natin muli ..sakabilang buhay."

- monet mag-isa

"ang ina at ama eh nagpunta kgabi sa burol ni mam laniog, syang wala daw kyo dun, by batch ang nandun parang reunion na din daw, tapos may mga nagsasalita na mga students nya dati. exmple ng isang kwento, tinanong daw sya ni mam laniog ng sakit na makukuha pag kinagat sya ng lamok. ang sagot daw nya ay bacteria, iyon daw pla eh malaria kaya hanggang nagyon eh bacteria ang tawag sa kanya. baka kilala nyo yun kung cno mang bacteria sya hehe,."
- cune

***

MARAMING SALAMAT MISS LANIOG SA MASASAYANG ALA-ALA.

REST IN PEACE NA PO.

***

Model of goodness

15th Sunday of the Ordinary Time
The Good Samaritan
July 15, 2007
Deuteronomy 30:10-14
Psalm: 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37 or 19:8, 9, 10, 11
Colossians 1:15-20
Luke 10:25-37

Good Samaritan in the bar:
A man is having a few drinks at a bar when he looks over and notices a drunk man passed out at a table nearby. The bartender tells him the drunk is Mr. Murphy and asks the man if he could drive Mr. Murphy home. Being a Good Samaritan, the man agrees. The bartender writes down the address and gives it to him. The man walks over and tries to wake Mr. Murphy but Murphy is groggy. The man helps him to his feet but Murphy falls to the floor. "Gosh," the man says, wondering how anyone could drink so much. He takes Murphy by the arm and practically drags him out to the car. Once there he leans him against the side of his car while he looks for his keys. Mr. Murphy slides down to the ground. The man finds his keys and manages to get Murphy positioned in the car.

He then drives to the address the bartender gave him, opens the passenger door and helps Mr. Murphy out, but Murphy falls to the ground again. Angry and annoyed, the man helps Murphy to his feet and practically drags him to the front door. He lets go of Murphy, knocks on the door and Murphy falls down again. The man helps him to his feet as Mrs. Murphy answers the door. "Hi, Mrs. Murphy, Your husband had a little too much to drink tonight so I gave him a ride home." "That was nice of you Good Samaritan," she says, looking around, "But where's the wheelchair of my crippled husband?"

Introduction
We describe a person as a Good Samaritan based on the parable we heard today: a compassionate person who unselfishly helps others. The Good Samaritan person in the parable was the only person to aid a stranger person who had been beaten and robbed.

Last month we were shocked about the shooting incident in Melbourne CBD, where a 43 year-old solicitor, Brendan Keilar, was shot dead after trying to rescue Kaera Douglas. Witnesses and reporters were quick to describe Brendan as a good Samaritan, as being someone who voluntarily offers help or sympathy even to a stranger in times of trouble.

On the contrary, during the time of Jesus to say someone is a “good Samaritan” was a contradictory in itself. The Jews treated the Samaritans as heretical people, schismatic group, worst than pagans, in short, using our language today the Jews saw the Samaritans as bastard race.

There was a deep division between the Jews and Samaritans both politically and religiously that originated even in early Israelite history. They were enemies, and, in fact, the rivalry between them is reflected several times in the bible. Remember the gospel reading a week before last week, a Samaritan village refused hospitality to Jesus and his disciples on their way from Galilee to Jerusalem, where Jesus rebuked his disciples on their anger. Also there was an occasion in the Gospel when the disciples were scandalized seeing Jesus having a conversation with a Samaritan woman.

So when Jesus told the story of a Samaritan helping a Jew everyone was probably shocked. A Samaritan outcast helping a Jew would have seemed like a bad joke—a contradiction in terms.

Who is my neighbour?
Jesus told this story of the parable of the Good the Samaritan in response to the Jewish scholar who came to test him asking “who is my neighbour?”

Based the parable Jesus’ answer was clear: our neighbour is anyone in need.

But, then, Jesus twists the question back to him, “Who is the neighbour of the robbers’ victim?” The answer of course, is the Samaritan, he or she is the one who treated the person with mercy. Even people outside our religious circle are good people and van even perform great act of kindness.

Concrete challenge
Let us ask ourselves:
Who are we in the parable?
Are we aware of the needs of other people?
Third question, are we merciful and loving like the Good Samaritan even to the stranger who is need?

Jericho Road
Jesus mentions Jericho Road as the scene of the parable of the good Samaritan. Geographically speaking modern Jericho lies about 23 miles from Jerusalem via a winding mountain road which makes it a favorite haunt of highway robbers even into today.

However, Jesus is telling us, that the Jericho Road is any place where people are being robbed, whether of their dignity, their material goods or their value as human beings. It is any place where there is suffering and oppression, a place where people stumble and fall.

As a matter of fact, the Jericho Road may be our own home, the place where we take care of our parents, husband or wife, or our children. The Jericho Road may be our work place, or our parish community where we see people, ailing person, mother, young people, children, “wounded” by bitter words, criticism, prejudices, abuses and so on.

May we all be inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan and be challenged to respond lovingly to command of Jesus: “Go, and do likewise.”

Peace Be With Us

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time C
July 8, 2007
Isaiah 66:10-14c
Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20
Galatians 6:14-18
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 or 10:1-9

Introduction
When I was a student in the Philippines, I remember a friend of mine who was only a deacon then, telling me that when priest is delivering a sermon he must have a bible at his right hand and a newspaper at his left hand. It took me a while before I could undertand what he meant.

Well, I guess what he was trying to explain me is that a priest must reflect on the Word of God and try to see its message or significance on what is happening in our present time.

As I was reflecting on the Sunday readings I was particularly struck by the aspect of peace. So I tried to see how the scripture's aspect of peace be relevant in today's time. So I looked up the latest news in our newspapers:

Herald Sun: there are at least fifteen reports about crime and violence: hit and run, terrorism, robbery, rape charges, tax scam.

The Age: violent machete attack at St Albans on Friday night in which eight people were injured.
Philippine Daily Inquirer (one of the leading newspapers in the Philippines): updates about Fr Giancarlo Bossi an Italian missionary, who was kidnapped by some terrorists group in southern Philippines.

New York Times: US military special operations against Al Queda.

This is the world we live in today.
Someone says, “Even if one just limits his reading to newspaper headlines this week, it will not take him more than a minute to conclude that this is not a peaceful world.”

The world is still longing for peace. How can we achieve peace?

In today's First Reading (Isa 66:10-14c), prophet Isaiah speaks of peace that God will bestow on His people who suffered strife, defeat and humiliation. But what is peace? For the prophet Isaiah, peace is not merely the absence of war. One does not create a desert and call it peace. Using the image of the new Jerusalem as a mother who consoles the returning exiles at her breasts and cradles them on her lap, the prophet describes peace in terms of experiencing comfort, spreading prosperity over the land, and all inhabitants being joyful in mind and heart. Isaiah uses a beautiful image of wholeness and integrity, the right relationship between the people and God, to describe peace.

In the second reading St Paul gives his readers a blessing of peace and mercy, that the believers may be re-created into existence of a new life with Christ.
But what does the Gospel wish to teach us about peace? Jesus his sending his 72 disciples to bring peace (or shalom in Hebrew word), to people, not only in our individual lives, but also in our community, in the nation and in the world.
Jesus instructs: "On entering any house, first say, 'Peace to this house'. If there is a peaceable man there, your peace will rest on him" ( Luke 10:5-6). What Jesus meant here is not a simple greeting that one gives to people he meets on the way, but an announcement of the peace that the salvation of Jesus brings.

Traditionally, this Gospel has been used to talk about vocations to the priestly and religious life. We take time today acknowledge the many missionaries who have come to do their mission to different countries to spread the peace of our Lord. We remember them with gratitude for leaving their loved ones, for braving deprivation, loneliness and even persecution for the sake of the Gospel.

At the back of envelope which we use to support missionaries we have a concrete story of Sr Dorothy Stand who was a victim of violence as she work for peace.
While the Gospel today can be applied specifically to labourers in the harvest as missionaries, priests and religious, the Gospel message applies to us all. Actually these 72 disciples represent all of us in our different vocations.

Jesus needs men and women to spread his message of peace. Peace always involves relationships within families, communities and between peoples; it is always about their unity and harmony. If Jesus gave his peace to his disciples, (cf John 14:27), his disciples must bring it to others. As spouses, parents, teachers, priests, friends, students, political or civic leaders, we open the way for others to meet God, and experience and bring forth the peace of Christ.

We, Christians must be peace-bearers. We are to be vehicles of peace for it is only through the communities of disciples that real peace come upon earth. We have to be involved in the peace process. The process of peace begins with reconciliation first with God by asking forgiveness, then by making peace with our loved ones, our family, and friends, then extending to our wider community. For peacemaking is not an optional commitment but it is a requirement of our faith as Christians.

Let us pray therefore in the Mass, that peace that only Jesus can give will be present in our hearts, in our family and community and we will be more aware that the Kingdom of God is at hand.

St Saint Francis of Assisi wrote a beautiful prayer of peace, let us end our reflection with his prayer:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.Where there is hatred, let me sow love;where there is injury,pardon;where there is doubt, faith;where there is despair, hope;where there is darkness, light;and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seekto be consoled as to console;to be understood as to understand;to be loved as to love.For it is in giving that we receive;it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Hard challenge: To Follow without delay

13th Sunday In Ordinary Time
June 30-July 1 2007
1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21 Psalm: 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10,
Galatians 5:1, 13-18
Luke 9:51-62

Introduction
A young man was very excited because he just won a ticket to the footy. His excitement lessened as he realized his seat was in the back of the stadium. As he searched the rows ahead of him for a better seat, he saw an empty one right next to the field. He approached the man sitting next to the empty seat and asked if it was taken. The man replied, "No." Amazed the young man asked, "How could someone pass up a seat like this?" The older gentleman responded, "That's my wife's seat. We've been to every Football Match together since the day we were married but she has passed away." "Oh, how sad," the man said. "I'm sorry to hear that, but couldn't you find a friend or relative to come with you?" "No," the man said, "They're all at the funeral."*

Commitment
The readings today have a general theme of commitment but it’s not about a commitment to our personal passion such as sports. They remind us today to focus our commitment to God divine call: his call to follow Jesus, to serve him through one another. Commitment is an act of being involved or engaged in an obligation; living up one’s promise to be faithful in all circumstances. A commitment to the divine call always requires detachment to one’s personal happiness, security, and even one’s family in order to attach oneself totally to God.

Readings
The first reading describes how Elisha committed himself whole-heartedly to God’s call to be a prophet, in spite of his initial hesitation when God called him through the prophet Elijah. Upon receiving God’s invitation, Elisha responds promptly, he expresses his total detachment to his former living by slaughtering his oxen he had been plowing with, and then cooking them (using the yoke and harness) as fuel for neighbors to eat, and kisses his father and mother goodbye.

Actually the responsorial psalm, “You are my inheritance, O Lord," has traditionally been used to exemplify the commitment to ordained ministry or religious profession. But it more accurately reflects the commitment we made on our baptism
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Gospel
The Gospel today has two parts: First part deals with the beginning of Jesus’ journey from the northern town of Galilee to the southern city of Jerusalem through the land of Samaria. It invites us to discover what the call to discipleship means. We hear the hostile nature of Samaritan territory, the villagers wouldn’t welcome Jesus, which infuriated, James and John, that they requested Jesus to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them as Elias had done (II Kings 1:9-12). Jesus rebuked them, however, because he was not a destroyer, but a Savior. So far at this stage the apostles have so little understanding of their commitment as followers of Christ. Commitment to Jesus also means detachment to violence and harmful thoughts against others, even to enemies. They already forgot what Jesus taught them, to bless those who curse them and pray for their love enemies.

Now the second part of the Gospel gives us in tight sequence three cases of would-be followers of Jesus. Three different characters who would like to commit their lives to Jesus. Jesus warns them that to follow him requires total dedication and complete self-surrender. It will not be a bed of roses. We do not know if they ended up as faithful followers of Christ. What matters is the message of the Gospel: how does one follow Jesus; how can we be fully committed to Christ.

Those who are to follow Christ are asked to follow him totally and immediately, without any reservation by giving up everything they have. First, one must give up security, one must subordinate everything without delay to the duty of evangelizing, and one must forget the past and face the future. In short, if one wants to follow Jesus, one must act decisively – fully committed by words and examples.

A life of commitment to all

A life of commitment to a divine call, as explained in today’s reading, is not restricted to saints, priests and the religious, but it’s for all. As baptised Christians we are called to be living prophets to our families, community, Church, and society by listening to and putting into practice what Jesus says to us.

We are here this morning because, in one way or another, we would like to say to Jesus, “I love and I will follow you.” Sometimes we have been faithful to him and other times because of our weaknesses we have not. But the good news is that we are following him as best as we can, aren’t we? If not you wont sacrifice one hour of time today to come to Mass and worship our Lord. In a few moments, 30 minutes or so, we will all leave this church, we will go our own way and return to the world with all sorts of tough choices and difficult demands. Tomorrow most of you will to your workplaces, our students will be starting their school holidays, and tomorrow I will spend my day off.

Hence in this Mass we have come together, to pray for strength that we will able to faithful with our commitment to follow Jesus, to live up his values and imitate his examples. It will never be easy to follow Jesus but we will do it. So we have to ask for forgiveness when we fail, and we have to renew our determination to walk with Jesus.

My dear friends, let us pray for strength to honor our commitments that we may all resolved to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and follow him to the end. Amen.

*story adapted from Fr Tony
* Hanggang tenga ngiti: A-so-happy-moment-taken-in-1997-with-my-very-good-friend-Sr-Maria-Comiso- RCM. She's an inspiring example of a faithful follower of Christ.

Good nite

Daily Awareness Examen

Place yourself in the presence of the Most Holy Trinity.

I first turn to God the Father.
I Thank you Father for my gift of life; “It is good to be alive.”
I Thank you Father for today – another day of life, and…
I ask you Father for Light to see my day as You see it.

Now I turn to God the Son – Jesus
Where today did you walk with me?
For what moment today, am I most Grateful?
Where today did I block your presence?
For what moment today, am I least Grateful?

Now I turn to God the Spirit
Most Holy Spirit be with me for tomorrow,
help me to be open to your guidance.
Glory be to the Father
Glory be to the Son
Glory be to the Spirit
Now and forever.
Amen


*
*from my Spiritual Director

Film Critic

Film review na naman tayo. Last Monday night nanuod ako ng Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Ang ganda ng lahat ng effects at ang kintab nung silver surfer man kaya eto comment ko.

"It's fantastic!"

- myself

Pero mas nag-enjoy siguro ko kung napanuod ko ang 1 to 3.* Uwian na, uwian na. Uwian na. :)

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*Di ko pa rin napapanuod ang Ocean 1 to 12.

God is gracious...all the time!

The Birth of St John the Baptist
Isaiah 49:1-6; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66, 80
June 23-24, 2007

Introduction
Today the Church observes the birth of the sixth-month older cousin of Jesus – St John the Baptist. This means starting today or tomorrow we have six months to go before Christmas! Merry Christmas! :)

As a rule, the Church celebrates the feast of a saint once a year, on the anniversary of the saint’s death. But John the Baptist breaks this rule! In his case the Church celebrates his death, as well as his birth. He is the only saint whose birth is celebrated with a solemn feast. This is the Church’s way of saying that John the Baptist has a very special role in our Christian life.

Why? Because John the Baptist marks the frontier or the boundary between the Old and the New Testament. John was the very last who prophesied the coming of the Son of God. John represents the Old Testament and at the same time he introduces the New Testament as he prepares the coming of Jesus.

Greatness of John
Jesus Christ himself speaks of the greatness of John the Baptist, he says, “among those born of women no one is greater than John.”

The greatness of John the Baptist is very obvious in the Church. Many churches throughout the world were dedicated to him. There have been 23 Popes who have taken his name.

John is the Name
Perhaps “John” is one of the most popular names for male worldwide. The name “John” is translated into different languages: Giovanni (Italian), Juan (Spanish/Filipino), Johannes (German, Danish, Swedish, Dutch), Ian (Scotish), Sean (Irish after the French Jean), João (Portuguese), János (Hungarian), Johnny (American?).

Well, John is not only popular for male but it has also feminine forms such Giovanna, Jana, Joan, Joanne, Jean, Janice, Jeanette, Juana, Jane and so on.

(Once I asked my mother where she got my name "John." I thought she derived from the Bible unfortunately she said it's not. She got my name "John" from a popular Filipino comedian*)

I read somewhere that the seven musical notes -- do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti -- have something to do with John the Baptist. They are derived from the first seven syllables of the first stanza (strophe) of a liturgical hymn composed in his honor. If you don't believe me. Check it out from the internet. I got it from there! :)

What’s in the name of John the Baptist that makes him so popular? Why does the gospel show such an interest in the naming of the child?

In biblical times, the name of the person is very important because the name reveals an essential character, the purpose, the mission and the destiny of the bearer. We heard in the Gospel that it was a Jewish custom that a first born son must be named after his father. Again John breaks the rule - he was execempted to follow the tradition.

He had already a name even before he was conceived by his mother Elizabeth. It shows that his mission was made clear even before he was born. Remember it was an angel who appeared to Zechariah that his son will be named “John.” John means “God is gracious.”

The words of Isaiah in the first reading apply equally to John: “The lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me. … he formed me in the womb to be his servant (Isaiah 49:1, 5).

Greatness = Sacrifices
John is great, John is popular basically because “God is gracious” to him. But John's greatness and popularity correspond to his great sacrifices. His purpose in life required him to live in the desert far not only from his loved ones but also far from civilizations. He adapted a difficult lifestyle to enhance his calling in life. He had to dress in rough animal skin and eat the vegetarian food of locust and wild honey.

To prepare way of the Lord he sacrificed his personal happiness for others sake.

Our Youth

In the Gospel today people around Elizabeth and Zechariah were asking what will be the future of their son. “What, then, will this child be?” Then Gospel continues, “the child grew and became strong in spirit…”

I’d like to ask the same question to our young people particularly in our parish: “What, then, will our young people be in the future?” What, then, will the church be in the coming years?”

Will our youth be like John the Baptist who grew and became strong in spirit? Will our young people be great like John the Baptist in terms of his faithfulness in Christ? Will our young people be ready to endure some sacrifices for the good of Church?

I’d like to read one paragraph from Pope Benedict XVI’s World Youth Day message this year for the young people. He calls them to be Witnesses to the love of Christ:

“….you should stimulate, with your enthusiasm and charity, the activities of the parishes, the communities, the ecclesial movements and the youth groups to which you belong. Be attentive in your concern for the welfare of others, faithful to the commitments you have made.

Do not hesitate to joyfully abstain from some of your entertainments; cheerfully accept the necessary sacrifices; testify to your faithful love for Jesus by proclaiming his Gospel, especially among young people of your age.”

*
Let us pray that the official launching of World Youth Day 08 in our parish this evening will enable our young people to activate their faith and desire to Jesus, only to Jesus, always to Jesus. Amen.






*That Filipino comedian is 'John Puruntong' from a comedy program "John n Marsha" :) The last two pictures were taken from our youth group bowling night.

Party II

Sabado ng gabi umatend ulit ako ng bertdey party.

Astig ang bisita
Naexcite ako
Sobrang proud. Bow


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*Jenny as Dorothy the Dinosaur

Party I

Sabado ng tanghali umatend ako ng bertdey party.

Lola: O ba't nag-iisa ka ata. Ala kang partner? Sa'n si misis?
Ako: Nasa bahay po e.
Anak ni Lola: Nanay si pader po iyan. Hindi nyo nakilala.hehe

Tumingin sa kawalan si Lola.

Destined For Truth

On your pilgrimage you will be looking for signposts pointing you to your destination. You will be looking for pathways to the truth.

Today a lot of people are skeptical about truth. They tell you: We all have different truths. One person’s truth is as good as another’s. All roads lead to truth. You can’t know the truth.

There are lies. Listening to them will cause you to lose your way and lose your hope.

Just as every human being shares the same destiny – eternity – so there is one truth in which we place our hope. Our life journey is a pilgrimage toward this Truth.

When you set out on a journey, a map will show the way to your destination. Along you way, you make decisions. What exact route shall I take? When and where will I stop for a rest? Will I take a detour for a sight-seeing trip?

Clearly it is possible to make decisions that lead away from your destination rather than toward it.

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It is the same in the pilgrimage of life. You have significant decisions to make. You are free and intelligent. Your journey to your ultimate destiny will be marked by your free and intelligent choices.

On your pilgrimage you will be guided by your destination. Seeking the Truth, you will seek and follow signposts to Truth. The signposts are there if you look for them, but strength of heart and will are required to make the right decisions at every junction.

You are destined for truth.

+Most Rev Denis J. Hart DD

Archbishop of Melbourne

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*Photos taken in Sydney with Cune

Classic

1 maecho + 1 maecho = ___

PS
Big hit daw ito :)

Bridge To Terabithia

I have a new favourite movie - Bridge To Terabithia. It's a heart warming, sweet and cute film for children. Yet the ending left me heartbroken.

Here is my review.

"Three thumbs up!"

-myself :)

It's Time, I Have To Move On

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13
Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 7, 11
Galatians 2:16, 19-21
Luke 7:36—8:3 or 7:36-50
June 16-17, 2007

The readings we have this Sunday all proclaim the forgiveness of sin.

The first reading tells story of King David confessing his guilt for committing adultery with Bathsheba and allowing her husband Uriah to die in a battle in order to cover up David’s sins

What we heard from the second reading was a testimony of St Paul, who in his former life was a hardcore persecutor of Christians, but having encountered Christ personally, he received Christ’s loving mercy and forgiveness that turned his life upside down. From being a persecutor he converted to a faithful proclaimer of Jesus. His powerful words in the second reading clamor a new person in him, “I am crucified with Christ, it’s no longer I, but Jesus Christ who lives in me.”

And the Gospel tells a story about a moving encounter of Jesus with a sinful woman in the house of Simon, the Pharisees. This particular sinful woman, a former prostitute, symbolizes all outcasts, those who ‘have a bad name in town’ for any reason whatsoever. When this woman (Mary) heard that Jesus was present at Simon’s house, she enters the house without any word but with silent gestures of humility and gratitude: She throws herself at Jesus' feet, washes them with tears, dries them with her hair, and kissing them, pours them with the ointment from her flask.

Simon, the Pharisee, sees the sinful woman’s gestures as public scandal. He rebukes Jesus for allowing her doing so. Jesus knowing what was inside the mind of Simon is preparing everyone to understand what he is about to say in defense of the woman: "'For this reason I say to you her many sins are forgiven her because she has loved much. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.' Then he said to her, 'Your sins are forgiven you.'" Jesus returned to this woman her lost dignity and her bad reputation by being forgiven for whom ever she had been in the past.

From these three readings, we saw three different characters who had one quality in common, all were sinners: David, an adulterous King and murderer; Paul, a persecutor and murderer; and Mary, a prostitute. They were different people who messed up their lives against morality, they caused scandal to the people and sinned against God. But in the end their sins were forgiven, they received healing, and they began a brand new life.

Conversion
Perhaps, each of us here today, has the need to be forgiven, to receive Christ’s healing touch, and has the need to be converted. Let us not be scared to let ourselves be identified with David, Paul or Mary for each of us indeed are but sinners and unworthy human beings in the presence of God.

Let us accept the fact that each we need conversion in our lives – a change of heart.

Conversion is not only an event, it is a process, just as being a Christian is always a process of becoming. No sin no matter how great or grave it may be can never be forgiven by God. Jesus came to call sinners. Jesus’ love and mercy surpasses all our human weaknesses and failures. We all are children of God who are important and are made into his image and likeness. Let us be confident that we can always turn back to God. We can always stand up again from where we fall.

When we sin, when we do something wrong, there is always trouble in our hearts, there is no peace, there is no harmony within us, we feel guilty, we feel restless, we feel unworthy, we feel hopeless. God doesn’t want us to live in misery. God wants us to be happy. God wants to restore our brokenness caused by our sin and our human weaknesses.

Let us humble ourselves to admit our sinfulness and allow God’s grace to bring us healing and restore our confidence to move on.

I like to end my reflection with this story…

Rise Again
A young priest was supposed to preach in the prison. Day after day he tried to find some message or formula that would move hard hearts.

As he entered the room, he shuddered under the gaze and stares of the crime-hardened faces. He said a silent prayer for light as he walked up to the pulpit. He stumble on the second last step and rolled head over heels right down to the floor. The audience broke out into loud laughter.

For a brief minute the your priest felt himself hindered by pain and shame. Then he got an idea. He jumped up, took the steps two at a time and laughed right back at his captive audience, tellimg them, “Men, that’s exactly why I came here today: I wanted to show you that a man can stand up again after he has fallen flat on his face.”


We are forgiven. We can be forgiven. Stand now. Let’s move on.

*1001 Stories You Can Use by Fr Frank Mihalic SVD;
Some reflection readings http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/ ; the model in the picture is myself :)

Pinoy Import

I played basketball today with some Sudanese youth just before 5pm Mass. These players are literary running towers! And they don't need to jump to reach the ring! But my Filipino spirit never give up when it comes to basketball. Luckily after this physical game I just sprained my left little finger and it's swollen still. I think I need a holiday. :)

Need Your Help

A Solemn Act of Consecration

to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.
Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.
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O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.
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We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.
Amen.
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--Venerable Pope Pius XII

For the Record

Friday evening I attended the Episcopal ordination of Bishops Peter Elliot and Timothy Costelloe SDB in St. Patrick's Cathedral. They were both my professors in Theology. Together with Cardinals, bishops, priests and lay people from all over Australia, I feel privelege to witness on this feast of the Sacred Heart as Bishops Peter and Tim are ordained as sucessors of the apotles to serve in the people of God in the Archdiocese Melbourne.
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As I looked around and saw the great number of priests present I realised I'm the youngest cleric at the moment in the Archdiocese or probably in Victoria and Tasmania. Being the youngest priest doesn't necessarily mean I am the holiest among all but honestly, (sadly, I mean it) speaking I am sure it's the other way around... So I'd like to consecrate myself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which overflows with love, forgiveness and mercy.

A Solemn Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to Thee I consecrate and offer up my person and my life, my actions, trials, and sufferings, that my entire being may henceforth only be employed in loving, honoring and glorifying Thee. This is my irrevocable will, to belong entirely to Thee, and to do all for Thy love, renouncing with my whole heart all that can displease Thee.

Pag-aalay sa 'yo

This is a nice song para sa mga nagmamahal na pwedeng manligaw, magpacute at magpakaromantic. Let love grow naturally walang pilitan ika nga (naks). If love meant to be, be thankful. But if it's not...close your eyes...be thankful...tapos na yon...and move on. Remember the love you give away is the only love you keep..huhu :)

Kung ika’y magiging akin

Di ka na muling luluha pa

Pangakong di ka lolokohin

Ng puso kong nagmamahal

Kung ako ay papalarin

Na ako’y iyong mahal na rin

Pangakong ikaw lang ang iibigin

Magpakailanman

Di kita pipilitin

Sundin mo pang iyong damdamin

Hayaan nalang tumibok ang puso mo

Para sa akin

Kung ako ay mamalasin

At mayron ka nang ibang mahal

Ngunit patuloy ang aking pagibig

Magpakailanman

.

Kung ako ay papalarin

Na ako’y iyong mahal na rin

Pangakong ikaw lang ang iibigin

Magpakailanman

Para sa akin

Ang kantang ito ay "Para Sa Akin" ay muling inawit ni Sitti Navarro.

Pagbabago

jjev78: musta daw sa bi ng ate ko
eleanorespenilla: musta din :)
jjev78: ikaw daw ba ung penpal ko..haha
eleanorespenilla: hehehehehe 14 years ago
jjev78: hehe. parang 3rd year hs daw
eleanorespenilla: oo nga tagal na nun pero parang kelan lang
jjev78: nursing student ka p nun
eleanorespenilla: ngyon isa ka ng ulirang pari at ako nman ay isang mabait na nurse hehe..........

A Banquet of Love

Most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ

Corpus Christi

June 9-10, 2007

Reading I: Genesis 14:18-20

Responsorial Psalm: 110:1,2,3,4

Reading II:1Corinthians 11:23-26

Gospel: Luke 9:11b-17

Once there was a newly ordained priest who was sent to a country parish. After several months in the parish he felt terribly lonely and homesick; missing his friends at the seminary. He thought of getting a pet to give him company. Off he went to a nearby pet shop. Going through all the pet animals, he decided to buy a talking parrot.* “I know this one is very expensive, but I am sure this will cheer me up,” he said to himself as he excitedly brought it to his presbytery.

But several days passed and the parrot hadn’t uttered a sound. The priest went back to pet shop owner and complained. “What it needs is a ladder for the cage,” the man said. “When it goes up and down, it’ll start talking. But the parrot didn’t speak a word. So the priest returned and complained. “Ah, Father, what it needs is a swing,” the owner said. But a week went by, and still the bird didn’t talk.

When the priest returned to complain for the third time, the pet shop owner said what it needed was a mirror in the cage. But again it didn’t work. Another week passed and the priest came back to the pet shop, this time he was mourning. He reported that his expensive parrot had died. The owner was embarrassed. “I’m sorry to hear that Father, but did it say anything at all?” “Yes,” said the poor priest. “As my parrot drew its last breaths, finally it spoke. It said: “Father, don’t they have bird food in the pet shop?”

****

Food
Food is essential to sustain life. All living things plants, animals, microorganisms and humans need nourishment in order to live. Without food we will get hungry deteriorate, and having no nourishment we will eventually suffer the grim fate of the talking parrot in the story. :(

But as Christians, we need another kind of food not only for our body but a kind of food that also feeds our soul. And this food is the Body of Christ offered to us at Mass in Holy Communion. Jesus promises eternal life to whoever receives this food, “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has life everlasting and I shall raise him up on the last day” (cf Jn 6, 5.1-55)

A Meal that feeds the Body and the Soul
The Gospel reading today is not much about the feeding of the five thousand people or the miracle of multiplication of the bread, but it is a story where Jesus leads his followers to recognise the Food and Drink that do not perish. Jesus is preparing the people for the greatest miracle that is going to happen when he will offer himself at the Last Supper – as Flesh to eat and Blood to drink.

At the Last Supper Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist as a sacramental banquet and a sacrificial offering. As a sacrament, the Eucharist is a visible sign that gives us a share in Jesus’ divine life. Jesus is the Bread of Life from Heaven that nourishes people’s spiritual hunger. This is what in the every Eucharistic celebration as Jesus offers himself as the Bread of Life, to nourish our spiritual hunger and needs. In fact this is what we are going to receive later on at Holy Communion.

Real Presence
We believe that Real Presence of Christ (both his humanity and divinity) in the Blessed Sacrament for only one reason: because Jesus tells us so, and we trust Him completely.

[Cyril of Jerusalem [A.D. 350]). "Do not, therefore, regard the bread and wine as simply that; for they are, according to the Master’s declaration, the body and blood of Christ. Even though the senses suggest to you the other, let faith make you firm. Do not judge in this matter by taste, but be fully assured by the faith, not doubting that you have been deemed worthy of the body and blood of Christ. . . . [Since you are] fully convinced that the apparent bread is not bread, even though it is sensible to the taste, but the body of Christ, and that the apparent wine is not wine, even though the taste would have it so, . . . partake of that bread as something spiritual, and put a cheerful face on your soul".]

Throughout the history there were numbers of Eucharistic miracles that happened in different parts of the world. God has allowed visible miracles to occur in order to strengthen our faith in the real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. After proper investigation, two Eucharistic miracles have been authenticated by the Church:

I will mention only one. In the year 1263, a priest from Prague was making a pilgrimage to Rome in order to ask God to strengthen his faith, since he was having doubts about his vocation. Along the way he stopped in Bolsena, seventy miles north of Rome. While celebrating Mass there, as he raised the host during the consecration, the bread turned into flesh and began to bleed. The drops of blood fell onto the small white cloth on the altar, called the corporal. The following year, 1264, Pope Urban IV instituted the feast of the Body and Blood of Jesus, today’s feast Corpus Christi.

Reverence to the Blessed Sacrament
Having said the Real Presence of the Jesus under the appearance of bread and wine it is therefore important to have a sense of reverence when receiving the Lord in Holy Communion.

Reverence, of course, is an attitude or feeling of awe and respect for something or somebody I value. Reverence comes from the heart. Although it comes from the inside we show reverence on the “outside” through respectful actions or gestures. First instance as sign of respect to other people we bow our heads, we tip our hats, we kiss the hands of our parents or grandparents, and we wear descent clothes when visiting important people.

More than ever, of course, reverence and respect are expected when we approach, encounter and receive the Lord in Holy Communion. When we receive our Lord either by mouth or by hand let us be filled with such deep and genuine faith in His presence in the Eucharist.

Practically we ensure that our mouth is clean beforehand not only of food or bubblegum but also with bad words or unkind judgment against others. If we are receiving Holy Communion by hands we ensure that our hands are clean not only with pen marks (eg. phone numbers!) or other stains but also we try to free our hands from ruthless and hurtful motives against others.

When the minister says “The Body of Christ” you reverently respond “Amen” with firm conviction that you are receiving not just a symbol of Christ but it is Jesus himself who is coming to you personally to be your spiritual nourishment.

Jesus nourishes our spiritual needs and keeps us under his loving care. In Holy Communion, we receive Jesus Christ, who offered for us the most perfect act of love - the total sacrifice of self – by his death on the cross and glorious resurrection.

Are you hungry for God and the life he offers us?
At the Holy Communion let us allow God to fill up our interior longing, and our spiritual hunger that material things cannot fulfill.

Let us pray that through this Eucharist each one of us will come closer to Jesus – the Bread of Life – so that we may not experience hunger but gain EVERLASTING LIFE. Amen.

Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon Tour in Melbourne

Chris and Kim play the war-torn lovers in Miss Saigon

"I swear I give my life for you." Kim holds her son Tam.

After our show :)

For the second time I watched the musical Miss Saigon in Melbourne and once again I was captivated by the superb perfomance of the casts - proud to say most of them are Filipinos. The highlight of the night for me was having the oppurtunity to have a chat with Ms Laurie Cadevida, a talented Filo-Am who played the leading character as Kim. And the second highlight was a funny one. After the show a group of shy Filipinas politely asked me to have photographs with them. I thought I've met them somewhere. Apparently they mistakenly thought I was one of the cast members of Miss Saigon. Haha. Sikat! :)