DEC. 23, 2013 - MY SISTER, GLORY

Today, December 23, 2013 is the birthday anniversary of my sister, Glory. As a humble tribute, I penned a few lines for her.

                      My  Sister,  Glory      

Your name speaks so much about who you really are
God's special child who spreads His radiance around
Always ready to give counsel when sought for advice
In matters of life's puzzles your knowledge abounds.

But the field you explored and shared all the more
Is in the medical realm to the wonder of all
Many seek your help just like a patient to a doctor
For an illness herself or for a sick child to succor.

I am always tickled pink when I learn people say
You are either a doctor or a nurse in full array
But it is in your gift of the Holy Spirit that my
        pride really swells
Your inexhaustible Patience few mortals can excel.

Glory, you exemplified the best of a mother's love
To the nth degree so constant and unfailing
The patience you exhibit equals that of Job
A gift you remarkably keep on bearing.

You were always by my side in times of need
Especially during the growing-up years 
        of my children's upkeep
When my career called for my meetings abroad
You were their overseer fulfilling a 
        sister's love code.

I can never forget the role you played
When we acquired the first house we bought
The transaction would never have been made
Were it not for the strategy you skillfully wrought.

You may have had a large share of heartaches
        and much worry
God has a reason for all that comes our way
His designs for your unfathomable joy is 
        tucked secretly away
For having been an "apostle" and beacon 
        of HIS GLORY !!!

Jan, 17, 2013 - PRAYER FOR THE YEAR

                       PRAYER  FOR  THE  YEAR

Let me be, O Lord, your kind, caring hands
Stretched out to help the needy and forlorn
To extend your soft healing touch and unbind
The tight grip of fear, pain and shameless scorn.

Let me be, O Lord, your strong, steady feet
To walk with those in bondage and affliction
And with courage borne from your protective feat
Strengthen them to rise, break the chain of addiction.

Let me be, O Lord, your loving, searching eyes
That see a friend's sorrow beneath the jolly mask
Which often show mirth on the surface, but, alas
There lies a wounded heart crying for help to rush.

Let me be, O Lord, your soothing voice that counsels
The young, the indifferent "sophisticated" wards
Who are ensnared by worldly pleasures and vice
Unmindful of Eternity's justice and ample rewards.

Let me be, O Lord your keen ears which listen
To the cry of the poor for daily needs so common
Muted by disillusion, shame and false pride unspoken
Beneath stone-faced mien of despair and abandon.

Let me be, O Lord, the face that radiates your love
Through my deep wrinkles, blotches, disfigured state
Shield me from the fear of ridicule, hate that matches
My intense desire to be an "apostle" of my faith.

So, help me, Lord, in my commitment to leave
A legacy of Faith to family, relations and all
Be aware of God's Presence at all times and to give
Time, talent and treasure in response to your call.


                           XXXXXXX

Jan.13,2013 - BAPTISM OF JESUS

Today, January 13, 2013 is the Solemnity of the Baptism of Jesus. The Gospel of Luke tells of John, the Baptist as the "voice in the wilderness" who prepared the way for Jesus and, therefore, is also known as the "Precursor of Christ." He announced, "The kingdom of God is at hand! Repent. Repent! I am not even fit to untie His sandals." He further explained that he was baptizing the people with the "waters of repentance" but that Jesus would baptize them with the Spirit and with fire.

Baptism cleanses us from Original Sin which our first parents, Adam and Eve committed - disobedience and lack of trust in God. They sinned because they abused the freedom that was given them. "All subsequent sin would be disobedience toward God and lack of trust in His goodness." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 397) Therefore, an utterance, a deed or a desire against God, truth, reason and right conscience can fall within the umbrella of "sin." 

How did the sin of Adam become the sin of his descendants? CCC para 403 and 404, explains that the whole human race is in Adam as "one body of one man, a unity of the human race." As the Council of Trent decreed, Adam and Eve transmitted to their descendants, human nature deprived of their original holiness and justice. The fact that he has transmitted to us a sin - a "death of a soul " with which we are all born afflicted, the Catholic Church baptizes for the remission of sins even tiny infants who have not committed personal sin.

When Jesus approached John to be baptized, He did not have to undergo baptism of repentance. He was/is sinless, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. He wanted to be seen by people as man, like all men, who need God's mercy for the forgiveness of their sins. He wanted to show the people the value of the institution of Baptism and the forgiveness of sin (repentance) with Faith.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 977 states, "Our Lord tied the forgiveness of sins to Faith and Baptism. Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ who died for our sins and rose for our justification so that "we, too, might walk in newness of life."  

"The profession of faith while receiving Baptism cleanses us and the forgiveness of sins received then is so full and complete that there remained in us absolutely nothing left to efface. Yet, the grace  of Baptism delivers no one from all the weakness of human nature. " (CCC para 978)

Since the Baptism of Jesus "grafted" us to the Mystical Body of Christ, we were given the gift of "sonship." Each one of us becomes a "child of God" through baptism and therefore we all are "co-heirs" to the kingdom of God."

Also, the Baptism of Jesus was a manifestation of the Holy Trinity when the voice of God the Father declared, "This is my beloved Son on whom I am well pleased." The Third Person of God, the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove on Jesus, the Second Person of the Trinity. The declaration of God the Father which was heard by the people was an affirmation of what Jesus claimed to be then and now.

Since you and I have been baptized, therefore, each of us is a "child (son) of God." Do you think God can say of you that "He is well pleased?" 

Jan. 12, 2013 - ONE OF GOD'S FAVORITES

                 One  Of  God's  Favorites


When grey shadows start to turn into a deeper hue 
At the threshold of a world that is completely new
Beyond the reach of the caprice of Time
Will I always treasure my identity as God designed.

At this juncture, I will not make a turnabout
From the belief I have held on since it did sprout
That I am one of God's favorites, you should know
By the many ways He has made my life glow.

I was born in a home modest and secure
With family love that so long endured
Parents who indulged on their offsprings with care
Strict discipline enforced but gentle and fair.

The bond that ruled parents and siblings alike
Was a faith in God, strong with unwavering might
Nourished by a mother's devotion, truly sky-high
Till the day she said a tearful, "Goodbye."

My school life was remarkably commendable
Because I had siblings who were most capable
To guide and help me develop study skills
And inspire me to exert my best, minus the frills.

The total trust in God I have long nurtured
I released control of my life to Him without question
Confident that He loves me like a sheep in pasture
The abundant life He promised was my portion.

My life-long partner He picked with special care
One close to Him, we were a Catholic pair
A humble, loving man who pampered me too much
In many ways, that others said, "Oh, what a catch!"

God blessed us with children worthy of praise
For their "clean" lives through teen years and adulthood maze
I hope and pray that our legacy of faith
They will persevere to embrace through life's tempestuous days.

My career traced a path only God could have laid
Out of my teaching job events moved and swayed
To represent my country of birth in international forums
I never imagined possible despite proper decorum.

It all started when a United Nations team made a selection
From many nations' candidates with pure intention
To join a UN Scholarship Program on Shipping
During an era when the field was but a newspaper clipping.

My being chosen as the only woman scholar 
From eighteen countries was an honor far above the dollar
So I worked doubly hard to prove my competence
In a field dominated by men  of sheer excellence.

Upon my appointment as Director, Overseas Shipping
Temptations to wallow in wealth were overwhelming
But my faith in God saved me from the clutches of greed
With untainted hands I conquered all by my vigilant abiding creed!

With God in control, I received four plaques of appreciation
Including one from a most unlikely source
From the President of the Philippines in recognition
For making "Professionalism" in Shipping my mission. 

Some say that into each life a cross is given
To qualify for entrance to Heaven's pearly gates
Now it makes me wonder where I will be taken
When the closing bell rings and my mortal life fades.

So now at 82, I continue to enjoy life especially with my grandchildren
Who are acolytes, choir members and eucharistic ministers, too
My desire is for their Faith to be the consuming essence
Of their lives now and through the coming years always in God's Presence!

From my account, I have revealed my life of limitless blessings
Something considered a cross had not altered nor shaken
Such that inspite of our Lord's fairness to each one He created
I still claim, " I am one of God's favorites," my thanks to Him an eternal token!


                      XXXXXXXXX

Jan. 1, 2013 - MOTHER OF GOD

Today is January 1, 2013, Solemnity of Mary, the  Mother of Jesus. No woman has ever been more loved nor more written about and more controversial  than Mary. Among those who profess themselves as Christians, the Catholics venerate her with such esteem and profound honor unequalled iin the civilized world.