A Boy Teaching Us To Give

Caleb Rodriguez Flores teach us on generosity.

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." -Malachi 3:10 (NIV)

Caleb R. Flores, one of the three grandsons of Sor Techie and Tatay Bob Rodriguez never believed I am a priest when we first met here in the Philippines. When coming to the United States with my clerical, upon seeing me, he told me that I was just dressed for Halloween.

Seeing me celebration the Holy Mass during the International Annual Recollection of The Lord's Flock Catholic Charismatic Community in California and after receiving Holy Communion from me, we asked him if he already believed I am a priest his answer was "yes!"

So I said he might want to become a priest. I started calling him Father Caleb but he told us he doesn't want.

During our day-off after the Retreat, the family treated me to Disneyland. While on the car, I once again asked him why he does not want to become a priest. His answer was "Because, there's no money in the priesthood! I saw people putting only a dollar in the collection basket during the Holy Mass." All of us in the car were laughing. I explained to him that the collection goes to the Church for its needs like repairs and maintenance. Priests are given honorarium and allowances for their personal and ministerial needs.

But deep inside me, I knew and understood his thoughts. At first you might be thinking that this boy just wants money, but understanding his thought will teach us something. His words must awaken each of us! He is teaching us to be generous!

To be generous in giving contributions to the Church and her ministers. To be generous in supporting the life and mission of the Church.

Thank you Caleb for teaching us lesson on generosity!

Prayer:
Lord, we are sorry for not being generous to your works. Thank you for giving us a reminder through this young and innocent boy. Give us the grace to be generous. Amen.

Household of Faith

The Rodriguez-Flores Family: Sis. Mik and Bro. Al with their 

three boys Erin, Caleb and Zeckie.

"As For Me And My House We Will Serve the Lord." -Joshua 24:15

I first met this wonderful family in June of 2014 during the series of Faith on Fire Rallies organized by The Lord's Flock Catholic Charismatic Community in different places in the Philippines.

Oh, by the way I met Sis. Mik and her eldest son ahead in Hong Kong during the Diocesan Pentecost Celebration held at the Caritas Auditorium, Cathedral Compound.

Going back to my story, just simply looking at this family made me thank the Lord for giving not just the Lord's Flock Community but the whole Church a family worthy of emulation.

Each members of the Family serve the Lord in different ministries and capacities. They live out their faith in their places of work or places of studies. Erin is called the Church boy in his school in California for always leading his football team mates into prayer just before and even after each game.

I was able to live with this wonderful family when I first went to the United States for a Mission Trip. I have been a witness on how Sis. Mik despite her busy schedules preparing food for the children, bringing them to school, fetching them at the end of the day, doing the household chores plus her personal schedules and the schedules for the community's activities, she never never neglect her personal prayer time. Kuya Al did the same. Caleb prays, too while Zechie loves to lead the family into prayer.

Much about to write about this family. But to sum them up, this family rooted from Sor Techie and Bro. Bob Rodriguez is really a household of faith in action!

Kudos to you Rodriguez-Flores family. Thank you for inspiring us!

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving us your Church this family worthy of emulation. Protect them and keep them in your love. Amen.

God in the Entertainment Industry

With one of the Best and Multi-Awarded Film Directors
in the Philippines, Direk Brillante ma. Mendoza.
Photo taken after the Holy Mass offered for the success
of his upcoming movie about the sufferings and hopes
of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

"In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success." -Proverbs 3:6 (TLB)

I was invited to presided over the Holy Mass being offered for the success of the movie to be filmed by one of the best and multi-awarded film directors in the Philippines, Director Brillante Ma. Mendoza. The film is about the sufferings and hopes of the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda, local name).

I learned that each time this director will film a movie and after the filming he usually gathers all his staff and the casts for a Holy Mass. Before the filming to ask for God's blessings and guidance and after as a thanksgiving for the graces.

I was touched by his acts. I was touched by his faith.

During the homily, I congratulated him and his staff, the members of his crew and all the cast-artists for putting God first in all they do. I also asked them to continue making films that will enlighten viewers about the reality of life.

With one of the cast-artists, the young actor
Martin del Rosario, after our short chat just
right after the Holy Mass.

I reminded them that they have a bigger role in  forming the conscience and the lifestyle of the society especially the young people who look up at each of them. They happily accepted my challenge and promise to continue invoking God and His guidance.

One of the cast-artists, Martin del Rosario was also present and talked to me and thanked me for the reminder. He said he was happy to see young priests encouraging artists to be God-loving and God-fearing personalities.

I hope and pray, they continue to inspire many by the films they are producing. I hope and pray, they continue to do everything in line with the principle of God.

People in the Entertainment industry has hope!

Prayer:
Lord, bless these people and use them to bring many closer to you. Amen.

Workers of Mercy

The Council of Elders of the Eucharistic Disciples of the Divine Mercy.

"For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." -James 2:26 (NASB)

This page is dedicated to the people whose time, talent and treasures are being offered for the service of the poor, the needy and the neglected.

The Eucharistic Disciples of the Divine Mercy proclaiming God's mercy and Compassion through concrete works of mercy rooted in love. I salute and thanks these wonderful people. 

Sis. Ma. Tita Bauca, Sis. Emerita Alfaro, Sis. Rosario Lo, Sis.Nenita Santiago, Sis. Caroliina Benavidez and Bro. Macario Umali are people true to their calling as Disciples of Mercy.

God bless you and all your works! Thanks, too, to your families' generosity of letting you do your mission. God bless them, too!

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for calling these modern-day disciples to proclaim your love and mercy to all. Bless them with good health and in abundance. Bless, too, their families. Amen.

The Best Speech Ever

Photo Credit: TLF Media and Arts Ministry

"Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." -Jeremiah 29:12 (NIV)


I remember when I was still a student, we were always asked to write speeches and asked us to deliver them in the class or with other invited visitors. Also, I always join speech contests. Both in contest and in gatherings where we asked to give a speech, there will always be people who are not pleased with our words, grammar of the way we deliver them.

But I discovered a kind of speech that the listener will always listen.

The best speech we could ever deliver in our lifetime is PRAYER! No mistakes, no corrections the way we deliver and it will always be listened to and accepted as long as it is sincere and comes from the heart.

Try Prayer! It works!


Prayer:

Lord, thank you for listening to me. Amen.

Birthday Learning

Photo Credit: TLF Media and Arts Ministry

"Listen, ...accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many." -Proverbs 4:10 (NIV)

I celebrated my 33rd Birthday on August 21, 2014 with a very personal retreat. An intimate day with the Lord. I decided to do it this year as I recognized my need of going back to my experiences with Jesus and looking forward to what the good Lord still want me to do.

In one of the the prayer and reflection moments I had on that day, I realized one thing:

As I grow old, the golden years of my life may not come back but the good relations and memories will stay in our hearts forever.

I should always praise God for the past. I must always be thankful to Him for the present and I shall trust the Lord for the future.

Simple lessons that I should live for!

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the gift of life. Amen. 

Be Better Than Me

Giving Talk to hundreds of young people. Photo credit: TLF Media&Arts

"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." -Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)

In one of the many youth gatherings that I have been invited to give talks, as usual after the event, a somehow meet and greet happened. Many young people are approaching me for photo ops and for pray over. Some thanking me while some just wanted to ask for blessings.

One young fellow as he approached me and full of excitement he said; "Father, you're my idol. I want to be like you!"

I smiled, then soflty told him: "Please be better than me."

Prayer:

Lord, I want to give back to You all the praises and glory. I am nothing without you. May we all strive to be better people, better Christians. Amen.