JAN. 30, 2014 - NUGGETS OF WISDOM

             NUGGETS  OF  WISDOM
          (Dedicated to my Grandchildren

Jesus said, "Be not afraid I am with you"
A promise spoken, an indelible mark
I claim His declaration firm and true
Praise and thanksgiving sing from my heart.

My Grandchildren, to you I share this message            
God's unconditional love in this passage
 His Word is an everlasting sign
So precious like gold seven times refined.

Be not afraid to be a witness to His Word
Through your daily activities of any sort
If you "live" the Bible and relationships feed
You'll be the only "Gospel"some people read.
              
Be not afraid to speak all of God's teachings
To those indifferent to His preaching
Dare to be bold to proclaim Christ's Good News
Your courage will enlighten lukewarm views.

Be not afraid to be consistent in your prayers
God is the source of life and all that flows in
Confide your joys, pain, doubts to your Maker
If you do so to friends, why not to Him?

Be not afraid to work or walk the extra mile
In your school, office, home chores at hand
Give more than what is expected with a smile
Lifts you up, an inspiration to others send.

Be not afraid when frustrations come your way
Temptations, trials, heartaches thrown at bay
For a purpose God allows them to test faith's gap
Trust Him for healing, strength, insights it will tap.

Be not afraid to have many friends with you
They make life happier, your walk pleasant, too
Dare to lose them than give up your conviction
Of what is right as to God's truth and action.

Be not afraid to be better than your friends
It may need hard work, more study, less play
Dream dreams "hitch your wagon to a star"
Be focused, do your best, with God, you'll soar!

Be not afraid to exercise your free will
God's gift to each one of His creation
What you will be at age 50 is the seal
Choices YOU made- family's pride or poison.

Be not afraid to defy society's trend
Accepting loose morals as being "cool"
Stick to God's way and a "loner" to the end
Than let a brilliant mind be that of a fool.

Be not afraid, follow Grandma's advice
They're guidelines for young hearts to live by
You will have meaning, purpose and be wise
When you "burn" with fervor for Jesus on high.

What you are now, I once had been
What I am now, you will in the future be
Like me you'll look back and see the unseen
"I have done my best to be what I can ever be." 
        
                    XXXXXXXX

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.

           

Dec.18, 2012 - MUSIC & BETHLEHEM

Last December 9, 2012, I attended the Holy Spirit Catholic Church Christmas Choral Concert. The popular Christmas carols beautifully sang by the children's choir earned a thunderous applause. No cause for wonder, really, because of the presence of parents and relatives specially doting grandmothers and grandfathers of the young "promising" diva or tenor in the family. It was amusing to see the flood of digital cameras held up in the air to record the momentous occasion. I smiled as I remembered such times in the past when I would compete with others for space to get a better shot of the "apos" (grandchildren) when they performed.

 Both the youth and adult groups admirably rendered more newer hymns to commemorate the season of Christ's birth. Audience participation in the singing of a few Christmas classics made me open my vocal cords without any hesitation, despite the fact that I sing off-key. I believe that the spirit of Christmas permeated the atmosphere so that my unbridled passion for music and song rushed free!  It was an afternoon well-spent, indeed, thanks to the most efficient and dedicated effort of the music directors and instrumentalists of the Holy Spirit Church.

A few days after, I attended the Christmas Piano Recital of Christian, a grandson, at the Carlton Plaza a residence for seniors. I was so moved by his marvelous rendition of  "O Little Town of Bethlehem." He has been under the tutulege of Mrs. Carmencita Aspiras, a former child prodigy and a six-year piano scholar in Vienna, Austria, the Music Capital of the World! She has been holding student recitals in large senior facilities for the past few years. Her reasons for doing so are so laudable from the standpoint of students and audience alike.

The Christmas carols sang or played during both occasions made my heart swell with immense joy and lifted my spirits to high heavens! Such feelings were duplicated by Christina's beautiful voice singing the liturgical and Yuletide songs during a mass we attended. But the melody of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" haunted  me so strongly that I decided to write about my first visit to Bethlehem in 1977.. Like all "firsts", the experience has remained fresh as the morning dew in my memory!

Both history and tradition point to Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus. A small village, referred to in the Bible (Micah 5:2) as the "least" among the towns of Juda. Bethlehem, old name, "'Ephrata," means, "House of Bread." It lies within the Judean desert so that the sordid mounds of rocks and countless caves form a large part of its terrain. Sparse greenery with few sheltering trees lie here and there where shepherds pasture their flocks.

My first visit to Bethlehem in 1977 was through the kindness of a couple, Israel (yes,that's the man's name) and Ruth Beit-Halachmi who were my seatmates on board a plane from Singapore enroute to Europe in 1975. At that time, I was in an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) meeting in Singapore when I received a wire from the Department of Foreign Affairs with instructions to proceed to Geneva, Switzerland to represent the Philippines in a Plenipotentiary Conference on Shipping sponsored by UNCTAD (United Nations Commission on Trade And Development). Ruth and Israel in their mid-sixties, came to Singapore to promote their business of manufacturing Jewish artifacts and jewelry, On board the aircraft, we had an animated conversation which included, among other things, my dream of visiting the Holy Land, the birthplace of my Lord and Savior, Jesus. Of course, I added, that it would remain a dream since my circumstances would not warrant its realization. Despite my definitive claim, they still so warmly invited me to stay with them just in case I would finally land at the Tel-Aviv Airport in the future. Modesty aside, they were unduly lavish in their admiration for my representing a country in international circles at such a young age. I was 44 years old then! They told me how I had warmed their hearts and offered me a silver ring with an aquamarine-like gemstone which they said was a "gilat," a stone from King Solomon's mines. I would not accept gifts, specially jewelry, from strangers. Therefore I was adamant in my refusal saying, "No, thank you," over and over again. After seeing the sincerity of their offer and their admission of the great disappointment and possible insult they would feel, I relented and graciously expressed my gratitude for the ring. (By the way, I still have it.) We kept in touch through the mail almost on a monthly basis since then.

Fast forward. Then in April,1977, I had to attend an UNCTAD conference in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. It was to be held the week right after one of Christianity's holiest season- Holy Week. I was  determined to set foot for the first time in Israel since the meeting place was close by and travel costs would be greatly reduced. The added bonanza was the fact that my first encounter with the "living" Jesus was during Holy Week, the time of His "death.". What coincidence, nay, "God-incidence" can that be ???

It was Holy Tuesday.To say that I was feverishly excited as the plane made its smooth landing at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel-Aviv would be an understatement! My mind was occupied with the thought of "kissing" the ground of the Holy Land at the foot of the plane-steps or not. It was a struggle between the faith-filled sense of my heart to kiss the "Holy Ground" and the intellectual synapses of my brain which considered the gesture improper and attention-getting.The head above my heart prevailed!

Ruth was screaming, "Is it really you, Grace? Are you here, here, really, really?" over the phone when I called from the airport at around 8 AM. Being fond of surprises, I purposely did not inform them of my coming. Much later after my trip, I realized how wrong I was to make my visit a surprise. What if Ruth and Israel were on a business trip abroad? What would have happened to me to be stranded in a foreign land without any hotel reservations? If I would have been lucky to get a hotel, would I have the money to pay for it plus the transportation costs to and from the religious sites of Bethlehem, Nazareth and Jerusalem? My loving and merciful God Who knows my needs even before I ask, had saved me from a lot of heartache! Praise the Lord! It made me realize what being "close to God" means - that He will supply our needs even without our asking if it would redound to our benefit. Also, it became more clear to me that at times when we do ask for something and He remains quiet, it is either what we are asking for is not rreally good for us or He will give it at the right time or He wants us to persevere in prayer in our caily communion with Him.

 While waiting for Ruth and Israel, I walked around, noted the immaculately clean and modern airport and even ventured out of the premises. I was expecting dozens of young men and women in uniform with their full gear patrolling the area since "war" was consistently aflame in Israel as reported in international newspapers.  I did not see one soldier at all! I was somehow relieved at the thought that peace must have finally been achieved. I also took a second look at the faces and body silhouettes of the few women I saw in the vicinity. Since the previous year's Miss Universe was from Israel, I presumed most of the Israeli women would have her features.

After the usual amenities, Ruth and Israel took me to their spacious apartment in the prestigious area of the city where the Prime Minister of Israel, Rabin stayed. In fact, he lived in the penthouse right above their home. I was surprised to know that despite being a  man of national  prominence, he did not have bodyguards except for a driver.They  pointed to me the Prime Minister's car parked along side many others in the curb of a side street. I marveled at the humility of Rabin who was acclaimed, "Man of the People."

During my 3-day stay with my hosts, they took me to Nazareth, Bethlehem, Jerusalem and a city tour of Tel-Aviv. This blog is focused on my first visit to Bethlehem only.

While driving towards Bethlehem, Ruth told stories of the many Christmases they celebrated in the place. Three Christian groups: Catholics and Protestants, Greek Orthodox Chirch and Armenian/Ukrainian Orthodox Church have different dates for the birth of Jesus Christ. Hence, every year Christmas is celebrated three times in Bethlehem. Though they believed in Judaism, they still celebrated Christmas in Bethlehem because of the music and pageantry during the festivities. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised at the many things they knew about Jesus!

I stood awe-stricken by the tall, huge, fortress-like structure before me which was the Basilica of the Nativity, built during the middle of the 6th Century by Emperor Justinian. The very first church built over the cave where Jesus was born was constructed by Constantine, the first Christian Emperor of the World in 354 A.D. Fire and war atrocities had razed that church and the succeeding ones throughout the centuries. I took a studied look at the basilica from one end to the other. My mind could not comprehend how such a building of  the 556 A.D. era could be standing still in 1977? I had not seen the Pantheon of Rome nor the Pyramids of Egypt then.

The main entrance of the massive- walled sanctuary was (still is today) a small door which required each person to bend low and literally bow one's head to enter. No wonder, it is called, "Door of Humility." I figured that since Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is inside, all of his people, his "children" need to pay homage to Him.

The faint light from the hanging oil lamps inside the squalid darkness almost like that of a cave gave a strange aura of holiness and wonder. Damp air circulated through two long rows of huge columns lining the nave (center) of the church. The hair at the back of my neck stood electrified as goose bumps swept through both my arms. I was spellbound! I looked at the altar which consisted of a simple table and a collection of oil lamps of varying sizes and shapes arranged in a few tiers from the table. There were still some more lamps hanging from the ceiling."Where is the Tabernacle?" flittingly crossed my mind. I ran my hand on two or three columns and noticed the patina of age that had somehow affected the paintings on them. I quickly drew back my hand when I realized that people like me who like to "feel" things must have caused their missing lines and subdued colors. I thought of the thousands of hands that have "caressed" those pillars throughout the centuries!. 

A small area of the wooden floor in the nave of the church was lifted off to show the original one with its.mosaic figures of birds,flowers and fowl. Strangely enough, the colors on the tiles were still so clear, so vivid!  On the left side of the church as one is facing the altar, a much larger space of the original floor with the mosaic figures were on display. Of course, it was a cordoned section.

Some persons standing on line at the left side of the altar indicated that it was leading to the cave where Jesus was born. I quietly took my place in the line while my heart vigorously pumped against my chest. My head was reeling with excitement and, I thought, every nerve of my body was agitating to get loose from its "cubicle" to  see the Christmas card "Nativity Scene or Creche" come to life! As I slowly followed the trail down the narrow, rugged stone steps to the cave-stable, I prayed a succession of "Thank you" to God for making my impossible dream possible! I was overwhelmed with a mixture of joy and sadness, a longing for my loved ones- family and siblings- to be with me at that most significant time! 

Upon reaching the end of the steps, I looked around and saw that there were two openings (steps), one coming down to the "grotto" and the other, going up from it. I saw that the walls and roof of the cave were covered by something like a tarp.Three or four yards away from the "grotto", my eyes caught sight of a small opening between two pieces of tarp. When I stood right below it, I reached up and inserted my right hand so as to "feel" the rocks My sense of touch makes an experience come alive to me so that  it has become a personal "pet peeve." My happiness knew no bounds! But when I knelt down before the spot, the "hole" which marks the birthplace of Jesus, I was sobbing convulsively like a lost child. It was cordoned off by an iron chain . I  saw all those ahead of me just kneel, pray and leave. But I could not do just that! 

Kneeling right in front of the "grotto" with tears rolling  unashamedly down my cheeks, I crawled under the chain and- "dug" my right hand first then my left into the "hole." Then I ran my hands on the silver piece with star- like points that encircled the spot. I was completely oblivious of the people in the cave with me. The only thing that mattered was that I was with  Baby Jesus, my Santo Nino!

As I was going up the steps to exit, I smiled at the thought that I found the answer to my question, "Where is the Tabernacle? The "Grotto", of course ! Halfway through the exit steps, I stopped, turned to take a last look at the "grotto." In so doing, I saw the line of pilgrims, one by one, inserting their hands through the opening between the tarp to touch the rocks of the cave!,