PUSH!

Taken at Sabtang Island, Batanes

"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it will be done for you." -John 15:7


I received an SMS (text message, a quote) from my Tita Cherry:

God showed me a rock, He told me to push it as hard as I can. I did it for many years but nothing happened, it didn't move even a little.

Then, I told God:

"Sorry, I failed to do it."

He responded:

"My dear child, your task is only to push, not to move it."

Lesson: PUSH stands for

P-ray
U-ntil
S-omething
H-appens

Oh, yes, I just realized after reading this that indeed God doesn't want us to suffer much. He just only wants us to follow Him. Learn to follow Him and see how His mighty power works.

Follow His commands and you will experience Him working miracles and wonders in your lives.

Give it a try and it works! Just PUSH!


Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your commands. Thank you for your words. Amen.

Fish Be With You

Fish be with you! The fish which I caught when I joine Idiptan Fishermen
one afternoon in Basco, Batanes.

"They are not of the world, as I also am not of the world." -John 17:16 (Douay-Rheims)

Form time to time, When I was still in Batanes I am joining fishermen in catching fish to experience it. Usually, just for fun after our fishing, we cook some and eat them together.

One day, while partaking some fish with the fishermen, I just said something: 

"Look at the fish in the sea. Even they lived long on salty water, they never absorb the taste of it."

Everybody, just looked at me. And I added my realization:

"Remaining pure in a polluted world is difficult. Living in a world of so much consumerism, of so much sin, of so much hatred in truth will be very difficult. But a heart filled with the Spirit of God leaves no room for the pollution."

Everyone just kept silent. Maybe all are wondering why out of the blue I said those things. I might appear to them to be so preachy. They might think of me as saying something which is out of the context of what we were doing then, but indeed, it's true.

We can learn from the fish of the sea. Remember the prayer of Jesus? His prayer must reminds us always that yes, we are in the world but we are not of this world.

Well, to regain their consciousness again, I just said "Fish be with you!" and everyone laughs. But I hope they were able to get my message.

Prayer:

Lord, help us not to go with the flow of life. Give us the courage and strength to go against the current  of the sea of life. Amen.

Spiritual Bonding

Holy Mass during my personal Camp with the Lord,
joined by some boys in my Parish.

"I desire then that in every place the men should pray..." -1 Timothy 2:8 (ESV)

It is part of my life to take some days or an overnight of silence which I called "Personal Camp with the Lord". I dedicate some moments of silence in prayers and meditations. I usually go to a place where I can see the beauty of nature or a place where I am far from my working place. A place of solitude.

During those days I am usually being joined by some youngsters, mostly altar servers to assist me in the celebration of the Holy Mass and to have some people where I can share thoughts during those moments of reflections. 

Those days where very refreshing and it energizes me not just spiritually but even physically. Sharing this to encourage people out there to give yourself some breaks from your works or daily routine and find time to just be with the Lord.

In every places I choose to stay for the Camp, I see to it that Holy Mass will be celebrated there to consecrate the place and of course to thank the good Lord for the nourishment he gives me in serving the people he has entrusted me.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the many opportunities of being with you alone. Amen.

Fr. Conroy, SDB: An Inspiration to Mission

With Fr. Aidan Conroy, SDB, a long-time
Missioner in Macau, SAR China and a loving
Father to the Filipino Workers.

"Go ye into the whole world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." -Mark 16:15 (Douay-Rheims)

I would like to dedicate this page to a man of God who selflessly gave and continue giving himself for the Kingdom.

He have been in Macau for more than three decades serving not only the Chinese brethren but the Filipinos at large. He has been a father to many filipinos since they started going to Macau for work. He baptized many filipino children, he solemnized marriages, counseled filipino couples and families.

On a personal note, I would like to thank him for his inspirations to my vocations. As a young seminarian visiting Macau then, I always served in his Holy Masses. I saw in him simplicity and holiness.

When became a priest, he showed me the way to an unselfish service to the Church. Not counting any cost in return. He always encourages me to go on.

His trust in me made me strong.

He is Rev. Fr. Aidan Conroy of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Thank you Father. I love you. We filipinos in  Macau and their families in the Philippines will be forever grateful to you and your ministry!


Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving us an inspiration in a person of a very humble and holy man of the cloth, in the person of Fr. Aidan Conroy. Keep him safe always. Grant him good health and more wisdom to lead us all closer to your Most Sacred Eucharistic Heart. Amen.

Less Talk, Less Mistakes

Bonding with relatives in Macau

"Be careful what yuo say... A careless talker destroys himself." -Proverbs 13:3 (GNT)

I do not usually go for public toilet but one time while in a Mall here in Metro Manila, I really feel the need, so I went for it.

When in a cubicle, the guy from the other cubicle just said: "Hello!" and I answered, "Hi!"

"How are you?" he asked. "I am fine here." I answered.

"What are you doing over there?" he continued. "Oh, just doing the same as you." I answered back.

"Can I come over?" he asked again. 

Feeling some discomforts with the conversation, I just said: "Oh, sorry, I am quite busy right now."

Then he suddenly said: "Hey dude, can I just call you back in a minute, there is someone over the next cubicle answering all my questions while conversing with you!"

Hahaha! I realized that the guy was actually talking to someone over his mobile phone.

Before going out, feeling ashamed, I made it sure the guy was already gone. Hehehe. What an experience to teach me not to be so assuming.

Less talk, less mistakes.

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to be silent sometimes to listen only to you. Amen.

On Humility

Auntie Juana Vargas, one of the Volunteer Catechists in Basco was awarded
during the 2012 Catechetical Sunday. She humbly dedicated her time
teaching catechesis in schools. She is a model of true humility in service.
Humility that is put into loving action.

"Whoever exults himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted." -Matthew 23:12 (NAB)

There was a story of an executive who was promoted to be an executive vice-president of a certain company. He transferred to a new office, a quite bigger one. On his first day, he tried his swivel chair, checked his table, arranged his books, and placed his plaques on the walls.

After some minutes, there was a knock on his door. There was an ordinary employee in front of him.

The new Executive vice-president trying to impress the young employee got the phone and said in a loud voice: 

"Yes Mister President. I can do it. I will surely assist and help you especially in your difficulties. You know that's my expertise and you can count on me. Thank you for calling. Goodbye."

Turning to the young employee he asked:

"Yes, young man? What can I do for you?"

The young man meekly replied: 

"Oh, nothing, sir. I was just sent here by my chief to plug in and activate your new phone."

Sometimes, we forget to be thankful for the blessings we have received. Being thankful makes us humble, for those blessings should remind us that there is Someone who is more able and powerful than us--God.

Let Bruce Lee reminds us, he said that "Humility forms the basis of honor just as the low ground forms the foundation of a high elevation."

We also let Meher Baba tells us that "True humility is strength, not weakness."

Let us be humble as we receive blessings from God. Because "Humility is a natural symptom of those who love God" said Radhanath Swami and I add "Humility is an act of gratitude to Him who blessed us."

Prayer:

Lord, teach us to be humble and thankful for everything you have given us. May we give you honor in our successes in life. Amen.

Jesus In The Heart

One of the beneficiaries of
The Fr. Zenki's PROJECT-ARAL
that distributes free school supplies to pupils in
Public Elementary Schools in provinces.

"that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love. " -Ephesians 3:17 (NAB)

I read the story of John, a little boy getting ready for school and his mother having a conversation one morning.

"Where is your pen and notebooks?" asked the mother.

"In my bag Mom." answered John.

"How about the sandwich and fruit juice?"

"Mom, they are in the lunchbox."

"And your coins?"

"Here in my pocket."

"How about the habilin ni Mommy?"

"They are all in my head."

"And how about Jesus? Where is He?" the last question Mom asked.

"Jesus? Oh, He is always in my heart, mommy." the little John answered.


Let us be like John, let Jesus be the King of our hearts. Let Jesus always reigns in our hearts.


Prayer:

Come, Lord Jesus be my King. Reign in my heart so that I may love as you love. Amen.

Ordinary Priest

Concelebrating with my inspiration in living a simple and an ordinary life,
 Fr. Alger Gonzales during the Holy Mass at Isla Vuhus in Batanes.
Photo Taken May 15, 2012

"Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people." -Romans 12:16 (NLT)

In Batanes priests will always be part of any celebrations specially in civic activities. Priests are even invited to most of the conferences any government agencies are organizing. The presence of a priest is very much valued and is given much importance by the Ivatans, the people of Batanes.

Batanes for more than two centuries were administered by the Order of Preachers (OP), they are very familiar with the Dominican Missionaries.

When I was assigned in Batanes, I used to be invited to so many affairs. They are very formal in inviting, they will be sending you letters of invitation. I am a diocesan priest but most of the letters I received always have the O.P. in my name.

I told myself, I am not a Dominican. Maybe they missed the Dominican Fathers who served them, well I should give credit and so much gratitude to the Dominican Missionaries who have done so much for Batanes and its people, not only for evangelizing them, not only for building such magnificent churches in the Island but for everything we have now came from them.

While going back to those letters, seeing OP in my name, smiling, I now realized that God is calling me to be an OP! Yes, a real OP. A real Ordinary Priest!

Now, I can say proudly, I am an OP! I am an Ordinary Priest!

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for reminding me to live simply. To be an ordinary living with and among ordinary people. Thank you for making me realized that by doing ordinary things with love and passion that comes from my intimacy with you will have much fruits, extraordinary fruits. Amen.

Please Pray for Me

In Macau, together with other August celebrators from the Ebed-Adonai Catholic Community
 which I organized. Taken August 2012

"Pray therefore to the Lord of harvest, that he sends forth laborers into his harvest"  -Matthew 9:38

I read one interesting story about Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta when she asked Blessed Pope John Paul II during the 1981 Synod, 

"Give us holy priests, and we sisters and the families will be holy."

She then added:

"Without priests, we have no absolutions. Without priests, we cannot receive Holy Communion."

Indeed, we need priests. I am a priest of the Lord. I am human, I am weak. I am no angel. I have limitations. I have my shortcomings, too.

I ask you then to please remember me in your prayers, not only today that I celebrate my birthday. Pray for me always, that I may continue to be a "joy to the Lord, a gift to the Church and loyal to my priesthood."

Pray also for other priests. Please offer your joys and sufferings to our sanctification. Blessed Mother Teresa is right. When you pray for priests, priests are sanctified.

When priests are sanctified, the Church will be sanctified. You will be sanctified, because you are the church.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for my priesthood. Thank for those people who love me and pray for me and with me. Bless us, O Lord. Amen.

                                      

My Mother's Birthing Day

With my beloved mother, Vicky in Macau

"She is worth far more than jewels! She is a hard worker, strong and industrious. She knows the value of everything she makes, and works late into the night." -Proverbs 31:10, 17-18


In August 21 of 1981 a woman gave birth to me. This great woman works so hard so that I and my other siblings can avail of education. Her hard works and prayers helped me realized my vocation to the priesthood.

Today is her birthing day. The day I was born. The day she choose to bring me to life. The day she bring me out into the world to see God's wonderful creation.

I honor her today. She is my mother. She is the great woman in my life. My Nanay. I love you!


Prayer:

Lord, thank for my life. Thank you for giving me my mother. Please continue to bless her and be with her always. Amen.

My Wedding Anniversary?!

Taken during the Chrism Mass 2013

"The one who calls you is faithful, and He will also accomplish it." -1 Thessalonians 5:24

November 6, 2012 as I celebrate the first anniversary of my installation as Parish Priest of Basco Cathedral, I received a text message from one of the parishioners which says, "Good morning father, I wish to greet you today a Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary. God bless you!"

Reading it made me laugh so hard, it might not be intended but when I started to reflect on the message, I realized I am indeed married to the Church, I am indeed married to the people whom God has given me to serve.

And as I always admonish couples whom I solemnized their marriage, I also admonished myself on that very moment to be faithful to the Church. To be faithful to my ministry among the people of God.

I realized how God is so faithful to me since the day He called me. How God gave me all the graces that I need. How God kept me in His heart.


Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness and I ask forgiveness for those times I became unfaithful to you. Forgive me Lord. Amen.

True Disciple of Mercy

Sis. Ma. Tita Bauca wears a beautiful smile.
Very much happy serving the Lord in our
brothers and sisters.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall find mercy." 
                                                - Matthew 5:7


I first met Sis. Tita Bauca in 2007 at Bahay-Kalinga (a Home for the Street Children) under the Ermita Shrine of Nuestra Senora de Guia. Since then we have been working together.

Sis. Tita works with dedication and knew no boundaries in serving the Lord. She works in all areas and capacities she can.

But what I've really seen in her is her dedication in the promotion of the devotion to the Divine Mercy which is expressed with all her works for the poor, neglected, the sick and those who are in prison.

We have decided to found the Eucharistic Disciples of the Divine Mercy, and she is really the picture of it. She had experienced many struggles and even persecutions as she works for it, but her love and dedication to the works of mercy being called by Jesus Himself, and her trust in Christ's Divine Mercy keep her going. She is an inspiration to many especially to me.

Ate Tita, thank you very much for all your efforts. God will bless you!


Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving us people who have the heart for Your little ones. Amen.

The Language God Doesn't Know

"For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same LORD over all is rich unto all that call upon Him." -Romans 10:12

I have heard of a story about a child asking his mother.

"Mommy, does God understand English?"

His mother replied, "Of course, my son"

The child continued, "How about Tagalog?"

The mother answered him positively.

"And Spanis?" the child still asked.

The mother nodded with a smile.

"Is there any language which God doesn't understand, Mommy?" the boy wanted to know.

"Yes, there is only one, my dear."

The boy asked what is that language which God does not know. The mother replied lovingly,

"God does not know how to say NO to us. Because He always gives and does what is best for us."

The story of this wonderful mother and her child made me think that indeed God always answer our prayers with YES, a very big YESS! It might not be the yes that we wanted it to be, but it will always be the yes God knows best!

Keep on praying! It works!


Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving us all the best in life. Amen.

The boy in the picture is one of the Young Lectors in Basco Cathedral. He is with his mother (wearing white) holding hands while singing the "Our father".

Come and Journey with me!!!

Life is a journey, let us the walk with JESUS!

I intend to share some stories, thoughts, reflections and life's experiences here that I hope will somehow capture my personal journey which I hope you can join.

Let us all journey together reflecting on the goodness of the Lord to us. 

God bless us all.