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)