SANTO NINO DE AGOSTO, 2012

FIESTA DEL SANTO NINO' DE AGOSTO (Aug. 16, 2012)

 This is the 12th year of the celebration of the Santo Nino de Agosto. This year's theme is TO GOD BE THE GLORY. The feast of the Holy Infant Child is observed in January but devotees found also a better idea to unite the many groups of the Sto Nino devotees spread throughout the parishes of Illinois this month.
This year 18 groups of devotees participated. They are Devotees of 1) Zamboanga del Norte (2)St. Lambert of Skokie )3)Divine Mercy of Transfiguration (4)Prayer Group of South Dupage (5)San Lorenzo Ruiz Group (6)St. Matthias Legion of Mary (7)Holy Name Cathedral (8)Sto. Nino of the Midwest (9) Prayer Group of St. Peter, Skokie (10)Couple for Christ (11)Most Holy Innocent Group (12) FACC/Rizal Center (13) Rosary Crusade/Our Lady of Fatima (14) Mother Cabrini Prayer Group (15) Legion Of Mary/Our Lady of Ransom (16) Society of the Beloved Disciple of St. Matthias (17) Our Lady of Fatima Prayer Group (18) Sto Nino del Ciudad de Zamboanga.

On its souvenir program, Luz Ong, the perennial Hermana Mayor (for 12 years) echoed a Thank You to ALL, Friends and Benefactors of the organization, devotees. The Spiritual Director and founder Rev. Leoncio S. Santiago began his message with dry humor written on a tombstone that reads, "It's always something." that the statement applies to death or to life. And he went on to question whether there is a time when "something" will no longer bother us. That he said is yes according to Jesus. That time is the time of glory which is timeless and eternally secured. Any interruption to our joys, to our peace of mind, to our smooth relationship with others is a reminder of the cross, the cross which sits on the top of the globe in the hand of the Santo Nino. They are intimations of God's glory, the only glory that endures, and the glory that we can share if we live in union with God. To God be the glory!

Meanwhile, Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, wrote,  "Religious celebrations are a time for remembering and giving thanks for God's blessings that come to us through the hands of the child Jesus.

"The Gov. of Illinois, Pat Quinn, said, "The annual celebration is also a great opportunity to show unity and to meet with others of your faith and heritage.

"The Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, said, " Sto. Nino de Agosto has been a great institute of support to innumerable people. This annual event is a special opportunity to recognize and celebrate your unity and religious cultural heritage.

"And lastly, from Consul General, Leo M Herrera-Lim our consulate general of the Philippines in Chicago has this to say,"...This spirituality and selflessness are ideals of our Christian faith and values. Indeed, devotion to faith influence all aspects of the Filipinos' way of life. The Philippines, our homeland, is truly blessed that its people have remained true to the faith. Viva Santo Nino!"

 An important addendum, was the presence of Fr. Jerome Moras of Carmel Nivas, Holy Infant Church, Londa- 591 301 Belgium Dist., Karnataka State, India. He has stayed in Prague for 10 years. He is a healing priest.

The festivities were well attended and the procession from around the blocks of St. Matthias Church told the success story.

" The Miracle of Multiplication of Bread " By Fr. Peter Fernandes,sfx

In our world, million of hungry faces are wondering about, hoping for the miracle of the multiplication of bread. We wonder, why so much hunger and thirst Did the Maker of this world miscalculate the resources?

Many such questions baffle the minds of the believers and non-believers likewise. Therefore,should we surmise that a benevolent God permitted such atrocities on His creatures? Many are content to deny the existence of God in the face of sorrow and pain, with false assumption that if God truly existed, this world would have been a happy place.

However, they are comfortable to dwell in the big homes, and embrace the consumerist life style without a thought or care for the suffering human beings. Why blame God, whom you cannot see and touch, but would not lift a finger to help the fellow human being. The miracle of multiplication of bread happens every day through God's abundance.

However, there is not enough for the greed of men, which is the cause of hunger and thirst for millions of people around the world. It is a shame, for the modern man to boost of advancement in technology and communication, and leave behind millions of people, who are left to fend for himself to fetch just a piece of bread for the day.

Although, the images are visible, our hearts are cold to reach out, but we blame God:why not repeat the miracle of multiplication of bread.

Eucharist is the celebration of God sharing His very life with us to nourish our body and spirit. The miracle of the Eucharist is an invitation for all the disciples to multiply the loaves through our works of charity, struggle for justice, and detachment from the material things. Indeed, God wants to work this miracle every day, but He needs our cooperation, and willingness to share of our selves, while imitating His Son Jesus. You and I are called to be the bread for the hungry, and water for the thirsty...!

God's love for his creatures is so profound and deep, which we will never be able to fathom. Through the suffering and death of His Son Jesus, God made it amply clear to us that He is willing to empty Himself totally for our sake. He stands with us when we face trials and tribulations; He suffers with us when we feel helpless... He walks with us through the journey of life, without miss a step. He accompanies us not as one who is powerless, but who loves us purely and sincerely.

Therefore, open your eyes of faith and recognize the Lord in the breaking of the bread.

Satisfy My soul...! By Fr.Peter Fernandes,sfx

     Who can truly satisfy my soul? This question rings in the heart of every person that walk on the face of the earth. In fact, a man makes an effort to satisfy the soul, but often, fails to find a right answer. "I searched for thee... in vain things, but I could not find thee. Late have I found thee my God. Now I know, that my heart is made for thee, and it is restless, until it rest in thee.
    St. Augustine learned that it is an imperative to lean on God if you are  to satisfy your soul.
    The history of humankind bespeaks of the tragedy he faces when his search for satisfaction ends in disappointment. The irony is that history continues to repeat this misfortune, bringing in more tears and grief. What is still more tragic than an individual's dissatisfaction  is that the stubborness of human heart makes it so difficult to recognize its failure, to amend its ways, and  to find ways to overcome predicaments with correct methods. Sadly, mankind tends to linger on the ordinary mire, rather than to rise above to the sublime life only God can offer.
     The Prophet Elijah performed a mighty miracle  in the presence of King Ahab, the prophets of Baal, and the people of Israel, when he challenged the prophets of Baal, and proved them wrong. There is only one God -Yahweh - in Israel. Through this mighty deed , the prophet wanted to bring home a message  to the King and to  the people of Israel that they should not fear but rather trust in God. Queen  Jezebel rejected that message, and she sought to kill Elijah. This is the story of humankind, which often opts to  kills the very thing that satisfies our souls.
     Similar is the attitude of the people toward Jesus, who truly is the bread of life. Besides witnessing the awesome power of Jesus, and being miraculously fed, they still were not ready to place their life or faith in Jesus. On the contrary, they began to question His authority and authenticity. The modern secular culture reflects the same attitudes of indifference and doubt. The secular culture endorses consumerism and hedonism as the means to satisfy the soul, but these truly poison our souls. The secular culture's message mislead the people, and hordes of people fall prey to their traps.
    Who can satisfy my soul? Jesus assures us, " I am the bread of life.Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood" will never feel hungry again or thirst. Therefore, why distance  ourselves for the Lord, who truly satisfies our soul? We have to recognize the gift of God in His son Jesus, repent of our sins - the stubbornness of heart, and allow Jesus to inter into our lives. When we do this we can be  assured that we will be greeted with peace and joy the world cannot offer.

Hudyaka 2012 With Gov. Lando Yebes

Hudyaka 2012 Aug 11, 2012. Saturday.

Bunker Hill Forest Preserve, Chicago, Illinois teemed with ZANORTEANS (people from the province of Zamboanga del Norte, the Philippines in America) to celebrate the province's annual festival- Hudyaka. This was a festivity started by  Governor Lando Yebes and was responsible also for Zamboanga del Norte to be popularly known as ZANORTE.

Gov. Lando Yebes, Board Member, Alan Ranillo, and another staff member were present to witness the different activities performed by the ZANORTEANS in Illinois through their organization, ZAMNAI.

Participants of ZAMNAI's HUDYAKA 2012 were all ZANORTEANS of the different associations ranging from towns to schools, to civics. They were all united, unique, and uproarious. A pride of Mindanao.

And, Gov Lando Yebes intimated to me in a chat that this ZAMNAI HUDYAKA activity was highly commendable especially the preservation of the province's culture and tradition. The governor added that someday, the coming generation will be proud that they, too, have roots and branches from ZANORTE.

On Remembering Friends

     "Our rewards in life will depend on the quality and amount of the contribution we make." "Life is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You won't necessarily get what you want in life but in the long run, you'll usually get what you expect."
 
  Flashback. Summer of '67. Zamboanga City, the City of Flowers. Zamboanga AE College.(AE for Arturo Eustaquio). Plaza Pershing. Zamboanga City was then a peaceful city. It's vibrant with hopeful joy. I love to visit the pier where I drown my doubts, my uncertainties, my pain on the unending friendly and hostile waves rolling to the shore. Etched on the horizon is a promising tomorrow. And, Zamboanga AE College was like a doting father to the children away from home. Students from all over Mindanao in particular and the Visayan and Luzon flocked to Zamboanga City for their educational thirst and hunger. Truly, Zamboanga City is the City of Flowers.

In the summer of 1967, as the president of the ZAEC Summer Student Council, I was given the responsibility to invite the late Mayor Cesar Climaco to be the College of Education Summer Graduating Class guest speaker. As he was not available, instead I requested Mr. Rodolfo Canivel, director of Philippine Muslim College of Jolo, Sulu, who was at that time recruiting teachers to teach in high school and college. That request paved the warm welcome of at least seven instructors to teach at Philippine Muslim College and immediately commenced my teaching odyssey.

I assured Mr. Canivel of those teachers who would be teaching English and Literature, Mathematics, Pilipino, Science, History, Band Leader/Instructor, and School paper Adviser.

Mr. Abubakar, the Mayor of Jolo gave the coming instructors a red carpet welcome accommodation. Reid Tallow was the high school principal. Meanwhile, Baryamin Jubaira, my great pal ( with whom I learned some writing skills), welcomed me by streaming an ad-lib on the only government radio station of Jolo, Sulu. The following week my classmates and schoolmates from the islands surprised me with a welcome visit.                

Baryamin is the son of Ibrahim Jubaira, the first prolific Filipino writer to be known outside of the country, the Philippines Free Press short story awardee for his Uncle Syed's Goat entry, and the Philippines attache' to Kuala Lumpur during Emmanuel Pelaez vice-presidency.                

I loved the Sulu Archipelago with its Muslim and Christian population, lovely islands, and beautiful seascape, the noted durian fruits, fresh fish, and homegrown brewed coffee.  I walked the beach and saw at a distance the house of Princess Tarhata Kiram, who wrote the lyrics of the song Jolo Farewell-. In fact, I still remembered another song which runs like this: In Tawi-Tawi beach I know, the girl I can't forget...

And Simunol island, of Eddie Sappal's writings, of his brother, Abe Sappal ( Karl Dumas ) whose radio voice permeated Zamboanga city's airwaves and captivated young and old listeners. Together with  Abe Sappal, Rommel Corro, and me; we trained a winsome Hadji ( sorry I forgot his name) of the island in public speaking and he won the college intramural speaking contest at ZAEC. Meanwhile, with the expertise and advice of Abe Sappal and Rommel Corro, we won the intercollegiate debate on the topic: That electoral campaign should be limited to 3 months. Education Dept. has the affirmative side whose members were 2 high schools valedictorians ( from Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur and the other from Basilan province and 1 salutatorian (me) from Zamboanga del Norte The first time in ZAEC's history that an Education Dept won over the Law Dept.

 At Jolo's Philippine Muslim College, I met and befriended a kindhearted man whose name escaped my memory. He was the college security guard by day and moonlighting on the government radio by night. He has a terrific tongue for dishing out the Tausog's ballads comparable to the Tagalog's Balagtasan. This muscular friend graduated with his Bachelor's degree at the prestigious University of Sto. Tomas, Manila, the Philippines on a scholarship through his swimming prowess.

Dave Reyes was added to the list of friends. He is a dashing, well-read man who informed me of a soon available teaching position at Claret College of Isabela, Basilan City as Bob (Ulbert Ulama Tugung) is slated to take the bar in Manila. I grabbed the opportunity. I was accepted. Taught English and also as an adviser of the school's paper and a contributor to the Basilan Times.

Ulbert Ulama "Bob" Tugung was a very good friend. He is charismatic, humble, well-loved in Basilan and the islands.  He smiled and waved his hands in a friendly manner among the pedestrians. He was fearless as he held high his honesty, dedication, and sincerity in the whole gamut of his emotion. He was truly a politician.

Those were the days when the Press and Radio or Media were well respected. And this refreshed my memory when I met Mr. Pamaran of the notable and influential Pamaran families of Lamitan of the Basilan province of the Sulu Archipelago. This happened when a classmate in college introduced me to  Mr. Pamaran who (I was not sure) was the mayor or vice-mayor, that I was a journalist and at that juncture, he pleaded not to ruin his political career due to his not accomodating us three townmates for a ride from the wharf to downtown Lamitan. That incident added inches to my height, that a pen is mightier than a sword.        (Greg In Trabanca)

Silence

Poem 101

Silence is the language of the soul.
In your inner silence, you'll feel

the melody of sound which is music
to your very existence.

Let silence finds its vital niche
in your every day life's movements
and you'll know that there is
Someone talking to you.

And you believe.

(04/09/2012)

Beauty of Nature

Park Poem

I elected to walk and not to run
I have to tread slowly for I am lost

As I journey on this beautiful land
My God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

This I am humbly confessing
I am weak I need Him the more

That my real need is unceasing
I am sinking in the seashore.

I met a man from Korea
Who loved himself and his country
I met a man from Nigeria
Said that wealth has room for many.

The three of us were in the park
To be more fit physically
In the nearby river a duck
Was scouring for food happily.

Hey guys which is then the right way
As you walk in this foreign land?
Be careful not to go astray
And cautious not to go beyond.

(04/09/2012)

I Wonder Why

The Wonder Moment

I wonder why,

It's the city of Zamboanga;
Then about that Jesuit's vignette,
Not on Cebu or Dumaguete?

I wonder why,
I didn't stay long in Manila
To see the sunset on the bay
Or write a seminarian story?

I wonder why, 
Medicine didn't ease my longing
Nor accounting or engineering;

But the fascination of letters,
The novelty of syllables,
The awesome splendor of writers.

And I still wonder
If I write in my intention:
To read, to learn, and to gather
Nuggets buried in oblivion
To scatter for the generation?



(03/09/2012)

Fr. Carlos and I

9AM 2/26/12 Sunday
Priest: Fr. Carlos
Lector: Greg

Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant. (Ps 25:4-5...

Officiating the mass at 9 AM was Fr. Carlos and I was the lector. And this Sunday, after the 11 AM mass, there was a birthday party lunch at the Church's basement for our pastor Fr. Peter Fernandez, tendered by the parishioners of St.Timothy parish.

Stewardship was manifested as parishioners flocked to the Church for prayer, for the celebration and for parish activity participation. Truly the parishioners' time, talent, and treasure were displayed.

Inspiration

Wonderful World

Teach me once more on  how to fly,
To soar up above the skylines
To dream, to hope, and not to cry

Teach me once more to stand, to walk
To run as really fast as I can
And tell them to do and not just talk.

Teach me once more to learn to change
And write it to do the exercise
To scribble words and rearrange

Words that make sense and beautiful
Well-chosen words of prose and poetry
Making our life so wonderful.
(02/21/2012)

The Real Presence

At St. Jude's Chapel

He is imprisoned in the tabernacle
for our salvation.

Silence. Meditate. Listen.

He is there in the tabernacle
watching and listening to us -
in the silence of our heart
in the abundance of our thoughts.

He is there!

Speak to Him in the sanctum of your silence;
Whisper to Him and listen to the echo of your desires.

He is there: ready to lift you,
to carry you, to meet your needs.

Make Him a part of you, a part of us.


(02/06/2012)

The Waterfall

Waterfall on the Wall

Water, air, light -
The essentials of life.

At the outpatient hospital lobby, I walk tall.
I witnessed a therapeutic experience
As I gazed at the waterfall on the wall

Cascading to the flower garden
Of white blooming orchids,
On the newfound Eden.

The illuminating electric bulbs declared;
The writing on the wall that read
"Only say the Word and I shall be healed."

The water of damnation or salvation,
Air for existence or suffocation;
Light for power or for extinction?


(02/06/2012)

Happy New Year 2012

NEW YEAR!
Jan.03,2012

A time to begin
a new way,
a path that leads
to a promising
tomorrow.

The dawn appears,
the bluebird sings
the sun lightens the sky
and a song, a poem
brightens
my day

2012, a New Year
a good year,
a year to gear
a lesson to bear,
for a direction
leading to
an ideal
destination.

A Day in October

Oct 12, 2011
The Visit

October morn dawns a saga
of relatives from Canada.

From far away they came.

Do you recall when you mention
that you were looking for us;
that you have no information
but finally, you found us.

And you came with your smile
sweet as young coconut's water;
your laughter could be heard a mile
to comfort souls that suffer.

Pictures stream down memory lanes:
Zamboanga, Cebu, Manila, airplanes.

The tears, the laughter,
the song of the birds,
the rain, the thunder.

You saw us on our visit
and your yearning keeps
burning on love's undying ember.

Your persistence carried you
through uncharted terrain
of Germany, the Middle East,
London, Canada, and America.

Your precious physical presence,
was more than gold, and valuable
as life itself.

You came with your sister's family
and was gladly welcome in the house
that wholeheartedly awaited
your coming.

Did you remember, dear relatives,
of our first meeting in town?
The soil felt our feet so active;

the summer of smiles and the frown,
the laughter, the tears and we lived
to love all that was around.


And you came with all your heart,
with all your hugs,

with all your dreams,
with all your hopes,
with all your pains.

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall.
The leaves fell. And as they dropped
to the ground, our names were written on them

because we liked the trees,
we loved mother nature's garden
whose flowers filled our lives
with their beauty and fragrance.

Yes, dear relatives, you are roses,
giving our lives with joy and kisses.

(Dedicated to Babylane Rueles & Son, her sister Rosseni & husband Dan Tiongson and her daughter, Monica & husband Percy Madella with son Dj & daughter on their surprise visit to the windy city)

The Invitation

Sunday, Oct 9, 2011
1st Reading: Is 25:6-10a, @nd Reading: Phil 4:12-14, 19-20
Gospel: Mt 22:1-14 (or Mt 22:1-10)

All are invited ...

The everlasting love of God is a delight for the soul that abides in His presence. Indeed, all are invited to live and partake of His endless bounty to cherish eternal peace that flows from the Almighty. Although the invitation is open for all, a free response is paramount to enter God's Kingdom. Therefore, a joyful soul sings aloud, "It is better for me to be in the Lord's Court for one day than to live a thousand years elsewhere." Are you ready to respond to the call of God?

The empirical experience tells us that because of our ego and pride, not many desire to live in the Court of the Lord. During the time of the prophet Isaiah, people had abandoned the invitation of the Lord and chose to dwell elsewhere. Subsequently, their lives turned pathetic and wretched, hope dwindled, and sorrow engulfed them. At such a juncture, prophet Isaiah reminds them of the invitation of the Lord for a sumptuous banquet on the mountain of the Lord.

Leaving God out of public life has crumbled our institutions. Such a stance, in time, has vitiated the atmosphere to affecting the private lives of the individuals to live in godliness. More and more people choose to dwell elsewhere than to live in the Court of the Lord. It is a tragedy and a poison for our soul. Presently the society is reaping the fruits of alienation, segregation, depression, abortion, violence, hunger, mistrust, hopelessness, and all the evils that have infected our lives.

The celebration of the Eucharist is the remedy for our soul. God became food to satisfy our hunger and thirst. Therefore, there is no other source better than the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ - the celebration of the Eucharist with the faith community, to fill our lives with love, peace, and eternal healing from our Creator. It is imperative for the disciples of Jesus to pay heed to the invitation of the Lord. We have to come before the banquet table of the Lord with thanksgiving and faith as one of Christ. There is no substitute for the celebration.

All are invited... but only a few have responded. What can I do to invite my family, friends, and neighbors? God wants us to be His voice, as prophet Isaiah became His voice to the people of Israel. Let us dress well for the celebration, to enter into the halls of God's Kingdom with mercy and forgiveness, love, faith and hope.

(by:Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx )

Endearment

Beloved

If you part from me my sweet love
and you'll travel another path
I'll be but a misguided dove;
you'll be eating the grapes of wrath.

If you will run away from me
like a rose you'll wither and die;
stay with me to whatever be,
and you'll have no reason to cry.

The minutes and the hours are sweet;
the moon and the stars above are lit;
our sorrows are our joy to greet

the beauty of our blessed life
that lead to the river of grit
in this our world without the strife.

The Ponderable of Life (No Other But You)

The Ponderable of Life

Together we will walk in stride 

amidst the din and drabness of life.     

Come with knives of hatred.

Come with the coldness of the snow.

Come with your nagging in tow.
Come with complaints between
your forehead and your toe.

Come like a summer dawn
to greet the day to sing
the hopes and  dreams that the morrow
with happiness may bring.

Send them all:
   your concerns,
     your regrets,
        your sorrows,
I'll be there for you.
with my undying love.

We are engaged on a life's journey;
we are always one
I, the link, you: the missing link.
We shall always be: you and I
on this planet where we live and die.

Life is a bitter melon

and a sweet onion
It is sunshine and rain
It is laughter and pain.

 

Here's a gift ribboned with gratefulness.

(An ode penned for Evangeline Rueles Caermare Trabanca's

birthday - the 3rd day of March.)

Commentary: 

"I can't compete with those words! Your eloquence in writing, Uncle Greg, is beyond... Your poetic prowess is admirable." ( Luvis Adaza Barja - Lim)

The Question?

Sons' Query?

As kids, you may ask a question
On the lovely place, we came from
You may seek for information
Of Paradise's Eve and Adam.

Across the ocean, we told you
Where quails and mayas were happy;
And we were free to hope, to dream
On the land of milk and honey.

From San Pedro's Davao city;
The nights had no shadow of male,
She burned midnight candles to stay,
To be a Florence Nightingale.

That's how we came into this world
Across the rough sea of the bold

Where he trekked from town to city
From courses to ending a course
Learning the truth and the beauty
Seeking the great Almighty Source.


That's how we came into this place
Where not even time can efface.

From tears of the tropical rain
And from Mindanao's fertile soil
Where hopes and dreams were not in vain
Where our courage to journey boil

Towards the two of us
From the wonderful love
That has united us
That in you our hearts throb
What you'll say to us both
You knew more of the world you sought
About the world to you we brought.

And like an earthquake
We shook the earth
That gave you birth
Where the tree of life appears
And you sing the poem of love
In the highest branch without fears
We fly to reach you like a dove.

The Missionary from Goa

The Missionary from Goa

You have left when she needed you.
You have wounded her and hurt her.
But open your eyes to earth's view;
Your service to God forever.

You finally face each other
In the Bread and Wine you have found;
No one can put you asunder
Of your love, so sweet, so profound.

You held on to your dear promise
Etched in the smithy of your being
In your world, the sun will surely rise
To make boys: men of God keep burning.

Someday you will come back to her-
The native land that nurtured you
To weave your story fair and square
For faith, hope, love, and charity to grow.

(By Greg In Trabanca, a parishioner of St. Timothy Church.)

The last Eucharistic celebration at St. Timothy church was presided by Bishop Mark Bartosic with Fr. Jose' Baptista, s.f.x. at 11 a.m. on Jan 31, 2021.  St. Timothy church and St. Henry church merged with St. Margaret Mary which is now the Holy Child Jesus Parish. The Pastoral Staff: Fr. Phi H. Nguyen, pastor, Fr. Arthur Bautista, associate pastor. Meanwhile, Fr Jose' Baptista,s.f.x. is awaiting his assignment.  

What Do I Reap

What do I reap? Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx
1st Reading: Is 5:1-7, 2nd Reading: Phil 4: 6-9
Gospel: Mt 21:33-43

What do I reap? A vital question to ponder and to be answered several times during our life journey, which will give a focus for a life well-lived. Deviation from a purposeful life bears the repercussion of a bitter outcome that creates ripple effects in society. Therefore, we have to ask ourselves, what is the goal for my life? What legacy would I like to leave behind for the benefit of posterity? Each person has something to offer to make this world a better place. Am I doing my part?

If we take a serious glance at the world, we are baffled with reality. It seems evil has the upper hand, and the world is headed in the wrong direction. Hence, we should ask a question. Where have we missed the calling? The precious life not respected, the family unit is threatened, and trust betrayed, justice trampled, love, mocked upon, and mercy and forgiveness is devalued. With such a scenario of the world, what do we reap? On the other hand, what have we sown, to reap?

Despite a gloomy picture of the world, there is a ray of hope and a brighter future. Ultimately, God is in control of the whole universe, and in His time, purification will take place. Meantime, He has assigned the task to His chosen people to light up the world with faithfulness and righteousness, This group of people is a tiny minority, and their task is enormous. The Israelites were called to live in faithfulness to God and live a righteous life by observing His commandments, and benevolence towards the most vulnerable in the society. The Lord complains, "Why do I reap the bitter grapes from my vineyard?"

Today, the Catholic Church is the new Israel. The new people of God have been entrusted with the same task but greater responsibility. The fulfillment of God's promise to the world was unfolded in the death and resurrection of Jesus, His Son. The Church bears witness to this great mystery of our faith. This mystery encompasses the totality of our existence, in which, faithfulness and righteousness, should lead to the life of charity. The Catholic Church is a tiny minority, which continues to be a voice of conscience to the world that devalues the laws of God.

What do I reap? Indeed, those who live the life of God in the Church will certainly bear good fruits of faith, hope, and charity. However, those who live on their own account, and continue to support anti-Church policies, disrespect for life from conception to natural death devalue the marriage as a sacrament between a man and a woman, will also fail to live a life of charity. What kind of grapes will you reap?