Gospel Today - Those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. John 1:12-13 NAB

December 31, 2011 - The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

• 1st Reading -- 1 John 2:18-21
• Responsorial -- Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13
  R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
• Gospel Today -- John 1:1-18

Gospel Today - The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Luke 2:39-40 NAB

December 30, 2011 - Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

• 1st Reading -- Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3
• Responsorial -- Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
  R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways
• Gospel Today -- Luke 2:22-40

Gospel Today - Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word

Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32 NAB

December 29, 2011 - The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

• 1st Reading -- 1 John 2:3-11
• Responsorial -- Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6
  R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
• Gospel Today -- Luke 2:22-35

Gospel Today - What the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled

Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son. Matthew 2:14-15 NAB

December 28, 2011 - Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs

• 1st Reading -- 1 John 1:5-2:2
• Responsorial -- Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8
  R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 2:13-18

Jesus and the Immaculate Concepcion, Who Came First?

Did I speak heresy in my previous post regarding Jesus Christ and the Immaculate Conceptioin? I would love to be the first to know if I did because I desire to stand corrected. I am a Catholic first and foremost. Being an opinionated blogger is way down the list.

La Purisima Inmaculada Concepcion by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, 1678, now in Museo del Prado, Spain (Photo from Wikipedia)

A very reasonable reaction from a blog reader arose due to a statement in the previous post entitled, "Gospel Reflection - Whose Birthday Is It?" Apparently, the reaction arose from the first reason I listed for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, which mentioned the Immaculate Conception.

Let me elaborate...

Gospel Today - The one who had arrived at the tomb, he saw and believed

Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. John 20:8 NAB

December 27, 2011 - Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist

• 1st Reading -- 1 John 1:1-4
• Responsorial -- Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
  R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
• Gospel Today -- John 20:1a and 2-8

Gospel Reflection - Whose birthday is it?

Christmas sounds and sights never fail to warm our hearts, don't they? I mean, who has outgrown "Silent Night" or "O Holy Night" or "O Little Town of Bethlehem"? We've been gladly hearing and singing these songs for decades!

Christmas trees, lanterns and snowflakes remind us of Christmas, yes. But the Nativity is the ultimate symbol of the birth of Christ. You have one at home? (Photo: 'Nativity' by Patrick Q)

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NAB

Christmas is also the time when our hearts deeply long to be with our loved ones and family, especially for the noche buena, isn't it? In fact, noche buena is the most emotional meal of the entire year, isn't it? Scenes on TV and YouTube of overseas Filipino workers coming home to surprise their families during noche buena make our eyes swell with tears.

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NAB

December 25, 2011 - Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) 

Vigil Mass

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 62:1-5
• Responsorial -- Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29
  For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord
• 2nd Reading -- Acts 13:16-17, 22-25
• Gospel -- Matthew 1:18-25

Mass during the Night

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 9:1-6
• Responsorial -- Psalm 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13
  R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord
• 2nd Reading -- Titus 2:11-14
• Gospel -- Luke 2:1-14

Mass at Dawn

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 62:11-12
• Responsorial -- Psalms 97:1, 6, 11-12
  R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us
• 2nd Reading -- Titus 3:4-7
• Gospel -- Luke 2:15-20

Mass During the Day

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 52:7-10
• Responsorial -- Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
  R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God
• 2nd Reading -- Hebrew 1:1-6
• Gospel -- John 1:1-18

Gospel Today - He has raised up a horn for our salvation

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people. He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant." Luke 1:68-69 NAB

December 24, 2011 - Saturday of the Fourth Week of Advent

• 1st Reading -- 2 Samel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
• Responsorial -- Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 And 29
  R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord
• Gospel -- Luke 1:67-79

My Foremost Reason for Thanking Mary Today - A Gospel Reflection

Let's thank Mary today. She could have said, "Sorry, Lord, but I am not worthy to receive you." Do you realize that such reply would have made everything in the world today look and feel a lot different?

The Annunciation, Waltham Abbey
Photo by TheRevSteve

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38 NAB)

Let me count the ways...

For one thing, the year wouldn't be 2011. It would be something else. The year 2011, despite the secular suffixes they put on it now (i.e., 2011 C.E. instead of 2011 A.D., just Google what those mean) has zero marked as the year Christ was born.

Gospel Today - Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. Luke 1:30-31 NAB

December 18, 2011 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

• 1st Reading -- 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
• Responsorial -- Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
  R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord
• 2nd Reading -- Romans 16:25-27
• Gospel Today -- Luke 1:26-38

The Word Exposed by Archbishop Chito Tagle

Gospel Today - From the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations

Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations. Matthew 1:17 NAB

December 17, 2011 - Saturday of the Third Week of Advent

• 1st Reading -- Genesis 49:2, 8-10
• Responsorial -- Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17
  R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 1:1-17

Gospel Today - He was a burning and shining lamp

He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. John 5:35-36 NAB

December 16, 2011 - Friday of the Third Week of Advent

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 56:1-3a, 6-8
• Responsorial -- Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 7-8
  R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
• Gospel Today -- John 5:33-36

Gospel Today - Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you

This is the one about whom scripture says: ‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:27-28 NAB

December 15, 2011 - Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 54:1-10
• Responsorial -- Psalm 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b
  R. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me
• Gospel Today -- Luke 7:24-30

Gospel Today - Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me

And he said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” Luke 7:22-23 NAB

December 14, 2011 - Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the Church

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25
• Responsorial -- Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14
  R. Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior
• Gospel Today -- Luke 7:18b-23

Gospel Today - Son, go out and work in the vineyard today

“What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. Matthew 21:28-29 NAB

December 13, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr

• 1st Reading -- Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
• Responsorial -- Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23
  R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 21:28-32

Gospel Today - May it be done to me according to your word

For nothing will be impossible for God. Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:37-38 NAB

December 12, 2011 - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

• 1st Reading -- Zechariah 2:14-17
• Responsorial -- Judith 13:18bcde, 19
  R. You are the highest honor of our race
• Gospel Today -- Luke 1:26-38

Wanted: Candid Catholics

Isn't it that candid shots look more interesting than poses? Catholics have lots of candid moments that deserve to be featured.

A not-so-candid photo of "Titos" during a Youth for Christ activity in Calamba City. As "guardian angels" in the background, we were talking and giggling about everything under the sun while youth leaders handled the activity. In this huddle were an engineer, a real estate broker, an accountant and an internet marketer.

I recently had heavy thoughts about the Cool Catholics Blog. How exactly should we blog here? Should we continue posting snippets of gospel readings and feature videos of Catholic teachings? Should we continue posting commentaries about Catholic news? What do you think?

A 'Laing' Dinner Fellowship

We had a casual gathering in the home of one of our members. After a hearty 'laing' meal together, husbands shared whisky in the living room while the wives chatted in the dining room. At 2am, we were done and walked to our homes.

We were unable to take a photo of the 'laing' that night, but the photo above from Wip's Blog resembles it well. My wife's chili however wasn't as obvious as the ones in the photo. She grounded it to bits you won't see it.

It all started with my wife's "laing," a Filipino delicacy made of gabi (taro) leaves, cooked with coconut milk and spiced up with spicy chili. Laing happened to be everyone's favorite. My wife cooked enough laing for everyone. The host for that evening provided for the rice.

Gospel Today - He was not the light, but came to testify to the light

He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. John 1:7-8 NAB

December 11, 2011 - Third Sunday of Advent

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11
• Responsorial -- Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54
  R. My soul rejoices in my God
• 2nd Reading -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
• Gospel Today -- John 1:6-8, 19-28

Gospel Today - Elijah will indeed come and restore all things

He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Matthew 17:11-12 NAB

December 10, 2011 - Saturday of the Second Week of Advent

• 1st Reading -- Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11
• Responsorial -- Psalm 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19
  R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

Gospel Today - We played the flute for you, but you did not dance

To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ Matthew 11:16-17 NAB

December 9, 2011 - Friday of the Second Week of Advent

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 48:17-19
• Responsorial -- Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
  R. Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 11:16-19

Gospel Today - Nothing will be impossible for God

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Luke 1:36-37 NAB

December 8, 2011 - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

• 1st Reading -- Genesis 3:9-15, 20
• Responsorial -- Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
  R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds
• 2nd Reading -- Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
• Gospel Today -- Luke 1:26-38

Gospel Today - Take my yoke upon you and learn from me

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. Matthew 11:28-29 NAB

December 7, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 40:25-31
• Responsorial -- Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10
  R. O bless the Lord, my soul!
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 11:28-30

Gospel Today - He rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray

And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost. Matthew 18:13-14 NAB

December 6, 2011 - Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 40:1-11
• Responsorial -- Psalm 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13
  R. The Lord our God comes with power
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 18:12-14

Gospel Today - As for you, your sins are forgiven

But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.” Luke 5:19-20 NAB

December 5, 2011 - Monday of the Second Week of Advent

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 35:1-10
• Responsorial -- Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14
  R. Our God will come to save us!
• Gospel Today -- Luke 5:17-26

Gospel Today - Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’” Mark 1:2-3 NAB

December 4, 2011 - Second Sunday of Advent

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
• Responsorial -- Psalm 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14
  R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation
• 2nd Reading -- 2 Peter 3:8-14
• Gospel Today -- Mark 1:1-8

Gospel Today - The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few

At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few. Matthew 9:36-37 NAB

December 3, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, priest

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26
• Responsorial -- Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
  R. Blessed are all who wait for the Lord
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

Gospel Today - Let it be done for you according to your faith

Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land. Matthew 9:29-31 NAB

December 2, 2011 - Friday of the First Week of Advent

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 29:17-24
• Responsorial -- Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
  R. The Lord is my light and my salvation
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 9:27-31

Gospel Today - Not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Matthew 7:21 NAB

December 1, 2011 - Thursday of the First Week of Advent

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 26:1-6
• Responsorial -- Psalm 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a
  R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 7:21, 24-27