Here's What You Want, Take It and Go!

The wise man gave his large diamond to the robber who held him up so easily. The wise man said, "Ahh, I see that you want this. Here it is, take it and go." That's 50,000 US Dollars worth of value, given just like that? Shocking as that may sound, that's not even the story.

'Jesus as key' by the Bible Picture Gallery

So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Matthew 6:31-33 NAB
Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

The robber did as he was told, with a giant grin. He took the diamond, and ran away with glee. He had the 50,000 US Dollars in his hand without a fight and with no loss of blood! What a day!

Talking to 8-Year Olds Can be Scary

The Outreach Activity last Sunday got me talking to a group of 8-year olds at the San Antonio de Padua Parish in Sucat, Paranaque. It was an activity organized by the Catholic Filipino Academy (CFA), the home school provider established by Bo Sanchez.

My son Maurice with Benedict, the eldest son of Bo Sanchez

My assignment then was to talk to Grade 1 pupils about Prayer. My son was in Grade 1 as well, so that was perhaps why I was assigned to that level :) I wasn't alone though. The lovely couple Alex and Christine Ancheta were there to assist. Their presence was reassuring.

Prefer her to all your friends and even to the children

The gospel today talks about marriage and fidelity. I just thought of sharing with you today the full text of the reflection by Saint John Chrysostom about this, because I find this very relevant in the world today. I copy pasted the following directly from Daily Gospel website, but all emphases are mine.

Marriage is a commitment to grow old together.
Image: 'Sweethearts' by Patrick

Here we go ...

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Commentary of the day
Saint John Chrysostom (c.345-407), priest at Antioch then Bishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church
Homily 20 on the Letter to the Ephesians, 4, 8, 9 : PG 62, 140f.

"A man shall... be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh"

Love Your Enemies? Helloooooooo!

Love your enemies? That's not fun. Conflict is better. You see, during the few minutes available for question and answer, an obviously smart man was asking difficult questions to the workshop speaker. It was clear that the questions were not within the expertise of the speaker. A passionate discussion ensued. Then, it was time to move on to the next speaker.

The rain falls on the bad and the good alike. Some say it's not fair. God has another way of looking at it. May we attain the wisdom to understand it in our lifetime. Image: "Oak Leaf Raindrops" by Paul Sapiano

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 NAB
Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

The smart man glanced inconspicuously at the others in the workshop. He saw some of the eyes directed at him and sensed their awe. He felt good. He didn't see however that from all the way at back of the conference room, a pair of eyes casted a different look.

Let Your 'Yes' mean 'Yes'

Two men of equal Catholic education, excellence in their respective careers and prestige, met in an alumni gathering. One displayed a booming smile, freely renewing friendships. The other sat nervously in a corner, smiling sheepishly to those who greeted him.

To put our 'faith' on the law is to think like Pinocchio. Most of us do. Jesus wants to lead us to a higher level: that of having no desire to sin at all because of love. Isn't that the essence of the law?
The image is by Kenny Louie entitled 'How could you say no?'

Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.' Anything more is from the evil one. Matthew 5:37 NAB
Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

Not many in that gathering wondered why. They were simply happy he turned up. After all, the second guy was in the news the previous day for being strongly implicated in a possible multi-million theft case.

Let Your Light Shine That Others May See Christ

The gospel today tells us to be like a light that shines before others, that others may see the goodness of the Lord through us. I have heard myself say, "Isn't that a very tall order? I mean, look at me!" Raise your hand if you have this reaction.

'The Lamp' by Francisco Antunes

Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16 NAB
Click this to read the full text of the gospel today.

Let's cut the crap now and face this question head on: do we feel like the light that shines through the dark? Or do most of us feel like beings lost in the dark?

How do we become a light?