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.

Praying At The Cab

The hanged plastic-laminated poster of
the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus just
at the back of the driver's seat.

"Lord, teach us to pray..." -Luke 11:1

One day as I took a cab (taxi), for the first time I took the back seat and I was surprised with what I have seen. A plastic-laminated poster of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus with prayer in it is hanging at the back of the driver's seat. The picture with prayer just in front of me or of any passenger taking it. I was so happy to see that. I prayed the prayer, then thank the driver whom I forgot to ask the name.

In another instance, as I took the back seat of a taxi, I saw a prayer hanged also just at the back off it's front seat A Traveler's prayer. As I prayed it, my fear vanished and feel good and safe as we travel. The prayer reminded me to entrust everything to God.

I just thought that these taxis and their owners and drivers are agents of Evangelization. They are reminding us that there is indeed God. Just pray and we will experience His mighty power.

Prayer: 
Lord, thank you very much for using places, people, things and even situations to remind us of your loving presence. Amen.

The Traveler's Prayer in one of the Taxis
I was very fortunate to take in one of my
travels.

The Power Of Christ

"Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." -John 1:3 (NIV)

I read from somewhere the following about the power of Christ:

Cleansing power.
Healing power.
Restoring power.
Identifying power.
Strengthening power.
Transforming power.

Christ is powerful. Come to Him and experience His power in your life!

Prayer:
Lord, let me experience your power in my life. I come to you in the silence of my heart. Amen.

Michael B. Avelino: Model of Honesty

Mr. Michael B. Avelino, the Honest Taxi (Cab) Driver

"For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man." -2 Corinthians 8:21 (ESV)

August 8, 2014. I was waiting for a cab along North EDSA for some 30 minutes. I prayed to the Lord to send me a ride for I was trying to bit my time, when suddenly a cab came.

When I was inside it, I noticed the photo frame displayed just infront of me. Recognizing Mr. Tulfo, a Radio Anchor of Wanted sa Radyo Program, I asked the driver if it was he who was with Mr. Tulfo and his co-anchor.Indeed, it was he. He was an awardee of the GAWAD KATAPATAN given by the Radio Program to Taxi Drivers returning valuable things left behind by their passengers.I congratulated him and told him that I am honored that my driver is a man of honesty and honor.

The framed photo of Mr. Avelino inside his cab.

Then he started telling me stories of things he returned to the passengers. One will see in the face of Mr. Avelino sincerity and honesty. Mr. Aveino is indeed worthy of emulation not just by cab drivers but by everyone. We should aim to be honorable not only in the sight of God but even of men.

It was indeed an honor to me to meet this guy, a 23 year old honest Cab driver. Kudos to Mr. Avelino.Let us imitate him. If everyone becomes honest. God will bless us and our nation!

Prayer:
Lord, I ask you t bless Mr. Michael B. Avelino 
and his family with your grace and blessings.
Make us all live in honesty in your sight and in the
sight of our brothers and sisters. Amen.

The medal of Mr. Avelino hanged in his cab together with a Rosary

Freeman: A Reminder from God

Mark Anthony reading the Bible while waiting
for our departure from Hong Kong

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" -Romans 8:31 (NIV)

August 4, 2014. Mark Anthony Tayo known to the FB world as Freeman. As he usually do, he fetched me from the Lord's Flock Heritage Building after I gave lecture to the members of the Mother Household of the Community.

By the way, Mark Anthony is my Pare Ko. He usually accompanies me in some of my missions. He is also an Ambassador of Goodwill of a certain foundation doing outreach programs among the poor children and public schools in provinces.

We go back to my story. After he fetched me from the Heritage Building of the Lord's Flock Community, he took me for dinner and brought me home. While in the car, I shared with him some fears. He is one of the few people whom I trusted with some of the events in my life. I shared to him my thoughts on something.

With that conversation with him. He once again reminded me of a very simple Biblical Principle which somehow I have forgotten because I was to engrossed with the situation. He told me "Huwag kang matakot! Walang bibitiw. Mahaba ppa at marami pa..." (Do not be afraid! No one will let go. It still a long journey and there will still be more...")

I was reminded of the things he always is telling me or texting me whenever I feel some discomforts with situations; "Hindi tayo matitinag basta kasama natin si Lord" or "Hindi tayo matitinag kasi kasama natin si Papa Lord!""Hindi tayo mapaghihiwalay sa pagmamahal ni Papa Lord"

What a wonderful reminder that nothing can separate us from the love of God. And indeed it's true that "If God is with us, who can be against us!"

This simple guy taught me great spirituality. This simple guy doesn't know is teaching me to trust more on God. To have more faith in Him.

Pare Ko Freeman Mark Anthony Tayo, you just don't know that with those little conversations you are teaching me more. You are indeed a reminder of God to me.

Thank you for that!

God is indeed using people around us, He is indeed using those moments to let His presence, His love be felt by us.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving me Freeman, to remind me to trust your love. To trust only you. To fear not because you are with me. You are with us. Bless Freeman with good health and more wisdom. Guide him and grant him his heart's deepest desire. Amen. 

The Love of God Is...

"...God is love." -1 John 4:8 (NIV)

I just realized when I was alone in my room and praying. The Love of God:

is the VOICE when we do not know what to say.

is our STRENGTH when we are tired.

is our HOPE when we are discouraged.

and our JOY when we are sad and in sorrow.

Just feel the love of God and we will be secured. Wow! God Himself really is love!

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for loving me. I want to love you more. Amen.

Are We Holy?

"He has saved us and called us to a holy life..." -2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV)

A preacher was searching for a solution to his Sunday problem which was that half of his congregation left during his sermon. Then he hit on this idea.

One Sunday, he started his sermon saying:
"Dear sisters and brothers, my sermon will be divided into two parts, first for holy people and second for sinners."

Then he requested those who believe themselves as sinners to leave. Nobody left. All stayed for the whole sermon.

Prayer:
Lord, we are sorry for our sins. Lead us to a life pleasing to you. Amen.

Inspired by The Pangasinan Auto Enthusiasts

The members of Pangasinan Auto Enthusiasts.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." -Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

I was invited by the members of the Pangasinan Auto Enthusiasts to join them during their second meet and greet event after they were organized. The Organization was organized to unite all auto groups in the whole of Pangasinan Province.

When I arrived at their meeting place, I was quite hesitant to join the group. An all-men group thinking who will listen to me from among them. But my adopted brother Allan introduced me to them. They were so warm and hospitable.

The members a they listened to my short message.

They were happy in welcoming me to the gatherings All of them shook my hand and smiled at me.  

What inspired me most, when I started praying over them and blessing them, they really showed respect to God. They put God first in their foundation, they put God first in their activities..

I see hope. As long as there are men acknowledging their need of God, we will have families that are connected to God! Families that will become beacon of light and that will become inspiration to many. As long as there are auto enthusiasts that respect and love God above all our hi-ways will be safe!

Prayer:

While blessing the members.

Lord, bless these Auto Enthusiasts, may many be inspired by them and through them. Keep them safe always. Amen.                                                                                                                                        

Sacramentals Are Not Charms

The Virgin of Manaoag in Pngasinan, Philippines

"Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father's house into a marketplace!" -John 2:16 (NLT)

Last July 19, 2014 I went to Pangasinan with justa friend with me. We paid a visit to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag. Since we were not rushing, I was able to go around the vicinity. I have nothing against those selling foods outside the the Church compound. Actually I bought a lot of "puto kutchinta", "kornik", and "tupig". But what called my attention when some vendors of I thought religious articles approached us and selling us small images. I am about to buy because I wanted to give some friends back in Manila pocket image of Our Lady. But seeing those packs of images with inscription "LUCKY CHARMS" I told them I do not believe in Lucky Charms.

Each pack contains miniature images of the Holy Family with Inscription for "For Good Family Relationships", an image of Our Lady of Manaoag  with "For Safe Travel", a Benedictine Cross with an inscription "For Successful Business" and another small image which I wasn't able to recognize with an inscription "For Successful Lovelife".

As I have said, I have nothing against those vendors but I am very much against those sacramentals treated as luck charms.This is very much rampant not just within the vicinity of Manaoag, but also so some other Chruches. I hope we priests can do something about this. I pray that informed and evangelized lay workers and leaders of these churches can do something. We catholics are being accused by other religions to be so supertitious and we are if we will never stop this. They can sell sacramentals, or religious articles, why not? But please do not treat them as charms or amulets.

While offering and lighting some candles in honor
of Our Lady of Manaoag.

For everyones information; Our crucifix, icons and other articles are examples of what we call sacramentals. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church to prepare us to receive the fruit of the sacraments and to sanctify different circumstances of our lives (no. 1677).

I hope that all of us Catholics be informed and evangelized with the truth. We treat Holy Articles as Holy and not as charms or amulets.

Prayer:
Lord, forgive us our trespasses. Help to remain in your truth. Keep us Holy. Amen.

The Grass

Beautiful morning dew on the very green grass.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

I remember when I was the rector of the seminarians, we usually have the afternoon manualia (we work together to clean the seminary and its grounds). Even I was the formator, I see to it that I joined the seminarians in most of their activities even with cleaning. I was once assigned to cut the grass and burned them. While doing the assigned work, It just came into my mind something.

The grass I was cutting taught me something:

God wants us to live like grass. Even if it's stepped on, crushed, burned and cut, it always persists and grows back even greener.

In life, we sometimes feel that we are stepped on because of trials and persecutions and even of false accusations. Just be like the grass. Go back to life and be stronger. Be back to life and trust the Lord who knows the truth! Who knows everything about you!

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for those moments that I feel you loving embrace in the midst of all those trials. Make me strong, O Lord. Amen.

In Life...

With the group of young people finding joy in giving their time, talent and
even their limited treasures for the greater glory of God by serving as
young missionaries. They are the members of the New Generation, a youth
group of The Lord's Flock Catholic Charismatic Community.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." -Romans 12:2 (ESV)


In my life experiences, with all the places that I have been and with many people that I met. I knew I will still have many places to go, people to meet and experiences to have. But I can say that somehow those taught me something:

That it's by LOVE that we SACRIFICE and SERVE.

It's by PATIENCE that we UNDERSTAND and FORGIVE.

It's by TRIALS that we become STRONG and GAIN WISDOM.

And, it's only by SHARING that we BECOME BLESSINGS to others.

Get it? I hope you catch me!!!


Prayer:
Lord, Thank you. Help me to love, to be patient, to be strong and be able to share. Amen.

True Friends

Friends from UPSIV and EDDMI together.

"The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray." 
                                                                                             -Proverbs 12:26 (NLT)

In my life I experienced having many trials. I cried most of the times.But one thing I realized:

TRUE FRIENDS cry when you leave. FAKE FRIENDS leave when you cry.

Yes in those moments, I lost many whom I thought were my friends. But I found some who very true to me.

In your life, in your relationship with people, what kind of friend are you?

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the gift of true friendship. Make me one to others. Amen.

Consumed to Be Holy

The young men and women gathered to be consumed by Fire of God's love.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." -Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

My first time to join the team of young men and women volunteers from The Lord's Flock Catholic Charismatic Community in their Singles and Youth Faith on Fire Conferences in Davao and in Metro Manila. I saw in these young people their willingness to be used by God for His greater glory despite their limitations and their age.

For many of them, just to be able to join the team of volunteers to Davao, they sold their shoes, some were selling goodies and others just for them to raise some amount for the airfare and allowance while in Davao. 

I am inspired by these young workers, going out of their comfort zones, sacrificing things just to be able to work for the Lord. I am convinced that, as long as there are young people like them, there is hope for the Church. There is hope for humanity.

May I ask parents to support the good cause of their children. Teach them to be holy as our Father in heaven is holy.

May I as a priest continue to inspire them by my own witnessing and by my willingness to be used by God, to be sent by God even to paces where my comfort will be sacrificed. For God's greater glory!

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for these young people. Thank you for inspiring me through them. Continue to bless them. Amen.

Christmas in June

Turbo Jet stationed at Macao Ferry Terminal which brought me to Hong Kong.

"...and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" -Matthew 1:23

I was travelling from Macao to Hong Kong on June 6, 2014 to attend the Pentecost Sunday Celebration organized by the Service Committee of the Diocese of Hong Kong on Charismatic, Renewal and Covenanted Communities. While filling up my departure card, I heard music being played. They were Christmas songs such as "Joy to the World" and "Noel". I asked Mark Tayo, my companion if it is really being played by the Ferry personnel or maybe one of the travelers who was just playing it through his mobile gadgets. He confirmed, it was being played from the Ferry and not from someone's gadgets.

I stopped for a moment, then I smiled at my realization. It was a wonderful reminder to me that Christmas must always be celebrated. Christmas is not just a specific season of the year. Christmas is forever! Everyday must be a Christmas day!

I am reminded to live the spirit of Christmas. The spirit of Christ's birth. He is the Immanuel, through me may God be felt always. His presence must be manifested in the way I deal, talk and be with people.

If God will be felt through us, if God can be with us through our words and actions, indeed, every day is Christmas day!


Prayer:
Lord, thank you for reminding us that loving and giving must be done at all times. Thank you for your presence. May people feel your love and mercy through me. Amen.