Light, Spark And Glow!

"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
-Psalm 119:105

"You are the light of the world." -Matthew 5:14 (ESV)

One early morning I received this SMS (text message) from a dear friend:

"Each of us is a light that shines with the rest. Sometimes we twinkle alone.
But when you feel like you are about to loose your own spark, I am here to share my glow."

What a wonderful message I received, and this I am forwarding to all, today!

Remember this friends, "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." -Ephesians 119:105

Prayer:

Lord, help me to glow and be able to share my light to others. Amen.

The Barber's Story

"Come near to God and he will come near to you." -James 4:8 (NIV)

In a barber shop, the barber and his client were discussing something. The barber said, "I think there is something with your religion. Look around and see, there are so may hungry and poor people. There are crimes everywhere. And there is no peace. People are fighting and only thinking of themselves." And the barber continued to list all his negative observations about Catholicism. The client just listened.

Then the client invited the barber to look across the street and observe those who were passing by. He said, "I think there is something terribly wrong with all the barbers." The barber asked why. His client replied, "See that young man?, he has very long hair. That one has dirty hair. Oh, you see? the hair of that person is not well kept. So there is something wrong with the barbers."

The barber reasoned, "No, there is nothing wrong with us barbers. The problem is that those people do not come to us. If they will come to me and have a haircut, I will surely do something good for them and for their hair."

And his client affirmed, "that is exactly the point. If all the people come to Jesus, listen to him and follow him, then there will never be something wrong."

To all, I would like us to remember Jesus' invitation: "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28 (ESV). Yes, we come to Jesus!

Prayer:

Lord, you are the source of all that is good. Teach us to come to You always. Amen.

Empty Hands

Do God's works of Mercy and Love using our hands.

"You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone." - James 2:24 (ESV)

I heard one of my friend-priests sharing a story of a certain woman who had a dream. In her dream she died and she was face to face with St. Peter. She told St. Peter that she ought to be admitted to heaven.

St. Peter asked why he should let her enter heaven. The woman said that she was a faithful daily mass goer in her parish, she prayed everyday. She was faithful daughter of the church. The she showed her hands to him saying, "I have not done anything. You see, my hands are clean."

St. Peter examining the hands of the woman agreed that they were indeed clean. But he added, "Yes, your hands are clean, but they are also empty."

Sin of omission, the good things that we can do but we never did is a sin that will bring us to hell. Our faith must be manifested with our service to people. Our love of God must be manifested with the love of neighbor. Do not be empty handed. It is okey that our hands are dirty doing God's work of mercy!

Prayer:

Lord, I am sorry for the times I neglected doing good. Use my hands, make them dirty by doing acts of kindness to people. Amen.

True Love, True Friendship

Mark known to many as Onlok is a friend and a partner in all (charities and gimmiks).
we tried to be understanding to each one and even make "sabayan" in style and others.
Taken in one of our travels to Nueva Ecija while having lunch together.

"A friend loves at all times..." - Proverbs 17:17

One evening while sorting out photos taken with Mark Anthony N. Tayo whom I considered my best friend and partner in all I do, both in my personal and public (ministerial) life. I remember this story which I wanted to dedicate to him. 

There was an accident. A boy was in danger of death. He lost a great amount of blood. Blood transfusion was very badly needed. They asked for blood donors. Among the blood donors was a young boy. He freely volunteered and offered his blood.

The blood transfusion was done and it was successful. The young blood donor asked the doctor, "Will he live?" The doctor answered him positively. The doctor asked the boy, "You are young. What made you decide to give your blood? Were you not afraid? The Young boy answered, "I was not. I gave my blood because I love him. He is my friend."

To Mark, this I will do for our friendship. 

To all, I hope we learn to love, respect and give importance to your friends and for the friendship. God bless!

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the gift of friends. Thank you for your own friendship with us. Amen.

God Is With Us

Canned goods with short messages of hope were included to

relief packs distributed among the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda

(Haiyan) in the Philippines.

"Now behold, God is with us..."      - 2 Chronicles 13:12 (NASB)

In November 2013, the Philippines was visited by the most powerful typhoon ever recorded specifically in the Visayas that left many homeless and lost the lives of many relatives. This also led many people in exodus from their province devastated by the typhoon to their relatives in the Metropolis of Luzon.

Many asked questions like, "Will God attend and listen to their needs? Is God really alive?"

When the tragic news reached the whole country and abroad, different nations came to be of help. The Church asked leaders and mobilized the people together with Church's organizations to help and assist the victims.

Medicines, foods, clothing came pouring in. Monetary and material assistance both came from different personalities. Small and big efforts from different groups and walks of life came into the rescue.

Meeting some survivors, asking them the same questions "Do you think God is attending to your needs and listening to your prayers in this time of devastation?"  "Do you think God is alive?" "Where do you think God was when tragedy struck your place?" "Where do you think God is at this very moment?"

I was touched by their answer, that I wasn't able to notice my tears flowing towards my cheeks already. Their answers that made me cry: "God truly listens. He knows everything and intervenes. He cares about us and for us. God is alive and He is very much visible in those people who shared, came, and helped us in our needs."

Yes, God's loving presence will be alive and felt through our generosity and willingness to be of help and service to our brothers and sisters especially those who are in need.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for letting us feel your loving presence, your concern, your loving care in especially in times of difficulties. Thank you for touching the hearts of many and sending them to help us. Bless them, Lord in Your abundance of grace and mercy. Amen.

Family, The Most Beautiful Thing In the World

Our Family Pictures

"Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied faith and is worse than an unbeliever." -1 Timothy 5:8 (NIV)

There was a painter who wanted to make a masterpiece. He thought of painting the most wonderful object in the world. 

One day, he met a soldier and asked him about the most beautiful object in the world. The soldier answered; "It is peace. If there is peace, there will be order and harmony. No more wars, no more armed conflicts." The painter though to himself how he could paint peace.

While walking, the painter saw a couple and asked them the same question. "It is love", the couple replied. They continued, "with love you can do everything. You can give and you can forgive." "But how can I paint love?" the painter asked himself.

On a Sunday, after the Church service, he asked the priest what for him the most beautiful object in the whole world. The priest said "It is faith. Faith makes you move forward, go on, and be strong against all difficulties in life." But still the painter was not sure how to paint faith.

On a very tiring day, he went home and as he entered his house he was greeted with love and respect by his parents and brothers and sisters. And from their faces and gestures he saw peace, love and faithfulness. He said to himself. "I will paint a family. The family is the most beautiful thing in the whole world."

Indeed, we tend to look for the most beautiful thing in life, but realize that it is our family, yes our very own family is the most beautiful thing in our life.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for my family. Keep us together for always. Keep us in peace. keep us united. Make us all live in love and faithful to one another. Bless broken families, too, Lord that despite separation, they may still feel your loving presence and care. Amen.

Grow Old, Grow Good

Grow Old, Grow Good!

"Do not neglect to do good..." 
                 -Hebrews 13:16 (ESV)

There was a woman who lives for one hundred years. During her birthday celebration, she was asked to share her secret to a long and happy life.

She shared a very simple, yet straight and worth reflecting words. She said:

"This is what I consider a recipe for sweet long and happy life. I do not have dirty mind. I do not have a foul mouth. I just do good deeds."

Let us learn from her. Take that recipe to heart.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to grow old, to grow good. Amen.

Walk For Christ

Blessed Alfonso Maria Fusco
Founder of the Congregation of Sisters of St. John the Baptist

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. "   -Ephesians 2:10


I was told that it was during the ancient Russian Empire that rich landlords owned vast tracts of lands. They usually hired people to guard the boundaries of their properties. When these hired guards encountered other guards, they normally asked "For whom do you walk?". This is to be identified to whom they were working and the limits of the properties.

One day, a priest was walking towards a sick person to be anointed. A guard met him, not knowing he was a priest, he was asked, "Sir, for whom do you walk?"

The priest, surprised with the question answered reflectively, "I walk for Jesus!"

For whom do we walk? Do we walk for Jesus?

Prayer:
Lord, let me walk for you. Amen.

The Farmer

Farmers harvesting taken in Nueva Ecija. Photo by Michael Sinjin A. Pineda

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

                                                                                                       -James 4:7 (ESV)

There was a farmer approached by a beggar asking for some rice. The devil came and whispered to the farmer. "Don't give him. When you give, he will ask for more."

The farmer decided to give him rice. The devil again tempted him, and even suggested, "Okay, you can give but give him the inferior rice."

The farmer chose the first-class kind of rice he has for the beggar. Again the devil suggested just a cup of rice to the beggar. No more or even less.

The farmer replied to the devil, "if you will not stop tempting me I will even give the best and half of my harvest to the beggar." And the devil fle from him.

May we learn from the farmer, like him we can always resist devil's temptation! Pray always and do good to people!

Prayer:

Lord, please give me strength to resist temptation. Amen.

New Life

My friend Mark Anthony N. Tayo who recognized God's goodness in bringing

him to a newness of life. He recognizes God's unbounded love for him.

"Behold, I am making all things new...Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." -Revelations 21:5 (ESV)

Sharing another SMS (text message from my friend Mark Anthony N. Tayo which he sent me on October 10, 2013 at 11:20 in the evening:

"wow grabe ka naman ohhh, bakit ganyan ka mag-isip at magsalita? kinilabutan ako promise...napakalalim at napakatalinghaga...at napakamakabuluhan mong tao..."

(wow, you're really great ohhh, why you think and speak that way? I have goosebumps promise...it was so meaningful...you're such a good person...)

The following touched me most again:

"basta pasalamat talaga ako sa'yo at kay Papa Lord kasi binigyan n'yo ako ng 2nd life...meaning patay na ako nung wala ka pa. Eh dumating ka kaya eto!! I'm back at buhay na buhay para ipakitang may kabutihan pa din talaga at gawin ang mga mabubuting gawain na 'di ko pa nagagawa..."

(I am very thankful to you and to the Lord because you have given me 2nd life...meaning I have been dead when you came...you're now here so this is it!! I'm back and alive to show the goodness and do the the good things I wasn't able to do...)

I shared this because I am really touched by his recognition of the goodness of God. He acknowledged the life which out of God's goodness restored in him. I am happy that somehow, God made me an instrument to bring my friend into life and hope again.

Remember this, there are souls that as a priest I cannot bring closer to God but you my dear readers can! There are souls that can only be saved through you. Let us be open to God and his grace, we might be His instruments of bring others back to life again.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for using me to bring life to a friend. Please continue guiding him towards the newness of life. Amen.

A Prayer From A New-Found Friend

Mark Anthony N. Tayo in one of his photo shoots. 

"Be thankful in all circumstances..." -1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)

Yesterday, I wrote a story about my new-found friend, whom I first thought was not a good company but after our first-ever conversation I found out that he is a man of hope and deep aspirations.

His name is Mark Anthony N. Tayo.

After he read the story I wrote about him, he called me crying thanking me for the write-up. He told me that he was able to know himself well. And I assured him that what I have written was the person that I saw and experience in him. I thought, the conversation and the so many "thank you's" finished when we ended the call. But at 07:08 in the evening of November 9 (the same day I have written the story) he sent me an SMS (text message) which made me cry, too. A message that inspired me more. And I would like to share it here as it was:

"sa simula 'di ko alam kung sino ka at kung saan ka nanggaling, pero eto na, nagkakilala na tayo. Now, sasabihin ko sayo..Ronaldo Berber Manabat..maraming salamat sa pagsagip mo sa buhay ko."

What touched me more was the following which was part of his message to me, a prayer:

"Lord, salamat po kasi 'di kayo nagpapabaya sa taong alam mong kaya pa at may pag-asa pa. Na need lang ng isang kasama at katulong sa paglalakbay. Papa Lord salamat po sa pareng zenki ko...ito naman po ang dasal ko para sa kaibigan at maestro ko. Lord 'wag nyo po s'yang pababayaan, mas lalo n'yo pa po s'yang pagpalain para mas marami pa s'yang matulungan na kagaya ko. Alam ko pong may maiaambag ako sa kanya na sana magiging masaya ang bawat isa sa amin simula po ngayon. 'Di na po ako makakalimot at palagi na po akong magdadasal at itutuwid ko na po ang lahat ng kamalian ko. Tao po akong nagkakamali kaya Lord, patawad po sa mga kasalanan na nagawa ko. Mahal na mahal kita Panginoon. 'Wag mo din po pabayaan ang aming mga pamilya. Salamat po. Amen."

Oh, what a very inspiring and touching message and prayer! I thought I was the one who inspired him, but with his gratefulness to what happened, to our conversations and to my written story about him, but with this he was the one who inspired me and keep on inspiring me to touch more lives.

Now, I can really say to people that this friend, actually a new-found friend is a man not just of hope and aspirations. But a man with a true heart that loves and appreciates the goodness of others. He is a man with a grateful heart. A man of sincerity.

Pareng Mark, thank you for the inspiration. We journey together. I texted you back and you know my answer to this. Keep reading it and keep the faith!

You made me more proud of you! 

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for inspiring me. You really know when I needed it most. Thank you for sending me people. Thank you, Lord for the gift of persons, for the gift of friends. Bless him and all my friends, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Father, Will You Marry Me?

The wedding of my Utol Engr. Andrew dela Cruz and Tin-Tin Palad which
I officiated and witnessed. Note. This is not the wedding of a friend who called.

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever."

                                                                                                        -Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)

I don't usually answer phone calls with unregistered numbers in my cellphone. But I do not know what moved me to answer a phone call with unregistered number one morning.

When I answered it, a guy from the other line greeted me and said, "Father, will you marry me?" 

I was shocked with the proposal! Only to found out that the guy was a schoolmate way back in my high school days. What he really wanted to asked was If I can solemnize his marriage with a long time girlfriend. Of course I accepted the invitation.

In the evening of the same day, in my usual reflections, I realized something. I told myself, I should have answered him with a big yes when he said, "Father, will you marry me?

I realized something. Faithfulness is needed for a marriage to last forever. When I was ordained, I am indeed married to the Church. The conversation reminded me that I should always be faithful to the Church. I must always be faithful to my priesthood.

All of us Christians must be faithful to our baptismal promises. We must all be faithful to Christ.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Help us and give us the grace to be faithful to you. Amen.

Look At The Inside

I learn to judge not the person by appearance.

"There is a future, and your hope will not be cut off." -Proverbs 23:18 (ESV)

Sometime in August I met a guy whom when you look at him at a first glance you will be afraid to approach him because of his tattoos, but on a second look, seeing him embracing a little child will make you think that he must be good.

By providence, I met him again after more than a month, and was able to have a quite long conversation with him. I doubted his intentions of talking to me, but as we go along, he opened up things about his life, his love for family especially for his mother. He shared his realizations, wonderful realizations. He shared his thoughts on faith.

I told myself he is not just a guy. He is a guy with goal. He is a guy who needs companion on his journey. I see hope in him.He listens well and take everything in his heart and mind. I saw tears in his eyes.

I realized one thing, I should not look at the external appearance of a person, I should look at what is inside his heart. He is good. there is hope. He is a man of love and aspirations for his family.

I pray that he may find the way towards the realization of his goal in life. I hope I can journey with him at least through prayers.

Ah, he asked me, if he can be counted among my friends. And I said, Yes!

Pareng Marky, this is for you. Remember what I told you? God is making ways for us to be closer to him, He will make ways for us to reach our goal. That is if we will give him a chance in our life. That is if our goal is also clear to us. Keep the faith pare!

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for a new-found friend. I lift him up to you, please encourage him more. Inspire him more. Bless him and his family. Amen.

Saintly Light

"You are the light of the world...let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." 

                                                                                     -Matthew 5:14,16 (ESV)

There was a family who went on a tour. They visited magnificent Cathedral in a very famous city. The Cathedral is noted for its very beautiful and amazing stained-glass windows.

With the sun glowing in its splendor, it penetrates through the stained-glass windows which gives the inside of the Cathedral a radiant colors and lights..

While looking at those beautiful windows, the little girl asked her parents, "Who are those people in those beautiful windows?"

Her parents answered her, "They are Saints."

On their way to the Hotel, inside the car, the little girl told her parents and siblings. "I knew who are those Saints in the windows!"

The parents and her siblings with amazement, in chorus asked the little girl, "And who are they?"

The little girl in her innocence answered, "They are people who let the light shine through!"

Wow, what a very true statement. Saints are those who brought the light of Christ in their lives. Through them, we are able to give glory to God.

We are also challenged to be Saints, to be bearers of light through our good works. May through us, may through our lives and witnessing, others may see Christ, the true and eternal light.

Prayer:

Lord, please be my light so that my life be enlightened, that I may share yourlight to others by my works and life. Amen.

Pay It Forward

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another..." -1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

A man was driving in a deserted road when his car broke down. He has no means of fixing the car. He tried to fix it with his bare hands but he was unsuccessful. He waited and prayed.

Another car passed by and stopped upon seeing him and his car. Seeing the need to repair, the man from the other car took his toolbox and help him repaired something in the engine.

The engine started. The man, out of his gratitude offered a monetary reward. The other man firmly refused. He insisted. But the man continued to resist the money.

"How can I repay you? How can I show my appreciation for what you did to me?" He asked.

The man replied, "Just do what I did. When help is needed, stop and be of service."

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the time you send us people to help us. Teach us to do the same, to be of service to others. Amen.

Father?!? What?!?

Dog strap found in the accident scene.

"Lying lips are abomination to the Lord..." -Proverbs 12:22 (ESV)

There was a car accident. People came out to see the victim and to know what happened. They surrounded the victim. Timely, a newspaper reporter happened to pass by. He thought of sensational news, but he he could not see the victim because of the crowd. He could not go nearer. People would not give way to him.

He thought of a gimmick. He shouted on top of his voice, "Make way! I am the father of the victim! Let me pass! Give way for me, please!"

The people surprisingly looked at him. He shouted the more, "I am the father of the victim! Let me see him!"

The people moved out and gave way to him. He saw the victim. To his surprised, the victim was just a dog.

When we are lying we put ourselves to shamefulness.

Prayer:

Lord, let me not speak of lies. Let me always be truthful in all things. Amen.

Teach Your Children

Mother teaching her son. Photo from dreamstime.com

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."   

                                                                                                                   -Proverbs 22:6

There was a man walking along a very dark street late at night. Then, a thief held him up and demanded his wallet. The frustrated thief remarked, "You looked rich and you don't have money?"

The man replied that his money was secretly hidden in his belt . The thief immediately got the belt. There was a secret small pocket on it and true enough his money was there. The thief in his surprised asked the man, "Why did you tell me where your money was hidden?"

The man answered, "My parents always repeated to me three things in life that I must always do as I grow older. First, I must always pray to God. Second, I must always do good things to others. And lastly, I must always tell the truth."

The thief regrettably remarked, "If my parents told me those three things, surely I would never have ended up a thief."

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for our parents who are guiding us as we grow in age and wisdom. Bless our parents. Amen.

Agents of Christ's Love and Compassion

"So we are Christ's Ambassadors; God is appealing through us." -2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT)

I heard the story of a mother who heard his son screaming in the middle of the night. The boy woke us because of a very bad dream. The loving mother went to him and said:

"Do not be afraid. God is here. God is everywhere. He will protect you."

"Oh, yeah!" The boy replied. He continued, "But I need someone who has skin."

In other words the boy needed someone there that he could feel and touch. He needed someone whose protecting presence he can sense.

The story do not underestimate the power of  God, but the story reminds us Christians that we are the Body of Christ. We bring God's tangible presence into our world and into the lives of those who are feeling alone and crushed by life. We help them carry their burdens.

I remember Saint Teresa of Avila who said:

"Christ has no body but yours. He has no hands and feet on earth but yours.
Yours are the eyes of Christ with which he looks with compassion on this world.
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.
Yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours."

Indeed, through our prayers and acts of love we can bring God's loving presence to all those who are desperate, to all those who are lonely, to all those who are needy. To all those who fear. In short to everyone who wants to feel God.

Be his Ambassadors! Be Agents of His love and compassion!

Prayer:

Lord, use me to let other people feel your loving and compassionate presence in their own lives. Amen.

Cardinal Van Thuan: A Man of Love and Forgiveness

His Eminence Francis Xavier Nguyen Cardinal Van Thuan
with the Cross he made  from bits of woods and copper
electric wire while in Prison which later served as his
pectoral cross. Photo by Steven Siewert

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." -Romans 12:9 (ESV)


His Eminence Francis Xavier Nguyen Cardinal Van Thuan, a Saintly man of God was imprisoned in Vietnam by the communist regime. He related his experience  during a Lenten Retreat with Pope John Paul II. This is the story:

While in prison, a guard asked him, "Do you Love us?

The Saintly Cardinals answered, "Yes, I love you."

The guard was surprised by the answer. He cannot believe the cardinal and his answer.

"That's very impossible! We have kept you in prison for many years. There was no sentence, no trial, and you still say you love us? Oh, that's not true!"

The good Cardinal replied, "You know it is true. I have been with you for many years."

The unbelieving guard said, "When you are free, will you send your followers to burn our houses, and kill our families for revenge?

"No, even if you want to kill me, I love you still." The Cardinal answered.

The guard asked again, "But why?

Cardinal Van Thuan  lovingly and in a soft voice answered, "Because our Lord Jesus taught us as his followers to love everyone, even our enemies. When I don't, I am no longer worthy to be called Christian."

"Very difficult to understand."  The guard finally said. "But beautiful!" He added.

Indeed, it is very hard to understand. It is very hard to love and forgive people who do harm to us, but let Jesus reminds us as Christians:

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." -Ephesians 4:32

Prayer:

Lord, teach us to love and forgive. Thank you for giving us a model in the person of Cardinal Van Thuan of Vietnam. Amen.

On Confession

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9 (NIV)

In one of the Kumpisalan ng Bayan which we organized when I was the Parish Priest of Sto. Domingo de Guzman Parish in Basco, Batanes I was moved to tears seeing many people came to avail of the Holy Sacrament of Confession.

One of the faithful who saw me wiping my eyes as I went out of the confessional approached me and asked:

"Father, were you crying? What made you cry then? Is it the sins you heard in confession?"

I answered:

 "Yes, I was in tears. They were tears of joy. I am very happy to see that the Church, I mean, you and me, our Parish, our people, we still have Christ in us and with us. We still see our need of Him".

Then, I shared to her what Blessed John Paul II said during his homily on an Ash Wednesday.

The Blessed Pope said:

"When we forget the need for penance, self-denial and sacrifice, we forget the fact of sinfulness. When we forget that we are sinners, we forget our need of Christ. And when we forget we need Christ, the we have lost everything."


Prayer:

Lord, thank you very much for the wonderful Sacrament of Your Love and Compassion--the Holy Sacrament f Confession. Amen.

A Man in the Drive-Thru

"..let each of you gently consider the others as more important than yourselves." -Philippians 2:3

Whenever I am on the go, I do not want to waste time. One time, while I am rushing going to my scheduled meeting and I was so hungry, I asked Kuya Santie, my driver to pass by a fast-food restaurant.

Seeing long lines in almost all its cashier section, I asked him to just take a drive-thru. As we turned the corner, I was surprised to see a man walking, making his order, went to the next window to pay. I saw the crew's face in amazement!

Wow, what a very resourceful man. I thought I have better idea. But this man has!

Sometimes, we need to learn from people around us. We don't just stick to what we know. We don't just stick to what we thought is good. We don't just stick to our own ideas. Others may have the best!

Prayer: 

Lord, thank you for opening my eyes to the truth that I do not have all the best in life. Help me recognize the good in others. Amen.

A Priest At All Time

Taken during the Blessing of the Chapel of Jesus,
the Bread of Life of the Eucharistic Formation House
when I was it's Rector and Formator.

"You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek" -Psalm 110:4

In some of the chapels where I usually celebrate the Sunday Holy Mass because they do not have a sacristy or a place where I can vest myself for the celebration, I usually wear the chasuble at the door of chapel.

One Sunday, as I am already vesting, a little boy was observing me. He approached me and asked:

"Are you going to change into a priest?"

I smiled and everybody who heard him smiled, too.

A very awakening experience.

I must be a priest every time and all the time, any where and every where!

Prayer:

Lord, forgive me for the times that I seem to be not living my priesthood. Amen.

Giving With Love

A plastic bottle full of coins donated by an old lady
for the Construction of  Padre Pio Parish in Sucat, Paranaque

"...God loves a cheerful giver." -2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)

My spiritual director since when I was a young seminarian and a friend, Fr. Eric Salazar is again building a new church, The Padre Pio Parish in Sucat, Paranaque.

Helping him with the raising of funds, I always encourage people in places where I am invited to celebrate Holy Mass to help him in building the church.

One Sunday at the San Isidro Labrador Parish, his former Parish whom he finished and beautify, some weeks after the announcement I made, after the Holy Mass an old lady followed me in the parish office and handed me a plastic bottle full of coins. Se said, "Father, please give this to Fr. Eric for Padre Pio Church. This is all I have. But I want to be part of building the Church."

I thank her and said, "God bless the gift, especially the giver" which I always say to people who gives gifts to me with my hands making the sign of the Cross to the gift and to the giver.

I brought the plastic bottle in Sucat, and gave it to Fr. Eric, he was so happy, too and we shared the same feeling of gratefulness to that old lady.

I was moved to tears by her generosity. That is all she had, but she willingly gave for the building up of the Church.

I was challenged, to do something more and give all I have, my strength, my talents, my everything for the building up if the Kingdom of God.

Prayer:

Lord, bless that old lady for her generosity. Thank you for teaching us to give and sacrifice for the sake of Your Kingdom. Amen.

"Father"

Let us pray for our priests.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you..." -Jeremiah 1:5 (RSV Catholic Version)

Parents when having babies usually make plans for them. Some parents ask their children to take courses that they want instead of what their children want. I read the following from a friend's Facebook post and I am sharing this:

You thought he would be a cardiologist.

Now, he spends his time mending broken hearts.

Or maybe an engineer.

Now he spends his time building the Kingdom of God on earth.

You thought he would be a great dad.

Now thousands of people call him "father".

Let us remember this:

They have the most important job in the world, but they also have the most powerful enemy trying to destroy them from doing their work.

Sometimes, we don't realize how our priests play roles in our lives, and in our society.

Please helm them. Pray for them. Understand them.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving your Church priests who give themselves in the service. Guide, bless, encourage and save your priests. Amen.

A Brother's Care

Kuya Nonie Arzanan from His FB profile

"Let the charity of brotherhood abide in you." -Hebrews 13:1

Going back to my past, I remember people who in one way or another played important roles in my journey towards the realization of my vocation. Some played very big roles, some unnoticed, but in my mind and heart, even how little they seem to be, they will never be forgotten and I will always be grateful to them. And I want to dedicate this page to one of them. Kuya Nonie Arzanan, a kababayan (town mate) from Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija.

When I first came to Maria Assumpta, he was the first one who greeted me. Upon seeing that my room was almost bare, he went away and coming back he was bringing already a foam for my bed, curtains for my windows, a lampshade and some toiletries. He brought some of his extra things from his own room.

He let me feel welcomed and loved. The following day, an early morning serenade was rendered to us new comers and when I opened my door, it was he who was standing outside bringing a glass with lighted candle which he handed to me.

Those acts of Kuya Nonie made me feel more at home in the seminary. His kind words encouraged me to go on. Now, I am a priest and he played an important role in it.

I hope many of us can play roles in other's life. Not necessarily extraordinary.  Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, "Do ordinary things with great love."

Thank you Kuya Nonie!

(Note: Kuya refers to an elderly brother.)

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving me a brother who gave me so much encouragement in his own little way. Bless him and his loved ones. Amen.

Fr. Apu Mateo: A Friend and Inspiration

With Fr. Apu Mateo in his second visit
to me, I asked him to be with me in
celebrating the Holy Mass at Cittadela
in Las Pinas. Taken with MBG members.
Photo courtesy of Sis. Tess Cayabyab

"When you do good deeds, don't try to show off...When you give to the poor, don't blow a loud horn..." -Matthew 6:1,2 (CEV)

Fr. Apolinard Victor Narcise Mateo whom we fondly called Fr. Apu is a young priest from the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao.

He came from the seminary where I finished my Philosophy, the Christ the King Mission Seminary under the Society of Divine Word (SVD) in Quezon City. We've been together at Eucharistic Center both as seminarians, he in Philosphy and I, taking my Theology at Maryhill School of Theology also in Quezon City.

After my ordination in May of 2007, a year later I was assigned as Rector and Formator of the Seminarians for Northern Luzon Dioceses studying in Manila and residing at the Eucharistic Formation House in Quezon City. Fr. Apu was one of those seminarians.

I saw in him good leadership qualities and I really saw in him love and compassion for the poor. When ordained priest in 2011, he started thinking on how to repay those generous people who helped him finished his studies. According to him, one of his benefactors told him to help others instead of repaying him. He then started helping poor but deserving youth go to school with his monthly allowance as a priest.

He go asking friends to help him that made her mother commented "Why make yourself like a beggar begging for something?" In which he told his mother, "Ma, for me this is not begging. This is my mission, to be the voice of these young people. To be an instrument of teaching people to be generous."

I must admit, I admire this young fellow for doing this, he called his program "Genple"  which stands for "Generous People". He once said, "they are not my scholars, they are scholars of those generous people giving their trust and extending their helping hands."

What an inspiration to people like me to be more generous. Taking not his own honor but giving honor and acknowledgment to whom it is due.

Fr. Apu, I am proud of you! Those who are interested in helping Fr. Apu in his work for the poor can contact him at +639175655002

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving you people a priest like Fr. Apu. Encourage him and give him strength. Amen.

Boljak!

With my Bishop, the Most Rev. Camilo D. Gregorio,
taken during the Renewal of Ordination Promises
at the Chrism Mass 2013 at Basco Cathedral, Batanes

"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in." -Proverbs 3: 11-12 (NIV)

I am not perfect. I have my shortcomings. I have my share of failures in my life and my ministry as a priest.

I must admit for many times I have been given "boljak" letters by my bishop. But those letters made me learn. Those letters made me realize many things.

My bishop loves us his priests and he does not want us "to throw to the swine the precious pearl" we have--our priesthood. So, every time we received "boljaks" from him, be it personal or through letters, I saw it as a manifestation of his paternal love for me.

I thank my bishop for loving us and correcting us. I thank my bishop for teaching and guiding us. I just wanted him to know how thankful I am for having him as my bishop.

(Note: Boljak is a street-coined-word meaning admonition.)

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving me a bishop like mine. Continue give him the wisdom in guiding us his priests. Amen.

A Letter to A Friend, A Brother and An Inspiration

Kuya Caesar Battling with sickness. Let us pray for him.

"GIve thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." -1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)

Ever Dearest Kuya Caezar,

Glory to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament!

I have decided to write this letter for you so that the world may know who you really are.

I just want to thank this opportunity of thanking you for being a big brother to me which never stop when we part our ways in the seminary. You graduated, I transferred. Even after those happy days in Maria Assumpta, you still let me feel until now that I am your "Little Tetet". Remember that name you gave me? Do you still remember where did you get that name? It was when you saw me wearing always my favorite jersey with the name of my section in Vincentian Catholic Academy "St. Therese" and when you saw me catering to the needs of those beggars coming to oue seminary, you told me that I am the male version of Mother Teresa. So, since then you lovingly called me "Tetet".

Your vocation is an inspiration to me, that though you were never given the chance, you still serve the Good Lord in all capacity you can. You're great. You've inspired me kuya.

Your love for the Blessed Mother led me to a greater devotion to her. I cling on her in my vocation journey. I consecrated my priestly life to her, and I learned it from you.

Ah, There was a funny incident, It was my first wednesday in the seminary, usually we pray the Rosary by group or alone in the seminary grounds, I saw you walking alone, holding you big-beaded Rosary, I run towards you and kissed you hand asking for your blessing because I thought you were one of our format ors, and you told me the truth. Hehe. You never lived as pressumptous as others said about you. Well, never mind them.

I knew it, your life was as challenging as everyone can imagine but I knew it, you never gave up your faith to God. You never left Him. You continue loving and serving Him.

The last time I met you was when I was the rector and formator of the seminarians in Quezon City, vividly I can recall your request "Tetet, wherever you are, please come when my time comes". Kuya, life indeed is a mystery, now that you are experiencing the pain of that sickness, I can say that you are indeed blessed. Yes, blessed and chosen because you are given the chance to join Jesus in His suffering on the Cross. Kuya, I asked you to offer those sufferings for us poor sinners, for me most specially that the Good Lord may sustain me in my vocation.

Kuya, I am praying for you. I love you and God bless you. To write everything here will never be enough to thank you and to tell the world what kind of person you are. Kuya, thank you for being a big brother not just in size but in reality. Thank you for being a true and best friend to many of us. Thank you for the inspiration. We love you.

Your Little Tetet,

Zenki with much affection to you

Taxi Driver: My Teacher

From the FB page Get A Taxi

"Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" 
-2 Corinthians 9:15 (ESV)

One evening I need to meet a priest-friend from the province. I need to take a cab (taxi) that will bring me to the place where we agreed to meet one another.

There were many taxi cabs who do not want to take me to the place. I prayed to the Lord to send me someone.

Answered prayer! Wow, right in front of me is a taxi cab, I asked the driver first if it is ok for him to bring me to the place for it's really quite far from where I am staying.

At first he was so hesitant, giving me many alibis. But I insisted. He took me for the ride.

While on our way, I started conversing with him, asking him questions. I learned he is in his forty, with three children but the second child is very sick. Deep within my heart, I am planning to give him more. I asked him to pray to God to help him with his problems.

Upon arriving at the location, I gave him the total amount he needed for his boundary telling him that God loves him and his family. He said "Sir, I will just wait for you and bring you home again".

"No, you don't need to", I said. "Just go around for you to get some passengers, so that you can earn more tonight", I added.

A priest-friend handed me a check payable to cash with not so big amount. I went out of the place, and here comes the taxi driver whom I thought left already. Yes, he waited for me. He insisted to bring me back home.

On our way home, I asked him why he needed to do it for me, as I gave him without asking him anything in return, I told him that I just wanted to help his son suffering from hepa meningitis (I do not know if I heard it right, It's a medical term anyway). Telling him that It is the Lord who is so good to him that He let him stop at me and at that moment made me needed a cab. It was the Lord who arranged everything.

I was surprised with his answer:

"Sir, I knew it is the Lord. I was driving already the whole day, but I got only some passengers, most of them were so inconsiderate asking me to bring to far places but never gave me anything, and here you come, you don't even know me, and you help me. If it is not the Lord, It is impossible. You must love God, Sir and you are showing it by being compassionate to people. I learned from you Sir, because I believe in God, I must also take care of you. It is already evening and you have no one with you. So I will bring you home."

Wow, what an experience. Love begets love. Respect begets respect. Service begets service.

The taxi driver taught me to be always thankful. And being truly thankful can only be expressed through loving service.

Before I went out of the taxi, I handed him the check. "Use this for the medicine of your boy. God loves you so much!"

What a wonderful experience of seeing God and experiencing his love. His inexpressible gifts of persons and learnings!


Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the opportunity of serving you. Thank you for the great opportunity of meeting simple people in whom I have much to learn. Bless the taxi driver whom I forgot to get the name and his family. Heal his son. Amen.

Bodegera Ng Diyos

The heart that loves gives. Photo from FB page of Stewardship

"But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth..." -Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV)

I had a lady friend who despite we just knew each other for quite a short time is very much supportive already of all my works and apostolate.

Whenever I asked her to give some help she is always ready to extend her helping hands. She never hesitated. Actually I was so touched when she told me that she is trusting me. I thank the Lord for her trust.

One day, I sent him an SMS (text message) thanking her for everything, for all the support and trust but most especially for really giving for the ministry without counting anything in return, she just asked me to always remember her in my prayers which I am faithfully doing.

I was moved to tears by her very simple and humble reply:

"Father, pareho lang po tayo ng adhikain. Lahat po yan galing sa Kanya. Ipinadaan lang po sa akin. Bodegera lang po ako ng Diyos :)"

What a humble and faithful steward of God she is. I am inspired by her to do more and give more myself for the service.

[Note: Bodegera from the root word bogeda, a place where goods are being stored. Bodegera (female) Bodegero (male) is a person in-charge of those goods.]

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving me this friend, you know her, she doesn't want her name to be mentioned for she always want to be anonymous. I ask you Lord to always bless her and keep her and her family from sickness and danger. Thank you also for challenging me to give more and do something more through her. Amen.

The Blessing In Tears

from FB page of Teardrops and Pain Loneliness and Sadness

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes..." -Revelation 21:4

I was brought up with a belief that men should not cry. But Albert Smith said:

"Tears are the safety valve of the heart when too much pressure is laid on it."

My realization:

Our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in a while so that we see life more clearly.

Prayer:

Lord, help me see the beauty of life. Amen.

Count Your Heartbeat

from the fb page of Sa Puso Ng Taong MAHAL ko :">

"He will love you, bless you and multiply you."       
 -Deuteronomy 7:13


I once went to an isolated place with no one accompanied me. I just wanted to be alone. There I tried to be silent, meditated and pray.

I was looking for answers to many questions bothering me. I am trying to count God's blessings to me.



While in deep prayer and solitude,  I almost heard my heartbeat. Then I realized a very simple truth.

Sometimes the only blessing we need to sound is our heartbeat...a blessing for daily existence. Isn't?

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the blessings. Amen.

Embrace Trials and Be Blessed!

The Pearls of Great Price. Credit to: www.CathayGems.com

"Consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds." -James 1:2 (NIV)

It was a bright sunny day. Oysters were very happy and enjoying the wonderful day. But there was one oyster who was just alone by himself. He felt great pain in his body.

The other oysters seeing him alone called him to play with them.

The lonely oyster begged off because of the intense pain he is feeling in his body. He was in agony. He envied the other oysters, there were full of life and they were joyfully playing.

The lonely oyster was in deep pain. He felt a great weight over his body. He was crying. He just stayed in his little place.

His pain had swollen. He felt the swollen pain so hard and solid. But when the bright sunlight  shone on him, a spark was see. From his body radiated a dazzling light.

The other oysters who were then playing around noticed it. They became curious. Seeing the lonely oyster made them amused. They gathered around him to see and know where the dazzling light came from.

Behold, they saw a huge pearl!

Remember this; we may be in pain right now, but the tears, those pains, the swollenness are in the process of becoming a pearl.

Trials can be a source of blessings if we will learn to embrace them.

Prayer:

Lord, give me strength to embrace those pains and trials in my life. Bless me, O Lord. Amen.

Trying Hard

Trying Hard to live a Holy Life. Photo taken by Fr.Brigido Casas.

"Whatever you do, work heartily..." -Colossians 3:23 (ESV)

I read from a CD case cover of the Album of Frs. Jeffrey Quintela and Rock Berdos both from the Diocese of Antipolo the following:

Trying Hard...Have we ever pondered and truly reflected on these words? To try hard is to exert effort to make better, if not to perfect something. Be it a craft, a skill, a talent or even human trait.

To try hard takes too much perseverance and determination in order to achieve perfection.

To try hard means to give your best shot for a change.

Although, the words sometimes solicit a negative reaction but in reality we are all trying hard in everything we do. We do not try hard to change for the worst. Right? 

Instead we try hard to change for the better, if not the best that we can be.

Don't we all try hard to be good to others and to be closer to God?

There's nothing wrong in trying hard.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to try harder this time. Amen.

Slippers

Photo taken by Mr. Opal Bala. Ramp going to the
Eucharistic Adoration Chapel of Basco Cathedral,
Batanes, Philippines

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 
                  -2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)

Slippers are worn not just to protect our feet but to bring us to places where bare-footed people couldn't go.

Most of the time, God play the role of slippers.

He carries us no matter how rough the earth we walk on.

May we enjoy our walk with God always!

He promised us:

"You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall posses." -Deuteronomy 5:33 (ESV)

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for carrying me in the walk of life. Amen.

Have You Asked Him?

The Father reaches to us.
Photo from Christian Fathers and Husbands Fanpage.

"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us." -1 John 5:14 (ESV)

There was a very young boy who was trying to move his little bed. His father was just watching him. The small boy could not move his bed even a little. He tried everything and they were no use.

The father asked the little boy, "Have you tried everything my dear?"

"Yes, daddy" the boy answered positively.

The father asked him again, "Have you exhausted all your means?"

"Daddy, I tried everything and used all my efforts, but I really can't move it."

The father responded, "My son, you have not yet tried everything. You should have asked me to help you."

In life, most of the time we thought we have done everything, we have tried all the possible ways, but we forgot to ask God to help us. We are forgetting Him. He should have the first one we should approach to. Unfortunately, he became our last resort in many cases. The worst, to most of us, we really forget him.

We call upon him now and he will never forsake us. He will never abandon us. He will for sure help us.

Try prayer, it works!


Prayer:

Lord, I am sorry for forgetting you always. May I always be reminded that you are just there waiting for me to ask your help. Help me, Lord, help me. Amen.