Our Lady of Banneux ANCOP Village

June 21, 2010 was a great day for the soon-to-be Our Lady of Banneux ANCOP Village in San Mateo Rizal. Involved parties were polishing the final touches for the implementation of the housing and community development program in that village for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy. This was after months of preparation by the Archdiocese of Cubao and Couples for Christ West B Sector. The Rotary Club will also be coming in as donor.

The signatories shown in photo were (Seated individuals, left to right): Arnel Santos of the Vicariate of Cubao (West B5) Mass Housing Foundation; Monsignor Antonio SJ Mortillero of the Diocese of Cubao; Mayor Jose Rafael Diaz of San Mateo, Rizal; and Bro Bob Penalosa of CFC ANCOP West B Sector.

Have I done anything to you?

Elijah's reply to Elisha in the first reading today (June 27, 2010) surprised me: "Go back! Have I done anything to you?" (1Kings 19:20) Elisha pleaded with Elijah to first say goodbye to his family.

Yet, in the Gospel reading today, someone said the same thing to Jesus. What he heard from Jesus was this, "No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62)

I wish to hear from the priest today why that is. But I just believe Jesus could see through the hearts of men and know who were making excuses and those who were sincere. Elisha was definitely sincere, because what he had in mind was to kill the oxen and burn the plow.

Our Shepherd Watches Over Us

An inspiring message from our Shepherd lies right in the middle of the Gospel today, June 11, 2010.

Luke 15:3-7 . . . 3 Jesus addressed this parable to the Pharisees and scribes: 4 "What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? 5 And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy 6 and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbours and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' 7 I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance."

I used to just take this verse for granted. I've been taught throughout my whole lifetime of the unending love of God who waits on us til we remember Him. That worldview was fine when there were so many things I wanted to do, not all of them "holy" in description.