S e n t i r e C u m E c c l e s i a

“Remembering the role of the youth in fulfilling Christ’s Mission of Love"

2010-02-21T19:16:00.000-08:00

Hi! I wish to share with you the reflections I presented to a group of Youth Ministry members of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga last Feb. 20, 2010. The occasion was their annual holding of "Un Noche de Amor Junto con Cristo." I hope the reflections will also help you reflect on your role as a follower of Jesus Christ.

God bless you!

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UN NOCHE DE AMOR HUNTO CON CRISTO

“Remembering the role of the youth in fulfilling Christ’s Mission of Love

R.B. ORBETA, S.J.

Points for Reflection:

+ Perhaps it is better to ask ourselves “Why are we here?” “What brought us here tonight?” Probably for some of us, there are a lot of things that need to be finished, but why is it that we set those things aside for a moment and be here tonight, in this noche de amor hunto con Cristo?

+ Dear friends, taqui kita ahora porque ta cre kita na tiene pa mas importante, y este mas importante is Christ Jesus himself. You are here because you believe that being here is worth it. Being here spells your faith and perhaps your sense of meaning in life. Ta-pensa yo na bien alegre ustedes na taqui ustedes para participa el maga actividades di este noche.

+ But be reminded that it is not only you who are happy that you are here tonight. I believe Mother Church is also very happy that you are happy to be here tonight.

+ Dear sisters and brothers, we rest on the premise that you – the youth of today – are the hope and future of our fatherland. In the same manner, it is you – the young people of this generation – are the hope and the future of Mother Church. The continuation of our traditions and character (ethos) as a nation and as a Church (believers of Christ) primarily rests on you! What a tremendous task you have!

+ I will go back to this point some time during my presentation. But to deepen our reflection tonight, let me propose two things. (Jesuits, you know, are well known for their two / three point presentation or homily. So allow me to be “true to who I am” tonight.) I hope these salient points will help us realize the significance of our role as followers of Christ Jesus, particularly you, the young and energetic followers of Christ. The first point is: Christianity is a religion founded on a “Story”. The second point: Christianity is a religion based on relationship.”

+ First reflection: Christianity is a religion founded on a “Story.” And that story is no other than the story of Jesus Christ. I remember Bishop Chito Tagle giving a talk to a group of Jesuits, religious, clergy and lay people in Loyola School of Theology some time ago about the very story of Jesus… the story that spread throughout the world, and the very story that touches and influences the lives of almost one billion people up to today. Christianity continues to thrive this very moment… the memory of Jesus continues to fill the hearts of men and women… simply because people – The Christians – continue to spread the story of Jesus – the Gospel – which is the very message of Christianity. Kung sa Binisaya pa, “Radyo Baba” ang atong relihiyon. Ta-accepta kita na di aton fe, el fe na estaba pa na maga estoria y testamonia na di aton maga ninuno. The story that we accept that at one point in history, a man named Jesus Christ, came and preached the very message of salvation and love. And his followers, throughout the ages, bring with them this story to wherever they go, and in sharing that story, our faith in this Word Incarnate, this God made man, is founded.

+ How can we relate this first point to the premise previously established, that you are the hope and future of Mother Church? Simple… it is your role… your responsibility to continue to spread the story of Jesus wherever you go. It is precisely your mission… to continue the apostolic task… of keeping the memory of Jesus Christ alive and active in our world. Kaakibat ng responsibilidad na ito ay ang ating gawain na iwasan ang mga maling kuwento at ang tunay na kuwento lamang ang ipalaganap. (relate to chismis… social responsibility)

+ Having established that point brings our reflection into a deeper level. El di aton fe hinde lang estaba na estorya… mas importante, el di aton fe, is grounded on relationship. What do I mean by this dear friends?

+ If we try to watch the Christian Channels over cable TV (mga Dating Daan, Iglesia ni Kristo, 700Club, etc…), most of the testimonies given by those “converted to Christ” are based on a very personal and intimate encounter with the Divine. In the parlance of Spiriruality, we term that as Religious Experience. A life-changing, world-turning experience. An experience that will transform people and lives. Ta-uwi ustedes na maga testimonia na igual con este: “Dati po hindi ako naniniwala sa Dios. Barumbado at basagulero po ako. Inom at inom lang, sugal ng sugal, hindi ko nga inaalagaan ang aking pamilya. Ngunit isang araw, nagkasakit po ako. Sabi po ng doktor na tatlong buwan na lang po akong mabubuhay. May taning na po ako dahil sa liver cirrhosis. Sa punto pong iyon ay napadasal ako. Dios, kung totoo ka man, magparamdam ka naman sa akin. Kung tunay kang umiiral, tulungan mo naman ako... and we know the rest of the story… Noong bumalik po ako sa doktor, sabi po niya sa akin na hindi niya maipaliwanag ngunit malusog na po ang aking atay. Wala na po akong taning. Praise the Lord!” The religious experience changed the person’s life. The intimate encounter of the Divine brought about conversion.

+ Dear friends, our religion and faith do not only depend on a story. But more precisely, it is grounded on a relationship. Mas napahahalagahan ang kuwento dahil sinusuportahan po ang kuwento ng personal na karanasan. Most of us believe in God not only because we heard of him, but more importantly, we have snippets of experience and encounter of Him.

+ Maga hermano y hermana, God calls each of us into a personal relationship with Him. St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Founder of the Society of Jesus, in the Spiritual Exercises narrates that God deals with us in three manners: first, as God to a Creature… second, as Master to a Disciple… third, but more meaningful and personal, as Friend to a friend. I think this makes our faith wonderful. Our God who is intangible and incomprehensible calls us to be close to Him. He draws us closer and closer to His Being through the heart of Jesus.

+ If there is one desire that Jesus has for all of us, it is this: To be drawn to His friendship. To join Him in his endeavors and in his mission of bringing the love and forgiveness of the Father to the world.

+ As I was preparing for this reflection, I wondered how I could deepen and develop the level of thought. And in the midst of my ruminations, a song gently played in my mind. Most of you do not know that I love songs (though I do not know if songs love me), and songs draw me into prayer. Baka siguro naging Heswita ako dahil sa awit at musika. We are familiar with the Jesuit Music Ministry, the famous and recognized Fr. Hontiveros (Pananagutan), Fr. Fruto Ramirez (Si Krito ay Gunitain), Fr. Manoling Francisco (Hindi Kita Malilimutan), Fr. Arnel Aquino (Ito ang Araw), at marami pang iba. The song composed by Jesuit Fathers Bong Abad Santos & Charlie Cenzon, as I have told you, gently played in my mind. The song speaks so much of the point that we try to establish tonight. Pagkakaibigan. Jesus draws us into friendship. Jesus invites us to be close and intimate with Him… with our God. Jesus wants to be our friend.

Ang sinuman sa aki’y nananahan,

mananahan din ako sa kanya.

At kung siya’y mamunga ng masagana,

Siya sa Ama’y nagbigay ng karangalan…

Mula ngayon, kayo’y aking kaibigan,

Hinango sa dilim at kababaan.

Ang kaibiga’y mag-aalay ng sarili nyang buhay,

Walang hihigit sa yaring pag-aalay.

+ Pagkakaibigan. Sabi ni San Ignacio hindi lamang nagpaparamdam ang Dios sa atin bilang Dios at Guro, ngunit sa mas malalim na nibel, ang nibel ng pagkakaibigan. Jesus said that He calls us servants no longer since he considers us friends… A servant doesn’t know what his Master is about but a friend does (relate with friends knowing each other by gesture, voice, figure, etc…).

At kaibigan natin siya dahil ibinuwis niya ang kanyang buhay para sa atin at sa ating kaligtasan. No greater love man has but to lay down his very life for the sake of his friends!

Kung paanong mahal ako ng aking Ama,

Sa inyo’y aking ipinadarama.

Sa pag-ibig ko kayo sana ay manahan,

At bilin ko na kayo ay magmahalan.

Mula ngayon, kayo’y aking kaibigan,

Hinango sa dilim at kababaan.

Ang kaibiga’y mag-aalay ng sarili nyang buhay,

Walang hihigit sa yaring pag-aalay.

+ Yes dear friends, God chose us to be his, and to be his friends. Hindi namimili ang Dios. Kung namimili man siya, pinili niya tayo para maging kaibigan. Isn’t that a wonderful God? A God who is magnanimous not only in his love but also in his mercy and compassion. A God who chose to become one of us to precisely show us that He is near… that He is one of our kind… that he is our friend. That he loves us so much more than we can ever imagine.

+ Going back to your role. Ahhh… your role is not only to spread further the story of Jesus and to make his memory alive in our world. Your deeper role is to share this Jesus who comes to become our friend. Meaning, establish a personal relationship with Him so that you can truly share Him concretely and tangibly to others. In other words, allow him to love you… and allow yourself to love Him in return. That, I think, is the most basic meaning and definition of friendship. To be loved… and to love. Gaya ng karanasan ng Mama na ikinuwento natin kanina… he allowed God to touch his existence and to heal his body… then and only then, the relationship became more meaningful.

+ Maga hermano y hermana, numa ustedes olbida na necesita gayod na tiene kita personal na relasyon con Hesus. Then and only then can we share Him and who He is in our lives to others.

+ Easier said than done. Pero Filipinos kita. Tiene gayod kita tendency na pensa na hinde kita worthy na amor del Dios. Many times I have been approached by many people in our apostolate telling me that they don’t go to Church por que peccadores sila. Tiene pa gale ta-habla, Brother, bien gresso gayod di mio maga culpa. God cannot accept me anymore. God cannot love me anymore. (relate human experiences of expectations failed, trust broken, and love lost).

Ahh… human limitation. We tend to think the way mortals think but we forget that God thinks otherwise. Many of us will say that if we look more deeply into ourselves, we are not worthy to become Jesus’ friends. Porque? Por que igual lang di aton maga costumbre… Brother, hinde yo karapat-dapat maging kaibigan ni Hesus.

+ But dear friends remember, that when Jesus offers us friendship, he sets no boundaries and no conditions. Hinde igual kanaton. Kung quiere tu maging di mio friend, necesita gat tu…. Numero uno… numero dos… numero tres… We have conditions, and most of the time, unreasonable and out-of-this-world conditions. But Jesus? I think NONE! Jesus comes to us where ever we are. Jesus meets us where we truly are. Poreso gale manada man-back out na religious life por que ta-pensa sila na kung quiere tu man- padre, madre, o brother, necesita gat na perfecto tu. Nuay ya culpa… bien bueno gayod… numa ya ma-in love… numa ya magalit… totally wrong!!! When Jesus offers us friendship, he understands us completely. He accepts us for being us one hundred percent!

I am once again reminded by a song. A song composed by Jesuit Father Charlie Cenzon. The song Pag-Ibig Ko stresses the point that we have just established:

Hindi ka kailangan magbago,

Kahit ito’y mas ibig ko.

Hindi ka kailangang magsikap ng husto,

Upang ika’y ibigin ko.

Iniibig kita, manalig ka sana.

Ako’y kapiling mo kahit ikaw pa ma’y mapalayo.

+ Many times we think that in friendship we look for and do every effort to make the friendship work. But in Divine Friendship, Jesus looks for us. Even if we, most of the time, hide in our self-absorption and pride. Jesus searches for us and never gives up on us, no matter what… no matter why… no matter how! Kahit na sa pakiwari natin tayo ay malayo sa kanya, patuloy nya tayong hinahanap at iniirog para bumalik sa kanya.

Kalian magwawakas ang ‘yong pagtatago?

Ako’y naghihintay sa ‘yo.

Lumapit ka lamang, ang puso ko’y hagkan.

Pag-ibig ko’y walang hanggan.

Iniibig kita, manalig ka sana.

Ako’y kapiling mo kahit ikaw pa ma’y mapalayo.

+ Dear Friends, this is the kind of God that we have. A God who constantly loves us even if we are most unlovable. A God who continues to search for us even if at times we refuse to be found. A God who perpetually considers us His friends even if most of the time we don’t act like one.

+ Your role? Ahh… to witness to this kind of God who is the “real friend” in the strictest meaning of the word. To bring this kind of understanding of God to others.

+ But the question is:

What “story” of Jesus do I bring with me?
What kind of a relationship do I have with Jesus?
How do I see Jesus as my “Friend?”

Music Video: HESUS NG AKING BUHAY

+ What is the message of the music video? Having seen the music video, how do I answer these questions?

What “story” of Jesus do I bring with me?
What kind of a relationship do I have with Jesus?
How do I see Jesus as my “Friend?”

+ Maga hermano y hemana del Cristo, the Church needs you. The priests and religious cannot do it alone. They cannot fulfill it by themselves. We need you!

+ We need you to:

Continue to spread the “Story” of Jesus to the world;
Share your personal relationship with Jesus as friend to others; and
Witness to this Jesus who is the “Real Friend”

+ Ultimately, I rest my case. Remember those three points as the role of the youth (your role!) in fulfilling Christ’s Mission of Love.

Muchisimas Gracias y Buenas Noches con todo con ustedes!

Vaya con Dios!

Ash Wednesday: From Dust Unto Dust

2010-02-21T19:14:00.001-08:00

+ Today we celebrate Ash Wednesday, a day that ushers in the liturgical season of Lent. In today’s liturgy, we will mark ourselves with ashes. But how can we best describe the rich meaning of this celebration?

+ I remember a phrase often quoted: “The externals reflect the internal.” I believe this phrase speaks very well of our Ash Wednesday observance. Later we will mark ourselves with the ashes which will be blessed by Father in this Mass. But what do these ashes on our foreheads symbolize? What is the meaning of these ashes on our foreheads?

+ I suggest that we consider what the minister will say as he imposes the ashes on our foreheads. First, the ashes speak of repentance and a desire for amendment. To“Turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel.” The ashes on our foreheads speak so vividly of our desire, perhaps the grace that we are begging for this Lenten Season: To turn away from sin and to have faith in the Gospel. We Catholics through the ages love and treasure rituals and symbols. These rituals and symbols are attemtps to bring that which is intangible into the level of tangibility, to somehow make that which is incomprehensible comprehensible. The ashes on our foreheads will symbolize our desire to renew and be renewed. Today's liturgy will somehow "ritualize", as it were, our longing to truly leave the life of sin behind and to embrace the newness of life that Jesus offers all of us. We long for new life deep in our hearts; the ashes serve as "marks" of this desire.

+ Second, the ashes depict acceptance. The ashes on our foreheads manifest our humility to accept that we are nothing: We come from dust and to dust we shall return. An insight that without God, we are nothing. Our existence is contingent; we share in God's existence. Perhaps this sums up the invitation of the Lenten season to all of us. To constantly acknowledge that without God we are nothing. We need God in our lives. Our talents, efforts, and achievements mean nothing if we do not have God. Only God gives us true meaning in our existence. Without God we are nothing, we are dust!

+ Jesuits are known for being heswitic, in other words, mayabang! Why? Kasi malakas daw ang bilib sa sarili. Let me share a personal insight with you regarding my own process of realization about my “nothingness,” a humble acceptance that I am dust and that I need God in my life. I wrote this in my blog on February 11, 2006, four years ago when I was a Jesuit Junior.

+ I don't know but I just feel lonely and empty these past few days. It was as if religious life and the thrills and frills of it have died down. What fill my mind are the tasks and requirements to accomplish and submit, not to mention my personal concerns and worries. I feel at this point spiritually "dry" and devoid of consolation.

Well, I must admit that perhaps my lonely days are here again. Days when community and apostolic life seem colorless, less exciting. It's as if I find difficulty in finding meaning from the things that I do, from the circumstances that I am in.

It was this point that made me think and pray more deeply the question that every vowed person has ever asked: "Is religious life really for me?" The question that is playing in my mind right now. I thought that after my profession of perpetual first vows, I will be happy ever after as a Jesuit. Yet, trying times come, I am burdened. And as I dragged my feet to the chapel to pray, asking God and storming heaven with my countless questions and search for truth, a song gently played in my mind... in my heart. Maging akin muli. It seemed that in the midst of all the uncertainties that I am feeling right now, with all the dryness and the seeming absence of consolation that drew my heart to doubt, God has only three words to say... Maging akin muli.

And as I muse about the lyrics of the song, tranquility slowly crept in. God's assuring and abiding presence filled my being. Yes, maging kanya muli. And as I allowed the song to speak to the very core of my being, I am once again awed by the kind of God that I have...

Maging Akin Muli
Arnel dC Aquino, S.J.

Manlamig man sa akin, puso mong maramdamin,
Lisanin man ng tuwa puso mong namamanglaw,
Manginig man sa takot masindakin mong puso,
Mag-ulap man sa lungkot diwa mong mapag-imbot.

Kapiling mo Akong laging naghihintay sa tanging taag mo.
Pag-ibig kong ito isang pananabk sa puso Ko.
Sa 'yong pagbabalik sa piling kong puspos ng pagsuyo.
Manahimik at makinig ka't maging Akin muli.

Di mo rin akalain tinig mo'y hanap Ko rin.
Ang 'yong tuwa at sakit, Aking galak at pait.
Kung lingid pa sa iyo, Aking pakikiloob,
Tuklasin mong totoo: tunay mong pagkatao.

Kapiling mo Akong laging naghihintay sa tanging taag mo.
Pag-ibig kong ito isang pananabk sa puso Ko.
Sa 'yong pagbabalik sa piling kong puspos ng pagsuyo.
Manahimik at makinig ka't maging Akin muli.

However, in the middle of prayer, I begin to remember not so good days in the Society -- the tensions of community life, disagreements with peers, discomfort with having to live with someone you would rather not be associated with, the pressures of academic and apostolic endeavors, etc... -- Yet serenity still enchants my being. I begin to see the magnanimity of my God's compassion... of my God's love.

I believe that I am invited by my God to simply trust... to cast my cares and my processes to His feet. He will take care of them. An invitation that encourages me to allow Him to be God, to allow Him to once again captivate my heart with His wondrous love. Maging akin muli... yes, Lord... grant me the grace to be truly Yours...forever.

+ Dear brethren, the ashes that will be imposed upon our foreheads will speak for one reality in our life: We are nothing… we need God. But even if we are nothing, despite the fact that we are dust – useless, worthless, sometimes senseless – God still loves us and will continue to love us.

+ Lent then invites us to stop awhile, reflect, pray, and ultimately go back to God. As we struggle to reach God, we "fall" in His love, we rest secure in His presence. We pray then that the whole Lenten season for us be an experience of going back to God, and ultimately, rest secure in His fervent love which He perfectly expressed in the cross. God bless you!

Corpus Christi: The Greatest Proof of His Love

2009-06-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

One secret to happiness they say (at least I've read this from a children's anecdote book) is to know that one is loved. To know a certain degree that I am loved contributes much to personal happiness. To know that somebody loves me changes my whole disposition towards life and towards the world.

Today is Corpus Christi Sunday, or the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of the Lord. Personally I think what we celebrate today is that knowledge of being loved. St. Ignatius Loyola in His Spiritual Exercises states that "the Holy Eucharist is none other but the greatest proof of God's love" (SE 289). I am convinced of this reality simply because of two things: (1) Jesus loves me so much that He willed to be "contained" (He who is omnipotent and omniscient) in this piece of bread and in these drops of wine so that He can concretely enter into my life; and (2) Jesus loves me unfathomably since He desired to be with me "physically" day in and day out in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar even to the end of time.

So let us be true to our celebration then. When we participate in the Eucharist today in our parishes and/or when we join the solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament, let us celebrate love -- God's love made incarnate in Jesus. And as we celebrate this love, let us fill the world with love, transmit this love to others and make a difference. We hope that in the end, we may resound with Pope Benedict XVI, "Deus Caritas Est!"

A Share in the Life of the Trinity

2009-06-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

Today is Trinity Sunday. There are many theological explanations about the Blessed Trinity and most of us will find it difficult to digest all of them. But what does the Trinity really mean, for us as persons and as Christians? What does it mean to be immersed in the life of the Trinity as baptized individuals?

For me, the simplest explanation perhaps is that the Trinity is a Community of Love. The relations between the Father, Son, and Spirit is in knowing and in loving. The Trinity then becomes the perfect model of a community -- that based and rooted in genuine love and concern for each other. And we perfectly share in the Trinity is our very knowing and loving!

As we celebrate the Liturgy, it might be helpful if we ask ourselves whether we have been faithful in following the example of the Trinity. Have we been communities of love and unity, or are we, as individuals, causes of dissent and disagreement.

Let us ask the Blessed Trinity then to make us living models and bearers: Persons, then ultimately, communities grounded and centered in genuine Love and concern for others. Amen.

Pentecost Sunday: "Renew the face of the Earth!"

2009-05-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

We experience a lot of catastrophes in our lives, both natural and man-caused: El Niño, La Niña, floods, typhoons, food shortage, war, epidemics, etc... and many times in our lives we are discouraged and we just want to lurk in the corner in sheer hopelessness thinking that we can do nothing. But tomorrow's Solemnity of Pentecost, the remembering of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the Blessed Mother should, as followers of Christ, change the picture for us. The Holy Spirit is not only with the apostles and the Blessed Mother, precisely, the Holy Spirit is in us!

Dear friends, in the Gospel Jesus told His disciples: "Receive the Holy Spirit." This spurred them on to share the story of Jesus to the ends of the earth, fearless and zealous even amidst persecution and martyrdom. As we celebrate Pentecost, let us ask the Spirit to fortify our hearts and make us courageous in facing whatever concerns that come our way -- H1N1 epidemic, food shortage, corruption, problems, etc... -- with new eyes, with the eyes of the Holy Spirit. And as we are fortified and renewed by and in the Spirit, may we fortify and renew our world. Amen.

Ascension Thursday

2009-05-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Ascension Sunday. We celebrate with great solemnity the Lord Jesus' ascension into heaven. After several weeks of reflecting and praying over the Lord's 'ministry of consolation' to His disciples who were grieved by His death, we remember Jesus ascent into glory.

Perhaps it is helpful if we look at this Solemnity in the light of hope. Jesus ascended into heaven not so much to leave us but to empower us. Remember His words that when the time comes for him to go, "the Paraclete will come to us to help us," and that "He will always be with us until the end of time." Ascension I think is a milestone for all of us as Christians. It is Jesus' constant and living invitation for us to continue His mission: Jesus is no longer here physically to heal, console, forgive, and love... ergo, as friends and followers of Jesus, the Solemnity of the Ascension is the reminder for us to "heal, console, forgive, and love" all men and women in the name of Jesus.

Let us pray then that we become faithful to this mission entrusted to us and that by doing our "mission," we make Jesus Christ more present and alive in our midst. Amen.

The Work of Christmas Begins...

2008-12-25T16:17:00.000-08:00

Most of us think that after December 25, Christmas is over. I mean the parties and gatherings have ended, gifts have been given away or received already. And for most of us, the excitement of Christmas has gone down due to hang overs, upset stomachs, and sheer exhaustion. But is Christmas really over for 2008?

I wish to share with you a very nice literary piece from Howard Thurman. He said that Christmas isn't over... Christmas, the work of Christmas has just begun:

When the song of he ANGEL is stilled,
When the STAR in the sky is gone,
When the KINGS and princes are home,
When the SHEPHERDS are back with their flock,

The work of CHRISTMAS begins:

To FIND the lost
To HEAL the broken
To FEED the hungry
To RELEASE the prisoner
To REBUILD the nations
To BRING PEACE among brothers and sisters~
To make music in the HEART.

May we never forget that the spirit and the message of Christmas will never be over. May we have the grace to continue the work that Christmas has just begun. AMEN.

A Blessed Christmas to All!

2008-12-24T15:46:00.000-08:00

Why Do We Celebrate Christmas?!

REMEMBER:

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited

JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"

JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO! HO! HO!

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa's little helpers make toys

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

Santa is a myth

But Jesus is the Truth, the Way, and the Life

While Santa puts gifts under your tree

JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

A Blessed Christmas, everyone!

Christmas Reflections: Salvation Has Come!

2008-12-23T19:13:00.000-08:00

I know all of us are very busy with the final preparations for our Christmas Eve dinners and gatherings. But I think it would be profitable for us to stop awhile and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas -- the true meaning for the holidays, the dinners, and the gatherings -- which is none other than the birth of our Savior. I wish to share with you a Christmas Reflection by the late Father Horacio de la Costa, the first Filipino Provincial of the Society of Jesus.

"There is no room in an Inn for Him who made room and to spare, for the Milky Way, and where God is homeless, all men are at home.

We were promised a savior, but we never dreamed God Himself would come and save us. We know that He loved us, but we never dared to think that he loved us so much as to become one of us.

But that is the way God gives. His gifts are never quite what we expect, but always something better than we hoped for. We can only dream of things too good to be true; God has a habit of giving things too true to be false. That is why our faith is a faith of the unexpected, a religion of surprise.

Now, more than ever, living in times so troubled, facing a future so uncertain, we need such faith. We need it for ourselves, and we need to give it to others."

- Fr. Horacio de la Costa, S.J.

A Blessed Christmas to All!

Advent Reflections: "Prepare the Way of the Lord"

2008-12-05T16:40:00.001-08:00

In the Second Sunday of Advent, one figure that stands out in the Readings of the Liturgy is St. John the Baptist, the precursor of the Lord Jesus. In the Reading from the Prophet Isaiah, it is stated that a "voice cries out from the desert, prepare ye the way of the Lord." This is a foreshadowing of the future "mission" of the Baptist, to somehow convert the hearts of the people as a preparation for the coming of the Messiah. In the Gospel according to Mark, the evangelist describes the "mission" of the Baptist, that is, to be the "pointer", as it were, to Jesus Christ.

As we continue with our advent preparations, perhaps it would be helpful if we take from the readings a very salient point -- that of "pointers" to Christ. John the Baptist had always been the "pointer" to Christ; his mission was to bring the people to the Messiah, to point to them the direction of the Savior for them to follow. There are many "pointers" to God in our lives -- be they persons, things, or even events and experiences. But the question is, "Are we sensitive to the pointers and to the One they are pointing to?" We pray then that we be sensitive and keen, that indeed in this holy season, we may fix our gaze on Christ -- the One who is to come. Amen.

The Season of Advent

2008-11-30T17:36:00.000-08:00

The Season of Advent ushers in a new year for the Church. The Church has a different calendar from what we usually have. Advent then, is not just a season, but it is a celebration. Advent celebrates our "joyful waiting" for the coming of the Lord.

As we begin a new season in the Church's year and as we prepare for the coming of the Lord Jesus, may we truly be granted the grace to persevere, to stand tall, and to welcome with joyful and worthy hearts, our awaited King -- Jesus Christ -- who, we believe will come in the end of time. May we truly have a blessed and meaningful advent as a worthy preparation to commemorate the Lord's Nativity on Christmas. AMEN.

Reflections: The Communion of Saints

2008-10-31T19:59:00.001-07:00

The Catholic Church traditionally celebrates the Solemnity of all Saints on the first of November. This is such a big celebration since this is the only day in the entire liturgical year when we celebrate the honor of all the Saints -- meaning those who are now enjoying the beatific vision in Heaven. These Saints include all those canonized by the Church like St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis Xavier, or St. Jose Maria Rubio, and those countless unknown persons who did good on earth and who offered their lives to the glory of God. This second group may include all our departed relatives and friends who are now enjoying beholding the face of God.

Perhaps we on earth may ask what the significance of this Solemnity in our very lives would be. But I think this celebration speaks so much of hope for all of us continuing the pilgrimage here on earth. Plato always had the attraction or the "fixation" if we may say so, to the world of ideas, the ideal world. He says that everything here on earth are nothing but forms or images of the "idea," the perfection of things. Even the very life of man is a "reflection" only of the ideal life to come. I think the thoughts of Plato can help us in our ruminations for today's celebration. The "Communion of Saints," the very communion we honor today, speaks so much of the world to come for all of us. We hope that at the end of life's tiresome journey, there is a destination, a destiny that awaits all of us -- to be with God and to enjoy His presence.

Let us ask for the grace then that we may never lose sight of the 'world to come' that we are awaiting for -- a blissful life with our Creator, the Source of our life and our joy. AMEN.

Sunday Reflections: The Evil within Us

2008-08-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

In our Gospel Reading for tomorrow's Liturgy, we will hear Jesus telling His disciples about His immanent passion and death in Jerusalem under the hands of the chief priests and the elders. But since they were all expecting for a triumphant and political messiah, Peter somehow rebuked the Lord and told Him that that will never ever happen. Peter can never imagine his "messiah" to be bloodied, dirtied, jeered at, humiliated, and dead! But Jesus told him that he is not thinking the way God does but the way humans do.

Many times in our lives we are blinded by so many things that we tend to forget the very "basics" of our lives. Our lives are "participations" in the Divine Life of God, hence we should always be in line with God's thoughts. But more often than not, we find it hard to align our selves and wills to God's hence, we sometims wrestle with Him, even rebuke Him, as what Peter did.

Let us ask for the grace to be truly open to the movements of God in us and that we may never be blinded by the evil within us as humans. May we think, act, and ultimately love as Jesus our Lord does. Amen.

Sunday Reflections: The Power of Faith

2008-08-15T17:27:00.001-07:00

Jesus apparently refused to give heed to the request of the Canaanite Woman. But I think it was just a test. And the Woman surpassed the test! Her faith was put to the test but her faith ended up triumphant!

Many times in our lives our faith is being put to the test. Various concerns and troubles visit our day and seemingly those concerns and worries bog us down. But let us see the greater picture: those worries and concerns are just opportunities for us to deepen our Faith in the Lord.

Let us beg for the grace then to be truly steadfast in our faith and never to allow trials and tribulations to overwhelm us. May our faith in the Lord see us through in every trial in life. Amen.

The Year of St. Paul

2008-06-28T01:37:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow, we celebrate the twin Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles of Jesus Christ. The holy Father Benedict XVI will officially launch the Pauline Year tonight (June 28) through First Vespers at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the Walls. For us here in the Archdiocese of Zamboanga, we will launch the Pauline Year tomorrow, the day of the Solemnity with the Liturgy presided by our Archbishop, Msgr. Romulo Valles, at the Metropolitan Cathedral.

St. Paul is a key figure of Christianity. The Faith spread tremendously, I would dare say, through the efforts of St. Paul. Who is St. Paul then? What can we learn from him?

St. Paul, formerly known as Saul, was a member of the pharisees and was instrumental in the persecution of the early Church. But through God's grace and the call of Jesus Christ, he was converted and became the apostle of the person he used to abhor. He then preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to many lands, ending at Rome where he was beheaded.

St. Paul was a man of OPENNESS. He was open to the call of Christ even if the call meant a 180 degrees turn. He "left" his former life and self to become a new man for Jesus Christ.

St. Paul was a man of PASSION and GREAT DESIRES. He only had one big passion in his life -- Jesus Christ. He was so filled with this passion that even if it will cause him harm and trouble, he still pursued it: "Only this I want, but to know the Lord... and to bear His Cross so to wear the crown He wore." He was one of great desires that he allowed his heart's truest desire to dictate the consequences of his life.

St. Paul was a man of FORTITUDE. He bore all the trials and pains, persecutions beside, just to stand up for the person he so loved -- Jesus Christ. He gave up his earthly life for the eternal life that awaits him in Christ.

As we celebrate the Year of St. Paul, we pray that like him, we may be persons of OPENNESS to God's movements in our lives. That we, too, may be men and women of PASSION and GREAT DESIRES. May we truly go for what we really want in life -- union with God. And that we may be a people of FORTITUDE, that we stand for the Faith no matter what. The Church needs more "Saint Pauls" in her ranks; the Church needs US!

Sunday Reflections: "It is Mercy I desire, not Sacrifice"

2008-06-07T02:07:00.001-07:00

In this Sunday's Gospel reading, we hear of Jesus telling the pharisee that it is mercy that God desires, not sacrifice. In our "traditional" Catholic upbringing, we are trained and reared to think that "sacrifice" is everything. We have to pray, we visit the Church, we participate in the Liturgy, we light candles, and what have you. But we fail to emphasize that what is necessary is not the candle lit, or the prayers uttered, or the Liturgies attended. What really matters is the "HEART" that is behind the performance and doing of such pious practices.

Dear friends, the Lord Jesus is not only telling the pharisee in the Gospel this very meaningful phrase, "It is mercy I desire, not sacrifice." Jesus is precisely expressing the same message to all of us today.

May we grow in our awareness that what matters most is the Love and the Concern that drive us to do, to perform, and in the Jesuit Education terms, to excel in whatever we do. May we put to heart Jesus' Word today and everyday. Amen.

My Grace is Enough for You

2008-05-31T02:53:00.001-07:00

It has been three years since I and nine of my batch mates in the Society of Jesus professed perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as Jesuits. And since the time of our profession, the grace and love of God abound all the more in my life.

It is true that religious life is no joke. It might appear comfortable and secure, but mind you, if this life is not for you, you will never be happy in it or you will never be fit in it (this is perhaps the reason why people leave religious life). In my past three years of vowed life, I continue to experience being stretched to the point that it is no longer "stretchable;" I continue to experience being tried and tested; I continue to experience being challenged and invited to greater love. But in all these challenges, trials, and testings, I can say with much conviction that the grace of God abounds all the more!

As I continue living my Jesuit Vowed life (now as a Jesuit regent in Zamboanga), I continue to hold on to this God of Love whose fidelity never wavers and whose constant presence never fades. I fervently pray that I, together with all the vowed religious in the Church, will persevere and will remain faithful to the very end. Amen.

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To my beloved profession-mates -- Andy, Ernald, Eric, Chrysostom, Bros, Erik John, Joel, and Neo: May God's grace abound all the more in our daily living out of our Vows.

To Brother Gabriel, may God continue to show you His unswerving fidelity and presence.

Sunday Reflections: Fostering Relationships

2008-05-23T01:13:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we will celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi -- the Body and Blood of Jesus. We remember in a special way the Sacrament of Love -- the Holy Eucharist, Jesus' very Body and Blood offered and poured out for our salvation.

All of us have relationships -- friends, colleagues, loved ones, special someones, etc... And we know by experience that for a relationship to bloom and grow, we have to foster it, we need to "feed it," as it were. For some, this fostering takes the form of bonding -- spending moments together; for others it would be "sweet nothings" -- chocolates, care notes, other stuff, etc... But whatever form it may take, all of us do our best to nourish relationships.

The same is true with Jesus. He loves us so much and he wants to be a part of our lives. Jesus' simple yet powerful way of "bonding" with us, of giving us "sweet stuff" is through the Holy Eucharist: He gives us His very Body and Blood to nourish us and to make us feel how deep His Love for us is.

As we celebrate Corpus Christi Sunday then, let us foster and deepen our relationship with Jesus. May our not-so-good attitude to the Liturgy be changed and our devotion to the Eucharist strengthened. May our prayers and Holy Communion be truly ways of deepening our relationship with Jesus. Amen.

Blessed Trinity: A Community of Love

2008-05-17T00:38:00.001-07:00

Today is Trinity Sunday. There are many theological explanations about the Blessed Trinity and most of us will find it difficult to digest all of them. But what does the Trinity really mean, for us as persons and as Christians?

For me, the simplest explanation perhaps is that the Trinity is a Community of Love. The relations between the Father, Son, and Spirit is in knowing and in loving. The Trinity then becomes the perfect model of a community -- that based and rooted in genuine love and concern for each other.

As we celebrate the Liturgy, it might be helpful if we ask ourselves whether we have been faithful in following the example of the Trinity. Have we been communities of love and unity, or are we, as individuals, causes of dissent and disagreement.

Let us ask the Blessed Trinity then to make us living models and bearers: Persons, then ultimately, communities grounded and centered in Love. Amen.

Pentecost Reflections: "Come Holy Spirit"

2008-05-09T18:51:00.001-07:00

We experience a lot of catastrophes in our lives, both natural and man-caused: El Niño, La Niña, floods, typhoons, food shortage, war, etc... and many times in our lives we are discouraged and we just want to lurk in the corner in sheer hopelessness thinking that we can do nothing. But tomorrow's Solemnity of Pentecost, the remembering of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the Blessed Mother should, as followers of Christ, change the picture for us. The Holy Spirit is not only with the apostles and the Blessed Mother, precisely, the Holy Spirit is in us!

Dear friends, in the Gospel Jesus told His disciples: "Receive the Holy Spirit." This spurred them on to share the story of Jesus to the ends of the earth, fearless and zealous even amidst persecution and martyrdom. As we celebrate Pentecost, let us ask the Spirit to fortify our hearts and make us courageous in facing whatever concerns that come our way -- food shortage, corruption, problems, etc... -- with new eyes, with the eyes of the Holy Spirit. And as we are fortified and renewed by and in the Spirit, may we fortify and renew our world. Amen.

Easter Reflections: Ascension Sunday

2008-05-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it is helpful if we look at this Solemnity in the light of hope. Jesus ascended into heaven not so much to leave us but to empower us. Remember His words that when the time comes for him to go, "the Paraclete will come to us to help us," and that "He will always be with us until the end of time." Ascension I think is a milestone for all of us as Christians. It is Jesus' constant and living invitation for us to continue His mission: Jesus is no longer here physically to heal, console, forgive, and love... ergo, as friends and followers of Jesus, the Solemnity of the Ascension is the reminder for us to "heal, console, forgive, and love" all men and women in the name of Jesus.

Let us pray then that we become faithful to this mission entrusted to us and that by doing our "mission," we make Jesus Christ more present and alive in our midst. Amen.

Easter Reflections: "Keep My Word."

2008-04-25T22:11:00.000-07:00

We are already in the Sixth Sunday of Easter and next Sunday we will celebrate the Ascension of the Lord into heaven. I think the Gospel for this Sunday is a very good preparation for us as we approach Ascension Sunday. In the Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples that "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (Jn 14:15).

If we love someone, we stand by the word of that someone. I remember when I was a kid, my father left me at the entrance of the store and told me to wait for him... he will come back. Even if I no longer see my father, I clung to his word that he will be back and he will take me.

Dear friends, the Lord is asking us something which I think is not really a commandment; it's not something that he demands. His commandment to keep His Word is actually an act of love, "paglalambing." Let us pray then that we truly keep the Lord's Word no matter what. Amen.

Easter Reflections: The Shepherd of My Soul

2008-04-12T01:41:00.000-07:00

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally called the "Good Shepherd" Sunday. In today's Liturgy, we hear of Jesus declaring that He is the Sheep Gate in which anyone who enters will be saved. Indeed, Jesus is the Shepherd of our souls.

Perhaps we can deepen our reflection by thinking what it really means to be "sheep" of the "Shepherd." Many times in our lives we are guided and protected by Jesus' abiding love and presence. Many times we feel inspired and consoled by the relationship we have established and nurtured with Him. True enough, He has always been our Good Shepherd. But have we really allowed ourselves to be His "sheep?" Better yet, do we consider ourselves a part of Jesus' fold?

As we enter more fully into the Easter season, may we ask the grace from Jesus that we allow ourselves to be truly His "sheep" -- the fold He guides and loves. May we not only call Him our Good Shepherd but more deeply, allow ourselves to be guided by this Shepherd. Amen.

Easter Reflections: "Second Chances"

2008-03-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today, the Second Sunday of Easter, is also Divine Mercy Sunday. The theme of this Sunday perhaps is "Second Chances."

In the Gospel, Jesus appeared to His disciples in the upper room. The first time, Thomas was absent. And when they told Him that the Lord is risen, he didn't believe. He brushed the news aside saying that unless he probes the pierced hands, feet, and side of Jesus, he would not believe. The second time Jesus appeared, He was already there. But instead of condemning Thomas, Jesus, with much compassion, forgave Thomas for doubting.

Dear friends, many times in our lives we act like Thomas: "To see is to believe." We doubt Jesus' presence and love when things don't go our way, when life becomes troublesome. But even though we "doubt," Jesus always compassionately forgives us and shows us his love.

In this Easter season, may we truly rejoice in the many "second chances" the Lord has given us. Amen.

He is Risen! All is Well!

2008-03-22T18:41:00.001-07:00

The long wait is over. Our faith has borne fruits for us. Our hope is fulfilled: JESUS IS RISEN!!! As we rejoice on this most solemn day, we remind ourselves that our every endeavor, our very life, precisely everything do not end on the Cross: beyond the cross is the empty tomb; after the fateful afternoon in Calvary follows the bright dawn of a new day!

So let us rejoice and let us be true to our very nature, as St. Augustine aptly puts it: "We are Easter people and Alleluia is our song!" As we celebrate the Lord's triumph over sin and death, let us constantly remind ourselves of the great promise of the Easter: All shall be well! Let us remember that even if the most difficult of times and situations envelope us, we always have an "Easter" to hope for: All shall be well.

Rejoice! He is Risen! Happy Easter!

Holy Saturday Reflections: In Hope We Are Saved

2008-03-21T19:25:00.003-07:00

Today, Holy Saturday, we commemorate the moment when Our Lady and the Lord's disciples laid Jesus in the tomb. Everything was over: Jesus is dead; God made man lies lifeless in the bowels of the earth. Perhaps what was running in the minds of the disciples was the question "What is there to hope for? The Lord has expired!

Dear friends, I think what we celebrate on Holy Saturday is precisely this: Holy Hope. In the words of our Holy Father Benedict XVI in his latest encyclical Spe Salvi, he says that:

We must return once more to the New Testament. In the eleventh chapter of the Letter to the Hebrews (v. 1) we find a kind of definition of faith which closely links this virtue with hope... “Faith is the hypostasis of things hoped for; the proof of things not seen”. For the Fathers and for the theologians of the Middle Ages, it was clear that the Greek word hypostasis was to be rendered in Latin with the term substantia... faith is the “substance” of things hoped for; the proof of things not seen. Saint Thomas Aquinas, using the terminology of the philosophical tradition to which he belonged, explains it as follows: faith is a habitus, that is, a stable disposition of the spirit, through which eternal life takes root in us and reason is led to consent to what it does not see...Faith is not merely a personal reaching out towards things to come that are still totally absent: it gives us something. It gives us even now something of the reality we are waiting for, and this present reality constitutes for us a “proof” of the things that are still unseen. Faith draws the future into the present, so that it is no longer simply a “not yet”. [Spe Salvi, 7]...
Faith gives life a new basis, a new foundation on which we can stand... [Spe Salvi, 8].

Dear friends, our hope is based on Faith. To hope in faith is to leap, a leap that goes beyond the boundaries of reason, a leap that is directed towards the Transcendent. As we "stay in vigil and prayer before the Lord's tomb," let us be reminded of what the Lord Jesus promised... "The Son of Man will rise on the third day." Our hope, our faith is rooted in His Word. Amen.

Good Friday Reflections: The Triumph of Love

2008-03-20T17:12:00.000-07:00

Today is Good Friday. What good is there on this day? Allow me to share three points.

First, it is Good Friday since on this day, Jesus, the Incarnate Son of God, willingly subjected Himself to be handed over and to be crucified. A paradox: He who is the Author and Source of Life was condemned to die by persons whom He shared life with. A paradox that is only possible in God. Second, it is Good because Jesus, the only Son of God bore the cross and endured to the very end. Even if life becomes troublesome and will seemingly bog us down, we can still rise and continue for Jesus gave us the example of patient and loving endurance. Third and more importantly, it is Good since Jesus, Word made flesh, triumphed over sin and death. By His very death, evil - sin - death lost its sting. Jesus triumphed!

So as we participate in the Liturgy this afternoon, as we come before the crucified image of Jesus and venerate the wood of the cross, may we remind ourselves that the ultimate symbolism of the cross and the crucified Lord is that of LOVE. And may we follow Him, to love till the very end. Amen.

Holy Thursday Reflections: The Depth of His Love

2008-03-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

We begin today the solemn triduum in preparation for the great "remembering" of the Lord's Resurrection -- His total destruction of sin and death. In today's Liturgy, we commemorate the Lord Jesus' Supper with His disciples in the upper room. In today's Liturgy, we do an "anamnesis" of how much the Lord loves all of us and how He manifested His great love for all of us by instituting two Sacraments (channels of grace): The Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and of Holy Orders.

The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament of Love. As Saint Ignatius aptly describes it, "It is the manifestation of God's deepest love for all of humanity (S.E. 289)." A Sacrament instituted by Christ to make His presence really and most tangibly felt by all who believe in Him.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the Sacrament of Service. As the Lord Jesus instituted the Priesthood, He instructed His disciple to do what He had just done: Serve with Love.

As we participate in the Liturgy today, let us do a "grateful anamnesis" of these two Sacraments as instituted by the Lord Himself. That we truly appreciate His real and abiding presence in the Holy Eucharist and that we strive to conform our lives to that of Christ Jesus our High Priest: a life of loving and serving. Amen.

Palm Sunday Reflections: "Hosanna!"

2008-03-14T23:17:00.001-07:00

We begin Holy Week today, by celebrating what we call Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion. We gather in our parishes and during the Liturgy, we have our palms and branches blessed, reminiscing the triumphant entry of Jesus in Jerusalem on the way to His passion, death, and resurrection. And in the Mass, we listen to the quite long narrative of how he was condemned by the Sanhedrin, made to suffer so much pain by carrying the heavy cross, crucified and finally died a gruesome death.

Palm Sunday brings to our memories the fleetingness of human decision. The Gospel accounts which we will hear during the Mass (the first is during the blessing of the Palms and the Second during the Proclamation of the Gospel) suggest to us how indecisive man can be. In the Rite of Blessing, we hear of the people acclaiming Jesus as the Holy One of God, shouting their praises to Him: "Hosanna in the Highest!" Yet, in the Gospel (Liturgy of the Word), we hear the same people crying out, no longer in praise but in jeers: "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"

As we enter into to the mysteries of Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection, it might be helpful to reflect on our own inconsistencies and indecisiveness. How we have praised the Lord in certain moments and how we jeer and disown him in other moments. And we pray that we may truly be faithful to Him till the very end. Amen.

Lenten Reflection: "I Am the Resurrection and the Life"

2008-03-07T17:35:00.000-08:00

This Sunday would be the last Sunday of Lent since it will be Passion Sunday next week. I think as we try to wrap up our Lenten discipline of prayer, fasting, and doing good, the readings of this Fifth Sunday of Lent give us hope and put us to a proper perspective. In the readings, the prophet Ezekiel comforts the exiled people by telling them that the Lord will put His Spirit in them and that they will live. St. Paul likewise exhorts the Romans that the Spirit of Jesus Christ will live forever in their hearts. Jesus in the Gospel raises back Lazarus to life. He comforts Martha and Mary by telling them that their brother will come back to life since HE is the Resurrection and the Life.

Many times in our lives we are beset by trials and temptations that seemingly bog us down. But we have in the readings of today our hope in the Promise of Yaweh: "I will open up your graves and give you My Spirit." No matter how deep and dark and cold our "graves" may be, God in His compassion and love will save us and set us free. We only have to cling to Jesus for He truly is our Resurrection and Life.

The invitation perhaps for us is to open our eyes more widely and to broaden our horizons: life does not end in the Cross of Calvary. Beyond the cross is the Empty Tomb and the promise of a New Dawn! Amen.

Sunday Reflections: "I can see!"

2008-03-01T01:15:00.001-08:00

This Fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday, presents to us the story of the blind man that Jesus healed. The man, blind from birth, was made to see.

Jesus in the Gospel juxtapose the blind man's incapacity to see with the pharisees' perfect sight. It seemed that the blind man was the one who can see -- he recognized Jesus, yet the pharisees, though perfect in vision, was recalcitrant in recognizing Jesus.

Perhaps Lent is the best opportunity for us to examine our very selves. How many times have we been blinded from the "essential" of our Life? How many times have we failed to recognize Jesus in our midst?

May Jesus heal our blindness and our insensitivity to His presence. May we truly see, and live in the Light. Amen.

Sunday Reflections: Life's Thirsts

2008-02-23T01:23:00.001-08:00

The Gospel passage for this Third Sunday of Lent presents to us the conversation that Jesus had with a Samaritan woman. And as we hear in the account, the woman begged Jesus for something at one point in their conversation: "Sir, give me this 'water' so that I may not thirst again..." (Jn 4:15)

Many times in our lives we reach a point of looking for something, of "thirsting" for something. And most of the times we find ourselves 'quenching' our thirsts with all sorts of things -- money, power, fame, pleasure, etc... And most of the times we end up still 'thirsty,' we end up unfulfilled. In today's Gospel, Jesus clarifies to us what it is that we should strive for, what it is that would quench our thirst: "... whoever drinks of the water I shall give will never thirst again; the water that I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (Jn 5: 14)

As we continue with our Lenten discipline, we pray that we truly seek for the 'water' that only Jesus can give. That we content our hearts with drinking the 'water' that will enable us to attain eternal life. Amen.

Lenten Renewal

2008-02-16T01:13:00.003-08:00

In this Second Sunday of Lent, we read in the Liturgy the gospel account of Jesus' Transfiguration (Mt. 17: 1-9). We hear of how the disciples saw the Lord Jesus in His glory -- His face shown like the sun and his clothes became white as light. A wonderful sight indeed. And the disciples further heard the Father's voice in the magnificent vision: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to Him."

As I reflect on this gospel account, I am really rattled why the Church chose for us this gospel account in this season of Lent. But as I reflect further, it dawned on me that perhaps this particular Transfiguration account speaks something to us. As we immerse ourselves in the holy season of Lent, we are invited to be truly sorry for the sins we have committed and for the good we have failed to do. Yes, the crucifix might be the "symbol" for the season but... Jesus' story did not end in Calvary. Jesus' story triumphed on to Easter Sunday. And perhaps the Transfiguration account, as it foreshadowed the glory of the Resurrection, reminds us that we too, sinners though we are, will shine with Jesus in the Resurrection.

Let us pray then that our vision would be widened: That we not only see the cross in Calvary, but more importantly, the Lord's Empty Tomb. Amen.

Reflections on being a Missionary

2008-02-11T01:42:00.000-08:00

I delivered this sharing to my brothers in the Jesuit Community during our Mass on 26 January 2008. It is focused on the missions since all of my batch mates were awaiting for our regency assignments during that time. Hope you get something from it. I'm sorry that it is in Tagalog though.

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Ginugunita natin ngayon ang ala-ala nina San Timoteo at San Tito, mga sinaunang Obispo ng Simbahan. Si San Timoteo ay isang convert to the Faith ni San Pablo Apostol na naging kaibigan at kasama niya sa kanyang mga apostolic works. Tinuturing siyang “illegitimate” ng mga Hudyo dahil bagaman Hudyo ang kanyang ina, Hentil ang kanyang ama. Hindi siya “pure” Jew; bagkus, hindi siya ganun ka-acceptable sa komunidad. Si San Tito naman ay isang disipolo at matalik na kaibigan ni San Pablo Apostol. Kagaya ng kanyang “FRIEND,” isang misyonero din siya. Bagaman isang Griego na taga-Antiokya, kung ganun isang Hentil, hindi siya pinilit ni San Pablo na magpatuli. Ika siguro ni San Pablo, “kahit hindi ka tuli, mahal ka pa rin ng Dios! Maaari ka pa ring maging isang misyonero.” It is rather apt that we celebrate their memory today, the day after the Feast of St. Paul’s Conversion.

Mga kapatid, habang ginugunita at pinararangalan natin ang mga sinaunang obispong ito, we can summarize perhaps into one theme the message and in a manner the very lives of these Saints: MISSION. And if we stretch the theme a bit further, being a Missionary. Ano ba ang ibig sabihin nang pagiging tunay at tapat na Misyonero? Alam po ninyo, bagaman attracted ako sa contemplative way of life, sa isang buhay na nakalaan sa taimtim na panalangin at pagsasagawa ng banal na Liturhiya, what really attracted me most to join the Jesuits is the Jesuits’ sense of Mission and Missionary Work. Sa isang punto ng aking buhay habang kinikilatis ko ang aking sarili to choose which state of life to pursue, matingkad ang pagiging Misyonero sa akin. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Sa aking kuro-kuro, ito siguro ang unang punto nang pagiging isang tunay at tapat na misyonero. To recognize that the need for workers in the harvest of the Lord is vast, and to pray that He sends laborers to the harvest. Pangalawa po lamang ang tugon sa pagiging isang manggagawa sa Anihan ng Poon. “Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.”

Kung ilalagay ko ang aking konteksto sa pagninilay na ito, ang sanhi at ugat ng aking kagustuhan na pumunta sa Mission sa East Timor ay ito. To directly involve myself in missionary work, to teach children and adults the Faith, to form men and women of deep character and spirituality; precisely to inflame the world (East Timor in this context) with the Love of God! Ito ang aking banal na pagnanasa (my Holy Desire). Ngunit ang pagiging isang tunay at tapat na misyonero ay hindi lamang naka-ugat sa aking mga pagnanasa. Precisely it is rooted in the missionary’s docility and generosity to respond to the need, as deemed fit in the vineyard of the Lord. Ito ang aking pangatlong punto. Oo, gusto kong maging isang misyonero sa East Timor. Ngunit ito ba kaya ang kagustuhan ng Panginoon ng mga Ani? Ang aking pagiging Heswita at misyonero ay tunay at tapat lamang kung handa ko ring tanggapin ang “mission” sa Ateneo de Manila University High School, o di kaya sa Xavier University Cagayan, mga lugar na di ko masyadong “feel” puntahan. My third point is that mission entails sacrifice – to sacrifice one’s desires in favor of the Lord’s desires, to be truly open and docile to become a mere instrument in the hands of the Lord. An instrument that He will use in whatever way, in wherever He deems fit. This reminds me of St. Therese of Lisieux (whose pilgrim relics, by the way, are here in the Philippines), who being filled with zeal for the Lord and for His Mission once said, “Gusto kong pumunta sa misyon para ikalat kung gaano kabuti at kasarap ang pag-ibig ng Dios...” Her desires are true and sincere ngunit di ito possible dahil isa siyang contemplative Sister. She continues, “Ngunit alam kong di ko magagawa iyan… pero magiging misyonera ako sa pamamagitan ng pag-ibig!” Even if we are assigned to places we would rather not go, and given assignments we would rather not do, ang tunay na misyonero ay siya na may kakayahan na tanggapin ang lahat ng ito, dahil ang trabaho ay hindi atin… we are only participators/collaborators in this Work, we are only mere instruments in the hands of God. Alam ko na dapat ko tong sabihin sa sarili ko, but nevertheless allow me to share these thoughts with you.

Mga kapatid, to summarize what I have said in this short reflection, allow me to end by saying that a true missionary is:

† First, one who recognizes the great need in the Harvest of the Lord;

† Second, one who desires to labor in the harvest of the Lord; bagaman itong dalawang punto ay ang biyaya at mensahe nina San Timoteo at San Tito sa atin;

† Third, one who accepts that one is only a mere instrument in the hands of God; na ang Dios ang magdedesisyon kung paano at kung saan ka niya gagamitin as the Lord deems it fit. Ito marahil ang biyaya na ibinigay kay St. Therese of Lisieux, the Patroness of Missions.

Sa ating pagpapatuloy sa banal na Liturhiya, nawa’y mapasaatin ang mga biyayang ito sa mga panalangin nina San Timoteo, San Tito, at Sta. Teresita. AMEN.

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The one in the picture above is St. JOSEPH MARY RUBIO, S.J., a Jesuit canonized by Pope John Paul II in May 04, 2003. He is the Apostle of Madrid, known for his simple yet powerful homilies.

First Sunday of Advent: Temptations as Moments of Grace!

2008-02-08T23:02:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the First Sunday of Lent. And in our Liturgy, we will hear the Gospel Account about Jesus' forlorn in the desert and how the devil tempted Him. Most of us think that temptations are sins. No, temptations are only occasions to commit sin, and if we nuance that a little, temptations are actually moments of grace!

In the Gospel Jesus was lured by Satan by making Him give in to His bodily desires: physiological gratification (bread), and psycho-emotional gratification (power, riches, prestige, etc...). But Jesus never gave in. Dear friends, many temptations will come into our lives. But once we are tempted, the "things" that tempt us are not really the things we truly desire -- wealth, power, fame, luxurious lifestyle, etc... Even if we succumb to the temptations we still find ourselves incomplete, unsatisfied, lonely. Temptations check our firmness of spirit whether we would truly go for the thing that will give us genuine joy -- GOD.

So as we continue with our Lenten discipline, let us remind ourselves that when times of temptations come, they are actually opportunities for us to fortify our spirits. And like Jesus, may we truly choose that which will make us truly joyful. Amen.

Ashes of Repentance and Faith

2008-02-04T19:02:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, we Catholics worldwide will celebrate Ash Wednesday, the start of our Lenten Season. How can we best describe the richness of this celebration?

I remember a phrase often quoted: "The externals reflect the interior." And I believe that this speaks well of our Ash Wednesday observance. Tomorrow, we will go to our parishes, participate in the Liturgy, and will mark ourselves with the Ashes which we will bless in the said liturgy. But the ashes on our foreheads speak so vividly of our desire, perhaps the grace that we are begging for this Lenten Season: To turn away from sin and to have faith in the Gospel. We Catholics through the ages love and treasure rituals and symbols, and for tomorrow, the ashes on our foreheads will symbolize our desire to renew and be renewed. Tomorrow's liturgy will somehow "ritualize", as it were, our longing to truly leave the life of sin behind and to embrace the newness of life that Jesus offers all of us. We long for new life deep in our hearts; the ashes act as "marks" of this desire.

We pray then that as we mark ourselves with the ashes tomorrow, we may put to heart the prayer that the Minister will utter as he imposes the ashes on us: That we may truly turn away from sin, and be renewed in our faith in the Gospel. Amen.

The Call

2008-01-26T00:14:00.001-08:00

In this Sunday's Liturgy, we will hear in the Gospel that Jesus, while walking along the sea of Galilee calls Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, as well as the sons of Zebedee, James and John. Jesus called them while they were doing something important -- fishing, their means of livelihood, the "craft" they are good at. And as the Gospel continues, these four men heeded the call and invitation of Jesus to leave their nets and become Fishers of Men instead.

Jesus calls us, and He calls us in the midst of our busy days. He seems to tell us that there is something more important than the thing you are doing (profession, career, etc...); there is something more valuable than the ones you are holding ("nets" of our wealth and preferences); there is Someone more worthwhile to be with than the persons you consider so special in your life. Dear friends, Jesus calls us not so much as to deprive us of the things, activities, and persons we hold dear in our hearts. He precisely calls us so that we can understand the true meaning and worth of those that we hold dear.

We pray then that we be given the grace to respond to Jesus' call. It is the call for transcendence; it is the call for growth. Amen.

Baptism is New Life

2008-01-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, The Feast of the Lord's Baptism, marks the end of the Christmas & Epiphany season. With this Sunday's liturgy, we go back, as it were, to the Ordinary Time. But it might be beneficial if we ask ourselves what the true meaning of this Feast, of Baptism is to us.

First perhaps is that Baptism means New Life. St. John the baptist baptizes with the baptism of repentance, a turning away from the old self to become a new being. In baptism, something has died in us (sin) and something has sprouted to life in us (grace). We have died to sin so that we will live for God. We are no longer of the world for we are of God. We are a new creation!

Second is that Baptism ushers in a new milestone for us. For Jesus, His baptism marks the beginning of His Ministry, of His life of service. For us also, our own baptisms signaled the beginning of our new life, our personal attempts and struggles to live a life of grace.

As we celebrate this Feast, let us beg then for the grace that we be true and sincere to our own Baptism, that we may live out to the fullest our baptismal vows -- our New Life! Amen.

Happy "Three Kings!"

2008-01-04T18:56:00.001-08:00

This Sunday's Solemnity is not really about the "Three Kings" who are very famous among us, thus naming this Sunday as the Three Kings Sunday. This solemnity is about the Epiphany of the Lord, the Lord Jesus' manifestation of His Divine Kingship and Lordship to all the peoples in the world and not only to the Jews. Hence, the three magi, who are actually gentiles, represent the rest of humanity. And as we hear in the Gospels, these three magi, followed the "Star" that led them to the bosom of the Christ-Child, and upon finding Him, bowed and adored Him. I find it very meaningful that as they were about to leave, they were warned by an angel in a dream not to go back to King Herod, and thus, they set out through another, a new route.

We pray that as we celebrate this solemnity, we may follow the example of the three magi. May we follow the "stars", believe me, there are countless of them in our lives, they who lead us to God. And in finding God, may we worship Him with our whole lives. And like the three magi, may our worship bring about total transformation in our lives -- that we may set out through a "New Way."

Happy Epiphany!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-01T04:57:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

Another year had just ended. And we must admit that the year 2007 had its fair share of struggles and tribulations. But as we look at the year that just passed, we are amazed by the presence of God's grace moving and guiding us all throughout. Even if we suffered and cried, we made it through! We are still alive and (I suppose) happy!

As we start the year 2008, we pray that God's abiding presence will continue to be with us. May we, just like the year 2007, be filled with the consolation that God will always be with us and that His grace and love will see us through!

The Graces of Christmas

2007-12-21T17:31:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the last Sunday of Advent. Our preparation for the commemoration of our Lord's Birth has reached its peak. But perhaps it would be helpful if we include in our reflections two persons very vital to the realizing of our Lord's Birth -- Mary and Joseph.

We have heard in the Gospels that our Lady accepted the challenge of God for her, to be the Mother of Jesus. In this Liturgy's Gospel, we also heard of Joseph's docility to the Will of God, to be the foster father and the protector of the Holy Family.

So, as we celebrate Christmas, it would be nicer if we think of Joseph's and Mary's docility to the Will of God and to their selfless offering of their persons for the filfillment of God's promise and will. Maybe we can ask for this grace this Christmas: that we truly be open to God's will in our lives, and that we may have the heart and the will to follow it. Who knows, graces might just flow out from our docility and openness, as it once did with Mary and Joseph. Amen.

A Season of Rejoicing

2007-12-14T06:53:00.001-08:00

This Sunday will be the Third Sunday of Advent and it is called "Gaudete" Sunday, or Rejoice Sunday. If we notice the color of the liturgical vestments for this Sunday's Mass, we can see that instead of purple or violet, the Presider and the deacon use rose or pink (The pope in the photo dons the rose vestments). We also notice that the third candle in our advent wreath (colored pink or rose) is also lit today. Why then do we change the liturgical color and why do we call this Sunday "Gaudete?"
We are reminded by the Church to truly rejoice for the season of Advent is indeed a joyful season. The real reason for this joy is the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Prophet for the chosen people: "Rejoice O Israel, for unto you shall come Emmanuel." Indeed we rejoice for God has come among us! As the Gospel passage for today's liturgy points out, rejoicing is possible for the reign of God has come among us -- the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.; in short, Salvation is at hand!
Indeed, let us rejoice! Let us rejoice in the truth that the Messiah is coming, and let our fervent prayer be: Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

A Renewed Creation

2007-12-08T01:00:00.001-08:00

As we continue with our Advent discipline, bearing in mind the richness that this season brings, we focus on the First Reading from the Prophet Isaiah (Ch.11, v.1-10). I believe that this is the perfect scene of the moment we have all been waiting for -- the moment when all of creation will be renewed by the second coming of the Lord Jesus.

Our world today is loaded with anger, animosity and apathy. We see all around us wars and famines, deaths and sickness and what have you that truly hamper the human spirit from hoping. Advent is a season of hopeful waiting, but what is there to hope for?

The prophet Isaiah perfectly articulated the moment that will come, the moment that we all have been hoping for. As the Prophet prophesied,

"Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the kid;
the calf and the young lion shall browse together,
with a little child to guide them.
The cow and the bear shall be neighbors,
together their young shall rest;
the lion shall eat hay like the ox.
The baby shall play by the cobra’s den,
and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair.
There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD."

Advent indeed gives us all the reason there is to hope for. To truly hope for the Lord's coming. And as we prepare for that, let our refrain be: "Come, Lord Jesus... and renew all of creation! AMEN.

A Season of Hopeful Waiting

2007-12-01T00:28:00.001-08:00

We begin another Liturgical Year with the celebration of the First Sunday of Advent. Advent simply, in layman's term, ushers the most-awaited season of Christmas. But more meaningfully, Advent poses for us a blessed season of waiting.

To wait for something or for someone is a disposition of hope, of sheer trust. And I think we celebrate it right, to begin the new liturgical year in this disposition. Jesus in the Gospels asks His disciples to hold fast and to wait for the final hour. We can say then that a Christian's life is a prolonged celebration of Advent, of hopeful waiting to be reunited to God, our Source, our End.

Like this monk (in the picture) who patiently 'waits' for the Lord's coming to him in prayer and contemplation, may we, too, truly and joyfully wait for the coming of the Savior, our One and True Joy.

A Different Kingdom

2007-11-24T00:48:00.000-08:00

We celebrate today the last Sunday of the Liturgical year, the Sunday of the Solemnity of Christ the King. I think it is fitting that we end the liturgical year with this celebration, acclaiming the Kingship and the Kingdom of Christ Jesus. But what exactly is His kingship and kingdom?

We remember Jesus saying to Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world. In other words, Jesus' kingdom is of a different kind, a totally different flavor. We all know that kings and royalties are served, and as they rule over their domains, they are put on a pedestal. But Jesus' kingship and kingdom are far far different from this type. Jesus' kingdom is of service, of giving and not counting the cost, and of love, that is of loving till it totally hurts. Those are the ideals of His Kingship and Kingdom; and rightly so, He was the perfect model. He came to serve and was never served; he loved to the very end, even to the point of death.

As we celebrate Christ the King, let us remind ourselves of this kingship and kingdom that Jesus espouses. Are we really ready and willing to embrace Him as King?!

I Believe in COMMUNION of SAINTS

2007-10-31T02:25:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday and Solemnities or Feasts, we profess the Apostle's Creed. And part of the creed states that "We believe in the Communion of Saints." This is what we celebrate this day, November 1st, the Solemnity of All Saints.

St. Paul states in his letter to the Romans that we may be suffering in this life. Indeed, this life is full of trials and tribulations. But St. Paul assures the Christians of Rome that in the life to come, we shall rise with the Risen Christ in glory. We believe that the Saints, who were like us once upon a time -- fully human, fully frail, are now enjoying the beatific vision in heaven.

We pray then that as we celebrate this Solemnity, the Lord will grant us the grace of hope and perseverance. That we may bear all the trials and tribulations we have around us in the hope that one day, all these will cease; one day, we shall be like Him in glory, fully united with God and fully united with the Saints. Amen.

Be Humble

2007-10-26T19:43:00.001-07:00

The Gospel passage for this Sunday's Liturgy, I must admit, is one of my favorite accounts in the Gospels. Jesus speaks of two men who went to the temple. The first was a self-righteous, feeling holy, presumptuous person -- the Pharisee. He gives God an 'accounting' of sorts: "I did this... I did that... I didn't do this... I didn't do that" to the point of developing a very unhealthy life position, which according to Eric Berne is the "I am OK, You're Not OK" life stance. In a manner, this guy approaches the Throne of God in the spirit of pride and self-righteousness. But the other guy is the 'low self-esteem,' contrite, humbled man -- the Publican. But the twist in Jesus' account is that the second guy went home favored by God!

Dear friends we are once again reminded that the disposition we need to have when we face the Altar of the Lord is that of humility and powerlessness. But most of the time we approach God's Table in the light of self-righteousness -- I am good because... I did this... I didn't do that... But Jesus reminds us that in the end, one thing is necessary -- to acknowledge one's nothingness in the midst of God's greatness.

Let us ask the Lord then for this grace of humility and contriteness; that we truly acknowledge our nothingness before the Great God, for all that we have and have done, are from Him. Amen.

Gratitude is the Memory of the Heart

2007-10-13T00:33:00.001-07:00

I remember many years ago, a Good Shepherd Sister (RGS) gave me a stampita bearing one of the famous lines from their Mother Foundress, St. Mary Euphrasia. It goes "Gratitude is the memory of the heart."

I recall this phrase from St. Mary Euphrasia the moment I read the Gospel for this Sunday's Liturgy. The Gospel speaks about gratitude: ten lepers were made whole but only one came back to give thanks.

Many instances in our lives we were like the nine other lepers. Many times we approached the altar of God presenting our many needs and desires. But the moment the Lord answered our prayers, most often than not we forgot to give thanks. Dear friends I believe this Gospel passage presents to us a reality that we too often overlook. We have many answered prayers but... how many times have we expressed our thanks to God, the source of all our blessings?

Maybe this Sunday is a propitious occasion for us to reflect on our countless blessings and, seize the opportunity to give thanks.

Sanlibo mang Buhay...

2007-09-28T19:58:00.001-07:00

We celebrate today the Memorial of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila and companions, Martyrs of the Faith in Japan. As we all know, San Lorenzo is the first ever Filipino to be beatified and then canonized a saint. We also know his story: he went to Japan with some Dominican Missionaries to propagate the Faith there. But for Lorenzo, it was tainted with the desire to flee Manila for he was accused of committing murder. But like most of the cases, God purified his intentions to serve His Divine Purpose and Plan.

San Lorenzo is very famous for his line Sanlibo man ang aking buhay, sanlibo ko ring iaalay (If I have a thousand lives, I will offer them all to God). In San Lorenzo then the Gospel of John (Ch. 12:24) becomes personified: Unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains a single grain. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. In San Lorenzo's and his companions' martyrdom, the Faith flourished in Japan.

Let us pray then that as we celebrate San Lorenzo's Memorial (and the 20th Anniversary of his canonization), we may follow his example of self-surrender. May we, like him, die to ourselves and so live for God alone. After all, San Lorenzo is our katagilungsod (fellow Filipino). He will help us.

Mater Dolorosa

2007-09-14T16:48:00.001-07:00

We celebrate today the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. I think the liturgists of the Church see it fitting to celebrate this Memorial a day after we celebrate the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross. But ever since I gained consciousness and was more keen in my faith, I have always wondered why we have to celebrate this Memorial. Among the many titles of Our Lady – Lady of Guadalupe, Lady of Lourdes, Lady of the Roary, etc… – this specific memorial stuns me to the core of my being. Why on earth do we have to celebrate this sad and gloomy title of Mary. Why do we have to remind ourselves of her sorrows and pains. What struck me more was when I found out that there is even one religious congregation of Sisters calling themselves the Daughters of Mary, Lady of Sorrows. What a sorrowful congregation! When I heard of their congregation, I said to myself, gosh, these nuns must be miserable for choosing to enter such a congregation. But seriously, I have never really fathomed the profundity of this Title of Mary… of this Memorial we celebrate today.

It was only during my long retreat, as I look back, that I realized the fecundity of this celebration. My spiritual director during the long retreat asked me to spend the last day of the Third Week with Mary. No formal prayer points, just linger with Mary as she keeps vigil before the tomb of Jesus. I remembered asking her to make me understand the meaning of her suffering. To be “immersed,” as it were, in her sorrow. As I prayed that, the image of my own maternal grandmother came to my mind. How I remember stories of her as shared by my other lola, her sister, of her emotional torture finding out that her husband has another family. How on one occasion she accidentally saw my grandfather with his other woman in the market. My other lola thought that susugurin niya ang dalawa, sasampalin ng todo ang kerida at mumurahin ang kanyang asawa. She was expecting something like a pagtutuos nina Mara at Clara, o di kaya’y nina Dorina Pineda at Lavinia Arguelles. My other lola was a bit apprehensive about how my lola would react to such an abhorrible stimulus. But contrary to what she expected, my lola just stopped… looked at the two walk by… and silently wept. Feeling her emotional torment, my other lola asked her if she was ok. She simply responded in a gentle and cracking voice… mananapaw… mananapaw… (in English, adulterer). They went home as if nothing happened. My lola continued to serve her husband with much love and devotion despite what happened.

This imagery of my lola came to my mind as Mary’s answer to my prayer. I have asked to have a glimpse of her sorrow, a sorrow that somehow fits my context and definition… and true enough, she made me feel and understand her anguish through my lola’s bitter experience. I think the wisdom of this Memorial lies not in the fact that Mary was indeed sorrowful, and in the words of Eddieboy a crying lady. The wisdom of this celebration lies in the very heart of Mary’s steadfastness to God despite her deepest sorrows. My lola’s wisdom of still serving my lolo with much devotion despite the hurt he has caused her. I think the wisdom of this Memorial lies in making us understand that indeed, through her own sorrows, Mary shared in the suffering of Christ and in that effect, shared in His redeeming act for humankind.

Mga kapatid, kung kayo ay nalulungkot at nalulumbay sa daloy ng buhay… kung kayo’y nag-iisa at naghihirap… Think of this Memorial and draw strenght from the wisdom it shares with us. Suffering is worthless in the eyes of the world. But for a Christian, suffering is a joy. It is a joy for we share in the suffering of Christ. As St. Paul articulated it very well in his letter to the Colossians (Ch. 1, v. 24), we complete in our flesh what is lacking in the suffering of Christ for the sake of His body the Church. For the Christian then, suffering is sanctifying, it is redeeming. Kaya… kung ikaw ay nagdurusa dahil hindi sinusuklian ang pagmamahal mo para sa iyong friend… kung ikaw ay nasasaktan dahil hindi ka pinagkakatiwalaan ng mga taong tinuturing mong mahal… kung ikaw ay naghihirap dahil kasama mo ang isang taong ayaw mo makasama… magalak ka! Magsaya ka! For in the wisdom of this celebration… in the spirit of Mary, we share in the sufferings of Christ for the sanctification of our souls… for the salvation of the world. Amen.

It's cool to be humble!

2007-09-01T02:53:00.001-07:00

In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us of the importance to be humble, to maintain a certain down-to-earth disposition. Jesus in the Gospel contrasted the "ideal" disposition of His followers with that of the hypocrites.

Perhaps it is helpful if we beg the Lord for this very difficult grace to have -- HUMILITY. In this very goal-oriented and output-centered world, it's very easy (and reasonable at that!) to be proud and haughty. After all, what we achieve are the "fruits of our labor." Yet, we are continually being invited to be humble, to be always aware that whatever we achieve, whatever we produce, do not really depend on us nor on our effort. It is sheer grace; it is GIFT.

So may the Lord bless us with a humble heart for He rewards those who are humble. In the final analysis, it is cool to be humble.

Fix our gaze on Jesus

2007-08-19T01:56:00.001-07:00

The Second Reading in today's Liturgy from the Letter to the Hebrews exhorts us to fix our eyes on Jesus:
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:2)

I personally think that this line is very apt for us, men and women of the present generation. Many times our "eyes" are fixed on many things, on worthless things, on passing things -- wealth, honor, prestige, success, sensual pleasure, worthless relationships, etc... We think that these apparent treasures set before us give us meaning and joyful existence. But as we perfectly know, they do not. The more we have these things, the more we focus our eyes on them, the more meaningless and direction-less our lives will be.

So then, as we approach the table of the Lord this Sunday, let us beg Him to grant us this sole grace, that we may fix our eyes on Him, for our meaning, our joy, our very existence will find its perfection in Him. And in the end, having lived a life of constant contemplation on the Lord, we shall become like Him -- our ways of thinking, living, loving... will be conformed to His. Amen.

Assumption of the BVM

2007-08-15T02:00:00.001-07:00

Today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. Pope Pius XII declared the Dogma of Mary's Assumption in 1950.

Happy Marian Feast Day!

Keep Your Lamps Burning

2007-08-11T01:43:00.001-07:00

In this Liturgy's Gospel Passage from the Evangelist Luke, we once again hear Jesus exhorting his listeners to "gird their loins and keep their lamps burning." And he tells them of the story of the Good and Faithful Servant. Jesus said that blessed is that servant who keeps watch of the Master's return and whom the Master finds awake on his return.

Many times in our lives we have been bombarded by false prophecies and omens. And in effect, we are terrified and are always "on the watch" for the Lord's Second Coming. But I think this is not the kind of anticipation that the Lord wants from us. The Lord does not want us to keep watch and be fervent simply because we are afraid of His wrath, we are frightened by the threat of eternal damnation. I would like to believe that what our Lord wants from us is the patience and fervent-ness as an effect of pure and true love. We keep our spiritual lamps burning not because we are anticipating in fear the arrival of a tyrant; we keep watch and maintain the light of our lamps because deep in our hearts, we are filled with joyful anticipation of the coming of the Lord of Love.

Let us beg for this grace then, that we may, in the spirit of joyful and loving anticipation, wait for the coming of the Lord... the Lord who loves us and the Lord we truly love. Amen.

Wealth is not Everything

2007-08-04T02:37:00.000-07:00

In this Sunday's Gospel, we hear of the Parable of the Rich Fool. The story goes that a rich man, realizing how rich he had become and how extensive his produce had been, decided to pull down his old barns and build a larger one to fit all his abundant produce in. He even said to himself that now, since he has everything, he can stop working and enjoy his produce, enjoy life through drinking, eating, and merry-making.

Jesus once again is reminding us that wealth is not everything. Jesus us telling us that in life, the amount of "produce" that you have is immaterial to attaining happiness. Most of us think that if only we have all the wealth in the world, our lives would be different -- happier, livelier, and more meaningful. But Jesus is reminding us that that is not the case. For one to be truly happy, one must possess God for it is only God that can give true happiness, peace, and meaning.

Let us reflect then whether we have been busy the past week storing up earthly riches and neglecting the one most essential Being -- God. Let us pray then that unlike this Rich Fool, we may not only work for a progressive life but more importantly, a life pleasing and acceptable to God. Amen.

The Pilgrim named IGNATIUS

2007-07-30T00:33:00.001-07:00

The Universal Church celebrates the memory of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, every July 31st. When we honor the Memory of St. Ignatius, we thank the Lord for the gift of his person to the Church and to the world.

Perhaps it is helpful if we reflect on St. Ignatius' greatest gift to the Church. As a young Jesuit, I would personally say that his greatest gift to all of us is his Spirituality (often referred to as Ignatian Spirituality) en fleshed in his obra maestra the Spiritual Exercises. And for me, Ignatian spirituality in a nutshell is simply this: "Finding God in All Things." We often hear this phrase from both Jesuits and non-Jesuits, but if we reflect on it more deeply, then we will realize how simple, yet powerful that phrase is. St. Ignatius would say that the finger of God, His Divine Presence, is very much active in our life. Hence, God is present in all events, places, persons, even our emotions and dispositions. All we need to do is open our eyes and hearts to feel the gentle and loving presence of this God. And the realization of how active and near this God is to us fosters a deeper and more intimate relationship with this God. I believe that this realization brought about Ignatius' deep devotion to and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

The interior of the Church of San Ignacio in Intramuros before it was destroyed during the Second World War

As we celebrate his memory then, let us ask the Lord to give us the grace to be like St. Ignatius. That even in the midst of the busyness of our day, the good and not so good things that happened to us, the many good and not so good people we meet and work with, we may truly find Him and feel His gentle and loving presence. For indeed, the world is filled with the grandeur of God!

San Ignacio de Loyola,
Pray for us.

Contemplatives in Action

2007-07-21T02:12:00.000-07:00

Today's Gospel passage from the Evangelist Luke speaks of the two sisters who are quite close to the heart of Jesus. These sisters, together with their brother Lazarus, served our Lord and His needs during His public ministry years. And here we heard of the variety and distinctness of Mary's and Martha's acceptance of Jesus. Martha was very busy with the details of hospitality -- preparing the house, setting the table, cooking the dishes, etc... As if she is part of the Housekeeping and Food & Beverage Sections of a hotel. Mary on the other hand was busy entertaining our Lord with her company, much like a guest relations officer or a guest assistant of a hotel.

We heard Jesus telling Martha that she was too preoccupied with many details and that Mary has chosen the better part. I think Jesus is not saying here that what Martha did was wrong. I think that Jesus was just putting focus or direction, or perhaps a deeper reason of what Martha is doing which is best expressed in Mary. The Jesuits have a term for this, "Active Contemplation."

Dear friends, Jesus is once again reminding us that we should not only focus on the details of our task (mission) to the point that we make our mission a "career" by perfecting it (for selfish and ego-satisfying reasons). More importantly, He wants us to be sure of the reason behind our doing those tasks. Why am I serving in my parish? Why do I want the church choir that I'm directing to sing perfectly? In the end, Jesus must be the reason of our meticulous following of the details of the task. Perfection must only be viewed in the light of Jesus. Let us pray then that we may sanctify our work (action) by our love for Jesus (contemplation). Amen.

The Good Samaritan

2007-07-14T06:32:00.001-07:00

In the Gospel of today's Liturgy, we once again hear of the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus, in the story, tells of three persons who met a dying man along the way. The two -- the priest and the Levite, saw the wounded man but did not bother to help for an acceptable reason: ritual impurity. As "clerics," they cannot afford to get impure else they are disqualified from leading (or participating even) in the community worship. The third man however, a Samaritan (someone despised by the Jews) stopped and attended to the man's needs. He did not only dress the man's wounds but went a step further by bringing him to an inn and taking very good care of him.

In one word, the Gospel only wants to get one simple yet powerful message across: CHARITY. Many reflections on this parable would focus on our challenge to be charitable, to emulate the example of the Good Samaritan. But allow me to rather focus on the wounded man. Many times in our life we get to a point of "being robbed" by unfortunate events which drain our physical and emotional resources. Many times we are left alone by the very people we love in trying and difficult moments. At one point in our lives, we were like this man -- robbed, beaten, and left half-dead. But God in His providence and love would always send people who will help us out and who will rescue us from such unfortunate circumstances, in the same way he sent the Good Samaritan to this beaten man.

Let us try to remember moments when "Good Samaritans" came to our rescue. People who we know and may not know yet in a very gentle and assuring manner showed us that we are not alone. Let us thank God for them. They, in their simplicity of ways and generosity of heart, have manifested to us in a very powerful way the Providential presence of our God. They made the line "God is love" real and tangible.

God bless you.

I Will Comfort My People

2007-07-07T00:40:00.001-07:00

The First Reading of this Sunday's Liturgy is from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, particularly from the Trito Isaiah (Ch 55-66). The Third Isaiah emphasizes the promises of the Lord YHWH to His people. And here the Prophet talks about the Lord blessing His people with abundance and prosperity -- YHWH comforts His people.

Many times in our lives we are placed in a situation wherein options are not possible; circumstances that bog us down and make us feel hopeless. But wait... there is hope, There is GOD. I know some of us if not most of us are feeling a bit wary about many things -- familial concerns, academic demands, career struggles, difficulties in relationships, etc... Things that seem to suction all our strength and hope. And yet, here is Isaiah telling us to hope for "The Lord will comfort you as a mother comforts her child" (Is 66:13).

Let us then pray for this grace of God, the Grace promised by Him and relayed to us by the Prophet Isaiah. May we truly cling on to our Faith in Him, no matter what will happen, no matter how hard the situation is. For He will truly bring us comfort and consolation. Amen.

Greatest Proof of Love!

2007-06-09T18:33:00.001-07:00

2nd Anniversary of Religious Profession

2007-05-29T17:20:00.001-07:00

On 31 May, the Feast of the Visitation of Our Lady, I together with nine of my brethren will celebrate our second year of vowed life. Most of the younger Jesuits celebrate their profession anniversaries on this day. Two years ago, after much prayer, reflection, and discernment, I made the commitment to offer my entire life to the Lord in the service of His Church as a Jesuit. As I look back, I can only utter words of gratitude to God for having given me the grace to live life as a religious and for having supported me with His immense love and mercy in living out my religious consecration.

Tomorrow, Six young men will profess their perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in the Society of Jesus. We pray that all Jesuits will remain faithful to their religious profession and will truly entrust their lives to the love of God.

*A bit of information: the Society of Jesus is the only religious Order (I suppose) to have mandated that the rite of profession of vows be done before Holy Communion, professing the formula right in front of Jesus' Body & Blood. Its meaning is simple; we Jesuits offer our entire selves to Jesus and to His Church through the vows we profess, and after professing, Jesus likewise offers His entire self to dwell in us and to grant us the grace to live out our vows faithfully. Our vow celebration then is a mutual offering of selves between the Jesuit and Jesus Himself. You may wonder what we Jesuits would babble during the profession, below is the approved English Formula of our vows:

Almighty and eternal God, I, RUBEN Jr. Jose Maria Rubio BULLECER -- ORBETA, though altogether most unworthy in your divine sight, yet relying on your infinite goodness and mercy and moved with a desire of serving you, in the presence of the most Holy Virgin Mary and your whole heavenly court, vow to Your Divine Majesty perpetual poverty, chastity and obedience in the Society of Jesus; and I promise that I shall enter the same Society in order to lead my entire life in it, understanding all things according to its Constitutions.

Therefore I suppliantly beg Your Immense Goodness and Clemency, through the blood of Jesus Christ, to deign to receive this holocaust in an odor of sweetness; and that just as you gave me the grace to desire and offer this, so you will also bestow on me abundant grace to fulfill it.

Just the "reminiscing" part of me, here are some of the photos taken during our religious profession last 31 May 2005.

My Vow Profession Batch (31 May 2005)

Having reached our seats after the procession

The beginning of the celebration

The Exchange of Peace

Professing my Vows super hostiam

Receiving Holy Communion from the Novice Master

Receiving my Vow Crucifix from the Provincial Superior

Prosperity Pose right after the Eucharist

A pose with my family

A pose with my parents

A pose with my niece, Sofia Bettina

Final pose with the community after dinner

Thank you and God bless you.

The "Doubting Thomas" Sunday

2007-04-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

"My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)

Among the "prayers" said in scriptures, one of my favorites is this famous line from the famous Doubting Thomas. Unless I probe my fingers into the nail marks of his hands and feet and put my hand into his side, I will not believe, said Thomas. But when the doubt brought about by frustration was side swept by marvel and grandeur, Thomas exclaimed a very beautiful prayer which gushes forth from the innermost recesses of his being: My Lord and my God!

Many times we have been cynical and doubting about many things. In the midst of pain, is God really here?! In the circumstances of great tribulation, is God really here?! Is God really with us?! Once again we are consoled by the Church with this very beautiful and moving scene between the Risen One and Thomas. Jesus said, You believe because you have seen me; happy are those who haven't seen and yet believed! Christianity indeed is a leap of faith.

Let us beg then for the grace received by Thomas. That like him, we may believe and put our faith in this Jesus who died, and who rose from the dead to save us all. Jesus' Resurrection has broken the sting of death and sin forever.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

2007-04-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

"He is Risen! Alleluia!"

Easter Sunday is the Solemnity of all solemnities. In Easter Sunday we celebrate the summit of our Faith -- The Resurrection of Jesus. Through the Resurrection we profess that our faith in this Jesus is never in vain. For indeed, He is risen!

Easter Sunday then is a day of new beginnings. Jesus, after rising from the dead, destroyed death forever. Death has lost its sting. Jesus has conquered the power of sin and evil.

The body of Jesus still has the marks of the nails and the flagellation. The body that has risen is still the same body, yet the disposition is very different. The wounds no longer represent suffering and pain; instead, those very wounds represent the power of love!

Perhaps it is helpful that as we go to our parishes this day for the solemn Liturgy of Easter, let's pray for the grace to start anew -- to leave behind us a life of sin and selfishness, to put asunder all grudges and hatred we have for others, and to rise again to newness of life forgetting our pains and sorrows. We pray that like Jesus, we may look at the wounds of our life no longer in the perspective of pain, but in the light of love and new life. We start anew for indeed, our Lord is risen and He brings all things new.

Happy Easter and Happy New beginnings!

Black Saturday

2007-04-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

"They took down the body of Jesus... and laid him in a tomb." (Luke 23:53)

Holy Saturday has been called "Black" because Christians are asked to reflect on this line from the creed "He descended into the dead (Sheol)..." Jesus spent three days in Sheol until He was risen from the dead. We are asked then to "keep vigil" before the tomb of the Lord, in the company of Our Lady, the apostles and the women who ministered to Jesus when he was still alive.

Holy Saturday is a day of paradoxes. We are in grief for the fact that Jesus died. Yet we are strengthened by His promise of rising again. Holy Saturday then is the day of "in-between," hence, black. We are immersed in grief, yet in the midst of this grief, is a certain joy, a joy springing from hope.

Let us pray then, as we keep vigil before the Lord's tomb, for the grace of HOPE. That despite the many tragedies and disheartening moments in life, we may remain steadfast in hope, a hope rooted in the Lord, the Lord who restored hope to this world.

Have a hope-filled Holy Saturday.

Good Friday

2007-04-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

"It is finished." (John 19:30)

This Good Friday of the Lord's Passion, we read the passion narrative from the Gospel of John. Towards the end of Jesus' life, he said "it is finished." In contemporary layman's terms, mission accomplished! Indeed, Jesus' life was not wasted after all. He lived his life to the fullest, showing all the people God's love and mercy. No one has ever seen God, yet in Jesus, the invisible God was made visible through Him, divine Logos.

As we venerate the wood of the cross in our Liturgy this afternoon, let us call to mind Jesus' deepest act of love for all of us -- dying on the cross. And may the cross remind us of Jesus' legacy, that is to love and to serve.

It is finished. The mission of Jesus has been accomplished. Our mission as Christians begins then. Our mission of spreading the Word of this wonderful and magnificent God.

Have a blessed Good Friday.

Maundy Thursday

2007-04-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

Today is Maundy Thursday. In this day, the Church celebrates the institution of both the Holy Eucharist and of the Priesthood by Jesus Christ Himself. The Eucharist, in the words of our Holy Founder St. Ignatius, is the "greatest proof of Christ's Love (Sp. Ex. 289)." It is the fulfillment of Jesus' promise in the Gospel that He will be with us till the end of times (Mt. 28: 20). Jesus is indeed present in our very midst through this most Blessed Sacrament.

Likewise, the Priesthood was established by Jesus on this night before he died. He washed his disciples' feet and told them "I have given you an example, that you also should do what I have done." (John 13: 15). In our Liturgy this evening, we will once again recall Jesus' wonderful act of service, the washing of the feet. The priesthood then is an office that of service. It is never of power and dominions. It is never of futile authority. The priesthood is for the people.

Let us pray then for ourselves and for our priests on this solemn day. May we truly be "Eucharist" for others -- taken, blessed, broken, and given for the life of others, and may we imbibe the spirit of the "Priesthood" -- prayer and selfless service to one another. Amen.

Have a grace - filled Maundy Thursday.

"Spy" Wednesday

2007-04-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

"What will you give me if I hand him over to you? ... thirty pieces of silver... and from that moment he sought of ways to betray him." (Mt. 26:15-16)

Today is Spy Wednesday. It has been called us such for us to remember the "act" of Judas Iscariot. He who was a companion of the Lord was able to betray the very person who called him in love. I find this day very apt for us to examine our consciences on how many times (if we could ever count them!) we have betrayed our Lord.

We have been taught that God is the Source of everything, He is the Supreme Good. But how many times have turned our backs on this Supreme Good in exchange of other fleeting and worthless so-called "goods"? to the point of finding ways and means to abandon the Supreme Good for the pursuit of such fleeting goods?

Let us examine ourselves then. And let us not be discouraged. Rather, let us go back to our God, who is the fount of all love and compassion. Let us beg Him for the grace that we may not betray Him again and instead, live in His divine grace. Amen.

Palm Sunday

2007-03-31T02:29:00.000-07:00

Today is the start of the Holy Week. We commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem. As Palm Sunday, it has been our tradition to have branches formed into the shape of a cross and we have these blessed during the beginning of the Liturgy.

In the Gospel read during the blessing, we hear of the crowds cheering up and blessing God for Jesus -- "Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" But paradoxically, we hear of these same crowd jeering at Jesus and demanding for His crucifixion.

Apparently the crowds shouting the praises of God did so without understanding the meaning of their action. They praised God and shouted the Hosanna yet the praise and the prayer are not rooted in their hearts. Perhaps it might be helpful if we look deep into our hearts and ask ourselves whether we really understand our Faith. Do we rally have a hold of our faith in JESUS CHRIST, or are we like the crowds only murmuring words that don't really penetrate the innermost portion of our beings?

We pray then that the Holy Week will truly deepen our knowledge and our love for this wonderful God, the God who endured all possible pain a human person could, all in the name of love. And we hope that in loving Him, we may be united with Him. Amen.

Fifth Sunday of Lent

2007-03-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

In today's Gospel, we hear of the pharisees and the rest of the Jews condemn the woman caught in adultery. They brought her before the presence of Jesus and they pressed the charges against her, quoting their Mosaic Law of stoning such women to death. If we think about it, the Jews were right after all. It is very apparent that this woman violated the commandment and committed adultery. True enough, in their context, she deserved to die. She must be damned for her wrongdoing.

But surprise of all surprises, Jesus did not condemn her. Jesus gave her a chance, the chance to start anew. Once again we have a glimpse of what kind of a God we have -- a God who surpasses all norms of compassion, a God of new beginnings, a God of new Life.

Let us beg the Lord then that as we deepen our Lenten discipline, we may be given the grace received by the unnamed adulterous woman -- the grace of new beginning. That we may truly shun sin and evil from our beings and live in the new life given us by Jesus. And having been given the grace to start anew, we may extend Jesus' compassion to others, giving them the chance to likewise start anew. Amen.

Laetare Sunday

2007-03-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is called Laetare Sunday, meaning Rejoice. Apparently there is a break from the remorseful and repentant mood of Lent. The Church is exhorting all her children to rejoice! As St. Paul says, Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!" But what is there to rejoice for? What could be the reason of our joy?!

I believe that the readings of today express so much the reason for our joy. We rejoice not because we feel remorseful or sorry for our sins. We rejoice primarily because GOD LOVES US. His mercy and compassion never end and His loving and care for us will never ever end. Even if we sin and sin terribly, He continues to be there. He continues to look out for our return, and once we do return, He will run and will eagerly accept us back into His fold, into His loving embrace. This is the reason of our joy!

We may be the most prodigal among God's children. But one fact remains: God loves everyone, even the most sinful. Now, isn't our God a wonderful God?!

We pray then that we will receive the grace of the prodigal son -- the grace to be truly humble to accept that we sinned, and the desire to return to our God.

Rejoice! God loves you and He wants you in His fold.

Third Sunday of Lent

2007-03-10T00:59:00.000-08:00

The Gospel for this Sunday is about the parable of the fig tree. We learn that the fig tree was fruitless and inutile for three years and that the vine owner wanted it cut down due to its barrenness. But the twist of the story is made manifest when the vine dresser appealed to the owner to give that particular fig tree a chance to bear fruit. In other words, to be patient with the fig tree.

Many times in our lives the Lord has been very patient with us. Despite our apparent spiritual barrenness, he continues to give us the chance to bear fruit. He continues to be very patient with us, to the point that He is willing to give us all the necessary patience we ever need!

I believe this is the grace of Lent. We are reminded of how the Lord has been so patient with us despite all our barrenness and failures. Perhaps we can reflect on this point and hopefully it will lead us to do two concrete actions:

First, to continue to struggle to "bear fruit" for His greater glory; and
Second, to be patient with others' limitations and failings in the manner that He has been very patient with us.

God bless you.

To See the Face of God... is my One Desire!

2007-03-03T01:14:00.000-08:00

We have reached the Second Sunday of Lent. It is our hope that the First Sunday did bring us to the "desert," to get connected once again to our God Experiences for the strengthening of our Faith. This Sunday's Liturgy presents to us the Gospel passage on the Transfiguration of Jesus. We hear that Jesus was "transfigured" in the presence of Peter, James, and John. As they gaze at the face of Christ, His face radiates light, as bright as the sun, and His garments became dazzlingly bright. Having reflected upon this passage, I am convinced that my theme for this Sunday is To seek the face of God. Fr. Manoling Francisco SJ perfectly phrased it in his song: To see the face of God is my heart's desire; to gaze upon the Lord is my One Desire! At this point of Lent, I begin to realize that this indeed is my heart's desire. To gaze upon the countenance of my Beloved, and be united with and in Him.

Let us pray then that as we deepen our experience of Lent, we may truly desire for this grace. To truly seek the face of God (Ps 13). As we move deeper into the discipline of Lent, may we pray with St. Anselm that the Lord may teach our hearts where and how to seek Him, where and how to find Him. And that in seeking and finding Him, we may Love Him. Amen.

First Sunday of Lent

2007-02-24T00:40:00.000-08:00

In today's Liturgy, we hear once more the Account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (or desert for that matter) as narrated to us Luke. The desert seems to be a place of "dissonance" of sorts. On the one hand, it is traditionally regarded as the place where one encounters God (being a place of silence and solitude), but on the other hand, as presented to us by the Gospel, a place of temptation, a place of barrenness. I would like to reflect that it is in this light that the Church would want to remind us about this holy season of Lent.

Lent is a time of going back to God, going back to the Source. We are being invited and drawn by this holy season to once again experience God in the silence of our hearts. To reminisce our personal "God experiences" in the solitude of our being. To once again be connected, and to appreciate that great gift of connection to the Divine, The Supreme Being.

Secondly, as our attention is centered on God, the Ever Greater One, we are challenged by Lent to renounce our very selves -- the hedonistic and self-seeking aspects of our selves. That as we search for God, we are likewise invited to turn away from our selves and from our sins so that God can find an acceptable and pleasing dwelling place in our hearts. Let us beg then for these graces.

Start of the Lenten Season

2007-02-21T01:06:00.000-08:00

Ash Wednesday ushers in a new liturgical season in the prayer life of the Church which is Lent. Lent is a holy season where all Christians prepare to commemorate the redemptive act of Jesus which reached its peak in the cross. As we begin the season of Lent, it may be helpful for us to reflect upon the significance of the imposition of ashes on our forehead, of Ash Wednesday, and of the whole lenten season.

The ashes on our foreheads manifest our humility to accept that we are nothing: We come from dust and to dust we shall return. An insight that without God, we are nothing. Our existence is contingent; we share in God's existence. Perhaps this sums up the invitation of the Lenten season to all of us. To constantly acknowledge that without God we are nothing. We need God in our lives.

Lent then invites us to stop awhile, reflect, pray, and ultimately go back to God. As we struggle to reach God, we "fall" in His love, we rest secure in His presence. We pray then that the whole lenten season for us be an experience of going back to God, and ultimately, rest secure in His fervent love which He perfectly expressed in the cross.

May we all have a Blessed and Grace-filled Lenten Season!

The Presentation of the Lord

2007-02-02T00:04:00.000-08:00

02 February is the Feast of the Solemnity of the Presentation of the Lord. For a possible reflection point or a prayer matter, I propose that we meditate on the Canticle of blessed Simeon, taken from the Gospel of Luke and is read in the Liturgy for today. Simeon's Canticle is a very rich and meaningful prayer. This Canticle is used in the Compline or the Night Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. Below is the lyrics of the Canticle with music by Jesuit priest Manoling Francisco. If you wish to listen to this song, kindly go to www.rjorbetasj.multiply.com

Ref: Lord, let Your servant go in peace
For Your Word has been fulfilled.

I. A Child shall be born to the Virgin,
And His Name shall be called, "Emmanuel." (Ref)

II. My own eyes have seen Your salvation
Which You have prepared for all men. (Ref)

III. A Light shall reveal to the nations
And the glory of Your people, Israel. (Ref)

The Feast of the Presentation is also a day of remembering for all Religious people -- priests, brothers, and nuns. Let us also remember all our religious, the Jesuits included, in our prayers that they may truly be faithful to God and to His Church.

God bless you.

Viva Señor Sto. Niño!

2007-01-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

The retablo inside the Basilica

The third Sunday of January has been dedicated by the Philippine Church to be the Feast of the Sto. Niño, the titular feast in the Philippines. But for the Archdiocese of Cebu, this is the Feast! Festivities happen and are being enjoyed by everyone, honoring the Señor through Masses in the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, and through the Mardigras and dancing around the City of Cebu. But what exactly is the reason behind all these fuss and celebrations?

I can think of only one reason: The Generosity and Providence of God! The feast of the Sto. Niño is a feast that highlights utmost trust and confidence in the loving providence of God. And Jesus showed us the perfect example of how to truly trust in God's love and compassion. Jesus says in the Gospel that we should never worry about what to eat or what to wear for our Father in Heaven will provide! Indeed we celebrate for we have a God who truly provides, a God who truly cares!

As we celebrate then this wonderful and colorful feast of the Señor, let us beg for the grace that we may truly trust in the loving providence of God. May we truly cast our worries upon His feet, for he truly cares!

God bless you and Viva Pit Señor!

I wish to share with you photos of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.

The facade of the Basilica

The Sto. Niño Pilgrim Center

The famous "Magellan's Cross"

A glimpse of the Sinulog Mardigras

Migration & Urbanization - Jesuit Concern

2007-01-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

The Scolastics and Brothers-in-formation of the Society of Jesus in the East Asia and Oceania Assitancy held its conference in Melaka, Malaysia last 21 December 2006 - 03 January 2007. The theme of the said conference was Migration and Urbanization, in the context of our assistancy. The conference was indeed very educational for us and provided us with an unforgettable experience living with Migrants and refugees.

Below are some pictures taken during the conference, including all the trips and tours.

The delegates of the Conference posing outside the Good Shepherd Catholic Seminary, Melaka

Pose at the foot of St. Paul's Hill, Melaka

Statue of St. Francis Xavier at St. Paul's Hill

The "temporary" tomb of St. Francis Xavier, St. Paul's Hill

The A Fomosa, Melaka

In front of St. Francis Institution, one of the oldest structures in Melaka

The Prime Minister's Building in Putra Jaya, Malaysia

The Putra Jaya Mosque

A pose in front of the Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur

Tour at Singapore City

A pose with the Merlion

Dinner at the Jesuit Novitiate, Singapore City

The Society of Jesus continues to work for and with the Migrants, Itinerants, and refugees around our assistancy. We do hope that our exposures and inputs will spur us further in our zeal to be of service to all, a service of the Faith that does justice!

Happy Three Kings

2007-01-05T18:37:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, commonly called the Three Kings. What does this Solemnity have to say to all of us, Catholics in the contemporary era?
I think we can draw two points from this solemnity.
First, the three magi traveled all the way from the East in search for the King of kings. And they were all led by the brightness of the Star. We all are sojourning towards our King of kings, who guide us toward Him? Who are the "Stars" of our life, of our journey? Perhaps it is good to thank the Lord for them.
Second, the magi gave the Infant Jesus presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, all priceless gifts, worthy of a King. If we reflect, what can I offer Christ the King this new year? What could be my "New Year's Resolutions" which can become my New Year's gift to Him?

Happy Three Kings, everyone!

Rejoice! Rejoice!

2006-12-16T01:27:00.000-08:00

The Third Sunday of Advent is called "Gaudete" Sunday, or Rejoice Sunday. If we notice the color of the liturgical vestments for this Sunday's Mass, we can see that instead of purple or violet, the Presider and the deacon use rose or pink (The pope in the photo dons the rose vestments). We also notice that the third candle in our advent wreath (colored pink or rose) is also lit today. Why then do we change the liturgical color and why do we call this Sunday "Gaudete?"
We are reminded by the Church to truly rejoice for the season of Advent is indeed a joyful season. The real reason for this joy is the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Prophet for the chosen people: "Rejoice O Israel, for unto you shall come Emmanuel." Indeed we rejoice for God has come among us! As the Gospel passage for today's liturgy points out, rejoicing is possible for the multitude has been admonished to be generous, the tax collectors have been reformed not to exact additional charges from the people, soldiers have been encouraged to be gentle and content; in short, the Good News has been preached! Salvation is at hand.
Indeed, let us rejoice! Let us rejoice in the truth that the Messiah is coming, and let our fervent prayer be: Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness & Protector of the Family and of the Unborn

2006-12-11T21:26:00.000-08:00

Today is the Memorial of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of the Archdiocese of Cebu. Let us pray then to Our Lady, that she may always protect each and every family and each and every unborn child. And so with the Universal Church we pray:

Our Lady of Guadalupe, who blessed Mexico and all the Americas by your appearance to Juan Diego, intercede for the holy Church, protect the pope, and help everyone who invokes you in their necessities.

O mystical rose, hear our prayers and our petitions, especially for the particular one we are praying for at this moment (mention your request).

Since you are the ever Virgin Mary and Mother of the true God, obtain for us from your most holy Son the grace of keeping our faith, sweet hope in the midst of the bitterness of life, burning charity, and the precious gift of final perseverance.

Amen.

*This prayer and many others can be found in: "Catholic Prayers & Devotions"

Salvation is at Hand!

2006-12-09T16:23:00.000-08:00

The Church today presents to us the figure of St. John the Baptist. The Baptist is a key figure in the season of advent being the precursor of the coming of the Messiah. And the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Advent presents him baptizing people in the river Jordan. He preaches and with the preaching comes the baptism of repentance and the forgiveness of sins. The Baptist reminds the people that they need to reform their lives for the Messiah has come! The Messiah has pitched His tent among us, right in our very midst! SALVATION IS AT HAND!
We are invited today and throughout the season of advent to repent and be sorry for our faults for indeed, our salvation is at hand!
Let us pray then that we may have the deeper appreciation of our Baptism, and that indeed we may live out the graces of the Sacrament. Amen.

Immaculate Conception

2006-12-08T00:41:00.000-08:00

Today, the Universal Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The dogma of the Immaculate Conception was promulgated by then Pope Pius IX on 8 December 1854 through the Apostolic Constitution Ineffabilis Deus, defining formally the Dogma. Hence, the Immaculate Conception is an accepted belief in the Roman Catholic Church, brought about by faith. But we may ask, "What is the relevance of the Dogma in our lives now?" Perhaps a part of Ineffabilis Deus may help us understand. Pope Pius IX posits that:

"Our soul overflows with joy and our tongue with exultation. We give, and we shall continue to give, the humblest and deepest thanks to Jesus Christ, our Lord, because through his singular grace he has granted to us, unworthy though we be, to decree and offer this honor and glory and praise to his most holy Mother. All our hope do we repose in the most Blessed Virgin-in the all fair and immaculate one who has crushed the poisonous head of the most cruel serpent and brought salvation to the world: in her who is the glory of the prophets and apostles, the honor of the martyrs, the crown and joy of all the saints; in her who is the safest refuge and the most trustworthy helper of all who are in danger; in her who, with her only-begotten Son, is the most powerful Mediatrix and Conciliatrix in the whole world; in her who is the most excellent glory, ornament, and impregnable stronghold of the holy Church; in her who has destroyed all heresies and snatched the faithful people and nations from all kinds of direst calamities; in her do we hope who has delivered us from so many threatening dangers. We have, therefore, a very certain hope and complete confidence that the most Blessed Virgin will ensure by her most powerful patronage that all difficulties be removed and all errors dissipated, so that our Holy Mother the Catholic Church may flourish daily more and more throughout all the nations and countries, and may reign "from sea to sea and from the river to the ends of the earth," and may enjoy genuine peace, tranquility and liberty. We are firm in our confidence that she will obtain pardon for the sinner, health for the sick, strength of heart for the weak, consolation for the afflicted, help for those in danger; that she will remove spiritual blindness from all who are in error, so that they may return to the path of truth and justice, and that here may be one flock and one shepherd.

Let all the children of the Catholic Church, who are so very dear to us, hear these words of ours. With a still more ardent zeal for piety, religion and love, let them continue to venerate, invoke and pray to the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, conceived without original sin. Let them fly with utter confidence to this most sweet Mother of mercy and grace in all dangers, difficulties, needs, doubts and fears. Under her guidance, under her patronage, under her kindness and protection, nothing is to be feared; nothing is hopeless. Because, while bearing toward us a truly motherly affection and having in her care the work of our salvation, she is solicitous about the whole human race. And since she has been appointed by God to be the Queen of heaven and earth, and is exalted above all the choirs of angels and saints, and even stands at the right hand of her only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, she presents our petitions in a most efficacious manner. What she asks, she obtains. Her pleas can never be unheard."

We pray then that we may follow the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and that we may strive to be holy as she struggled to be holy all her days. Amen.

Prayer for the Victims of Typhoon Reming

2006-12-05T16:18:00.000-08:00

The Holy Father's Message and Prayer for the victims of Typhoon Reming:

From the VATICAN CITY, last Dec. 1, 2006, Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, SDB, sent a telegram of condolence, in the Pope’s name, to Archbishop Fernando Filoni, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, for a typhoon that hit our country on November 30, causing numerous victims.

The telegram of condolence is as follows:

"Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting from the recent typhoon in the eastern Philippines, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI assures all affected of his closeness in prayer. The Holy Father commends the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, and upon their grieving families and all those injured he invokes divine strength and comfort. His Holiness likewise prays for the rescue workers and all involved in providing practical assistance to the victims of this disaster, encouraging them to persevere in their efforts to bring relief and support.”

- from www.rcam.org (the webpage of the Roman Catholic Archdioces of Manila, Philippines)

Happy New Liturgical Year!

2006-12-02T17:51:00.000-08:00

With the season of Advent, the Universal Church begins another year in her liturgical life. So, Happy New Year to everyone! (at least, in the liturgical sense!)
Advent is a season of waiting. It is very apt that we begin our liturgical calendar with advent, for me a sincerity to Jesus' words in the Gospel "Watch and pray." The first part of Advent (from the 1st Sunday of Advent up to December 16), the Church reminds all of us in the liturgy to be ever ready to meet Christ our Lord in the parousia. We are being exhorted to make our hearts ready for the coming of Christ in the end of times. The second part is the more festive one (from December 17 up to December 24), the Church refreshes our memories of the first Christmas morn, when heaven and earth literally met, the moment when God and Man was united in a very physical sense.
So let us make the most out of this holy season. Our advent wreath symbolizes our preparation -- the three violet candles symbolize sorrow for not being whole-hearted in our efforts to prepare for the Lord's coming, yet the single pink candle symbolizes our joy, the joy in the fact that Jesus is indeed coming. We pray then that this holy season of Advent may make our hearts ready to face our Lord in His daily "comings" to our lives, and that we may be worthy to celebrate the memory of His birth. Amen.

Viva Kristo Rey!

2006-11-25T02:00:00.000-08:00

The Holy Gospel according to St. John (Jn 18:33-37)

Pilate entered the praetorium again and called Jesus, and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me; what have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world." Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice."

We celebrate today the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe. And in today's liturgy, we hear Jesus telling Pilate that He indeed is a king, yet His Kingdom is not in and of this world. Jesus' Kingdom is in the hearts of men -- feeble, weak, yet loved by the God who is eternal. Perhaps it might be helpful if we ask ourselves whether the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus is already in our hearts. This is the challenge of the celebration of Kristo Rey.

What remains Constant?!

2006-11-19T22:27:00.000-08:00

My Philosophy teacher asked me if there is anything constant in this world. And he stressed out that only change remains constant. And turning his glance at us Jesuits he further asked "What remains constant?" Putting it in my contex, "Is the JR Orbeta who professed perpetual vows last 31 May 2005 the same JR Orbeta now?" The question remained in my mind.
Definitely not! I have gained a few pounds more now since then, my white (or gray) hairs increased, etc... so I am not the same JR Orbeta who professed perpetual vows last 2005. And the question persists, what then remains constant?!
I have the opportunity of thinking this over for a few days during our annual triduum for the devotional renovation of vows. And I believe I have received the grace and the answer. What remains constant?! Simple. It is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ remains constant, and so does His love and compassion. Yes, I may change, but Jesus will definitely not change. Why?! The Prophet Jeremiah had the answer: because... "I have loved you with an everlasting love." (Jer 31:3).
This scripture text will forever ignite the passion to love my God in and thorugh His Church all the days of my life. For I am assured that even if I do change, my God will never change! And that's my greatest consolation and my inspiration to remain faithful to my vows.

The Widow's Mite

2006-11-10T23:11:00.000-08:00

The Gospel According to St. Mark (Ch. 12: 41-44)

Jesus he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came, and put in two copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him, and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living."

The Gospel invites us to reflect on how detached we are to our possesions. Jesus used the widow as the perfect example of detachment -- all that she had were her two copper coins. But even then, she wholeheartedly offered them all to God. A very moving picture for us to end the liturgical year. In a couple of weeks we will begin the new liturgical year and we are being invited to reflect how willing are we to offer EVERYTHING to God. A thought worth reflecting about...

The Dedication of St. John Lateran

2006-11-09T00:26:00.000-08:00

We celebrate today the dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran. It is one of the major basilicas in Rome. It is also considered the "Mother Church" of the whole Christendom since as the Bishop of Rome, the Lateran is the pope's Cathedral.

The Facade of the Basilica

I feel that the celebration is very important for us Catholics. Even if we are miles away from Rome and from the actual Basilica, our very celebration speaks so well of our union with the Pope, our union with the Church. This feast invites us then to be truly faithful to Christ and to His Church. Hence, the new name of this blog.

May our celebration then of this wonderful feast remind us of our identity as Catholics, and of the challenge posed on us to be Christ's witnesses in the world, to be truly His "CHURCH!"

The "Cathedra" inside the Basilica

I Believe in LIFE EVERLASTING

2006-11-01T17:27:00.000-08:00

November 2 has been the traditional day for Catholics to honor and pray for our beloved departed. Our faith tells us that death is not the end of life, but a beginning, a transition to the "next life" which is fuller and more glorious. After having rejoiced yesterday for the gift of all the Saints, on whom we have a special link as baptized Christians, we pray today for our departed brethren who are in the purifying suffering in purgatory awaiting the day when they will join the company of the saints in heaven. May this celebration remind us then of the transitoriness of human life, and that we have to make use of all of God's gifts while here on earth, for we may never pass this way again.
So as we visit our departed brothers and sisters in the cemetery, let us pray for them that God may have mercy on them for all their shortcomings, and that He may reward them for the goodness they have shown here on earth. And with the Universal Church we pray:

Merciful Father,
hear our prayers and console us.
As we renew our faith in your Son,
whom you raised form the dead,
strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters
will share in His resurrection,
He who lives and reigns with you and with the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever. Amen.

I Believe in the COMMUNION of SAINTS

2006-10-30T18:11:00.000-08:00

The Universal Church celebrates this day All Saints Day. In the liturgical life of the Church, All Saints Day is a Solemnity, and a Solemnity is the highest, as it were, in the hierarchy of liturgical celebrations. It is just fitting that we celebrate it as a Solemnity.
Every Sunday when we profess our faith through the Apostles' (or the Nicene) Creed, we say that "We believe... in the Communion of Saints..." The Communion of Saints is such a wonderful Catholic doctrine. It expresses our real nature, as it were, as Christians, as baptized Catholics. In baptism we were immersed into the life of Christ. And as St. Paul puts it in his letter to the Ephesians, "God chose us in Christ before the world began to be holy and blameless in His sight..." (Eph 1: 4). This makes us all Saints then.

Stain Glass depicting the Unity of the Saints

Yes, we are all Saints. And this wonderful Solemnity reminds us that we are connected to this wonderful link or communion of Saints. We were sanctified by the blood of Jesus' cross and we are continuously challenged to live holy lives.
So as we celebrate this Solemn day then, and as we profess our faith in the liturgy, let us be reminded that we all are saints, called to live a life of sanctity. Let us ask the Saints in heaven then, that they may assist us always with their prayers and that like them, we may reach heaven and share in the fullness of God's glory. AMEN.

The Brother's Mite

2006-10-30T17:08:00.000-08:00

Today, the Universal Society of Jesus celebrates the Memorial of St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, S.J., a lay brother. Alphonsus Rodriguez (Alfonso Rodriguez, 1533-1617) gained enduring fame for the extraordinary holiness that shone out of the very ordinariness of his work as the Jesuit doorkeeper of a school. He was born in Segovia, Spain, the second son of a successful wool and cloth merchant whose comfortable household provided hospitality to Father Peter Faber, one of St. Ignatius' first companions, when that Jesuit came to Segovia to preach. Faber helped the young boy prepare for his first companion, but Rodriguez's path to the Society of Jesus was slow and indirect.

On Jan. 31, 1571, at 37 years of age, Rodriguez entered the Jesuit novitiate but was sent only six months later to the college of Montesión in Palma on the island of Majorca, off the Spanish coast. There the new brother would finish his novitiate and become famous for his humble job of door-keeper and his friendship with another Jesuit saint, Peter Claver, apostle to the slaves recently arrived in Colombia.
The Jesuit doorkeeper was always appreciated for his kindness and holiness but only after his death did his memoirs and spiritual notes reveal the quality and depth of his prayer life. The humble brother had been favored by God with remarkable mystical graces, ecstasies and visions of our Lord, our Lady and the saints.
To celebrate the gift of St. Aphonsus to the Church and to the Society of Jesus, below is a poem in honor of St. Aphonsus by the famous Jesuit poet Gerard Manley Hopkins.

HONOUR is flashed off exploit, so we say;

And those strokes once that gashed flesh or galled shield

Should tongue that time now, trumpet now that field,

And, on the fighter, forge his glorious day.

On Christ they do and on the martyr may;

But be the war within, the brand we wield

Unseen, the heroic breast not outward-steeled,

Earth hears no hurtle then from fiercest fray.

Yet God (that hews mountain and continent,

Earth, all, out; who, with trickling increment,

Veins violets and tall trees makes more and more)

Could crowd career with conquest while there went

Those years and years by of world without event

That in Majorca Alfonso watched the door.

Fr. Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J. (1844-1889) spent his brief life teaching classics in Ireland, but he is best known for his intense poetry.

Visita Iglesia II

2006-10-28T02:35:00.000-07:00

This would be my last day of Visita Iglesia. I would be leaving for Antipolo, Rizal this morning to help out in the overnight recollection of Ateneo's GABAY students. Well, I have chosen the Benedictine Monastery, the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat in San Beda College. The Benedictine Monastery has always been special to our Founder St. Ignatius of Loyola. In fact, during his conversion, he visited the Benedictine Monastery at Montserrat, and there, he spent a night of vigil before the statue of Our lady and believed to have left his dagger (or sword) in that monastery as an act completing his oblation.

The Facade of the Monastery Church

St. Ignatius was believed to have said his general confessions to a Benedictine priest. He even recieved the illumination about the wonderful mystery of the Blessed Trinity, hearing three notes so harmoniously played together, in the Benedictine Monastery Church steps while saying his Office to the Blessed Virgin Mary. St. Ignatius has received a lot of graces from the Lord in this hallowed place, made holy by the penance and prayers of countless Benedictine Monks.

The interior of the Monastery Church

St. Ignatius usually would go to these hallowed grounds and join the monks in praying, especially the Lauds and Vespers. That's the very reason why St. Ignatius lauded the participation in the prayers and other forms of devotions, as expressed in the Thinking with The Church section of the Spiritual Exercises.

It is my joy to have come to this holy site. As I have participated in the Lauds with the Monks and have celebrated the Eucharist with them, I have in one way a Link to St. Ignatius, an experience of God's love being part of the Roman Catholic Church. And I believed that ignited his great zeal and love for Christ and for His Church.

+ + + Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam + + +

Visita Iglesia

2006-10-26T02:29:00.000-07:00

Thank God the semester was finally over! The previous semester was tough with all the demands of philosophical studies. So I decided to unwind for sometime and give my self a break. For the past week I visited two Churches which are considered "pillars" of Catholicism in Manila, if you may. The Santa Cruz Church in Sta. Cruz, Manila and the Basilika ng Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila. This was a different kind of relaxation I must admit but I enjoyed it nonetheless!

It is interesting to note that these two old churches were at one point in its history were under the hands of the Jesuits. Sta. Cruz church was established by the Jesuits in the 1600's primarily to cater to the spiritual needs of the Chinese merchants and residents in the area.

The Facade of Sta. Cruz Church

But time came for the Jesuits to say goodbye to this wonderful ministry. Even before the Society of Jesus was officially suppressed as a religious order by Pope Clement XIV in 1773, the Spanish Crown decreed that the Jesuits be expelled from Spain and from all their colonies. Hence, the Jesuit exodus happened between 1767 - 1769. The administration of the Church was then entrusted to the Archbishop of Manila.

The interior of Sta. Cruz Church

It was in the 1950's (I think) that the then Archbishop of Manila, Rufino Cardinal Santos, invited the Congregation of the Blesed Sacrament to administer the Parish. The Sacramentinos came to the Philippines in 1956. This year marks the 150th anniversary of Sacramentino presence in the Philippines. The present Sta. Cruz Church has been proposed to become the National Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament exposed on the altar happens the whole day.

The Basilika ng Nazareno or commonly known as the Quiapo Church was established in 1606. The Church now celebrates its 400th year of foundation. There came a point (can't remember if it was in the 1600's or 1700's) that the Governor General entrusted the administration of the Church to the Jesuit Fathers. The Jesuits took care of the church for four years.

The facade of the Basilika ng Nazareno

Quiapo Church has been the center of the devotion to Señor Nazareno or Jesus of Nazareth on His way to Calvary. The Basilica receives millions of devotees and pilgrims each year. In fact, all the Masses at the Basilica on Fridays are jam-packed! A sign of deep Filipino religiousity and devotion. The Basilica is now being administered by the Diocesan Clergy of the Archdiocese of Manila.

Unfortunately, when the Society of Jesus was restored as a religious Order in the Church in 1814 by Pope Pius VII, all our properties were never returned to us. In fact, the condition made by the Queen of Spain to the Jesuits when they came back to the Philippines in the 1800's was for the Society not to claim back their properties and churches. We started from scratch and focused on the missionary works in Mindanao and in the administration of the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, now the Ateneo de Manila University. We do not have old churches under our pastoral care.

But it is consoling to note that the Jesuits (the religious Order that I belong to) has a share in the course of history of these two significant Churches. And as a young Jesuit, it is my consolation to visit these churches and participated in the Eucharist celebrated in these churches, my simple link to the richness of the tradition and devotion nurtured and harnessed in these churches. My visit was my simple connection to my brother Jesuits who worked in these churches. My tribute and respect to the countless Jesuit Fathers and Brothers who labored in the administration and care of both the Church and the parishioners.

+ + + Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam + + +

Marian yet very Christic!

2006-10-07T01:43:00.000-07:00

October 7th has been established as the Day of our Lady of the Holy Rosary by Pope St. Pius V in the year 1573. This Marian feast has been instituted to thank God and our Lady for the victory won at the Battle of Lepanto. The victory was attributed to the constant praying of the Holy Rosary by the Catholics.
It is important then to focus on the "gift" of the Rosary. The rosary is a Marian devotion, in fact, it is part of the cult of Mary. Yet, the rosary remains a very Christic prayer. In the words of Pope Pius XII, the rosary is the compendium of the Gospel; the primary focus is on the person of Jesus Christ -- His birth, ministry, passion, death, and resurrection. John Paul II in His apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae states that the rosary, though Marian in character, is at heart, a Christ-centered prayer. We see then that the praying of the holy Rosary is the contemplation on the Life of Christ.
The Battle at Lepanto has been won centuries ago. But we are besieged by a lot of "battles" in our very time, the battles that go against life and the family -- abortion, divorce, common law practices, etc... -- and we need to pray that we ultimately may win these battles. Mary our Mother, after all is with us.
So as we hold our rosaries and recite it devoutly, let us remember the words of Pope Paul VI in his apostolic exhortation Marialis Cultus, that our devotion to the Mother of the Lord is our opportunity for growing in divine grace. Let us pray then that we may grow in God's grace through the prayers of our Lady. Amen.

The Little Flower

2006-09-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

October 1st has been a day in the Universal Church when St. Therese of the Child Jesus (1873 - 1897), also known as the "Little Flower," is celebrated. This Frenchwoman turned Carmelite nun turned saint has never been extraordinary in the ways of the world. If there is any saint canonized by the Church for "nothingness," it is Therese.
St. Therese was canonized on 17th May 1925 by Pope Pius XI. During the ceremony, the pontiff explained that St. Therese was not canonized because of any apparent great deed. Rather, Sister Therese was canonized because "she did ordinary things extraordinarily well." Meaning, in whatever simple and petty task that she embarks on -- whether washing the dishes, scrubbing the floor, etc... -- she puts her whole heart into it and offers it as a sacrifice of praise.
I believe we need the example of St. Therese in our world so filled with complacency and "Bahala na" attitude. Let us beg the Lord then that we may follow the example of St. Therese, to place our whole heart in whatever endeavor we may undertake, all for the greater glory of God. Amen.

May St. Therese continue to pray for our priests and for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Blessed are the Child-like!

2006-09-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

We hear in today's Gospel the words of Jesus affirming the childlike. In the other Gospels, we hear Jesus saying that blessed are the childlike for they will enter the Kingdom of heaven. Unless we become like little children, we shall not enter the Kingdom of God.
To be childlike to put all our trust and confidence in God. The kid never doubts the love of his or her parents. The kid os always assured of the affection and concern of his or her parents. Jesus is encouraging his listeners to be likewise. To put one's total faith and confidence in the God who loves and who continues to love. To be assured of the presence of the God who is always with us. In short, to put ourselves under the arms of our loving God.
Perhaps it may be helpful to ask ourselves how childlike we are. Do we trust in the unfading love of God in our lives? Or do we always allow oursleves to be tossed and turned by the concerns and worries of daily life that we lose sight of the essential reality at work in our lives? Let us beg for the grace then to be truly childlike; that we may approach God in the light of confidence and assurance. Amen.

Who do you say that "I" Am?!

2006-09-16T01:29:00.000-07:00

We hear Jesus in the Gospel passage for this Sunday asking his disciples who the people think he was. They just had a busy day of preaching, exorcising demons, and healing the sick. Jesus would just want to know if the people knew who their "preacher," "healer," and "exorcist" was. To our amazement, the disciples' responded that the people did not know him. And asking them, "Who do you say that I am?!" Jesus was checking if indeed his disciples know him after having spent time with him. And among the disciples, it was Peter who blurted out first "You are the messiah, the Son of the Living God!"
Many times in our lives we come to a point of not really knowing our friends as to who they really are. We can only know our friends deeply if we spend much time with them, sharing with them our pains and gains, our sorrows, anguish, as well as our successes and fulfillments in life. Likewise, we have been Christians our whole lifetimes (for some of us). But do we really know this Jesus Christ, after whom we are called Christians?
Perhaps today the Lord is inviting us to get to know him more. So let us beg for the grace of intimate knowledge: Lord Jesus, grant me the grace that I may truly know you more intimately, so that I can love you more dearly and follow you more closely. Amen.

Remembering 9/11

2006-09-09T03:25:00.000-07:00

We remember the horrible event that marked our history five years ago. terrorists blew the WTC twin towers up, and hundreds of lives were lost. We pray therefore that nothing like this will ever happen to humanity, and we pray for the repose of the souls of those who perished:

Father all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
In Him who rose from the dead, our hope of resurrection dawned.
The sadness of death gives way
to the bright promise of immortality.
Lord, for your people, life is changed, not ended.
When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death
we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven...

(from the Mass preface of Christian death)

The Bread that gives Life Eternal!

2006-08-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

We hear in today's Gospel account from St. John about Jesus discoursing with the Jews about him being the "Bread of Life." Indeed, it is quite disturbing, devastating even, to think about this person, this carpenter's son as the "bread" on which humankind must feed on! Total Absurdity! But Jesus said "No!" He continues "I Am the bread of life! Your forefathers ate manna in the desert yet they died nonetheless. But he who feeds on this "bread" will live forever, for the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world!"

Total absurdity! But if we think upon Jesus' words more seriously, we find that Jesus was not absurd at all. Jesus seems to pose an invitation to all his listeners, and to us as well who are His followers in the modern era. A simple invitation of gratitude and sharing. "As the Father sent me to you for you to have life, then feed on me, so that you may be "life" for others! As you have partaken of this "Bread of Life," I am making you "breads of life" as well!

This week, the Lord is once again inviting us to reflect in a deeper way the significance of the Holy Eucharist in our lives as Christians. We partake of the Lord's Body and Blood weekly (daily even for some of us!). But does our partaking of the one Bread and the one Cup make us more "Eucharistic?" Does the celebration of the Eucharist effect a change in our dispositions, in our ways of relating, in our ways of loving?

We pray then that our partaking of Jesus' Body and Blood broken, poured out, and shared in the Eucharist may make us more "Eucharistic" -- more sensitive to the people around us. Amen.

The Transfiguration -- Our Call to Share God's Wonder

2006-08-05T01:55:00.000-07:00

The Universal Church celebrates the Feast of the Lord's Transfiguration believed to occur at Mount Tabor. We heard that Jesus set aside James, Peter, and John and together went to this site. There, right before their very eyes, Jesus was transfigured -- His graments and countenance became dazzlingly white. And expected of human tendency of awe and wonder, Peter remarked that they better stay there, never mind going back. ANd I wish to focus our attention to this point.

Many instances in our lives when we are "awed" by the divine revelation of God either through deep prayer or concrete circumstances, our tendency is to cling to such prayer or experience. We somehow notice in us the hesitancy of moving on, of continuing.

I believe that this is the great challenge of this Feast for us Christians in the modern day. Jesus is inviting us to "go out into the world" and share to others the wonders of God's love as we experience it. In the process, it is hoped that the world will be filled with the richness and depth of God's magnificent love for humanity. Let us pray that we may lovingly and generously respond to this great challenge posed at us this day.