March 9, 2011 - ASH WEDNESDAY

Today is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the forty-day Lenten Season. It has been celebrated since the 8th Century. Ashes has traditionally been a sign of repentance and mourning. The imposition of ashes is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church as well as the Lutherans, Methodists and other Protestant denominations. As we hear the words, "Dust thou art and to dust thou shalt return," we reflect on our own mortality. We humbly acknowledge that we are only transients in this world and that heaven is our true home. As such, our material possessions which we may exceedingly cherish and boast of, will all be left behind. We leave behind all the trappings of our earthly existence when our mortal lives assume immortal dimensions. Naked we came into this world, naked we would leave it! Pope Benedict XVI in his Ash Wednesday homily today at the St. Sabina Church, a 5th Century Church in Rome, said, "Through the personal encounter with the Redeemer and through fasting, almsgiving and prayer, the journey of conversion towards Easter leads us to rediscover our Baptism. We are moved to free our hearts from the burden of material things, from a self-centered relationship with the "world" which impoverishes us and prevents us to be open to God and our neighbors." On this day, we focus on our own sinfulness and resolve to cleanse ourselves from all forms of sin. It brings forth the end of our "unrighteousness." With prayer, fasting and almsgiving highlighting Lent, we renew our relationship with God. We become more acutely aware of His Presence. We confess our many ways we have failed Him, our sins of commission and omissions. We converse with Him the way we do with our close friend, a confidante to whom we can pour out what is in our hearts without fear of rebuke. We can be our true selves without the "mask," the fascade we carry along with us in our everyday lives as we deal with our office mates or others. Lent brings us a greater awareness of God's Presence and also of what He wants of us. We begin to take extra note of the immediate world around us and of its needs. We are jolted into the reality of the need for identifying ourselves and working towards the call for being the "voice of the voiceless and the power for the powerless." Then we think about it, ponder on it some more and finally consider to do small concrete ways to become "God's hands and feet" in this fractured world.

As an addendum to this reflection, may I share with you my experience today? I attended the 6:30 PM Ash Wednesday Mass at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Sacramento, California today with my daughter Cielo and grandson, Joshua. The crowd which filled the church spilled over to the narthex, a big welcome area outside the sanctuary proper and to the outer porch. I inched my way inside the church up to the first row of standing worshippers. Immediately, I saw a vacant seat right at the edge of a pew only a few meters away. I was surprised why it had remained unoccupied despite its "prominence" and the milling crowd around. I looked at the people on my right, turned my head to the left and audibly said,"There's a seat," as I pointed with my left thumb. I believed they were entitled to it since they must have been there for some time. They looked at me, but nobody moved. So, I hastened to take the seat. I immediately gazed at the image of our Blessed Mother on the left side of the main altar and said, "Thank you!" Do you wonder why I expressed my gratitude to our Blessed Lady?

Jan. 23, 2011 SEA OF GALILEE

The Gospel today is on Jesus's stay in Capharnaum along the shores of the Sea of Galilee and the choice of His apostles.

Many of the pilgrims who visit the Holy Land during summer will long remember the beauty of the calm blue waters of the lake against a background of lush vegetation complimented by the caress of the soft cool breeze. Most of them will understand when the Gospel speaks of Jesus' leaving Nazareth to start His public ministry in and around Galilee. Who can resist the beauty of Galilee?

Have you ever wondered why Jesus chose fishermen to be His close associates - his apostles? When Jesus started His ministry he was already thirty years old. During His growing up years, He must have helped St. Joseph in their own carpentry shop and even have done work in other places along the same work. Accounts of a booming industrial area, Sepphoris, which provided construction jobs to many workers including carpenters during Jesus' time had been historically authenticated. Since it was only a few hours walk from Nazareth, it must have been possible for Jesus and His foster father to have worked there. He must have been exposed to different kinds of work performed by various men of intellect and prowess. Though small and seemingly insignificant, Nazareth must have all the attributes of an organized town in civil, police, medical and judicial affairs. Hence, during His lifetime, Jesus had seen many kinds of human endeavor. So, why did He choose mostly fishermen to be His apostles?

Let us try to find some meaning into Jesus' choice:

1. He chose fishermen because they have the spirit of adventure.

Fishermen venture out into the dark night at sea ready to face whatever comes their way. The sea can be so calm at one moment and in the very next cause untold anxiety by the mighty waves and strong winds. To explore the unknown and be steadfast in their commitment would certainly be a desired quality of an apostle.

2. He chose fishermen because they have the willingness to work as a group.

Teamwork is essential in any undertaking since the efficient sharing of work and rewards, of give and take spells success. A common ideal which binds men of different nature and circumstance makes possible the maximum cooperation among them.

3. He chose fishermen because of their patience.

Waiting for a catch requires patience of a special kind. The ticking of time which can last for hours and in some instances as in the Gospel account when Peter and his companions did not catch a fish for one whole night can be a penultimate test of patience. In the preaching of Jesus' Way to all sorts of people who have never heard of it would definitely be a challenge. It would require a big chunk of patience.

4. He chose fishermen because they were simple men.

Peter and the rest of his men were simple, unschooled, down-to-earth men. They were raw and rugged ready to be molded and polished so that their luster can reflect the light of Jesus, their Master. In His choice of the simple fishermen who have not been marred by the sophistication of the world, Jesus proved His declaration that He does not call the qualified but He qualifies the called. The lives of these men who became Jesus' apostles were totally transformed to become the pillars of our faith.

In my visits to the Holy Land, I particularly enjoyed Capharnaum and the Mount of Beatitudes because the Sea of Galilee is an integral part of their scenery. I have, therefore, attempted to write a few lines about :

GALILEE

How beautiful you are, Oh, Galilee
The serene waves that abound in Thee
St. Peter's fish swim with their young in tow
Amidst the swaying plants so green below.

How I love to be in charming Galilee
In the place where our Lord, Jesus walked with glee
Teaching His apostles - also Peter, James and John
To love everyone with the love He has sown.

The trees and boulders that line your rugged shores
Heard the tales Jesus told with such awesome force
That He will lay down His life to save the world
From sins of the flesh, corruption and the sword.

That to know Him means to study His Word
Reflect on Jesus' parables we won't get bored
Instill in our minds and hearts the way of life
Willing to serve others always with rife.

Eager to help those who knock at our door
For food, for shelter, for counsel and much more.
We can never fathom the power of prayer
Each time we seek God for someone else's welfare.

Oh, Galilee, how you marvelously display
Mother Nature in kaleidoscopic array
The changing colors as the seasons roll by
Complement the fragrance of the breeze coming nigh.

A chosen place you are, Oh, Galilee
From time immemorial to eternity
Oh, Lord, in your mercy and love, let me be
In the bosom of your heart, your own Galilee!


P. S. The cold and cough I had after Christmas led to Bronchitis and finally to Pneumonia so that I was confined for a few days at the Mercy General Hosopital in Sacramento. Hence, I was not able to attend to my Blog. Hopefully, after a complete recovery, I will be able to relate to all of you through Grace's Blog!

December 30,2010 REFLECTIONS

It's almost the end of the year and an appropriate time to look forward to a most thrilling and hopefully, less challenging year for me. While I have braced myself to face the future with remarkable optimism, I find it necessary to look back on the happenings of the last twelve months and find out how they have affected my life and my relationships.


Birthday anniversaries come and go with so much fun with family, relatives and friends. Somehow with the adding of years, come an unspeakable sense of family love that grow deeper, stronger almost to the extent of being overcome with fear of helplessly losing that filial oneness at any unexpected moment. I felt an eagerness for being with family more often and sometimes failed to make myself realize that my children's lives are now more bound by their own ever-growing family web which is of primordial importance. It took some effort on my part to accept the fact that finally, I have now only become an appendage, sometimes, I am afraid, a real burden to them. I must confess that I had been so lonely at times!

The trip to Paris and Lourdes last June with my grandchildren, Michael and Christian and my son, Bobby and Carla was a most exciting one. Equally memorable was the pilgrimage to the same destinations- Paris and Lourdes-with Joshua, Christina and Tiffany Anne in 2009. Can you imagine a 78-year old woman roaming the streets of Paris with three children then? So far, I am happy and grateful that I have fulfilled my promise to give as gift for any grandchild graduating from Grade VIII the thrill of seeing the fabled City of Paris. The City of Light has so much religious significance because at 140 Rue de Bac, Convent of the Daughters of Charity, our Blessed Mother appeared to Saint Catherine Laboure in July, 1830 and gave instructions on the Miraculous Medal. I felt good showing my family the incorrupt body of St Catherine Laboure and also that of St. Vincent de Paul in the Church of Lazarites on Rue de Sevres. I knew that the experience strengthened their faith in God... that God exists! I was happy to have taken them to Lourdes where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette 18 times in 1858. Since then the place has been a a sanctuary visited by more than seven million pilgrims every year. The powerful sense of awe at Lourdes is in its atmosphere that is felt but remains undescribable with its afternoon Blessing of the Sick and the heartwarming nightly procession. I am consoled by the thought that the Lourdes experience will seep through their young hearts and psyche thus deepening their faith and strengthening it as they grow up in the midst of a modern but fractured world.

Growing older and enjoying the blessing of age is something I am most grateful for to our Almighty, the Giver of life! As such, I feel that my relationship with my God has grown into phenomenal heights! But there were also times this year when my faith was tested to such unthinkable pressure that signs of desperation crept in surreptitiously. It was most evident in times of illness when the anxiety over one's inability to finish a number of desired tasks became apparent. As of now, I am suffering from a very bad cold and cough that has robbed me of energy and zest for life. It all began right after Christmas and my constant coughing has really weakened me a lot. I am afraid I might not make it to the New Year! Leaving behind a multitude of problems to my loved ones is something I truly detest and such fear has overwhelmed me to unknown heights. I don't know why but somehow it seems that I have allowed my faith on "everything will work out good for those who love the Lord" to slowly slip away so that the feeling of helplessness added more misery to my aching body. As always, God sends relief. Yes, God's Word, the Bible is the Way and the Truth that lights our way! I sought and found solace in it. Now, do you ever wonder why I often say that one should know Jesus through His Word - the Holy Bible? To me and it should be for everyone else, the Bible is The Guide towards Life! It is the compass that directs our way - our thoughts and our deeds.

Oh..oh... I need to make an appointment with my doctor. He is also God's instrument for my healing!







































































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December 12, 2010 - GAUDETE SUNDAYt

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent which is also called Gaudete Sunday or Rejoice Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word for "Rejoice" the first word of the Introit or Entrance Prayer at Mass. Officiating priests at Mass wear rose-colored vestments signifying the joy of believers as they come halfway through the Advent Season anticipating the birth of our Savior.

November 25, 2010 THANKSGIVING DAY

Today is Thanksgiving Day ! Like most families in America, our family celebrated this special day with every member of the family enjoying roast turkey and a variety of goodies on the luncheon table. And the usual prayer of thanksgiving is said with much more fervor by each one before the sumptuous meal.

Our family Thanksgiving Day celebration was held in Bobby and Carla's home in Fremont. It was a most fitting place for the whole clan to be gathered since they had just finished the renovation of the house adding two rooms and enlarging the family room and kitchen. With the splendid contemporary look complete with brand-new appliances, we opt to enjoy Thanksgiving luncheon on the huge granite island in the spacious kitchen rather than in their formal dining room. To say that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the meal in such lavish surroundings would be an understatement!

While it is true that everyday we offer our gratitude to God for His many blessings and favor on us, still Thanksgiving Day is set aside for special prayers of thanks.

November 21,2010 - CHRIST, THE KING

The Solemnity of Christ, The King was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 because most of the people of the day had practically thrust Jesus Christ and His teachings out of their lives. There was a distinct effort to cast aside the Ten Commandments out of the social and political arena. Freedom was being interpreted to mean license in various fields of endeavor. At that time, despotic rulers and systems began to take hold in Europe: Hitler, Mussolini and Lenin. Pope Pius XI wanted to assure the people with a sense of security through the rule of Jesus Christ over the chaos of tyranny. He went on to claim " that as long as individuals and states refused the Rule of our Savior Jesus Christ, there would be no real prospect for lasting peace among nations." This critique could have been written today, 2010, where a most replicating scenario exists - the serious crimes of abortion, euthanasia, divorce and other forms of darkness. Our present world is indeed shrouded with darkness. A philosopher defines " Darkness is the inability of the human race to do what it ought and it continues to find itself doing what it ought not."


One of the tasks of the early Christians was to show that Jesus Christ was truly the fulfillment of the religious expectations of the Jewish people. They did this by placing Him squarely in the heart of Israel's major traditions - genealogy. The people had a tremendous respect for family roots. Through genealogy, they spoke consistently on the ancestry of Jesus which is traced back to David - a much admired and considered ideal king. Hence Jesus Christ is King by birth!


Today, Christ, The King Sunday reminds us that there is a Monarch, a King, Who is both Just and Merciful; Whose kingdom is in stark contrast with the systems of this world - a Kingdom which transcends the wordly darkness.


The Kingdom of God is real - not in what we see. " It exists in the hearts of everyone who give themselves over to the King of Kings. It exists in the hearts of men and women who give themselves over to peace. It is because of the peace of that Kingdom that we, here and now, can promote justice. It is because of that peace that we stand against the killing of innocents or elderly or genocide elsewhere in this planet. "


That is what the kingdom of God means - Light Against Darkness !


We have hope in the truth of the Biblical passage, " The Light shone and the darkness could not comprehend it, could not extinguish it. "


The Readings and Gospel today add Titles to Jesus:


1. God's Beloved Son
2. Image Of The Invisible God
3. Firstborn Of All Creation
4. Head Of The Church
5. Messiah Of God
6. Before All Things
7. Firstborn From The Dead


Yes, He is all these and much...much more!

October 31, 2010 - ZACCHAEUS

The Gospel today is about the story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector who was eager to see Jesus of whom he has heard so much about. Being short in stature, he climbed a sycamore tree to get a better view of Jesus as He would pass by. Much to his surprise, Jesus looked up the tree and said , " Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." He came down quickly and received Jesus with joy. When the people saw this, they began to grumble because Jesus has gone to stay at the house of a sinner. But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor and if I have extorted anything from anyone, I shall restore it four times over." And Jesus said to him, " Today, salvation has come to this house because this man, too, is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost."

This Gospel story brings out some interesting facts we need to think about. Can you name one or two of them? Let me try:

1. The action of " Seeking " of finding out, searching for, knowing about or longing for, is present in both Jesus and Zacchaeus.

In Genesis, at the Garden of Eden, God asked, "Where are you?" as He looked for Adam. Since then God has been seeking man to love him, to care for him and to save him. And Jesus articulates it when He said that the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost. What about Zacchaeus? Being a man of position and of wealth, should he even be bothered by a lowly itinerant preacher? But Zacchaeus was different from the rest of his league, he was curious even desired to establish some contact with Jesus though only within the visual sense. Quite possibly, he wanted to know more of His teachings some of which he must have heard in the marketplace or elsewhere. So, Zacchaeus, too was seeking Jesus!

2. Being with Jesus brings unspeakable Joy !

Think of the times when you receive the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord in Holy Communion. Can you describe the joy and peace that reigns in your heart? How about the moments you spend with Jesus in silent Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament? Doesn't the joy of His Presence overflow you with unimaginable peace and contentment? Well, Zacchaeus was so overjoyed by the nearness of Jesus, both physically and spiritually in his heart that his generosity burst forth in torrents for the poor ( half of his possessions) and for those he may have overcharged or shortchanged in the exercise of his profession. The lesson here is crystal clear: Stay close to Jesus and you will experience joy in your heart - no matter what!

3. " Today," salvation has come to this house"

The Gospel passage speaks of "today" not tomorrow , not later or whenever when salvation can come into our lives. It is a sounding reminder for all of us that we make
our "today" a salvific experience with Jesus, that we never let 24 hours pass by without spending precious moments with our God. We should all be vigilant that our waking hours are not totally consumed by the busyness of our life though necessary they may be for daily existence thereby pushing asunder spiritual growth for ourselves and our young ones who need spiritual guidance at this time of their lives. The time for acknowledging Him as our Lord and Savior is now - Today !


4. The Sycamore Tree - An Encounter with Jesus

Pilgrimage sites are holy because of what happened there. For example, we have the Grotto of Lourdes, France where our Blessed Mother appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, Tepeyac in Mexico where She also showed herself to Juan Diego in 1531 and at 140 Rue de Bac, Paris, in the Chapel of the Daughters of Charity to Catherine Laboure in 1830. Mount Sinai is a pilgrimage site because it was the place where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and Mount Tabor, too, because of Jesus' appearance with Elijah and Moses at His Transfiguration. The Holy Land with Nazareth, Bethlehem and Jerusalem are places of pilgrimage because we encounter Jesus there. We might add to this list of holy places, the sycamore tree, because by climbing the sycamore tree in Jericho, Zacchaeus encountered Jesus which transformed him and saved him. Now who or what helps us encounter the living Jesus today? Who or what are our very own sycamore trees?

The Scriptures help us experience Jesus. Nature with its flora and fauna, the sky and the seas, the mountains and the rippling brooks and many more help us feel the Presence of Jesus. The saints and holy ones in heaven whose lives illumine us of God's grace and work in them so that we may respond gratefully and generously to God's blessings on us. They are the sycamore trees in our lives that help us encounter the living and transforming love of Jesus !