Sunday, October 28, 2007

Life is a gift of God...

"It is not choice, it is life." And this life is a gift of God, created in His image and likeness. Violence and disrespect of human life is nothing new to the modern era. It is as old as the first sin of Adam and Eve. However, the secular culture that we live in today has taken an ominous turn, and our future looks bleak.

Countless are the death of the unborn! This stigma on current society reverberates loud and clear of our sinfulness and selfishness. How can we take pride in the ingenuity of our civilization and the invention of modern marvels, when all of our advancement, which should have helped to promote life and wellbeing of humanity, does just the opposite. We have stooped so low!

Wars are fought among uncivilized. "Might is right" in the animal world. Tools were discovered by men to hunt animals, and to cut the woods, stones for better living. Today, the advancement of these tools bespeaks inhumanity. Tools of modern society are not to hunt animals but to kill humans, in great numbers. What a shame!

Millions go hungry around the world, and thousand die of starvation daily. Do we really believe that every life is a gift of God? If this is our claim, then it should tear our hearts apart, when we see injustice done to countless people. "Whatever you do to the least of my brethren you have done it unto me." Isn't this the voice of Jesus? How can we close our ears and say that we are his followers. You hypocrites!

How much thought do we give, when it comes to putting someone to death, because he or she is a burden for the society? Are we the author of life? We are not! Therefore, we should stand in awe before God, with much gratitude for life He has given us. We must learn to respect life from conception to natural death. "Life is a gift of God, what I make of this life is my gift to God."

Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx ( From Pastor's Desk )

Monday, October 15, 2007

Your faith has saved you...!

Faith is a gift from God, which He bestows freely upon those who open their life in humanity. Naaman, the leper would not have received healing, if he had continued to stand on the ground of pride and arrogance. The servant filled with faith requests his master Naaman, to follow the command of the prophet to immense himself in the river Jordan. However, it is not the water of Jordan, but his openness, to humble himself before God, that brought about the healing he desired.

Christian journey is a journey of faith. Faith is a leap in the dark with confidence that God will hold us in the palm of his hand. Young minds of today find it difficult to live in faith. They seek explanation for everything and anything, which is good, but whatever is outside the realm of reason and scientific knowledge is discarded. Stupidity! Jesus while thanking His Father, said:"I thank thee Father for keeping the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven from the wise and the learned, but revealing them to mere babes!"

A friend of mine recently told me what he said to his Hindu friend, which impressed me greatly! His Hindu friend alledged that in their religion everything has an explanation, which human mind can understand and grasp, but yours he said, does not. To which my catholic friend replied, "Exactly!" And, that is the difference between these two religions. Ours begin with faith, and then seeks explanation; yours begins with explanation and no faith.

We, the disciples of the Lord should always be humble, in order to grow in faith. We have to return back to God to give thanks, like the Samaritan, with loud voices for all the blessings He has showered upon us. The celebration of the Eucharist is the celebration of faith. We return to God in humility to express our gratitude. Jesus full of joy will say to us: "stand up and go on your way, your faith has saved you".

Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx. ( From the Pastor's Desk)
Riches blind people...

To amass wealth, people walk great distance. And, what a walk it is! Most of the time, they trample upon fellow human beings. Everyone is a child of God and a lawful heir to the wealth of this world. If this is the case, it is lawful for me to have more than I need, when millions of my brothers and sisters go hungry and thirsty everyday?

We walk the talk, but are unable to walk the walk. Several days ago, a friend of mine surprised me. He seems to deny the existence of God, but favors humanitarian approach to address the crisis mankind faces. I said to him, "excellent!" So you accept that all of humanity is equal and should be treated equally." He replied, "I have worked hard to be a doctor. Therefore, I should have especial statues in the society, better treatment and greater wealth. However, I will share a little of my income with less fortunate people." How can we live as one human family?

Education should help us to become better individuals, not to exploit others. The irony is that education is used as a weapon, rather than to build healthy human community; education is employed to form classes that sets ppeople apart, instead of bringing us together. Has education opened our eyes, or made us blind.

Earthly riches are not ours, but are placed at our disposal to form a loving community, and for a healthy living. If riches were ours, then we should be able to carry them with us from this life to the next. The rich man in Hades was torment, while Lazarus was enjoying the bliss. Where are his riches? He begs with Abraham and Lazarus. Where are his riches, and power? What is the widom of possessing an abundance of material goods and money?

The rich man in the gospel lived a very lavish life. The wealth blinded him to the extend that he could not even see the poor Lazarus lying at his gate. Our true wealth is God's life, which Jesus offered from the cross, and the Holy Spirit carried it in out hearts. Let us be more proud of God's gift of salvation, than of any earthly awards.

Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx ( Pastor's Desk )

Thursday, October 04, 2007


On Music...

"Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inner places of the soul." Plato.

We met this lovable person called Frank Chiswell ,(a senior citizen and sax player), who in our first meeting threw us a question on who wrote the Star Spangled Banner. Little did we know that he is a musician. He is a saxophone player. He said , "take away music and I am dead. " And little did he know that music, I mean really music not noise is a part of my life.

When I was new to this world, I learned to love music through Mother Nature - the melody from the bamboos, love notes of the mayas (rice birds), refrains of the brook, nocturnal scintillating tunes of the crickets, the songs of the wind. I hear music when I throw peebles in the river of my childhood that draws circles of ripples. There are notes etch in the sky as the clouds move rhythmically and finally comforts the thirsty earth.

Music is everywhere. You've got to listen to it. In this world of diverse music from different culture, you just have to change the way you listen to them. What is noise to others, make that music to your ears. And when we sing, the angels listen...
On Values...

The greatest handicap - fear.
Most disagreeable person - the complainer
The best day - today.
Worst bankruptcy-loss of enthusiasm
The easiest thing to do - find fault
Best teacher - one who makes you want to learn
Most useless asset - pride
Greatest need - common sense
The greatest mistake - giving up
Meanest feeling - regret at another's success
The greatest stumbling block -egotism
Best gift - forgiveness
The greatest comfort - work well done
Greatest knowledge - God
Greatest thing in the world - love

From Jim Pierce's "Big Golden Trumpet" published by Charles Hansen Music...
(Courtesy of Frank Chiswell, the sax player patient of my wife, Eve and a friend)

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

On Stewardship....
By Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx

It is vital to have good stewards for the well-being of the household and the community at large. They execute an important responsibility for the smooth running of society or a firm. If they fail to carry out their duty in a worthy manner, the ripple effects are seen everywhere. This is ordinary knowledge, which we experience day in and day out.

When God created the world, He made men the stewards of his creation. How have we executed this role throughout history? Times past and present speak volumes of our success and failure. There are several edifying figures in our history, who worked tirelessly for the wellbeing of the society and to enhance nature. Today, there are many people who follow in the footsteps of those noble souls to be good stewards.

Our greatest tragedy is the failure of the majority of the people to implement responsibly the task of being the good stewards. The disparity between the rich and the poor is glaring; the same with the nations. No one should go hungry, yet millions die of starvation every year, because we failed in out duty to share the resources equally.

Global warming is being triggered by human greed and selfishness, which threatens our very existence. God trusted the humans, and made us the stewards of His creation. Now, how should we present the accounts of our actions? Should we place before Him all our nuclear weapons, saying: "This is our gift to you!" We produced this masterpiece by letting millions go hungry. These weapons could be used to clear the rest without mercy. What a tragedy!

Should God continue to trust humankind, and entrust His creation in our defiled hands? Jesus came into the world to set men right once again with God, our Creator. He spoke of love of God and love of neighbor, with all our strength, heart, mind and soul. Instead of listening to God's beloved Son and amending our ways, we crucified Him. Could we say that we are good stewards?

Let us repent with sincere sorrow, and take the responsibility seriously to enhance the creation of God as good stewards, and share the resources with the whole of humanity.

Monday, September 03, 2007

On Humility...
(By: Rev. Peter Fernandes, sfx)

Today, the virtue of humility is seen as weakness and failure, especially in our affluent society. A person is humble not because he is truly humble, but because he is unable to compete with the rest of humanity. This is how the modern society looks upon humility.We stand on the opposite side of God, with pride and arrogance.

The race to reach the top is so fierce, that it drains every ounce of our energy, and there is no peace and tranquility. Suicide is a growing phenomenon, especially among the younger generation.We can be on top, and yet, be humble, knowing that everything comes from God. The moment we focus on ourselves rather than God, we loss grip, and the downfall is inevitable.

The author of the book of Ecclessiasties tries to impart wisdom to his people. Do not follow the wind of vanity of vanities. Be gentle in carrying out your business and you will be better loved than a lavish giver. The greater you are, the more you should behave humbly, and then you will find favor with the Lord. For, great though the power of the Lord is, He accepts the homage of the humble.

Jesus is surrounded by prideful people; they love places of honor. There is no cure for the proud man's malady, since an evil growth has taken root in him. Jesus, through the parable brings home a powerful message to those who were filled with pride and self-importance. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.

Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx ( From the Pastor's Desk, St. Timothy Church's Sunday Bulletin)

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Miracle Prayer

Lord Jesus, I come before you just as I am. I am sorry for my sins. I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In your Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever. I invite you into my life, Jesus. I accept you as my Lord, God and Savior. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul and spirit.

Come Lord Jesus, cover me with your precious blood, and fill me with your Holy spirit. I love You Lord Jesus. I praise Jesus, I thank you Jesus, I shall follow you all the days of my life. Amen Mary my Mother ,Queen of Peace, all Angels and Saints, please help me. Amen

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

On Reading, Cracking the Millionaire Code by Mark Victor Hansen & Robert G. Allen

A beggar had been sitting by the side of the road for over 30 years. One day a stranger walked by, "Spare some change?" mumbled the beggar, mechanically holding out his old baseball cap. "I have nothing to give you," said the stranger. Then he asked:"What's that you are sitting on?" "Nothing," replied the beggar. "Just an old box. I have been sitting on it for as long as I can remember." "Ever looked inside?" asked the stranger."No," said the beggar. "What's the point? There's nothing in there." "Have a look inside," insisted the stranger. The beggar managed to pry open the lid. With astonishment, disbelief, and elation, he saw that the box was filled with gold. - Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now.

There is that " box of gold" in all of us. We are "sitting on" it. But we have to stand up, use our hands to "pry open the lid." Is it not that faith without work is dead. We have to look for that gold of opportunity unceasingly even if it takes a lifetime.

How? By applying Life Management. According to Nido Qubein (visionay leader & great philanthropist, benefactor and humanitarian) Life management focuses on the activities that you are passionate about. We have time for whatever we are passionate about. I have a 'to-do'
list, but more importantly, I have a 'to-stop'list. I don't read newspaper in the morning; I read self-help, inspirational, and spiritual literature that uplifts me. I take vacations as an investment in memories with my children."
what it takes...

"it takes a minute to find special persons, an hour to appreciate special persons, a day to love them, an entire life to forget them."

"... life is too short my friend; look for that special someone and you'll find that person."

Days sans Jesus are:
Mourndays
Tearsdays
Wastedays
Thirstdays
Fightdays
Shatterdays
Sindays

Monday, August 20, 2007

  • It pays to go out to breathe some fresh air. Last Saturday we attended the Santo Nino de Agosto Fiesta. Twenty- one (21) Santo Nino Groups from all over Illinois including one from Wisconsin attended. The celebration with the procession around the block from St. Genevieve Church proved that there is that elusive beauty of unity in a world of diversity. It also showcased the vestige of Spanish religious influence in the Philippines. This is now manifested in the Santo Nino image found in almost every Filipino domiciles all over the world. And even on their vehicles.
  • Sunday at Lone Tree Banquet Hall, we found ourselves submerged in the fun and frolics of the young, the music in the christening celebration. I met somebody that brought back wonderful memories of my schooldays.
  • It really is healthy to be out of your shell regularly. It is a good living.

Country Life




I love the country with its charm
The varied green vegetables
Cattle grazing away from harm
And food always at your tables.

You can walk and you can smile
Or even cry and loudly shout
The echo could be heard a mile;
A Bamboo with a lovely sprout.

The breath of  tropical dawn;
Admire the happy giggling trees
Slumber in the nature's lawn
And dream of the birds and the bees.




and dream of birds and bees.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Life is what you picture it to be. It all starts in your intention, in your perception, in your mind. Look at this picture Viewers have different creative ideas on this. Now change your concept of this particular picture; the picture stays the same but you created something that may become a poem, an essay or a story.
If this is the real thing, of course, the landscape and seascape change. "When you change the way you look at things; things change.
Looking at this picture for a second, you'll see that there is a great Unseen Painter which we call the Source of Abundance, of Beauty, of Love, of Truth.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Ray's the man...

There's a ray of intention in our life. A ray of hope. Of comfort.

He has the audacity to greet a newcomer. This person called Ray. It was at the Butera Store on Division that we exchanged infos on our who,why, what, when and where. That he was connected with Chase and Manhattan Bank. Then we crossed paths on some occasions.
On "The Pathway to Rome", we met, we talked and we dined.

Lately, we met at Rago's on Western Avenue. In a nutshell, we have things in common - frequenting and surfing the internet.

Monday, August 13, 2007

On Retirement...

A priest's homily on the
sojourn from material to
the spiritual was extra-ordinarily unique in the sense that it was the first time I heard it but it was something to deal with. It is retirement at its best 'cuz worry is out of the question. No bills, no more planning of the next day, nada, zip...." as in my Father's place there are many mansions that are prepared for everyone and you have all that you need...

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Your Mind and what you think of the world.... (Upon reading The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer )

Your attitude then is paramount. 2 conditions of viewing the world - the positive and the negative. It's + or -. What is inside of you, your thinking will be manifested by the outside. If you want to be connected to the Origin, you have to purify your thinking by taking out the carbon dioxide of hatred and letting in the oxygen of love, kindness and beauty. With these you are in harmony with the Origin/the Creator which is the perfectness of you- the reason why you are on this earth at this point in time. The Creator of the Origin has the intention of your purpose....

7 Faces of Intention: 1) Creativity 2) Kindness 3) Love 4)Beauty 5)Expansion 6)Unlimited Abundance 7)Receptivity.

Love life. Love the beauty of the world with its ugliness. Be grateful that you are reading this; that you have a place in this earth; that you are with a purpose. Ergo, keep in tune to the music that this world gives. Listen to it with sincerity, with passion, with life.
St Timothy Summer Dinner Dance (July 29, 2007)

Was a success. Lots of donated foods, drinks, dancing feet and wonderful music. And the music reverberated thru the church's basement. There were 3 live singers - 2 ladies and a gentleman plus another 2 on the background with their guitars. It was a motley crowd.

St. Timothy was alive with its new pastor, Fr. Peter Fernandes. Of course, there was tanduri chicken , kabobs, pita bread, pancit, chicken tenders, egg rolls, cakes, muffins, salad and fruits.

Visitors loved the live band. A couple almost stayed to the end just to listen to the sparkling voice of Ellen Balmadrid . 'Twas a night well spent.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

.. Looking beyond our horizon we recall the glimmer of the past. Once again, the past becomes a pulsating present. Fr. Danny appears in the scene. And talks become gospel truth. Meanwhile, Fr. Pecto with bated breath hurriedly explains the beauty of saying the right thing and not to falter. However, Fr. Carlos' waiting may manifest the reply of tomorrow as Fr. Joseph's patience remain unquestionable. Maybe, the pastor can shed the light. Pastor Nonoy, that is.

Thursday, June 28, 2007



Friends and Memories. // Our greatest assets are our friends. True friends. Real friends. Sincere friends. And they fill the pages in the book of memories. They are diamonds. They last. They are forever... Really! Is friendship a lost cause? Surf www.roomwithapew.blogspot.com

Monday, June 18, 2007

On Father's Day

On Father's Day

A father of two (on the left)and a father of the many (on the right) holding the image of the Holy Infant Jesus (Santo Nino) made in Cebu City, Philippines. This Holy Infant Image is a gift for Father Max of Uganda as a token of friendship.

"The family stands on two pillars of which each pillar is vital and essential for the family's growth and stability These two pillars are " Father and Mother". Today - we honor the father for the role in the life of the family.

St. Joseph played a significant and exemplary role in the life of the Holy Family. In his concern to provide for the family, he undertook the trade of a carpenter. When the family was in danger, he guided them to a safe place. When the time came for his family to deliver her firstborn in a foreign land, he turned to beg, without thought or care, for shelter. And, in his personal anguish, when the child was lost in Jerusalem, he neither blamed the mother, nor anybody else, but anxiously searched to find him.

Without the father, the family becomes vulnerable and faces a formidable challenge to cope up with the world. The weak and the fatherless find the world hostile toward them, for the father is the strength to his children and motivating force to overcome difficulties in their lives. Sadly, it is all too often, that only after the father is gone, he is appreciated for the love he gave to his family. Therefore, we have more reason to celebrate Father's day with sincere gratitude to them, for the dedication and many sacrifices.

The first Father's Day was observed on June 19,1910, in Spokane, Washington. At about the same time in various towns and cities across America, other people were beginning to celebrate a "Father's Day". In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's day.
Father's Day has become a day to not only honor the father but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father's day.
Today, let us pray that fathers will always execute their duties to their families with love and fidelity; that all the fathers will look at St Joseph, emulate his life and an exemplary figure to all people, especially to their own children. (Fr. Peter Fernandes,sfx)