Get on your knees!
Prayer is a powerful weapon, and when used properly, blessings rain down abundantly. Know for sure, even the heart of a hardcore criminal will transform, when touched by the power of prayer. Mahatma Gandhi would say, "Prayer is a key in the morning and lock at night." Therefore, get on your knees and learn to pray with sincere heart and mind, for your Creator is just a prayer away.
There are different forms, methods, dispositions, and literature to connect in prayer, which are vital for our growth in our spiritual and moral life. Jesus takes us to another level of relationship with our Creator, inviting us to engage in a filial relationship with God calling Him "Our Father". The relationship with God, as father-child is a paradigm shift from the whole concept of relating to an unknown deity residing in an unknown place.
The revelation of Jesus and the mystery of our salvation are weaved so beautifully together in order to create a profound relationship with our Eternal God. In Jesus, we have become the children of God and heirs to eternal Life in His Kingdom. Therefore, only Jesus could teach us to pray by calling God,"Our Father."This relationship then leads us to build a just and egalitarian society with brotherhood of men.
The void in our societies is the reflection of the emptiness in the hearts of individual people.Without our knowledge, this vacuum then unleashes a series of unwarranted consequences, which bend our knees, without us realizing the reason for our misfortune. Therefore, it is an imperative to fill the emptiness with true faith in God our Creator. It has no cost, but offered freely to all men of goodwill.
Get down on your knees and pray, for your Creator is just a prayer away. Build a healthy filial relationship with God, Our Father, who cares for us at all times, and loves us unconditionally. He offers forgiveness, and grants us mercy and pardon that we may rejoice in His embrace.Why do you want to miss out on this opportunity, and go about with pride? In humility, bend your knees in prayer, and peace will flow into your heart without measure. Amen. ( Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
A Lector's prayer...
Merciful Father help me to follow;
lead me to Thy eternal meadow
where life-giving and healing water flow
be my Guide, my Light and let me glow.
With you by my side I will walk;
Father be with me like a dove
hovering and watching while I talk
to spread and share the message of Love.
I will follow Thee and Thy ways
so Thou will be with me always
enlighten me, make me not to falter
guide me, be with me, now, here and after.
Merciful Father help me to follow;
lead me to Thy eternal meadow
where life-giving and healing water flow
be my Guide, my Light and let me glow.
With you by my side I will walk;
Father be with me like a dove
hovering and watching while I talk
to spread and share the message of Love.
I will follow Thee and Thy ways
so Thou will be with me always
enlighten me, make me not to falter
guide me, be with me, now, here and after.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
An Addendum on Hospitality
I grew up in a country where hospitality echoes in the air. We trust everybody. We love to be visited by somebody we don't know. Even in our humbleness and country homeliness we still have the heart to dress a chicken, prepare a meal for the hungry, and a drink made up of a native concoction to quench a thirst.
When I went to college away from my place of birth, I encountered friendly people from all walks of life. There was that reciprocal intent of being accommodating. During my time, I am always welcome by strangers as I always welcome them. I was in a diverse world so to speak, far from my parents, no cell phones, no phone calls rarely a land transportation, mostly on water. And all I have was a prayer injected in my cranium by Catholic school education and of being hospitable to anyone.
I grew up in a country where hospitality echoes in the air. We trust everybody. We love to be visited by somebody we don't know. Even in our humbleness and country homeliness we still have the heart to dress a chicken, prepare a meal for the hungry, and a drink made up of a native concoction to quench a thirst.
When I went to college away from my place of birth, I encountered friendly people from all walks of life. There was that reciprocal intent of being accommodating. During my time, I am always welcome by strangers as I always welcome them. I was in a diverse world so to speak, far from my parents, no cell phones, no phone calls rarely a land transportation, mostly on water. And all I have was a prayer injected in my cranium by Catholic school education and of being hospitable to anyone.
On Hospitality
Indeed, the hospitality shown by people towards others, especially to strangers is a noble act. A friendly welcome breaks the ice of coldness and builds lasting relationships of friendship and trust. The tourism industry thrives because it has created a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in their surrounding, as well as among the workers by greeting all the guests with warmth. All are welcome but at a price. It is artificially created for the sole purpose of profit.
St. Timothy parish (located in the West Rogers Park which is in the north side of Chicago) is composed of different ethnic communities, which is a challenge, as well as being the beauty of a Catholic parish. It was a natural outcome for this community to be hospitable and welcoming. The first Sunday of the month- we call it Hospitality Sunday here at St. Timothy parish- gives us an opportunity to go out of our comfort zone, to associate with others, especially those whom we do not know.
In a desert-like area, where Abraham resided in the land of Canaan, hospitality is sacred even today. A person asking for shelter is never turned away; to do so, would amount to condemning the person to die of hunger and thirst. Abraham would have fulfilled his duty of hospitality towards anyone coming to him, but something in his heart told him that these were no ordinary people. In fact, he soon discovered that they were God's messengers, nay, God himself accompanied by two angels.
In today's gospel (Luke 10:38-42), Luke tells us of the visit of God to another family, this time, not "in the form of man" but truly became a man Jesus. This Jesus desires to come into every person's heart in the form of bread and wine. Therefore, we should be joyful like Abraham and Martha and prepare our hearts with love and gratitude. to receive Him. It is an august moment! Like Mary, we should recognize the gift of eternal presence and listen to the words of wisdom.
Nevertheless, Jesus wishes that we welcome all, especially the poor, the orphans, the widows, the strangers, and the most vulnerable of society in His name. For Jesus said, "Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you have done it unto me." Let us never close our lives to anyone, but welcome people with faith and joy.
( Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx, July 18/2010}
Indeed, the hospitality shown by people towards others, especially to strangers is a noble act. A friendly welcome breaks the ice of coldness and builds lasting relationships of friendship and trust. The tourism industry thrives because it has created a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in their surrounding, as well as among the workers by greeting all the guests with warmth. All are welcome but at a price. It is artificially created for the sole purpose of profit.
St. Timothy parish (located in the West Rogers Park which is in the north side of Chicago) is composed of different ethnic communities, which is a challenge, as well as being the beauty of a Catholic parish. It was a natural outcome for this community to be hospitable and welcoming. The first Sunday of the month- we call it Hospitality Sunday here at St. Timothy parish- gives us an opportunity to go out of our comfort zone, to associate with others, especially those whom we do not know.
In a desert-like area, where Abraham resided in the land of Canaan, hospitality is sacred even today. A person asking for shelter is never turned away; to do so, would amount to condemning the person to die of hunger and thirst. Abraham would have fulfilled his duty of hospitality towards anyone coming to him, but something in his heart told him that these were no ordinary people. In fact, he soon discovered that they were God's messengers, nay, God himself accompanied by two angels.
In today's gospel (Luke 10:38-42), Luke tells us of the visit of God to another family, this time, not "in the form of man" but truly became a man Jesus. This Jesus desires to come into every person's heart in the form of bread and wine. Therefore, we should be joyful like Abraham and Martha and prepare our hearts with love and gratitude. to receive Him. It is an august moment! Like Mary, we should recognize the gift of eternal presence and listen to the words of wisdom.
Nevertheless, Jesus wishes that we welcome all, especially the poor, the orphans, the widows, the strangers, and the most vulnerable of society in His name. For Jesus said, "Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you have done it unto me." Let us never close our lives to anyone, but welcome people with faith and joy.
( Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx, July 18/2010}
Saturday, July 17, 2010
On a Friday afternoon by the Park
On a hot summer afternoon
by the park sitting on a bench
I met Kahn of Pakistan alone.
A man of fourscore years and kind
nipping his life with Marlboro,
politely asked me if I don't mind.
Smoke curls out of four sections
happily, children play and grow
sans the formal introductions.
Bereft of suspicion and strife;
innocence, acceptance, and love
surfaced in the playground of life,
that everybody's music resounds
in any park or stage of life;
and camaraderie abounds.
The mind creates noble ideas;
let the heart speaks of unity,
mercy,compassion,forgiveness.
When the heart speaks; the mind listens
making this world a paradise
rancor will vanish, justice glistens.
My outlook of this high-tech globe
on that afternoon by the park
led me to renew, to get involved.
Yonder on a bench two lovers
enjoy the moment like a lark
and the vision of life hovers.
On a hot summer afternoon
by the park sitting on a bench
I met Kahn of Pakistan alone.
A man of fourscore years and kind
nipping his life with Marlboro,
politely asked me if I don't mind.
Smoke curls out of four sections
happily, children play and grow
sans the formal introductions.
Bereft of suspicion and strife;
innocence, acceptance, and love
surfaced in the playground of life,
that everybody's music resounds
in any park or stage of life;
and camaraderie abounds.
The mind creates noble ideas;
let the heart speaks of unity,
mercy,compassion,forgiveness.
When the heart speaks; the mind listens
making this world a paradise
rancor will vanish, justice glistens.
My outlook of this high-tech globe
on that afternoon by the park
led me to renew, to get involved.
Yonder on a bench two lovers
enjoy the moment like a lark
and the vision of life hovers.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
on bondage... By: Greg In Trabanca
I still remembered distinctly my first flight to a big world beyond my small world. I have traveled to different places but this one pumped my adrenaline. In the mirror of my mind I could visualize the flashes of my dreams, the pictures of what will be but will it be?
What really clung to the very fiber of me on that day was freedom. I knew what that word meant but I have yet to savor the new beginning, the new changing, the new environment, the new me.
I was on a big plane , Northwest 747. I was blinded by excitement. What I was thinking was nothing but to savor freedom, to be free from the bondage of so many pressures that pester me and like an arrow ready to hit my Achilles heel.
I saw in my horizon looming questions.
Many questions. Will there be answers? Solutions? On this new frontier? I doubt it.
Deluged with these unknown feelings, I was. Now I am free. This territory that I have known through books, radio, and stories from people. Now it is real. I touched it. I felt it. My body tingled.
The years floated by like the birds of prey in the sea of my yearning-to-learn life. I love to learn. Life is full of hidden treasures.To me, learning stops when my new life begins.
Now I learn that I am still in bondage in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Like so many of us from foreign shores, and don't tell me you are not.
When we step the soil of this new found land, we are readily welcome with open arms by the media, the merchants, the advertisers, the car dealers, the real estate agents, the banks, the mortgage companies.They all want us to be in debt; we are chained to the debt bondage. We are not aware of that. And they like that.
Truth and the deadly consequence!
Are we really homeowners? condo-owners? townhome owners? Do we all hold the titles of home, the car? How about the things that gave us instant gratifications - the big TV, the furniture, etc. Are they not paid by checks and credit or debit cards?
That was April 5 of '74 when I glimpsed the beauty of Seattle because I was not sleepless on that trip. That was cool. Only a couple of questions on the port of entry. I passed as I only answered yes or no. I am a few word person. I hate long speeches.
Chicago, here I come. Al Capone. Carl Sandburg. Sears Tower. Daley City. And Chicago is the Windy City. Later, I found out that the city is really windy and the politicians, too. Am I politically correct?
Freedom or bondage?
I still remembered distinctly my first flight to a big world beyond my small world. I have traveled to different places but this one pumped my adrenaline. In the mirror of my mind I could visualize the flashes of my dreams, the pictures of what will be but will it be?
What really clung to the very fiber of me on that day was freedom. I knew what that word meant but I have yet to savor the new beginning, the new changing, the new environment, the new me.
I was on a big plane , Northwest 747. I was blinded by excitement. What I was thinking was nothing but to savor freedom, to be free from the bondage of so many pressures that pester me and like an arrow ready to hit my Achilles heel.
I saw in my horizon looming questions.
Many questions. Will there be answers? Solutions? On this new frontier? I doubt it.
Deluged with these unknown feelings, I was. Now I am free. This territory that I have known through books, radio, and stories from people. Now it is real. I touched it. I felt it. My body tingled.
The years floated by like the birds of prey in the sea of my yearning-to-learn life. I love to learn. Life is full of hidden treasures.To me, learning stops when my new life begins.
Now I learn that I am still in bondage in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Like so many of us from foreign shores, and don't tell me you are not.
When we step the soil of this new found land, we are readily welcome with open arms by the media, the merchants, the advertisers, the car dealers, the real estate agents, the banks, the mortgage companies.They all want us to be in debt; we are chained to the debt bondage. We are not aware of that. And they like that.
Truth and the deadly consequence!
Are we really homeowners? condo-owners? townhome owners? Do we all hold the titles of home, the car? How about the things that gave us instant gratifications - the big TV, the furniture, etc. Are they not paid by checks and credit or debit cards?
That was April 5 of '74 when I glimpsed the beauty of Seattle because I was not sleepless on that trip. That was cool. Only a couple of questions on the port of entry. I passed as I only answered yes or no. I am a few word person. I hate long speeches.
Chicago, here I come. Al Capone. Carl Sandburg. Sears Tower. Daley City. And Chicago is the Windy City. Later, I found out that the city is really windy and the politicians, too. Am I politically correct?
Freedom or bondage?
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday, Nov 20, 2009
Reading- Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59
...They celebrated dedication of the altar and and joyfully offered burnt offerings.
Gospel - Luke 19:45-48
Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, "It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves."
On the homily, Fr.Floredo threw the question on why and how we behave on God's dwelling: the temple, a place of worship. That it must not be a place for gossips, but for concentration to God. And it echoed on my conscience that our body is the temple of God as he created us. In like manner, we should give it due reverence by treating it with loving care and not making it a den of worldly dins that drowned our very existence to doom and perdition.
Josef Pieper, a renowned German Catholic philosopher wrote why we need Christ to cleanse the Temple thus: How is an intentional turning away of the will from the very quintessence of all good - toward which the will is inherently oriented by its very nature - even conceivable? How is it possible that the willing person can abuse his freedom so as to decide against the good?... Sin... has its ground of possibility in nothing other than in the fact that man is a creature: "Seen from the point of view of its nature, every spiritual creature has the ability to sin" (Saint Thomas Aquinas) It is because of his creatureliness that man is capable of sinning..."The creature is dark, insofar as it stems from nothing."...But what does "stem from nothing" mean, if not "to be created"! And precisely this - the fact that descent from nothing is inherent in every creature - is the deepest ground for man's capacity for sin, for his posse peccare: such is Thomas' opinion. In other words, not because the will is free, but rather "because the free will comes from nothing, that is why it is inherent to it not to remain in the good by nature." At the same time, of course, Thomas says that such a "bent toward evil" comes to the will "not by virtue of its origin from God, but because of its origin from nothing."
---ooo--- ---ooo--- ---ooo--- ---ooo---
Reading- Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59
...They celebrated dedication of the altar and and joyfully offered burnt offerings.
Gospel - Luke 19:45-48
Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, "It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves."
On the homily, Fr.Floredo threw the question on why and how we behave on God's dwelling: the temple, a place of worship. That it must not be a place for gossips, but for concentration to God. And it echoed on my conscience that our body is the temple of God as he created us. In like manner, we should give it due reverence by treating it with loving care and not making it a den of worldly dins that drowned our very existence to doom and perdition.
Josef Pieper, a renowned German Catholic philosopher wrote why we need Christ to cleanse the Temple thus: How is an intentional turning away of the will from the very quintessence of all good - toward which the will is inherently oriented by its very nature - even conceivable? How is it possible that the willing person can abuse his freedom so as to decide against the good?... Sin... has its ground of possibility in nothing other than in the fact that man is a creature: "Seen from the point of view of its nature, every spiritual creature has the ability to sin" (Saint Thomas Aquinas) It is because of his creatureliness that man is capable of sinning..."The creature is dark, insofar as it stems from nothing."...But what does "stem from nothing" mean, if not "to be created"! And precisely this - the fact that descent from nothing is inherent in every creature - is the deepest ground for man's capacity for sin, for his posse peccare: such is Thomas' opinion. In other words, not because the will is free, but rather "because the free will comes from nothing, that is why it is inherent to it not to remain in the good by nature." At the same time, of course, Thomas says that such a "bent toward evil" comes to the will "not by virtue of its origin from God, but because of its origin from nothing."
---ooo--- ---ooo--- ---ooo--- ---ooo---
Thursday, November 05, 2009
10/04/09-Wed
Drove Fr.Peter de Mello to the Women's Center at Cicero Ave, south of Foster Ave for a 12:00 noon Mass.We arrived on time. At least 15 people attended; 5 men including the priest. A solemn mass that begun with this prayer: O sweet Jesus, Prisoner of Love in the Most Blessed Sacrament,I adore You profoundly. as I prepare to take part in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, I wish to participate in your redemptive suffering like Simon of Cyrenne, who helped you carry your cross and like your Mother, and the beloved disciple, who suffered silently at the foot of that cross. Most of all give me the heart of the good thief, who realized that he deserved the suffering he was receiving and you did not. Like him, I beg your mercy and implore, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
The communion was of the pre-Vatican II format. I knelt and received the host through the mouth not in the palm of my hand.
After the priest concluded the Mass and the response heard, the priest faced the crucifix at the altar,knelt and said this prayer together with the congregation:
Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before Your face I humbly kneel; and with burning soul pray and beseech You to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of Faith, Hope and Charity; true contrition for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment; while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Your five wounds, pondering upon them within me: I call to mind the words which David Your prophet said to You,my Jesus, " They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all my bones."
Then the Prayer to St. Michael:
St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. Restrain him O God, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the divine power, cast into hell satan and all the evil spirits, who roam about the world seeking the ruins of soul, Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us ( said 3 times )
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us
St Joseph, pray for us
St Jude, pray for us.
After maybe a couple of confessions, Fr. de Mello and I left to go back to St. Timothy Rectory at Washtenaw Ave.
Drove Fr.Peter de Mello to the Women's Center at Cicero Ave, south of Foster Ave for a 12:00 noon Mass.We arrived on time. At least 15 people attended; 5 men including the priest. A solemn mass that begun with this prayer: O sweet Jesus, Prisoner of Love in the Most Blessed Sacrament,I adore You profoundly. as I prepare to take part in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, I wish to participate in your redemptive suffering like Simon of Cyrenne, who helped you carry your cross and like your Mother, and the beloved disciple, who suffered silently at the foot of that cross. Most of all give me the heart of the good thief, who realized that he deserved the suffering he was receiving and you did not. Like him, I beg your mercy and implore, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
The communion was of the pre-Vatican II format. I knelt and received the host through the mouth not in the palm of my hand.
After the priest concluded the Mass and the response heard, the priest faced the crucifix at the altar,knelt and said this prayer together with the congregation:
Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before Your face I humbly kneel; and with burning soul pray and beseech You to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of Faith, Hope and Charity; true contrition for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment; while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Your five wounds, pondering upon them within me: I call to mind the words which David Your prophet said to You,my Jesus, " They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all my bones."
Then the Prayer to St. Michael:
St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. Restrain him O God, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the divine power, cast into hell satan and all the evil spirits, who roam about the world seeking the ruins of soul, Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us ( said 3 times )
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us
St Joseph, pray for us
St Jude, pray for us.
After maybe a couple of confessions, Fr. de Mello and I left to go back to St. Timothy Rectory at Washtenaw Ave.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Nov.03/09- Tues.
My Bishop Friend
By: Greg In. Trabanca
When I'm down I remember you
that in our life God is the King.
This we must believe to be true.
Man has end and time is fleeting
I always long for your coming
like a rain welcomed by dry field;
while farmers with their guitars sing
the song of thanks and glad tiding.
Tales of justice dot memories;
Your one-way ticket to the States.
The annual love mission appeal;
travel and the airport ordeal.
I drove. I listened. Your stories
reverberated with humbleness.
You met a country folk that paved
the way to your most desired goal:
that you received more when you gave
to the diocese and sans wall.
You watch your flock as shepherds do;
to get rid of sheep-clothing wolves.
As seminarians come and go;
you are firm with those of the robes.
The lean years sapped your energy
yet helping others let you live.
What you are gives you sanity;
not what you take but how you give.
The land's full of vitality.
The blue hill with white sheep astray.
Tropical breeze kissed wrinkled face
The shepherd is tired along the way.
The borrowed car geared you to nap
dreaming in a hospital's lap.
The call past ten in your wrist watch
awakened a friend that cold night.
The East Coast response you didn't catch;
wrestling on spiritual might.
(A poem dedicated to a humble prelate, Msgr. Felix S. Zafra, the first Bishop of Dipolog City diocese in Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines,who taught me the importance of prayer and of a perpetual adoration to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.( John 14:13-14) And whatever you ask in my name, I will do so that the Father may be glorified in the son. "If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do so) Msgr. Zafra once walked this wonderful planet and said that above all things we must profoundly put our trust in God. On a related note, by October 30, 2014, a new Bishop will be installed at Dipolog City, Fr. Severo C. Caermare to succeed Bishop Jose' R. Manguiran. Fr. Caermare was born in Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. He will be the first Bishop from Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines and a homegrown priest. He will be incharge of ecclesial province of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines.)
My wife is:Evangeline Caermare Trabanca
My Bishop Friend
By: Greg In. Trabanca
When I'm down I remember you
that in our life God is the King.
This we must believe to be true.
Man has end and time is fleeting
I always long for your coming
like a rain welcomed by dry field;
while farmers with their guitars sing
the song of thanks and glad tiding.
Tales of justice dot memories;
Your one-way ticket to the States.
The annual love mission appeal;
travel and the airport ordeal.
I drove. I listened. Your stories
reverberated with humbleness.
You met a country folk that paved
the way to your most desired goal:
that you received more when you gave
to the diocese and sans wall.
You watch your flock as shepherds do;
to get rid of sheep-clothing wolves.
As seminarians come and go;
you are firm with those of the robes.
The lean years sapped your energy
yet helping others let you live.
What you are gives you sanity;
not what you take but how you give.
The land's full of vitality.
The blue hill with white sheep astray.
Tropical breeze kissed wrinkled face
The shepherd is tired along the way.
The borrowed car geared you to nap
dreaming in a hospital's lap.
The call past ten in your wrist watch
awakened a friend that cold night.
The East Coast response you didn't catch;
wrestling on spiritual might.
(A poem dedicated to a humble prelate, Msgr. Felix S. Zafra, the first Bishop of Dipolog City diocese in Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines,who taught me the importance of prayer and of a perpetual adoration to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.( John 14:13-14) And whatever you ask in my name, I will do so that the Father may be glorified in the son. "If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do so) Msgr. Zafra once walked this wonderful planet and said that above all things we must profoundly put our trust in God. On a related note, by October 30, 2014, a new Bishop will be installed at Dipolog City, Fr. Severo C. Caermare to succeed Bishop Jose' R. Manguiran. Fr. Caermare was born in Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. He will be the first Bishop from Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines and a homegrown priest. He will be incharge of ecclesial province of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines.)
My wife is:Evangeline Caermare Trabanca
Gratefulness
Nov. 02/09 - Monday
Day dawns for a glorious new day
For us to understand God's plan
And to discover His new way
It is in our hands to expand.
Are we a human being
Or are we a human doing?
Is it vital to work and sing
Or dance to the Holy rhythm?
We are God's gifts to our Jesus
We are precious and beautiful
He takes care and love all of us
Endless mercy and wonderful.
We must believe, love and adore
Be grateful to Him everyday
With Him there is no better score
He is our Life, the Truth, the Way.
Day dawns for a glorious new day
For us to understand God's plan
And to discover His new way
It is in our hands to expand.
Are we a human being
Or are we a human doing?
Is it vital to work and sing
Or dance to the Holy rhythm?
We are God's gifts to our Jesus
We are precious and beautiful
He takes care and love all of us
Endless mercy and wonderful.
We must believe, love and adore
Be grateful to Him everyday
With Him there is no better score
He is our Life, the Truth, the Way.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Oct.31/09 - Saturday
"Imagination grows by exercise, and contrary to common belief, is more powerful in the mature than in the young." - Paul McCartney.
The person is right. At this point in my life, I could detect the truth to this statement. It seems that daily visits to the computer add feathers to the wings of imagination and like an eagle soars to unforeseen heights.
Back in my bachelor days in my birthland, I used to be with friends and we let our thoughts scamper and flurry in the fields of dreams. And as we stare at the starry sky, we feel that we are in distant land.
It is free to dream. It is a good to dream.
-0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Today, after the ICC ( Inheritance Communications Corporation) meeting I attended I went to a Filipino store with a restaurant and a bakery. The cold autumn weather led me to the restroom to pee. When I came out I saw a couple on a table. They were done eating. The friendly wife stood up and was palm reading on a man in a 3-piece attire. I thought he was a manager, sales rep but later when we were engaged in a conversation, the truth surfaced that he is a minister of one of the Christian denominations. As our conversations went on , we touched on the delicate topic of religion.the range of topic was seemingly Bible quotations. Obviously, he was a Bible-believing Christian. He was not minding the 10 commandments but was focusing on only the Two - love God above all things and your neighbor as yourself.
As he was dishing out more on religion, I left the restaurant as I have an errand to do. I bought a coconut milk in a can to be mixed with sweet rice for the All Soul's Day celebration.
"Imagination grows by exercise, and contrary to common belief, is more powerful in the mature than in the young." - Paul McCartney.
The person is right. At this point in my life, I could detect the truth to this statement. It seems that daily visits to the computer add feathers to the wings of imagination and like an eagle soars to unforeseen heights.
Back in my bachelor days in my birthland, I used to be with friends and we let our thoughts scamper and flurry in the fields of dreams. And as we stare at the starry sky, we feel that we are in distant land.
It is free to dream. It is a good to dream.
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Today, after the ICC ( Inheritance Communications Corporation) meeting I attended I went to a Filipino store with a restaurant and a bakery. The cold autumn weather led me to the restroom to pee. When I came out I saw a couple on a table. They were done eating. The friendly wife stood up and was palm reading on a man in a 3-piece attire. I thought he was a manager, sales rep but later when we were engaged in a conversation, the truth surfaced that he is a minister of one of the Christian denominations. As our conversations went on , we touched on the delicate topic of religion.the range of topic was seemingly Bible quotations. Obviously, he was a Bible-believing Christian. He was not minding the 10 commandments but was focusing on only the Two - love God above all things and your neighbor as yourself.
As he was dishing out more on religion, I left the restaurant as I have an errand to do. I bought a coconut milk in a can to be mixed with sweet rice for the All Soul's Day celebration.
Oct. 30/09 - Friday
Nothing is new.
What's new today is no longer new tomorrow. And as the sea is never full so is a person's thirst for knowledge is never satiated.
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God.
" All rivers go to the sea,
yet never does the sea become full.
To the place where they go,
the rivers keep on going.
All speech is labored;
there is nothing man can say.
The eye is not satisfied with seeing
nor is the ear filled with hearing.
What has been, that will be; what has been done, that will be done. Nothing is new under the sun. Even the thing of which we say, "See, this is new!" has already existed in the ages that preceded us. There is no remembrance of the men of old; nor of those to come will there be any remembrance among those who come after them. (Ecclesiastes:1 7-11 )
Nothing is new.
What's new today is no longer new tomorrow. And as the sea is never full so is a person's thirst for knowledge is never satiated.
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God.
" All rivers go to the sea,
yet never does the sea become full.
To the place where they go,
the rivers keep on going.
All speech is labored;
there is nothing man can say.
The eye is not satisfied with seeing
nor is the ear filled with hearing.
What has been, that will be; what has been done, that will be done. Nothing is new under the sun. Even the thing of which we say, "See, this is new!" has already existed in the ages that preceded us. There is no remembrance of the men of old; nor of those to come will there be any remembrance among those who come after them. (Ecclesiastes:1 7-11 )
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Oct. 29/09 Thursday
The Fall. Autumn. Change.
I was out in the backyard raking the autumn leaves of Cherry Blossoms, Maple tree, and Ash tree... In our backyard garden, we have a flower terrace-like garden in four layers of irregularly shaped rocks landscaped by a handyman may be, as the garden terrace was already there when we bought this bi-level house 5 years ago. What was amazing was the different flowers dotting it. Now the leaves have fallen. The ground is filled with colors of gold, brown, yellow, and red.
The landscape changed. And I have changed from an obscure town boy to a man, a jack of no trade, journeying into the impossibilities.
Yes, Change! The wheel revolutionizes the world. The computer changed me. From now on this blog site will undergo a change. It is going to emboss memory-prints on the wall of time. Daily on this blog, you'll see quotes that will change our life for the better. As " day by day in every way through the grace of God, we are getting better and better."
The advent of the computer changed my lifestyle. It is what I am at this point in time. Amazing! You bet. And once again I am nimble with my fingers; no longer with the pen.
So dear friends and lovers of life. Stay with me as we journey together in the land, sea, and air of life. Travel is fun. And quotes from great minds will map guide us.
And so we begin...
The Fall. Autumn. Change.
I was out in the backyard raking the autumn leaves of Cherry Blossoms, Maple tree, and Ash tree... In our backyard garden, we have a flower terrace-like garden in four layers of irregularly shaped rocks landscaped by a handyman may be, as the garden terrace was already there when we bought this bi-level house 5 years ago. What was amazing was the different flowers dotting it. Now the leaves have fallen. The ground is filled with colors of gold, brown, yellow, and red.
The landscape changed. And I have changed from an obscure town boy to a man, a jack of no trade, journeying into the impossibilities.
Yes, Change! The wheel revolutionizes the world. The computer changed me. From now on this blog site will undergo a change. It is going to emboss memory-prints on the wall of time. Daily on this blog, you'll see quotes that will change our life for the better. As " day by day in every way through the grace of God, we are getting better and better."
The advent of the computer changed my lifestyle. It is what I am at this point in time. Amazing! You bet. And once again I am nimble with my fingers; no longer with the pen.
So dear friends and lovers of life. Stay with me as we journey together in the land, sea, and air of life. Travel is fun. And quotes from great minds will map guide us.
And so we begin...
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
10/17/09, Saturday
Beautiful, meaningful words are vitamins that enhance your will to live. Always seek for things beautiful. Anything that exudes good smell, pleasing to the eyes, or just simple plain positiveness.
These are beautiful words:
" There is goodness as well as greatness in simplicity not in wealth."
"The greatness of a person lies in his heart, not in his head, that is intellect."
And this:
Learn from the mistakes of others... You can't live long enough to make them all yourselves!.
" A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are screwed first." - Chanakya
" The biggest guru-mantra is: Never share your secrets with anybody. It will destroy you."- Chanakya
What I am sharing are not secrets as they are printed in books and the internet. The secret is- putting these WORDS into action making them a part of your life, taking risks, embracing change, and instilling discipline into the sanctum of your being.
Before I forget to keep your life simple and seek peace and don't lose sight of just being simply YOU!
Beautiful, meaningful words are vitamins that enhance your will to live. Always seek for things beautiful. Anything that exudes good smell, pleasing to the eyes, or just simple plain positiveness.
These are beautiful words:
" There is goodness as well as greatness in simplicity not in wealth."
"The greatness of a person lies in his heart, not in his head, that is intellect."
And this:
Learn from the mistakes of others... You can't live long enough to make them all yourselves!.
" A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are screwed first." - Chanakya
" The biggest guru-mantra is: Never share your secrets with anybody. It will destroy you."- Chanakya
What I am sharing are not secrets as they are printed in books and the internet. The secret is- putting these WORDS into action making them a part of your life, taking risks, embracing change, and instilling discipline into the sanctum of your being.
Before I forget to keep your life simple and seek peace and don't lose sight of just being simply YOU!
Friday, October 09, 2009
10/09/09, Friday
(J4F CLUB) 1000+ cards Reached
What a relief! At long 7 years past, a dream comes to reality. "Yes, dear, we are there. I want to finish up recording everything that has come in today and we will get the order in."
Thank God. Never be without greeting God, thanking Him for His Love, His Goodness. And for Life, Health, Work/Job, Success, and Failures.
Came across The Art of Forgiving thus:
* The most creative power given to human spirit is the power to heal the wounds of a past it cannot change.
* We do our forgiving alone inside our hearts and minds; what happens to the people we forgive depends on them.
*The first person to benefit from forgiving is the one who forgives.
* Forgiving happens in the three stages: we discover the humanity of the person who wronged us; we surrender our right to get even, and we wish that person well.
*Forgiving is a journey; the deeper the wound, the longer the journey.
* Forgiving does not require us to reunite with the person who broke our trust.
* We do not forgive because we are supposed to; we forgive when we are ready to be healed.
* Waiting for someone to repent before we forgive is to surrender our future to the person who wrongs us.
* Forgiving is not a way to avoid pain but to heal the pain.
* Forgiving someone who breaks trust does not mean that we give him his job back.
* Forgiving is the only way to be fair to ourselves.
* Forgivers are not doormats; to forgive a person is not a signal that we are willing to put up with what he or she does.
* Forgiving is essential; talking about it is optional. When we forgive, we set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner we set free is ourselves.
*When we forgive we walk in stride with our forgiving God.
(J4F CLUB) 1000+ cards Reached
What a relief! At long 7 years past, a dream comes to reality. "Yes, dear, we are there. I want to finish up recording everything that has come in today and we will get the order in."
Thank God. Never be without greeting God, thanking Him for His Love, His Goodness. And for Life, Health, Work/Job, Success, and Failures.
Came across The Art of Forgiving thus:
* The most creative power given to human spirit is the power to heal the wounds of a past it cannot change.
* We do our forgiving alone inside our hearts and minds; what happens to the people we forgive depends on them.
*The first person to benefit from forgiving is the one who forgives.
* Forgiving happens in the three stages: we discover the humanity of the person who wronged us; we surrender our right to get even, and we wish that person well.
*Forgiving is a journey; the deeper the wound, the longer the journey.
* Forgiving does not require us to reunite with the person who broke our trust.
* We do not forgive because we are supposed to; we forgive when we are ready to be healed.
* Waiting for someone to repent before we forgive is to surrender our future to the person who wrongs us.
* Forgiving is not a way to avoid pain but to heal the pain.
* Forgiving someone who breaks trust does not mean that we give him his job back.
* Forgiving is the only way to be fair to ourselves.
* Forgivers are not doormats; to forgive a person is not a signal that we are willing to put up with what he or she does.
* Forgiving is essential; talking about it is optional. When we forgive, we set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner we set free is ourselves.
*When we forgive we walk in stride with our forgiving God.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Friday, Sept.11,2009
My wife and I were invited to The Best of 10, a dinner-dance-concert presented by The Silayan Singers. Place: Meridian Banquets, 1701 Algonquin Rd., Rolling Meadows, Illinois
It's dubbed the best of 10 as this the 10th of this group's existence sharing its music to brighten our world in the gloom. And it did bring joy to aching hearts, rhythm to irregular steps in life's journey, and revival of friendship in oblivion.
My wife and I were invited to The Best of 10, a dinner-dance-concert presented by The Silayan Singers. Place: Meridian Banquets, 1701 Algonquin Rd., Rolling Meadows, Illinois
It's dubbed the best of 10 as this the 10th of this group's existence sharing its music to brighten our world in the gloom. And it did bring joy to aching hearts, rhythm to irregular steps in life's journey, and revival of friendship in oblivion.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Building a Community!
I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to "The Parish and Family Life Commission," for your dedication, devotion, and determination. The committee for the "Summer Dinner Dance," once again made it a memorable evening for everyone who came for the party. Building a community of faith involves different ideas and many hands. I am pleased to have so many committed parishioners who give of themselves to make it better for all.
As the musical evening was unfolding with excitement, we encountered another electrifying situation. A pipeline from the girl's bathroom broke and flooded the basement, which interrupted the party. Nevertheless, there was no panic, everyone understood the situation, and closed the evening with goodwill. It brought back the memories of the movie "Titanic". People danced to the music 'till water covered the full floor. What a sight to behold! Nobody complained, but left with cheer to return next year for this event.
The best in our community was manifested in this crisis. Most were willing to lend their helping hands. The organizing committee took upon themselves the cleaning and clearing of the water from the basement. They stayed 'till late into the night, and only when everything was taken care of, they left the premises. I am ever grateful to you for making such sacrifices to bring people together to build a community of faith.
The Gospel reminds us of a precious gift, which God our Father offers to us, his people Jesus, His own Son! Through this gift, we are called to form a community of faith and the mystical body of Christ. "I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever, and the bread I shall give is my flesh for the life of the world." This gift of God beckons us to come together, and share our lives with one another.
Sincere gratitude to the "Parish and Family Life Commission" for organizing different events in the parish, to help accomplish the goal of building a community of faith, by sharing your time and talent. With this in mind, letters are being sent out to families to invite other families to strengthen our parish and family life. I wish you the best and God's abundant blessing on each one of you.
-Fr. Peter Fernandez, sfx was inspired to write this on that unforgettable Hawaiian summer night of live music and dancing shoes to the delight of the parish community.
I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to "The Parish and Family Life Commission," for your dedication, devotion, and determination. The committee for the "Summer Dinner Dance," once again made it a memorable evening for everyone who came for the party. Building a community of faith involves different ideas and many hands. I am pleased to have so many committed parishioners who give of themselves to make it better for all.
As the musical evening was unfolding with excitement, we encountered another electrifying situation. A pipeline from the girl's bathroom broke and flooded the basement, which interrupted the party. Nevertheless, there was no panic, everyone understood the situation, and closed the evening with goodwill. It brought back the memories of the movie "Titanic". People danced to the music 'till water covered the full floor. What a sight to behold! Nobody complained, but left with cheer to return next year for this event.
The best in our community was manifested in this crisis. Most were willing to lend their helping hands. The organizing committee took upon themselves the cleaning and clearing of the water from the basement. They stayed 'till late into the night, and only when everything was taken care of, they left the premises. I am ever grateful to you for making such sacrifices to bring people together to build a community of faith.
The Gospel reminds us of a precious gift, which God our Father offers to us, his people Jesus, His own Son! Through this gift, we are called to form a community of faith and the mystical body of Christ. "I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever, and the bread I shall give is my flesh for the life of the world." This gift of God beckons us to come together, and share our lives with one another.
Sincere gratitude to the "Parish and Family Life Commission" for organizing different events in the parish, to help accomplish the goal of building a community of faith, by sharing your time and talent. With this in mind, letters are being sent out to families to invite other families to strengthen our parish and family life. I wish you the best and God's abundant blessing on each one of you.
-Fr. Peter Fernandez, sfx was inspired to write this on that unforgettable Hawaiian summer night of live music and dancing shoes to the delight of the parish community.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
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