Jan 26/08

I was the lector on this 9:00 o'clock sunday mass.

In-pew presentation script.

Immediately after the Cardinal's recorded homily, I read the In-Pew Presentation Script on behalf of pastor Peter Fernandes as he was still in India about the Annual Catholic Appeal and why it is so important to support it while the ushers were distributing the pledge envelopes and the pencils.

January, 2008
a new Year - The past versus the present and the future.

On th 2008 annual Catholic Appeal
Jan 14- Training


Jan 20/08 Announcement Weekend

I was one of the three ( the two were : Tony and Martin )who was given the opportuniy to coordinate about the Annual Catholic appeal. The theme: The Lord is my Light... Another opportunity to thank God for His gifts and blessings - our life, our place on this planet, our diamond moments to share what we have - our Time, Talent and Treasure.
We are happy to be members of " the one, holy catholic and apostolic church ". As such we all need to be part of and support the work of God in our world.. in our parish, neighborhood, our workplace, our archdiocese and throughout the world.

Christmas,2007, Tuesday/Chicago

"A Beautiful Woman..."

Mothers are very special gifts from God to whole human race. God designed it carefully and meticulously, as to enhance and beautify his creation. Nothing can substitute the place of a mother. Her place is unique and belongs to her and her alone.

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far above the rubies. Strength and honor are clothing. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing but the woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." (Proverbs 31)

The Son of God found a worthy place in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary. There is no place more beautiful and graceful than the womb of a mother. Here is where life begins and here is where life is sustained with love and care. The Son of God dwelt in the womb of His mother in order to show all of humanity that it is a noble place, deserving of the highest honor.

Over the centuries, man has not always given to women, the rightful honor and respect, which she deserves. Countless atrocities done toward the women, by men, are deplorable. Many women have failed in a same measure; they have turned the womb into a tomb.

The heart of a mother is the ocean of love, generosity, understanding, forgiveness, patience, forbearance, sacrifice and unconditional giving. Her heart gives, and it gives without empting and still has more to give! No one can touch the bottom of her heart; it is deep.

As we thank and honor our mothers today, let us also pray that God will bring upon them showers of blessings everyday of their lives. May Mary, the mother of Jesus, be the model for all women and all mothers to emulate. I wish you all a "Happy Mother's Day".

(Note: Mother's Day is in May but is fitting to address this to all mothers on Christmas, the birth of our Saviour)

Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.

Dec.24,2007

Emmanuel - God with us...

The mystery of Incarnation was manifested in child Jesus, who was born to a virgin daughter of Israel. At His birth, only a handful of people recognized Him. The shepherds came to witness the miracle of a new born child in a manger, and they recognized "Christ the Lord." The wise men from the east followed the star of a new born King, and found him in swaddling clothes, and worshiped Him. However, the point of concern is how this mystery would be unfolded to mankind.

Many more recognized the mystery of Incarnation through His public ministry. Jesus proclaimed the gospel of the Kingdom of God with authority and power. Awe and wonder filled the hearts of the people, when they witnessed the miracles of Jesus. They cried out, "Indeed, God has come to visit His people and set us free." The gracious words that flowed from His mouth, "Go in peace and sin no more", brought peace and solace and set their faith ablaze.

Upon crucifixion, He opens the mystery for all to recognize, and embraces the whole of humanity in His outstretched hands. So august was the moment, that even His persecutor perceived the mystery. The thief on the cross made a confession of faith, and walked right into the mystery, to its fullness. "Today, you will be with me in Paradise".

He gave us a command to unfold the mystery of Incarnation in our own lives of faith and service. "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst." Our participation and celebration of faith in the community of believers is pivotal to unfold the mystery of Incarnation. "Whatever you do to the least of my brethren you have done it unto me." If we recognize Jesus in the face of every person who walks on the face of the earth, we are far from embracing the mystery of Incarnation.

Emmanuel - God with us! Indeed, it calls for a joyful celebration. We exchange gifts and share our lives with others to make this celebration meaningful and fruitful. God, our loving Father gave us the greatest gift - His only son, at Christmas. May our sharing of gifts this Christmas bring the presence of God ever more powerfully to his people!

Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.

Simbang Gabi @ St. Hilary

On a weekend, Simbang Gabi starts at 5 pm. This was at St. Hilary. Today, Sunday it will be at
Transfiguracion Church. The church was filled. Many attended with more than one half Filipinos. There were food and entertainment. Of course, Christmas songs were sung to have a feel of the holiday.

Simbang Gabi on a Wednesday.

12/19/07. Simbang Gabi sponsored by the St. Timothy Mother of Perpetual Help Novena Group. Many attended the spiritual celebration in preparation for the Birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world. Prayer is greatly needed in this time of global warming.

An Excellent X'mas @......

We enjoyed this party given by Excellent Home Health Care. It was an open bar and food and music.

An email was sent to me with a nugget of wisdom. and I do believe that there is God.

How to love people and use things not to love things and use people...
an angel wrote: Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only TRUE FRIENDS will leave FOOTPRINTS in your heart...

True, indeed.

A wife and college graduating student said( to the smelly wretch): I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.
the husband remarked: That is why God gave you to me, Honey to give me hope.
It is only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give. I believe in the pure light of God's sweet love.

THE YOUNG AND THE NOT TOO YOUNG

This is the story of two men. One is very young. In fact, he is only in his mid 20's. The other was in the late '50s. I am not sure of how things happened but all I knew is that they have departed from this life. The curtain is closed. The act is out. The drama has ended.

Two things are to be considered according to the priest on his homily: memories and the mystery of Christ. To the young man, God has a special reason why his life was short-lived. What was left was his memories; how he played well his role in his favorite stage. Then the mystery that he is home with the Father. That his worries and concerns are totally expunged and no longer pestered him. He is now cuddled safely on the loving arms of a merciful Father. He is home at last.

The older one has done his role best. His charisma lingered; his music is sung. There is a vacuum on his parting and this is apparently noticed through his loving family and sincere friends. Such is the vagary of life!

And the play on the stage of life continues...

the gift from God...

Attended a Eucharistic Celebration and Healing Service with Fr. Fernando Suarez, CC on Nov 12, 2007, at Immaculate Conception Church in Chicago 7211 W. Talcott( corner of Harlem & Talcott). Over a thousand people attended from all over Illinois and Las Vegas, Nevada. No one was left untouched. All experienced the healing effects: emotional, spiritual and physical. There were visible manifestations and they came back with words of thanksgiving as the humble Fr. Fernando said that God is the Healer; he is just the instrument.

This Chemical Engineer turned priest has the gift of healing since he was 16 years old. Now he healed the sick, spoke in seminars and retreats globally. The world is in dire need of healing.

The power of God shines through unquestionable faith, genuine love, and unending prayer. I was healed in my unbelief. In the Holy Mass, there is a healing experience. That is why the Holy Mass is vital in our earthly sojourn. As much as possible, never fail to attend the daily sacrifice of the Holy Mass. Let the Great One be your partner in any endeavors you are in. He will never let you down.

Lord of Mercy and Love never depart from me. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Man's Potential Code

Cracking your potenntial code...

Why are we here today? In a Toastmaster's Club, of all things. What glue us, goad us, gear us to this Club? Purpose-driven is our life. With no exceptions, we have all the reason, the purpose , the intent , the passion of our existence. Because of that reason we have the mission to seek the code to our We, our humanness, our potential code.

And I have the audacity to be vocal and visible, because this is the only way to uncrew the bolt that hide my very self in my own humble little room. We are all locked in our rooms. It is only by being true and honest to our selves that we will have the opportunity to crack the potential code, the possibility code.

I don't know how to speak. I have stage fright. O.K. So be it! Now let's be real. The concrete. Someone strikes you physically. You are hit in your face. Your reaction?... To strike back, first verbally words unrehearse cascade from your mouth unceasingly, then the hand movement.
Or somebody strike you with a verbal bat. And you strike back like an orator- maybe a Raul Manglapus or a John F. Kennedy or an Abraham Lincoln. My point is - all of us have the potential right now on this group, the possibility of a speaker. But you talk only on topics that you are familiar with, on something that you know. The famous novelist John Gresham writes about topics with legalities 'cuz he is a lawyer. His novels became movie greats.

How about us? You? Me? You know better your background, your passion, the world of your interest. Capitalize on that. How about your romantic past? Your success as a student, as a taxi driver, as a newspaperboy, as a vendor. Your trek from the barrio to the city, your flight from the province to the land of opportunity, to the states of dreams. These things are great topics as they profoundly unearth the greatest creation of the Creator- you, we.

In front of you, I have stage fright but I dare it as I am in front of you and you are listening to me. That makes me the controller and you are controlled by me. And why do you listen attentively to me ? It is because you want to be here in front, you want to talk , to tell your story. And the greatest of all stories is our own story. I tell you I spent lots of time watching people talk, read how people write, pored on volumes on what made people successful and I am still looking for the key to crack my potential. The Key my friends to the cracking of our potential is in Us.

My stage fright is faced squarely by attending clubs like this, by doing the real. I ventured to be a reader in the church. You don't have to think, you have just got to read and presto you are in front of diverse classes of people, in all walks of life. When I looked at them, I said to myself now my stage fright is conquered but deep within that butterfly wants to get out of its cocoon. The fear is there and that makes you very normal. But my friends, I studied. I read the Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Readers. I read it everyday. I look at the mirror, at myself . And it pays.

After the Saturday or the Sunday readings inspiration comes when there is a churchgoer (that I don't know) to congratulate me. What really motivates me is when I have done my best to be an instrument of Him; that His message is heard to guide the faithful to the road of righteousness. Then my daily prayer, meditation and practice are not in vain.

Yes, indeed Rome was not built in a day!

Mission Sunday (Oct.21,2007)

The church, which Jesus established is a missionary church. The Catholic Church embraces the missionary charisma to its very core, to promote the Kingdom of God. The mission is from the Holy Trinity: "God, the Father sending His Son Jessus into the world to fulfill the mystery of redemption; Father and Son sending the Holy Spirit to sactify the church and give growth". The Catholic Church participates in the mission of the Blessed Trinity.

The term mission seems to have been applied only to those who are toiling in distant places tp preach the gospel. Indeed, they are actively fulfilling the mission, but the duty to preach the gospel is of every baptized person. By baptisim we become missionaries. Therefore, we should waver in out trust, but to try to fulfill it right where we are by our words and action. Our demeanor should speak loud and clear the message of the gospel to those around us.

We can be missionaries by our participation in the liturgical celebration here in our parish gathering every Sunday, as well as other important festivities we commemorate. The gathering of the believers builds the body of Christ and reflects the universal church. We can be missionaries by sharing our resources to enhance the activities of the local as well as universal church. Our daily prayers unite us to God and his people.

Today, as we participate in dharing our resources with the univeral church, it should strenthen our commitment to build the "Church of God" throughout the world, especially among those nations and people who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is imperative that we follow the command of the Lord: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit".

It is a privileged to be part of God's plan to bring salvation to the nations. "Mission Sunday" reminds us of our vocation. Let us take this opportunity to strenthen our faith, our commitment and greater love for the missions.

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

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 )

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 )

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)

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.

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)

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