How I wish Salvation is as Easy as Following Simple Steps

Oh yeah, many of us wish salvation is as easy as someone prescribing to us what to do and what not to do. John the Baptist encountered people like us in his time.

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” (Luke 3:10-11, from the Gospel today)

Salvation would then be easy if that's the case, wouldn't it? All we have to do is follow very measurable rules, like earning merits to deserve a raise or a promotion.

Do You Discern Well What Is of Real Value?

The word "value" may sound strange in scripture. It is a word often used in business. But Saint Paul prayed that we all discern well what is of value.

And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ... (Philippians 1:9-10 NAB, extracted from the Gospel Readings today)

I cannot help but relate this passage with the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45-46). Only that here we have Saint Paul is the one reminding us to discern well what is of value in our lives.

End of the World 2012?

The end-of-the-world movie 2012 seems to portray what the gospel today speaks about . . .

"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves . . . Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:25,36 NAB)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz86TsGx3fc

Can the End of the World actually look like that? Maybe. Nobody knows, Jesus said only the Father knows.

But the cinematography is still impressive. I really wonder how they shoot it. My salutes!

It's Christ the King Sunday: Whose Voice Do You Hear?

It's Christ the King Sunday today.

So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." (John 18:37 NAB)

www.turnbacktogod.com

I wonder, whose voice are we hearing today. Is it the voice of Christ? Is it truth?

What will Christ See You Do At His Second Coming?

Movie-makers should perhaps make a film soon about Christ's second coming, don't you think? Christians throughout history looked forward to see Christ's second coming as described in the gospel today:

And then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in the clouds' with great power and glory ... But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Mark 13:26,32 NAB)

www.worldslastchance.com

Incidentally, no one knows when this will be. Not even Christ himself.

CFC Volunteers in Gawad Kalinga Must Choose Loyalties?

Gawad Kalinga (GK) Sector Heads met with Luis Oquinena, the GK Executive Director, early November to discuss recent discussions between Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation (GKCDFI) and Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation (CFC GMFI).

My Sector GK Head couldn't make it and he asked me to come in his behalf. We were both active members of CFC and volunteers of GK. (Well, all volunteers of GK at the leadership levels were CFC members.) I didn't expect I'd get another shock in my life that night, similar to the successive impact of Typhoons Ondoy, Peping, Ramil and Santi.

Christian Charity Hurts!

Yes, Christian charity hurts. Look at what the gospel has for us today...

Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, "Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood. (Mark 12:43-44 NAB)

This gospel reminds me of the Ham and Egg story . . .

www.implementingscrum.com

Which one are you? The pig? or the chicken? Your answer defines whether you're doing Christian charity or not.

What is All Saints Day, really?

This is the 40th year that I've been through "All Saints Day" and, strangely, I ask what this day really really means to me, now, outside of what the Church teaches me about this day.

Why do I ask?

As we age some pragmatism creeps in and we find ourselves struggling with inner questions such as . . yeah, the saints lived great lives. But they're all dead and may be in heaven right now. They don't need this commemoration! They're in a far better world than we are in, now!

What on earth is this commemoration really for?

Join a Catholic Charismatic Community

Being active in a Catholic charismatic community is really a cool thing. I mean, it isn't enough to enjoy the comfort of attending a Holy Mass, nod to the person beside you and go home. That's boring.

Our Community conducts Christian Life Programs for couples with the vision of Families in the Holy Spirit Renewing the Face of the Earth. Other communities do the same under their respective charisms inside the Catholic Church.

Don't get me wrong. Attending the Holy Mass is attending the highest form of worship in the Church. It's Christ's Body up there raised by the priest. Charismatic or not, we're all God's children.

But here I'm talking about you, before and after the Holy Mass. Being in a Catholic charismatic community makes your spiritual journey a bit easier, before and after the celebration of the Holy Mass.

Vatican Recognition for Couples for Christ, and Rantings in Our Parish

The Vatican recognition document of Couples for Christ ad experimentum appeared in the Bulletin Board of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish Church in Project 4 Quezon City, Philippines.

What's strange in this development is that this parish in my neighborhood does not recognize Couples for Christ as a parish organization. It doesn't even want to have anything to do with Couples for Christ! (The rest of more than 30 parishes recognize Couples for Christ).

Not that it really mattered to our evangelization efforts. Our charismatic community started in the "garage" so to speak and to be thrown back to where we were born is like throwing a frog into the river. We have no problem with that at all.

The "Born Again" Christian Taxi Driver

Last night I had this rather interesting chance of being driven by a "Born Again" Christian taxi driver. I was in a hurry to get to the Anniversary Ball of my college fraternity and flagged a taxi.

As I sat down the front seat to savor the comfort of the ride, I noticed that the radio was playing a talk by Ed Lapis, one of the better known "Born Again" Christian preachers in the country.

I closed my eyes to savor the wisdom of his talk. Perhaps the driver noticed it, and he asked, "Are you a 'born again' Christian?" I said, "Yes, I am" then kept quite for a while.

After which he asked what Church I belonged to. After debating within, I said, "I am a member of the Roman Catholic Church." That reply did it. He began invalidating what I said about being "born again" and asked me doctrinal questions about the Church.

A Prayer for the Victims of Typhoon Ondoy and for the Country

God our Father, you have created us and everything around us, including typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) that just wrought havoc to our brothers and sisters in Metro Manila, Philippines.

Photo Credit: http://www.typhoonondoy.org

We come before you today, oh Father, to ask from you the humility of your son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to submit to your will, just as he did when he went into agony in the Garden, and accept the aftermath of typhoon Ondoy to ourselves and to our countrymen.

A Serene Place of Worship inside SM Mega Mall

In between meetings, I wandered in SM Mega Mall a few days ago and felt an inspiration to walk upstairs.

I ended up in the 5th Floor and, lo and behold, I saw a place of worship for Catholics that I didn't expect: a chapel the size of a cathedral, and an adoration chapel right beside it the size of a common parish Church.

It's called the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord.

The inner view of the Main Chapel

Catholic Sunday Reading: Where Do Conflicts Come From?

The second reading of today's Catholic Sunday mass contains an interesting insight about where conflicts come from.

Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain; you fight and wage war. You do not possess because you do not ask. You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. (James 4:1-3, portion of the 2nd Reading of today's gospel, all emphases mine)

We asked each participant of our on-going Christian Life Program what gift of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 12:6-10) they would ask God to give them first among others.

My Brother's Daughter Won 12th International Kids Village Preach Contest

May of this year, our community sent representatives to the Kid's Preach Contest during the 12th International Kids Village in Laguna. Alanis Reyes, daughter of Maxim, my brother in Couples for Christ won 1st Place.

Touching talk and delivery to say the least. Truly spirit-filled.

Who Is A Catholic?

Funny that in a business meeting over lunch today, our topic towards the end stumbled on Catholic questions in a passing manner. We got back to business right after.

But still, that short stumble got me thinking about my faith, and my Church, the Catholic Church.

The lady in front of me happened to be Catholic. I knew that because she made the sign of the cross before eating. When I saw her do that, I thought, "Shame on me. I preached Catholic spirituality in my community, and I actually forgot to make the sign of the cross before eating?"

The lady in front of me innocently asked, "Are 'born again' people Catholic?"

Grow in Christ

Our First Friday assembly had the theme "Grow in Christ" with the inspiration coming John 12:24-26.

Strange that these exact verses constitute the gospel today.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.” (John 12:24-26)

Somehow I feel affirmed.

May God be praised.

Free Hugs, thanks to Juan Mann

FREE HUGS! I first saw this video of Juan Mann at the Kerygma Feast. It struck a cord in me then, just as it does today.

Isn't this the kind of world we want to live in?

Isn't this what being Catholic is about?

Just a thought.

May God bless you and your household.

I Believe in an Abundant God

The gospel today speaks about abundance, an abundance straight from heaven, the halls of God.

The thought of an abundant God always lifts my spirit high.

Jesus answered them and said, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal." (John 6:26-27)

That can sound weird to some of you. Where in the Bible does it say we have an abundant God? Where in the catechism does it ever say we have an abundant God? Where in our local Church teaching does it every say we have an abundant God?

Most of the time we are taught that God took away Eden from us, that God wants us to be simple and poor, that being rich is totally uncool, most especially if you're a Catholic.

Don't We Want Jesus to Drive Demons Out of Some People?

Don't we wish Jesus would drive the legion of demons out of some people in our lives today?

Image of the swine driving themselves to the sea. This happened when a legion of demons came out of a single man at Matthew 8:29-32. Image courtesy of BiblePictureGallery.com

Oh, you would love the gospel today. Imagine a legion of demons driven out by Jesus from just one man. Amazing.

They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” (Matthew 8:29)

Who's the Rock? Who Builds the Church?

Who is the Rock that Christ referred to? Wasn't it Peter?

Then, who builds the Church? Isn't it Christ? Believe it or not, Christ does it. The fact that the Catholic Church still exists today is evidence enough for that.

Just read on...

Pope Benedict XVI holds the papal staff while leading a procession prior to an open-air Palm Sunday mass in St. Peter's square at the Vatican, Sunday, March 16, 2008. (Photo courtesy of Christus Vincit at Flickr).

The Gospel Today
And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

May We All Have Twice the Centurion's Faith

The centurion's faith in this gospel is exceptional, especially in today's time. All he asked was for Jesus to "say the word" and he knew that his servant would be healed. Amazing.

Jesus and the Centurion at Capernaum, an illustration by Willam Hole at BiblePictureGallery.com

The Gospel Today The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. (Matthew 8:8)

A Daring Prayer to the Lord

When was the last time you made a daring request to the Lord in your prayers, done in a humble and obedient manner?

I can't help but be impressed by this leper's attitude towards Christ in the gospel today...

Jesus Heals the Leper. Picture courtesy of BiblePictureGallery.com

The Gospel Today And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, "Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean." (Matthew 8:3)

Is Your House on Solid Ground? on Rock?

What's a solid ground? What's a rock?

They mean strong footing. A strong footing gives you a great degree of immunity from circumstances that go against you in life. A weak footing makes you vulnerable.

Image from Maxing Out: 33,000 Miles of Global Adventure

The Gospel Today

Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. (Matthew 7:24-25)

Just how on earth do we achieve such solid footing in life?

What Everybody Ought To Know About the Immaculate Heart of Mary

What do we understand about the Immaculate Heart of Mary? Then, most importantly, how do we feel about it? Does it strike reverence in us? or does it mystify us?

The Immaculate Heart of Mary.
What's in it for us today?

The Gospel Today
He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. Luke 2:51

A priest once explained that the "heart" as constantly referred to in the Bible is NOT the physical heart as we know it now. Instead it refers to the "seat of the will or inclination," "the vital or most essential part" or "the very essence" or "the core."

Understanding The Sacred Heart of Jesus

What comes to your mind with the words "Sacred Heart"? Do you see a school? or a hospital? a painting? a statue? I grew up seeing all these things in my mind.

In truth, all those I mentioned are nothing but reminders of an event 2,000 years ago in Mount Calvary that contains a message for all of us...

The Gospel Today
One soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. John 19:34

What has that event got do with us now, really?

Are You A Christian To Be "IN" the Fellowship?

Am I a Christian to be "in"? to be part of the fellowship? Or am I here for the Lord? Christians these days need to check themselves.

In most areas of the world, Christians are no longer rounded up to be fed to lions every time they go to mass. Once upon a time, you keep your Christianity a secret; that is, until you attend mass.

The Gospel Today
Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. Matthew 6:6

What Jesus certainly foresaw was that, time would come when Christianity would be the "In" thing and some people would become "Christians" to be "in," to be part of the fellowship, to be part of a prestigious name, to have business networks within.

So You Think Christians Are Wimps?

Some say Christianity is for wimps. You heard them, don't you?

Well, how about the other way around? You think it's easy to pray for people who hate you? It's much easier to give them the same, isn't it? Yet Christians are being told to love these enemies and pray for them. Is that wimpy? Or, rather, heroic?

The Gospel Today
But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. Matthew 5:44-45

Consider this. Spartans were feared because of their uncanny discipline to obey their superior's commands, even to the point of dying. When a king saw how Spartan soldiers marched to death on a cliff upon the orders of their commander, the king trembled in fear and surrendered without a fight.

The Gospel Says Offer NO Resistance to the Devil?

The gospel today seems hard to accept. Offer no resistance? Let the devil take control? and even give him more of what he asks for? What is this?

The Gospel Today
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. Matthew 5:39

As I grew in faith, I began to see the wisdom in the gospel today ...

1. By resisting, we give up control --- This is a bit hard to explain, but martial arts practitioners would understand this very readily. In both Judo and Aikido, I was taught that to defeat the opponent we take control of his own momentum and then use that momentum against him. Meeting an opponent's momentum head on is a no-no.

Being Men of Our Word

When our word serves as our signature, when people know things will move simply because we said so, that, to me, is the essence of manliness, exemplified by the no less than Christ himself.

Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.
From the Gospel Today, Matthew 5:37

In fact, Christ said anything more than yes or no comes from the evil one. What can the word "more" mean that we should guard against it?

SOLIDARITY by Tony Meloto

This article entitled "Solidarity" from no less than Tony Meloto, has been circulating among members of the Mission Core Group in CFC West B Sector.

Tony Meloto addresses the participants of the Australian Gawad Kalinga Youth Great Adventure Tour (GKYGAT) in this January 2007 photo from http://blog.marcopalmero.com

I am not part of the MCG, yet I got the privilege of securing a copy from one of the MCG members, who thinks it's alright to post this in the web for those who are curious about how Tony Meloto thinks about the decision of the CFC International Council to 'Let Go' of Gawad Kalinga.

Here it goes (all emphases mine)...

10 Reasons Why CFC's Letting Go of GK is Good For Everybody

Couples for Christ (CFC) lets go of Gawad Kalinga (GK) as a ministry? GK goes its own way independently of CFC?

Believe it or not, this is gooood!


It is good for CFC. It is good for GK. It is good for the poor. It is good for the country! It is good for the world!

This is a GK meeting in UP NCPAG about building homes and lives for the poor. Everyone in the room is a CFC member. Now, when people from other communities, faiths or persuasions do meetings like this in various parts of the country and the world, is it good? or gooooood?

Here are ten reasons why it is so...

Couples for Christ International Council Explains "Letting Go" of Gawad Kalinga

At the wake of its April 30 "Letting Go" memo regarding Gawad Kalinga (GK), the Couples for Christ (CFC) International Council sent Brother Joe Yamamoto, a member of the Council, to speak to the leaders of the CFC West B sector last Thursday, May 14, 2009 at the Saint Paul the Apostle Parish along Timog Avenue, Quezon City.

Joe Yamamoto explains to CFC West B Sector leaders the decision of the CFC International Council to let go of GK as a CFC ministry. This took place at the Saint Paul the Apostle Parish on May 14, 2009.

Brother Joe emphasized the evangelistic and missionary thrust of CFC as the foundation of the decision to let GK run its own course independently of CFC.

He said that, as GK matured, it evolved into a primarily nation-building program that sought to partner with as many partners as possible, Catholic or otherwise. While there was nothing wrong with nation-building per se, GK somehow relegated into the background the evangelistic and missionary tasks of CFC. This was out of GK's concern that the CFC character would discourage people from other faiths or persuasions from actively participating in the work for nation-building.

Couples for Christ Gives Gawad Kalinga Own Identity

It's official and this is in the news* now: Couples for Christ (CFC) gives Gawad Kalinga (GK) its own corporate identity and allows GK to run its course independently of CFC. This has been done in the spirit of love and good will among everyone concerned, with the welfare of the poor--the apple of Christ's eyes--as the primary consideration.

(I am writing this news piece as my contribution to the efforts of the International Council to disseminate the information in the proper context. This development is GOOD NEWS for everyone to start with. Kindly see the footnote* to validate where I'm coming from when I said that. -- Marvin, your cool Catholic brother.)

CFC is a private and international association of Catholic laity that is recognized by the Vatican. GK has been a ministry of CFC when it grew into a national, and now a worldwide, phenomenon with the goal of building nations and stimulate prosperity for the poor.

Do You Live a Lifestyle of Caring?

How does a lifestyle of caring look like? Why should we care about such a lifestyle?

The online Mirriam-Webster Dictionary defines "lifestyle" as...

the typical way of life of an individual, group, or culture

What's a typical cool Catholic lifestyle? Is it a lifestyle of caring? What do you see around you?

Youth members of Ligaya ng Panginoon participate in painting the houses of the Ligaya-Escopa 3 GK Village in Quezon City

One of the speakers in a Gawad Kalinga* meeting two weeks ago had the gull of saying, "GK is not 'just' a service. It is a lifestyle." There was a notable silence after that statement. As if the struggles of the volunteers in implementing the programs on the ground weren't enough, the speaker actually had the gull to tell the volunteers to make a lifestyle out of it.

All that these guys really wanted was to be good Catholics!

Living an All-Embracing Faith Through an All-Embracing Church

The compound word "ALL-EMBRACING" to describe Catholicism is very clearly a strong inspiration for me. That word came from my high school adviser, a Jesuit priest now based in the Vatican, who periodically posts stuff about Pope Benedict XVI in Facebook.

So, the tagline of the blog is very different this time...

Living an All-Embracing Faith Through an All-Embracing Church

To celebrate the new tagline, I have altered the layout a little bit, just a little bit, to show off pictures of ... people!

My high school adviser told me that this is what Catholicism in present time really mean: ALL-EMBRACING.

I'm absolutely intrigued.

What History Would Look Like Had God and Moses Both Had a Bad Day

The first reading in the gospel today talks about Moses pleading with God not to destroy the Israelites who made a golden calf and began worshiping it. God even said he would build a new nation out of Moses himself instead.

But later, God relented, and he preserved the sinful Israelites. Thanks to Moses.

Moses destroys the golden calf, as featured in biblepicturegallery.com (All Rights Reserved). Imagine God and Moses both having a bad day when the Israelites were wondering in the desert. What do you think will the world look like now?

Or should we say no thanks to him?

What would have happened if Moses agreed with what God wanted that day? Well, all those who left Egypt would have been totally wiped out from the face of the earth, leaving only Moses through whom God will accomplish his promise to Abraham.

The Secret to Mary's Obedience

The reading at Luke 1:26-38, the gospel today, vividly illustrates the obedience that Mary demonstrated to God's will, as conveyed to her by angel Gabriel. While there was a sense of wonder, there was no resistance at all! In fact, there was complete and absolute submission, as spelled out by these words: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."

The only way that smoothness could happen was Mary's personal relationship with God. That was the secret to her obedience. He knows in her heart the source of the commandment for her: that she gave a virgin birth to Jesus.

The Annunciation by Rogier Van Der Weyden - c. 1452 - Louvre, Paris, as featured in http://biblepicturegallry.com (All Rights Reserved). This episode is described in greater detail at Luke 1:26-38, which is the Gospel for today. The sense of wonder and the obedience of Mary during this episode was absolutely remarkable.

The gospel reminds me of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin, whose story was embossed in a bronze plate at the EDSA Shrine. For those who don't know, it's worth the trouble of going there to see for yourself.

Anyhow, as the story went, when Jaime Cardinal Sin was still a deacon about to be ordained as priest, he had a conversation with God. He asked for a sign that God wanted him to become a priest. And Jaime Cardinal Sin was very specific about this sign: the disappearance of his asthma. Otherwise, if the asthma was still there, the young Jaime Cardinal Sin would take it as God's will that he was not for priesthood.

Sin's asthma of course disappeared.

Assumptions Can Kill

We go through life with assumptions. They can either help. They can also victimize the unwary ones.

I realized that one day when a facilitator took a sheet of paper, drew something on it, held the paper up and asked us what we saw.

Jesus tells the man at the pool of Bethesda to rise (John 5:6)
Photo Credit: William Hole at BiblePictureGallery.com

Most of us said, "Of course, a dot" to the tune of, "Come on! That's a no brainer. You can do better than that."

We didn't realize it was a lesson on assumptions. The assumption, this facilitator said, was that the paper was just something to write the dot on and therefore not part of the picture. The truth was, he said, the paper was the bigger picture.

Yet we tend to ignore the big picture. Instead, we make assumptions.

Do people still act on Faith these days?

I know at least one person who acted on sheer Faith. It was Bishop Fulton Sheen, a well-known and well-loved American bishop who was at his prime in the 1950s.

Bishop Fulton Sheen, in one of his episodes at EWTN, related his story about going to Lourds, France in devotion to the Blessed Mother. He said he heard God tell him to just go there. Now, Bishop Fulton Sheen was an American living in the US mainland.

A centurion at Capernaum begged Jesus to heal his servant. The painting was done by William Hole as featured in biblepicturegallery.com (All Rights Reserved). While the gospel of today talks about an "official" from Capernaum, the scene of the encounter with Jesus was actually in Cana. But the incident was very closely similar. They went to Jesus, then Jesus spoke, and they went off believing that the sick back at home was cured.

So, with just a single journey ticket, he went to France. With no money in his pocket, he checked into a hotel in Lourds and from there went daily to the site where the Blessed Mother appeared decades back.

Three Cool Conversions That May Intrigue You, or At Least Amuse You

So much have been written about dramatic conversions to Christ: former gun runners, former hired assassins, former drug addicts, former gamblers, bla bla bla, who have now given up everything to follow their calling in the Church.

Sometimes hearing these stories make some Cool Catholics feel like, "Oh, Sorry Lord, I'm not evil enough to merit your mercy."

Good grief!

Moses made a bronze serpent. This episode was referred to by Christ in John 3:14-15, "And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." Many Cool Catholics have lifted up Christ in their personal lives and have dedicated their lives to Him. This particular painting was done by Flemish artist Frans Floris (1517-70), as featured in biblepicturegallery.com. All Rights Reserved.

You may instead want to consider what may be better called as "cool conversions." These are conversions of people who aren't bad at all, as I presume most readers of this blog are (is this a safe assumption?). They're very cool people, living their lives, but who simply had experiences that brought them much closer to Christ, WITHIN the Catholic Church.

Ahhhh! That's the interesting part, isn't it? Finding Christ within the Catholic Church? Cooooolllll! But wait a minute. Is there such a thing?

Here's a Story That Can Help You Hate God Less

It was shocking to sit as part of the audience while a well-known leader in the community admitted he hated God for two months for the death of his daughter early this year.

This testimony happened during the "Forward in Christ" Echo Conference of the Couples for Christ West B sector at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman exactly a week ago, March 14, 2009. The hall was full and the atmosphere was lively, thanks to the very spirt-filled music ministry.

Icon of the pharisee and the tax collector by Tatiana Romanova Grant, as featured in spiritualpaintings.com. All Rights Reserved.

Then came this leader who gave his testimony.

It is easy to sympathize with him because, after all, he served the community for more than ten years now, he brought his entire family into the community and his youngest daughter became very active in Youth for Christ. Then tragedy struck the daughter early this year and the Lord took her back. She succumbed to a bacterial disease.

If you don't know "The Five Love Languages" you would hate yourself later

For those in relationships, the book "THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES" by Gary Chapman is simply a MUST READ! But to those who have not bought and read the book yet, this is your day. I'm sharing in this post the slivers of wisdom my wife and I got from that book ... which made the nine years of being with Rhia (girlfriend for two years, wife for seven and counting) a very loving one.

Cover of the book "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, as featured in Ebay Australia. This book is available at our very own National Bookstore. I presume the book is also available at Power Books and Fully Booked. It won't hurt to at least scan its pages, especially at the Fully Booked branch at Bonfacio High Street (right across Serendra) in Global City.

But before going there, let me quote something from the gospel reading today from Matthew 12:31

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Pretty cool commandment, isn't it? I look at that commandment as a two-step process:

Step 1:
LOVE YOURSELF

Step 2:
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

Is Fatherhood an endangered art?

I talked about Fatherhood to quite a number of friends recently; and, frankly, I got quite alarmed that many men seem to have lost the art!

How many of you disagree? How many do? If you agree, don't you think that's quite alarming?

This is a touching image of a child being mentored by a dedicated father. The Bible did not quote a single word from Joseph, yet his obedience to God and dedication to the task given him was clear. The image is from the painting "Joseph the Carpenter and the Child Jesus" by Georges de la Tour (1593-1652), Louvre, Paris; as featured in www.biblepicturegallery.com. All Rights Reserved.

The concept of Fatherhood per se is hazy to many people these days. In contrast, many people have greater clarity about the concept of motherhood. Well, prove me wrong, prove me right. All you have to do is get a pen and paper, make two columns, list down what motherhood means to you on the left column; and then list down what fatherhood means to you on the right column. Then compare the two columns. Which one is longer? Which one is full of 'motherhood' statements?

But . . . didn't Jesus come to break some of the Laws of Moses?

Didn't Jesus cure break the Law by curing people on the Sabbath? by touching people afflicted with leprosy? by not washing the hands before eating? and many other things? Don't these suggest Jesus was changing the Law?

Therefore, would you wonder why this statement of Jesus in the gospel today is somewhat baffling? "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill." (Matthew 5:17)

An artist's rendition of Moses delivering the Law into the hands of priests, as featured in biblepicturegallery.com. After seemingly breaking at least some of the rules during his time, Jesus says in the gospel today, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill." (Matthew 5:17). Some of us Cool Filipino Catholics might blurt out, "Ano ba yan!"

Have you ever teared down someone's life?

After being spared of his life, the servant goes around tearing other people's lives?

There ARE such people? Oh yeah, right. I saw one of them staring at me in the mirror earlier today.

Frankly, the gospel today makes me nervous.

A painting of Matthew 18:28 by Harold Copping, as featured in biblepicturegallery.com. The servant in orange has just been pardoned, but he refused to give the same clemency to his fellow servants. Notice the shocked faces of other servants who are witnessing the event. In the Philippines, you'd hear the other servants muttering, "Walang hiya ito, a! Yari ka kay boss mamaya."

You see, each of our stories may be different, aren't they? But at some point, someone--a priest or a preacher, an article or a blog--talks about a parable and then we say, "Hey, that's me! Oh no, that's me!"

The Three 'Secret' Steps to Getting What You Want

Wouldn't you want to know how to get what you want?

There are three steps described in the gospel today, and, wow, you better believe it. People talk about it a lot these days, and they don't even seem to acknowledge that it's in the Bible!

An artist's rendition of Elisha. Naaman, the Syrian, is in the background, washing in the river upon the instructions of Elisha in order to get healed of leprosy. The Syrian's Hebrew maid-servant suggested Elisha to Naaman.The image is a portrait by Guy Rowe, as featured in biblepicturegallery.com

Have you seen "The Secret"? It's a great DVD about the Law of Attraction. That movie also talks about the three steps to getting what you want. I found those steps absolutely cool. It's now available in both DVD and book formats. Boy, if you haven't seen that yet, or haven't read it yet, go and check it out at the National Bookstore.

Of Faith and Diabolical Claims

Isn't faith knowing inwards what you don't see outwards. To "know" that Jesus is God is by itself a diabolical claim, isn't it? How much more if you go around saying Jesus is Lord? You better have real faith! And Jesus better be real God!

Don't you think so?

Would your faith be jolted if someone suddenly drives away everyone from the Church, saying, "Take all this away and stop turning my Father's house into a marketplace!" (John 2:16). Would you say, "Amen" or would you rather say, "Anong 'K' mo?"

Haven't we asked this question before? Or do we just "assume" that Jesus is Lord?

Three Stories in One Prodigal Son Gospel

The first time I heard about the story of the Prodigal Son, I really thought the story was all about the ungrateful son. No, it wasn't. There were three stories: yes, the son's story; the father's story; and, the elder son's story.

Story #1. The Prodigal Son.

By asking for his inheritance, he appeared to have wished his father dead. Then by squandering this inheritance, he completely displayed his lack of entrepreneurial skills that his father had. His saving grace was the humility that crept into him and overcame him, which was why towards the end of the story he was on his way back to his father.

The father ran with glee towards the approaching prodigal son. Image courtesy of BiblePictureGallery.com

The loving father welcomes back his prodigal son (Luke 15:20). Take note of the elder brother leaning on the tree. He may have been thinking, "Buti nga sa yo." The painting is by Harold Copping as featured in biblepicturegallery.com.

Lessons for Cool Catholics?

1. Be an Entrepreneur! You think I'm kidding? I'm serious. I know our priests and bishops do not specifically teach us this, but, hey, fix your attitude about money, then go ahead and create wealth. Read the books by Rober Kiyosaki, especially Rich Dad, Poor Dad; Cashflow Quadrant and Rich Dad's Guide to Investing.

God's Word for You Today, March 14, 2009
Saturday in the Second Week in Lent

1st Reading: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12
Response: The Lord is kind and merciful.
Gospel: Lk 15:1-3, 11-32


Verses are taken from the Lectionary for the Holy Mass. They are read in all Holy Mass celebrations throughout the world today.

2. Do not burn bridges! You need people more than you know, especially those whom you think make your life miserable.

3. Be humble now, not later. Frankly, many of my life's lessons revolve around this issue.

4. Humble too late? Be humble anyway. Ask help. Life goes on, you know. Eat your pride. Swallow your ego. There's much more to life than pride.

5. There are consequences for every action. In the story, not even forgiveness from the father erased the fact that the younger son lost his inheritance.  The good news to that is, he earned back his father's respect, which is more precious to any son than inheritance. You won't believe that, do you? Better believe it. And with that renewed self-esteem, the son can go out and create for himself wealth that's even greater than the one he lost.

Story #2. The Loving Father.

At first I thought the father was stupid. He could have just disowned the son and drive him away. Imagine this ungrateful son seemingly wishing him dead? Come on! Get real! But the father did not disown the son!

As I matured in faith, I realize this father was not stupid at all. In fact, this father was smarter than I thought. He saw that the only way he could teach values to his son was to let this son and go and make his own mistakes and learn life's lessons on his own. We don't know the father in the story. Who knows he learned his lessons the same way? Maybe he saw younger himself in this younger son and knew letting him go was the only way to go!

As far as the father was concerned, he was successful! Don't you think so?

It was a great risk this father took. What if this son won't return? What if his "experiment" would fail? He must have been looking out of the window everyday wanting to find out! Or, why else did he run towards his son the moment he saw him walking back towards home?

Smart, I think. Very, very, very cooooool!

Lessons for Cool Catholics?

1. Sometimes, we just have to let go of people. Sometimes, letting go of people is the most loving thing to do!

2. When we let go of people, let's wish them well. This can hurt, but let's wish them well. You haven't let go of people in your heart when you don't wish them well. So, wish them well.

3. When they come back (sincerely), let's embrace them back. I know this is hard to do. But hey, you might like the reformed person much better than before! Who knows?

4. People do change. The emotional reward for being part of it is priceless. Let's play our part very well. Don't be casual about it. Filipinos are guilty of being casual, and casualness led to casualties. Tell me I'm wrong.

5. I must add this...Sometimes, people just don't come back. Admit it, part of #1 above is the possibility that people will no longer come back. Either they have made it on their own, or ... they just don't want to come back at whatever cost. Sometimes, it's you, the father, who need to change.

Story #3. The Elder Son

I'll be short in this one. The elder son represents the pharisees, the "perfect" people in society. They follow everything in the books, and thinks of the rest as inferior and despicable. Gosh, need I say more?

The younger son squandered the money. Can you guess what the elder son squandered?

His heart, the seat of wisdom.

Well, I guess the elder son just almost squandered it. If he listened to his father, then he would have retained it. If he didn't, it would show up in his bottom line one day.

To be judgmental is the greatest folly that Jesus was telling the Pharisees that day. Come to think of it, is there a chance you are a pharisee too?

Lessons for Cool Catholics?

1. There's more to life than money. In fact, money is a creation. If you miss the "more to life" part, you might lose out on the "money" part too, if not now, then later. Look at the financial geniuses in the USA today. Have they learned their lesson? When they missed out on the values that USA represented, look what happened to their economy? Too bad when USA sneezes the rest of the world catches colds, including the Philippines.

2. Entrepreneurship comes from the heart, not from compliance. I could almost hear with my own ears the elder son complaining about not being able to celebrate with friends. Come on! It should be clear to the elder son right there and then that he did all those simply out of compliance and not out of full understanding of the entrepreneruial lessons his father gave him. That was why his heart was full of hate. If so, wasn't he much different from his younger brother after all?

3. People are valuable. To despise people doesn't pay dividends. Grow them!

That's my take on the gospel today. Hope it helps.

Comments and objections are welcome, in the spirit of growth.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

What you don't use, you lose

Filipinos are a proud race. We constantly say, "we are a gifted people!" That claim is very true!

But here's the stinging warning for all of us, individuals and as a people: if we don't use our gifts, that gift may as well be given to someone else who can produce the results.

• We have the gift of democracy right within our hands. Is it producing the results we desire?
• We have the gift of an economic environment that's one of the resilient economies in Asia these days. Is it producing the right results?
• We have the give of having a very loving and caring people. How are we taking care of them?

Look at America. By forgetting its values, it created a dent in its own economy and jeopardized the economies of many nations across the world.

To one who doesn't believe, no explanation is possible

My father used to tell me: For someone who believes, no explanation is necessary. For someone who does not believe, no explanation is possible.

Then I learned later in life that at least 80% of the people are in the middle of these two.

Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:31

I guess that's all I can write about the gospel today. Clearly that was the point made by Luke.

What's in that for us?

Let me say this, Francis Magalona died a sudden death. What if that happened to you? Would you be ready?

I guess no one is ready. But what if?

What if there is indeed a place or a state called Heaven? What if indeed such a Heaven has a King, and He meets us and greets us, and asks us what we have done during our stay on earth? Did we feed Lazarus?

Who's the Lazarus in your doorstep right now?

Whose example are you following?

Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. Matthew 23:3

"What am I in power for?" In six short and crisp words, my elder brother described to me his impression of many political leaders once they get into office. I was around 13 years old that time.

Fast forward 16 years later, I heard these words from the little tyrants of the new President: "Kami naman! Kami naman!" The same words came out of the little tyrants who were with the next President two years later.

God's Word for You Today, March 10, 2009
Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent

1st Reading: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23
Response: To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

* based on the Holy Mass readings designated by the Church to be read in all masses across the world today.

"Kami naman! Kami naman!" (It's our turn! It's our turn!)

It's their turn to ... what? to serve the people? Come on! Who are you kidding?

Stop Judging! Oh yeah?

Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

Oh! What a verse.

Upon reading it I wanted to tell every politician--at the top of my voice: "Your Honors, stop judging! Stop condemning! Forgive! And...please, oh please...GET TO WORK! Can't you understand English?"

God's Word for You Today, March 9, 2009
Monday of the Second Week in Lent

1st Reading: Deuteronomy 9:4b-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 79:8, 9, 11 and 13
Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Gospel: Luke 6:36-38

Based on the Holy Mass Readings designated for today

Bishops, please stop me, but ....... oh, never mind. This is supposed to be a blog about the Word of God. And I'm supposed to be a "cool" Catholic.

You can choose not to listen to Jesus

We can choose to listen to Christ. We can also choose not to listen to Him. Don't we know that? Or why would God need to speak on Mount Tabor that way? ... This is my beloved Son. Listen to him. (Mark 9:7b) If God has willed that we listen to Jesus, and we have no choice about that issue, then He did not need to say that!

But God has given us free will! You can choose not to listen to Christ! Do you find that liberating?

Congratulations!

God's Word* for Us Today, March 8, 2009
This is my Son, the beloved; listen to him. Mark 9:7

Second Sunday of Lent

1st Reading: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19
Response: I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.
2nd Reading: Romans 8:31b-34
Gospel: Mark 9:2-10

* based on the Lectionary for the Holy Mass

Oh yeah? But what will happen to us when we don't listen to Christ? He will come to judge us, right? And the Catholic Church says, if we don't listen we will go to hell! Oh my, Oh my.

Calm down with me, my dear cool Catholic brother or sister. It's not what you think it is!

What has been your most recent prayer for your enemy?

But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44

Today Christ us to love even those whom we hate to love: our enemies and those who persecute, who make our lives miserable.

In the latter part of the Bible, Jesus tells us to "love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37) as well as to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39).

Love, love, love, love, love...

God's Word for You Today, March 7, 2009
Saturday of the 1st Week in Lent

1st Reading: Deuteronomy 26:16-19
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119: 1-2,4-5,7-8
Response: Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord.
Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

The Pope says, Love. The priests and bishops say, Love. Mother Teresa says, Love. The Catholic Church say, Love. But how do these compare to the voice inside us that say, "I hate it! I hate him! I hate her! bla-bla-bla...."

Are you angry with your brother?

But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment. Matthew 5:22

Lee Iacocca is a Catholic, and he tells everybody about it. In fact, in page 8 of his autobiography*, he says,

It took me a number of years to fully understand why I had to make a good confession to a priest before I went to Holy Communion, but in my teens I began to appreciate the importance of this most misunderstood rite of the Catholic Church. I not only had to think out my transgressions against my friends; I had to speak them loud. In later years, I found myself completely refreshed after confession.

I've been taught about confession too, since childhood.

God's Word for You Today, March 6, 2008
Friday of the 1st Week in Lent

1st Reading: Ezekiel 18:21-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8
Response: If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?
Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26

But something about the words of Lee Iacocca made confession a lot clearer for me, especially in the present context. Perhaps the word "refreshed" resonated in me. True, I feel refreshed after every confession...and that's something that isn't just nice, we need that feeling!

Does the Catholic Church teach faithfuls to ask big time?

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

What an overwhelmingly generous God! Ask and you shall receive? Wow! But do we teach our faithfuls in the Catholic Church to ask big time?

Sign of Abundance by Phillipa Willitts

Many Catholics have a hard time grasping this concept, and I am not sure if the clergy of the Catholic Church has been very helpful in promoting this concept to its faithfuls.

God's Word for You Today, March 5, 2009

• 1st Reading: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25
• Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8
• Response: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.
• Gospel: Matthew 7:7-12

I do know at least two lay Catholic pastors who teach this concept to their flock: Mike Velarde of El Shaddai and Bo Sanchez, founder of the Light of Jesus Community, leader of the Kerygma Feast, author of many books, etc.

Are we heeding the Sign for us today?

"Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation." Luke 11:30

We don't like warnings. We tend to deny what's up and coming, even if they're already written on the walls.

How we wish policy makers and fund managers listened to warnings that a great crash was up and coming. They would have fixed the problem in the subprime sector in the USA and, at least, mitigate what was up and coming.

God's Word for You Today, March 4, 2009
Wednesday of the 1st Week of Lent

1st Reading: Jonah 3:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51:3-4,12-13,18-19
Response: A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

Well, we are in the middle of that crash right now, and every economy in the world seems to be feeling its impact, especially the countries in the west.

To forgive is to be forgiven

But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions. Matthew 6:15

It's either our heart forgives, or our hearts resent. We either cultivate one, or the other. When one gets fed, the other starves in us.

Which one is it?

It's a choice.

God's Word for You Today, March 3, 2009
Tuesday of the 1st Week of Lent

1st Reading: Isaiah 5:10-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:4-5,6-7,16-17,18-19
Response: From all their distress, God rescues the just.
Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15

One fallacy about resentment is that people we resent will live miserable lives, on the sheer force of our resentment. Some people subscribe to this idea (including me at one point) and nurture their resentment like a treasured plant, until this plant grows and chokes whatever room for forgiveness there was left.

Six Ways to Please the King

And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40

Clearly, today, the Gospel says there's no such thing as loving God without loving our neighbor.

Difficult.

Can't we just love God and leave our neighbors alone to love God on their own time and resources without any inconvenience to us?

It takes a saint to follow this commandment as a way of life.

God's Word for You Today, March 2, 2009
Monday of the First Week of Lent

1st Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2,11-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19:8,9,10,15
Response: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Incidentally God demands for nothing less: 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.' Indeed, nothing less.

How do we go to that level of Christianity?

Do you resist repentance? or embrace it?

This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel. Mark 1:15

Repentance is really about change, for the better. It's about going back to the essence with which one is born.

Christians believe man is made in the image and likeness of God. We are not God. But we are God's essence! And God is good, right? That makes man inherently good too!

In fact, anyone, Christian or otherwise, say that man is inherently good! No one is inherently bad! I learned that in a dialogue with one of the inmates during a visit to the Cagayan de Oro prison when I was in high school.

God's Word for You Today, March 1, 2009
1st Sunday of Lent

1st Reading: Genesis 9:8-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25:4-5,6-7,8-9
Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.
2nd Reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22
Gospel: Mark 1:12-15

But why do we see people sabotaging themselves and others?

Do you need a physician?

Jesus said to them in reply, "Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. Luke 5:31

Humility.

That's it.

I can't think of anything else that the gospel teaches us today, from the first reading all the way to the gospel reading.

God's Word for You Today, February 28, 2008
Saturday After Ash Wednesday

1st Reading: Isaiah 58:9-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 86:1-2,3-4,5-6
Response: Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.
Gospel: Luke 5:27-32

Yeah, there are rewards for that.

But what is humility?

Why are you fasting?

Time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, then they will fast. Matthew 9:15b

I have a confession to make. Until recently, the reason for fasting was a bit hazy to me. I thought it was about cleansing your body from toxins and clearing up your mind so you can think better.

I was close, but still short.

God's Word for Us Today, February 27, 2009
Friday After Ash Wednesday

1st Reading: Isaiah 58:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51:3-4,5-6,18-19
Response: A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15

Fasting in the Lenten Season is incomplete without the other two pillars of the Season: prayer and almsgiving. The three pillars are inseparable.

Get rich, but don't forfeit yourself

What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself Luke 9:25

Luke 9:25 is a common excuse among Filipinos for not striving to be someone better than themselves. Lame excuse, man. Lame excuse.

Let's not use the Word of God in vain!

God's Word for You Today, February 26, 2009

Thursday After Ash Wednesday

1st Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1:1-2,3,4,6
Blessed are they who hope in the Lord
Gospel: Luke 9:22-25

Can one gain the whole world and yet maintain his soul?

Of course yes!

Hey, are you about to pray on a street corner today?

When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Matthew 6:5.

Not many Catholics will like me for what I'm about to say, but I say this with passion:

Today is Ash Wednesday, BUT ...the object isn't the ash on your forehead.

Look deeper!


Don't be late for the Holy Mass today and take note of every word in the readings and the homily.

God's Word for You Today, February 25, 2009

ASH WEDNESDAY

1st Reading: Joel 2:12-18
Responsorial Psalm: Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Psalm 51:3-6,12-17
2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20-21;6:1-2
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Here are the verses that touch my heart:

• "Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God." (Joel 2:13)
• "A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit." (Psalm 51:12)
• "Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain." (2 Cor 6:1)
• "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them." Matthew 6:5.

I attended mass at EDSA Shrine (it was close to my office that time) on Ash Wednesday last year. I was appalled by the people who came late for mass, yet insisted on having their foreheads marked with ash. How could they?

Don't do that folks! It's not about the ash, but your heart!

If you arrived late for mass today, then clearly you know where your heart is. Then be guided by what the first reading has to say, "Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God" (Joel 2:13).

Take note of the second reading as well, "We appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain" (2 Cor 6:1).

I challenge everyone to be more conscious of what you do, and what you don't do on Ash Wednesday. Whatever that may be, may it bring you closer to God.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

So, you wish to be Number One?

Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." Mark 9:35

What's this gospel about? Is it OK to desire to be the best? the number one? the greatest?

The gospel seems to say, hey, it's OK!

BUT...to be the first, there is one rule to observe: BE THE SERVANT OF ALL.

What a rule!

God's Word for You Today, February 24, 2009

Tuesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: Sirach 2:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Commit your life to the Lord, and he will help you.
Psalm 37:3-4,18-19. Psalm 37: 27-28, 39-40
Gospel: Mark 9:30-37

Can we see this rule being observed in Philippine politics today?

Uhum. No comment.

However there are home-grown leaders who are recognized for their contribution to society. They have been servants of all, and I wish to salute some of them today...

1. TONY MELOTO - known for his most passionate advocacy for Gawad Kalinga. He's not necessarily the most well-liked person in the Couples for Christ community, but he's definitely an inspiration to many volunteers (like me) in the work for the poor. To me, Tony Meloto is the #1 in Christian service.
2. BO SANCHEZ - founder of Light of Jesus community, force behind Kergyma Feast, preacher, author and entrepreneur. But Bo landed on my list not for these honors, but for his passion for spreading the gospel to as many Filipinos as possible, while being a good provider for his family. To me, Bo Sanchez is #1 in Catholic lay evangelization.
3. JAIME ARISTOTLE ALIP - founder of CARD MRI, a very successful microfinance model operating in Southern Tagalog. His model is now being followed by microfinance institutions across the country. Definitely something Pinoys can be absolutely proud of. To me, Dr. Alip is #1 in providing better access to the poor to financing.
4. GINA LOPEZ - scion of the Lopez family, which owns ABS-CBN, Gina is not known as a media person per se but one who uses media and her personal influence to touch the lives of many people--especially women and children--who are in dire need of assistance. To me, Gina Lopez is #1 in that area.
5. RICHARD DICK GORDON - this guy's a politician, but he lands on my list not because of his being a Senator but because of what he did to the former Subic Naval Base, the tourism industry (WOW Philippines) and what he's doing with the Philippine National Red Cross. I salute his passion for service to the people. To me, Dick Gordon is #1 in affirming to the Filipinos our capacity to move forward.
6. BAYANI FERNANDO - this guy's another politician, and I am very picky about politicians. He lands on my list not because of his politics but because I've been driving around Manila for the last six or seven years, and, to my eyes, Bayani's doing an excellent no-nonsense job. I think he's a good public servant and executive. To me, Bayani Fernando is #1 in no-nonsense public service.
7. POPE JOHN PAUL II - Need I say more? This guy is an icon of love from a human being to others, and an inspiration to many to pursue a holy life, whether as a priest, a member of a religious congregation, or as a member of the laity (like me).

That's my list. I don't know if all of the are devout Christians, but, to my eyes, they definitely exhibit the virtue of service towards as many people as they can, which all Christians ought to do...if they wish to be number one.

Do you have your own list? Do you have people in your mind whom you think are exemplary leaders in the Philippines?

Who are they? and how do we get to know them?

Most importantly, how are you emulating them?

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

I do believe, help my unbelief

Then the boy's father cried out, "I do believe, help my unbelief!" Mark 9:24

"Help my unbelief!"

That sounds just like me when confronted with challenges that are seemingly beyond my power, if any. I want to believe, yet something nags this belief down to the depths of doubt or unbelief.

Does this happen to you? or just to me?

God's Word for You Today, February 23, 2009

Monday of the Seventh week in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: Sir 1:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 93:1-2,5 -- The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
Gospel: Mark 9:14-29

The man in the gospel was wise. He said he believed in the power of Christ. Yet he admitted he had little faith.

That man took responsibility for the outcome of the episode. He declared that it was not Christ's power that was in question. It was his faith that was in question! And he asked Jesus to help him!

How wise, indeed!

How many of us don't do that? Then how many of later blame God for the outcome?

But we are created in God's image and likeness. "God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him" (Genesis 1:27). That makes us equally responsible for the reality around us.

We alter that reality through faith.

Kind of hard to swallow, isn't it?

But isn't it also liberating?

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Child, your sins are forgiven

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Child, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2:5

Faith first...then, voila! Here comes forgiveness!

Is that the message?

Where's repentance in the picture?

The gospel today speaks of a forgiveness for someone who has faith, but was he repentant? It doesn't say.