Category: daily word

Fight the good fight of the faith – St.Paul

Do you watch boxing?
We Filipinoes watch boxing when a fellow Filipino fights in the ring.
Like Manny Pacquiao.
He had lost fights, some were draws.
Some were winnings with belts for his award.
I have been watching some of his fights even before Barrera, covered by RPN channel 9.
An influence of my cousin.
My cousin was a neighbor of a member of team Pacquio, Buboy Villanueva. And Pacman was practicing in Manila, near his place.
Buboy asks his neighbors to watch Manny fight in the ring.
Manny was not yet famous then.
The rest is history for Manny.
We as Catholic Christians are like Manny Pacquiao.

St.Paul says fight the good fight of the faith in the first reading.
Why fight?

We have to stand firm with what we believe from Jesus & Catholic Church teachings.

The world contradicts the Catholic Church.
St.Paul says pass the teachings of Jesus to others.
Any ideas that contradict the Jesus & Church will divide believers.

St.Paul wants us to be united, supporting the Catholic Faith as believers.

What side are we on?

Current issues Philippine Catholic Church faces: Divorce, Sogie Bill for LGBTQ, abortion, younger catholics engage in premarital sex & live in together without marriage
Praying together of the family for rosary has greatly diminished.
Going to Catholic Church on sunday mass as a family has been infrequent.

The times have really changed for Filipino families.

But we can continue what St.Paul wants.
Study the Jesus & Church teachings & obey.
Change our life & let Jesus enter our families & lifestyle.
Honor God.
Unite with the teachings of God & Jesus.

Stand up for the Catholic Church and its firm stand on issues.

We will be confused when we try to compromise Catholic beliefs with the world.

There is no compromise.

Sept 20, 2019 Friday
First Reading 1 TIMOTHY 6:2-12
Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brethren; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these duties. If any one teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching which accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit, he knows nothing; he has a morbid craving for controversy and for disputes about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, base suspicions, and wrangling among men who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. There is great gain in godliness with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world; but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. But as for you, man of God, shun all this; aim at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
What does it mean to me?
● A letter of St. Paul to Timothy & Ephesians
● Whatever status in life, serve others & God
● The more you have, the more you have to serve more, since it is the believers & beloved of God who will benefit

St.Paul stresses out “believers
It means we minister differently to non believers.
Accept that not all what the Church says is acceptable to non believers.
We can introduce Jesus first to them.

Who are the believers? Believers of Jesus

– You could be a baptized catholic, but believing in Jesus who died on the cross is different
– Acknowledge that Jesus died for you so your sins are now paid & forgiven
– You are a believer when you recognize that Jesus has risen for you to have an eternal life in heaven

● St.Paul wants believers to serve fellow Christians
● Teach & urge these duties
● St.Paul urges us to believe what Jesus taught us thru the Mother Church

If any one teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching which accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit

St.Paul does not want us to believe anything that contradicts Jesus’ teachings.
A person teaching what is contradictory to the Mother Catholic Church & Jesus Christ’s teachings is:
– conceited or proud
– knows nothing
– has morbid craving for controversy
– has craving for disputes about words

We see here St.Paul wants unity among fellow believers.

St.Paul does not want division among believers.

Dispute of words produce:
– envy
– dissension or disagreement
-slander
– base suspicions
– wrangling among men who are depraved in mind & bereft of truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain
● Godliness is not a means of personal material gain
● Be content & grateful for your blessings
● There is great gain in godliness with contentment

for we brought nothing into the world and we cannot take anything out of the world- St.Paul

● We were born without anything in our hand & when we die, we can not bring anything with us

but if we have food & clothing, with these we shall be content – St.Paul

● Desire simple joys, whether you are rich or poor

Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction

● Love God more than money
● Money is God’s blessing
● But do not make money your God

For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs – St.Paul

But as for you, man of God, shun all this, aim at
-righteousness
– godliness
– faith
– love
– steadfastness
– gentleness

Fight the good fight of the faith – St.Paul

● take hold of eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession in presence of many witnesses
Gospel LUKE 8:1-3
Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Mag’dalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joan’na, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.

What does it mean to me?

● Jesus went through cities & villages, preaching & bringing the good news of the kingdom of God
● Jesus brings good news
● Jesus brings the good news of God’s fulfillment of His promises in Jesus
● Jesus preaches how we should treasure God’s Kingdom
● 12 disciples of Jesus including Judas Escariot followed Jesus in these cities & villages
● All of these 12 apostles have familes, some were even married

● These 12 apostles left their families behind for Jesus
● When they followed Jesus, nothing was certain
● What will they eat? Where will they sleep? What about their fishing livelihood? (Some apostles were fishermen) How about the people they left behind?
The 12 apostles entrusted Jesus their entire life & future.
● Women had their role for Jesus ministry
Some women also followed Jesus who had been healed of evil spirits & infirmities: Mary, called Mag’dalene (seven demons had gone out) & Joan’na, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, & Susanna, and many others, provided for them out of their means

We already know Jesus can multiply bread+fish & walk over water.
Jesus does not need help from any one.
But Jesus accepted the help of women for his ministry of preaching & healing
Why will Jesus allow women to help Him?
Women in Israelite culture in Jesus: inferior to men
– Women submit to their husbands
– Men takes care of women & entire family
– Men work & provide for financial needs
– Roman men citizens vote & pay tax, women can not vote for citizens approval of laws & regulations of the land
What does it relate to Jesus?

● Jesus is a humble man
● Jesus trusted women & men
● Jesus accepted help from all types of people
● Jesus is teaching his apostles who are men to accept help from women (inferior with rights to men in Jesus’ time)
● We should learn to accept help from all kinds of people: richer than us or poorer than us
● We recieve God’s love by receiving help from others
● Be comfortable to recieve help
● People are not insulting you when they help you out
●Trust that people will help you out

What does it relate to the future?
● Learn to trust people when they help you
● Be humble
● Be humble to accept help from people
● Be like Jesus to accept help even when you are capable
● Be grateful when people help you out
● Following Jesus means turning your back from your old life

If your enemy invites you to his house, will you go in?

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Seriously….
When an enemy walks in the room…
What is your facial expression?
How do you treat somebody who hates you?
And if that person invites you to have dinner in their house?

Can you enter the house of your enemy?

All of us will say No.
But Jesus did.

Can you dine with your enemy?

All of us will say No.
Jesus did.

It is easier to be cold with an enemy.
Not talk to them.
Ignore them.

Jesus is teaching us thru today’s gospel how to treat enemies.
Welcome them to your homes.
Or say yes to their invitation to their house.
Love in action.
It is so hard to follow Jesus on this part.
Because it is easy to ignore enemies.
The first reading is about Timothy advised by St.Paul not to neglect his gifts.
Have we developed our gifts?
Thursday Sept 19 2019
First Reading 1 TIMOTHY 4:12-16
Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

What do these verses mean to me?
● A letter of St.Paul to Timothy and the Christians in Ephesus
● Let no one despise your youth (Timothy)
● Set as an example to believers

Timothy will lead believers of Jesus

St. Paul stresses “believers”

Non-believers are outside the Church.
If you are discipling people who are non-believers & you argue
Due to differences of beliefs….

God will understand….
You can pray & love them….
But if you failed to lead them to Jesus because they resist….
It is their choice.
It is not a failed discipleship….

Only Jesus can change their hearts.

● Timothy, a young leader tasked to set as an example of Jesus to Ephesians in speech & conduct, in love, in faith, in purity
● Church leaders are called to set as example of Jesus
● As members, respect our church leaders even if they are young
● Some older people are not humble to follow leaders because they are young

In the absence of St. Paul, Timothy will:
– attend to public reading of scripture
– do preaching
– do teaching
– Practice these duties
– devote yourself to them (Christians) so that all may see your progress
– Take heed to yourself & your teaching
– you will save both yourself & your hearers

Timothy knows his gifts & talents.

Have we discovered our full potential?

● St. Paul advises Timothy that thru his preaching, he will lead them for Jesus’ salvation

Have we lead people to Jesus?
It could be thru:
– actual verbal introduction of Jesus to friends & famiy
– preaching in public for a crowd
– writing about Jesus in a book, magazine or newspaper
– creating an e-book for Jesus

– using social media posts introducing Jesus to others
– Writing a blog for Jesus
The list goes on….
We have many ways to send the world the message of Jesus.
It is up to us to continue what St.Paul, Timothy & apostles started.

Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you – St. Paul

Modern Catholics Confirmation : Sacrament of Laying of hands
● Bishop lays his hands on us, traces the sign of the cross in forehead
● Church tradition passed on from St.Paul & apostles
● Opens us for spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit
● We are officially sealed thru the Holy Spirit
● Catholics have continued this church tradition of laying of hands by a religious leader

Have we discovered our gifts?

As Catholics, St. Paul tells us to discover our gifts, talents & use them for the Church.

Do not neglect your gifts from God.

Gospel LUKE 7:36-50
One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house, and took his place at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “What is it, Teacher?” “A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he forgave them both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, to whom he forgave more.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
What do these verses mean to me?
2 characters are mentioned:
1. A Pharisee
2. A woman looked as a sinner

Contrasting yet they are the same:

St.Luke mentions:
Pharisee, a righteous person, follower of God
The woman is a sinner…

Truth is, both of them are sinners.

But people judged the woman more..
Unclean.
Sinner.
Unforgiven.

Simon, the Pharisee & Jesus: unusual to dine together
● he invited Jesus to his house
Pharisees & Jesus at times in conflict
Some Pharisees consider Jesus as an enemy
● Challenge to the Next level: A Pharisee asked Jesus to eat with him
●Simon failed to see humility & sincerity of the woman to Jesus

Jesus entered his house even if He might be in conflict with traditions practiced by the Pharisee

It means…
Jesus stands firm to promote what is right…

To love more versus tradition….

Entering his enemy’s house does not mean Jesus will agree 100%…

We can not 100% agree with our enemy.

But we can be kind to them.

Woman judged as sinner: modern day: gate crasher
● Not invited by Pharisee
● Her belief in Jesus, seen at the start: entering a house who will reject you
● focused on Jesus not with what people say
● Desperate for God’s forgiveness
● Sincere asking for forgiveness: tears
● Recognized Jesus as the Son of God who can forgive her
● Gave her best for Jesus: brought alabaster flask of ointment

● Showed humility by kissing Jesus’ feet, wiping with her hair, anointing
Jesus said to her
“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Forgive ourselves as well & be at peace

What does it relate to Jesus?
● Jesus called Teacher by Simon, pharisee
Parable: A certain creditor had 2 debtors
1. owed five 500 denarii
2. Owed 50 denarii
When they could not pay, he forgave them both. Now which of them will love him more?”

Simon answered,

“The one, I suppose, to whom he forgave more.”

Jesus said: “You have judged rightly.”
● Jesus teaches even those who disagrees with Him..
Jesus mentions Simon not hospitable:
– you gave me no water for my feet
– You gave me no kiss
– You did not anoint my head with oil

Jesus wants us to be welcoming even to our enemy.

I myself NEED to learn that.

Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” – Jesus

● Jesus teaches us we will be forgiven if we love more
● Only Jesus can be our judge & forgive us
● We all have the chance to be forgiven
● Still there are those who did not believe in Jesus
● Jesus does not force anyone to believe in Him

I myself need to learn not to force people to believe in what I say.

Just like Jesus.
Jesus just allows people to doubt Him.
“Who is this, who even forgives sins?”
What does it relate to the future?
● Allow people to doubt you if you spread Jesus’ message
● Not everyone is ready to recieve Jesus
● Pray & love for those who reject Jesus
● Be welcoming to your enemy
● Dine with your enemy
● Be humble to admit you are a sinner
● Give your best to God
● Love more to be forgiven more
● Be kind to your enemies
● All have a chance to be forgiven

Faith lets you anticipate only what is good

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What is in your mind?
Is it filled with doubts, worries, disappointments?
Or do fill your mind with dreams, exciting things to do, ideas that boost your confidence & faith in God?
Doubts & faith can not be in your head all at the same time.
They contradict.
You choose 1 & focus on it.

It is like a seed….
You plant in your mind.
Everyday, you cultivate it.
It grows.

Doubts lead to negative thoughts.

Even as far as false accusations.

A negative seed to bear bad fruits.
The gospel today mentions Jesus telling the crowds of their doubts.
Such doubts lead to false accusations to Jesus & John the Baptist.
Jesus wants us to be wise.

Believing in yourself & belief in God will bear positive fruits.
Faith makes you open for what is coming.
Faith lets you anticipate only what is good.
You claim the best is yet to come.
You claim the good things will come to you.
You claim the right people & the right circumstances will work on its right schedule for you.
It will always work for you.
Your focus is only on what is the best.
At the end, the fruit you are expecting will be good.
Good results, great ideas, great people, great circumstances.
Like a magnet…

God will bring it all on the table because you claimed with faith….
Even when you haven’t seen it yet.
You just know.
Pick the seed you allow your mind to believe in.
Current experience:
I am now falsely accused by a dear friend that I mistreat him.
I made him feel his intelligence is inferior than mine.
I never said anything like that within my more than 10 years friendship with this person.
I know what is in my heart.

It is painful to me, because I do not look at him that way.
Now I understand.
He doubts himself.
Now he is falsely accusing me.
When all I think about this person…..
Is all good.
Why will I keep you as my friend if you are pure evil?
I am repelled by negativity.
That is me.
Wednesday Sept 18 2019
FIRST READING 1 Tm 3:14-16
Beloved: I am writing you, although I hope to visit you soon. But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion, Who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.

What do these verses mean to me?
● A letter of St. Paul for Timothy & for his ministry in Ephesus
● St. Paul is calling & treat Christians as beloved
● Let us call & treat fellow Christians as beloved

● St. Paul wants to visit them
But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God – St. Paul
● As a church leader, he was concerned about the character of Timothy & fellow Christians
● St. Paul wants us to behave well in the Church of God & how the Church is oganized

● Jesus with his mystery of devotion, manifested in flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to Gentiles, believed throughout the world, taken up in glory

● Our church is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth

Anything that contradicts Church teachings clearly does not align with the truth.

People are now Confused: Current Issues

We live in a society where some things are legal yet confusing.
Leaving people confused.
Why?

Because as Catholic church goers, we have compromised Church teachings to suit the signs of the times.

It is the modern world.
I could choose what I want to believe in.
And everything will be okay.
I can be catholic yet pro-divorce.
I could be catholic yet pro abortion.
I could be catholic yet pro lgbtq.
Truth is….

We can not be catholic yet refuse to follow what our Mother Church teaches…
No matter what era we live in.

We can be the Jesus to love & pray for people who are gay or pro divorce or pro abortion.

But we can not agree & join their advocacy.
Or join their life choices.
Accept you are on different sides, sad to say.
Always go back to what our Mother Catholic Church teaches us….
To guide us to the truth.

Follow the Mother Catholic Church & its teachings.

Remember: St. Paul never compromised.

He stressed out: know how to behave well in the Church of God

GOSPEL Lk 7:31-35
Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

What do these verses mean to me?
● Jesus said to the crowds:
They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’
● Jesus mentions the unbelief of people
For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’
● John the Baptist performed his roles yet people accused him possessed by demon

● False accusation is not right (Mortal sin, against 8th commandment)

How can we accuse someone who is doing what is right, but make them appear wrong?

Stop accusing anyone without evidence.

Stop looking for wrong acts from kind people.

You are looking for something that isn’t there.

What does it relate to Jesus?
● Jesus referred to himself as the Son of Man
● Even after Jesus has cured sick people & rose people from the dead, they still do not believe He is the messiah
The Son of Man came eating & drinking & you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton & a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors & sinners.’
Vindicated: means confirmed
● But wisdom is vindicated by all her children
● Jesus wants people to be wise to see the truth behind false accusations about Him & John the Baptist
● Jesus wants us wise to look for what is good

Why are we painting a bad picture for good deeds?
Always look for what is good.
That is being wise.

Doubts or unbelief leads to false accusations.
Look at what you place & grow in your mind.
What ideas do you believe in?
Do you allow doubts to grow in your mind?
Or….
Do you grow your faith?

What does it relate to the future?
● Jesus wants us to be wise people
● It is wise to see only the good in people
● Stop false accusations
● Stop criticising & nitpicking people
● When you doubt people, it could lead to false accusations
● Stop using your eyes to fill your mind with negative thoughts
● Life is beautiful & people are great
● Great people deserved to be appreciated, not falsely accused

Watch the Temper: Being Cool and Relaxed is following God

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What relaxes you?
For me, sight seeing with nature removes my anxieties.
As a microbiologist, I love observing ecosytem.
Nature, our home.Our environment.
All creations of God.
Did you know being calm at all times makes you follow God?
St. Paul says so.

First reading today tells us, St.Paul expects bishop or church leaders to be temperate.
Same as women.
Temperate means you are emotionally calm & controlled.
Most of the time I am relaxed & calm.
But I still have a temper.
I avoid arguments if I can.
I still get angry or disappointed at times.

Looks like God wants me to level things up with my temper.
My new goal: Be as cool tempered as I can be.
Be more relaxed.
Better than before.
Defeat my old self.
Be calm even in trials.
During struggles.
Even when I am upset.

Ladies, let’s be as cool as a breeze.

Cool our temper & avoid complaining.
Note to myself: avoid complaining.

More Praises to God instead.
Okay.
I need to set a time….
Make it a habit daily.
That whatever problems I face….
This time of day I let go everything.
It could be during praying time or any activity….

At 10:10 pm daily onwards, is my new relaxing time.
Unwinding time.
The clock is smiling at 10:10 pm.
And I was born at 10:10 pm.
I found my relaxing time.

Gospel for today mentions Jesus raising the dead son of a widow.
The widow did not asked Jesus to help her out.
But Jesus felt her pain.
Jesus raised the son to life to make her happy.

Jesus will do everything to make us happy.

We choose to dwell in disappointments & should have beens.
It is time to be happy & confident that God understands us.
No matter how many trials we are facing now..
Believe that Jesus will raise the dead parts in our lives.
Tuesday Sept 17 2019
FIRST READING 1 Tim 3:1-13
Beloved, this saying is trustworthy:whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the church of God? He should not be a recent convert, so that he may not become conceited and thus incur the devil’s punishment. He must also have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, the devil’s trap. Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything. Deacons may be married only once and must manage their children and their households well. Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
What do these verses mean to me?
● St.Paul wrote the letter to Timothy for Christians
● St. Paul calls fellow Christians as beloved
whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task
● Higher rank means higher responsibility
Irreproachable: means blameless
Temperate: emotionally calm & controlled
Contentious: cause quarrel & arguments
Conceited: having too much pride in your own worth or goodness
Incur: means experience

St. Paul’ standards for a bishop/cburch leader:

– irreproachable
– married only once (church leaders in early christians communities were allowed to be married)
– temperate
– self-controlled
– decent
– hospitable
– able to teach
– not a drunkard
– not aggressive
– gentle
– not contentious
– not a lover of money
– manage his own household well
– keeping his children under control with perfect dignity
(bishops should discipline everyone under His authority: priests & nuns)
– not a recent convert, so that he may not become conceited (thus incur devil’s punishment)
– if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the church of God? – St.Paul
– good reputation among outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, the devil’s trap
Standards of St. Paul for deacons:
– dignified
– not deceitful
– not addicted to drink
– not greedy for sordid gain
– holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience
– may be married only once
– must manage their children & their households well
Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing & much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

● St. Paul allows future church leaders to be tested
● If you are tested by God, God sees your potential as one of the future leaders in the Church

St.Paul standards for Women:
– be dignified
– not slanderers
– temperate & faithful in everything
Dignified
– as a woman of faith, dress appropriately & cover our body with clothes that will not tempt men for lust.
Slander:to make a false spoken statement that causes people to have a bad opinion of someone
No to Slander
Say only the truth. Make sure it is based on facts & not pure lies.
You could use the scientific method before saying anything at all.
There should be evidence.
If somebody hurt you, you could directly talk to the person & not spread gossip about the person.
Forgiveness is also given to that person.

Temperate & Faithful
Be calm as a woman.Chill & look cool. Do not worry too much.
Avoid grumbling or complaining.
Do not be grumpy.
We are created by God not to be grumpy girls.
Life is beautiful.
God wants us to appreciate the life He gave us.
Feel calm & relaxed in the midst of trials.

Love of money

Nowadays people love money.
● Because money can provide the services & commodities they need.
For a church leader, money will provide the needs of the church.

But will the love of money be greater than His love for God?

Money is a blessing.

We appreciate it as a blessing.

But money is not our God.

Our modern Catholic Church needs money to pay for its utility maintenance, building maintenance, providence for food, water, tranportation allowance of clergy & other church staff.
We need money to fund scholars who will be future priests & nuns.
We need funds to support Catholic Church projects for street children, abandoned old people etc.
But St. Paul says, for church leaders & bishop, money is not everything.
Money may provide services & commodities, but it is just a paper.

God is the source of all money in this world.
God is the true provider of all we need.
Therefore only God can provide the money each Church leader or Bishop needs.
Focus on the source of money.
Focus on God & his goodness.
Love God above all.
Love God above money.
Be confident that God will always provide for His children as He is a great Father in heaven.
GOSPEL Lk 7:11-17
Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.”This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.

What do these verses mean to me?
● Jesus journeyed to Nain, a city
● Modern day: Nain is now called Nein, still part of Northern Israel
● Jesus’ disciples + large crowd accompanied Jesus
● Jesus is now a public figure

Luke addresses Jesus as the Lord

– A Lord is someone who has authority
– Luke recognizes Jesus has authority over him
– We should recognize that Jesus is our Lord, who has authority over all aspects of our lives.

● the only son of his widowed mother, died
●A large crowd from the city was with her
● The widow is still sad, because her son was all she ever had, now lost.

Jesus miracle: raising the dead to life
● This is the God we have
● From death comes life
● Jesus came forward, touched the coffin
Jesus said,

“Young man, I tell you, arise!”

● The dead man sat up, began to speak
● Jesus gave him to his mother

It is not the wish of the young man.
Other people wished for his life.
Praying for others:
– At times, other people’s prayer takes effect on us.

●Fear seized them all & glorified God, exclaiming
“A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.”
● Report about Jesus spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region

What does it relate to Jesus?

Did the widow asked for a miracle from Jesus?

NO.

But raising her son will make her happy.

And God will be glorified in her life.

God will do everything to make us happy.

●When Jesus saw the widow, he was moved with pity for her
said to her,
“Do not weep.”
● Jesus felt the pain of loss of the widow
● Jesus feels our pain
● Jesus is moved with pity with our pain & helps us out along the way
● Jesus has authority over life & death & over everything
● God the Father fulfilled His promise thru Jesus Christ

What does it relate to the future?
● Know that God loves you
● Jesus will do everything to make us happy
● Praise God for being good to us
● Jesus has authority over everything
● God fulfills His promises
● God wants us to be happy
● Be happy
● Pray for others

Be humble when we pray to Jesus

Have you reached a point when you become most desperate?
Where did you turn to?
Did you rely on your money, possessions or family & friends?
Or….
Did you go to God?
What did you say to God?
Did you blame God?
Are we angry at God during our desperate moments?

For me I reached my most desperate moments from Dec 2016- 2017. I went to God.
But I was blaming God during those times.
Why God is allowing the delays in my career?
He is powerful, He can speed up things.
But God loved me just the same.
He still looks at me as his child.
Though I was desperate & angry.
Even when I blame God, his love did not change for me.

This year 2019, I am still in a similar situation. God is still allowing delays in my career.
But my mindset has changed.
I am humble to accept God is in control.
Not me.
I am not in-charge.
I am not required to understand God’s delays.
It does not make sense & it is painful for me.
Let go of my expectations.
More of God. Less of me.
Let God take control of my plans.
I am His child after all.

Gospel today talks about the centurion who was a respected person in Jesus time.
He approached Jesus like everyone else.
He begged Jesus to heal his personnel, the slave.
When we ask God for help, know that we are like everyone else.
Not with our achievements or money & possesions.
Be humble.
Ask God’s help.
Not out of anger.
But in full surrender to whatever God decides for you.

St. Paul tells us not to pray when we are angry. We pray to God for others & leaders.
We have to examine ourself everytime we go to God.
Because God is our Father who knows our situation & desperate moments.
God is our great Father who will never leave us in our trials.
Mon Sept 16 2019
First Reading 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-8
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony to which was borne at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;
What do these verses mean to me?
I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, & thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly & respectful in every way. – St.Paul

● St. Paul wants us to pray for our leaders: church & government
● If we want to have a peaceful life, pray for our leaders
● Pray also for other people
● God wants everyone to be saved
● It is good & acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved & to come to the knowledge of the truth
● There is one God
● There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus
● Jesus gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony to which was borne at the proper time

I was appointed a preacher and apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth – St. Paul
● I desire in every place, the men should pray – St. Paul
● lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling

While we are praying, we should not be angry or we are fighting with anyone

Gospel LUKE 7:1-10
After he had ended all his sayings in the hearing of the people he entered Caper’na-um. Now a centurion had a slave who was dear to him, who was sick and at the point of death. When he heard of Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his slave. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, `Go,’ and he goes; and to another, `Come,’ and he comes; and to my slave, `Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude that followed him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave well.

What do these verses mean to me?
● Jesus entered Caper’na-um
● A centurion had a slave, dear to him was sick & at the point of death
● The centurion heard of Jesus, sent to Jesus elders of the Jews, asking him to come & heal his slave

The centurion:
– loves his personnel
– Believer of Jesus
– Optimistic
– Believes in miracles
– humble to Jesus
they came to Jesus, they besought him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he built us our synagogue.”

● Elders look at centurion as somone functional, he loves the nation for building the synagogue
● Elders do not look at the centurion as someone who loves his personnel, his social status is more important to elders
● Jesus looks at the centurion as someone who believes & loves his staff
● Jesus went with the elders
Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, `Go,’ and he goes; and to another, `Come,’ and he comes; and to my slave, `Do this,’ and he does it.”
What does it relate to Jesus?
Jesus marveled at the centurion & turned
“I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”
● Jesus looks at our faith

Let us be Jesus who looks at people who look at how you love.
Not how functional you are.
Jesus looks at the heart.
Our heart.
What does it relate to the future?
● Look at people how they love
● Believe in Jesus
● When we go to Jesus, be humble
● Be optimistic when we have problems

Be happy when struggle is real

Who wants to struggle?
No one.
But the reality…
We face minor or major problems every now & then
Milennials complain
Struggle is real
True.
Struggles are real.
People became sad out of it.

But do not be sad for too long.

WE CAN OVERCOME.
It is all about perspectives.
We can overcome struggles not by being depressed about it for too long.
We can overcome when we go to Jesus.
Jesus will comfort us & carry our burdens when we are weak.

First reading mentions St.Paul telling Colossians he rejoices in his sufferings for them.
Thru Jesus, St.Paul has a different perspective.
We can adapt St.Paul’s different mindset.
Rejoice in sufferings.
Be happy when struggle is real.
It is easier to wallow in emotions & cry all day when we are disappointed.
Or when we fail.
Or criticized.

How to be happy & fight the emotions?
● Acceptance
Accept that problems is a part of our life.
Problems could be big & small.

● Do not let emotions rule you
You are in-charge, not your feelings
It is hard to decide clearly when emotional.
Wrong decisions are made when we are emotional.
We can not be logical & emotionally sad at the same time.
● Focus on your goals, not emotions

Be calm even when you face trials to think clearly

● Be confident you are not alone
Pray to Jesus.
To guide you through the trials
Jesus holds all the wisdom & knowledge in the universe
Have an encouraged heart when you focus on Jesus more than your emotions.

Miracles work when we believe in Jesus.
Gospel mentions Jesus healing a man with withered hand.
The man believed in Jesus.
It was sabbath, no one should help the man heal.
But because the man dared to go to Jesus for healing….
he was healed.
It is impossible to heal except thru Jesus.
If we dare ourselves to go to Jesus even when we face the impossible…..
Jesus is here for the miracle you want.
Because you believe.
Jesus can.
Be happy when you are facing delays, disappointments & problems.
Our hope is in Jesus.
Monday Sept 9 2019
First Reading COLOSSIANS 1:24–2:3
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the divine office which was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now made manifest to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man mature in Christ. For this I toil, striving with all the energy which he mightily inspires within me. For I want you to know how greatly I strive for you, and for those at La-odice’a, and for all who have not seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in love, to have all the riches of assured understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, of Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

What do these verses mean to me?
● A letter for Colossae Christians by St.Paul
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake – St. Paul
● We don’t rejoice in our sufferings
● Instead we complain endlessly during sufferings
● We do not rejoice when we suffer for fellow Christians

● Pray like St.Paul
GOD, I rejoice in my sufferings for other’ sake (family, or friends or others)
● Rejoice in sufferings
in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church – St.Paul
● When we suffer, we participate to Jesus’s sufferings for the Church

● St.Paul ministers to make the word of God fully known
Have we done our part to make the word of God fully known as the new Church?

The word of God is a mystery hidden for ages & generations but now made manifest to his saints
● To us God chose to make known how great among Gentiles, the riches of glory of the word of God
● Jesus, the word of God in flesh has revealed himself to the gentiles

● Christ is the hope of glory in you
It is okay to be sad at times we when we feel like it
But dwelling on sadness & hopelessness for too long, means we do not focus on Jesus as our hope

Focus on Jesus.

● Jesus we proclaim, warning & teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man mature in Christ
● As mentors for Jesus during discipleship, we allow people to grow in faith in Jesus

Target for discipleship: present every man mature in Jesus

If you encounter resistance from the person…
It means the person is not ready for Jesus’ teachings.
Pray for the person to God.

It is not thru our efforts that can force anyone to change their heart.
A life changing decision must come from within.
Only Jesus with His love can change a person.
Find other students to disciple.
While you are praying for the person who has resistance.
It is not a failed discipleship.
It is humility to accept that Jesus takes over when my human efforts does not work.
Let us allow Jesus to take over, when there is resistance.
For this I toil, striving with all the energy which God mightily inspires within me – St.Paul

● We can see how St.Paul worked so hard for the church to be established in Colossae
As catholics we have not even placed much efforts compared to St.Paul
For I want you to know how greatly I strive for you, and for those at La-odice’a, and for all who have not seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in love, to have all the riches of assured understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, of Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge – St.Paul
● St. Paul wants out hearts encouraged, knit together in love

As a follower of Jesus, we have encouraged hearts in the midst of adversity.

Not a depressed heart.

● We are heirs to the riches of understanding the knowledge of Jesus
● In Jesus, all treasures of wisdom & knowledge is found.

We thought encyclopedia contain all wisdom & knowledge.
Now in more modern times we thought the internet contains all the wisdom & knowledge.
Jesus holds it all the knowledge put together across time.
Gospel LUKE 6:6-11
On another sabbath, when he entered the synagogue and taught, a man was there whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” And he looked around on them all, and said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus

What do these verses mean to me?
● On another sabbath, Jesus entered the synagogue & taught
● A man whose right hand was withered is in synagogue
● Scribes & Pharisees watched Jesus
● They watched Jesus to see whether he would heal on sabbath
● so they find accusation against Jesus

● When you believe in Jesus, you obey Him
● Believing is obeying Jesus
● His hand was restored
● Scribes & Pharisees filled with fury & discussed what they might do to Him
● Scribes & Pharisees were angry with Jesus for breaking the sabbath rules
● They were blind, did not see the goodness of Jesus’ intention

What does it relate to Jesus?
● Jesus knew their thoughts
● Jesus knows when we think evil thoughts about anyone
● Jesus said to the man with withered hand
“Come & stand here.”
● Jesus called the withered hand man to test if the man believes in Him
● Jesus said
“I ask you, is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?”
● Jesus wants us to do good by saving a life whatever tradition it might interfere
● Jesus looked around on them all, & said to him
“Stretch out your hand.”
● At this point, the man believed in Jesus, obeyed Jesus’ instruction

What does it relate to the future?
● Miracles of God work when we believe in Jesus
● Do what is right regardless of tradition
● Everyday is the best day to save a life
● Like Jesus, help people heal
● Obedience to God is based on your faith
● Decide to believe in Jesus
● Believe in Jesus even when people disagree with you
● Some people might disagree when you choose to do what is right

The answer to Why

What are your why questions?
Did you ever ask God why He took people away from your life?
Or
Why did God not bring you the opportunity or stuff you always wanted?
I did.
Many times in my life.
I blamed God before.
As if I know better.
Till this day, many of my why questions are still not answered.
That is the change in me.
I do not need to know the answer of the why.
I trust God because He knows the answer to our Why.
When it doesnt make sense.
God holds the answer to your Why.

First reading mentions that it is hard to understand God’s will.
We are too limited to understand.
We need God’s wisdom to set our paths right.

Second reading says St. Paul is a prisoner of God.
Behind bars for Jesus.
St.Paul is not free.
What part of your life can in prison for Jesus?
What part of your life that can be held back to give way for God’s plan?
Less of me, more of Jesus?
Sunday Gospel mentions carrying the cross & renouncing what we have for Jesus.
As a follower of Jesus, we let go parts of ourselves for God’s plans.
Sunday Sept 8 2019
First Reading WISDOM 9:13-18
For what man can learn the counsel of God? Or who can discern what the Lord wills? For the reasoning of mortals is worthless, and our designs are likely to fail, for a perishable body weighs down the soul, and this earthy tent burdens the thoughtful mind. We can hardly guess at what is on earth, and what is at hand we find with labor; but who has traced out what is in the heavens?Who has learned thy counsel, unless thou hast given wisdom and sent thy holy Spirit from on high? And thus the paths of those on earth were set right, and men were taught what pleases thee, and were saved by wisdom.”

What do these verses mean to me?

For what man can learn the counsel of God? Or who can discern what the Lord wills?
● Even the bible tells us, it is hard to understand God’s will
● But we follow God’s will still the same
● Reasoning of mortals is worthless
● Our designs are likely to fail
If we think we are in control….
We are not…
Only God is in control of the universe & its proper timing.
for a perishable body weighs down the soul, & this earthy tent burdens the thoughtful mind
● We can hardly guess at what is on earth
● We hardly guess what is at hand we find with labor

● but God has traced out what is in the heavens
Who has learned thy counsel, unless thou hast given wisdom and sent thy holy Spirit from on high?

You want to understand God & his wisdom?

Talk to God.

Pray.

Ask for the Holy Spirit for discernment & wisdom.

Then pray some more.

The answer you are seeking might take more time.
May He give you the wisdom you need to understand when your designs fail.
When your plans fail…
Or delayed…
● Paths of those on earth were set right by God’s wisdom
● Men were taught what pleases God, & saved by His wisdom

It is pleasing to God when we surrender what we want & our understanding to give way for His perfect will.

Even when it doesn’t make sense.

Even if it is painful at times to surrender to His will.

Second Reading PHILEMON 9-10, 12-17
yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you — I, Paul, an ambassador and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus — I appeal to you for my child, Ones’imus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment. I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel; but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own free will. Perhaps this is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back for ever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me.

What do these verses mean to me?
● A letter of St.Paul to Philemon & Colossians, church leader in Collosae
● St. Paul appeals for love’s sake
● St. Paul, an ambassador & prisoner for Jesus
●St. Paul was in jail for spreading Jesus
● Are we an ambassador for Jesus? Do we advertise Jesus to others?

● Are we a prisoner for Jesus?
● Can we limit what we want for Jesus’ sake like a prisoner?

In my case: Im putting the limit for timing. God is allowing delays for my plans but I am still waiting patiently in the midst of His delays.
I wanted faster pacing.
But if this is God’s timing….
His will be done in my life.
● St. Paul’s spiritual child is Ones’imus, sending him back to the early Christians
● Onesimus was sent with St. Paul’s very heart
● Have spiritual children like St.Paul. Be a mentor
● Onesimus serves St.Paul
● Do we serve our church leaders? (Priest, bishop, nuns, other church leaders?)
but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness might not be by compulsion but your own free will – St. Paul

● St. Paul in prison does not compel Colossians
● St. Paul as a leader, does not want to force anyone & respects church members
● Our church leaders should imitate St. Paul for not compelling members
● Onesimus goes back to Philemon, no longer as a slave but more than a slave
● St. Paul urges Philemon to take Onesimus as a beloved brother
So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me -St. Paul
Receive people in your church the way you accept St.Paul
Gospel LUKE 14:25-33
Now great multitudes accompanied him; and he turned and said to them, “If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, `This man began to build, and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an embassy and asks terms of peace. So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

What do these verses mean to me?
● A great multitudes accompanied Jesus

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple – Jesus

Bear your cross brothers & sisters.
Eventhough it is heavy to bear.

The cross in Jesus time:
– 200 lbs in weight or more
– social death status
– greatest humiliation for anyone
– given to criminals with great crimes
You would not even want to touch a cross during Roman times.
Jesus said: Carry the cross….
It means:
– carry the pain
– carry the humiliation
– carry the judgement of people
Because you want to follow Jesus
Who desires to build a tower, does not first sit down & count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, & is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, `This man began to build, and was not able to finish.’ – Jesus

● Jesus want us to plan for the reward of eternal life

What do we need to follow Jesus?

Or what king, going to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first & take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an embassy and asks terms of peace.
Here is the formula:
therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

When we follow Jesus, there are things we let go of…..

or even let go people we love….

Because we love Jesus and his will.

Personal experience: letting go of Manila to be in Taguig then transfer again to Makati

Everything changed when my landlady announced our building is underconstruction, I have 15 days to tranfer

– Transfering to another place is letting go of what is comfortable
– FELT like Father Abraham, transfering until he reached Canaan, the promised land
– Transfer to a new place is saying goodbye to my routine, my old life
– Manila provided me tasty yet affordable food with many 24 hours stores+ affordable rates in computer shops rent
– My location is near hospitals, pharmacy, grocery by walking
– Took me time to look for a new house to rent
– I was unemployed, no money for house transfer, looking for a new job
– I need computer shops to edit my resume+affordable food
– It was God’s will for me to transfer, but no means to do it
– it was not possible with my own efforts
– By the grace of God, my family provided for my transfer & was able to transfer to a new place in Taguig
– A lot of my stuff I need to let go, if the space is smaller
– after 12 days we transfered to Makati
– Taguig location was far & had many commute rides to go home
– Our new Makati location has more access to places, wet market is near.
– I still long for the Manila food & location+computer shops but I have fully accepted God’s will
– Until now I do not understand why I need to be transfered.
It is okay even if God’s decision does not make sense to me
I trust His decision.

What does it relate to Jesus?
If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. – Jesus
Remember Jesus is your focus in these painful times

Even when it is painful…

Jesus is the reason you keep on serving His kingdom.

Jesus is the reward you want.

What does it relate to the future?
● Let go of what God is directing you to turn your back from
● Old life has to be replaced by a new one with Jesus
● Trust God when He wants a new life for you
● Trust God when you have trials & hate your life filled with trials
● Trust God when your family is against you following Jesus
● God’s plan is perfect

Still afraid of the Unknown?

All images are from Pinterest & WordPress
What are you afraid of?
Heights?
Public Speaking?
Commit mistakes in public?

Public shaming thru bashing?
These are real causes of fear.
Such fears can be conquered.
But most of us…
We have this fear of the unknown…
When we know something is new to our life…

We overthink…
Especially milennials.
We are so afraid
Of ” what if I fail?” Scene.
When what we think of is not yet happening.
As adults, we became fearful about what is new.

I stressed out the adults word.

Kids are not afraid of what is new.
Children are excited for everything is new to them.
Example:

What is scary?
Falling in love again after failed previous relationships.
What are the chances of meeting the right one for me in this big world?
Starting over after you lost your job because you lost your financial stability.
Making the career shift you always wanted.
Some people stayed in their jobs out of financial security.
Investing in a new business because you might lose the capital where you started
Not Finding your purpose in life that leads to unhappiness.

Starting all over became filled with fear for adults.
When we were kids…
We love to start over….
Starting over when our video game says “game over”
Starting over & change the story plot when we play with robots & barbie dolls
Starting over when we play on the streets of hide & seek?
As kids, starting over is natural.

As adults, we have forgotten….
Starting over is okay.
Embracing the new is okay.
Find again that our child-like trait….
Be excited to what is new.

The gospel mentions Jesus telling Pharisees thru parables that there is something new that is coming.
The new covenant thru Jesus is beyond the fasting Pharisees focused on.
Jesus ushers the new things for God’s people.
And we must accept that the new things God brings to our life….
Is for our good.
Not to be in fear.
Not to overthink.
Let go of the old.
To have a space in your life for what is new.

First reading is about Jesus having authority over everything in our life.
He has authority over everything in the entire universe.
He goes before us.
Jesus is supreme over everything.
Friday Sept 6, 2017
First Reading COLOSSIANS 1:15-20
He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation; for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities — all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in everything he might be pre-eminent. For in him all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell,and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

What do these verses mean to me?
● A letter of St. Paul to the Colossae Christians
ST. Paul describes Jesus as:
– the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation
● First born of Hebrew family: someone with authority among siblings
● First born of all creation for Hebrews means Jesus has all authority over all creation
● Jesus has authority over your family, job, career path, neighborhood, country, money & possessions, pets, your boss, the earth, the universe & your entire life

– in Jesus all things were created
in heaven & on earth, visible & invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities —
– all things were created through him & for him
– He is before all things
● Jesus goes before you, before your problems & trials
● Jesus has seen you triumph over your struggles
– in Jesus, all things hold together
– Jesus is the head of the body, the church
– he is the beginning
– the first-born from the dead
● Jesus has authority over the dead
Preeminent: means supreme
– that in everything he might be pre-eminent
● Jesus is our supreme leader
● in Jesus all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell
● through Jesus to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross
Gospel LUKE 5:33-39
And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.” And Jesus said to them, “Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.” He told them a parable also: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it upon an old garment; if he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new; for he says, `The old is good.'”
What does it relate to Jesus?
● Jesus is not after what is “righteous” practice but faith simply pleasing to God
● With Jesus, it is not about being “correct” thru tradition
● But believe & make way for the Messiah & God’s faithfulness thru promise fulfillment
● Jesus is the fulfillment yet Pharisees are too blind to see Jesus as the messiah
Are we like the Pharisees who was blind to see the faithfulness of God thru Jesus?
Do we look on other people how they violated our Catholic Church tradition yet failed to understand their short comings?
● Jesus emphasizes to embrace the new
● The new covenant under Jesus’ authority
● The old covenant will not entirely be exactly as the new covenant
● Make space for what is new
● Jesus wants us to give way for new things He give us
Jesus said to them,
“Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?
● Jesus is speaking figuratively
Jesus compares himself as
– the bridegroom
– wedding guests: apostles
● Jesus tells what will happen to Him
The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days. – Jesus
● Jesus mentions his followers to fast someday
What do these verses mean to me?
● Pharisees are comparing the fasting practices of Jesus’ disciples to John’s
● Pharisees said to him,
“The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, & so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.”
● John’s disciples fast often, more righteous like Pharisees
● Fasting according to Jesus has a proper timing
Jesus tells 2 parables:
● old garment not mixed with new one,
● the new one will not match with the old
● new wine is not placed with old wineskins
● will burst the skins and it will be destroyed
● new wine must be put into fresh wineskins

What does it relate to the future?
● Embrace the New
● Do not be afraid of what is new
● All that is new is coming from God
● Fasting is done not because we want to be righteous, but we want to follow God
● Letting go of what you want because you love God more
What part of your life that Jesus is telling you to back from the start?
Are you excited with the beginnings in your life?
Do we fear the new & unknown?

Darkness expelled by the Shining Light of God

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This blog post is not for the fainted heart.
I have to mention the darkness.
And my experience with it.
And How the Light of God can save us from darkness.
Even St. Paul mentions it.
The first reading by St.Paul mentioning we are not of the darkness.
We have to declare for ourselves we are the children of the light.
There is no gray area in spiritual realm.
You either belong to the light…
As we really are…
Or choose to go for the darkness….
People & books say there is a grey area.

Truth is….

There is none.

No gray areas.

It is our free will to choose love & God…

Or….
live outside God’s love…
Outside God’s commandments…
Outside God’s control in your life…
Obey what you want…
And choose to disobey God through our life choices.
Choices are important in spiritual realm.

Do not continue to read this blog post…

If you are afraid to imagine the darkness..

But for those who battle the darkness….
The battle is the Lord’s.
The light of Jesus dispels darkness.
The gospel tells the story of Jesus expelling an unclean demon.

Spiritual warfare.
How Jesus expelled unclean demons with authority.
The enemies of God are afraid at the sight of Jesus.
Evil Spirits know they are to be destroyed by Him.
Tuesday Sept 3 2019
First Reading 1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-6, 9-11
But as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When people say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as travail comes upon a woman with child, and there will be no escape. But you are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we wake or sleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

What does these verses mean to me?
● A letter of St. Paul, Silas & Timothy to Thessalonians
●The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night
● Nobody knows when is the second coming
●You are not in darkness brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief
● We should not be surprised about Jesus’ second coming
●For you are all sons of light & sons of the day
● We are not of the night or of darkness

Even if you sin, do not think you belong to darkness…

Because God’s love is greater than your most shameful sin.

● Be awake & sober
● there will be no escape
● For God has not destined us for wrath, but obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ
● Jesus saved us on the cross
● Jesus died for us so whether we wake or sleep we might live with him
● Encourage one another & build one another up
● Thessalonians were already building up each other

You never belonged to darkness.

Believe me, you will not like darkness if you see & feel it.

Those who say they belong to darkness have no idea what they are saying….

Who belongs to darkness?

Catholic point of view:
(Fr. Syquia’s books, the Exorcist of Manila)
Darkness: In the spiritual realm, Satan & his fallen angels exist as darkness, as cast outs from heaven.
These fallen angels hate the light.
They could exist as a black vapor form.
Preternatural world: World where darkness & fallen angels or demons also resides
Hell: Area of darkness for final judgement of the rebellious fallen angels with Satan

My Scary Personal Experience:

In darkness, not a drop of love is found.

I have seen & felt the darkness from the preternatural world.
It is scary.
I was scared because there is no love.
Catholic Church teachings is the truth.
There is no love outside God.
Thank God it never happen to me again.
My occult third eye was open & inherited.
It operated naturally & I had no control.
No tools or even rituals.
Automatic.

Those who have occult third eye openings might have glimpse of the preternatural world.Not heaven.Not hell.

Not angels. Not God.

I felt the Pure hate.
Deep hatred in the most concentrated form.

No human is capable of that feeling.

The hatred of existing of everyting in this world.

Saw the fallen angel from the sky as pure darkness in vapor, darker than the night.

Darker than black.

Note: This vapor is beautiful because of colors.Make the vapor darker than the black background.

That is what I saw.

The ability will grow more…
Unless spiritual healing thru closing the third eye under the Catholic Church intervention took place.

I ran to God & our mother Catholic Church.
I ran to go to the light.
Where love lasts forever.
I decided I want to go where love is.
There is no other way.
I wanted to be normal & not see the preternatural world.

With the grace of God, I can no longer see the preternatural world.
Thru Minor deliverance prayers for closing it thru priest, great relationship with God, daily mass & renouncement of occult.
Forgiveness of my ancestor’s deep involvement with occult.
It is not meant for men to see it.
Like the forbidden fruit to know the good & evil..
When God says ” No”
” No to occult”
“You are not allowed to see this world”
He wants to protect you from evil.
The preternatural world can decieve us as a “higher universe or higher realm” of consciousness to those who tap into it.
Truth:
Pure lies.
Pure darkness.
Pure anger.
Pure evil.
No love.
Just like what the Catholic Church said.
As it was.
And as what it shall be.
Gospel LUKE 4:31-37
And he went down to Caper’na-um, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the sabbath; and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon; and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in the midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And reports of him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

What does these verses mean to me?

Current Capernaum Synagogue where Jesus taught
● Jesus went down to Caper’na-um, a city of Galilee
● Jesus was teaching them on the sabbath
● They were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority

● In synagogue, a man who had spirit of an unclean demon & cried out with a loud voice
“Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.”
● Evil spirits fear Jesus’ presence
● Evil Spirits can not match against Jesus
● Live a life with Jesus in your actions & the enemies of God will flee
● Jesus rebuked him, saying,

“Be silent, and come out of him!”

● the demon came out of him, having done him no harm
● all were amazed and said
“What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.”
What does it relate to Jesus?
● Jesus has the power over unclean spirits
● Jesus has authority to teach
● Jesus speaks with authority
● Jesus leads

● Evil spirits know Jesus & know his hometown
● We as followers of Jesus are known to evil spirits as enemies
● They know information like our hometown
● Evil Spirits know they are to be destroyed by Jesus

● These enemies of God know Jesus is the Holy One
● Even Evil spirits obey Jesus
● Reports of Jesus went into every place in surrounding region because of spiritual healing

Jesus does not want the early revelation as the Holy One

Why?

So the people will believe Jesus is the messiah they are waiting for.
Based on Jesus’ works & teachings.
Not because of the revelation of the evil spirit.

Jesus wants you to believe in Him first.

Before He reveals Himself to you…

His plans for you…

What does it relate to the future?

● Believe in Jesus
● Evil spirits can not win over Jesus
● Jesus has the power over all in this world
● Spiritual warfare is all about authority
● Jesus defeated the enemies of God
● Enemies of God know their fate – to be destroyed by the Holy One
● Claim that you are a child of God
● Enemies of God that oppress you are powerless over Jesus
● We are victorious through Jesus
● Spiritual warfare is real
● To combat the enemy is to be on God’s side & follow His commandments
● The Light of Jesus dispels the darkness

Humility is godly

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Ready your party hats.
There is a party for you.
In heaven, there is a party for us…
With angels & God.
The happiest place in the entire universe.
But how can we go to heaven?
Follow Jesus.
Walk the path of the humble.
Humility is godly.
Treat others more important than yourself.
The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself, so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord.
Second reading mentions St.Paul informing us of the new Jerusalem, the new city of God in heaven.
St.Paul tells us there is a party in heaven with many angels, Jesus & God.
Who says being religious means boring?
God is not a boring God.
He wants us to be happy with everyone in heaven.

The first reading & the gospel mentions humility.
Jesus is teaching us how to be humble.
Do not draw attention to yourself.
You are not the center of the universe.
Mingle like everyone else.
Do not ask for special treatment all the time.
It is God who deserves honor & glory.
It is God who will exault you because you are low.
Jesus tells us to throw a party for people who can not repay us.
Open our hearts & house to those in need.

Jesus raised the bar.
Jesus dined with his enemies, the pharisees.
Can we even want to spend a minute with people who hate us?
Jesus can.
Jesus did.
I myself need to learn more & practice more about humility.
Sunday Sept 1 2019
First Reading SIRACH 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts. The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. For great is the might of the Lord; he is glorified by the humble. The affliction of the proud has no healing, for a plant of wickedness has taken root in him. The mind of the intelligent man will ponder a parable, and an attentive ear is the wise man’s desire
What does these verses mean to me?
Meekness: means in patience
● Perform your tasks in meekness then you will be loved by those whom God accepts
● For single people: Now you know

If you are still single, perform tasks in meekness

Be meek in your church service, work, career, business, family tasks, house tasks, money….

And you will be loved by those whom God accepts…

● The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself, so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord

● For great is the might of the Lord
● He is glorified by the humble
● If we want to be humble, we always give the glory back to God
● Less of me, more of God
● I am not the center of the universe
● Affliction of the proud has no healing, for a plant of wickedness has taken root in him
● Let us not be proud
● Mind of the intelligent man will ponder a parable
● An attentive ear is the wise man’s desire

● Be a listener
● It is something I want to learn more: listening
Second Reading
HEBREWS 12:18-19, 22-24
For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and a voice whose words made the hearers entreat that no further messages be spoken to them. But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to a judge who is God of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks more graciously than the blood of Abel
What does these verses mean to me?
● A letter for Hebrews by St.Paul
● This is for the Converted Christian Jews in Jerusalem
● St. Paul tells them as new Christians they will go to a mountain, Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, city of the living God

● St. Paul tells them to find in the heavenly Jerusalem:
– innumerable angels in festal gathering
– assembly of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven

– a judge who is God of all
– spirits of just men made perfect
– Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant
– sprinkled blood that speaks more graciously than blood of Abel
● In heaven, there is party all the time with angels (festal gathering)
Gospel LUKE 14:1, 7-14
One sabbath when he went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, they were watching him. Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he marked how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, “When you are invited by any one to a marriage feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest a more eminent man than you be invited by him; and he who invited you both will come and say to you, `Give place to this man,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, `Friend, go up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your kinsmen or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
What does these verses mean to me?

For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, & he who humbles himself will be exalted.

● One sabbath Jesus went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees
● Pharisees were watching Jesus
● Seating arrangement in a banquet is a custom in Jesus time
● Even in Jesus time, weddings have “special seating arrangements”
● Jesus parable mentioned a wedding feast
● Totally different in our time with usual parties
● I observe “special seating arrangement in wedding” nowadays
● Sponsors of wedding have a special seats, with the bride & groom as hosts
● I am seated with other guests

What does it relate to Jesus?
● Why did Jesus go to a Pharisee?
● Pharisees look at Jesus as an enemy
● It means Jesus welcomed the invitation
● Jesus is dining with enemies

Can you dine with your enemy in a calm way?

● Jesus is observant
● Jesus marked how Pharisees chose the places of honor

Jesus wants us to open our doors & hearts for those who are in need

● Jesus prefers to throw a party who can not repay your generosity
● Jesus wants us to have humility in parties or even outside parties
● Sit anywhere, do not draw attention

We do not need special treatment from anyone all the time.

Who should we invite?
Maimed: means injured severly

– poor
– maimed
– lame
– blind

you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you – Jesus

You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.

According to Jesus in a wedding:
– do not sit down in place of honor
– taking someone else’ special seat: you will begin with shame to take the lowest place
– go & sit in the lowest place, so your host comes & say to you, `Friend, go up higher’
– you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you
What does it relate to the future?
● If you want to go higher, humble yourself
● God will exault you if you humble yourself
● Be generous to those who can not repay you
● Open yourself to those in need
● Do not draw attention to yourself at all times
● Others are more important
● Humility is when we place others as more important
● It is easy to go up when you are low
● Humility is godly