PATRIS CORDE: (Part 1)
"St. Joseph, Beloved Father of Jesus"
1. A beloved father
The greatness of Saint Joseph is that he was the spouse of Mary and the father of Jesus. In this way, he placed himself, in the words of Saint John Chrysostom, “at the service of the entire plan of salvation”.[7] Saint Paul VI pointed out that Joseph concretely expressed his fatherhood “by making his life a sacrificial service to the mystery of the incarnation and its redemptive purpose. He employed his legal authority over the Holy Family to devote himself completely to them in his life and work. He turned his human vocation to domestic love into a superhuman oblation of himself, his heart and all his abilities, a love placed at the service of the Messiah who was growing to maturity in his home”.[8] Thanks to his role in salvation history, Saint Joseph has always been venerated as a father by the Christian people. This is shown by the countless churches dedicated to him worldwide, the numerous religious Institutes, Confraternities and ecclesial groups inspired by his spirituality and bearing his name, and the many traditional expressions of piety in his honour. Innumerable holy men and women were passionately devoted to him. Among them was Teresa of Avila, who chose him as her advocate and intercessor, had frequent recourse to him and received whatever graces she asked of him. Encouraged by her own experience, Teresa persuaded others to cultivate devotion to Joseph.[9] Every prayer book contains prayers to Saint Joseph. Special prayers are offered to him each Wednesday and especially during the month of March, which is traditionally dedicated to him.[10] Popular trust in Saint Joseph is seen in the expression “Go to Joseph”, which evokes the famine in Egypt, when the Egyptians begged Pharaoh for bread. He in turn replied: “Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do” (Gen 41:55). Pharaoh was referring to Joseph the son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery because of the jealousy of his brothers (cf. Gen 37:11-28) and who – according to the biblical account – subsequently became viceroy of Egypt (cf. Gen 41:41-44). As a descendant of David (cf. Mt 1:16-20), from whose stock Jesus was to spring according to the promise made to David by the prophet Nathan (cf. 2 Sam 7), and as the spouse of Mary of Nazareth, Saint Joseph stands at the crossroads between the Old and New Testaments.
The greatness of Saint Joseph is that he was the spouse of Mary and the father of Jesus. In this way, he placed himself, in the words of Saint John Chrysostom, “at the service of the entire plan of salvation”.[7] Saint Paul VI pointed out that Joseph concretely expressed his fatherhood “by making his life a sacrificial service to the mystery of the incarnation and its redemptive purpose. He employed his legal authority over the Holy Family to devote himself completely to them in his life and work. He turned his human vocation to domestic love into a superhuman oblation of himself, his heart and all his abilities, a love placed at the service of the Messiah who was growing to maturity in his home”.[8] Thanks to his role in salvation history, Saint Joseph has always been venerated as a father by the Christian people. This is shown by the countless churches dedicated to him worldwide, the numerous religious Institutes, Confraternities and ecclesial groups inspired by his spirituality and bearing his name, and the many traditional expressions of piety in his honour. Innumerable holy men and women were passionately devoted to him. Among them was Teresa of Avila, who chose him as her advocate and intercessor, had frequent recourse to him and received whatever graces she asked of him. Encouraged by her own experience, Teresa persuaded others to cultivate devotion to Joseph.[9] Every prayer book contains prayers to Saint Joseph. Special prayers are offered to him each Wednesday and especially during the month of March, which is traditionally dedicated to him.[10] Popular trust in Saint Joseph is seen in the expression “Go to Joseph”, which evokes the famine in Egypt, when the Egyptians begged Pharaoh for bread. He in turn replied: “Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do” (Gen 41:55). Pharaoh was referring to Joseph the son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery because of the jealousy of his brothers (cf. Gen 37:11-28) and who – according to the biblical account – subsequently became viceroy of Egypt (cf. Gen 41:41-44). As a descendant of David (cf. Mt 1:16-20), from whose stock Jesus was to spring according to the promise made to David by the prophet Nathan (cf. 2 Sam 7), and as the spouse of Mary of Nazareth, Saint Joseph stands at the crossroads between the Old and New Testaments.
Bobby's Sharing: I was talking to someone this morning and we went to talking about our fathers. I told the person that it was never a challenge for me to understand that God is Our Father nor that St. Joseph is our Spiritual Father because of my own personal experience with my earthly father, Gines M. General. I most definitely felt and learned the idea of love and care from him. That is why when I am contemplating about the truths that God the Father and our Father Patron St. Joseph I know deep down to my very core what this means. My father passed some 20 or so years ago and it was at that time that I took the Father/Patron in my life and I remember a time being in church that I sort of consecrated myself to him and asked him to take and make me his son. I know like to my earthly father, I am not the perfect son but I nevertheless made a commitment to make him as my father. This simple act of offering my whole self changed a lot of things in my life. You see, I do not think that my prayers have power nor that effective. So, it was at this time that all my intentions would be directed to the Holy Spouses (Mother Mary and Father Joseph). How do I do this? Well, I do this by starting my intercession with this simple and heartfelt prayer, "Mother Mary and Father Joseph, make my prayers your prayers to our Lord". I do not want to say that now my prayers are powerful but this I can say for sure, since that time, the fruits (good) of the prayers are more evident. As a matter of fact, I do understand Mother Teresa de Avila by saying that my prayers with the Father/Patron are more fruitful and even some of the things that I did not ask for. Go to St. Joseph because he has tremendous powers with God. All for Jesus through Mary and Joseph!
Let us pray the St. Joseph Prayer from Patris Corde:
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
Let us pray the St. Joseph Prayer from Patris Corde:
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
POPE FRANCIS DECLARES
THE YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH
APOSTOLIC LETTER PATRIS CORDE OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS
ON THE 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROCLAMATION OF SAINT JOSEPH AS PATRON OF THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH:
WITH A FATHER’S HEART: that is how Joseph loved Jesus, whom all four Gospels refer to as “the son of Joseph”.[1] Matthew and Luke, the two Evangelists who speak most of Joseph, tell us very little, yet enough for us to appreciate what sort of father he was, and the mission entrusted to him by God’s providence. We know that Joseph was a lowly carpenter (cf. Mt 13:55), betrothed to Mary (cf. Mt 1:18; Lk 1:27). He was a “just man” (Mt 1:19), ever ready to carry out God’s will as revealed to him in the Law (cf. Lk 2:22.27.39) and through four dreams (cf. Mt 1:20; 2:13.19.22). After a long and tiring journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, he beheld the birth of the Messiah in a stable, since “there was no place for them” elsewhere (cf. Lk 2:7). He witnessed the adoration of the shepherds (cf. Lk 2:8-20) and the Magi (cf. Mt 2:1-12), who represented respectively the people of Israel and the pagan peoples. Joseph had the courage to become the legal father of Jesus, to whom he gave the name revealed by the angel: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). As we know, for ancient peoples, to give a name to a person or to a thing, as Adam did in the account in the Book of Genesis (cf. 2:19-20), was to establish a relationship. In the Temple, forty days after Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary offered their child to the Lord and listened with amazement to Simeon’s prophecy concerning Jesus and his Mother (cf. Lk 2:22-35).
To protect Jesus from Herod, Joseph dwelt as a foreigner in Egypt (cf. Mt 2:13-18). After returning to his own country, he led a hidden life in the tiny and obscure village of Nazareth in Galilee, far from Bethlehem, his ancestral town, and from Jerusalem and the Temple. Of Nazareth it was said, “No prophet is to rise” (cf. Jn 7:52) and indeed, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (cf. Jn 1:46). When, during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary lost track of the twelve-year-old Jesus, they anxiously sought him out and they found him in the Temple, in discussion with the doctors of the Law (cf. Lk 2:41-50).
After Mary, the Mother of God, no saint is mentioned more frequently in the papal magisterium than Joseph, her spouse. My Predecessors reflected on the message contained in the limited information handed down by the Gospels in order to appreciate more fully his central role in the history of salvation. Blessed Pius IX declared him “Patron of the Catholic Church”,[2] Venerable Pius XII proposed him as “Patron of Workers”[3] and Saint John Paul II as “Guardian of the Redeemer”.[4] Saint Joseph is universally invoked as the “patron of a happy death”.[5]
Now, one hundred and fifty years after his proclamation as Patron of the Catholic Church by Blessed Pius IX (8 December 1870), I would like to share some personal reflections on this extraordinary figure, so close to our own human experience. For, as Jesus says, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Mt 12:34). My desire to do so increased during these months of pandemic, when we experienced, amid the crisis, how “our lives are woven together and sustained by ordinary people, people often overlooked. People who do not appear in newspaper and magazine headlines, or on the latest television show, yet in these very days are surely shaping the decisive events of our history. Doctors, nurses, storekeepers and supermarket workers, cleaning personnel, caregivers, transport workers, men and women working to provide essential services and public safety, volunteers, priests, men and women religious, and so very many others. They understood that no one is saved alone… How many people daily exercise patience and offer hope, taking care to spread not panic, but shared responsibility. How many fathers, mothers, grandparents and teachers are showing our children, in small everyday ways, how to accept and deal with a crisis by adjusting their routines, looking ahead and encouraging the practice of prayer. How many are praying, making sacrifices and interceding for the good of all”.[6] Each of us can discover in Joseph – the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence – an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble. Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation. A word of recognition and of gratitude is due to them all.
ON THE 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROCLAMATION OF SAINT JOSEPH AS PATRON OF THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH:
WITH A FATHER’S HEART: that is how Joseph loved Jesus, whom all four Gospels refer to as “the son of Joseph”.[1] Matthew and Luke, the two Evangelists who speak most of Joseph, tell us very little, yet enough for us to appreciate what sort of father he was, and the mission entrusted to him by God’s providence. We know that Joseph was a lowly carpenter (cf. Mt 13:55), betrothed to Mary (cf. Mt 1:18; Lk 1:27). He was a “just man” (Mt 1:19), ever ready to carry out God’s will as revealed to him in the Law (cf. Lk 2:22.27.39) and through four dreams (cf. Mt 1:20; 2:13.19.22). After a long and tiring journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, he beheld the birth of the Messiah in a stable, since “there was no place for them” elsewhere (cf. Lk 2:7). He witnessed the adoration of the shepherds (cf. Lk 2:8-20) and the Magi (cf. Mt 2:1-12), who represented respectively the people of Israel and the pagan peoples. Joseph had the courage to become the legal father of Jesus, to whom he gave the name revealed by the angel: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). As we know, for ancient peoples, to give a name to a person or to a thing, as Adam did in the account in the Book of Genesis (cf. 2:19-20), was to establish a relationship. In the Temple, forty days after Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary offered their child to the Lord and listened with amazement to Simeon’s prophecy concerning Jesus and his Mother (cf. Lk 2:22-35).
To protect Jesus from Herod, Joseph dwelt as a foreigner in Egypt (cf. Mt 2:13-18). After returning to his own country, he led a hidden life in the tiny and obscure village of Nazareth in Galilee, far from Bethlehem, his ancestral town, and from Jerusalem and the Temple. Of Nazareth it was said, “No prophet is to rise” (cf. Jn 7:52) and indeed, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (cf. Jn 1:46). When, during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary lost track of the twelve-year-old Jesus, they anxiously sought him out and they found him in the Temple, in discussion with the doctors of the Law (cf. Lk 2:41-50).
After Mary, the Mother of God, no saint is mentioned more frequently in the papal magisterium than Joseph, her spouse. My Predecessors reflected on the message contained in the limited information handed down by the Gospels in order to appreciate more fully his central role in the history of salvation. Blessed Pius IX declared him “Patron of the Catholic Church”,[2] Venerable Pius XII proposed him as “Patron of Workers”[3] and Saint John Paul II as “Guardian of the Redeemer”.[4] Saint Joseph is universally invoked as the “patron of a happy death”.[5]
Now, one hundred and fifty years after his proclamation as Patron of the Catholic Church by Blessed Pius IX (8 December 1870), I would like to share some personal reflections on this extraordinary figure, so close to our own human experience. For, as Jesus says, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Mt 12:34). My desire to do so increased during these months of pandemic, when we experienced, amid the crisis, how “our lives are woven together and sustained by ordinary people, people often overlooked. People who do not appear in newspaper and magazine headlines, or on the latest television show, yet in these very days are surely shaping the decisive events of our history. Doctors, nurses, storekeepers and supermarket workers, cleaning personnel, caregivers, transport workers, men and women working to provide essential services and public safety, volunteers, priests, men and women religious, and so very many others. They understood that no one is saved alone… How many people daily exercise patience and offer hope, taking care to spread not panic, but shared responsibility. How many fathers, mothers, grandparents and teachers are showing our children, in small everyday ways, how to accept and deal with a crisis by adjusting their routines, looking ahead and encouraging the practice of prayer. How many are praying, making sacrifices and interceding for the good of all”.[6] Each of us can discover in Joseph – the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence – an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble. Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation. A word of recognition and of gratitude is due to them all.
Bro. Bobby's Take: I think it is the sign of the times and his predecessors which prompted His Holiness Pope Francis to declare this year as the Year of St. Joseph. Also, it is the clamor of the Universal Church who has seen in the last maybe 5oo years an increase in the appreciation to this great man of God who showed us that to love Jesus and Mary, it is not by words but by deeds or action. It also means that this love is AGAPE truthfully meaning a sacrificial love that would even offer one's own comfort and ideas to conform to the will of God as He reveals it. Another aspect is that in times of difficulties, the previous Popes are wise enough to turn their attention to St. Joseph and ask for his charitable intercession and protection. Our hope in this time of the pandemic is that his protection (St. Joseph's) be extended to each and everyone the protection he gave the Madonna (Mother Mary) and the Living Word of God (Jesus our Lord) against natural (Herod and people) and preternatural (demonic or malefic) forces. He did this and it is his much appreciated contribution to the assurance of our redemption accomplished by the Lord and Mother Mary in that hill of Calvary (Golgotha). Thank you Pope Francis and may we all heed and follow your lead in these very dark times. Let us reflect on the many virtues of the Protodulia (first devotion) and my suggestion, meditate on the "Litany of St. Joseph" one for each day. Another thing is to pray the prayer below from Patris Corde or both! Ite Ad Ioseph (Go to Joseph)! All for Jesus through Mary and Joseph!
"PRAYER FOR THE NATION"
by: Cardinal Tagle
The Parish of St. Joseph the Worker in Palanan, Makati City joins His Eminence in making this "prayer for the nation" our prayer as well. When we were talking about it, Monsignor Bert and myself agreed that it was a very heartfelt and timely prayer as our Church are beset by forces seemingly mightier than us. However, even if that be true, we know that they not mightier than God, King of the Universe, Almighty and Eternal. I could just imagine that His Eminence was most probably in tears as he says this prayer because I know I am when first I prayed it. Let us storm the gates of heaven together and put our complete faith and trust in our God's mercy, love and compassion! Into your hands Lord, we commend our nation. Amen.
Let us pray:
"Almighty and merciful God You have brought us together in the name of your Son Jesus. We beg for your mercy and grace in our time of need. Open our eyes to see the evil that we have done. Forgive us for failing to do what is good and just. Touch our hearts and bring us back to You. We pray for an end to the violence perpetrated by harsh words, malicious propaganda, deadly weapons, or cold indifference. May our homes, our nation, and our world become havens of Your peace. Grant us the grace to see every human being as a child of God, regardless of race, language, or culture, even drug addicts, criminals, and hardened sinners. Give us the strength to teach our children and youth how to resolve differences non-violently and respectfully. May elders become models of decent and honorable behavior. We entrust to your mercy those who hate the Church and spread prejudice against our Catholic faith. Illumine their minds with the light of your truth.Touch their hearts with your love. Inspire those in public office to uphold, preserve, promote, and defend the dignity of every human being and acknowledge you, our God, as the Source and Lord of all life. Touch the hearts of those who oppress others and those who take the law in their own hands. Touch the consciences of the perpetrators of heinous crimes, violence, senseless, and indiscriminate killings. Move them to abandon their pride and their instruments of destruction. We also remember the police and first responders who risk their lives daily to ensure our safety. May they also be instruments of fair and just law enforcement that guarantees the dignity of persons and promotes truth, peace, and wellbeing in society.
We lift up to you our bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and lay faithful who suffer from misunderstanding, false accusations, and persecution on account of their faith and their promotion of justice. Grant them holy joy that will see them through the dark nights of suffering. Welcome to your eternal feast in heaven the people who died in senseless brutal organized killings, including priests who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth and justice.
With St. Paul, we say: “We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10).
Since you, O God, are with us, nothing that has happened, nothing still to come, can rob us of our hope in Christ. In your enduring love we trust. You alone can heal our broken hearts. You alone can wipe away the tears that well up inside us. You alone can give us peace. You alone can strengthen us to persevere. Assure those who are discouraged that with you nothing is impossible. Filled and invigorated by the Holy Spirit, may our love for one another be deepened. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."
Mary, Mother of Hope, pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us.
St. John Marie Vianney, pray for us.
San Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us.
San Pedro Calungsod, pray for us.
Blessed José María de Manila, pray for us.
Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon, pray for us.
Let us pray:
"Almighty and merciful God You have brought us together in the name of your Son Jesus. We beg for your mercy and grace in our time of need. Open our eyes to see the evil that we have done. Forgive us for failing to do what is good and just. Touch our hearts and bring us back to You. We pray for an end to the violence perpetrated by harsh words, malicious propaganda, deadly weapons, or cold indifference. May our homes, our nation, and our world become havens of Your peace. Grant us the grace to see every human being as a child of God, regardless of race, language, or culture, even drug addicts, criminals, and hardened sinners. Give us the strength to teach our children and youth how to resolve differences non-violently and respectfully. May elders become models of decent and honorable behavior. We entrust to your mercy those who hate the Church and spread prejudice against our Catholic faith. Illumine their minds with the light of your truth.Touch their hearts with your love. Inspire those in public office to uphold, preserve, promote, and defend the dignity of every human being and acknowledge you, our God, as the Source and Lord of all life. Touch the hearts of those who oppress others and those who take the law in their own hands. Touch the consciences of the perpetrators of heinous crimes, violence, senseless, and indiscriminate killings. Move them to abandon their pride and their instruments of destruction. We also remember the police and first responders who risk their lives daily to ensure our safety. May they also be instruments of fair and just law enforcement that guarantees the dignity of persons and promotes truth, peace, and wellbeing in society.
We lift up to you our bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and lay faithful who suffer from misunderstanding, false accusations, and persecution on account of their faith and their promotion of justice. Grant them holy joy that will see them through the dark nights of suffering. Welcome to your eternal feast in heaven the people who died in senseless brutal organized killings, including priests who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth and justice.
With St. Paul, we say: “We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10).
Since you, O God, are with us, nothing that has happened, nothing still to come, can rob us of our hope in Christ. In your enduring love we trust. You alone can heal our broken hearts. You alone can wipe away the tears that well up inside us. You alone can give us peace. You alone can strengthen us to persevere. Assure those who are discouraged that with you nothing is impossible. Filled and invigorated by the Holy Spirit, may our love for one another be deepened. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."
Mary, Mother of Hope, pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us.
St. John Marie Vianney, pray for us.
San Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us.
San Pedro Calungsod, pray for us.
Blessed José María de Manila, pray for us.
Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon, pray for us.
I, Bro Bobby General (NSTI, SJWP Prophetic Ministry, CFD, RCAM Biblical Apostolate) expresses solidarity with our Bishops in this, their time of persecution! I will offer my knees in prayer for justice and my hands for whatever I can contribute to bringing about the truth in any way I can, insignificant as I am in the eyes of this world.
I make an appeal to all true Catholics & Christians to storm the gates of heaven and seek out divine intervention for our beloved shepherds who have given so much of themselves selflessly for us, the people of God and our nation. This is our chance to give back to them. In the Acts of the Apostles, when the Vicar of Christ, St. Peter was in prison, the angel of the Lord came down and he was granted freedom from chains. The believers were at prayer for the Apostle that time and God through the ministry of the angels acted in power. Now is the time, you are the person.
Do not be afraid Apostles of the Lord, God will prevail and He has the power and might to do it. Your flock, we are on our knees and storming heavens door!
Mother Mary Untier of Knots, untie this knot that your children are facing, especially our beloved Bishops. Amen.
St. Joseph protector of priests, cover these men with your all powerful cloak. Amen.
St. Michael the Archangel, defend our bishops from all harm and danger. Amen.
I make an appeal to all true Catholics & Christians to storm the gates of heaven and seek out divine intervention for our beloved shepherds who have given so much of themselves selflessly for us, the people of God and our nation. This is our chance to give back to them. In the Acts of the Apostles, when the Vicar of Christ, St. Peter was in prison, the angel of the Lord came down and he was granted freedom from chains. The believers were at prayer for the Apostle that time and God through the ministry of the angels acted in power. Now is the time, you are the person.
Do not be afraid Apostles of the Lord, God will prevail and He has the power and might to do it. Your flock, we are on our knees and storming heavens door!
Mother Mary Untier of Knots, untie this knot that your children are facing, especially our beloved Bishops. Amen.
St. Joseph protector of priests, cover these men with your all powerful cloak. Amen.
St. Michael the Archangel, defend our bishops from all harm and danger. Amen.
OFFER TO GOD AN OCCULT FREE PHILIPPINES IN CELEBRATION OF OUR 500TH YEAR OF CHRISTIANITY:
(MOVEMENT FOR AN OCCULT FREE PHILIPPINES)
BY: BRO. BOBBY GENERAL
(New Saint Thomas Institute, Catholic Faith Defender,
SJWP Prophetic Minister & RCAM Biblical Apostolate)
Recently about a month or so ago, I went to a convention of the Catholic Faith Defenders held at Cebu, Philippines. While here I told myself that I will go to the Basilica of the Child Jesus and probably hear Mass there. God was good, I was able to do that and while I was on the line to see the image, which is the first Christian one we had in these shores, I started thinking that we have been Christians (mostly Catholics) for almost 5oo years and yet we do not see the blessings of the Lord in our land. By blessing I mean we are one of the poorest countries, corruption in government is rampant, generally people are existing in our own selfish ways and interested only what we can get and so much more. Let me make it clear, I am not pretending to say that this is the reason because truth is the situation is much more complex than that. However, I am inclined to be a person who instead of complaining, would just find out a way to counter act matters even in seemingly small ways (ie. St. Therese of the Child Jesus) and try my best to act on them, even if it is just by praying like the great Saint mentioned previously. Hence, this is my reflection of our national problem from a spiritual point of view meaning relating it to the spiritual realities that whether we believe it or not, is controlling the physical world as we know it.
ISRAEL/PHILIPPINES COMPARISON:
A) CHOSEN BY GOD:
Israel is the chosen people of God. God entered into a covenanted relationship with her. In Asia, the Philippines is the only predominantly Christian nation. It was chosen by God to bring the light of the gospel to other nations just as Israel was chosen to bring Monotheism to the nations. However being chosen does not mean being faithful to God.
B) DABBLING IN OTHER gods/occultism:
Israel's greatest mistake was when they entertained other gods and opened their lives individually and by effect their nation to the powers of darkness. Our nation on the other hand embraced Christianity but corrupted it with prevalent occult practices that existed since the first missionaries came to these shores. What many of us did was put an element of Christianity into these practices. Like Israel, our nation was promised by God to be a blessed nation but disaster upon disaster materialized. Our collective witness has been compromised because in Israel's case their embrace of the local gods (Baals) and us, by our continuing embrace of occult practices despite almost 500 years of Christianity.
C) VIOLATED THE 1st COMMANDMENT:
The first commandment is that we must not have any other gods but God alone. When Israel entertained the baals, they have violated this commandment. When we practice occultism, we are likewise doing and violating the same. I know of some who even says that they believe in God and yet have chinese mirrors, elephants prominently in their homes because they were told this would bring them good fortune. If such is the conviction, God is just one of the many and we are trusting not just God solely, we are trusting these things that sad to say is from the enemy. When we get sick, we still go to "tawas" or "albularyo" our local shamans who prays (oracions) not to the One God in 3 Divine Persons.
C) OUR HOPE:
The Lord says that if we humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, He will heal our land. This was promised by God to Israel but I believe this is also the word for us here in the Philippines. We have to truly repent which means turn away from these practices and put our trust in God alone completely. This is also a spiritual warfare situation so we need prayers to turn the tide back to the One God in 3 Divine Persons. God is the only one who can bless us with healing, peace and justice in our land. I believe He wants to do this but we have to remove the obstacles that prevents the Lord to act more fully in our individual and collective lives as a nation.
A) CHOSEN BY GOD:
Israel is the chosen people of God. God entered into a covenanted relationship with her. In Asia, the Philippines is the only predominantly Christian nation. It was chosen by God to bring the light of the gospel to other nations just as Israel was chosen to bring Monotheism to the nations. However being chosen does not mean being faithful to God.
B) DABBLING IN OTHER gods/occultism:
Israel's greatest mistake was when they entertained other gods and opened their lives individually and by effect their nation to the powers of darkness. Our nation on the other hand embraced Christianity but corrupted it with prevalent occult practices that existed since the first missionaries came to these shores. What many of us did was put an element of Christianity into these practices. Like Israel, our nation was promised by God to be a blessed nation but disaster upon disaster materialized. Our collective witness has been compromised because in Israel's case their embrace of the local gods (Baals) and us, by our continuing embrace of occult practices despite almost 500 years of Christianity.
C) VIOLATED THE 1st COMMANDMENT:
The first commandment is that we must not have any other gods but God alone. When Israel entertained the baals, they have violated this commandment. When we practice occultism, we are likewise doing and violating the same. I know of some who even says that they believe in God and yet have chinese mirrors, elephants prominently in their homes because they were told this would bring them good fortune. If such is the conviction, God is just one of the many and we are trusting not just God solely, we are trusting these things that sad to say is from the enemy. When we get sick, we still go to "tawas" or "albularyo" our local shamans who prays (oracions) not to the One God in 3 Divine Persons.
C) OUR HOPE:
The Lord says that if we humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, He will heal our land. This was promised by God to Israel but I believe this is also the word for us here in the Philippines. We have to truly repent which means turn away from these practices and put our trust in God alone completely. This is also a spiritual warfare situation so we need prayers to turn the tide back to the One God in 3 Divine Persons. God is the only one who can bless us with healing, peace and justice in our land. I believe He wants to do this but we have to remove the obstacles that prevents the Lord to act more fully in our individual and collective lives as a nation.
TURN TO MARY OUR MOTHER:
PUEBLO AMANTE DE MARIA:
Almost 7 years ago, every 1st Saturday, at least in the Archdiocese of Manila, we pray to our Mother Mary under her title as the Immaculate Concepcion because she is our patroness here in the Philippines. This consecration to the Mother is conducted in preparation for our 500th year of Christianity. In the prayer itself we are described as "Pueblo Amante de Maria", the people beloved by the Mother herself and who loves her profoundly. So as we offer ourselves to her and to the Lord, let us seek her prayers so we can get rid of the occult practices that would lead us as a nation to our national death, death here being the absence of God.
OUR LADY THE UNTIER OF KNOTS:
The continuing occult practices prevalent in our nation is in my opinion, one of the biggest "knot" that prevents our lives to be fully turned over to God as a nation. This title of our Mother is the devotion that His Holiness Pope Francis promotes. Let us ask the Mother to untie this big knot in our country by praying the Novena to her for the purpose of an "OCCULT FREE PHILIPPINES". The novena is available at St. Pauls Store and is designed to be prayed together with the Holy Rosary daily for 9 days. Also if your group wishes to have me share these things, just leave a message at my facebook account "Bobby General" and we will find a way to schedule it.
PUEBLO AMANTE DE MARIA:
Almost 7 years ago, every 1st Saturday, at least in the Archdiocese of Manila, we pray to our Mother Mary under her title as the Immaculate Concepcion because she is our patroness here in the Philippines. This consecration to the Mother is conducted in preparation for our 500th year of Christianity. In the prayer itself we are described as "Pueblo Amante de Maria", the people beloved by the Mother herself and who loves her profoundly. So as we offer ourselves to her and to the Lord, let us seek her prayers so we can get rid of the occult practices that would lead us as a nation to our national death, death here being the absence of God.
OUR LADY THE UNTIER OF KNOTS:
The continuing occult practices prevalent in our nation is in my opinion, one of the biggest "knot" that prevents our lives to be fully turned over to God as a nation. This title of our Mother is the devotion that His Holiness Pope Francis promotes. Let us ask the Mother to untie this big knot in our country by praying the Novena to her for the purpose of an "OCCULT FREE PHILIPPINES". The novena is available at St. Pauls Store and is designed to be prayed together with the Holy Rosary daily for 9 days. Also if your group wishes to have me share these things, just leave a message at my facebook account "Bobby General" and we will find a way to schedule it.
BE AN "OCCULT FREE PHILIPPINES" MOVEMENT PRAYER/PROMOTER:
PRAYER:
Pray the Novena to Our Lady Untier of Knots with your daily rosary for 9 days. Cite as your knot an "occult free Philippines". I know that the Lord will bless this prayer for we have seen in Scriptures in the Gospel of John during the feast of Cana, the powerful intercession of our beloved Mother.
PROMOTER:
Encourage your family, friends, communities, workplaces to pray this Novena as well. Also when you see houses that are infested by some occult objects, pray that you will be able to persuade them to get of rid these things like Chinese mirrors, buddhas with coins, elephants with coins and the like. However, make sure to do it gently and with charity or love as your sole motivation. St. Thomas Aquinas said, "to lead one away from error is the greatest charity we can give another soul." Lastly, if you know of someone who will visit albularyos or have tawas because their love ones are truly sick, discourage them and help them seek medical help and prayers from ministers (in our parish we have the St. Joseph Apostolate to the Sick & Elderly). Love is not just prayer sometimes it will involve practically helping our poor brothers and sisters who are suffering. This would sometimes mean we help them financially to seek medical assistance so they will not seek relief from occult healing.
PRAYER:
Pray the Novena to Our Lady Untier of Knots with your daily rosary for 9 days. Cite as your knot an "occult free Philippines". I know that the Lord will bless this prayer for we have seen in Scriptures in the Gospel of John during the feast of Cana, the powerful intercession of our beloved Mother.
PROMOTER:
Encourage your family, friends, communities, workplaces to pray this Novena as well. Also when you see houses that are infested by some occult objects, pray that you will be able to persuade them to get of rid these things like Chinese mirrors, buddhas with coins, elephants with coins and the like. However, make sure to do it gently and with charity or love as your sole motivation. St. Thomas Aquinas said, "to lead one away from error is the greatest charity we can give another soul." Lastly, if you know of someone who will visit albularyos or have tawas because their love ones are truly sick, discourage them and help them seek medical help and prayers from ministers (in our parish we have the St. Joseph Apostolate to the Sick & Elderly). Love is not just prayer sometimes it will involve practically helping our poor brothers and sisters who are suffering. This would sometimes mean we help them financially to seek medical assistance so they will not seek relief from occult healing.
Lastly, join us in this worthy undertaking. Let us join our hands in prayer and in work to offer to God an "Occult Free Philippines" as we enter our 500th year of Christianity. Let me warn you though that this is not an easy task, this is spiritual warfare in the highest levels and this is not for the feint of heart. Be a true warrior of God and be not afraid! Remember that God is already victorious and in this struggle, "fear is useless", what is needed is true and living faith.
"THE CHAIR OF ST. PETER"
ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER PARISH, PALANAN, MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES JOINS THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH IN PRAYING THAT THE LORD CONTINUE TO BLESS, GUIDE AND PROTECT HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS, THE VICAR OF CHRIST AS HE LEADS US TO JESUS, TRUTH PERSONIFIED AND UNTO THE BEATIFIC VISION WHERE WE CAN BE WITH GOD FOREVER MORE.
JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH, HEAR OUR PRAYERS FOR HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS, AMEN.
JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH, HEAR OUR PRAYERS FOR HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS, AMEN.
ST. JOHN PAUL THE GREAT @ ST. JOSEPH
BY: BRO. BOBBY GENERAL (NSTI)
Last Saturday, the Parish of St. Joseph the Worker Parish was so blessed that we were able to have the "blood relic" of the Great Man of God, St. John Paul II, Pope. I know for a fact that he loves our country and the people here in our shores. I have always stressed that he is the Pope of my generation. When I first came to a deeper commitment to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus, he was the pope. Still a young man back then, I felt the love he has for all young people including myself. When I talk to my priest friends, they would always point out that their vocation has a lot to do with this Pope visiting our country and inspired them to Holy Orders. When we were in Krakow (Archdiocese of Bishop Karol), you can feel all around the respect and the love of the Polish people for him. Churches will have his images, the people will always say a good thing about him and what surprised me was even the very young (7 or 8 years old) would know and respect him. I saw a little girl had flowers and placed it at the image of St. John Paul saying "Papa Woytyla". Even the driver who drove us to Wadowice (hometown of John Paul) have a tremendous love and respect for him. I think I told my wife that truly a Saint lived here because for me, much like my experience in Giovanni Rutondo, Italia (St. Padre Pio), the people has innate goodness and kindness. This I believe is the mark that a man of God walked among them, the fruit is "conversion" translated into kindness and goodness. All of us are aware of Papa John Paul (that is what I call him) having a tremendous love for the Holy Mother and for his untiring promotion of the Divine Mercy but do not realize that Papa John Paul have a tremendous love as well to St. Joseph. His encyclical "Redemptoris Custos" (Guardian of the Redeemer) highlighted this point in very concrete ways. I always say that if you attained a love for any of the members of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph, they will lead you to the other members and vice versa. Lastly I will never forget the words of this great man especially in times of hardship, trials and tribulations, (truth is in times like these I say this out loud) "DO NOT BE AFRAID". If you are at this time in your life, remember these words of Papa John Paul. It actually is connected with the words of St. Paul and the reason why we should not be afraid, "If God is with us, who can be against us.".
Side Story:
This morning I decided to have my personal prayer time with the relic of Papa John. As I was going about my prayers, I saw a family of 3 pay their respects as well. The youngest of the 3 approached me and asked if they could go up to the relic. Of course I said yes. Then, I realized that the older man is in a cane and seems to have a hard time going up the few stairs. I dropped my prayers and helped the man get up and he told me that he wants to kneel in front of the relic. I assisted him and stayed with him till he had said his prayers. He even told me that he could not kneel anymore because of the pain but he did anyway. To be on theme, I wore for a necklace the cross of Papa John Paul which I got from his hometown in Poland. For some reason as the older got down and thanked me, I told him that I am giving him the necklace because Papa John wants him to have it. Visibly surprised, the man accepted and teary eyed, he kissed the cross looking at the relic. It is just a small thing, our cynical side would even dismiss it as worthless, however, I know that this man will never forget the gesture. As he journeys to his life, I prayed that the intercession of the Papa John be with him and eventually lead him to beatific vision of being with God like Papa John now, forever more. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Side Story:
This morning I decided to have my personal prayer time with the relic of Papa John. As I was going about my prayers, I saw a family of 3 pay their respects as well. The youngest of the 3 approached me and asked if they could go up to the relic. Of course I said yes. Then, I realized that the older man is in a cane and seems to have a hard time going up the few stairs. I dropped my prayers and helped the man get up and he told me that he wants to kneel in front of the relic. I assisted him and stayed with him till he had said his prayers. He even told me that he could not kneel anymore because of the pain but he did anyway. To be on theme, I wore for a necklace the cross of Papa John Paul which I got from his hometown in Poland. For some reason as the older got down and thanked me, I told him that I am giving him the necklace because Papa John wants him to have it. Visibly surprised, the man accepted and teary eyed, he kissed the cross looking at the relic. It is just a small thing, our cynical side would even dismiss it as worthless, however, I know that this man will never forget the gesture. As he journeys to his life, I prayed that the intercession of the Papa John be with him and eventually lead him to beatific vision of being with God like Papa John now, forever more. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
ST. VALENTINE: "LOVE MEANS CHARITY"
by: Bro. Bobby General (New Saint Thomas Institute)
Last year on our family-cation, when we were in Madrid, me and my wife Ruby chanced providentially upon the "San Anton Parish Church" who is refuted to be the "coolest church in the world". It is so because of maybe 3 things; first, this is administered by the "messengers of Peace" whose advocacy under the leadership of Fr. Angel is to provide shelter and food for the homeless who needed heat (actual & love) from the chill of the streets and of indifferent persons. Here there are no judgement and people of whatever color or orientation are not frowned upon. Second, they have free WIFI so those who need to go online can avail of the service. And third, they have the relic of the St. Valentine who is the patron of lovers. Here is the short version of the story of this famous saint below:
On February 14 around the year 278 A.D., Valentine, a holy priest in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II, was executed.Under the rule of Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families.To get rid of the problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. The sentence was carried out on February 14, on or about the year 270.
From the story of the Saint, we can see that sometimes governments or regimes are the source of persecution and that despite the power and influence of these people and institutions, we as Christians must stand by the truths that the Lord has revealed to us in the Scriptures, Traditions (in his time there was no canon yet of the New Testament) and the authority that the Lord has given to the Church (Catholic) through His Apostles. Love may sometimes demand that we be men and women of courage. These we do because it is the right thing and we put our life in the hands of a loving God, who is victorious. St. Valentine is a testament of the truth that truthful love of God and neighbor is never an easy path to take, although such, he relied on the grace of God to rise above the pain, suffering and death and obtain the reward of martyrdom, being with God for all eternity. Like St. Paul said, the suffering of this world is nothing compared to the glory that is to be revealed.
For me, this Church of San Anton is the epitome of love because I believe that love is not just an emotion it is rather more of an action and more so for those who are in the margins; the poor, the sick, the suffering, the lonely, the confused, the elderly, the suffering and the dying of today. Fr. Angel continues to be the light of love & charity in the city of Madrid with this advocacy, nay, Apostolate to the homeless. Realizing that they have the relic of the Saint associated with love is truly a cool thing and rightly so because love is charity, no less, no more. CARITAS is the latin for the english charity which many and rightly so is translated as 'LOVE".
May the Lord our God who is Love personified continue to bless, guide and protect the Apostolate of the Fr. Angel and the "Messengers of Peace (Mensajeros de la Paz)". Holy Spouses (Mother Mary & Father Joseph) and St. Valentine, pray for us, the poor, the sick, the suffering, the incarcerated, the elderly, the lonely, the confused and the dying. Amen.
On February 14 around the year 278 A.D., Valentine, a holy priest in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II, was executed.Under the rule of Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families.To get rid of the problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. The sentence was carried out on February 14, on or about the year 270.
From the story of the Saint, we can see that sometimes governments or regimes are the source of persecution and that despite the power and influence of these people and institutions, we as Christians must stand by the truths that the Lord has revealed to us in the Scriptures, Traditions (in his time there was no canon yet of the New Testament) and the authority that the Lord has given to the Church (Catholic) through His Apostles. Love may sometimes demand that we be men and women of courage. These we do because it is the right thing and we put our life in the hands of a loving God, who is victorious. St. Valentine is a testament of the truth that truthful love of God and neighbor is never an easy path to take, although such, he relied on the grace of God to rise above the pain, suffering and death and obtain the reward of martyrdom, being with God for all eternity. Like St. Paul said, the suffering of this world is nothing compared to the glory that is to be revealed.
For me, this Church of San Anton is the epitome of love because I believe that love is not just an emotion it is rather more of an action and more so for those who are in the margins; the poor, the sick, the suffering, the lonely, the confused, the elderly, the suffering and the dying of today. Fr. Angel continues to be the light of love & charity in the city of Madrid with this advocacy, nay, Apostolate to the homeless. Realizing that they have the relic of the Saint associated with love is truly a cool thing and rightly so because love is charity, no less, no more. CARITAS is the latin for the english charity which many and rightly so is translated as 'LOVE".
May the Lord our God who is Love personified continue to bless, guide and protect the Apostolate of the Fr. Angel and the "Messengers of Peace (Mensajeros de la Paz)". Holy Spouses (Mother Mary & Father Joseph) and St. Valentine, pray for us, the poor, the sick, the suffering, the incarcerated, the elderly, the lonely, the confused and the dying. Amen.
ANGELIC DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH:
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
(SOME REASONS WHY ST. THOMAS
IS CALLED "ANGELIC" )
by: Bro. Bobby General (New Saint Thomas Institute)
NSTI: Th, Ph, Hst (Patristic, Medieval & Modern)
The Doctors of the Church are often designated according to specific epithets which express their characteristic excellence. St. Augustine is the “Doctor of Grace” as he was particularly important in developing the Church’s theology of grace. St. Francis de Sales is the “Doctor of Charity” as he was most gentle and filled with love. St. John of the Cross is the “Mystical Doctor” since his writings expound the way of mystical union with God.
St. Thomas is called the Angelic Doctor is attributed to many things like his knowledge of the angels, his purity, his wisdom and his piety to name a few. Some weeks ago, I was asked about this and now decided to cite some of these reasons and ways in which we can apply them in our lives today. In essence, St. Thomas is a person whom the Church at large owe a debt of gratitude with his work, the Summa particularly, which has been guiding us since. As a matter of fact, ever since the Council of Trent about 500 years ago more or less, in all the Ecumenical Council the Holy Scriptures is displayed in the session halls together with the Summa Theologica of our Angelic Doctor of the Church to signify that the highest authority for the truth is the Word of God and that for guidance purposes, the Summa will be valuable as well as the Council Fathers discuss the pertinent issues of the times.
ANGELIC WISDOM:
St. Thomas is “angelic” insofar as his wisdom is likened to that of the angels. As pure spirits, the angels are not limited to the particulars of discursive reasoning, but see the whole of doctrine as one in a single unified vision. Thus, the angels are able to grasp the great unity of all theology – and this is the essence of wisdom. St. Thomas, likewise, excels every other theologian in this point. He is able to see the essential unity of all theology in God. Thus, even in a large work like the Summa Theologica, St. Thomas is always able to place the particular question at hand within the larger context of theology. While the Angelic Thomas is excellent in every detail, he never once loses the forest for the trees. Another way of saying this is that he will not be confused despite the tumultuous info and data to be able to see the thrice Holy God in the data, info or even events that are unfolding.
ANGELIC DOCTRINE:
St. Thomas is called the “Angelic Doctor” insofar as he is the expert on the doctrine of angels. More than any other writer (not excepting even the great St. Dionysius), St. Thomas has influenced the Church’s doctrine on the angelic spirits. Among many notable points which St. Thomas taught regarding the angels, we specify the following: That there are three hierarchies in which reside nine choirs of angels, that Lucifer began in the state of grace before falling, that there are more angels than specks of dust in the universe, that “angel” refers not to a nature but to the ministry of being a messenger, that each “angel” is its own species, and that angels have no bodies but are pure spirits. You can read his “Treatise on the Angel” from the “Summa Theologica Pars Prima, Q 50 to 64.
The Angelic St. Thomas has greatly influenced the Church’s teaching and the people’s devotion regarding the angels including my own.
ANGELIC PURITY:
St. Thomas is called “Angelic” on account of his great purity. After an incident in which he gained perfect purity through struggling against a certain temptress forced upon him by his family (who were trying to keep him from becoming a Dominican), St. Thomas was girded with a mystical belt of purity by two angels.
Now, since purity is most especially a quality of the angels – who neither are given nor give themselves in marriage – it is fitting that the most pure St. Thomas should be compared to these celestial spirits. Furthermore, it is worth noting that St. Thomas’ treatment of issues related to human sexuality is marked by his great purity, such that he is able to affirm what is good without scruple.
Bobby’s Note:
The word “Angel” is taken from the GK “Angelos” meaning messengers. These creatures of God are created to do the biding of the Lord our God. They are all around and has sufficient power as to the exercise of the will of God regarding a mission that the Lord has asked them to accomplish. As the Lord commands them, they minister to us and I believe they are to lead us closer to God, growth in the virtues and if need be, fight for our salvation both physical and spiritual. When I travel or am bogged down in traffic, I pray to the Lord to send the Archangels and Angels to clear the way for all of us on the road at that particular time. I found out that this prayer does accomplish the end empirically.
St. Thomas was divinely given the grace of purity I believe in order to be able to focus on the essentials of our Faith. He was said to be even heard by some of his secretaries (he had 4) to be speaking and debating with someone in the early hours of the morning and these voices turned out to be those of St. Peter and St. Paul, the pillars of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic church. If he was bothered with things like sensuality, attractions and the like, his mind might be distracted from what he calls the search for truth which to him is an acronym of the thrice Holy God. Hence, the angelic doctor was given an extraordinary grace of purity. Another aspect of purity is our perception of other people. Maliciousness is not limited to sexual desires. Prudence is the intellectual virtue to which we assess and evaluate ourselves and our brothers and sisters. Over the years, the practice of giving others the benefit of the doubt has been helpful to stir me away from judging others and thinking bad of them. It is therefore likewise a warning to those who exercise leadership or those who think they are mature already in the Lord that we must guard ourselves from being imprudent that leads to impurity as well.
Stories from the Well:
Yesterday, I went to give the Lord Jesus in the Eucharist to our sick and the elderly as was customary for me every Sunday. One lady who is like a family to me really told me that she fell down again and there is pain in her abdomen where she fell unto. She kinda is complaining because in the last 5 months of so, she has this accident maybe 5 or 6 times already. Her words to me was, “hindi na yata ako ng Diyos at parang pinababayaan na ako”. This is a genuine feeling that has to be addressed because I think faith and trust in God is being compromised. So I answered her by saying that in all the times she fell down, God protected her through the ministry of the angels. Furthermore, the accidents she suffered, given her age already did not result in fractures just bruises. Logic would say that from her stories to me meaning the intensity of the impact, fractures should have manifested but all the doctors who would check her would conclude there is none. I told her that God truly loves her and that He was not absent but rather, He was protecting her through His angels each and every fall. As I said this, I saw that she saw the hand of God caring for her and tears of joy came forth from her eyes. I told her this however should not be a cause to be careless but she must follow what her son, who is my friend and brother, tells her to do. I left and rejoiced in the Lord for taking good care of this lady through His ministering angels, who indeed is very close to my heart.
Prayer:
Thrice Holy God our Father, we come to You in the name of Jesus, our brother and Lord, together with the Holy Spirit the Paraclete and ask that You send your ministering Archangels and Angels to guard and protect us from danger, sickness, harm, impurity and imprudence. May they defend us in the hour of our temptations and deliver us from all of them. We ask this with the intercession of Holy Spouses, (Mary our Mother & Father Joseph) and St. Thomas the Angelic Doctor of the Church. Amen.
St. Thomas is called the Angelic Doctor is attributed to many things like his knowledge of the angels, his purity, his wisdom and his piety to name a few. Some weeks ago, I was asked about this and now decided to cite some of these reasons and ways in which we can apply them in our lives today. In essence, St. Thomas is a person whom the Church at large owe a debt of gratitude with his work, the Summa particularly, which has been guiding us since. As a matter of fact, ever since the Council of Trent about 500 years ago more or less, in all the Ecumenical Council the Holy Scriptures is displayed in the session halls together with the Summa Theologica of our Angelic Doctor of the Church to signify that the highest authority for the truth is the Word of God and that for guidance purposes, the Summa will be valuable as well as the Council Fathers discuss the pertinent issues of the times.
ANGELIC WISDOM:
St. Thomas is “angelic” insofar as his wisdom is likened to that of the angels. As pure spirits, the angels are not limited to the particulars of discursive reasoning, but see the whole of doctrine as one in a single unified vision. Thus, the angels are able to grasp the great unity of all theology – and this is the essence of wisdom. St. Thomas, likewise, excels every other theologian in this point. He is able to see the essential unity of all theology in God. Thus, even in a large work like the Summa Theologica, St. Thomas is always able to place the particular question at hand within the larger context of theology. While the Angelic Thomas is excellent in every detail, he never once loses the forest for the trees. Another way of saying this is that he will not be confused despite the tumultuous info and data to be able to see the thrice Holy God in the data, info or even events that are unfolding.
ANGELIC DOCTRINE:
St. Thomas is called the “Angelic Doctor” insofar as he is the expert on the doctrine of angels. More than any other writer (not excepting even the great St. Dionysius), St. Thomas has influenced the Church’s doctrine on the angelic spirits. Among many notable points which St. Thomas taught regarding the angels, we specify the following: That there are three hierarchies in which reside nine choirs of angels, that Lucifer began in the state of grace before falling, that there are more angels than specks of dust in the universe, that “angel” refers not to a nature but to the ministry of being a messenger, that each “angel” is its own species, and that angels have no bodies but are pure spirits. You can read his “Treatise on the Angel” from the “Summa Theologica Pars Prima, Q 50 to 64.
The Angelic St. Thomas has greatly influenced the Church’s teaching and the people’s devotion regarding the angels including my own.
ANGELIC PURITY:
St. Thomas is called “Angelic” on account of his great purity. After an incident in which he gained perfect purity through struggling against a certain temptress forced upon him by his family (who were trying to keep him from becoming a Dominican), St. Thomas was girded with a mystical belt of purity by two angels.
Now, since purity is most especially a quality of the angels – who neither are given nor give themselves in marriage – it is fitting that the most pure St. Thomas should be compared to these celestial spirits. Furthermore, it is worth noting that St. Thomas’ treatment of issues related to human sexuality is marked by his great purity, such that he is able to affirm what is good without scruple.
Bobby’s Note:
The word “Angel” is taken from the GK “Angelos” meaning messengers. These creatures of God are created to do the biding of the Lord our God. They are all around and has sufficient power as to the exercise of the will of God regarding a mission that the Lord has asked them to accomplish. As the Lord commands them, they minister to us and I believe they are to lead us closer to God, growth in the virtues and if need be, fight for our salvation both physical and spiritual. When I travel or am bogged down in traffic, I pray to the Lord to send the Archangels and Angels to clear the way for all of us on the road at that particular time. I found out that this prayer does accomplish the end empirically.
St. Thomas was divinely given the grace of purity I believe in order to be able to focus on the essentials of our Faith. He was said to be even heard by some of his secretaries (he had 4) to be speaking and debating with someone in the early hours of the morning and these voices turned out to be those of St. Peter and St. Paul, the pillars of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic church. If he was bothered with things like sensuality, attractions and the like, his mind might be distracted from what he calls the search for truth which to him is an acronym of the thrice Holy God. Hence, the angelic doctor was given an extraordinary grace of purity. Another aspect of purity is our perception of other people. Maliciousness is not limited to sexual desires. Prudence is the intellectual virtue to which we assess and evaluate ourselves and our brothers and sisters. Over the years, the practice of giving others the benefit of the doubt has been helpful to stir me away from judging others and thinking bad of them. It is therefore likewise a warning to those who exercise leadership or those who think they are mature already in the Lord that we must guard ourselves from being imprudent that leads to impurity as well.
Stories from the Well:
Yesterday, I went to give the Lord Jesus in the Eucharist to our sick and the elderly as was customary for me every Sunday. One lady who is like a family to me really told me that she fell down again and there is pain in her abdomen where she fell unto. She kinda is complaining because in the last 5 months of so, she has this accident maybe 5 or 6 times already. Her words to me was, “hindi na yata ako ng Diyos at parang pinababayaan na ako”. This is a genuine feeling that has to be addressed because I think faith and trust in God is being compromised. So I answered her by saying that in all the times she fell down, God protected her through the ministry of the angels. Furthermore, the accidents she suffered, given her age already did not result in fractures just bruises. Logic would say that from her stories to me meaning the intensity of the impact, fractures should have manifested but all the doctors who would check her would conclude there is none. I told her that God truly loves her and that He was not absent but rather, He was protecting her through His angels each and every fall. As I said this, I saw that she saw the hand of God caring for her and tears of joy came forth from her eyes. I told her this however should not be a cause to be careless but she must follow what her son, who is my friend and brother, tells her to do. I left and rejoiced in the Lord for taking good care of this lady through His ministering angels, who indeed is very close to my heart.
Prayer:
Thrice Holy God our Father, we come to You in the name of Jesus, our brother and Lord, together with the Holy Spirit the Paraclete and ask that You send your ministering Archangels and Angels to guard and protect us from danger, sickness, harm, impurity and imprudence. May they defend us in the hour of our temptations and deliver us from all of them. We ask this with the intercession of Holy Spouses, (Mary our Mother & Father Joseph) and St. Thomas the Angelic Doctor of the Church. Amen.
PART III (BAPTISM):
"THE GREAT COMMISSION"
by: Bro Bobby General (NSTI), CFD & RCAM
TECHNICALLY WE ALL BECAME CATHOLICS AND CHRISTIANS WHEN WE WERE BAPTIZED IN THE ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH. THIS PRODUCED IN ALL OF US AN INDELIBLE CHARACTER THAT CAN ONLY HAPPEN ONCE IN OUR LIFETIME. HENCE, ONCE A PERSON IS BAPTIZED EVEN AS AN INFANT THE SACRAMENTAL GRACES HAS BEEN DISPENSED THEREFORE THERE IS NEVER A NEED TO REPEAT IT. MOREOVER IT IS DEEMED THAT THE SACRAMENT IS A NECESSARY REQUISITE TO SALVATION.
"THE LORD HIMSELF AFFIRMS THAT BAPTISM IS NECESSARY FOR SALVATION. HE ALSO COMMANDS HIS DISCIPLES TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS AND TO BAPTIZE THEM." (CCC1257)
"THE LORD HIMSELF AFFIRMS THAT BAPTISM IS NECESSARY FOR SALVATION. HE ALSO COMMANDS HIS DISCIPLES TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS AND TO BAPTIZE THEM." (CCC1257)
A. WE ARE DISCIPLES OF JESUS, OUR BROTHER AND LORD:
RABBANIC TRADITION IN THE JEWISH CONTEXT IS DESCRIBED THIS WAY. WHEN A YOUNG MAN WANTS TO BE A RABBI, HE WILL GO INTO AN APPRENTICE OF SORTS WITH A RABBI. THIS MEANS HE WOULD BE TAKEN IN BY THE RABBI AND LITERALLY LIVE WITH THE RABBI. THE GOAL IS TO BE ABLE TO IMITATE THE RABBI INCLUDING MAYBE THE HABITS AND EVERYTHING. IT IS HIGH LEVEL IMITATION. IN OUR FULL CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN LIFE, JESUS IS OUR RABBI OR TEACHER. THE NEED TO BE IN THE MASTER’S FEET BECOMES IMPERATIVE. THIS MEANS THAT WE MUST PUT PREMIUM TO PRAYER AND THE SCRIPTURES WHICH CONTAINS THE WORDS AND TEACHINGS OF JESUS. FOR HOW CAN WE LEARN FROM THE GENTLE MASTER IF WE WILL NOT SPEND OUR TIME GETTING TO KNOW HIM MORE INTIMATELY THROUGH HIS WORDS AND TEACHINGS. JESUS HIMSELF SAID TO MARTHA IN THE GOSPEL IN REFERENCE TO MARY (SISTERS OF LAZARUS) THAT SHE HAS CHOSEN THE BETTER PART WHICH IS TO SIT AT THE MASTER’S FEET AND LISTEN TO HIS LIFE GIVING WORDS. WE ARE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS, HE IS OUR MASTER. BY OUR BAPTISM WE BECAME DISCIPLES OF JESUS. HE IS THE ONE WE IMITATE, HE IS THE ONE WE FOLLOW AND HE IS THE ONE WE OBEY. WE LEARN HIS WORDS AND TEACHINGS AND LIVE OUR LIVES GUIDED BY THEM. THESE WE CAN DO BY LECTIO DIVINA, THE ANCIENT BUT EFFECTIVE READING AND PRAYING OF THE SCRIPTURES. AS DISCIPLES OUR GOAL IS TO BE LIKE JESUS IN THOUGHTS, WORDS AND ACTION. ST. JEROME (TRANSLATOR OF THE VULGATE & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH) SAID, "IGNORANCE OF SCRIPTURES IS IGNORANCE OF CHRIST".
RABBANIC TRADITION IN THE JEWISH CONTEXT IS DESCRIBED THIS WAY. WHEN A YOUNG MAN WANTS TO BE A RABBI, HE WILL GO INTO AN APPRENTICE OF SORTS WITH A RABBI. THIS MEANS HE WOULD BE TAKEN IN BY THE RABBI AND LITERALLY LIVE WITH THE RABBI. THE GOAL IS TO BE ABLE TO IMITATE THE RABBI INCLUDING MAYBE THE HABITS AND EVERYTHING. IT IS HIGH LEVEL IMITATION. IN OUR FULL CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN LIFE, JESUS IS OUR RABBI OR TEACHER. THE NEED TO BE IN THE MASTER’S FEET BECOMES IMPERATIVE. THIS MEANS THAT WE MUST PUT PREMIUM TO PRAYER AND THE SCRIPTURES WHICH CONTAINS THE WORDS AND TEACHINGS OF JESUS. FOR HOW CAN WE LEARN FROM THE GENTLE MASTER IF WE WILL NOT SPEND OUR TIME GETTING TO KNOW HIM MORE INTIMATELY THROUGH HIS WORDS AND TEACHINGS. JESUS HIMSELF SAID TO MARTHA IN THE GOSPEL IN REFERENCE TO MARY (SISTERS OF LAZARUS) THAT SHE HAS CHOSEN THE BETTER PART WHICH IS TO SIT AT THE MASTER’S FEET AND LISTEN TO HIS LIFE GIVING WORDS. WE ARE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS, HE IS OUR MASTER. BY OUR BAPTISM WE BECAME DISCIPLES OF JESUS. HE IS THE ONE WE IMITATE, HE IS THE ONE WE FOLLOW AND HE IS THE ONE WE OBEY. WE LEARN HIS WORDS AND TEACHINGS AND LIVE OUR LIVES GUIDED BY THEM. THESE WE CAN DO BY LECTIO DIVINA, THE ANCIENT BUT EFFECTIVE READING AND PRAYING OF THE SCRIPTURES. AS DISCIPLES OUR GOAL IS TO BE LIKE JESUS IN THOUGHTS, WORDS AND ACTION. ST. JEROME (TRANSLATOR OF THE VULGATE & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH) SAID, "IGNORANCE OF SCRIPTURES IS IGNORANCE OF CHRIST".
B. WE ARE MISSIONARIES AND IT IS JESUS WHO CALLS US TO DO THIS.
The lay apostolate, however, is a participation in the salvific mission of the
Church itself. Through their baptism and confirmation all are commissioned to
that apostolate by the Lord Himself. (Lumen Gentium #33; Dogmatic Constitution on the Church)
1. THE PASSAGE IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 28 QUOTED ABOVE WERE THE LAST WORDS JESUS SAID BEFORE HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN. IN SOME WAY THIS IS HIS LAST WILL FOR US ALL WHO WILL FOLLOW HIM. THE VERY LAST WORDS OF THE LORD JESUS IS FOR US TO GO OUT AND TO BRING PERSONS OF ALL RACES AND CULTURES INTO A LIVING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ALMIGHTY FATHER, THROUGH JESUS AND INTO THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. FURTHERMORE HE SAID TO DO THIS BY BAPTIZING THEM. THE LAST THINGS PEOPLE SAY BEFORE A SCENE OF DEPARTURE ARE IMPORTANT THINGS ESPECIALLY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE PERSON LEAVING. MOST PROBABLY THE PERSON WILL NOT SPEAK OF TRIVIAL THINGS. HENCE THESE WORDS OF JESUS ARE IMPORTANT FOR US ALL AND IT IS A CALL TO ENGAGE IN MISSION OR APOSTOLATE. SAYING THIS TO US ALL THROUGH HIS CHOSEN DISCIPLES JUST MAKES THIS IMPERATIVE MORE INTENSE OR DRAMATIC (FOR EMPHASIS PURPOSES) TO SAY THE LEAST. I THINK IN THE HIERARCHY OF COMMANDS, THIS TOOK THE PROVERBIAL CAKE.
The lay apostolate, however, is a participation in the salvific mission of the
Church itself. Through their baptism and confirmation all are commissioned to
that apostolate by the Lord Himself. (Lumen Gentium #33; Dogmatic Constitution on the Church)
1. THE PASSAGE IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 28 QUOTED ABOVE WERE THE LAST WORDS JESUS SAID BEFORE HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN. IN SOME WAY THIS IS HIS LAST WILL FOR US ALL WHO WILL FOLLOW HIM. THE VERY LAST WORDS OF THE LORD JESUS IS FOR US TO GO OUT AND TO BRING PERSONS OF ALL RACES AND CULTURES INTO A LIVING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ALMIGHTY FATHER, THROUGH JESUS AND INTO THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. FURTHERMORE HE SAID TO DO THIS BY BAPTIZING THEM. THE LAST THINGS PEOPLE SAY BEFORE A SCENE OF DEPARTURE ARE IMPORTANT THINGS ESPECIALLY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE PERSON LEAVING. MOST PROBABLY THE PERSON WILL NOT SPEAK OF TRIVIAL THINGS. HENCE THESE WORDS OF JESUS ARE IMPORTANT FOR US ALL AND IT IS A CALL TO ENGAGE IN MISSION OR APOSTOLATE. SAYING THIS TO US ALL THROUGH HIS CHOSEN DISCIPLES JUST MAKES THIS IMPERATIVE MORE INTENSE OR DRAMATIC (FOR EMPHASIS PURPOSES) TO SAY THE LEAST. I THINK IN THE HIERARCHY OF COMMANDS, THIS TOOK THE PROVERBIAL CAKE.
2. WE ARE CALLED NOT TO BE SPECTATORS IN PROCLAIMING THE KINGDOM OF GOD TO ALL NATIONS STARTING WITH OUR FAMILIES AND RELATIVES MOVING TO OUR COMMUNITIES AND ON TO THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH AROUND THE WORLD. THESE THE DOCUMENT ABOVE IN LUMEN GENTIUM CLEARLY STATED REGARDING LAY MISSIONS OR APOSTOLATE. WE ARE CALLED TO BE ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS IN THIS ARENA AND NOT TO LEAVE THE TASK TO THE CLERGY WHO ARE BURDENED ENOUGH AS IT IS. WE MUST CONTRIBUTE OUR TIME, TALENTS AND EVEN OUR TREASURE TO BRING PERSONS INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD WHICH IS A KINGDOM OF LOVE. WE DO THEM BY OUR WITNESS, OUR GOOD EXAMPLE, THROUGH OUR WORDS AND DEEDS. I WILL ALWAYS MAINTAIN THAT THE PERSON WHO ARRANGED THE CHAIRS AND THE PERSON WHO DID THE PREACHING OR TEACHING, RECEIVES THE SAME GRACES AND WILL BE BLESSED BY THE LORD, WHO IS UNPREJUDICED, EQUALLY. MEANING IF GOD WILL GIVE THE ALLEGORICAL 4 POINTS, HE WILL GIVE EQUALLY TO BOTH THE ONE WHO ARRANGED THE CHAIRS AND THE PREACHER. IN EVANGELII NUNTIANDI BLESSED POPE PAUL VI STATES THAT CATHOLIC EVANGELIZATION IS MORE WITNESS (EXAMPLE OF GOOD WORKS) THAN IT IS WORDS OR PREACHING. MY IMPRESSION IS THAT HE WANTS US TO SHOW BY OUR EXAMPLE FIRST, THEN GO AND SPEAK ABOUT GOSPEL TRUTHS. THIS FOR ME IS LOGICAL ALTHOUGH IT IS MORE CHALLENGING. ST. ANTHONY THE ARK OF THE TESTAMENTS, MIRACULOUS WONDER WORKER AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH SAID, "ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS, LET YOUR WORDS TEACH AND YOUR ACTIONS SPEAK".
3. LOVE IS THE MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELIZATION, MISSION OR APOSTOLATE. LOVE GOD AND LOVE FOR OTHERS. LOVE IS AND SHOULD BE AT THE HEART OF ALL EVANGELISM, MISSIONARY OR APOSTOLIC ACTIVITES. LOVE IS WHAT WE PROCLAIM BECAUSE GOD IS LOVE AND WE HAVE EXPERIENCED IT IN OUR LIVES. SOMETIMES WE DO OUR MISSION OR APOSTOLATE IN THE CHURCH BECAUSE WE LIKE THE ATTENTION, WE SEEM TO THINK WE ARE MORE CAPABLE THAN OTHERS OR WE ARE JUST THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN DO THIS AND BEING SUCH WE ARE GIVEN THE RIGHT TO BE UNPLEASANT TO OTHERS. THIS CANNOT BE THINGS MOTIVATED OUT OF LOVE. WE NEED TO PRAY THAT THE LORD DELIVER US FROM THESE SELFISH TENDENCIES AND JUST BE ABLE TO FOCUS ON THE MISSION OR APOSTOLATE HE HAS COMMISSIONED US TO DO. WE MUST IN SOME WAY, BY THE GRACE OF GOD REMOVE THE SPIRIT OF COMPETITION AND HAVE THE SPIRIT OF TRUE CHARITY. LOVE, I BELIEVE IN MINISTRY OR SERVICE IS THIS, THAT WE DO THIS TO GLORIFY GOD NOT OURSELVES AND CONDUCTED TO EDIFY HIS PEOPLE. WE CANNOT BE TRUE MINISTERS IF WE HAVE OURSELVES, OUR FEELINGS AND OUR BENEFITS IN OUR HEART WHILE DOING THIS. THE PRAYER BY ST. CATHERINE LABOURE (MIRACULOUS MEDAL AND INCORRUPTIBLE) WHICH I PRAY EVERY THURSDAY SAYS IT BEAUTIFULLY, “I PRAY AND LISTEN TO GOD, IF HE HAS A TASK FOR ME, THANKS BE TO GOD. IF HE DOES NOT, THANKS BE TO GOD AS WELL”. IT IS NOT ABOUT US, IT IS ACTUALLY ALL ABOUT GOD AND FOR HIS GLORY AND THEN FOR THE EDIFICATION OF HIS PEOPLE, HIS CREATED ONES IN HIS VERY OWN IMAGE. AS A CHURCH COMMUNITY PEOPLE OUTSIDE MUST SAY LIKE IN THE EARLY CHURCH, “SEE HOW THEY LOVE ONE ANOTHER”. THIS IS OUR STRONGEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE WITNESS, THEY SEE LOVE (GOD) IN OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS.
A great many wonderful things are to be hoped for from this familiar dialogue between the laity and their spiritual leaders (bishops & priests): in the laity a strengthened sense of personal responsibility; a renewed enthusiasm; a more ready application of their talents to the projects of their spiritual leaders. The latter, on the other hand, aided by the experience of the laity, can more clearly and more incisively come to decisions regarding both spiritual and temporal matters. In this way, the whole Church, strengthened by each one of its members, may more effectively fulfill its mission for the life of the world. (Lumen Gentium #37; Dogmatic Constitution on the Church
STORIES FROM THE WELL:
SINCE NOVEMBER 2017 WE HAVE AS A TENANT A BROTHER WHO IS UNDERGOING SOME NEURO AILMENTS. HE CANNOT GO OUTSIDE FROM THE GATE OF THEIR HOME BECAUSE WHEN HE DOES HE SUFFERS FROM SOME PSYCHOSOMATIC MANIFESTIONS LIKE WETTING, EXTREME FEAR AND THE LIKE. ACTUALLY, THE REASON WHY HE RESIDED HERE AT OUR BUILDING IS HIS DOCTOR LIVES ON THE NEXT STREET TO FACILITITATE THE SESSIONS. DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF HIS STAY HERE, HE WOULD BE ACCOMPANIED TO THE DOCTOR (SOMETIMES I WOULD) AND BY EVENING WE WILL SPEND SOME TIME TALKING ABOUT THE PLAN OF GOD FOR OUR LIVES WHICH IS TO LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST (JOHN 10). THEN THE NEXT WEEK I OPENED UP FOR HIM THE IDEA OF CONFESSION SO I ASKED MY CO-APOSTOLATE MATE PRIEST, FR. JOHON MINTO RAY FROM BANGLADESH TO HEAR HIS CONFESSION AND HE AGREED. AFTER THAT WE WOULD STILL HAVE OUR SESSIONS (ALMOST DAILY) AND EVERY SUNDAY, I WOULD BRING JESUS TO HIM IN THE EUCHARIST. I UNDERSTOOD WHAT HE IS UNDERGOING SO I TOOK THE TIME TO SHOW HIM MY LOVE AND CONCERN BY SPENDING TIME WITH HIM EVERY TIME HE NEEDS TO TALK. HIS RELATIVE, AN AUNT ACTUALLY SURPRISED ME BECAUSE WHEN WE SAW EACH OTHER AT CHURCH, SHE THANKED ME THAT I AM DOING THIS FOR HIS NEPHEW. HE IS BETTER NOW BUT I STILL THINK HE WOULD STILL NEED SOME TIME TO TRULY RECOVER COMPLETELY BUT WITH THE SUPPORT OF HIS RELATIVES AND THE CHURCH (THROUGH ME), I KNOW THAT ONE OF THESE DAYS WE WILL SEE HIM TRULY BACK ON HIS FEET AND LEADING A MORE PRODUCTIVE LIFE ONCE MORE. HE IS VERY TALENTED AND I TOLD HIM THAT HE SHOULD RECOVER BECAUSE HE COULD BE A FORCE FOR GOOD THAT WILL BRING GLORY TO GOD AND EDIFY THOSE AROUND HIM. TO QUOTE HER AUNT THE COMBINATION OF SCIENCE (THROUGH HIS DOCTOR) AND FAITH (THROUGH ME?) WILL SURELY BRING ABOUT THE RECOVERY EVERYONE DESIRES, VERY THOMIST (THOMAS AQUINAS) INDEED "FAITH AND REASON". BY THE WAY, HE GOES TO THE SESSIONS BY HIMSELF NOWADAYS AND WAS ABLE TO GO TO THE NEARBY MALL. "AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM" (FOR GOD’S GREATER GLORY).
UPDATE:
THESE DAYS THIS PARTICULAR BROTHER IS NOW DRIVING FOR "GRAB" AND LAST NIGHT HE SHOWED ME THE GOOD REVIEWS HE ATTAINED LIKE "VERY HELPFUL', "GOOD CONVERSANT" AND THE LIKE. VERY ENCOURAGING THAT THE LORD WILL WORK TO BRING HIM HEALTH AND IS NOW A PRODUCTIVE MEMBER OF OUR SOCIETY. "AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM".
SINCE NOVEMBER 2017 WE HAVE AS A TENANT A BROTHER WHO IS UNDERGOING SOME NEURO AILMENTS. HE CANNOT GO OUTSIDE FROM THE GATE OF THEIR HOME BECAUSE WHEN HE DOES HE SUFFERS FROM SOME PSYCHOSOMATIC MANIFESTIONS LIKE WETTING, EXTREME FEAR AND THE LIKE. ACTUALLY, THE REASON WHY HE RESIDED HERE AT OUR BUILDING IS HIS DOCTOR LIVES ON THE NEXT STREET TO FACILITITATE THE SESSIONS. DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF HIS STAY HERE, HE WOULD BE ACCOMPANIED TO THE DOCTOR (SOMETIMES I WOULD) AND BY EVENING WE WILL SPEND SOME TIME TALKING ABOUT THE PLAN OF GOD FOR OUR LIVES WHICH IS TO LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST (JOHN 10). THEN THE NEXT WEEK I OPENED UP FOR HIM THE IDEA OF CONFESSION SO I ASKED MY CO-APOSTOLATE MATE PRIEST, FR. JOHON MINTO RAY FROM BANGLADESH TO HEAR HIS CONFESSION AND HE AGREED. AFTER THAT WE WOULD STILL HAVE OUR SESSIONS (ALMOST DAILY) AND EVERY SUNDAY, I WOULD BRING JESUS TO HIM IN THE EUCHARIST. I UNDERSTOOD WHAT HE IS UNDERGOING SO I TOOK THE TIME TO SHOW HIM MY LOVE AND CONCERN BY SPENDING TIME WITH HIM EVERY TIME HE NEEDS TO TALK. HIS RELATIVE, AN AUNT ACTUALLY SURPRISED ME BECAUSE WHEN WE SAW EACH OTHER AT CHURCH, SHE THANKED ME THAT I AM DOING THIS FOR HIS NEPHEW. HE IS BETTER NOW BUT I STILL THINK HE WOULD STILL NEED SOME TIME TO TRULY RECOVER COMPLETELY BUT WITH THE SUPPORT OF HIS RELATIVES AND THE CHURCH (THROUGH ME), I KNOW THAT ONE OF THESE DAYS WE WILL SEE HIM TRULY BACK ON HIS FEET AND LEADING A MORE PRODUCTIVE LIFE ONCE MORE. HE IS VERY TALENTED AND I TOLD HIM THAT HE SHOULD RECOVER BECAUSE HE COULD BE A FORCE FOR GOOD THAT WILL BRING GLORY TO GOD AND EDIFY THOSE AROUND HIM. TO QUOTE HER AUNT THE COMBINATION OF SCIENCE (THROUGH HIS DOCTOR) AND FAITH (THROUGH ME?) WILL SURELY BRING ABOUT THE RECOVERY EVERYONE DESIRES, VERY THOMIST (THOMAS AQUINAS) INDEED "FAITH AND REASON". BY THE WAY, HE GOES TO THE SESSIONS BY HIMSELF NOWADAYS AND WAS ABLE TO GO TO THE NEARBY MALL. "AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM" (FOR GOD’S GREATER GLORY).
UPDATE:
THESE DAYS THIS PARTICULAR BROTHER IS NOW DRIVING FOR "GRAB" AND LAST NIGHT HE SHOWED ME THE GOOD REVIEWS HE ATTAINED LIKE "VERY HELPFUL', "GOOD CONVERSANT" AND THE LIKE. VERY ENCOURAGING THAT THE LORD WILL WORK TO BRING HIM HEALTH AND IS NOW A PRODUCTIVE MEMBER OF OUR SOCIETY. "AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM".
PART II (BAPTISM): SHARERS OF THE LIFE
& MISSION OF CHRIST:
by: Bro Bobby General (NSTI), CFD & RCAM
TECHNICALLY WE ALL BECAME CATHOLICS AND CHRISTIANS WHEN WE WERE BAPTIZED IN THE ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH. THIS PRODUCED IN ALL OF US AN INDELIBLE CHARACTER THAT CAN ONLY HAPPEN ONCE IN OUR LIFETIME. HENCE, ONCE A PERSON IS BAPTIZED EVEN AS AN INFANT THE SACRAMENTAL GRACES HAS BEEN DISPENSED THEREFORE THERE IS NEVER A NEED TO REPEAT IT. MOREOVER IT IS DEEMED THAT THE SACRAMENT IS A NECESSARY REQUISITE TO SALVATION.
“REBORN AS SONS OF GOD, (THE BAPTIZED) MUST PROFESS BEFORE MEN THE FAITH THEY HAVE RECEIVED FROM GOD THROUGH THE CHURCH” AND PARTICIPATE IN THE APOSTOLIC AND MISSIONARY ACTIVITY OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD. (CCC 1270).
“REBORN AS SONS OF GOD, (THE BAPTIZED) MUST PROFESS BEFORE MEN THE FAITH THEY HAVE RECEIVED FROM GOD THROUGH THE CHURCH” AND PARTICIPATE IN THE APOSTOLIC AND MISSIONARY ACTIVITY OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD. (CCC 1270).
A. PRIEST (1PT 2: 9-10) CCC 1268
WE ARE PRIESTS WHETHER THE COMMON (LAITY) OR MINISTERIAL (CLERGY). THIS IS PART OF OUR CALLING. AS PRIEST OUR PRAYERS BECOME MEANINGFUL. WE ARE ABLE TO DO THIS BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS, SHED ON THE CROSS, BRINGING US IN COMMUNION WITH GOD OUR FATHER. IN THE OLD DISPENSATION, IT IS ONLY THE HIGH PRIEST WHO COMES INTO THE VERY PRESENCE OF GOD, THE HOLY OF HOLIES IN THE TEMPLE. THE HOLY OF HOLIES IN THE TEMPLE IS SEPARATED BY A VEIL. IN THE ACCOUNTS OF THE CRUCIFIXION OF OUR LORD, THE EVANGELISTS WRITES AT THE MOMENT OF EXPIRATION, THE VEIL WAS TORN APART. THIS TELLS US THAT NOW, WE WHO WILL BE DISCIPLES OF JESUS NOW, CAN ENTER INTO THE VERY PRESENCE OF GOD THROUGH PRAYER. MOREOVER, THAT THIS IS A GRACE GOD GIVES US BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE FOR US AND IS PAID FOR BY THE LAMB OF GOD, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. THIS IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE THAT MANY TIMES WE NEGLECT OR WORSE, WE DO NOT PUT FAITH INTO MEANING, WE SEE VERY LITTLE VALUE. UPON BAPTISM, THE PRIEST WHICH IS THE RIGHTFUL MINISTER APPLIES THE CHRISM OIL AND TELLS US THAT WE ARE TO SHARE IN THE MISSION OF CHRIST AS PRIEST, PROPHET AND KING. THIS IS OUR COMMON CALLING AS BAPTIZED CATHOLIC CHRISTIANS.
OUR PRIESTHOOD MAKES PRAYER A VOCATION. IT IS A TASK THAT WE PERFORM AS PART OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD. IT IS LIKEWISE THE TASK THAT WOULD LITERALLY BRING US IN COMMUNION WITH GOD. OUR PRAYER WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN US BRINGS US TO THE PRESENCE OF GOD JUST LIKE THE PRIESTS OF THE OLD DISPENSATION. WE ARE UNITED WITH THE DIVINE IN PRAYER, MEDITATION AND CONTEMPLATION. PRAYER IS ALSO KIND OF LIKE FOOD FOR OUR SOULS BECAUSE AT THE MOMENT OF PRAYER, IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD, WE RECEIVE GRACES THAT WOULD ALLOW US TO GROW IN THE VIRTUES. AS WE SPEND TIME AS WELL IN INTERCESSION ESPECIALLY, OUR CHARITY AND LOVE FOR OTHERS GROW EXPONENTIALLY. PRAYER IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS IS NOT JUST A VOCATION IT IS A NECESSITY THAT WE NEED IN OUR PILGRIMAGE TOWARDS THE KINGDOM OF GOD, HEAVEN.
“WE NEED TO PRAY 30 MINUTES EACH DAY. HOWEVER, IF WE ARE BUSY, WE NEED TO PRAY ONE HOUR .” (ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH)
WE ARE PRIESTS WHETHER THE COMMON (LAITY) OR MINISTERIAL (CLERGY). THIS IS PART OF OUR CALLING. AS PRIEST OUR PRAYERS BECOME MEANINGFUL. WE ARE ABLE TO DO THIS BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS, SHED ON THE CROSS, BRINGING US IN COMMUNION WITH GOD OUR FATHER. IN THE OLD DISPENSATION, IT IS ONLY THE HIGH PRIEST WHO COMES INTO THE VERY PRESENCE OF GOD, THE HOLY OF HOLIES IN THE TEMPLE. THE HOLY OF HOLIES IN THE TEMPLE IS SEPARATED BY A VEIL. IN THE ACCOUNTS OF THE CRUCIFIXION OF OUR LORD, THE EVANGELISTS WRITES AT THE MOMENT OF EXPIRATION, THE VEIL WAS TORN APART. THIS TELLS US THAT NOW, WE WHO WILL BE DISCIPLES OF JESUS NOW, CAN ENTER INTO THE VERY PRESENCE OF GOD THROUGH PRAYER. MOREOVER, THAT THIS IS A GRACE GOD GIVES US BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE FOR US AND IS PAID FOR BY THE LAMB OF GOD, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. THIS IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE THAT MANY TIMES WE NEGLECT OR WORSE, WE DO NOT PUT FAITH INTO MEANING, WE SEE VERY LITTLE VALUE. UPON BAPTISM, THE PRIEST WHICH IS THE RIGHTFUL MINISTER APPLIES THE CHRISM OIL AND TELLS US THAT WE ARE TO SHARE IN THE MISSION OF CHRIST AS PRIEST, PROPHET AND KING. THIS IS OUR COMMON CALLING AS BAPTIZED CATHOLIC CHRISTIANS.
OUR PRIESTHOOD MAKES PRAYER A VOCATION. IT IS A TASK THAT WE PERFORM AS PART OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD. IT IS LIKEWISE THE TASK THAT WOULD LITERALLY BRING US IN COMMUNION WITH GOD. OUR PRAYER WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN US BRINGS US TO THE PRESENCE OF GOD JUST LIKE THE PRIESTS OF THE OLD DISPENSATION. WE ARE UNITED WITH THE DIVINE IN PRAYER, MEDITATION AND CONTEMPLATION. PRAYER IS ALSO KIND OF LIKE FOOD FOR OUR SOULS BECAUSE AT THE MOMENT OF PRAYER, IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD, WE RECEIVE GRACES THAT WOULD ALLOW US TO GROW IN THE VIRTUES. AS WE SPEND TIME AS WELL IN INTERCESSION ESPECIALLY, OUR CHARITY AND LOVE FOR OTHERS GROW EXPONENTIALLY. PRAYER IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS IS NOT JUST A VOCATION IT IS A NECESSITY THAT WE NEED IN OUR PILGRIMAGE TOWARDS THE KINGDOM OF GOD, HEAVEN.
“WE NEED TO PRAY 30 MINUTES EACH DAY. HOWEVER, IF WE ARE BUSY, WE NEED TO PRAY ONE HOUR .” (ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH)
B. PROPHET (LUMEN GENTIUM 35)
THE PROPHET OF OLD ACT AS THE VOICE OF GOD ON EARTH. THE CHURCH IS THE VOICE OF GOD IN THESE OUR TIMES. THE CHURCH GUIDES THE PEOPLE OF GOD TO THE DISCOVERY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WILL OF GOD. SHE GUIDES THE PEOPLE OF GOD TO ALL TRUTH. SHE IS THE LIGHT THAT ILLUMINATES THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES AND BRINGS THE FLOCK TO THE RIGHT AND GOD ORDAINED PATH. THE CHURCH IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD WHO WILL PROTECT THE FLOCK FROM EVIL AND IF NEED BE, LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR THE FLOCK.
AS PROPHETS WE MUST BE AWARE OF THE WILL OF GOD IN THESE OUR TIMES. AS WE MOVE TO BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD AS A PERSON IN THE FAMILY, THE PARISH, THE DIOCESE OR ARCHDIOCESE AND IN THE WORLD AT LARGE. OUR HEARTS MUST BE SET ON FINDING OUT AND BEING GUIDED BY THE WILL OF GOD.
TRADITIONALLY THESE ARE THE MEANS BY WHICH WE GET OUR FAITH AND GUIDANCE; SACRED SCRIPTURES (THE BIBLE), SACRED TRADITIONS AND THE TEACHING AUTHORITY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. THESE ARE THE NORMAL WAYS IN WHICH WE FIND OUT THE WILL OF GOD AND SPEAK OF IT TO OTHERS AS PROPHETS OF OUR TIMES IN THE FAMILY AND ELSEWHERE.
ON SPECIFIC ISSUES HOWEVER, SOMETIMES THE CHURCH EITHER THROUGH THE MAGISTERIUM OR THROUGH THE BISHOP CONFERENCES, WILL COME OUT WITH SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR THE FAITHFUL TO FOLLOW WHETHER IT BE IN THE UNIVERSAL OR LOCAL DIOCESE. THESE GUIDELINES ARE PROPHETIC VOICES THAT WE MUST ALL ADHERE TO AND IF GIVEN A CHANCE, PROCLAIM TO OTHERS.
LIKE THE PROPHETS OF OLD, SOME OF THESE GUIDELINES WILL BE REJECTED AND RIDICULED. WE MUST HOWEVER, STAY THE COURSE AND BY FAITH KNOW THAT IN THE END THE WILL OF GOD IS THE RIGHT PATH TO TAKE.
THE PROPHET OF OLD ACT AS THE VOICE OF GOD ON EARTH. THE CHURCH IS THE VOICE OF GOD IN THESE OUR TIMES. THE CHURCH GUIDES THE PEOPLE OF GOD TO THE DISCOVERY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WILL OF GOD. SHE GUIDES THE PEOPLE OF GOD TO ALL TRUTH. SHE IS THE LIGHT THAT ILLUMINATES THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES AND BRINGS THE FLOCK TO THE RIGHT AND GOD ORDAINED PATH. THE CHURCH IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD WHO WILL PROTECT THE FLOCK FROM EVIL AND IF NEED BE, LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR THE FLOCK.
AS PROPHETS WE MUST BE AWARE OF THE WILL OF GOD IN THESE OUR TIMES. AS WE MOVE TO BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD AS A PERSON IN THE FAMILY, THE PARISH, THE DIOCESE OR ARCHDIOCESE AND IN THE WORLD AT LARGE. OUR HEARTS MUST BE SET ON FINDING OUT AND BEING GUIDED BY THE WILL OF GOD.
TRADITIONALLY THESE ARE THE MEANS BY WHICH WE GET OUR FAITH AND GUIDANCE; SACRED SCRIPTURES (THE BIBLE), SACRED TRADITIONS AND THE TEACHING AUTHORITY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. THESE ARE THE NORMAL WAYS IN WHICH WE FIND OUT THE WILL OF GOD AND SPEAK OF IT TO OTHERS AS PROPHETS OF OUR TIMES IN THE FAMILY AND ELSEWHERE.
ON SPECIFIC ISSUES HOWEVER, SOMETIMES THE CHURCH EITHER THROUGH THE MAGISTERIUM OR THROUGH THE BISHOP CONFERENCES, WILL COME OUT WITH SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR THE FAITHFUL TO FOLLOW WHETHER IT BE IN THE UNIVERSAL OR LOCAL DIOCESE. THESE GUIDELINES ARE PROPHETIC VOICES THAT WE MUST ALL ADHERE TO AND IF GIVEN A CHANCE, PROCLAIM TO OTHERS.
LIKE THE PROPHETS OF OLD, SOME OF THESE GUIDELINES WILL BE REJECTED AND RIDICULED. WE MUST HOWEVER, STAY THE COURSE AND BY FAITH KNOW THAT IN THE END THE WILL OF GOD IS THE RIGHT PATH TO TAKE.
C. KING (PHIL 2: 8-9)
JESUS SAID, “I CAME NOT TO BE SERVED BUT TO SERVE AND GIVE MY LIFE AS A RANSOM FOR MANY”. OUR LORD AND MASTER SHOWED US THE ROYAL WAY OF LIFE AND IT IS A LIFE OF SERVING OTHERS AND PROCLAIMING THE KINGDOM OF GOD. WE CANNOT TRULY SHARE IN THE MISSION OF JESUS AS KING WHILE REMAINING COMFORTABLE WITH OUR ME AND MY GOD MENTALITY. SERVICE IS A WAY OF LIFE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD. IT IS WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO.
THE WORKSHOP FOR OUR SERVICE LIFE IS BEST APPLIED IN THE STRUCTURES THAT WE HAVE IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. WE START IN THE FAMILY, THEN WE MOVE TO THE PARISH COMMUNITY (NEIGHBORS), THEN WE MOVE TO THE BIGGER VENUE THE DIOCESE OR ARCHDIOCESE AND IF NEED BE TO THE REST OF THE WORLD.
JESUS AS KING IS LIKEWISE A REFLECTION OF HIS VICTORY OVER SIN AND DEATH BY HIS RESURRECTION. AS SHARERS WITH THE KINGSHIP OF JESUS, WE HIS FOLLOWERS ARE CALLED TO LIVE A LIFE OF HOLINESS. THIS IS A LIFE WHERE AS WE OPERATE AND LIVE IN THE CHURCH, WE GROW IN THE VIRTUES AND BEAR THE FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIFE. TO SERVE OR TO PERFORM THE ACTIVITY IS NOT ENOUGH, WE MUST GROW IN THE VIRTUES AS WE PERFORM THE SERVICE ACTIVITY. THIS I BELIEVE IS THE PURPOSE OF OUR SERVICE.
FINALLY, I THINK TO SHARE THE KINGSHIP OF JESUS MEANS WE ARE BECOMING LESS FOCUSED ON OURSELVES AND IS BECOMING MORE FOCUSED ON OTHERS, OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
JESUS SAID, “I CAME NOT TO BE SERVED BUT TO SERVE AND GIVE MY LIFE AS A RANSOM FOR MANY”. OUR LORD AND MASTER SHOWED US THE ROYAL WAY OF LIFE AND IT IS A LIFE OF SERVING OTHERS AND PROCLAIMING THE KINGDOM OF GOD. WE CANNOT TRULY SHARE IN THE MISSION OF JESUS AS KING WHILE REMAINING COMFORTABLE WITH OUR ME AND MY GOD MENTALITY. SERVICE IS A WAY OF LIFE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD. IT IS WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO.
THE WORKSHOP FOR OUR SERVICE LIFE IS BEST APPLIED IN THE STRUCTURES THAT WE HAVE IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. WE START IN THE FAMILY, THEN WE MOVE TO THE PARISH COMMUNITY (NEIGHBORS), THEN WE MOVE TO THE BIGGER VENUE THE DIOCESE OR ARCHDIOCESE AND IF NEED BE TO THE REST OF THE WORLD.
JESUS AS KING IS LIKEWISE A REFLECTION OF HIS VICTORY OVER SIN AND DEATH BY HIS RESURRECTION. AS SHARERS WITH THE KINGSHIP OF JESUS, WE HIS FOLLOWERS ARE CALLED TO LIVE A LIFE OF HOLINESS. THIS IS A LIFE WHERE AS WE OPERATE AND LIVE IN THE CHURCH, WE GROW IN THE VIRTUES AND BEAR THE FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIFE. TO SERVE OR TO PERFORM THE ACTIVITY IS NOT ENOUGH, WE MUST GROW IN THE VIRTUES AS WE PERFORM THE SERVICE ACTIVITY. THIS I BELIEVE IS THE PURPOSE OF OUR SERVICE.
FINALLY, I THINK TO SHARE THE KINGSHIP OF JESUS MEANS WE ARE BECOMING LESS FOCUSED ON OURSELVES AND IS BECOMING MORE FOCUSED ON OTHERS, OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
STORIES FROM THE WELL:
EVERY SUNDAY WE HERE AT ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER PARISH SPECIFICALLY MYSELF AND BROTHER JUN SUNGA CONDUCT OUR EUCHARISTIC APOSTOLATE TO THE SICK AND THOSE WHO ARE TAKING CARE OF THE SICK IN THE HOSPITAL HERE IN OUR PARISH, ST. CLARES HOSPITAL. WE HAVE FOR ALMOST 5 YEARS BEEN FAITHFUL IN THIS APOSTOLATE AND THOSE WHOM WE ADMINISTER THIS HAVE FULFILLED THEIR SUNDAY OBLIGATION FOR MASS AS THIS IS THE FACULTY WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM OUR PARISH PRIEST. THIS WAS STARTED FOR US BY A FRANISCAN NUN, SISTER HELEN WHO CONDUCT VISITATION FOR THE SICK EVERY THURSDAY IN THE MENTIONED HOSPITAL. WE WILL GO THROUGH ALL THE ROOMS IN EVERY FLOOR. INCLUDED IN OUR EUCHARISTIC APOSTOLATE IS THE READING OF THE GOSPEL AND THEN I (A BIBLICAL MINISTER AS WELL), SHALL SHARE SOME THINGS TO BRING THE GOSPEL TO A PRACTICAL APPLICATION AND IN LINE WITH THEIR PATRTICULAR SITUATION. AS I SHARE, I CONTINUE TO ASK INSPIRATION FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT AND PARTICULARLY THE FRANCISCAN SAINTS, FRANCIS, ANTONIO AND CLARE. MANY TIMES, THE MESSAGE WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM ROOM TO ROOM. SOMETIMES THOSE WHO I SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH WILL TELL ME THAT THEY ARE TOUCHED AND LED TO ACTION AFTER SUCH APOSTOLATE AS THEY FELT THAT IT IS PERSONAL MESSAGE OF GOD FOR THEM. THIS WILL END FOR ME WITH GOING TO THE RECOVERY AND NEURO SECTION OF THE HOSPITAL IN THE TOP FLOOR. HERE I DO TAKE MY TIME AND MAKE MYSELF AVAILABLE FOR SPIRITUAL CONSULTATIONS OR JUST SHARING FROM THE PATIENTS. OVER THE COURSE OF YEARS, MANY OF THESE PATIENTS HAVE BEEN MINISTERED TO AND THE MESSAGE I WILL MAINTAIN IS THAT “GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU IN YOUR FAMILIES, IN YOUR WORKPLACES, THE PARISH AND YOU ARE JUST HERE TO RECOVER”. THESE WORDS GIVE THEM HOPE. IN HINDSIGHT AS I CONDUCT THE APOSTOLATE WHICH FOR ME IS SHARING IN THE THREE-FOLD MISSION OF THE LORD JESUS AS PRIEST (PRAYING WITH THEM), PROPHET (SHARING GOD’S WORD TO THEM) AND KING (SERVING THEM BY BRINGING JESUS IN THE EUCHARIST), I FIND MYSELF BEING EVANGELIZED BY THEIR OPEN HEARTS AND RECEPTION TO THE PLAN OF GOD. SOMETIMES, I TELL THEM THIS SO THEY WOULD NOT FEEL SO HELPLESS. IN THE END, I UNDERSTAND AND RELATE TO THEM. I REMEMBER THE WORDS OF A PRIEST/EVANGELIST WHO SAID THAT WHEN WE SERVE GOD THROUGH OUR NEIGHBORS, “WE ARE JUST BEGGARS (POOR) POINTING OUT TO THEM (OTHER BEGGARS/POOR) WHERE TO FIND THE BREAD (LIFE)”. THIS IS FOR ME THE HEART OF EVANGELIZATION, TO BRING OTHER PERSONS INTO A LIVING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER, THROUGH HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON JESUS AND INTO FELLOWSHIP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, OUR HELPER. AMEN.
EVERY SUNDAY WE HERE AT ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER PARISH SPECIFICALLY MYSELF AND BROTHER JUN SUNGA CONDUCT OUR EUCHARISTIC APOSTOLATE TO THE SICK AND THOSE WHO ARE TAKING CARE OF THE SICK IN THE HOSPITAL HERE IN OUR PARISH, ST. CLARES HOSPITAL. WE HAVE FOR ALMOST 5 YEARS BEEN FAITHFUL IN THIS APOSTOLATE AND THOSE WHOM WE ADMINISTER THIS HAVE FULFILLED THEIR SUNDAY OBLIGATION FOR MASS AS THIS IS THE FACULTY WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM OUR PARISH PRIEST. THIS WAS STARTED FOR US BY A FRANISCAN NUN, SISTER HELEN WHO CONDUCT VISITATION FOR THE SICK EVERY THURSDAY IN THE MENTIONED HOSPITAL. WE WILL GO THROUGH ALL THE ROOMS IN EVERY FLOOR. INCLUDED IN OUR EUCHARISTIC APOSTOLATE IS THE READING OF THE GOSPEL AND THEN I (A BIBLICAL MINISTER AS WELL), SHALL SHARE SOME THINGS TO BRING THE GOSPEL TO A PRACTICAL APPLICATION AND IN LINE WITH THEIR PATRTICULAR SITUATION. AS I SHARE, I CONTINUE TO ASK INSPIRATION FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT AND PARTICULARLY THE FRANCISCAN SAINTS, FRANCIS, ANTONIO AND CLARE. MANY TIMES, THE MESSAGE WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM ROOM TO ROOM. SOMETIMES THOSE WHO I SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH WILL TELL ME THAT THEY ARE TOUCHED AND LED TO ACTION AFTER SUCH APOSTOLATE AS THEY FELT THAT IT IS PERSONAL MESSAGE OF GOD FOR THEM. THIS WILL END FOR ME WITH GOING TO THE RECOVERY AND NEURO SECTION OF THE HOSPITAL IN THE TOP FLOOR. HERE I DO TAKE MY TIME AND MAKE MYSELF AVAILABLE FOR SPIRITUAL CONSULTATIONS OR JUST SHARING FROM THE PATIENTS. OVER THE COURSE OF YEARS, MANY OF THESE PATIENTS HAVE BEEN MINISTERED TO AND THE MESSAGE I WILL MAINTAIN IS THAT “GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU IN YOUR FAMILIES, IN YOUR WORKPLACES, THE PARISH AND YOU ARE JUST HERE TO RECOVER”. THESE WORDS GIVE THEM HOPE. IN HINDSIGHT AS I CONDUCT THE APOSTOLATE WHICH FOR ME IS SHARING IN THE THREE-FOLD MISSION OF THE LORD JESUS AS PRIEST (PRAYING WITH THEM), PROPHET (SHARING GOD’S WORD TO THEM) AND KING (SERVING THEM BY BRINGING JESUS IN THE EUCHARIST), I FIND MYSELF BEING EVANGELIZED BY THEIR OPEN HEARTS AND RECEPTION TO THE PLAN OF GOD. SOMETIMES, I TELL THEM THIS SO THEY WOULD NOT FEEL SO HELPLESS. IN THE END, I UNDERSTAND AND RELATE TO THEM. I REMEMBER THE WORDS OF A PRIEST/EVANGELIST WHO SAID THAT WHEN WE SERVE GOD THROUGH OUR NEIGHBORS, “WE ARE JUST BEGGARS (POOR) POINTING OUT TO THEM (OTHER BEGGARS/POOR) WHERE TO FIND THE BREAD (LIFE)”. THIS IS FOR ME THE HEART OF EVANGELIZATION, TO BRING OTHER PERSONS INTO A LIVING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER, THROUGH HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON JESUS AND INTO FELLOWSHIP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, OUR HELPER. AMEN.
3 PART SERIES ON THE PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS OF BAPTISM:
by: Bro Bobby General (NSTI), CFD & RCAM
PART 1: EFFECTS OF BAPTISM
TECHNICALLY WE ALL BECAME CATHOLICS AND CHRISTIANS WHEN WE WERE BAPTIZED IN THE ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH. THIS PRODUCED IN ALL OF US AN INDELIBLE CHARACTER THAT CAN ONLY HAPPEN ONCE IN OUR LIFETIME. HENCE, ONCE A PERSON IS BAPTIZED EVEN AS AN INFANT THE SACRAMENTAL GRACES HAS BEEN DISPENSED THEREFORE THERE IS NEVER A NEED TO REPEAT IT. MOREOVER IT IS DEEMED THAT THE SACRAMENT IS A NECESSARY REQUISITE TO SALVATION.
THE LORD HIMSELF AFFIRMS THAT BAPTISM IS NECESSARY FOR
SALVATION.HE ALSO COMMANDS HIS DISCIPLES TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS AND TO BAPTIZE THEM. (CCC1257)
THE LORD HIMSELF AFFIRMS THAT BAPTISM IS NECESSARY FOR
SALVATION.HE ALSO COMMANDS HIS DISCIPLES TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS AND TO BAPTIZE THEM. (CCC1257)
I EFFECTS OF BAPTISM:
“THE MOST HOLY TRINITY GIVES THE BAPTIZED SANCTIFYING GRACE, THE GRACE OF JUSTIFICATION ENABLING THEM TO BELIEVE IN GOD, TO HOPE IN HIM AND TO LOVE HIM THROUGH THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES; GIVING THEM THE POWER TO LIVE AND ACT UNDER THE PROMPTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT; ALLOWING THEM TO GROW IN GOODNESS THROUGH THE MORAL VIRTUES. THUS THE WHOLE ORGANISM OF THE CHRISTIAN’S SUPERNATURAL LIFE HAS ITS ROOTS IN BAPTISM.”
(CCC 1266)
“THE MOST HOLY TRINITY GIVES THE BAPTIZED SANCTIFYING GRACE, THE GRACE OF JUSTIFICATION ENABLING THEM TO BELIEVE IN GOD, TO HOPE IN HIM AND TO LOVE HIM THROUGH THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES; GIVING THEM THE POWER TO LIVE AND ACT UNDER THE PROMPTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT; ALLOWING THEM TO GROW IN GOODNESS THROUGH THE MORAL VIRTUES. THUS THE WHOLE ORGANISM OF THE CHRISTIAN’S SUPERNATURAL LIFE HAS ITS ROOTS IN BAPTISM.”
(CCC 1266)
1. FORGIVENESS OF SINS (ORIGINAL AND PERSONAL) CCC 1263/1264
WHEN WE ARE BAPTIZED THESE SINS ARE WASHED AWAY GIVING US A NEW REBIRTH (JOHN 3) WHICH IS THE JUSTIFICATION THAT GOD DOES TO US. REMOVAL OF SINS WILL HOWEVER NOT FREE US FROM THE EFFECTS OF SIN SUCH AS SUFFERING, ILLNESS AND DEATH. ALSO, THIS DOES NOT TAKE AWAY OUR FREE WILL AND THROUGH OUR CONCUPISCENCE MIGHT MOVE US AWAY FROM GOD BY OUR INDIVIDUAL SINS. THESE ARE THE RULES OF OUR MILITANT ENGAGEMENT THAT IS WHY WE NEED TO CONTINUOUSLY BE ON GUARD AND WATCH SO THAT IN THE END WE MIGHT BE FOUND WORTHY TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
WHEN WE ARE BAPTIZED THESE SINS ARE WASHED AWAY GIVING US A NEW REBIRTH (JOHN 3) WHICH IS THE JUSTIFICATION THAT GOD DOES TO US. REMOVAL OF SINS WILL HOWEVER NOT FREE US FROM THE EFFECTS OF SIN SUCH AS SUFFERING, ILLNESS AND DEATH. ALSO, THIS DOES NOT TAKE AWAY OUR FREE WILL AND THROUGH OUR CONCUPISCENCE MIGHT MOVE US AWAY FROM GOD BY OUR INDIVIDUAL SINS. THESE ARE THE RULES OF OUR MILITANT ENGAGEMENT THAT IS WHY WE NEED TO CONTINUOUSLY BE ON GUARD AND WATCH SO THAT IN THE END WE MIGHT BE FOUND WORTHY TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
2. NEW LIFE AS SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD. CCC 1268/1270
OUR IDENTITY AFTER THE BAPTISM IS GIVEN TO EACH ONE OF US. IN MY SIMPLE CATECHISM WITH OUR PEOPLE HERE I WOULD ALWAYS SAY THAT WE ARE GIVEN AN IDENTITY WITH THE CORRESPONDING NUMBER THAT I SAY IS PERMANENT AND IS THE ONE THAT IS PLACED IN THE ALLEGORICAL BOOK OF LIFE. THIS ID MAKES US BONA FIDE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD AND LIKE ST PAUL SAYS MAKES US CRY OUT TO HIM AS ABBA. GOD IN A WAY BECOMES MORE INTIMATE WITH US AND OUR EXPERIENCE OF HIM BECOMES PERSONAL. CONFIDENTLY WE CAN NOW PRAY THE PRAYER JESUS HIMSELF TAUGHT US. THIS IS OUR IDENTITY AFTER BAPTISM, WE ARE NOW HEIRS OF THE KING OF KINGS.
OUR IDENTITY AFTER THE BAPTISM IS GIVEN TO EACH ONE OF US. IN MY SIMPLE CATECHISM WITH OUR PEOPLE HERE I WOULD ALWAYS SAY THAT WE ARE GIVEN AN IDENTITY WITH THE CORRESPONDING NUMBER THAT I SAY IS PERMANENT AND IS THE ONE THAT IS PLACED IN THE ALLEGORICAL BOOK OF LIFE. THIS ID MAKES US BONA FIDE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD AND LIKE ST PAUL SAYS MAKES US CRY OUT TO HIM AS ABBA. GOD IN A WAY BECOMES MORE INTIMATE WITH US AND OUR EXPERIENCE OF HIM BECOMES PERSONAL. CONFIDENTLY WE CAN NOW PRAY THE PRAYER JESUS HIMSELF TAUGHT US. THIS IS OUR IDENTITY AFTER BAPTISM, WE ARE NOW HEIRS OF THE KING OF KINGS.
3. TEMPLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT CCC 1264
THE PROCESS OF CLEANSING MANY TIMES MAKES FOR THE DIRT TO BE TAKEN AWAY. IN BAPTISM OUR ORIGINAL AND PERSONAL SINS (DIRT OF THE SOUL) WERE WASHED AWAY BY THE MERITS OF THE BLOOD OF THE LORD JESUS. HOWEVER, GOD DID NOT LEAVE IT JUST LIKE THAT, HE FILLED UP THE VOID WITH HIS VERY LOVE, THE HOLY SPIRIT. THE VERY LOVE OF GOD IS POURED OUT TO US AND WE RECEIVE THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH THE CORRESPONDING GIFTS AND GRACES (1COR 12 & 13). THESE GIFTS (CHARISMA) WERE GIVEN TO US SO THAT WE COULD FULFILL OUR MISSION OF LOVE FOR THE PRAISE OF GOD ALONE. ALL OF US CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD ARE TO BE INSTRUMENTS OF HIS LOVE AND MAKE US HIS WITNESSES (ACTS 1:8). AS WE YIELD MORE FULLY TO HIS PROMPTINGS, HE USES US TO GLORIFY HIS NAME AND EDIFY HIS PEOPLE. THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACHES US TO PRAY AS WELL AND THIS PRAYER BECOMES A LOVING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE FATHER AND HIS CHILDREN.
THE PROCESS OF CLEANSING MANY TIMES MAKES FOR THE DIRT TO BE TAKEN AWAY. IN BAPTISM OUR ORIGINAL AND PERSONAL SINS (DIRT OF THE SOUL) WERE WASHED AWAY BY THE MERITS OF THE BLOOD OF THE LORD JESUS. HOWEVER, GOD DID NOT LEAVE IT JUST LIKE THAT, HE FILLED UP THE VOID WITH HIS VERY LOVE, THE HOLY SPIRIT. THE VERY LOVE OF GOD IS POURED OUT TO US AND WE RECEIVE THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH THE CORRESPONDING GIFTS AND GRACES (1COR 12 & 13). THESE GIFTS (CHARISMA) WERE GIVEN TO US SO THAT WE COULD FULFILL OUR MISSION OF LOVE FOR THE PRAISE OF GOD ALONE. ALL OF US CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD ARE TO BE INSTRUMENTS OF HIS LOVE AND MAKE US HIS WITNESSES (ACTS 1:8). AS WE YIELD MORE FULLY TO HIS PROMPTINGS, HE USES US TO GLORIFY HIS NAME AND EDIFY HIS PEOPLE. THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACHES US TO PRAY AS WELL AND THIS PRAYER BECOMES A LOVING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE FATHER AND HIS CHILDREN.
4. INCORPORATED UNTO THE CHURCH; SHARING IN THE MISSION OF CHRIST HIMSELF AS PRIEST, PROPHET AND KING. CCC1267
OUR CHURCH IS THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. IT IS TO WHICH THAT WE ARE INCORPORATED INTO BY BAPTISM. WE BECOME MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST WITH CHRIST HIMSELF AS THE HEAD. WHILE WAITING FOR THE SECOND COMING OF THE LORD JESUS, WE ARE ENTRUSTED TO CERTAIN MEN WHO WILL ACT AS HIS VICAR AND WE CALL THESE MEN AS POPES. THEY ARE VISIBLE REPRESENTATION OF JESUS OUR LORD IN THESE OUR TIME TODAY. OUR LOVE, HONOR, RESPECT AND OBEDIENCE WE GIVE TO THEM IS AS IF WE DO IT TO THE LORD. THIS OFFICE IS GIVEN BY THE LORD JESUS HIMSELF WHEN HE GAVE PETER, THE 1ST POPE THE SYMBOLIC KEYS OF HEAVEN WHICH IS THE AUTHORITY TO BIND, LOOSE, FORGIVE AND NOT TO FORGIVE. THESE POPES IS REPRESENTED TO US IN THE LOCAL DIOCESE BY THE SHEPHERD, THE BISHOPS WHO IN TURN ENTRUSTED US TO THE LOCAL PARISH PRIEST. SOMETIMES WE IN THE CHURCH GET SIDETRACKED REGARDING THIS CONTINUES LINE BETWEEN THE POPE, THE BISHOP AND OUR LOCAL PASTORS, THE PARISH PRIEST. I THINK AWARENESS OF THIS TRUTH WOULD MOVE US TO VIEW OUR PASTORS, SHEPHERDS AND THE HOLY FATHER WITH MUCH RESPECT AND PUT US IN OUR PLACE, THE CORRECT AND HUMBLE PLACE. GOD FORBID THAT WE DO NOT SEE OURSELVES AS THE BETTERS OF THESE MEN WHO HAVE LITERALLY GIVEN THEIR LIVES FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE EDIFICATION OF HIS PEOPLE ON EARTH, THE CHURCH MILITANT.
“PRIESTS HAVE RECEIVED A POWER WHICH GOD HAS GIVEN NEITHER TO ANGELS NOR TO ARCHANGELS. IT WAS SAID TO THEM: “WHOSOEVER YOU SHALL BIND ON EARTH SHALL BE BOUND IN HEAVEN; AND WHATSOEVER YOU SHALL LOOSE, SHALL BE LOOSED.” WHAT GREAT POWER IS THERE THAN THIS? THE FATHER HAS GIVEN ALL JUDGEMENT TO THE SON AND NOW I SEE THE SON PLACING ALL THIS POWER IN THE HANDS OF MEN (PRIESTS).
(ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH)
OUR CHURCH IS THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. IT IS TO WHICH THAT WE ARE INCORPORATED INTO BY BAPTISM. WE BECOME MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST WITH CHRIST HIMSELF AS THE HEAD. WHILE WAITING FOR THE SECOND COMING OF THE LORD JESUS, WE ARE ENTRUSTED TO CERTAIN MEN WHO WILL ACT AS HIS VICAR AND WE CALL THESE MEN AS POPES. THEY ARE VISIBLE REPRESENTATION OF JESUS OUR LORD IN THESE OUR TIME TODAY. OUR LOVE, HONOR, RESPECT AND OBEDIENCE WE GIVE TO THEM IS AS IF WE DO IT TO THE LORD. THIS OFFICE IS GIVEN BY THE LORD JESUS HIMSELF WHEN HE GAVE PETER, THE 1ST POPE THE SYMBOLIC KEYS OF HEAVEN WHICH IS THE AUTHORITY TO BIND, LOOSE, FORGIVE AND NOT TO FORGIVE. THESE POPES IS REPRESENTED TO US IN THE LOCAL DIOCESE BY THE SHEPHERD, THE BISHOPS WHO IN TURN ENTRUSTED US TO THE LOCAL PARISH PRIEST. SOMETIMES WE IN THE CHURCH GET SIDETRACKED REGARDING THIS CONTINUES LINE BETWEEN THE POPE, THE BISHOP AND OUR LOCAL PASTORS, THE PARISH PRIEST. I THINK AWARENESS OF THIS TRUTH WOULD MOVE US TO VIEW OUR PASTORS, SHEPHERDS AND THE HOLY FATHER WITH MUCH RESPECT AND PUT US IN OUR PLACE, THE CORRECT AND HUMBLE PLACE. GOD FORBID THAT WE DO NOT SEE OURSELVES AS THE BETTERS OF THESE MEN WHO HAVE LITERALLY GIVEN THEIR LIVES FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE EDIFICATION OF HIS PEOPLE ON EARTH, THE CHURCH MILITANT.
“PRIESTS HAVE RECEIVED A POWER WHICH GOD HAS GIVEN NEITHER TO ANGELS NOR TO ARCHANGELS. IT WAS SAID TO THEM: “WHOSOEVER YOU SHALL BIND ON EARTH SHALL BE BOUND IN HEAVEN; AND WHATSOEVER YOU SHALL LOOSE, SHALL BE LOOSED.” WHAT GREAT POWER IS THERE THAN THIS? THE FATHER HAS GIVEN ALL JUDGEMENT TO THE SON AND NOW I SEE THE SON PLACING ALL THIS POWER IN THE HANDS OF MEN (PRIESTS).
(ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH)
STORIES FROM THE WELL:
I WAS CATECHIZING THE PARENTS OF THOSE WHO WILL RECEIVE BAPTISM AS PART OF A PROGRAM BY THE LOCAL POLITICIAN WHO DECIDED TO SPONSOR MAYBE ABOUT 20 INFANTS FOR A FREE BAPTISM. WHILE I WAS GOING THROUGH THE SEMINAR, I SPOKE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM AS TO THE EFFECT IT WILL HAVE ON INFANTS WHO ARE NOT BAPTIZED AND IN THE EVENT OF DEATH WITHOUT THE GRACE OF BAPTISM. I TOLD THEM ACCORDING TO THE THOMIST (ST. THOMAS AQUINAS) VIEW, THOSE WHO PASS OVER EVEN INFANTS WHO HAS NO PERSONAL SIN YET, STILL WILL NOT REACH THE BEATIFIC VISION OR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. THE PARENTS FAILED TO ARRANGE THEIR BAPTISM MEANS THEY STILL HAVE ORIGINAL SIN. AS I WAS CONTINUING THE SEMINAR, I NOTICED A MOTHER WITH THE INFANT IN HER HAND (WHO IS LISTED FOR BAPTISM) IS ATTENDING WITH A MUCH BIGGER CHILD ABOUT 5 YEARS OF AGE. TO CUT THE STORY SHORT I FINISHED WITH MY LECTURE AND TOLD THEM THAT I SHALL SEE THEM THIS COMING SUNDAY. HOWEVER, I TOLD THE MOTHER WITH THE INFANT AND THE CHILD TO STAY. I ASKED THE MOTHER WHO IS THE GODFATHER OF THE BIGGER CHILD AND TO MY SURPRISE SHE TOLD ME THAT HE IS NOT YET BAPTIZED. IT ALARMED ME AND I SPOKE TO THE MOTHER AND ASKED WHY SHE DID NOT HAVE HIM LISTED. SHE TOLD ME THAT THE PROGRAM OF THE LOCAL POLITICIAN IS FOR UP TO 1 YEAR OLD ONLY. REALIZING THIS, I SPOKE TO THE PARISH OFFICE SECRETARY TO HAVE THE BIGGER CHILD LISTED AND THAT I WILL PAY FOR WHATEVER EXPENSE OR DONATION WHICH I ACTUALLY DID. EVENTUALLY THE INFANT AND THE BIGGER CHILD WAS BAPTIZED. I WAS SO RELIEVED BECAUSE IN THESE TIMES WE JUST CAN’T BE SURE ABOUT THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF THE CHILDREN ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE IN THE POORER SEGMENT OF OUR SOCIETY. THIS EXPERIENCE REINFORCED IN ME THAT BAPTISM IS TRUTHFULLY A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH, BEATIFIC VISION AND LIMBO.
I WAS CATECHIZING THE PARENTS OF THOSE WHO WILL RECEIVE BAPTISM AS PART OF A PROGRAM BY THE LOCAL POLITICIAN WHO DECIDED TO SPONSOR MAYBE ABOUT 20 INFANTS FOR A FREE BAPTISM. WHILE I WAS GOING THROUGH THE SEMINAR, I SPOKE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM AS TO THE EFFECT IT WILL HAVE ON INFANTS WHO ARE NOT BAPTIZED AND IN THE EVENT OF DEATH WITHOUT THE GRACE OF BAPTISM. I TOLD THEM ACCORDING TO THE THOMIST (ST. THOMAS AQUINAS) VIEW, THOSE WHO PASS OVER EVEN INFANTS WHO HAS NO PERSONAL SIN YET, STILL WILL NOT REACH THE BEATIFIC VISION OR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. THE PARENTS FAILED TO ARRANGE THEIR BAPTISM MEANS THEY STILL HAVE ORIGINAL SIN. AS I WAS CONTINUING THE SEMINAR, I NOTICED A MOTHER WITH THE INFANT IN HER HAND (WHO IS LISTED FOR BAPTISM) IS ATTENDING WITH A MUCH BIGGER CHILD ABOUT 5 YEARS OF AGE. TO CUT THE STORY SHORT I FINISHED WITH MY LECTURE AND TOLD THEM THAT I SHALL SEE THEM THIS COMING SUNDAY. HOWEVER, I TOLD THE MOTHER WITH THE INFANT AND THE CHILD TO STAY. I ASKED THE MOTHER WHO IS THE GODFATHER OF THE BIGGER CHILD AND TO MY SURPRISE SHE TOLD ME THAT HE IS NOT YET BAPTIZED. IT ALARMED ME AND I SPOKE TO THE MOTHER AND ASKED WHY SHE DID NOT HAVE HIM LISTED. SHE TOLD ME THAT THE PROGRAM OF THE LOCAL POLITICIAN IS FOR UP TO 1 YEAR OLD ONLY. REALIZING THIS, I SPOKE TO THE PARISH OFFICE SECRETARY TO HAVE THE BIGGER CHILD LISTED AND THAT I WILL PAY FOR WHATEVER EXPENSE OR DONATION WHICH I ACTUALLY DID. EVENTUALLY THE INFANT AND THE BIGGER CHILD WAS BAPTIZED. I WAS SO RELIEVED BECAUSE IN THESE TIMES WE JUST CAN’T BE SURE ABOUT THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF THE CHILDREN ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE IN THE POORER SEGMENT OF OUR SOCIETY. THIS EXPERIENCE REINFORCED IN ME THAT BAPTISM IS TRUTHFULLY A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH, BEATIFIC VISION AND LIMBO.
Solemnity of the Epiphany
Commentary by: Bro. Bobby General,
NSTI (New Saint Thomas Institute)
Epiphany:
We are celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany which was known in many ways before as the Feast of the 3 kings or wise men. This is a wonderful Biblical story to which we can learn many lessons that would have an impact in our relationship with God or better yet, how we perceive God and the Incarnation and its worldwide or international implications. The main characters of the Epiphany are the 3 person we have come to know as Melchor, Gaspar & Balthazar. Another word for Epiphany is Manifestation. The Cambridge dictionary defined this as
“ a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand, or suddenly become conscious of, something that is very important to you; a powerful religious experience”.
A few months back I and my wife Ruby had a chance to visit the traditionally known repose of the relics of the 3 Wise men or kings in Cologne, Germany and it is known as the “Shrine of the 3 kings”. It is a very popular site to which many people visit. We came there it became more clearer to me the love of God granting redemption now, not for the Jews alone but for all men of every color or status. When we were there, I thanked the Magi’s or kings that they opened their hearts and recognized that the Messiah albeit in very human form and at that time absence strength from the world’s perspective and lying in a manger. That in these humble circumstances by the grace of God, they saw the “KING of kings”. Jesus, our brother and Lord.
Biblical Story:
The story of the Three Wise Men, from the gospel, is also known as the biblical Magi or the Three Kings. This Bible story regards a group of scholarly foreigners who traveled to visit Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, during the time of King Herod, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.' When King Herod learned this, he was troubled, and all of Jerusalem with him. He called together all the leading clerics and scholars of the law, he questioned them where the Christ was to be born. 'In Bethlehem in Judea,' they answered, 'for this is what the prophet has written: "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" Then Herod summoned the Wise Men secretly and found out from them the precise time the star had emerged. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, 'Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.'
As directed by King Herod, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went before of them until it stopped over the area where the child laid. Upon arriving at the house, they observed the child with his mother Mary, and they kneeled down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. They were then miraculously warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, as he planned to kill Jesus in preserving his authority, and returned to their home by an alternative route.
Characteristics of the Three Wise Men
Accounts have been told about the Three Wise Men and they have been given names. This is how they are often portrayed:
When the Wise Men discovered Jesus and Mary, they would have been residing in a modest house in Bethlehem, because by this time Jesus would have been aged between one and two. Their gifts seem somewhat unusual to give to a baby; however, Christians consider that they had the following purposes and meaning:
1.Humility: we are reminded that the Lord decided to grace us with His presence in very humble circumstances. We can learn from this and strive to be humble by the grace of God. I think the greatest form of pride which is the opposite of humility is prejudice of others which has at its core the notion that we are better than others. We can learn from the 3 wise men to see in seeming weakness the truth just as they saw the Messiah in the little babe of Bethlehem. How do you view yourself against those in the margins or frankly those who conventional society label as the least, lost or last? Humility is and can only be expressed through our heartfelt yet practical love or charity towards these people. Our services to God and Church should lead us to grow in the virtues and according to St. Thomas Aquinas, humility is the mother of all virtues because by striving to attain it, we reap the other virtues as well. Humility according to the great apologist, C. S. Lewis is “NOT THINKING LESS OF YOURSELF BUT IT IS THINKING OF YOURSELF LESS”. In other words, it is a practical move to be more selfless and less selfish especially to the poor, the sick, the suffering, the incarcerated, the lonely, the confused and the dying.
2.Seeing God in all things: this is at the heart of Ignatian Spirituality and the practice is what we have known as “discernment”. The Wise Men were truly wise because they saw God even in not so Godly circumstances. St. Thomas described wisdom as a person and that person is Jesus. Many times, we have limited God in pious things and practices. However, if we are to truly take time and be attuned with God, we will see that God can and does work in unconventional ways. In the great persecution of the Christians in Japan, all things associated with God is forbidden at the pain of torture or sometimes death. When you are suspected of being one, you must make a public denunciation of your faith (apostasy) either by spitting or stepping on religious objects like a cross, rosary or some others. The Jesuits who are at the forefront of evangelization in the far east had to face this persecution head on. In the end many of the priests and people converted renounced their faith or so it seems. Many I believe made the public display and according to the world were apostates but inside did not really renounced their belief. They became the hidden Catholics of Japan and the faith continued there. Many times, we tend to judge quickly as wrong things around us. Just because they are not the conventional devotional ways or clothes or other stuff, we judge people according to what our eyes reveal. Had the wise men done the same, they probably would have been disappointed and left. The words of wisdom itself Jesus our Lord were “judge not so you will not be judged”. Discernment or having an inclination of the will of God can only be acquired as we contemplate, meditate and intercede. My experience is that when I intercede for someone, I get a much clearer perspective of the situations and see events not from the eyes of the world or my own perceived wisdom but God's wisdom and His actions as to the person, events or circumstances. That is also why many of the giants of the faith that we know of are faithful to the practice of prayer and do not presume they know the will of God in big and small circumstances.
3.Giving God the best: the gifts of the wise men were gifts for a king. We are challenged in the same way to give to the Lord the very best for His honor and glory. Many times, what we give him is our leftovers. If we think about it, we should give God all that we have because all of what we have were given to us by His bounty and providence. I like calling God as “Divine Providence” and I have been engaging in continuous reflection of this title of God. God is truthfully the source of all good things as St. Peter in his epistle said. Many times, He will use humans or circumstances to bring his blessing about but do not be deceived, it is all from the hand of God truthfully. In the last few years of my life, I was able to travel and for those who does, they know how expensive this is. Through the human beings, whom I call benefactors, I was able to go the Holy Land, Italia, Espana, Portugal, Francia and many other religiously significant places but the miracle is none of them are my own expense because truthfully, I do not have the means to pay for them. I remember when I was at the Church of Transfiguration, a priest who was a friend of mine and before he was such, we played basketball together, told me when we met there, “Bob I am so happy that you are here. You are teaching so many about these places and now God blessed you to be here so you can tell others about these places even more not just theoretically but through experience. This is His reward for you for giving all for God and the edification of His people.” My reflection when he said this to me was that I realized that God can and will never be outdone in generosity another statement that a mentor of mine many decades before would pound in my head. Do not get me wrong, we give to God the best not because He will reward us but because He deserves the best. An excellent offering for an Excellent God. Another wrong perspective about giving is that we tend to think that because we did it, we are better than most people. The challenge is to give and realize that we are only able to this because of God's grace at work in us. This will prevent us from having a puffed up view of ourselves, otherwise known as "self righteousness'.
Let us pray:
Lord thank you for taking on our frail nature and thank you as well for revealing yourself to us. May we have more of you in our lives and less of us. Teach us to be humble, generous and less judgmental of others. Like the wise men, allow us to grow in wisdom and see You in all things and by it know your will and do them. Help us and those who we come in contact with to see less of us and more of You in the way we think, speak and do things. Lord be manifested, be magnified and be pleased with our very lives. We make this our prayer with the intercession of the Holy Spouses (Mother Mary & Father Joseph) and the 3 wise men. Amen.
We are celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany which was known in many ways before as the Feast of the 3 kings or wise men. This is a wonderful Biblical story to which we can learn many lessons that would have an impact in our relationship with God or better yet, how we perceive God and the Incarnation and its worldwide or international implications. The main characters of the Epiphany are the 3 person we have come to know as Melchor, Gaspar & Balthazar. Another word for Epiphany is Manifestation. The Cambridge dictionary defined this as
“ a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand, or suddenly become conscious of, something that is very important to you; a powerful religious experience”.
A few months back I and my wife Ruby had a chance to visit the traditionally known repose of the relics of the 3 Wise men or kings in Cologne, Germany and it is known as the “Shrine of the 3 kings”. It is a very popular site to which many people visit. We came there it became more clearer to me the love of God granting redemption now, not for the Jews alone but for all men of every color or status. When we were there, I thanked the Magi’s or kings that they opened their hearts and recognized that the Messiah albeit in very human form and at that time absence strength from the world’s perspective and lying in a manger. That in these humble circumstances by the grace of God, they saw the “KING of kings”. Jesus, our brother and Lord.
Biblical Story:
The story of the Three Wise Men, from the gospel, is also known as the biblical Magi or the Three Kings. This Bible story regards a group of scholarly foreigners who traveled to visit Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, during the time of King Herod, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.' When King Herod learned this, he was troubled, and all of Jerusalem with him. He called together all the leading clerics and scholars of the law, he questioned them where the Christ was to be born. 'In Bethlehem in Judea,' they answered, 'for this is what the prophet has written: "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" Then Herod summoned the Wise Men secretly and found out from them the precise time the star had emerged. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, 'Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.'
As directed by King Herod, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went before of them until it stopped over the area where the child laid. Upon arriving at the house, they observed the child with his mother Mary, and they kneeled down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. They were then miraculously warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, as he planned to kill Jesus in preserving his authority, and returned to their home by an alternative route.
Characteristics of the Three Wise Men
Accounts have been told about the Three Wise Men and they have been given names. This is how they are often portrayed:
- Gaspar (or Caspar), who wears a green cloak and a gold crown with green jewels on it. He is the King of Sheba. Gaspar represents the Frankincense brought to Jesus.
- Melchior, who has long white hair and a white beard and wears a gold cloak. He is the King of Arabia. Melchior represents the Gold brought to Jesus.
- Balthazar, who has a black beard and wears a purple cloak. He is the King of Tarse and Egypt. Balthazar represents the gift of Myrrh that was brought to Jesus.
When the Wise Men discovered Jesus and Mary, they would have been residing in a modest house in Bethlehem, because by this time Jesus would have been aged between one and two. Their gifts seem somewhat unusual to give to a baby; however, Christians consider that they had the following purposes and meaning:
- Gold: is affiliated with Kings and Christians believe that Jesus is the King of Kings.
- Frankincense: is occasionally utilized in worship in Churches and represented that people would worship and praise Jesus.
- Myrrh: is a fragrance that is embedded on dead bodies to make them smell pleasant and represented that Jesus would endure persecution resulting in his death.
1.Humility: we are reminded that the Lord decided to grace us with His presence in very humble circumstances. We can learn from this and strive to be humble by the grace of God. I think the greatest form of pride which is the opposite of humility is prejudice of others which has at its core the notion that we are better than others. We can learn from the 3 wise men to see in seeming weakness the truth just as they saw the Messiah in the little babe of Bethlehem. How do you view yourself against those in the margins or frankly those who conventional society label as the least, lost or last? Humility is and can only be expressed through our heartfelt yet practical love or charity towards these people. Our services to God and Church should lead us to grow in the virtues and according to St. Thomas Aquinas, humility is the mother of all virtues because by striving to attain it, we reap the other virtues as well. Humility according to the great apologist, C. S. Lewis is “NOT THINKING LESS OF YOURSELF BUT IT IS THINKING OF YOURSELF LESS”. In other words, it is a practical move to be more selfless and less selfish especially to the poor, the sick, the suffering, the incarcerated, the lonely, the confused and the dying.
2.Seeing God in all things: this is at the heart of Ignatian Spirituality and the practice is what we have known as “discernment”. The Wise Men were truly wise because they saw God even in not so Godly circumstances. St. Thomas described wisdom as a person and that person is Jesus. Many times, we have limited God in pious things and practices. However, if we are to truly take time and be attuned with God, we will see that God can and does work in unconventional ways. In the great persecution of the Christians in Japan, all things associated with God is forbidden at the pain of torture or sometimes death. When you are suspected of being one, you must make a public denunciation of your faith (apostasy) either by spitting or stepping on religious objects like a cross, rosary or some others. The Jesuits who are at the forefront of evangelization in the far east had to face this persecution head on. In the end many of the priests and people converted renounced their faith or so it seems. Many I believe made the public display and according to the world were apostates but inside did not really renounced their belief. They became the hidden Catholics of Japan and the faith continued there. Many times, we tend to judge quickly as wrong things around us. Just because they are not the conventional devotional ways or clothes or other stuff, we judge people according to what our eyes reveal. Had the wise men done the same, they probably would have been disappointed and left. The words of wisdom itself Jesus our Lord were “judge not so you will not be judged”. Discernment or having an inclination of the will of God can only be acquired as we contemplate, meditate and intercede. My experience is that when I intercede for someone, I get a much clearer perspective of the situations and see events not from the eyes of the world or my own perceived wisdom but God's wisdom and His actions as to the person, events or circumstances. That is also why many of the giants of the faith that we know of are faithful to the practice of prayer and do not presume they know the will of God in big and small circumstances.
3.Giving God the best: the gifts of the wise men were gifts for a king. We are challenged in the same way to give to the Lord the very best for His honor and glory. Many times, what we give him is our leftovers. If we think about it, we should give God all that we have because all of what we have were given to us by His bounty and providence. I like calling God as “Divine Providence” and I have been engaging in continuous reflection of this title of God. God is truthfully the source of all good things as St. Peter in his epistle said. Many times, He will use humans or circumstances to bring his blessing about but do not be deceived, it is all from the hand of God truthfully. In the last few years of my life, I was able to travel and for those who does, they know how expensive this is. Through the human beings, whom I call benefactors, I was able to go the Holy Land, Italia, Espana, Portugal, Francia and many other religiously significant places but the miracle is none of them are my own expense because truthfully, I do not have the means to pay for them. I remember when I was at the Church of Transfiguration, a priest who was a friend of mine and before he was such, we played basketball together, told me when we met there, “Bob I am so happy that you are here. You are teaching so many about these places and now God blessed you to be here so you can tell others about these places even more not just theoretically but through experience. This is His reward for you for giving all for God and the edification of His people.” My reflection when he said this to me was that I realized that God can and will never be outdone in generosity another statement that a mentor of mine many decades before would pound in my head. Do not get me wrong, we give to God the best not because He will reward us but because He deserves the best. An excellent offering for an Excellent God. Another wrong perspective about giving is that we tend to think that because we did it, we are better than most people. The challenge is to give and realize that we are only able to this because of God's grace at work in us. This will prevent us from having a puffed up view of ourselves, otherwise known as "self righteousness'.
Let us pray:
Lord thank you for taking on our frail nature and thank you as well for revealing yourself to us. May we have more of you in our lives and less of us. Teach us to be humble, generous and less judgmental of others. Like the wise men, allow us to grow in wisdom and see You in all things and by it know your will and do them. Help us and those who we come in contact with to see less of us and more of You in the way we think, speak and do things. Lord be manifested, be magnified and be pleased with our very lives. We make this our prayer with the intercession of the Holy Spouses (Mother Mary & Father Joseph) and the 3 wise men. Amen.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
MEET JOMER: Homeless
This article is all about Jomer, our attitude towards people like him homeless, beggars and for sure living in the margins of conventional society. You see, Jomer and I know each other for a couple of years now. When he visits St. Joseph to see me, he will take my hand to bless him. After that I will tell him to hear Mass and this he would do. He would be near me because of I perceive many reasons; he does have odor problems because of lack of a shower naturally, persons supposedly in charge of security in the parish will ask him to leave (when they do, I tell them he is with me) and he feels people are afraid to interact with him for many reasons (think about yours). The prime reason he visits me is to beg of course for that is what he is a beggar albeit choosy meaning he only approaches certain people. Apparently, I turned out to be one of those he chose. After Mass, I will give him a little something, not much but I give it with an open heart I would like to think. He will take my hand and sort of kiss it and place it on his head. He would tell me that he never fails to pray for me and my family. He would leave until the next time.
In the prayer for the year of the clergy, we have prayed for almost a year, to be approachable not untouchable and to imbibe the odor of the sheep, my from time to time interaction with Jomer makes me pray this line with conviction knowing that there is a side of us that rejects this. When he comes and I see myself being approachable and imbibing the odor of the sheep by God's grace, I thank Him for I know that this is truly grace, a gift God gave me to be able to do this. Below allow me to share 3 points about these things:
1. Do not discourage those who are being touched by the Lord to be generous in these things. I say this because there are those who thinking they are wise, will tell you to avoid or not do these things. For many reasons they will find a way to not give and they become promoters to others of this action or non-action. I think maybe they think if many people do as they do, not give, it somehow in their twisted psyche becomes correct. That the wise thing is just to give to those whom we want to give unto. St. Paul warns us that there is a wisdom that is evil, I think this is one of them. We use logic & arguments to make bad behavior and selfishness justified even deceive ourselves of its validity. If you do not want to give, for heaven's sake do not prevent others. Jesus warns us again that if we cause one of these little ones (innocent & generous) to fall, better for you to put a millstone around your neck and be hurled in the sea. Think and pray and if you think you have succumbed to this, repent and our merciful and loving God will forgive, for sure!
2. Stand up if this practice (almsgiving) is being prevented in an institutional way. In the city of Makati an ordinance is in effect that Makatizens should not give to our marginalized brothers and sisters because they are an eye sore to the neighborhood. What is most sad about this is that even Catholic Church leaders agree and will implement this in their parish churches. In Madrid, at San Antonio Abad Parish, the coolest church in the world, the reverse is perpetuated. When I learned about this, I spoke to a councilman and told him that on record, I Bro. Bobby General (small as I am) and my family opposes this ordinance and think it is not pro-poor (obviously) bordering evil and sacrifices people over perceived prosperity. My argument is simple, "people (created in God's image) is more important than riches or possession". Jesus said, what you did to these the least of my brethren (poor & beggars) you did it unto me. In the same passage in the Gospel he says if you did not do these good deeds to them, you did not do it to Him (Jesus). Actually in the final judgement this is the question He will ask you, not how many Masses you went into, how many Bible Studies, how many degrees, your bank account, no, the question He will ask is what I cited above. Fair warning brothers & sisters.
3. Spirituality of the Crumbs. This is the spirituality pushed by the foundation of the "Pondo ng Pinoy" that Archbishop Emeritus Cardinal Rosales initiated. Almsgiving is not asking you to give big amounts however it should teach us to have a generous and giving heart and make it a way of life by being consistent with the practice. This practice is akin to the Spirituality of Little Ways that we are learning from St. Therese, Doctor of the Church. These practices are indeed heaven bound and will lift us because it moves us away from selfishness. Sometimes we even justify non practice of this by citing it is just survival or self preservation. If you give say 100 pesos weekly, will that starve you and your family? If yes, then 10pesos weekly? As long as it is consistent and with an open heart, this is great in God's eyes. Remember the parable of the Lord dubbed "widow's mite"? Well the old lady gave smaller than others but Jesus said it is her offering that is more acceptable to God. Let us remember the words of Cardinal Rosales, "ano mang magaling, kahit maliit, bastat malimit, ay patungong langit". This is the wisdom of giving besides what you have in terms of possession is not truly yours and my argument to prove this is that if we pass over (die), we will not bring any of these things, it is left here on earth. The Egyptians tried and it was just stolen. Bottom line we are all just stewards of whatever we have and we can either be good or bad stewards. In these, fear is useless, what is needed is trust and our deepening view of God as a Providential God!
Let us pray:
Father make us truly generous and give especially to our brothers and sisters in the margins. Take away by Your grace our natural tendencies for selfishness. Remove fear and make us courageous and generous like You. Make us good stewards of your blessings and open our hearts to view that all these things are yours anyway. May we see you when we give and see more so that it Is You who actually gives and we are just channels of love, mercy and providence which we received from your bounty. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, our brother and Lord together with the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. Amen.
Holy Spouses, Mama Mary & Papa Joseph, pray for us.
St. Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us
In the prayer for the year of the clergy, we have prayed for almost a year, to be approachable not untouchable and to imbibe the odor of the sheep, my from time to time interaction with Jomer makes me pray this line with conviction knowing that there is a side of us that rejects this. When he comes and I see myself being approachable and imbibing the odor of the sheep by God's grace, I thank Him for I know that this is truly grace, a gift God gave me to be able to do this. Below allow me to share 3 points about these things:
1. Do not discourage those who are being touched by the Lord to be generous in these things. I say this because there are those who thinking they are wise, will tell you to avoid or not do these things. For many reasons they will find a way to not give and they become promoters to others of this action or non-action. I think maybe they think if many people do as they do, not give, it somehow in their twisted psyche becomes correct. That the wise thing is just to give to those whom we want to give unto. St. Paul warns us that there is a wisdom that is evil, I think this is one of them. We use logic & arguments to make bad behavior and selfishness justified even deceive ourselves of its validity. If you do not want to give, for heaven's sake do not prevent others. Jesus warns us again that if we cause one of these little ones (innocent & generous) to fall, better for you to put a millstone around your neck and be hurled in the sea. Think and pray and if you think you have succumbed to this, repent and our merciful and loving God will forgive, for sure!
2. Stand up if this practice (almsgiving) is being prevented in an institutional way. In the city of Makati an ordinance is in effect that Makatizens should not give to our marginalized brothers and sisters because they are an eye sore to the neighborhood. What is most sad about this is that even Catholic Church leaders agree and will implement this in their parish churches. In Madrid, at San Antonio Abad Parish, the coolest church in the world, the reverse is perpetuated. When I learned about this, I spoke to a councilman and told him that on record, I Bro. Bobby General (small as I am) and my family opposes this ordinance and think it is not pro-poor (obviously) bordering evil and sacrifices people over perceived prosperity. My argument is simple, "people (created in God's image) is more important than riches or possession". Jesus said, what you did to these the least of my brethren (poor & beggars) you did it unto me. In the same passage in the Gospel he says if you did not do these good deeds to them, you did not do it to Him (Jesus). Actually in the final judgement this is the question He will ask you, not how many Masses you went into, how many Bible Studies, how many degrees, your bank account, no, the question He will ask is what I cited above. Fair warning brothers & sisters.
3. Spirituality of the Crumbs. This is the spirituality pushed by the foundation of the "Pondo ng Pinoy" that Archbishop Emeritus Cardinal Rosales initiated. Almsgiving is not asking you to give big amounts however it should teach us to have a generous and giving heart and make it a way of life by being consistent with the practice. This practice is akin to the Spirituality of Little Ways that we are learning from St. Therese, Doctor of the Church. These practices are indeed heaven bound and will lift us because it moves us away from selfishness. Sometimes we even justify non practice of this by citing it is just survival or self preservation. If you give say 100 pesos weekly, will that starve you and your family? If yes, then 10pesos weekly? As long as it is consistent and with an open heart, this is great in God's eyes. Remember the parable of the Lord dubbed "widow's mite"? Well the old lady gave smaller than others but Jesus said it is her offering that is more acceptable to God. Let us remember the words of Cardinal Rosales, "ano mang magaling, kahit maliit, bastat malimit, ay patungong langit". This is the wisdom of giving besides what you have in terms of possession is not truly yours and my argument to prove this is that if we pass over (die), we will not bring any of these things, it is left here on earth. The Egyptians tried and it was just stolen. Bottom line we are all just stewards of whatever we have and we can either be good or bad stewards. In these, fear is useless, what is needed is trust and our deepening view of God as a Providential God!
Let us pray:
Father make us truly generous and give especially to our brothers and sisters in the margins. Take away by Your grace our natural tendencies for selfishness. Remove fear and make us courageous and generous like You. Make us good stewards of your blessings and open our hearts to view that all these things are yours anyway. May we see you when we give and see more so that it Is You who actually gives and we are just channels of love, mercy and providence which we received from your bounty. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, our brother and Lord together with the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. Amen.
Holy Spouses, Mama Mary & Papa Joseph, pray for us.
St. Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us
KINDNESS: INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE
KINDNESS: THE INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” (Mark Twain)
In the last maybe 5 years, I have had a tremendous opportunity to go to the Holy Land and Europe. Countries like Jordan, Israel, Italia, Espana, Portugal, France, Germany, Netherlands, Greece and Poland. In these travels mostly pilgrimages really, I have encountered many people of different nationalities, ethnicities and as such different languages. I remember when I was in a Marian pilgrimage, I printed out basic sentences that I will use in Portuguese & French so I can engage in conversation with people that I would encounter. They were handy indeed and I was able to use some of them truthfully. However, they became secondary as with language barriers, I was able to communicate to them and they were able to communicate with me if not through the spoken word, it is via gestures and smiles really. In most instances we were able to communicate kindness. These instances from all the countries mentioned above led me to conclude that more than spoken word, kindness is the most effective form of communication. Based on my personal experiences abroad, I can conclude that “kindness is the international or universal language”. A smile has the same meaning everywhere, laughter has the same meaning in all places and acts of kindness have the same effect all over the world. If there are aliens, I think they would likewise understand this language because even animals understand it. I think the heart of the matter is that kindness or acts of kindness believes that men or all men are NOT naturally bad or “out to get you”. When I was a boy, I saw my own father move around everywhere with confidence and kindly. This I think is where I have learned to be the same. Our first inclination is to view another human being as being good in the conventional sense. Theologically this is even correct because humans do have a soul and intellect and according to the Scriptures were created in the very image and likeness of God. Some people would say I am naïve to have this view, naïve or not this is what the revelation of God says. Sure, there are evil people and I have seen them up close and personal but for the evil person there are however good persons as well in the world. My travels have allowed me to see this for sure. Also, in Europe a topic that is applicable to all is football or “soccer” as we call it here and in the US. St. John Paul the Great is right, “of all things not essential, football is the most important”. My experiences around the world surely confirms this observation of the great man as people from all economic status in Europe can and did engage in light conversation with me about it. It is a good thing that I do like this sport and am a follower of the many leagues in Europe. This is indeed a good conversation starter in Europe.
I will try to combine my own personal observations and experiences with time tested principles to bring enlightenment to this topic. Being a Catholic Christian and somehow in possession of decades of pastoral experiences I will naturally gravitate to the words of the Saints, the Scriptures (Bible) and just general knowledge regarding the topic. In the end I guess it will be theological work because if there is one who epitomizes kindness, it is God himself who is all good. Kindness therefore is a wiring that God has placed in us all when He gave a soul (intellect) and placed us in a family. It is through there where we will learn that this is a very direct imitation of God who considers all men and women as His children. Finally, this is probably why people can relate, understand, appreciate and honor people who are kind. For the same reason this is why arrogant, selfish, paranoid and power-hungry people elicit the reverse effect. You get the point, right? These are not God like deeds and I dare say “evil” and people created in God’s image and likeness react abhorrently in these acts of unkindness.
An Italian Experience:
“Be kind to one another…”
(Ephesians 4: 32)
When we were in Rome during the “Year of Mercy”, I and my wife Ruby together with those who are part of our “New Jerusalem” youth group had this pilgrimage with 2 former members and decided to celebrate our 30th anniversary of sort here in Italia going to the places herein that shaped our spirituality as individuals and as a group. However, that is another story altogether and maybe I can write about it soon. While we were there, we decided to go the “Papal Blessing office” where you can get a certificate as we have completed the 4 Papal Basilicas asked for the “Jubilee Year”. While the group were inside the office, I decided to stay outside and sat on a bench. On the opposite side of the bench was an elderly man who much like me was just waiting for who turned out to be his wife. A few moments have passed and then he made a gesture to speak with me, by the way he was smiling. When we made eye contact and smiled at each other; with hand gestures and slow Italian, he asked me from where I am gesturing and saying that he was from Rome. I told him from the Philippines. Small talk continues as to coming from a long way off, explaining that the year of mercy prompted my going here and the like. He even told me about Cardinal Tagle whom he knows about as Filipino and a good man. He even told me that he could be the Pope if God wills it. So many more pleasantries including telling me that Padua is a good place to go to as well when I told him that it is on our itinerary. Then his wife appeared and told him it is time to go, I reached out for his hand and instead of shaking it like westerners do, I placed it in my forehead which surprised him at first but then quickly he smiled and understood that it is a sign of respect for him being an elder. I did the same to her wife and we parted ways. As they were leaving, I overheard that he is explaining to his wife that I am from the Philippines (Filipiny) like Cardinal Tagle and we had a pleasant chat despite his inability to speak English and my inability to speak Italian. This experience reinforced in me that kindness which is being pleasant indeed breaks all even language barriers.
On hindsight, people told me that people in the West are arrogant and there are certain ethnic groups that I should avoid like gypsies and the like. I was told as well they are not Catholics or Christians anymore because they do not go to Church like we do here. However when I am walking around in Europe particularly, upon crossing streets, people will slow down and wave me to pass or cross the street. Here it is the opposite, the drivers would not give an inch or a moment to another human being. If going to Mass is the indication of the goodness of the person, something is amiss. For the most part, I think the Europeans are a kind lot and I just hope that a revival of sorts would come to these shores and they would begin to hear Mass as frequently as before. They do have beautiful Cathedrals and Churches. As to us here, we can learn kindness from them and put more of the Mass in our everyday lives.
“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” (St. Therese of Lisieux)
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” (Mark Twain)
In the last maybe 5 years, I have had a tremendous opportunity to go to the Holy Land and Europe. Countries like Jordan, Israel, Italia, Espana, Portugal, France, Germany, Netherlands, Greece and Poland. In these travels mostly pilgrimages really, I have encountered many people of different nationalities, ethnicities and as such different languages. I remember when I was in a Marian pilgrimage, I printed out basic sentences that I will use in Portuguese & French so I can engage in conversation with people that I would encounter. They were handy indeed and I was able to use some of them truthfully. However, they became secondary as with language barriers, I was able to communicate to them and they were able to communicate with me if not through the spoken word, it is via gestures and smiles really. In most instances we were able to communicate kindness. These instances from all the countries mentioned above led me to conclude that more than spoken word, kindness is the most effective form of communication. Based on my personal experiences abroad, I can conclude that “kindness is the international or universal language”. A smile has the same meaning everywhere, laughter has the same meaning in all places and acts of kindness have the same effect all over the world. If there are aliens, I think they would likewise understand this language because even animals understand it. I think the heart of the matter is that kindness or acts of kindness believes that men or all men are NOT naturally bad or “out to get you”. When I was a boy, I saw my own father move around everywhere with confidence and kindly. This I think is where I have learned to be the same. Our first inclination is to view another human being as being good in the conventional sense. Theologically this is even correct because humans do have a soul and intellect and according to the Scriptures were created in the very image and likeness of God. Some people would say I am naïve to have this view, naïve or not this is what the revelation of God says. Sure, there are evil people and I have seen them up close and personal but for the evil person there are however good persons as well in the world. My travels have allowed me to see this for sure. Also, in Europe a topic that is applicable to all is football or “soccer” as we call it here and in the US. St. John Paul the Great is right, “of all things not essential, football is the most important”. My experiences around the world surely confirms this observation of the great man as people from all economic status in Europe can and did engage in light conversation with me about it. It is a good thing that I do like this sport and am a follower of the many leagues in Europe. This is indeed a good conversation starter in Europe.
I will try to combine my own personal observations and experiences with time tested principles to bring enlightenment to this topic. Being a Catholic Christian and somehow in possession of decades of pastoral experiences I will naturally gravitate to the words of the Saints, the Scriptures (Bible) and just general knowledge regarding the topic. In the end I guess it will be theological work because if there is one who epitomizes kindness, it is God himself who is all good. Kindness therefore is a wiring that God has placed in us all when He gave a soul (intellect) and placed us in a family. It is through there where we will learn that this is a very direct imitation of God who considers all men and women as His children. Finally, this is probably why people can relate, understand, appreciate and honor people who are kind. For the same reason this is why arrogant, selfish, paranoid and power-hungry people elicit the reverse effect. You get the point, right? These are not God like deeds and I dare say “evil” and people created in God’s image and likeness react abhorrently in these acts of unkindness.
An Italian Experience:
“Be kind to one another…”
(Ephesians 4: 32)
When we were in Rome during the “Year of Mercy”, I and my wife Ruby together with those who are part of our “New Jerusalem” youth group had this pilgrimage with 2 former members and decided to celebrate our 30th anniversary of sort here in Italia going to the places herein that shaped our spirituality as individuals and as a group. However, that is another story altogether and maybe I can write about it soon. While we were there, we decided to go the “Papal Blessing office” where you can get a certificate as we have completed the 4 Papal Basilicas asked for the “Jubilee Year”. While the group were inside the office, I decided to stay outside and sat on a bench. On the opposite side of the bench was an elderly man who much like me was just waiting for who turned out to be his wife. A few moments have passed and then he made a gesture to speak with me, by the way he was smiling. When we made eye contact and smiled at each other; with hand gestures and slow Italian, he asked me from where I am gesturing and saying that he was from Rome. I told him from the Philippines. Small talk continues as to coming from a long way off, explaining that the year of mercy prompted my going here and the like. He even told me about Cardinal Tagle whom he knows about as Filipino and a good man. He even told me that he could be the Pope if God wills it. So many more pleasantries including telling me that Padua is a good place to go to as well when I told him that it is on our itinerary. Then his wife appeared and told him it is time to go, I reached out for his hand and instead of shaking it like westerners do, I placed it in my forehead which surprised him at first but then quickly he smiled and understood that it is a sign of respect for him being an elder. I did the same to her wife and we parted ways. As they were leaving, I overheard that he is explaining to his wife that I am from the Philippines (Filipiny) like Cardinal Tagle and we had a pleasant chat despite his inability to speak English and my inability to speak Italian. This experience reinforced in me that kindness which is being pleasant indeed breaks all even language barriers.
On hindsight, people told me that people in the West are arrogant and there are certain ethnic groups that I should avoid like gypsies and the like. I was told as well they are not Catholics or Christians anymore because they do not go to Church like we do here. However when I am walking around in Europe particularly, upon crossing streets, people will slow down and wave me to pass or cross the street. Here it is the opposite, the drivers would not give an inch or a moment to another human being. If going to Mass is the indication of the goodness of the person, something is amiss. For the most part, I think the Europeans are a kind lot and I just hope that a revival of sorts would come to these shores and they would begin to hear Mass as frequently as before. They do have beautiful Cathedrals and Churches. As to us here, we can learn kindness from them and put more of the Mass in our everyday lives.
“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” (St. Therese of Lisieux)
SANLAKBAY BATCH 3
please pray for the success and God's blessing for batch 3 "SANLAKBAY", the RCAM drug dependency rehab program. if you know of someone whom you think might need this program, do get in touch with me. we will still accept until this coming Saturday, you can contact me here or via cel nos 0920-9048667. so far, 120 persons more or less have successfully undergone the program at the Vicariate of St. Joseph, Makati City. Many sectors have pulled their resources to make this a reality including the local government. God bless us all!
SAN ANTON CHURCH, MADRID
(COOLEST CHURCH IN THE WESTERN WORLD)
San Anton Parish, Madrid
("COOLEST" Church in the World)
In our last day at Madrid, getting ready to go home to the Philippines, me and my wife Ruby decided to visit a Church to give thanks to God for this blessing He gave us through my brother in law Mr. Red R. Reyes. For truth is we will not be able to do this financially. Actually this is a birthday celebration for Ruby who turned 50 and it is also his birthday, how cool is that. Well for that matter after having breakfast at a grocery of sorts beside the inn we stayed, we decided to visit a Church. On our way, we talked to a brother whom we asked as to the location of the nearest Catholic Church. He pointed us to the direction of the Church of San Anton Abad (St. Anthony the Great, Abbot) whom he said is the Church of Fr. Angel Rodriquez who is accordingly being considered for Nobel Prize for Peace (like Saint Mother Teresa). My broken spanish & his broken english somehow took a middle ground and comprehension materialized, thanks be to God. However I can deduce that he is so proud of this church and so we decided to check it out.
We entered the Church and the first thing you will notice is the homeless people sleeping or resting in the Church. We were told that these people are fed here, have coffee or soup and provide them shelter from the cold. The church is open 24 hours and is administered by the "Messengers of Peace" the org founded by Fr. Angel. I learned as well that people are calling this Church the "coolest Church in the Western world" for the free wifi, free food & shelter but i think more so because of the non judgmental way people are treated here. Actually Fr. Angel and the messengers of peace welcome everyone and do not discriminate even those whom Catholic traditionalist consider as in the margins like LGBT Community, homeless and the like even pets are welcome here.The church is a sanctuary in every sense of the word to those who live in the margins, it is the beating heart in a very cold and prejudicial world we live in and honestly we can see this even from our very own church communities, the coldness I mean. I learned as well that no less than His Holiness Pope Francis visited here and commended the efforts of this unorthodox priest and the messengers of peace. This church was featured as one who epitomizes God's mercy and compassion and as such cited by Pope Francis during the year of mercy.
We were so touched and overwhelmed that we did not have photos taken. We prayed for the poor, the sick, the suffering, the lonely, the confused, the incarcerated and the dying. This I feel is what the world needs right now. A church and people responsive and looking out for those in the margins the call of His Holiness and His Eminence Cardinal Tagle here in the Archdiocese of Manila. Talk about imbibing the odor of the sheep, this I think is what it really means. Sometimes our concept of church or service has been boxed into our Liturgical services, ministries and even our preaching and sharing. Likewise the temptation when we are part of a community of sorts is to just have our vision limited to those we are joined together by activity, belief or purpose. In this church when you actually visit it and open your heart to it, these things above although good is not suppose to be a priority will come to fore. The priority is not the church edifice nor the service, it is the people the real church and preference is suppose to be given to those in the marginalized sector like the poor, the sick, the suffering, the incarcerated, the confused, the lonely and the dying. Jesus said in the gospels, "it is not the well that needs the physician". We are called by the Lord to be as physicians to them and pave the way for their healing by our love, mercy and compassion, things that we have received from the Lord in the first place. If Fr. Angel's work and the Messengers of Peace cannot touch you to reconsider your priorities, I do not know what will. Conventional, they are not but they are the true witnesses of holiness (imitation of Jesus) not our limited concepts of holiness which actually is what I call "piousness" or doing spiritual things thinking it is the end not the means to do the greater thing which is love. St. Paul said, "love is the greatest".
On the way out we decided to give somehow and one of the messenger volunteers told us to put it in the offering and gave us papers to write our petitions. It was placed by the side of the altar with a picture of the patron St. Anthony the great, abbot. How we wish we could have given more because this place is so "cool" indeed that I felt at that moment that I belong and do want to belong with them. Likewise I felt the love and mercy of God, not in ethereal ways but in concrete flesh and blood and it really is cool. By the way do not think they do not have orthodox and holy liturgical services, they do indeed but the difference I think is that they know it is not the end but the means to holiness. Another cool thing I heard in this church is for us pet lovers because Fr. Angel blesses all pets during the feast day of their patron. If only we are just near, I would ask this holy man to bless our beloved dog Krabby, that's cool. Another btw, the Church is refuted to have the relics of St. Valentine to which we have named the day of love, "Valentine's day", maybe that is why everyone here is filled with so much real love, how cool is that truly?
"In the end, faith, hope and love remains and the greatest of these is love". (1Cor 13:13)
("COOLEST" Church in the World)
In our last day at Madrid, getting ready to go home to the Philippines, me and my wife Ruby decided to visit a Church to give thanks to God for this blessing He gave us through my brother in law Mr. Red R. Reyes. For truth is we will not be able to do this financially. Actually this is a birthday celebration for Ruby who turned 50 and it is also his birthday, how cool is that. Well for that matter after having breakfast at a grocery of sorts beside the inn we stayed, we decided to visit a Church. On our way, we talked to a brother whom we asked as to the location of the nearest Catholic Church. He pointed us to the direction of the Church of San Anton Abad (St. Anthony the Great, Abbot) whom he said is the Church of Fr. Angel Rodriquez who is accordingly being considered for Nobel Prize for Peace (like Saint Mother Teresa). My broken spanish & his broken english somehow took a middle ground and comprehension materialized, thanks be to God. However I can deduce that he is so proud of this church and so we decided to check it out.
We entered the Church and the first thing you will notice is the homeless people sleeping or resting in the Church. We were told that these people are fed here, have coffee or soup and provide them shelter from the cold. The church is open 24 hours and is administered by the "Messengers of Peace" the org founded by Fr. Angel. I learned as well that people are calling this Church the "coolest Church in the Western world" for the free wifi, free food & shelter but i think more so because of the non judgmental way people are treated here. Actually Fr. Angel and the messengers of peace welcome everyone and do not discriminate even those whom Catholic traditionalist consider as in the margins like LGBT Community, homeless and the like even pets are welcome here.The church is a sanctuary in every sense of the word to those who live in the margins, it is the beating heart in a very cold and prejudicial world we live in and honestly we can see this even from our very own church communities, the coldness I mean. I learned as well that no less than His Holiness Pope Francis visited here and commended the efforts of this unorthodox priest and the messengers of peace. This church was featured as one who epitomizes God's mercy and compassion and as such cited by Pope Francis during the year of mercy.
We were so touched and overwhelmed that we did not have photos taken. We prayed for the poor, the sick, the suffering, the lonely, the confused, the incarcerated and the dying. This I feel is what the world needs right now. A church and people responsive and looking out for those in the margins the call of His Holiness and His Eminence Cardinal Tagle here in the Archdiocese of Manila. Talk about imbibing the odor of the sheep, this I think is what it really means. Sometimes our concept of church or service has been boxed into our Liturgical services, ministries and even our preaching and sharing. Likewise the temptation when we are part of a community of sorts is to just have our vision limited to those we are joined together by activity, belief or purpose. In this church when you actually visit it and open your heart to it, these things above although good is not suppose to be a priority will come to fore. The priority is not the church edifice nor the service, it is the people the real church and preference is suppose to be given to those in the marginalized sector like the poor, the sick, the suffering, the incarcerated, the confused, the lonely and the dying. Jesus said in the gospels, "it is not the well that needs the physician". We are called by the Lord to be as physicians to them and pave the way for their healing by our love, mercy and compassion, things that we have received from the Lord in the first place. If Fr. Angel's work and the Messengers of Peace cannot touch you to reconsider your priorities, I do not know what will. Conventional, they are not but they are the true witnesses of holiness (imitation of Jesus) not our limited concepts of holiness which actually is what I call "piousness" or doing spiritual things thinking it is the end not the means to do the greater thing which is love. St. Paul said, "love is the greatest".
On the way out we decided to give somehow and one of the messenger volunteers told us to put it in the offering and gave us papers to write our petitions. It was placed by the side of the altar with a picture of the patron St. Anthony the great, abbot. How we wish we could have given more because this place is so "cool" indeed that I felt at that moment that I belong and do want to belong with them. Likewise I felt the love and mercy of God, not in ethereal ways but in concrete flesh and blood and it really is cool. By the way do not think they do not have orthodox and holy liturgical services, they do indeed but the difference I think is that they know it is not the end but the means to holiness. Another cool thing I heard in this church is for us pet lovers because Fr. Angel blesses all pets during the feast day of their patron. If only we are just near, I would ask this holy man to bless our beloved dog Krabby, that's cool. Another btw, the Church is refuted to have the relics of St. Valentine to which we have named the day of love, "Valentine's day", maybe that is why everyone here is filled with so much real love, how cool is that truly?
"In the end, faith, hope and love remains and the greatest of these is love". (1Cor 13:13)
CHURCH FOR ALL: THE ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC & APOSTOLIC CHURCH (Pilgrims Reflection on the Cathedral of Cologne & Church of Minorities)
We have been to Cologne, Germany where we were astounded by the height and grandness of the Cologne Cathedral where you will find the remains of the 3 Magis (who visited the Child Jesus) and the wise Dominican Scholar, St. Albert the Great (teacher of St. Thomas Aquinas) among many. However I insisted that we go to the Franciscan Church of Minorities where the remains of the Champion of the Immaculate Conception rests, the Blessed John Duns Scotus OFM. Actually the 2 place of worship led us to reflect on the contradiction yet universality of the Catholic Church.
The Cathedral: (Hohe Domkirche St. Petrus or Kolner Dom)
In Cologne, Germany you will see the vast gothic structure otherwise known as the Cathedral of Cologne. This architectural marvel was at the time the tallest Church in the world. Now it is just the 2nd to Basilica to Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. However when you see the Cathedral in person, you cannot help but be astounded by the immensity. This Gothic Cathedral was built starting 1248 and was completed 1473. It is formally named the Cathedral of St. Peter at Cologne, Germany. More than the architecture, the structure also boasts of having the relics of the 3 Magis or the kings who visited the Lord Jesus when he was born on Bethlehem to offer their homage to the newborn King of kings. These relics were said to be brought here by the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa from Milan in the year 1164. On the side of the main altar you will find this and known as the “Shrine of the 3 kings”. Likewise, this is the Church which has the remains of the great scholar, a doctor of the Church & the teacher of the Angelic Doctor St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Albert the Great. Although his remains is not often visited by pilgrims because maybe of ignorance of who the “Doctor of the Church”, for many commentators and scholars he because of his influence on St. Thomas Aquinas (father of scholasticism) can be called the “grandfather of scholasticism”. He is a bishop and has elevated the study of God (theology) into a science because for him and the Angelic doctor, God and His existence can be proven through many ways.
When we were there, so many people are around paying homage and so many photos are being taken of the structure. I spent my time there and prayed at the shrine thanking the Magis for their recognition of the Lord Jesus even in the humble manger as the King of kings born into our world. Then at the main altar I thanked the Lord for people like Sancti Albertus Magnus whose teaching and example has reverberated up until this our very time in history. Awesome is the adjective that I can come up with at this beautiful edifice that God has granted to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church: the Catholic Church. Our God is not a poor God deserving of the highest honour and praise that man can offer since all these things truly came from Him anyway. An awesome Church for an Awesome God.
Church of Minorities: (Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion)
This Franciscan Order (Friar Minors) inspired church just a few blocks away from the Cathedral houses the remains of the “Subtle Doctor”, the Blessed John Duns Scotus, a Franciscan priest who has an extensive volume of scholastic work in both theology and philosophy. He is known as well as the “Champion of the Immaculate Concepcion” because it was his work that in some way gave us a logical and acceptable basis which a few centuries later led to the proclamation of the dogma by His Holiness Blessed Pope Pius IX in 1854. As a matter of fact the Pontiff thanked the simple Franciscan priest and cited him particularly his defence of the dogma, as one of the factors that led to the proclamation of the dogma. It was St. John Paul the Great who beatified him so many centuries later and I am praying that one day soon, preferably in my time, he will be canonized and declared a Saint. He is known as a holy teacher (University of Paris & Cologne) and when he was declared a “Doctor of the Church”; his humility earned him the title as “Subtle Doctor”. In this church you can see the Franciscan influence of being able to rise above the lure of materialism in the spirit of the founder of the order, St. Francis of Assisi. Instead of having marble walls the stones are just stones. In the main altar you will witness a large image of the Crucifix using transparent materials and has a subtle image of the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ. On one side you will see the tomb of the Subtle Doctor with not much fanfare although it has a fence around it. When we were there, there were just maybe 2 or 3 people we met inside the church in contrast to the multitude we witnessed at the Cathedral. It was for one thing a very conducive place to pray and meditate. It was refuted that it was Blessed John Duns who had this constructed and when I saw it, I think this maybe to be true because in the structure all you can see is simplicity and practicality to purpose. Truthfully from the outside, you will never notice that it has very good interiors and a place worthy for the worship of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is materially subtle but the atmosphere can lead one to soar in spirit like wings to the heavens. When I was there at the grave of the Subtle Doctor, tears welled up in my eyes and I heard him in my heart thanking me for the visit. I thanked him for defending our Mother Mary and told him that I will continue to preach, teach and tell all men that we should pray the rosary every day till we finally reach our destination, the beatific vision where we can be with God for all eternity. Subtle, simple and I can even dare say humble, this is the impression of this church for me. In its plainness though, it emits the holiness of God, the saintliness of the Franciscan Order and the spirit of the Subtle Doctor of Church, the Blessed John Duns Scotus.
CATHOLIC CHURCH: A CHURCH FOR ALL (CALL FOR UNITY)
I told my wife Ruby that this is a contradiction although I mean a good one. In the cathedral we were impressed in seemingly loud and concrete ways from the physical and material splendour, the power of the Church. Like it says that it is for the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, the cultured and other superlatives to describe it. In the other church however we were impressed by its simplicity, holiness and subtleness that sort of speak to us that the Church is for the poor socially and poor spiritually. The contradiction of the structures led me to the conclusion that the our Church, the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church is truly universal meaning it is for all men regardless of social, racial, intellectual or cultural status. In application no matter who you are or your status in life, the Catholic Church embraces you. She is the mother much like of our Mother Mary who will always have her arms open as she considers us all her children. Universality means that the Catholic Church is inclusive, we must become true to this calling. We might have our preferences but we must in our way rise above them to include all men, rich and poor, brilliant and not so brilliant, beautiful and not so beautiful, the in your face type to the subtle type. Actually we all have that tendency to be in awe to those that materially are in abundance, the beautiful, the powerful, the articulate and the like. In contrast, we have a natural tendency to disregard, be inconvenienced and even feel repulsed by brothers and sisters that belong to the lower or view as lower than us. This I think is the evil of prejudice and this is not what being universal actually means. In the beginning of our history it is not the powerful or rich who embraced this free gift of God in Jesus, it is actually the poor and even those considered subhuman at the time, slaves who found the good news and embraced it. In the Church of the Minorities I began to think that maybe, just maybe there are more from this sector who are enjoying the fullness of the kingdom of God in heaven the poor materially here on earth. For Jesus said “blessed are you the poor for yours is the kingdom God” in the gospel of Luke 6:20. St. Paul stresses further that the kingdom of God is not about eating or drinking but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17). Let us all strive to be less prejudicial or less judgmental of others and if possible to view ourselves as not the betters of others but as equals in virtue and in grace. In God’s eyes we are all equal, we are all His children and He loves each and every one of us. For the Church our Mother, we are all equal, embraced, loved and dignified. Through the centuries the strength of the Church I have always said is the visible unity prevalent with the hierarchy to which we have submitted. Uni means one which is the root word for unity and universal.
May St. Albert the Great, the 3 Magis and the Subtle Doctor Blessed John Duns pray for us that we would grow into becoming truly universal, all embracing in thoughts, words and deeds; rise above materialism, arrogance and hunger for power but rather see Jesus in our marginalized brothers and sisters; the poor, the sick, the suffering, the incarcerated, the lonely, the confused and the dying. Amen.
The Cathedral: (Hohe Domkirche St. Petrus or Kolner Dom)
In Cologne, Germany you will see the vast gothic structure otherwise known as the Cathedral of Cologne. This architectural marvel was at the time the tallest Church in the world. Now it is just the 2nd to Basilica to Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. However when you see the Cathedral in person, you cannot help but be astounded by the immensity. This Gothic Cathedral was built starting 1248 and was completed 1473. It is formally named the Cathedral of St. Peter at Cologne, Germany. More than the architecture, the structure also boasts of having the relics of the 3 Magis or the kings who visited the Lord Jesus when he was born on Bethlehem to offer their homage to the newborn King of kings. These relics were said to be brought here by the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa from Milan in the year 1164. On the side of the main altar you will find this and known as the “Shrine of the 3 kings”. Likewise, this is the Church which has the remains of the great scholar, a doctor of the Church & the teacher of the Angelic Doctor St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Albert the Great. Although his remains is not often visited by pilgrims because maybe of ignorance of who the “Doctor of the Church”, for many commentators and scholars he because of his influence on St. Thomas Aquinas (father of scholasticism) can be called the “grandfather of scholasticism”. He is a bishop and has elevated the study of God (theology) into a science because for him and the Angelic doctor, God and His existence can be proven through many ways.
When we were there, so many people are around paying homage and so many photos are being taken of the structure. I spent my time there and prayed at the shrine thanking the Magis for their recognition of the Lord Jesus even in the humble manger as the King of kings born into our world. Then at the main altar I thanked the Lord for people like Sancti Albertus Magnus whose teaching and example has reverberated up until this our very time in history. Awesome is the adjective that I can come up with at this beautiful edifice that God has granted to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church: the Catholic Church. Our God is not a poor God deserving of the highest honour and praise that man can offer since all these things truly came from Him anyway. An awesome Church for an Awesome God.
Church of Minorities: (Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion)
This Franciscan Order (Friar Minors) inspired church just a few blocks away from the Cathedral houses the remains of the “Subtle Doctor”, the Blessed John Duns Scotus, a Franciscan priest who has an extensive volume of scholastic work in both theology and philosophy. He is known as well as the “Champion of the Immaculate Concepcion” because it was his work that in some way gave us a logical and acceptable basis which a few centuries later led to the proclamation of the dogma by His Holiness Blessed Pope Pius IX in 1854. As a matter of fact the Pontiff thanked the simple Franciscan priest and cited him particularly his defence of the dogma, as one of the factors that led to the proclamation of the dogma. It was St. John Paul the Great who beatified him so many centuries later and I am praying that one day soon, preferably in my time, he will be canonized and declared a Saint. He is known as a holy teacher (University of Paris & Cologne) and when he was declared a “Doctor of the Church”; his humility earned him the title as “Subtle Doctor”. In this church you can see the Franciscan influence of being able to rise above the lure of materialism in the spirit of the founder of the order, St. Francis of Assisi. Instead of having marble walls the stones are just stones. In the main altar you will witness a large image of the Crucifix using transparent materials and has a subtle image of the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ. On one side you will see the tomb of the Subtle Doctor with not much fanfare although it has a fence around it. When we were there, there were just maybe 2 or 3 people we met inside the church in contrast to the multitude we witnessed at the Cathedral. It was for one thing a very conducive place to pray and meditate. It was refuted that it was Blessed John Duns who had this constructed and when I saw it, I think this maybe to be true because in the structure all you can see is simplicity and practicality to purpose. Truthfully from the outside, you will never notice that it has very good interiors and a place worthy for the worship of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is materially subtle but the atmosphere can lead one to soar in spirit like wings to the heavens. When I was there at the grave of the Subtle Doctor, tears welled up in my eyes and I heard him in my heart thanking me for the visit. I thanked him for defending our Mother Mary and told him that I will continue to preach, teach and tell all men that we should pray the rosary every day till we finally reach our destination, the beatific vision where we can be with God for all eternity. Subtle, simple and I can even dare say humble, this is the impression of this church for me. In its plainness though, it emits the holiness of God, the saintliness of the Franciscan Order and the spirit of the Subtle Doctor of Church, the Blessed John Duns Scotus.
CATHOLIC CHURCH: A CHURCH FOR ALL (CALL FOR UNITY)
I told my wife Ruby that this is a contradiction although I mean a good one. In the cathedral we were impressed in seemingly loud and concrete ways from the physical and material splendour, the power of the Church. Like it says that it is for the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, the cultured and other superlatives to describe it. In the other church however we were impressed by its simplicity, holiness and subtleness that sort of speak to us that the Church is for the poor socially and poor spiritually. The contradiction of the structures led me to the conclusion that the our Church, the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church is truly universal meaning it is for all men regardless of social, racial, intellectual or cultural status. In application no matter who you are or your status in life, the Catholic Church embraces you. She is the mother much like of our Mother Mary who will always have her arms open as she considers us all her children. Universality means that the Catholic Church is inclusive, we must become true to this calling. We might have our preferences but we must in our way rise above them to include all men, rich and poor, brilliant and not so brilliant, beautiful and not so beautiful, the in your face type to the subtle type. Actually we all have that tendency to be in awe to those that materially are in abundance, the beautiful, the powerful, the articulate and the like. In contrast, we have a natural tendency to disregard, be inconvenienced and even feel repulsed by brothers and sisters that belong to the lower or view as lower than us. This I think is the evil of prejudice and this is not what being universal actually means. In the beginning of our history it is not the powerful or rich who embraced this free gift of God in Jesus, it is actually the poor and even those considered subhuman at the time, slaves who found the good news and embraced it. In the Church of the Minorities I began to think that maybe, just maybe there are more from this sector who are enjoying the fullness of the kingdom of God in heaven the poor materially here on earth. For Jesus said “blessed are you the poor for yours is the kingdom God” in the gospel of Luke 6:20. St. Paul stresses further that the kingdom of God is not about eating or drinking but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17). Let us all strive to be less prejudicial or less judgmental of others and if possible to view ourselves as not the betters of others but as equals in virtue and in grace. In God’s eyes we are all equal, we are all His children and He loves each and every one of us. For the Church our Mother, we are all equal, embraced, loved and dignified. Through the centuries the strength of the Church I have always said is the visible unity prevalent with the hierarchy to which we have submitted. Uni means one which is the root word for unity and universal.
May St. Albert the Great, the 3 Magis and the Subtle Doctor Blessed John Duns pray for us that we would grow into becoming truly universal, all embracing in thoughts, words and deeds; rise above materialism, arrogance and hunger for power but rather see Jesus in our marginalized brothers and sisters; the poor, the sick, the suffering, the incarcerated, the lonely, the confused and the dying. Amen.
ST. JOSEPH APOLOGETICS: CFD Makati Chapter
"Guardian, Protector & Defender of Jesus,
Mary & the Catholic Church"
YOU ARE INVITED THIS COMING TUESDAY, 7:15 PM
@ 3RD FLOOR OF THE PARISH CENTER
(ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER PARISH CHURCH,
PALANAN, MAKATI CITY).
TOPIC FOR THE NIGHT:
THE PAPACY (PRIMACY OF PETER)
INDULGENCES
@ 3RD FLOOR OF THE PARISH CENTER
(ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER PARISH CHURCH,
PALANAN, MAKATI CITY).
TOPIC FOR THE NIGHT:
THE PAPACY (PRIMACY OF PETER)
INDULGENCES
10 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR TRUTH & LOVE:
TODAY WE BEGIN OUR TEN DAYS OF PRAYER THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL GUIDE ALL OF US TO THE TRUTH THAT SHALL LEAD US TO CHARITY. WITH ALL THE FAKE NEWS LEFT AND RIGHT, WE AS A PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW ANYMORE WHICH IS REALLY THE TRUTH AND BEING MISGUIDED WE CANNOT ACT LOVINGLY OR IN CHARITY WHICH IS THE HEART OF THE GOSPEL AND GOD'S WITNESS TO US IN CHRIST JESUS & FRUIT OF THE FIRST PENTECOST. IN A VERY SPECIAL WAY WE SHALL ASK THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH TO INTERCEDE FOR OUR NATION WHO PRESENTLY IS SUFFERING FROM A CRISIS OF TRUTH OF SORTS. WE AT THE PARISH OF ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER HERE IN PALANAN, MAKATI CITY SPEARHEADED BY OUR PARISH PRIEST REV. MONSIGNOR ROBERTO ESPENILLA, STARTED WITH A LITURGICAL CELEBRATION HONORING OUR LADY AS THE MOTHER OF THE CHURCH. IN COMPLIANCE TO THE LETTER OF HIS EMINENCE WE STARTED RINGING THE BELLS OF THE CHURCH PRECISELY AT 3PM AND SHALL CONTINUE FOR 10 DAYS. THIS IS THE SIGNAL FOR US TO PRAY THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET TO WHICH WE BEG THE LORD FOR MERCY FOR WHAT WE, YES ALL OF US NO EXCEPTIONS, HAVE DONE TO THE TRUTH AS A NATION. ALSO WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO OFFER SACRIFICES, FASTING FOR THE SAME INTENTION. LASTLY, WE HAVE DECIDED TO SPONSOR A FORUM ON ONE OF THE CONTROVERSIAL AND CONFUSING ISSUE WE ARE FACING TODAY, FEDERALISM. FOR THIS PURPOSE WE WILL BE INVITING A SPEAKER FROM THE LEGAL PROFESSION TO DISCUSS THIS PARTICULAR TOPIC.
"COME HOLY SPIRIT ENKINDLE IN US THE FIRE OF YOUR LOVE AND RENEW US TO BRING FORTH THE TRUTH THAT WE SEEK SO WE MAY BECOME A PEOPLE TRULY LIVING BY THE TRUTH AND CHARITY IN OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS. WE MAKE THIS OUR PRAYER WITH THE INTERCESSION OF THE HOLY SPOUSES, THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH AND ST. JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF JESUS, MARY AND THE CHURCH. AMEN."
BELOW IS A PICTURE OF THE LETTER OF HIS EMINENCE LUIS ANTONIO CARDINAL G. TAGLE, ARCHBISHOP OF MANILA. PLEASE READ THEM FOR GUIDANCE.
"COME HOLY SPIRIT ENKINDLE IN US THE FIRE OF YOUR LOVE AND RENEW US TO BRING FORTH THE TRUTH THAT WE SEEK SO WE MAY BECOME A PEOPLE TRULY LIVING BY THE TRUTH AND CHARITY IN OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS. WE MAKE THIS OUR PRAYER WITH THE INTERCESSION OF THE HOLY SPOUSES, THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH AND ST. JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF JESUS, MARY AND THE CHURCH. AMEN."
BELOW IS A PICTURE OF THE LETTER OF HIS EMINENCE LUIS ANTONIO CARDINAL G. TAGLE, ARCHBISHOP OF MANILA. PLEASE READ THEM FOR GUIDANCE.
DID YOU KNOW THAT ST. JOSEPH DOES HAVE SOME APPARITIONS:
DID YOU KNOW THAT ST. JOSEPH DOES HAVE SOME APPARITIONS?
Below is an excerpt from the article written by my professor at the New Saint Thomas Institute about the apparition of the Universal Patron of the Church, St. Joseph.
TWO APPARITIONS OF SAINT JOSEPH
by Dr Taylor Marshall
We often speak of Marian apparitions, but what about apparitions of Saint Joseph? These are two of the well-known approved apparitions of Saint Joseph – but of which occurred in the context of a Marian apparition.
Our Lady of Knock (1879)
On the evening of Thursday, 21 August 1879 (Eve of the Octave of the Assumption) in Knock, Ireland, three mysterious persons appeared. The one in the middle was immediately identifiable as the Blessed Virgin Mary, veiled, crowned and praying. Immediately on her right was Saint Joseph with a gray beard, bowing toward Mary. To Mary’s left was one appearing as a bishop who wore a short mitre. This last saint was the virginal Apostle Saint John the Evangelist.
Our Lady of Fatima (1917)
As we discussed a few days about on the significance of the three Marian visions of the Miracle of the Sun, the first vision included Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, as Lucia described: When Our Lady disappeared in the immense distance of the sky, next to the sun we saw Saint Joseph holding the Child Jesus and Our Lady dressed in white with a blue mantle. Saint Joseph and the Child seemed to be blessing the world making the sign of the cross.
I find it startling that Saint Joseph, although not a priest, would give the sacerdotal blessing of the sign of the cross in union with his foster-Son, Christ.
Below is an excerpt from the article written by my professor at the New Saint Thomas Institute about the apparition of the Universal Patron of the Church, St. Joseph.
TWO APPARITIONS OF SAINT JOSEPH
by Dr Taylor Marshall
We often speak of Marian apparitions, but what about apparitions of Saint Joseph? These are two of the well-known approved apparitions of Saint Joseph – but of which occurred in the context of a Marian apparition.
Our Lady of Knock (1879)
On the evening of Thursday, 21 August 1879 (Eve of the Octave of the Assumption) in Knock, Ireland, three mysterious persons appeared. The one in the middle was immediately identifiable as the Blessed Virgin Mary, veiled, crowned and praying. Immediately on her right was Saint Joseph with a gray beard, bowing toward Mary. To Mary’s left was one appearing as a bishop who wore a short mitre. This last saint was the virginal Apostle Saint John the Evangelist.
Our Lady of Fatima (1917)
As we discussed a few days about on the significance of the three Marian visions of the Miracle of the Sun, the first vision included Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, as Lucia described: When Our Lady disappeared in the immense distance of the sky, next to the sun we saw Saint Joseph holding the Child Jesus and Our Lady dressed in white with a blue mantle. Saint Joseph and the Child seemed to be blessing the world making the sign of the cross.
I find it startling that Saint Joseph, although not a priest, would give the sacerdotal blessing of the sign of the cross in union with his foster-Son, Christ.
Bobby’s Take:
1. In the first one at Knocks, the message is clear to have a heart for the poor, the sick, the suffering and even the dying from sickness or poverty. St. Joseph has a heart for those we now refer to as the marginalized sector of society. In his litany, he is called the “comfort of the afflicted” and “hope of the sick”. It is something that His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Cardinal Tagle continues to bring into focus in these our time. We can ask ourselves what are we doing for these people? Sometimes our spirituality become boxed in with liturgical things or the recitation of our novenas and prayers, these are noble indeed but we need to realize that Christianity or Catholicism is much more than these. I am saddened by people who focus on these externals and much more so who spend a lot of time arguing which clothes to wear, where to put the image, and other incidental things. Love is the message of the Gospel, truth to tell, this is the most essential question. Piety can only be seen in our love for God and our neighbor, particularly those in the margins. St. Joseph knows this and he showed it not by words alone but by his deeds.
2. At Fatima, St. Joseph gave the blessing together with Jesus. This reminds us of the importance of fatherhood especially in the context of being the high priest in the family. It is sometimes sad when I hear men say that prayers are for women. In the Scriptures, the blessings will come through the father just as it did through Abraham. Our Church has become a feminine church meaning almost 80% of attendees are women. I have been a daily church goer for the better part of more than 3 decades now and in my assessment men attendance is not improving but diminishing. For the men of the church, let us reclaim this area. Let us not disobey from the design of the Lord, who will bless families through us like St. Joseph. St. Joseph was the head of the Holy family and my reflection of this statement leads me always to conclude that Jesus, the living Word of God, who is God himself was obedient to St. Joseph and so was the Blessed Virgin Mary who is the Mother of God. The blessings from God our Father was channeled to the Holy Family through the humble and just man, St. Joseph our patron and my personal patron.
“AD ITE JOSEPH”
Prayer:
*St. Joseph; guardian and protector of Jesus, Mary and the Catholic Church, legal father of Jesus our brother and Lord, true spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary our mother, and Universal Patron of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church; pray for us, the poor, the sick, the suffering, and the dying of today. Amen.
*this is what I pray when I look at the image of St. Joseph in our Church before I leave the parish church
1. In the first one at Knocks, the message is clear to have a heart for the poor, the sick, the suffering and even the dying from sickness or poverty. St. Joseph has a heart for those we now refer to as the marginalized sector of society. In his litany, he is called the “comfort of the afflicted” and “hope of the sick”. It is something that His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Cardinal Tagle continues to bring into focus in these our time. We can ask ourselves what are we doing for these people? Sometimes our spirituality become boxed in with liturgical things or the recitation of our novenas and prayers, these are noble indeed but we need to realize that Christianity or Catholicism is much more than these. I am saddened by people who focus on these externals and much more so who spend a lot of time arguing which clothes to wear, where to put the image, and other incidental things. Love is the message of the Gospel, truth to tell, this is the most essential question. Piety can only be seen in our love for God and our neighbor, particularly those in the margins. St. Joseph knows this and he showed it not by words alone but by his deeds.
2. At Fatima, St. Joseph gave the blessing together with Jesus. This reminds us of the importance of fatherhood especially in the context of being the high priest in the family. It is sometimes sad when I hear men say that prayers are for women. In the Scriptures, the blessings will come through the father just as it did through Abraham. Our Church has become a feminine church meaning almost 80% of attendees are women. I have been a daily church goer for the better part of more than 3 decades now and in my assessment men attendance is not improving but diminishing. For the men of the church, let us reclaim this area. Let us not disobey from the design of the Lord, who will bless families through us like St. Joseph. St. Joseph was the head of the Holy family and my reflection of this statement leads me always to conclude that Jesus, the living Word of God, who is God himself was obedient to St. Joseph and so was the Blessed Virgin Mary who is the Mother of God. The blessings from God our Father was channeled to the Holy Family through the humble and just man, St. Joseph our patron and my personal patron.
“AD ITE JOSEPH”
Prayer:
*St. Joseph; guardian and protector of Jesus, Mary and the Catholic Church, legal father of Jesus our brother and Lord, true spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary our mother, and Universal Patron of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church; pray for us, the poor, the sick, the suffering, and the dying of today. Amen.
*this is what I pray when I look at the image of St. Joseph in our Church before I leave the parish church
"STANDING UP ON THE ENEMY
ON BENT KNEES"
A few weeks ago, I was placed in a situation that is to say the least a novelty despite the many years I have been going to this particular Apostolate on the Recovering Neurological patients at the hospital within the parish of St. Joseph. In this particular day, I went up to the section and as I entered, a staff told me that he has been speaking with the doctor about a particular patient in isolation who seems so very restless and threatening. I conduct a Bible Service with Communion every Sunday for the patients who cannot hear Mass and am doing it for many years. This is the 1st time though that I was approached by the staff upon instruction of the Doctor requesting that I pray or do something to somehow help the patient relax. Caught by surprise to say the least, I told the staff that I would conduct the service first then go to the isolation room. For some reason I always bring in my bag the “oil of St. Joseph” and the prayer book written by Fr. Syquia, head of the Ministry for Exorcism here at RCAM. The staff by the way informed me that they have tried everything and am turning this over to God through prayers. Truth is I am a bit nervous but I just remembered that this is not an accident and it was meant to be (having the oil and prayer book). Of course I told the staff that I will not go in alone they must accompany me just in case things got violent or something. After the service, I reached into my bag got the prayer book and the “oil of St. Joseph” who incidentally is the “terror of evil spirits”. Upon entering isolation, the patient looked at me and I told him that I will pray for him. He stared blankly at me which at the moment do not know if it is good or bad. I first got the oil and asked St. Joseph to pray that whatever spirit is in the patient should be driven out. When I administered the oil, the patient closed his eyes and before I finished with all my prayers, the patient was already snoring, very loud I might say. I looked over to the staff and they are very surprised but was so very happy. I went outside the hospital to the others that I have to minister to for the day with a lot of thanks in my heart, that God through the intercession of St. Joseph heard and answered our prayer with haste and dispatch. All for Jesus through Mother Mary and Father Joseph. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
“PROBLEM OF EVIL ACCORDING TO ST. THOMAS AQUINAS” by: Dr. Peter Kreeft (Noted by Bobby General)
“PROBLEM OF EVIL” by: Dr. Peter Kreeft
Why does God allow evil? This is the strongest argument for atheism.
St. Thomas formulates the argument. He says, If one of two contraries (opposites) be infinite, the other would be altogether destroyed. But the word “God” means that He is infinite goodness. If, therefore, God existed, there would be no evil discoverable. But there is evil in the world. Therefore God does not exist (I,2,3). If God is infinitely good, He does not will any evil. And if He is infinitely powerful, He gets all that He wills and only what He wills. So why is there evil? Does God lack goodness or power?
Here is St. Thomas’ answer: As Augustine says, “Since God is the highest good, He would not allow any evil to exist in His works unless His omnipotence and goodness were such as to bring good even out of evil.” This is part of the infinite goodness of God, that He should allow evil to exist and out of it produce good (1,2,3). The clearest example of this is the crucifixion of Christ, the most evil deed ever done, the murder of God. And out of this greatest evil came the greatest good, our salvation. If God can pull off that trick there, He can do that anywhere. Every tragedy can be a “Good Friday”.
So when you see something evil, whether a physical evil (like death) or a moral evil (like the oppression of the innocent), know that God in His infinite wisdom knows infinitely more than you do about it and does not prevent it even though He could, because He is bringing some greater good out of it, usually a good that we cannot yet see, except by the eyes of faith and trust. St. Thomas’ answer to the problem of evil is not just good philosophy; it is good spiritual direction, it is powerfully practical. Because it enables us to say to God “Even though I do not understand why You allowed this, I trust you”, not just when we see little evils like hemorrhoids but even when we see horrible evils like Holocausts. Job said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). We cannot prove it, and we cannot fully understand it, but we are always free to make the choice to trust Him. The atheist tries to take that freedom from us. St. Thomas defends us against that assault.
Neither St. Thomas nor any other human being can give the atheist what he demands: a reason why God allows this or that particular evil (e.g., the death of a child, the power of a Hitler, or the selfishness of a family member). But he can give the atheist a reason why it is irrational and unfair for him to demand to know such reasons. For if there is a God, whose wisdom is infinitely greater than ours, then we would not be able to understand the reasons why He allows many things to happen, any more than a dog or an infant can understand why adults do what they do. For the difference between our finite minds and God’s infinite mind is at least as great as the difference between a dog’s or an infant’s finite mind and our own. We are not God. Why is it so hard for us to remember that? In a vision, God summarized all of divine revelation to St. Catherine in two two-word sentences: “I’m God. You’re not.” Why is it so easy for us to forget that second thing?
There is therefore infinite room to trust Him even—especially—when we are shocked, surprised, and scandalized by some evil whose good result we simply do not see. We do not have divine eyes. But there is One Who does. Those are the two most salient facts of our existence.
If we did understand the reasons why God allowed every evil He allows, if we understood “the big picture”, we would be as wise as God; and in that case there would be no God above ourselves, and this would not disprove atheism, this would prove atheism.
Why does God allow evil? This is the strongest argument for atheism.
St. Thomas formulates the argument. He says, If one of two contraries (opposites) be infinite, the other would be altogether destroyed. But the word “God” means that He is infinite goodness. If, therefore, God existed, there would be no evil discoverable. But there is evil in the world. Therefore God does not exist (I,2,3). If God is infinitely good, He does not will any evil. And if He is infinitely powerful, He gets all that He wills and only what He wills. So why is there evil? Does God lack goodness or power?
Here is St. Thomas’ answer: As Augustine says, “Since God is the highest good, He would not allow any evil to exist in His works unless His omnipotence and goodness were such as to bring good even out of evil.” This is part of the infinite goodness of God, that He should allow evil to exist and out of it produce good (1,2,3). The clearest example of this is the crucifixion of Christ, the most evil deed ever done, the murder of God. And out of this greatest evil came the greatest good, our salvation. If God can pull off that trick there, He can do that anywhere. Every tragedy can be a “Good Friday”.
So when you see something evil, whether a physical evil (like death) or a moral evil (like the oppression of the innocent), know that God in His infinite wisdom knows infinitely more than you do about it and does not prevent it even though He could, because He is bringing some greater good out of it, usually a good that we cannot yet see, except by the eyes of faith and trust. St. Thomas’ answer to the problem of evil is not just good philosophy; it is good spiritual direction, it is powerfully practical. Because it enables us to say to God “Even though I do not understand why You allowed this, I trust you”, not just when we see little evils like hemorrhoids but even when we see horrible evils like Holocausts. Job said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). We cannot prove it, and we cannot fully understand it, but we are always free to make the choice to trust Him. The atheist tries to take that freedom from us. St. Thomas defends us against that assault.
Neither St. Thomas nor any other human being can give the atheist what he demands: a reason why God allows this or that particular evil (e.g., the death of a child, the power of a Hitler, or the selfishness of a family member). But he can give the atheist a reason why it is irrational and unfair for him to demand to know such reasons. For if there is a God, whose wisdom is infinitely greater than ours, then we would not be able to understand the reasons why He allows many things to happen, any more than a dog or an infant can understand why adults do what they do. For the difference between our finite minds and God’s infinite mind is at least as great as the difference between a dog’s or an infant’s finite mind and our own. We are not God. Why is it so hard for us to remember that? In a vision, God summarized all of divine revelation to St. Catherine in two two-word sentences: “I’m God. You’re not.” Why is it so easy for us to forget that second thing?
There is therefore infinite room to trust Him even—especially—when we are shocked, surprised, and scandalized by some evil whose good result we simply do not see. We do not have divine eyes. But there is One Who does. Those are the two most salient facts of our existence.
If we did understand the reasons why God allowed every evil He allows, if we understood “the big picture”, we would be as wise as God; and in that case there would be no God above ourselves, and this would not disprove atheism, this would prove atheism.
Bobby’s Note:
So much evil is happening in the world today. We can see it even without stepping out of our homes (selfishness/backbiting/dishonesty,etc.). The evil of the world (the systems that are ruling this finite world), the flesh (passions and desires) and the devil (spirits who tempt and distort reality), sometimes when we realize these things, the only logical response it seems is fear. Fear which does come in many forms that ultimately is given free rein by us and controls us. This I think is the essence of evil, it produces fear in us that prevents us from seeing the truth and doing good which is the plan of God for our lives. I have spoken with many patients who are undergoing neurological rehabilitations and this seems to be the conclusion of their wayward behaviour problems like addictions, alcoholism and even depression. Their fears which range from being rejected, peer pressure or conformity or past mistakes and failures brings about many times this adverse behaviour patterns. The beloved one of the Lord Jesus, St. John the Apostle and Evangelist said, “love is not yet perfect for one who has fear”. I will not pretend to know the answer to fear but I have decided to be guided by the words and wisdom of the Scripture, God’s word and revelation who above told us that if there is fear in us still (guess that is all of us), we must reflect on the love that is in our hearts and ask graces from the Lord to increase this love. This might help us just a little bit more swiftly and move us to overcoming our fears. Remember the words of the prophet, “it is not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit says the Lord”, we must therefore admit this reality that we cannot overcome them by our own resources and we need God’s strength, grace and mercy if we are to be victorious over them. In the end we must realize that this is not God’s plan for us and trust Him completely as we go deeper in love with Him and others that no matter what, the Father (GOD) knows best. Not you and I no matter how many seminars, certificates or titles we have. It is about Him not about us. As to evil, it is the same, God’s plan is to create something good out of evil. We must not think otherwise. If He allowed it, be confident that His love will see us through them and like the old adage, “garbage will turn to gold”. It is not easy to move away from our evil tendencies but I guess the best way is to admit we have these tendencies which is the root of the problem. I think acknowledging that we are like this, asking God for forgiveness (repentance) and opening our hearts to the power of the Holy Spirit will bring us right back to the correct and righteous path. True there is evil but a bigger truth is that in Jesus, by the Paschal Mystery, we can overcome evil with God’s help, provision and love. Like my spiritual friend, St. Catherine (Stigmatist & Doctor of the Church) said, “I trust in You Lord, not in myself”. Let God be God and trust Him completely. St. Paul said to the Philippians, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Amen.
So much evil is happening in the world today. We can see it even without stepping out of our homes (selfishness/backbiting/dishonesty,etc.). The evil of the world (the systems that are ruling this finite world), the flesh (passions and desires) and the devil (spirits who tempt and distort reality), sometimes when we realize these things, the only logical response it seems is fear. Fear which does come in many forms that ultimately is given free rein by us and controls us. This I think is the essence of evil, it produces fear in us that prevents us from seeing the truth and doing good which is the plan of God for our lives. I have spoken with many patients who are undergoing neurological rehabilitations and this seems to be the conclusion of their wayward behaviour problems like addictions, alcoholism and even depression. Their fears which range from being rejected, peer pressure or conformity or past mistakes and failures brings about many times this adverse behaviour patterns. The beloved one of the Lord Jesus, St. John the Apostle and Evangelist said, “love is not yet perfect for one who has fear”. I will not pretend to know the answer to fear but I have decided to be guided by the words and wisdom of the Scripture, God’s word and revelation who above told us that if there is fear in us still (guess that is all of us), we must reflect on the love that is in our hearts and ask graces from the Lord to increase this love. This might help us just a little bit more swiftly and move us to overcoming our fears. Remember the words of the prophet, “it is not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit says the Lord”, we must therefore admit this reality that we cannot overcome them by our own resources and we need God’s strength, grace and mercy if we are to be victorious over them. In the end we must realize that this is not God’s plan for us and trust Him completely as we go deeper in love with Him and others that no matter what, the Father (GOD) knows best. Not you and I no matter how many seminars, certificates or titles we have. It is about Him not about us. As to evil, it is the same, God’s plan is to create something good out of evil. We must not think otherwise. If He allowed it, be confident that His love will see us through them and like the old adage, “garbage will turn to gold”. It is not easy to move away from our evil tendencies but I guess the best way is to admit we have these tendencies which is the root of the problem. I think acknowledging that we are like this, asking God for forgiveness (repentance) and opening our hearts to the power of the Holy Spirit will bring us right back to the correct and righteous path. True there is evil but a bigger truth is that in Jesus, by the Paschal Mystery, we can overcome evil with God’s help, provision and love. Like my spiritual friend, St. Catherine (Stigmatist & Doctor of the Church) said, “I trust in You Lord, not in myself”. Let God be God and trust Him completely. St. Paul said to the Philippians, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Amen.
CHRIST JESUS, HIS PASSION AND DEATH:
ACCORDING TO ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
THE GLORY OF CHRIST IN HIS BODY, AND THE GLORY THAT IS TO COME TO ALL MEN AT THE END OF THE WORLD, ARE PURCHASED WITH A GREAT PRICE. BEFORE THE BODY OF CHRIST COULD BE CONFIRMED IN THE GLORY OF HIS SANCTIFIED SOUL, BEFORE MEN COULD HAVE ANY CHANCE TO EMULATE HIS GLORY, CHRIST HAD TO WIN REDEMPTION FOR MANKIND BY HIS PASSION AND HIS DEATH UPON THE CROSS OF CALVARY. CHRIST DID NOT SUFFER AND THEN DIE UPON
THE CROSS BECAUSE GOD WAS UNDER ANY 'COMPULSION' TO DEMAND SO GREAT A RECOMPENSE FOR THE SINS OF MEN. GOD COULD HAVE SIMPLY 'CONDONED' MEN'S SINS AND GRANTED THEM PARDON WHEN THEY REPENTED OF THEIR SINS. NOR WAS CHRIST HIMSELF UNDER ANY 'COMPULSION' TO SUFFER AND DIE FOR THE SINS OF MEN. HE OFFERED HIMSELF FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY AS A SACRIFICE FOR MEN. BUT CHRIST SUFFERED FOR MEN BECAUSE THIS WAS THE WILL OF GOD. GOD WILLED THATHIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON SHOULD BECOME MAN TO SUFFER AND DIE FOR THE SALVATION OF MEN. THIS DIVINE DECISION MANIFESTS BOTH THE JUSTICE AND THE MERCY OF GOD. IT MANIFESTS HIS JUSTICE, BECAUSE IT SHOWS THAT GOD HAS ACTUALLY DEMANDED SATISFACTION FOR THE SINS OF MEN AGAINST HIM. IT MANIFESTS HIS MERCY, BECAUSE NO ONE BUT A GOD-MAN COULD HAVE OFFERED A SUITABLE SATISFACTION FOR THE SINS OF MEN. BECAUSE HE WAS GOD, CHRIST COULD OFFER GOD AN INFINITE SATISFACTION FOR THE INFINITE MALICE OF SIN. BECAUSE HE WAS MAN, CHRIST COULD OFFER A MAN'S SATISFACTION FOR MAN'S SIN. THE WISDOM OF GOD'S PLAN IN THE PASSION AND DEATH OF CHRIST IS SHOWN, TOO, BY THE OTHER PURPOSES WHICH GOD ACCOMPLISHED IN THIS WAY. CHRIST SUFFERED AND DIED TO WIN GOD'S PARDON FOR THE SINS OF MEN. BUT HIS SUFFERING DID MORE THAN THIS. IN THE FIRST PLACE, SINCE HE WAS BOTH GOD AND MAN, HISSUFFERING WAS A STAGGERING PROOF OF GOD'S LOVE FOR MEN. COULD GOD DO MORE FOR MEN THAN SUFFERAND DIE FOR THEM?
SECONDLY, IN HIS PASSION AND DEATH CHRIST GAVE TO MEN AN 'EXAMPLE' OF THE PERFECT VIRTUE WHICH WILL LEAD MEN TO HEAVEN:
OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S WILL,
HUMILITY,
CONSTANCY IN FOLLOWING GOD'S WILL,
FORTITUDE IN THE FACE OF DEATH,
A LOVE OF JUSTICE EVEN UNTO DEATH, AND SO ON.
THIRDLY, BY HIS SUFFERING, CHRIST MERITED GRACE AND GLORY FOR MEN, AND SO MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR MEN TO ATTAIN THEIR REAL HAPPINESS.
FOURTHLY, BY SUFFERING AND DYING FOR ALL MEN, CHRIST GAVE TO MEN A STRONG ADDITIONAL MOTIVE FOR AVOIDING SIN. IF A FATHER SOLD ALL HIS POSSESSIONS IN ORDER TO PAY THE FOOLISH DEBTS OF HIS SON, WOULD NOT THE SON HAVE A STRONG REASON FOR BEHAVING PRUDENTLY IN THE FUTURE? IF THE SON OF GOD SUFFERED AND DIED BECAUSE OF THE SINS OF MEN, TO PAY THE DEBT OF MEN'S SINS, SHOULD NOT ALL MEN HAVE A GOOD REASON FOR AVOIDING SIN IN THE FUTURE?
LASTLY, THE PASSION AND DEATH OF CHRIST ARE A DIVINE TRIBUTE TO THE DIGNITY OF MAN. MAN HAD DESTROYED HIMSELF BY FALLING VICTIM TO THE DEVIL IN THE GARDEN OF PARADISE. THROUGH CHRIST, A MAN CONQUERS THE DEVIL AND RESTORES MANKIND TO THE FRIENDSHIP OF GOD. MEN CAN POINT TO CHRIST WITH HONEST PRIDE AND SAY THAT THEIR BROTHER MAN HAS SAVED THEM. (SUMMA THEOLOGICA)
THE CROSS BECAUSE GOD WAS UNDER ANY 'COMPULSION' TO DEMAND SO GREAT A RECOMPENSE FOR THE SINS OF MEN. GOD COULD HAVE SIMPLY 'CONDONED' MEN'S SINS AND GRANTED THEM PARDON WHEN THEY REPENTED OF THEIR SINS. NOR WAS CHRIST HIMSELF UNDER ANY 'COMPULSION' TO SUFFER AND DIE FOR THE SINS OF MEN. HE OFFERED HIMSELF FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY AS A SACRIFICE FOR MEN. BUT CHRIST SUFFERED FOR MEN BECAUSE THIS WAS THE WILL OF GOD. GOD WILLED THATHIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON SHOULD BECOME MAN TO SUFFER AND DIE FOR THE SALVATION OF MEN. THIS DIVINE DECISION MANIFESTS BOTH THE JUSTICE AND THE MERCY OF GOD. IT MANIFESTS HIS JUSTICE, BECAUSE IT SHOWS THAT GOD HAS ACTUALLY DEMANDED SATISFACTION FOR THE SINS OF MEN AGAINST HIM. IT MANIFESTS HIS MERCY, BECAUSE NO ONE BUT A GOD-MAN COULD HAVE OFFERED A SUITABLE SATISFACTION FOR THE SINS OF MEN. BECAUSE HE WAS GOD, CHRIST COULD OFFER GOD AN INFINITE SATISFACTION FOR THE INFINITE MALICE OF SIN. BECAUSE HE WAS MAN, CHRIST COULD OFFER A MAN'S SATISFACTION FOR MAN'S SIN. THE WISDOM OF GOD'S PLAN IN THE PASSION AND DEATH OF CHRIST IS SHOWN, TOO, BY THE OTHER PURPOSES WHICH GOD ACCOMPLISHED IN THIS WAY. CHRIST SUFFERED AND DIED TO WIN GOD'S PARDON FOR THE SINS OF MEN. BUT HIS SUFFERING DID MORE THAN THIS. IN THE FIRST PLACE, SINCE HE WAS BOTH GOD AND MAN, HISSUFFERING WAS A STAGGERING PROOF OF GOD'S LOVE FOR MEN. COULD GOD DO MORE FOR MEN THAN SUFFERAND DIE FOR THEM?
SECONDLY, IN HIS PASSION AND DEATH CHRIST GAVE TO MEN AN 'EXAMPLE' OF THE PERFECT VIRTUE WHICH WILL LEAD MEN TO HEAVEN:
OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S WILL,
HUMILITY,
CONSTANCY IN FOLLOWING GOD'S WILL,
FORTITUDE IN THE FACE OF DEATH,
A LOVE OF JUSTICE EVEN UNTO DEATH, AND SO ON.
THIRDLY, BY HIS SUFFERING, CHRIST MERITED GRACE AND GLORY FOR MEN, AND SO MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR MEN TO ATTAIN THEIR REAL HAPPINESS.
FOURTHLY, BY SUFFERING AND DYING FOR ALL MEN, CHRIST GAVE TO MEN A STRONG ADDITIONAL MOTIVE FOR AVOIDING SIN. IF A FATHER SOLD ALL HIS POSSESSIONS IN ORDER TO PAY THE FOOLISH DEBTS OF HIS SON, WOULD NOT THE SON HAVE A STRONG REASON FOR BEHAVING PRUDENTLY IN THE FUTURE? IF THE SON OF GOD SUFFERED AND DIED BECAUSE OF THE SINS OF MEN, TO PAY THE DEBT OF MEN'S SINS, SHOULD NOT ALL MEN HAVE A GOOD REASON FOR AVOIDING SIN IN THE FUTURE?
LASTLY, THE PASSION AND DEATH OF CHRIST ARE A DIVINE TRIBUTE TO THE DIGNITY OF MAN. MAN HAD DESTROYED HIMSELF BY FALLING VICTIM TO THE DEVIL IN THE GARDEN OF PARADISE. THROUGH CHRIST, A MAN CONQUERS THE DEVIL AND RESTORES MANKIND TO THE FRIENDSHIP OF GOD. MEN CAN POINT TO CHRIST WITH HONEST PRIDE AND SAY THAT THEIR BROTHER MAN HAS SAVED THEM. (SUMMA THEOLOGICA)
BOBBY’S NOTE:
OUR CATHOLIC SOTERIOLOGY TELLS US THAT UNLIKE OUR SEPARATED BRETHRENS WE THINK OF OUR SALVATION IN THIS WAY; GOD HAS SAVED US, GOD IS SAVING US, AND WE HOPE THAT GOD WILL SAVE US. THIS ANSWERS THE QUESTION THEOLOGICALLY IF SOMEONE ASKS YOU THE QUESTION, ARE YOU SAVED? THE ANSWERS MEANS THAT JESUS HAS SAVED US FROM THE EFFECTS OF SIN BY HIS PASSION, DEATH AND RESURRECTION. HE PAID THE PRICE FOR OUR SINS AND IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE APPEASING TO THE FATHER. THE EFFECT AS THE GREAT SAINT SAID ABOVE IS NOW WE HAVE FORGIVENESS OF SINS AND RECEIVED SANCTIFYING GRACE WHICH IS GOD’S LIFE IN US THROUGH THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. ALL THIS AND SO MUCH MORE IS AFFORDED US THROUGH THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM. SO YES INDEED GOD HAS SAVED US. GOD HOWEVER IS CONTINUING TO SAVE US BY THE SAME SANCTIFYING GRACE WHEREWITH WE ARE MOVED FROM ONE DEGREE OF HOLINESS TO THE NEXT, MEANING IT IS A PROCESS THAT WE UNDERGO EVERYDAY WHILE WE ARE HERE ON EARTH, IT IS WHY WE ARE DESCRIBED AS THE CHURCH MILITANT. SOTERIOLOGY HOWEVER LIKEWISE TELLS US THAT THIS SALVIFIC ACTION OF THE LORD IS NOT ONLY FOR THE SPIRITUAL IT IS ALSO IN THE TEMPORAL MEANING HE SAVES US FROM SICKNESS, HARM AND REAL DANGERS AS WELL. HENCE HE ASSIGNS A GUARDIAN ANGEL FOR EACH ONE OF US. THE THIRD ASPECT IS THAT WE HOPE THAT GOD WILL SAVE US AND THAT WE WILL BE FOUND WORTHY TO ENTER THE BEATIFIC VISION OR HEAVEN AS WE KNOW IT WHICH IS TO BE WITH GOD FOREVER. THE BASIS FOR THIS SCRIPTURALLY IS WHAT DID WE DO WITH THE TIME AFFORDED US BY GOD’S GRACE AND INFINITE GOODNESS. THIS IS NOT A SURE THING HOWEVER AND THE MATTER WILL BE BASED ON HOW WE HAVE LIVED OUR LIFE HERE. LET US BE CLEAR ON THE FACT THAT WE ARE HERE AND ON THIS TIME FOR A PURPOSE. WHEN ASKED A SIMILAR QUESTION, OUR LORD RESPONDED BY SAYING, “LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, MIND, SOUL AND STRENGTH AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF”. OUR SALVATION IS THEREFORE A CALL TO LOVE BECAUSE IT IS GIVEN TO US ALL BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE FOR EACH ONE OF US. SALVATION IS GRACE FROM GOD, NO ONE IS WORTHY OF IT, GOD GIVES IT THOUGH BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE FOR US.
OUR CATHOLIC SOTERIOLOGY TELLS US THAT UNLIKE OUR SEPARATED BRETHRENS WE THINK OF OUR SALVATION IN THIS WAY; GOD HAS SAVED US, GOD IS SAVING US, AND WE HOPE THAT GOD WILL SAVE US. THIS ANSWERS THE QUESTION THEOLOGICALLY IF SOMEONE ASKS YOU THE QUESTION, ARE YOU SAVED? THE ANSWERS MEANS THAT JESUS HAS SAVED US FROM THE EFFECTS OF SIN BY HIS PASSION, DEATH AND RESURRECTION. HE PAID THE PRICE FOR OUR SINS AND IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE APPEASING TO THE FATHER. THE EFFECT AS THE GREAT SAINT SAID ABOVE IS NOW WE HAVE FORGIVENESS OF SINS AND RECEIVED SANCTIFYING GRACE WHICH IS GOD’S LIFE IN US THROUGH THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. ALL THIS AND SO MUCH MORE IS AFFORDED US THROUGH THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM. SO YES INDEED GOD HAS SAVED US. GOD HOWEVER IS CONTINUING TO SAVE US BY THE SAME SANCTIFYING GRACE WHEREWITH WE ARE MOVED FROM ONE DEGREE OF HOLINESS TO THE NEXT, MEANING IT IS A PROCESS THAT WE UNDERGO EVERYDAY WHILE WE ARE HERE ON EARTH, IT IS WHY WE ARE DESCRIBED AS THE CHURCH MILITANT. SOTERIOLOGY HOWEVER LIKEWISE TELLS US THAT THIS SALVIFIC ACTION OF THE LORD IS NOT ONLY FOR THE SPIRITUAL IT IS ALSO IN THE TEMPORAL MEANING HE SAVES US FROM SICKNESS, HARM AND REAL DANGERS AS WELL. HENCE HE ASSIGNS A GUARDIAN ANGEL FOR EACH ONE OF US. THE THIRD ASPECT IS THAT WE HOPE THAT GOD WILL SAVE US AND THAT WE WILL BE FOUND WORTHY TO ENTER THE BEATIFIC VISION OR HEAVEN AS WE KNOW IT WHICH IS TO BE WITH GOD FOREVER. THE BASIS FOR THIS SCRIPTURALLY IS WHAT DID WE DO WITH THE TIME AFFORDED US BY GOD’S GRACE AND INFINITE GOODNESS. THIS IS NOT A SURE THING HOWEVER AND THE MATTER WILL BE BASED ON HOW WE HAVE LIVED OUR LIFE HERE. LET US BE CLEAR ON THE FACT THAT WE ARE HERE AND ON THIS TIME FOR A PURPOSE. WHEN ASKED A SIMILAR QUESTION, OUR LORD RESPONDED BY SAYING, “LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, MIND, SOUL AND STRENGTH AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF”. OUR SALVATION IS THEREFORE A CALL TO LOVE BECAUSE IT IS GIVEN TO US ALL BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE FOR EACH ONE OF US. SALVATION IS GRACE FROM GOD, NO ONE IS WORTHY OF IT, GOD GIVES IT THOUGH BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE FOR US.
ODE TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE: (55 YEARS OF THANKS)
BY: BOBBY GENERAL
I GIVE YOU THANKS FOR 55 YEARS OF SEEING, FEELING, KNOWING AND EXPERIENCING YOUR FAITHFUL LOVE, DESPITE MY UNWORTHINESS,
MY MOST BELOVED DIVINE PROVIDENCE:
FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOODWILL HERE AND ABROAD WHO SHOWED ME BY THEIR KINDNESS THE POWER OF FRATERNITY AND UNITY,
THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR THE HOLY SPOUSES, MAMA MARY & FATHER JOSEPH, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS AND ALL MY PRAYER PARTNERS WHO NEVER CEASED TO PRAY FOR ME AND ALL MY NEEDS, THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR THE HOLY WRIT, THE SACRED TRADITIONS AND THE GUIDANCE OF THE MAGISTERIUM, THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR THE CHURCH AND HER VISIBLE LEADERSHIP, THE HOLY FATHER, HIS EMINENCE AND ALL MY TEACHERS WHO FORMED ME, TAUGHT ME, NURTURED ME AND INSPIRED ME, THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR THE COUNTLESS BLESSINGS EVEN BEYOND WHAT I HAD HOPED AND PRAYED FOR, THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR THE FRIENDS (CLERGY AND LAITY) WHO HAVE STAYED ON WITH ME THROUGH THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE, THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR THE FAMILY WHO HAS BEEN THE SOURCE OF STRENGTH,
THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE MY BENEFACTORS BOTH HERE AND ABROAD, MAY THE LORD BLESS, GUIDE & PROTECT THEM & THEIR FAMILIES,
THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE
FOR MY DAUGHTER PATRICIA AND OUR BELOVED DOG KRABBY WHO GIVE ME JOY AND ENCOURAGEMENT, THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR MY WIFE RUBY, HER UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND SUPPORT REGARDLESS, THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR EVEN THOSE WHO PERSECUTED, CURSED, MALTREATED, REJECTED, ABUSED AND LOOKED DOWN ON ME THROUGH THE DECADES, UNBEKNOWN TO THEM THEY ARE THE TRUE WORKSHOP FOR WHICH I LEARNED AND STILL AM LEARNING THE WAYS AND THE POWER OF THE CROSS,
THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
O DIVINE PROVIDENCE, YOU ARE THE ONE CONSTANT IN THIS MY LIFE. YOUR LOVE HAS BEEN MY GUIDE, STRENGTH AND HOPE. HONESTLY, I DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH I HAVE LEFT; MY MIND I THINK IS STILL ABLE, MY HEART IS STILL WILLING BUT MY BODY IS NOT AS STRONG AS IT WAS. NO MATTER, I WILL CONTINUE ON WITH THE JOURNEY, ALONG THE WAY TELLING ALL OF YOUR MARVELOUS DEEDS AND BUILDING YOUR KINGDOM OF LOVE EVEN IN THE SMALL WAYS YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME OVER THE 5 DECADES AND 5 YEARS TILL ALTHOUGH WILLING IN SPIRIT, BUT CANNOT TAKE ANOTHER SINGLE STEP. I KNOW THAT JUST AS YOU DID THROUGH THE YEARS, WE WILL BE TOGETHER TILL THAT VERY LAST MOMENT, WHEN YOU FINALLY ASK ME TO PASS MY PAPERS, FINISHED OR NOT. THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART, SOUL, MIND AND STRENGTH O MY DIVINE PROVIDENCE!
YOURS IS THE GREATNESS, THE POWER AND GLORY,
NOW AND FOREVER, AMEN!
MY MOST BELOVED DIVINE PROVIDENCE:
FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOODWILL HERE AND ABROAD WHO SHOWED ME BY THEIR KINDNESS THE POWER OF FRATERNITY AND UNITY,
THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR THE HOLY SPOUSES, MAMA MARY & FATHER JOSEPH, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS AND ALL MY PRAYER PARTNERS WHO NEVER CEASED TO PRAY FOR ME AND ALL MY NEEDS, THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR THE HOLY WRIT, THE SACRED TRADITIONS AND THE GUIDANCE OF THE MAGISTERIUM, THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR THE CHURCH AND HER VISIBLE LEADERSHIP, THE HOLY FATHER, HIS EMINENCE AND ALL MY TEACHERS WHO FORMED ME, TAUGHT ME, NURTURED ME AND INSPIRED ME, THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR THE COUNTLESS BLESSINGS EVEN BEYOND WHAT I HAD HOPED AND PRAYED FOR, THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR THE FRIENDS (CLERGY AND LAITY) WHO HAVE STAYED ON WITH ME THROUGH THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE, THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR THE FAMILY WHO HAS BEEN THE SOURCE OF STRENGTH,
THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE MY BENEFACTORS BOTH HERE AND ABROAD, MAY THE LORD BLESS, GUIDE & PROTECT THEM & THEIR FAMILIES,
THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE
FOR MY DAUGHTER PATRICIA AND OUR BELOVED DOG KRABBY WHO GIVE ME JOY AND ENCOURAGEMENT, THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR MY WIFE RUBY, HER UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND SUPPORT REGARDLESS, THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
FOR EVEN THOSE WHO PERSECUTED, CURSED, MALTREATED, REJECTED, ABUSED AND LOOKED DOWN ON ME THROUGH THE DECADES, UNBEKNOWN TO THEM THEY ARE THE TRUE WORKSHOP FOR WHICH I LEARNED AND STILL AM LEARNING THE WAYS AND THE POWER OF THE CROSS,
THANK YOU DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
O DIVINE PROVIDENCE, YOU ARE THE ONE CONSTANT IN THIS MY LIFE. YOUR LOVE HAS BEEN MY GUIDE, STRENGTH AND HOPE. HONESTLY, I DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH I HAVE LEFT; MY MIND I THINK IS STILL ABLE, MY HEART IS STILL WILLING BUT MY BODY IS NOT AS STRONG AS IT WAS. NO MATTER, I WILL CONTINUE ON WITH THE JOURNEY, ALONG THE WAY TELLING ALL OF YOUR MARVELOUS DEEDS AND BUILDING YOUR KINGDOM OF LOVE EVEN IN THE SMALL WAYS YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME OVER THE 5 DECADES AND 5 YEARS TILL ALTHOUGH WILLING IN SPIRIT, BUT CANNOT TAKE ANOTHER SINGLE STEP. I KNOW THAT JUST AS YOU DID THROUGH THE YEARS, WE WILL BE TOGETHER TILL THAT VERY LAST MOMENT, WHEN YOU FINALLY ASK ME TO PASS MY PAPERS, FINISHED OR NOT. THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART, SOUL, MIND AND STRENGTH O MY DIVINE PROVIDENCE!
YOURS IS THE GREATNESS, THE POWER AND GLORY,
NOW AND FOREVER, AMEN!
GOD’S NECESSITY: “HIS ESSENCE IS EXISTENCE”
GOD’S NECESSITY: “HIS ESSENCE IS EXISTENCE”
Who made God? No one, of course, but how is that possible? Why is it so natural for us to ask that question? We ask that question because we do not understand that God is not just one of many beings, a being, the first and greatest being, but a different kind of being than everything else. He exists from within His own essence (His essential nature); everything else needs an external cause to exist. That is why God alone is to be adored absolutely, in Himself and from Himself and for Himself: because He alone exists absolutely, in Himself and from Himself and for Himself.
If the existence of a thing differs from its essence, this existence must be caused either by some exterior agent or by its own essential principles (sources). Now it is impossible for a thing’s existence to be caused (efficient cause, agent, origin) by its own essential constituent principles, for nothing can be the sufficient cause of its own existence, if its existence is caused. Therefore that thing whose existence differs from its essence must have its existence caused by another. But this cannot be true of God, because we call God the first efficient cause. Therefore it is impossible that in God His existence should differ from His essence. . . .
. . . [J]ust as that which has fire but is not itself fire (by its essence) is on fire by participation (in fire), so that which has existence but is not existence is a being by participation (in existence). . . . If therefore He is not His own existence, He will be not essential being but participated being. He would not then be the first being—which is absurd. Therefore God is His own existence (I,3,4). This very abstract language about essence and existence is really quite easy to understand. The “essence” of a thing is its nature, what it is; its existence is whether it is. Unicorns have an essence but no existence; horses have both; square circles have neither. Everything in the universe, everything except God, exists because it is caused, brought into existence by something else. Parents cause children, factories cause cars, the sun causes light, tectonic plate movements cause earthquakes. God alone has no cause, needs no cause; God alone exists from within rather than from without, by His essence rather than from a cause. Thus only God is necessary; everything else is a contingent might-not-have-been. And only God is eternal; everything else has a beginning.
What does this theological point have to do with the practical problem of becoming a saint? Everything. It most sharply distinguishes God the Creator from all creatures, no matter how great. (Even the greatest angel exists only because it is brought into existence by God.) And it is thus the reason for the first and greatest commandment, “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me”, or, in Jesus’ formulation of the same commandment, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, soul, mind, and strength.” Why is this the first commandment? Because it is the first truth, the first reality; and the commandments define what it is to live in reality rather than in fantasy, in truth rather than error or lies.
Sanctity is sanity. Being a saint is living in reality. Worshipping a creature, having a false God, is a lie. Not worshipping God, treating God as a creature, as a means to your own ends, as a finite thing, is a lie. Why? Because “only God is God.” This is the true heart of Islam. It is the Shahadah that every Muslim recites many times a day to remember the unforgettable wisdom that we so easily forget.
St. Thomas gives us the philosophical principles, the essence and existence language, that explains why God alone is the fullness of being. His essence is existence, and therefore He does not receive any being, any perfection, any essence, or any existence, from any other being, any creature. We are all dependent and interdependent; God alone is absolutely independent. To accept these two facts in our daily lives, to live as if this were true (since it is!), is the beginning of both sanity and sanctity.
Who made God? No one, of course, but how is that possible? Why is it so natural for us to ask that question? We ask that question because we do not understand that God is not just one of many beings, a being, the first and greatest being, but a different kind of being than everything else. He exists from within His own essence (His essential nature); everything else needs an external cause to exist. That is why God alone is to be adored absolutely, in Himself and from Himself and for Himself: because He alone exists absolutely, in Himself and from Himself and for Himself.
If the existence of a thing differs from its essence, this existence must be caused either by some exterior agent or by its own essential principles (sources). Now it is impossible for a thing’s existence to be caused (efficient cause, agent, origin) by its own essential constituent principles, for nothing can be the sufficient cause of its own existence, if its existence is caused. Therefore that thing whose existence differs from its essence must have its existence caused by another. But this cannot be true of God, because we call God the first efficient cause. Therefore it is impossible that in God His existence should differ from His essence. . . .
. . . [J]ust as that which has fire but is not itself fire (by its essence) is on fire by participation (in fire), so that which has existence but is not existence is a being by participation (in existence). . . . If therefore He is not His own existence, He will be not essential being but participated being. He would not then be the first being—which is absurd. Therefore God is His own existence (I,3,4). This very abstract language about essence and existence is really quite easy to understand. The “essence” of a thing is its nature, what it is; its existence is whether it is. Unicorns have an essence but no existence; horses have both; square circles have neither. Everything in the universe, everything except God, exists because it is caused, brought into existence by something else. Parents cause children, factories cause cars, the sun causes light, tectonic plate movements cause earthquakes. God alone has no cause, needs no cause; God alone exists from within rather than from without, by His essence rather than from a cause. Thus only God is necessary; everything else is a contingent might-not-have-been. And only God is eternal; everything else has a beginning.
What does this theological point have to do with the practical problem of becoming a saint? Everything. It most sharply distinguishes God the Creator from all creatures, no matter how great. (Even the greatest angel exists only because it is brought into existence by God.) And it is thus the reason for the first and greatest commandment, “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me”, or, in Jesus’ formulation of the same commandment, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, soul, mind, and strength.” Why is this the first commandment? Because it is the first truth, the first reality; and the commandments define what it is to live in reality rather than in fantasy, in truth rather than error or lies.
Sanctity is sanity. Being a saint is living in reality. Worshipping a creature, having a false God, is a lie. Not worshipping God, treating God as a creature, as a means to your own ends, as a finite thing, is a lie. Why? Because “only God is God.” This is the true heart of Islam. It is the Shahadah that every Muslim recites many times a day to remember the unforgettable wisdom that we so easily forget.
St. Thomas gives us the philosophical principles, the essence and existence language, that explains why God alone is the fullness of being. His essence is existence, and therefore He does not receive any being, any perfection, any essence, or any existence, from any other being, any creature. We are all dependent and interdependent; God alone is absolutely independent. To accept these two facts in our daily lives, to live as if this were true (since it is!), is the beginning of both sanity and sanctity.
Bobby’s Note:
I was talking with persons who have attended or underwent many formation seminars, even some whom I know does Lectio Divina for decades now and yet, when the trials and tribulations that accompany life happens, they succumb to depression and the like. When you ask them though, they will tell you that they have faith in God and trust Him. Maybe I am a little bit overboard but I think and believe in the saying, “the proof (tastiness/goodness) of the pudding is in the eating”. For me this means that if we truly believe (faith) that God is God and is the essential being, what I call real faith, we cannot help but to trust Him completely and put faith in His revelations of Himself. For me faith and the realization of who God is and taking in consideration what He has done for our salvation on a daily basis, should move us to live by faith with the corresponding trust for His divine providence. Faith is not something that we put in our heads like knowing the essential truths like the Trinity but is the actualization of these truths in our very lives meaning how we think, say or does things. The mystery is that we could not fully comprehend God, however, those by His grace He revealed to us already through Sacred Scriptures, Sacred Traditions and Magisterium is quite enough to guide and strengthen us especially in the moments of trials and tribulations. Faith is not passive, it is active and for me it is the discovery of God. A definition of discovery that I hold on is this, “discovery is an event in the past, seen in the present, affecting the future”. Discovering God which is Faith should be like the light (illuminating our way) that will allow us to see His loving and merciful hands. This will be the source of our strength as we face the challenges of life like trials, tribulations, persecutions, disappointments, rejections and the like. We hold on to Him (Faith) as we sojourn on our way to one day being with Him forever. When we are finally with Him, we can understand more fully who He is truthfully and completely. May God who is God have mercy on us all and continue to reveal Himself to each one us. Let us not be fooled into thinking that our faith has nothing to do with how we respond to the challenges above but believe that it has everything to do with it. I spoke to someone and in our discussion he told me that we should not bring God to the discussion, I beg to disagree because I think God has everything to do with it. In the final analysis, God is the most essential being in the universe. He is as real as real can be and the sooner we all realize this, the better for us and for all those around us, our family, our neighbors, our community and the rest of the world. This discovery will affect our future, eternal future, that God is a necessity and we need Him like daily and at all times. This I think is the 1st step to putting sense and meaning to all things, visible and invisible, good and bad that is happening in the world as we know it.
I was talking with persons who have attended or underwent many formation seminars, even some whom I know does Lectio Divina for decades now and yet, when the trials and tribulations that accompany life happens, they succumb to depression and the like. When you ask them though, they will tell you that they have faith in God and trust Him. Maybe I am a little bit overboard but I think and believe in the saying, “the proof (tastiness/goodness) of the pudding is in the eating”. For me this means that if we truly believe (faith) that God is God and is the essential being, what I call real faith, we cannot help but to trust Him completely and put faith in His revelations of Himself. For me faith and the realization of who God is and taking in consideration what He has done for our salvation on a daily basis, should move us to live by faith with the corresponding trust for His divine providence. Faith is not something that we put in our heads like knowing the essential truths like the Trinity but is the actualization of these truths in our very lives meaning how we think, say or does things. The mystery is that we could not fully comprehend God, however, those by His grace He revealed to us already through Sacred Scriptures, Sacred Traditions and Magisterium is quite enough to guide and strengthen us especially in the moments of trials and tribulations. Faith is not passive, it is active and for me it is the discovery of God. A definition of discovery that I hold on is this, “discovery is an event in the past, seen in the present, affecting the future”. Discovering God which is Faith should be like the light (illuminating our way) that will allow us to see His loving and merciful hands. This will be the source of our strength as we face the challenges of life like trials, tribulations, persecutions, disappointments, rejections and the like. We hold on to Him (Faith) as we sojourn on our way to one day being with Him forever. When we are finally with Him, we can understand more fully who He is truthfully and completely. May God who is God have mercy on us all and continue to reveal Himself to each one us. Let us not be fooled into thinking that our faith has nothing to do with how we respond to the challenges above but believe that it has everything to do with it. I spoke to someone and in our discussion he told me that we should not bring God to the discussion, I beg to disagree because I think God has everything to do with it. In the final analysis, God is the most essential being in the universe. He is as real as real can be and the sooner we all realize this, the better for us and for all those around us, our family, our neighbors, our community and the rest of the world. This discovery will affect our future, eternal future, that God is a necessity and we need Him like daily and at all times. This I think is the 1st step to putting sense and meaning to all things, visible and invisible, good and bad that is happening in the world as we know it.
HOW TO INTERPRET THE BIBLE ACCORDING TO ST. THOMAS AQUINAS BY: DR. PETER KREFT
If the Bible is our primary source of theology, which is the knowledge of God, how should we interpret it? Literally or symbolically?
St. Thomas’ answer to that question, like his answer to many others, is: “Both.” Here’s why:
The author of Holy Writ is God, in Whose power it is to signify His meaning not by words only (as man also can do) but also by things themselves. So whereas in every other science things are signified by words, this science has the property that the things signified by the words have themselves also a signification.
Therefore that first signification, whereby words signify things, belongs to the first sense, the historical and literal. That signification whereby things signified by words have themselves also a signification is called the spiritual sense, which is based on the literal, and presupposes it (Summa I,1,10). Words are signs—signs of real things or events. Words point beyond themselves.
Real things and events can also be words, that point to God, since divine providence orders all things and events as writers order their words. This is why we often learn more about God from real events and people and history than we do from words in books. It is because these things are words too. God wrote two books, not just one: the Bible and nature, which includes people and history and events. The actual events are “words” (meaningful signs) in the book of divine providence. They point beyond themselves; they are signs of other things—above all, of God Himself, the Author of both books. That is the justification for a symbolic interpretation of the things, events, and persons in the Bible. It is not an alternative to a literal interpretation, but a rich addition, another layer of meaning, looking-along these signs instead of just looking-at them. We have largely lost this art of sign reading, since it is not “scientific” in the modern sense. But it is a rich mine with many gold nuggets in it.
Take, for instance, the story of the Exodus. A real Moses really led real Jews from real oppression in real Egypt under real Pharaoh, really crossing the real Red Sea and really wandering through a real wilderness, past real Mount Sinai, really receiving a real Law, and really entering a real Promised Land. Yet all these real things and events were deliberately designed by God as symbols, signs pointing beyond themselves to deeper, more spiritual things. The Exodus also = salvation; Egypt = sin; Pharoah = Satan; Moses = Christ; the Jews = the Church; the Red Sea = death; the wilderness = Purgatory; the Old Law = the New Law; the gospel; the old Mount (Sinai) = the new mount from which Jesus preached His “sermon on the mount” (Mt 5-7); and the Promised Land = Heaven. The “=” is not mathematical but symbolic.
St. Thomas distinguishes three kinds of symbolic interpretation:
Now this spiritual sense has a threefold division.
(1) For as the Apostle says (Heb 10:1), the Old Law (Old Testament) is a figure (symbol, image) of the New Law (New Testament, Gospel);
(2) And . . . the New Law itself is a figure of future glory (Heaven).
(3) Again, in the New Law, whatever our Head has done is a type (symbol, image, model) of what we ought to do (Summa I,1,10).
So many passages in the Bible invite a fourfold interpretation:
(1) the literal, historical sense, on which all the others are based;
(2) the allegorical sense (the example of the Exodus, above);
(3) the moral sense (“the imitation of Christ”);
(4) the eschatological sense: thus Jesus’ physical miracles of healing are signs of spiritual healing from spiritual deafness, blindness, paralysis, etc. in Heaven.
If the Bible is our primary source of theology, which is the knowledge of God, how should we interpret it? Literally or symbolically?
St. Thomas’ answer to that question, like his answer to many others, is: “Both.” Here’s why:
The author of Holy Writ is God, in Whose power it is to signify His meaning not by words only (as man also can do) but also by things themselves. So whereas in every other science things are signified by words, this science has the property that the things signified by the words have themselves also a signification.
Therefore that first signification, whereby words signify things, belongs to the first sense, the historical and literal. That signification whereby things signified by words have themselves also a signification is called the spiritual sense, which is based on the literal, and presupposes it (Summa I,1,10). Words are signs—signs of real things or events. Words point beyond themselves.
Real things and events can also be words, that point to God, since divine providence orders all things and events as writers order their words. This is why we often learn more about God from real events and people and history than we do from words in books. It is because these things are words too. God wrote two books, not just one: the Bible and nature, which includes people and history and events. The actual events are “words” (meaningful signs) in the book of divine providence. They point beyond themselves; they are signs of other things—above all, of God Himself, the Author of both books. That is the justification for a symbolic interpretation of the things, events, and persons in the Bible. It is not an alternative to a literal interpretation, but a rich addition, another layer of meaning, looking-along these signs instead of just looking-at them. We have largely lost this art of sign reading, since it is not “scientific” in the modern sense. But it is a rich mine with many gold nuggets in it.
Take, for instance, the story of the Exodus. A real Moses really led real Jews from real oppression in real Egypt under real Pharaoh, really crossing the real Red Sea and really wandering through a real wilderness, past real Mount Sinai, really receiving a real Law, and really entering a real Promised Land. Yet all these real things and events were deliberately designed by God as symbols, signs pointing beyond themselves to deeper, more spiritual things. The Exodus also = salvation; Egypt = sin; Pharoah = Satan; Moses = Christ; the Jews = the Church; the Red Sea = death; the wilderness = Purgatory; the Old Law = the New Law; the gospel; the old Mount (Sinai) = the new mount from which Jesus preached His “sermon on the mount” (Mt 5-7); and the Promised Land = Heaven. The “=” is not mathematical but symbolic.
St. Thomas distinguishes three kinds of symbolic interpretation:
Now this spiritual sense has a threefold division.
(1) For as the Apostle says (Heb 10:1), the Old Law (Old Testament) is a figure (symbol, image) of the New Law (New Testament, Gospel);
(2) And . . . the New Law itself is a figure of future glory (Heaven).
(3) Again, in the New Law, whatever our Head has done is a type (symbol, image, model) of what we ought to do (Summa I,1,10).
So many passages in the Bible invite a fourfold interpretation:
(1) the literal, historical sense, on which all the others are based;
(2) the allegorical sense (the example of the Exodus, above);
(3) the moral sense (“the imitation of Christ”);
(4) the eschatological sense: thus Jesus’ physical miracles of healing are signs of spiritual healing from spiritual deafness, blindness, paralysis, etc. in Heaven.
I remember more than 30 years almost 40 actually, whenever I attend a Prayer Meeting, there are times when we are asked to declare our thanksgiving about things God did for us & I will always thank God publicly for the Holy Writ, the Scriptures or the Bible as we call it. It was also by that time that I attended a Scripture course offered by IPD (Institute of Pastoral Development) about the "Joy of Discovery" to which students are taught a way for them to discover the truths and the many gold nuggets that we shall encounter in this system of Scripture Study. I remember my teacher back then, who for some reason does have a high opinion of me as student, would ask me to assist some of the other students who are having a difficult time in the process. This course to which I later took the "Teacher Course" ingrained in me research techniques that I still use almost 40 years passing. Things like looking for key words, cross referencing, consulting the Bible Dictionary (I recommend McKenzie's), comparing translation and most of all summarizing the ideas learned. It likewise increased my love and learned to value this tremendous gift of God to us, the Holy Writ. Finally, it was the time I started doing my daily "Lectio Divina". I give glory and praise to God for giving me the grace to be faithful to this practice but more so for revealing Himself to me through the pages of the Scriptures. I also thank the many teachers I had who encouraged me and I know prayed for me that I will be lover of sorts of the Lord through the pages of the Holy Scriptures.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
SUBORDINATION TO ST. JOSEPH
IN THE HOLY FAMILY
By: Dr Taylor Marshall (my NSTI Professor)
SUBORDINATION TO JOSEPH IN THE HOLY FAMILY
By: Dr Taylor Marshall (my NSTI Professor)
The modern feminist/socialist objects to the traditional Israelite structure of the
family: the male father is the head of the wife and the children. Instead, we observe the media’s depiction of the father is a comical dolt. The children laugh at him. The mother goes around his back. Sitcoms and films are replete with foolish fathers who justify the claim that there is no hierarchy in family
Society tells all men to “man up” and marry but as soon as he does, he is presumed to become an embarrassing caricature of manhood, as someone resembling Homer Simpson or George McFly from Back to the Future:
We find the perfect familiar order (and corrective to our times) in the Holy Family, which conforms perfectly with divine law and natural law. Moreover, God in providential irony set up the Holy Family so that the most wise and meritorious members of the family submit to the less wise and meritorious.
Here’s the breakdown:
Jesus Christ (Divine Logos and Son of God) submits to Mary and Joseph.
Mary (Immaculate Conception and Mother of God) submits to Joseph.
Joseph (neither divine person like Christ nor immaculate like Mary) is the Head of Holy Family.
If merit, grace, or dignity were the criteria for leadership and headship, clearly it would be Joseph at the bottom of the leadership chain. But not so. God honors the natural order of fathers in the family and he recognizes Joseph as the leader. Although Joseph is least gifted and least worthy, he is nonetheless submitted to and obeyed by the Divine Jesus and the Immaculate Mary.
Children often test their fathers: Is he truly a great man? Do I truly want to follow him? Wives do the same: Did I marry the right man? Is he the hero that chose me and swept me off my feet or is he George McFly?
We all question our leaders. For this reason, fathers should strive to be excellent and fulfill their mission in life. This earns respect from wives and children. It quiets their worries about whether he is the great man that they hope him to be. However, no man is perfect. Jesus and Mary were greater than Joseph, and yet they were patient with him as he understood less than they did.
If any man in history were comparatively outclassed by his wife and child, it was Saint Joseph. This is an example to all families. The father of the home should be honored as the head of the wife and head of the family – even if he is less holy, less wise, less prudent, less pious than his mother and children: because that was once the case with Saint Joseph.
No doubt, the comments will be filled with testimonies such as: “My father was evil and he did XYZ.” I grant that these deep fractures exist in countless famliies. There are fathers out there that earn a score of F-.
But let’s be honest, many (most?) fathers out there are scoring As, Bs, and Cs on their report card. They work hard. They pay for Christmas. They tell bedtime stories. They play catch and teach children how to swim. They pay for insurance and health care. They fix the car. They live the faith. They take the family to church. They spend time investing in their children. They respect and love their wives. They are the oak.
So if your husband/father is scoring a B+ in your mind (and you think you’re scoring an A+), be like Mary and Joseph and honor him anyway as chosen by God to be your unworthy leader. The soul of a man is fueled by respect. I have no doubt that the soul of Joseph was rocket-boosted to the highest heaven by the fuel of respect poured into him by his betters: by his wife Mary and his foster son Jesus.
Dr Taylor Marhall
By: Dr Taylor Marshall (my NSTI Professor)
The modern feminist/socialist objects to the traditional Israelite structure of the
family: the male father is the head of the wife and the children. Instead, we observe the media’s depiction of the father is a comical dolt. The children laugh at him. The mother goes around his back. Sitcoms and films are replete with foolish fathers who justify the claim that there is no hierarchy in family
Society tells all men to “man up” and marry but as soon as he does, he is presumed to become an embarrassing caricature of manhood, as someone resembling Homer Simpson or George McFly from Back to the Future:
We find the perfect familiar order (and corrective to our times) in the Holy Family, which conforms perfectly with divine law and natural law. Moreover, God in providential irony set up the Holy Family so that the most wise and meritorious members of the family submit to the less wise and meritorious.
Here’s the breakdown:
Jesus Christ (Divine Logos and Son of God) submits to Mary and Joseph.
Mary (Immaculate Conception and Mother of God) submits to Joseph.
Joseph (neither divine person like Christ nor immaculate like Mary) is the Head of Holy Family.
If merit, grace, or dignity were the criteria for leadership and headship, clearly it would be Joseph at the bottom of the leadership chain. But not so. God honors the natural order of fathers in the family and he recognizes Joseph as the leader. Although Joseph is least gifted and least worthy, he is nonetheless submitted to and obeyed by the Divine Jesus and the Immaculate Mary.
Children often test their fathers: Is he truly a great man? Do I truly want to follow him? Wives do the same: Did I marry the right man? Is he the hero that chose me and swept me off my feet or is he George McFly?
We all question our leaders. For this reason, fathers should strive to be excellent and fulfill their mission in life. This earns respect from wives and children. It quiets their worries about whether he is the great man that they hope him to be. However, no man is perfect. Jesus and Mary were greater than Joseph, and yet they were patient with him as he understood less than they did.
If any man in history were comparatively outclassed by his wife and child, it was Saint Joseph. This is an example to all families. The father of the home should be honored as the head of the wife and head of the family – even if he is less holy, less wise, less prudent, less pious than his mother and children: because that was once the case with Saint Joseph.
No doubt, the comments will be filled with testimonies such as: “My father was evil and he did XYZ.” I grant that these deep fractures exist in countless famliies. There are fathers out there that earn a score of F-.
But let’s be honest, many (most?) fathers out there are scoring As, Bs, and Cs on their report card. They work hard. They pay for Christmas. They tell bedtime stories. They play catch and teach children how to swim. They pay for insurance and health care. They fix the car. They live the faith. They take the family to church. They spend time investing in their children. They respect and love their wives. They are the oak.
So if your husband/father is scoring a B+ in your mind (and you think you’re scoring an A+), be like Mary and Joseph and honor him anyway as chosen by God to be your unworthy leader. The soul of a man is fueled by respect. I have no doubt that the soul of Joseph was rocket-boosted to the highest heaven by the fuel of respect poured into him by his betters: by his wife Mary and his foster son Jesus.
Dr Taylor Marhall
MESSAGE FROM THE BIBLICAL AND LITURGICAL MINISTER:
I have a friend who has been with me in my pilgrimage especially at the beginning as a Catholic Christian for more than 3 decades now. Actually he is now a priest and the pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Daly City, Archdiocese of San Francisco, Fr. Augusto Villote. This friendship and closeness have stood the test of time and our commonality is our true devotion to Jesus, Mary and Joseph. In one of his yearly visits here in the country, we talked about devotions and we agreed that an authentic devotion to Mary will lead one to respect Joseph and vice versa and our experience is that these 2 persons closest to the Lord Jesus will lead you to a deep love for Jesus in the Eucharist, meaning the Mass. A few months back I was tasked with coming up with a prayer to St. Joseph our parish patron which will be said in all our Masses in the parish church. Accepting that true devotion to any one of the 3 persons of the Holy Family will lead us to the other members, I included below as a part of our parish prayer to St. Joseph our beloved patron:
I have a friend who has been with me in my pilgrimage especially at the beginning as a Catholic Christian for more than 3 decades now. Actually he is now a priest and the pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Daly City, Archdiocese of San Francisco, Fr. Augusto Villote. This friendship and closeness have stood the test of time and our commonality is our true devotion to Jesus, Mary and Joseph. In one of his yearly visits here in the country, we talked about devotions and we agreed that an authentic devotion to Mary will lead one to respect Joseph and vice versa and our experience is that these 2 persons closest to the Lord Jesus will lead you to a deep love for Jesus in the Eucharist, meaning the Mass. A few months back I was tasked with coming up with a prayer to St. Joseph our parish patron which will be said in all our Masses in the parish church. Accepting that true devotion to any one of the 3 persons of the Holy Family will lead us to the other members, I included below as a part of our parish prayer to St. Joseph our beloved patron:
PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD
Prepared by: Bro. Bobby General, NSTI (New Saint Thomas Institute)
(SJWP Prophetic Minister, Biblical & Liturgical Minister RCAM
Introduction: John 1:19-28 (NABRE)
19 And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites [to him] to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?”And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” 23 He said: “I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the desert, “Make straight the way of the Lord,”’
as Isaiah the prophet said.” 24 Some Pharisees were also sent. 25 They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, 27 the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” 28 This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
In this season of Advent, on this year for consecrated life, we will encounter in the readings of the liturgy the austere figure of Saint John the Baptist, the Precursor of the Lord. He preached in the wilderness of Judea. His mission was to prepare and clear the way for the Lord. He called the people to repent of their sins and to correct every injustice.
During these weeks of Advent, while we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, it is important that we hear the voice of John the Baptist and respond to his appeal for conversion. In this holy season, through the voice of John, the Church invites us to open our hearts to receive the Son of God. Unfortunately, we can easily lose the focus of faith during these weeks before Christmas and fall into the materialistic mindset of our culture. We must not allow the voice of John the Baptist to be drowned out by the noise around us.
19 And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites [to him] to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?”And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” 23 He said: “I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the desert, “Make straight the way of the Lord,”’
as Isaiah the prophet said.” 24 Some Pharisees were also sent. 25 They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, 27 the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” 28 This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
In this season of Advent, on this year for consecrated life, we will encounter in the readings of the liturgy the austere figure of Saint John the Baptist, the Precursor of the Lord. He preached in the wilderness of Judea. His mission was to prepare and clear the way for the Lord. He called the people to repent of their sins and to correct every injustice.
During these weeks of Advent, while we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, it is important that we hear the voice of John the Baptist and respond to his appeal for conversion. In this holy season, through the voice of John, the Church invites us to open our hearts to receive the Son of God. Unfortunately, we can easily lose the focus of faith during these weeks before Christmas and fall into the materialistic mindset of our culture. We must not allow the voice of John the Baptist to be drowned out by the noise around us.
I ADVENT:
a) etymology (Lt Adventus) which literally means the coming or arrival.
b) Catechism of the Catholic Church (#524)
“When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming.”
c) We prepare for the arrival/ coming of the Jesus, the Lord:
Our preparation is to be able to have more of Jesus in our lives. As we reflect on the Mystery of the Incarnation, we should realize that in our lives today, there are more areas where we can allow Jesus to penetrate and become the Lord and King. Truth is conversion is a life long journey and the Church gives us the opportunity to be converted even further than we are in our lives right now. Like the Precursor John the Baptist who said, “He must increase and I must decrease”, the season of Advent invites us all to desire and move towards having more of Jesus in our persons. More of Jesus by the way we think, speak and do things. To have as a goal that when we go about our daily routine people will encounter the Incarnate Son of God, the Messiah dwelling in us. It takes humility to realize that we need conversion but that is a lesson we can truthfully learn from the witness of John the Baptist, the Precursor.
a) etymology (Lt Adventus) which literally means the coming or arrival.
b) Catechism of the Catholic Church (#524)
“When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming.”
c) We prepare for the arrival/ coming of the Jesus, the Lord:
Our preparation is to be able to have more of Jesus in our lives. As we reflect on the Mystery of the Incarnation, we should realize that in our lives today, there are more areas where we can allow Jesus to penetrate and become the Lord and King. Truth is conversion is a life long journey and the Church gives us the opportunity to be converted even further than we are in our lives right now. Like the Precursor John the Baptist who said, “He must increase and I must decrease”, the season of Advent invites us all to desire and move towards having more of Jesus in our persons. More of Jesus by the way we think, speak and do things. To have as a goal that when we go about our daily routine people will encounter the Incarnate Son of God, the Messiah dwelling in us. It takes humility to realize that we need conversion but that is a lesson we can truthfully learn from the witness of John the Baptist, the Precursor.
II Focus Advent Character: John the Baptist
What does it mean to make straight His paths? There are so many crooked paths that we can be tempted to walk. We can get off track in our Christian lives, falling into sin, walking along roads that deviate from our faith. There are many temptations to stray from the path of the Lord and to get lost along the way, to stray from the Gospel. During Advent, it is good to make straight the path of the Lord in our hearts by examining our lives, clearing the way for the Lord to act in us with His grace. It is important to look at our lives and to see where our choices and actions have not been in harmony with the Gospel.
Advent is a season of commitment and conversion in preparation for the Lord’s coming. It is also a time of joy since we are preparing for the celebration of Our Savior’s birth. This joy comes from faith in the Incarnation, in the fact that Jesus brings us salvation. In the midst of so much darkness in our world, we see light, the light of Christ that overcomes the darkness of sin, selfishness, and death. The Lord comes. He is not a distant God; He is Emmanuel (God-with-us). This is the cause of our joy, the true joy of Christmas that God not only exists, but that He comes to us and is close to us always. He came to earth to be with us and to share in our human condition. He came to save us and He is with us even now. He is with us in the Church and in the Holy Eucharist. He is always at our side, no matter the challenges and problems we encounter. He loves us and He saves us.
To experience the true joy and peace of Christmas, we need to prepare ourselves during these weeks of Advent.
- St. Augustine of John the Baptist:
- The Message of John the Baptist:
What does it mean to make straight His paths? There are so many crooked paths that we can be tempted to walk. We can get off track in our Christian lives, falling into sin, walking along roads that deviate from our faith. There are many temptations to stray from the path of the Lord and to get lost along the way, to stray from the Gospel. During Advent, it is good to make straight the path of the Lord in our hearts by examining our lives, clearing the way for the Lord to act in us with His grace. It is important to look at our lives and to see where our choices and actions have not been in harmony with the Gospel.
Advent is a season of commitment and conversion in preparation for the Lord’s coming. It is also a time of joy since we are preparing for the celebration of Our Savior’s birth. This joy comes from faith in the Incarnation, in the fact that Jesus brings us salvation. In the midst of so much darkness in our world, we see light, the light of Christ that overcomes the darkness of sin, selfishness, and death. The Lord comes. He is not a distant God; He is Emmanuel (God-with-us). This is the cause of our joy, the true joy of Christmas that God not only exists, but that He comes to us and is close to us always. He came to earth to be with us and to share in our human condition. He came to save us and He is with us even now. He is with us in the Church and in the Holy Eucharist. He is always at our side, no matter the challenges and problems we encounter. He loves us and He saves us.
To experience the true joy and peace of Christmas, we need to prepare ourselves during these weeks of Advent.
SUGGESTIONS ON HOW SHOULD WE PREPARE FOR THE COMING OF THE LORD
FIRST, MAKE AN ADVENT WREATH and/or a NATIVITY SCENE:
The wreath is a circle, which has no beginning or end: God is eternal, and His love for us is everlasting. The wreath is made of fresh plant material, because Christ came to give us new, everlasting life through His passion, death and resurrection. Make the Advent wreath the centerpiece of the dinner table. Light it at dinner time, and say the special prayers along with grace before meals. This daily practice will help each member of the family keep focused on the true meaning of Christmas.
The Nativity scene has so many characters that we can reflect on especially Our Blessed Mother and Father Joseph. By having the scene we see that the plan of God, the Incarnation of Jesus is the first step towards the fulfilment of our redemption. The yes of these 2 persons and the others will remind us that we must not forget that “Christ is the reason for the Season”. It is when “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1: 14) that signalled that our redemption is finally at hand. This child in the manger will eventually offer His life for our sins and the sins of all mankind. This child Emmanuel is also Jesus our Savior and Lord. The Nativity Scene (Creche) is not just a decoration, it is a proclamation of the God’s Salvific love for mankind.
The wreath is a circle, which has no beginning or end: God is eternal, and His love for us is everlasting. The wreath is made of fresh plant material, because Christ came to give us new, everlasting life through His passion, death and resurrection. Make the Advent wreath the centerpiece of the dinner table. Light it at dinner time, and say the special prayers along with grace before meals. This daily practice will help each member of the family keep focused on the true meaning of Christmas.
The Nativity scene has so many characters that we can reflect on especially Our Blessed Mother and Father Joseph. By having the scene we see that the plan of God, the Incarnation of Jesus is the first step towards the fulfilment of our redemption. The yes of these 2 persons and the others will remind us that we must not forget that “Christ is the reason for the Season”. It is when “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1: 14) that signalled that our redemption is finally at hand. This child in the manger will eventually offer His life for our sins and the sins of all mankind. This child Emmanuel is also Jesus our Savior and Lord. The Nativity Scene (Creche) is not just a decoration, it is a proclamation of the God’s Salvific love for mankind.
SECOND, PRAY.
Hopefully prayer already is part of the daily routine, but if not, make it one. Schedule a regular time for prayer. Also, pray the rosary, individually or as a family. Ponder the various events in the life of Our Lord, and the example of Mary, “the handmaid of the Lord,” who gave of herself to receive the gift of the Savior. For this year in our family reunion and celebration on Nativity eve, we will pray the joyful mysteries as a family.
Hopefully prayer already is part of the daily routine, but if not, make it one. Schedule a regular time for prayer. Also, pray the rosary, individually or as a family. Ponder the various events in the life of Our Lord, and the example of Mary, “the handmaid of the Lord,” who gave of herself to receive the gift of the Savior. For this year in our family reunion and celebration on Nativity eve, we will pray the joyful mysteries as a family.
THIRD, READ SACRED SCRIPTURE.
This liturgical year, the Sunday Gospel passages are beautiful and so very rich in spirituality. However, do not just read the Gospel; rather, spend a few minutes reflecting upon it, inserting oneself into the passage, and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak in the quiet of one’s heart. It might be a good to have it read in your homes as family in the 4 Sundays of Advent and have a family bible sharing if possible. Be faithful to the daily liturgical readings for they are designed to bring the faithful to have a deeper understanding of the season..
This liturgical year, the Sunday Gospel passages are beautiful and so very rich in spirituality. However, do not just read the Gospel; rather, spend a few minutes reflecting upon it, inserting oneself into the passage, and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak in the quiet of one’s heart. It might be a good to have it read in your homes as family in the 4 Sundays of Advent and have a family bible sharing if possible. Be faithful to the daily liturgical readings for they are designed to bring the faithful to have a deeper understanding of the season..
FOURTH, TAKE THE TIME FOR CONFESSION.
Do a thorough examination of conscience. If it has been a while since the last confession, find a good examination of conscience material, and over the course of the week — praying for help from the Holy Spirit — write down those sins that come to mind. Bring that examination to confession, receive absolution, and do the prescribed penance. This is the reason why we had our “kumpisalang bayan” to which we Sacramentally (Jesus is Emmanuel in the Church through the Sacraments) received God’s mercy and compassion. I make it a point that we also have such activity during the holy season of Advent.
Do a thorough examination of conscience. If it has been a while since the last confession, find a good examination of conscience material, and over the course of the week — praying for help from the Holy Spirit — write down those sins that come to mind. Bring that examination to confession, receive absolution, and do the prescribed penance. This is the reason why we had our “kumpisalang bayan” to which we Sacramentally (Jesus is Emmanuel in the Church through the Sacraments) received God’s mercy and compassion. I make it a point that we also have such activity during the holy season of Advent.
FIFTH, TEACH.
For children especially, read to them the stories of St. Francis and the first Christmas crèche, St. Boniface and the first Christmas tree, or St. Nicholas who is Santa Claus. There are other good stories about the religious significance of Christmas. Talk about them over dinner or open a conversation in the table where you can speak to the family members about this wonderful season of deeper conversion. I will also post some short catechesis about the crèche, the Christmas tree and if time permits an excerpt in the life of St. Nicholas, bishop of Smyrna that few people know about and something I learned through my professor, Dr. Taylor Marshall.
SIXTH, PREACH.
To preach, one does not have to stand before a crowd or on the corner shouting Bible verses. There are subtle ways to preach Christmas: Most of us send some kind of greeting card — use religious cards and religious stamps and sign them with “May God bless you” or “I’ll be praying for you at Christmas.” When greeting people, say, “Merry Christmas,” not “Happy holidays” or “Seasons greetings”; people of goodwill will not be offended. Also we can use our social media accounts to preach or teach about this marvellous season. Defend the faith, speak the truth clearly and teach with love. We all know the hot topics, so be prepared. The angels announced the good news on Christmas; we too are to be the messengers of the Gospel.
For children especially, read to them the stories of St. Francis and the first Christmas crèche, St. Boniface and the first Christmas tree, or St. Nicholas who is Santa Claus. There are other good stories about the religious significance of Christmas. Talk about them over dinner or open a conversation in the table where you can speak to the family members about this wonderful season of deeper conversion. I will also post some short catechesis about the crèche, the Christmas tree and if time permits an excerpt in the life of St. Nicholas, bishop of Smyrna that few people know about and something I learned through my professor, Dr. Taylor Marshall.
SIXTH, PREACH.
To preach, one does not have to stand before a crowd or on the corner shouting Bible verses. There are subtle ways to preach Christmas: Most of us send some kind of greeting card — use religious cards and religious stamps and sign them with “May God bless you” or “I’ll be praying for you at Christmas.” When greeting people, say, “Merry Christmas,” not “Happy holidays” or “Seasons greetings”; people of goodwill will not be offended. Also we can use our social media accounts to preach or teach about this marvellous season. Defend the faith, speak the truth clearly and teach with love. We all know the hot topics, so be prepared. The angels announced the good news on Christmas; we too are to be the messengers of the Gospel.
FINALLY, GIVE OF YOURSELF BY DOING GOOD WORKS (Charity for the poor, the sick, the suffering and the dying).
Good works help heal the hurts caused by sin, including our own. Each day, do a good work — say a prayer for a person, help a neighbor in need or make a sacrifice for a special intention. This is your gift to the coming King of Glory. Whatever the good work, write it in the blank space. At the end of Advent, you will have a beautiful gift for the Lord. Bring it to the Nativity Scene in your home right after the Nativity Mass.
In the Parish of St. Joseph, we have a program called “Adopt a Family” where we give our less fortunate brothers and sisters and their families, about 500 or so families, their annual Noche Buena. Maybe you can sponsor one or more families knowing that your donation will give them and allow them to celebrate the birthday of the Lord.
Conclusion:
So, prepare this Advent to receive Christ as though He were coming for the first time. Make this Christmas a celebration of the birth of Our Savior and the great gift of faith we have received. By striving to live in the presence of Christ during Advent, we will receive the best present of all — Our Savior.
Good works help heal the hurts caused by sin, including our own. Each day, do a good work — say a prayer for a person, help a neighbor in need or make a sacrifice for a special intention. This is your gift to the coming King of Glory. Whatever the good work, write it in the blank space. At the end of Advent, you will have a beautiful gift for the Lord. Bring it to the Nativity Scene in your home right after the Nativity Mass.
In the Parish of St. Joseph, we have a program called “Adopt a Family” where we give our less fortunate brothers and sisters and their families, about 500 or so families, their annual Noche Buena. Maybe you can sponsor one or more families knowing that your donation will give them and allow them to celebrate the birthday of the Lord.
Conclusion:
So, prepare this Advent to receive Christ as though He were coming for the first time. Make this Christmas a celebration of the birth of Our Savior and the great gift of faith we have received. By striving to live in the presence of Christ during Advent, we will receive the best present of all — Our Savior.
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION:
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
I BLESSED JOHN DUNS SCOTUS, OFM
“DEFENDER OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION”
DURING THE 14TH CENTURY A FRANCISCAN PRIEST IN THE UNIVERSITY OF COLOGNE WAS TASKED TO DEFEND THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE AND A GREAT DEBATE AROSE AS TO THE VALIDITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPCION OF OUR BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. ON THE ONE SIDE WAS THE LEADING THEOLOGIANS WHO SUPPOSES THAT THIS COULD NOT BE TRUE BECAUSE IF THAT IS THE CASE, THEN SHE WOULD HAVE NO NEED FOR CHRIST’S REDEMPTIVE ACT ON THE CROSS AT GOLGOTHA. ON THE OTHER SIDE IS A VERY SIMPLE PRIEST FR. JOHN DUNS (SUBTLE DOCTOR) WHO IS A FRANCISCAN TOTALLY AS TO HIS DOCTRINE AND MINISTRY LIVING THE CALL OF THEIR FOUNDER, ST. FRANCIS FULLY. THIS MAN’S TASK IS TO DEFEND THE EVENTUAL DOGMA. THE STAGE WAS SET FOR ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DEBATE NOT ONLY IN THE 14TH CENTURY BUT PROBABLY IN OUR CHURCH’S HISTORY. THIS DEBATE HAS OVER THE COURSE OF CENTURIES INCLUDED SOME OF THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS UP TO THE TIME OF THE SCHOLASTICS. LIKEWISE AMONG THESE HOLY MEN & WOMEN (MANY OF THEM ARE CANONIZED SAINTS) POSITIONS ARE VARYING. A PAPAL LEGATE WAS TASKED TO OVERSEE THE PROCEEDINGS. THE DRAMA UNFOLDED AS BOTH SIDES PRESENTED THEIR ARGUMENTS AND POSITIONS WITH CLARITY AND SKILL. IN THE END IT WAS THE SIMPLE FRANCISCAN PRIEST WHO PREVAILED WITH THESE ARGUMENTS OR POINTS; 1) WHY WOULD GOD PRESERVE MARY FROM SIN? AND 2) HOW DID GOD DO IT? SCOTUS’ ANSWER AS TO WHY GOD WOULD DO THIS IS TELLING, BECAUSE IT AGAIN SHOWS MARY AS A) A LIVING COMMENTARY ON THE SAVING POWER OF CHRIST WHO IS TOTALLY REFERRED TO HIM AND B) A KIND OF ICON OR ARCHETYPE OF THE WHOLE CHURCH, WHEREBY GOD DOES FIRST IN HER WHAT HE WILL ONE DAY DO FOR ALL HIS SAINTS.
“HE WHO IS THE MOST PERFECT MEDIATOR MUST HAVE A MOST PERFECT ACT OF MEDIATION IN REGARD TO SOME PERSON ON WHOSE BEHALF HE EXERCISES THE MEDIATORIAL OFFICE. NOW CHRIST IS THE MOST PERFECT . . . AND HE HAD NO MORE EXALTED RELATION TO ANY PERSON THAN TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY . . . THIS COULD NOT BE IF HE HAD NOT MERITED FOR HER PRESERVATION FROM ORIGINAL SIN.”( DUNS SCOTUS, COMMENTARIUM IN SENTENTIARUM, III, 3, 1, 4)
“WOULD THE GOD OF JUSTICE AND MERCY GRANT THE FIRST EVE, WHO HE FOREKNEW WOULD BETRAY HIM, A GREATER GLORY IN HER CREATION THAN HE WOULD GIVE THE SECOND EVE, WHO HE FOREKNEW WOULD BE HIS HANDMAID FOREVER?”
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION IS NOT A NECESSITY IN THE SENSE THAT THE INCARNATION WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD WITHOUT IT. NOR IS IT SOMETHING GOD “OWES” MARY ANY MORE THAN HE “OWES” US SALVATION. IT’S A GRATUITOUS GIFT, FITTINGLY GIVEN TO ADORN THE STILL MORE GRATUITOUS GIFT OF THE INCARNATION. PRECISELY THE NATURE OF THE “FIT” IS THAT THE SECOND EVE WOULD NOT ONLY RECEIVE THE GRACE OF SINLESSNESS IN HER CONCEPTION, BUT SHE WOULD PRESERVE THAT SINLESSNESS THROUGHOUT HER LIFE. BY POINTING TOWARDS JESUS AND GOD AS THE ACTIVE ELEMENT, THE BLESSED JOHN DUNS HAS SAVED THE DAY AND THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION HAS RECEIVED THE ACCEPTANCE OF ALMOST EVERYONE IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. BY THE 1470’S THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ENJOYED UNIVERSAL ACCLAIM THANKS IN PART TO THE WORK OF THE SUBTLE DOCTOR, BLESSED JOHN DUNS SCOTUS, OFM.
“DEFENDER OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION”
DURING THE 14TH CENTURY A FRANCISCAN PRIEST IN THE UNIVERSITY OF COLOGNE WAS TASKED TO DEFEND THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE AND A GREAT DEBATE AROSE AS TO THE VALIDITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPCION OF OUR BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. ON THE ONE SIDE WAS THE LEADING THEOLOGIANS WHO SUPPOSES THAT THIS COULD NOT BE TRUE BECAUSE IF THAT IS THE CASE, THEN SHE WOULD HAVE NO NEED FOR CHRIST’S REDEMPTIVE ACT ON THE CROSS AT GOLGOTHA. ON THE OTHER SIDE IS A VERY SIMPLE PRIEST FR. JOHN DUNS (SUBTLE DOCTOR) WHO IS A FRANCISCAN TOTALLY AS TO HIS DOCTRINE AND MINISTRY LIVING THE CALL OF THEIR FOUNDER, ST. FRANCIS FULLY. THIS MAN’S TASK IS TO DEFEND THE EVENTUAL DOGMA. THE STAGE WAS SET FOR ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DEBATE NOT ONLY IN THE 14TH CENTURY BUT PROBABLY IN OUR CHURCH’S HISTORY. THIS DEBATE HAS OVER THE COURSE OF CENTURIES INCLUDED SOME OF THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS UP TO THE TIME OF THE SCHOLASTICS. LIKEWISE AMONG THESE HOLY MEN & WOMEN (MANY OF THEM ARE CANONIZED SAINTS) POSITIONS ARE VARYING. A PAPAL LEGATE WAS TASKED TO OVERSEE THE PROCEEDINGS. THE DRAMA UNFOLDED AS BOTH SIDES PRESENTED THEIR ARGUMENTS AND POSITIONS WITH CLARITY AND SKILL. IN THE END IT WAS THE SIMPLE FRANCISCAN PRIEST WHO PREVAILED WITH THESE ARGUMENTS OR POINTS; 1) WHY WOULD GOD PRESERVE MARY FROM SIN? AND 2) HOW DID GOD DO IT? SCOTUS’ ANSWER AS TO WHY GOD WOULD DO THIS IS TELLING, BECAUSE IT AGAIN SHOWS MARY AS A) A LIVING COMMENTARY ON THE SAVING POWER OF CHRIST WHO IS TOTALLY REFERRED TO HIM AND B) A KIND OF ICON OR ARCHETYPE OF THE WHOLE CHURCH, WHEREBY GOD DOES FIRST IN HER WHAT HE WILL ONE DAY DO FOR ALL HIS SAINTS.
“HE WHO IS THE MOST PERFECT MEDIATOR MUST HAVE A MOST PERFECT ACT OF MEDIATION IN REGARD TO SOME PERSON ON WHOSE BEHALF HE EXERCISES THE MEDIATORIAL OFFICE. NOW CHRIST IS THE MOST PERFECT . . . AND HE HAD NO MORE EXALTED RELATION TO ANY PERSON THAN TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY . . . THIS COULD NOT BE IF HE HAD NOT MERITED FOR HER PRESERVATION FROM ORIGINAL SIN.”( DUNS SCOTUS, COMMENTARIUM IN SENTENTIARUM, III, 3, 1, 4)
“WOULD THE GOD OF JUSTICE AND MERCY GRANT THE FIRST EVE, WHO HE FOREKNEW WOULD BETRAY HIM, A GREATER GLORY IN HER CREATION THAN HE WOULD GIVE THE SECOND EVE, WHO HE FOREKNEW WOULD BE HIS HANDMAID FOREVER?”
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION IS NOT A NECESSITY IN THE SENSE THAT THE INCARNATION WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD WITHOUT IT. NOR IS IT SOMETHING GOD “OWES” MARY ANY MORE THAN HE “OWES” US SALVATION. IT’S A GRATUITOUS GIFT, FITTINGLY GIVEN TO ADORN THE STILL MORE GRATUITOUS GIFT OF THE INCARNATION. PRECISELY THE NATURE OF THE “FIT” IS THAT THE SECOND EVE WOULD NOT ONLY RECEIVE THE GRACE OF SINLESSNESS IN HER CONCEPTION, BUT SHE WOULD PRESERVE THAT SINLESSNESS THROUGHOUT HER LIFE. BY POINTING TOWARDS JESUS AND GOD AS THE ACTIVE ELEMENT, THE BLESSED JOHN DUNS HAS SAVED THE DAY AND THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION HAS RECEIVED THE ACCEPTANCE OF ALMOST EVERYONE IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. BY THE 1470’S THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ENJOYED UNIVERSAL ACCLAIM THANKS IN PART TO THE WORK OF THE SUBTLE DOCTOR, BLESSED JOHN DUNS SCOTUS, OFM.
II BLESSED POPE PIUS IX: DOGMA OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
ON DECEMBER 8, 1854, HAVING SPENT ALL OF HIS HOLY LIFE – HIS BOYHOOD, HIS PRIESTHOOD, AS BISHOP, CARDINAL AND POPE – AT THE FEET OF THE MOTHER OF GOD, THE MOST BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, AND HAVING DEEPLY CONSIDERED ALSO, IN HIS EXILE AT GAETA, THE EARNEST PETITIONS OF CATHOLICS ALL OVER THE WORLD IN ITS BEHALF, POPE PIUS IX DEFINED EX CATHEDRA, IN THE GLORIOUS BASILICA OF SAINT PETER'S BEFORE ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY BISHOPS AND INNUMERABLE PILGRIMS COME LITERALLY FROM THE ENDS OF THE EARTH, THE DIVINE DOGMA OF OUR LADY'S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. THE VOICE OF THE SOVEREIGN PONTIFF BROKE AND TEARS FILLED HIS EYES AS HE PAUSED BEFORE UTTERING THE INFALLIBLE WORDS:
"WE DECLARE, PRONOUNCE AND DEFINE THAT THE DOCTRINE WHICH HOLDS THAT THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, AT THE FIRST INSTANT OF HER CONCEPTION, BY A SINGULAR PRIVILEGE AND GRACE OF THE OMNIPOTENT GOD, IN VIRTUE OF THE MERITS OF JESUS CHRIST, THE SAVIOR OF MANKIND, WAS PRESERVED IMMACULATE FROM ALL STAIN OF ORIGINAL SIN, HAS BEEN REVEALED BY GOD, AND THEREFORE SHOULD FIRMLY AND CONSTANTLY BE BELIEVED BY ALL THE FAITHFUL...."(INEFFABILIS DEUS)
AS THE HOLY FATHER FINISHED SPEAKING, THE CANNON OF THE CASTLE OF SANT' ANGELO BOOMED AND THE BELLS OF THE BASILICAS AND CHURCHES OF ROME LONG RANG OUT THE GLORIOUS NEWS, WHICH USHERED IN THE AGE OF MARY – THE LAST AGE OF THE WORLD. THE CATHOLIC FAITHFUL REJOICED, AND GRACE FLOODED THEIR SOULS AS THEY PRAYED THE PRAYER OUR LADY HERSELF HAD GIVEN TWENTY YEARS BEFORE TO CATHERINE LABOURE, "O MARY, CONCEIVED WITHOUT SIN, PRAY FOR US WHO HAVE RECOURSE TO THEE."
ON DECEMBER 8, 1854, HAVING SPENT ALL OF HIS HOLY LIFE – HIS BOYHOOD, HIS PRIESTHOOD, AS BISHOP, CARDINAL AND POPE – AT THE FEET OF THE MOTHER OF GOD, THE MOST BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, AND HAVING DEEPLY CONSIDERED ALSO, IN HIS EXILE AT GAETA, THE EARNEST PETITIONS OF CATHOLICS ALL OVER THE WORLD IN ITS BEHALF, POPE PIUS IX DEFINED EX CATHEDRA, IN THE GLORIOUS BASILICA OF SAINT PETER'S BEFORE ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY BISHOPS AND INNUMERABLE PILGRIMS COME LITERALLY FROM THE ENDS OF THE EARTH, THE DIVINE DOGMA OF OUR LADY'S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. THE VOICE OF THE SOVEREIGN PONTIFF BROKE AND TEARS FILLED HIS EYES AS HE PAUSED BEFORE UTTERING THE INFALLIBLE WORDS:
"WE DECLARE, PRONOUNCE AND DEFINE THAT THE DOCTRINE WHICH HOLDS THAT THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, AT THE FIRST INSTANT OF HER CONCEPTION, BY A SINGULAR PRIVILEGE AND GRACE OF THE OMNIPOTENT GOD, IN VIRTUE OF THE MERITS OF JESUS CHRIST, THE SAVIOR OF MANKIND, WAS PRESERVED IMMACULATE FROM ALL STAIN OF ORIGINAL SIN, HAS BEEN REVEALED BY GOD, AND THEREFORE SHOULD FIRMLY AND CONSTANTLY BE BELIEVED BY ALL THE FAITHFUL...."(INEFFABILIS DEUS)
AS THE HOLY FATHER FINISHED SPEAKING, THE CANNON OF THE CASTLE OF SANT' ANGELO BOOMED AND THE BELLS OF THE BASILICAS AND CHURCHES OF ROME LONG RANG OUT THE GLORIOUS NEWS, WHICH USHERED IN THE AGE OF MARY – THE LAST AGE OF THE WORLD. THE CATHOLIC FAITHFUL REJOICED, AND GRACE FLOODED THEIR SOULS AS THEY PRAYED THE PRAYER OUR LADY HERSELF HAD GIVEN TWENTY YEARS BEFORE TO CATHERINE LABOURE, "O MARY, CONCEIVED WITHOUT SIN, PRAY FOR US WHO HAVE RECOURSE TO THEE."
III LESSONS FROM THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION:
“NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD.” (LUKE 1:37)
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE THINGS WE HAVE LEARNED WHILE REFLECTING ON THE SUBJECT MATTER:
O MARY CONCIEVED WITHOUT SIN, PRAY FOR US WHO HAVE RECOURSED TO THEE.
BLESSED JOHN DUNS & POPE PIUS IX, PRAY FOR US, THE POOR, THE SICK, THE SUFFERING, THE INCARCERATED AND THE DYING OF TODAY. AMEN.
“NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD.” (LUKE 1:37)
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE THINGS WE HAVE LEARNED WHILE REFLECTING ON THE SUBJECT MATTER:
- GOD’S MERCY AND LOVE IS GREAT INDEED. HE GAVE THE BLESSED MOTHER THE DIGNITY OF BEING UNCORRUPTED BY SIN TO COMMUNICATE TO US ALL HIS ULTIMATE DESIRE TO BE IN TRUE COMMUNION WITH US. THIS IS ALSO A FORETASTE OF WHAT AWAITS THOSE WHO WILL PERSEVERE TO THE END.
- THROUGH THE BLESSED MOTHER’S LIFE AND TESTIMONY, IT IS NOT THOSE WHO WE PERCIEVE TO HAVE THE MOST OUT OF THIS MATERIAL WORLD ARE THE MOST BLESSED. HOLY DIGNITY WILL NOT BE BASED ON WHO HAS THE MOST KNOWLEDGE, POWER OR WEALTH BUT TO THOSE WHO ARE OPEN TO GOD AND RESPOND TO HIS CALL. “BEHOLD I AM THE HANDMAID OF THE LORD…”.
- HUMILITY IS A PREMIUM IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND WE SAW THIS IN OUR BLESSSED MOTHER AND IN BLESSED JOHN DUNS (SUBTLE DOCTOR), WHO IF NOT BEING BEATIFIED BY ST. POPE JOHN PAUL II IN 1993, WE WOULD HAVE VERY LITTLE KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT GREAT HONOR HE HAS GIVEN THE CHURCH PARTICULARLY THE BLESSED MOTHER MARY, OUR BELOVED PATRONESS ESPECIALLY IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA.
- LASTLY, THAT PURITY IS A VIRTUE THAT IS IN MUCH NEED IN THIS OUR VERY HEDONISTIC WORLD TODAY. WE MIGHT BE CALLED TO MAKE A STAND FOR PURITY AND THE PRESERVATION OF GOD’S GUIDELINES ESPECIALLY TOWARDS LIFE ITSELF.
O MARY CONCIEVED WITHOUT SIN, PRAY FOR US WHO HAVE RECOURSED TO THEE.
BLESSED JOHN DUNS & POPE PIUS IX, PRAY FOR US, THE POOR, THE SICK, THE SUFFERING, THE INCARCERATED AND THE DYING OF TODAY. AMEN.
SJWP ADVENT RECOLLECTION 2017
THIS IS AN INTER-ACTIVE RECOLLECTION WHICH HAS ANIMATION SONGS, SONGS OF PRAISE, PRAYERS, TEACHINGS AND EVEN A MOVIE CLIP, JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE SJWP CHURCH, GPV FOUNDATION AND RCAM MINISTRY OF BIBLICAL APOSTOLATE. JOIN US AND WE ARE SURE THAT YOU WILL FEEL BLESSED AND WILL MOVE YOU ONE STEP TOWARDS PREPARING FOR THE COMING OF THE KING OF GLORY, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! MARANATHA!
STEPS JESUS LITERALLY WALKED ON (ARCHEOLOGICAL)
PHOTO TAKEN OUTSIDE THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF THE HOUSE OF THE HIGH PRIEST CAIAPHAS. THE SCRIPTURES TELL US THAT JESUS AFTER BEING ARRESTED WAS BROUGHT HERE. THIS IS AT MOUNT ZION AND JESUS WAS ARRESTED BY THE MEN OF THE HIGH PRIEST AT THE MOUNT OF OLIVES AND THIS WAS THE ONLY WAY BY WALKING THAT CAN BE USED. WHAT WAS SPECIAL ABOUT THIS PHOTO IS THAT IT IS ACTUALLY AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG (ACTUALLY THEY HAVE A BAR OF SORTS SO PEOPLE CANNOT ACTUALLY WALK ON IT) AND WHAT IT NOW SHOWS IS THE 1ST CENTURY AD, THE TIME OF JESUS. FROM HISTORICAL AND SCRIPTURAL BASIS, WE KNOW THAT JESUS WENT EXACTLY TO THIS PLACE BEING THE HOUSE OF THE HIGH PRIEST. MORE SO, THIS IS PROBABLY THE STEPS THAT THE SANDALS OF THE MASTER, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST STEPPED ON ALMOST 2000 YEARS AGO. THIS LEFT ME FLABBERGASTED TO SAY THE LEAST AND I TOOK MY TIME JUST SITTING THERE AND PICTURING IN MY MIND'S EYE THE LORD TAKING THESE STEPS TO AND FROM THE HOUSE OF CAIAPHAS. IT WAS A POWERFUL MEDITATION BRINGING TEARS OF JOY AND JUST MADE ME GRATEFUL TO THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT!
THANK YOU FATHER FOR SENDING YOUR SON JESUS, OUR BROTHER AND LORD TO US AND BECAME A PART OF OUR HISTORY AND FOR ATONING FOR OUR SINS. JESUS THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE FORM OF A SLAVE AND BE WITH US HISTORICALLY TO SAVE US FROM OUR DREADFUL PREDICAMENT. THANK YOU HOLY SPIRIT FOR GIVING JESUS THE STRENGTH TO REMAIN STEADFAST IN THIS VERY TRYING TIMES.
I PRAY LORD THAT YOU GIVE US ALL SPECIAL GRACES TO REMEMBER THIS NOBLE ACT THAT YOU DID FOR OUR BEHALF. THAT REMEMBRANCE OF THIS WILL LEAD US TO DESIRE TO KNOW, LOVE AND SERVE YOU FROM THIS DAY ONWARDS. FURTHERMORE, THAT WE BE MOVED TO SHARE IN YOUR MISSION AS PRIEST, PROPHET AND KING AND BE YOUR VISAGE TO OUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, COMMUNITY AND THE CHURCH AT LARGE.
PRAISE, HONOR AND GLORY TO YOU OUR KING AND OUR LORD! AMEN!
THANK YOU FATHER FOR SENDING YOUR SON JESUS, OUR BROTHER AND LORD TO US AND BECAME A PART OF OUR HISTORY AND FOR ATONING FOR OUR SINS. JESUS THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE FORM OF A SLAVE AND BE WITH US HISTORICALLY TO SAVE US FROM OUR DREADFUL PREDICAMENT. THANK YOU HOLY SPIRIT FOR GIVING JESUS THE STRENGTH TO REMAIN STEADFAST IN THIS VERY TRYING TIMES.
I PRAY LORD THAT YOU GIVE US ALL SPECIAL GRACES TO REMEMBER THIS NOBLE ACT THAT YOU DID FOR OUR BEHALF. THAT REMEMBRANCE OF THIS WILL LEAD US TO DESIRE TO KNOW, LOVE AND SERVE YOU FROM THIS DAY ONWARDS. FURTHERMORE, THAT WE BE MOVED TO SHARE IN YOUR MISSION AS PRIEST, PROPHET AND KING AND BE YOUR VISAGE TO OUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, COMMUNITY AND THE CHURCH AT LARGE.
PRAISE, HONOR AND GLORY TO YOU OUR KING AND OUR LORD! AMEN!
THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS:
FII. THE COMMUNION OF THE CHURCH OF HEAVEN AND EARTH
954 The three states of the Church. "When the Lord comes in glory, and all his angels with him, death will be no more and all things will be subject to him. But at the present time some of his disciples are pilgrims on earth. Others have died and are being purified, while still others are in glory, contemplating 'in full light, God himself triune and one, exactly as he is"':492
All of us, however, in varying degrees and in different ways share in the same charity towards God and our neighbors, and we all sing the one hymn of glory to our God. All, indeed, who are of Christ and who have his Spirit form one Church and in Christ cleave together.493
955 "So it is that the union of the wayfarers with the brethren who sleep in the peace of Christ is in no way interrupted, but on the contrary, according to the constant faith of the Church, this union is reinforced by an exchange of spiritual goods."494
956 The intercession of the saints. "Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness. . . . They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus . . . . So by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped."495
Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death and I shall help you then more effectively than during my life.496
I want to spend my heaven in doing good on earth.497
957 Communion with the saints. "It is not merely by the title of example that we cherish the memory of those in heaven; we seek, rather, that by this devotion to the exercise of fraternal charity the union of the whole Church in the Spirit may be strengthened. Exactly as Christian communion among our fellow pilgrims brings us closer to Christ, so our communion with the saints joins us to Christ, from whom as from its fountain and head issues all grace, and the life of the People of God itself"498:
We worship Christ as God's Son; we love the martyrs as the Lord's disciples and imitators, and rightly so because of their matchless devotion towards their king and master. May we also be their companions and fellow disciples!499
958 Communion with the dead. "In full consciousness of this communion of the whole Mystical Body of Jesus Christ, the Church in its pilgrim members, from the very earliest days of the Christian religion, has honored with great respect the memory of the dead; and 'because it is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins' she offers her suffrages for them."500 Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective.
959 In the one family of God. "For if we continue to love one another and to join in praising the Most Holy Trinity - all of us who are sons of God and form one family in Christ - we will be faithful to the deepest vocation of the Church."501
IN BRIEF
960 The Church is a "communion of saints": this expression refers first to the "holy things" (sancta), above all the Eucharist, by which "the unity of believers, who form one body in Christ, is both represented and brought about" (LG 3).
961 The term "communion of saints" refers also to the communion of "holy persons" (sancti) in Christ who "died for all," so that what each one does or suffers in and for Christ bears fruit for all.
962 "We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is always [attentive] to our prayers" (Paul VI, CPG § 30).
from the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Biblical & Education Minister’s Message:
This is a very important doctrine and it is such that we recite them every Sunday around the world in all Masses, the Communion of Saints. I have over the course of decades realized the beauty and effectiveness as well of this very important truth and developed a list of “Prayer Partners” which are mostly the canonized saints of the Catholic Church. From hindsight I have benefited so much from the intercession of these our heroes and heroines of the faith. Some decades ago, I realized that I probably am the greatest sinner there is but still people approach me to ask my prayers for some petition they have. It just dawned on me that my prayers and even my intercession (praying for others) might not be effective. With this epiphany I have sought these our Saints in heaven especially the Holy Spouses, Mama Mary and Papa Joseph to pray with me in practically all things I pray about. When I began to do this, true enough, I feel that my prayers with them became more effective. I remember the description of the great apologist C.S. Lewis in his novel “Screwtape Letters” (a satirical work of fiction depicting the spiritual warfare and the strategies of the evil one to deceive the believers), about the Communion of Saints this way, “a great indivisible force (united in love) that is beyond time and space”. Love is still the force that will make the world as we know it better. In the Communion of Saints it is charity that binds us, charity expressed in our heartfelt prayers for each other. I pray and hope that you all will tap into this great force for the good of humankind and for the glory of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Holy Spouses and all the Angels, Saints and Martyrs, pray for us, the poor, the sick, the suffering and the dying of today. Amen.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
This is a very important doctrine and it is such that we recite them every Sunday around the world in all Masses, the Communion of Saints. I have over the course of decades realized the beauty and effectiveness as well of this very important truth and developed a list of “Prayer Partners” which are mostly the canonized saints of the Catholic Church. From hindsight I have benefited so much from the intercession of these our heroes and heroines of the faith. Some decades ago, I realized that I probably am the greatest sinner there is but still people approach me to ask my prayers for some petition they have. It just dawned on me that my prayers and even my intercession (praying for others) might not be effective. With this epiphany I have sought these our Saints in heaven especially the Holy Spouses, Mama Mary and Papa Joseph to pray with me in practically all things I pray about. When I began to do this, true enough, I feel that my prayers with them became more effective. I remember the description of the great apologist C.S. Lewis in his novel “Screwtape Letters” (a satirical work of fiction depicting the spiritual warfare and the strategies of the evil one to deceive the believers), about the Communion of Saints this way, “a great indivisible force (united in love) that is beyond time and space”. Love is still the force that will make the world as we know it better. In the Communion of Saints it is charity that binds us, charity expressed in our heartfelt prayers for each other. I pray and hope that you all will tap into this great force for the good of humankind and for the glory of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Holy Spouses and all the Angels, Saints and Martyrs, pray for us, the poor, the sick, the suffering and the dying of today. Amen.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
PEACE AND GLAD TIDINGS!!!
WE REJOICE WITH THE JOY OF THE LORD THAT OUR PARISH PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH WAS APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RECITATION BY HIS EMINENCE LUIS ANTONIO CARDINAL G. TAGLE. THIS WE GOT FROM OUR PARISH PRIEST MONSIGNOR ROBERTO ESPENILLA. THIS JUST REINFORCES OUR EFFORTS IN PROPAGATING THE DEVOTION TO ST. JOSEPH IN OUR PARISH AND IS A TREMENDOUS ENCOURAGEMENT THAT WE ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH.
ALL FOR JESUS, THROUGH MARY AND JOSEPH. AMEN.
WE REJOICE WITH THE JOY OF THE LORD THAT OUR PARISH PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH WAS APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RECITATION BY HIS EMINENCE LUIS ANTONIO CARDINAL G. TAGLE. THIS WE GOT FROM OUR PARISH PRIEST MONSIGNOR ROBERTO ESPENILLA. THIS JUST REINFORCES OUR EFFORTS IN PROPAGATING THE DEVOTION TO ST. JOSEPH IN OUR PARISH AND IS A TREMENDOUS ENCOURAGEMENT THAT WE ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH.
ALL FOR JESUS, THROUGH MARY AND JOSEPH. AMEN.
THANK YOU CARDINAL TAGLE! FROM YOUR ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER FAMILY AT PALANAN, MAKATI CITY.
OCTOBER ROSARY DEVOTION WITH ST. JOSEPH
It was September 1892 in his encyclical "Magnae Dei Mater" (Great Mother of God), Pope Leo XIII instituted that the month of October be celebrated as the month of the Holy Rosary to which all is encouraged even pleading that all the faithful, young and old recite the most beautiful Holy Rosary daily throughout the mentioned month. Not long after in "Quamquam Pluries", he added a prayer to St. Joseph to go with this yearly devotion. It is in my perception that it is clear to the great man that the Holy Spouses does work hand in hand interceding for the good of the Church. I also believed that he knows that the role of St. Joseph as guardian and protector of Jesus, Mary & the Church should be tapped as so much danger both physical and spiritual are coming into at the end of the 19th century. Come to think of it, it is kinda the same today as we are beset with so many dangers as well. Let us all heed the call of Pope Leo XIII and turn to the Holy Spouses, Mother Mary & St. Joseph especially this month of October by reciting the Holy Rosary and incorporating herein the prayer of St. Joseph. We need this all through the year or at the least this month of October daily. Together with the Hyperdulia (Mama Mary) & the Protodulia (Father Joseph), let us storm the gates of heaven for our good, the Church and the whole world for that matter. Amen.
CARDINAL TAGLE'S APPEAL
"DE PROFUNDIS BELLS: PRAYING FOR THE DEAD
From Catechetical Materials on the De Profundis Bell
“The tradition of ringing a bell to remind the faithful to pray for the dead is a very ancient custom. The De ProfundisBell was rung to denote a time of the day to recite Psalm 130. The origin of this custom is accredited to Pope Urban II, who promoted the ringing of the De Profundis in order to pray for Christian armies in the Crusade.”
“Toward the end of each evening, the bells strike the De Profundis. The De Profundis is a slow, solemn and measured toll of the bourdon bell [our heaviest bell that produces the lowest tone] that marks the end of the day. The name comes from the first two Latin words of Psalm 130, meaning “out of the depths.” This prayer is offered for our departed loved ones who have gone home to God. Upon hearing the sound of the bell, we are invited to pray Psalm 130 or offer an Our Father and Hail Mary for the faithful departed.”
Psalm 130
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice!
O let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading.
If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, Lord, who would survive?
But with you is found forgiveness: for this we revere you.
My soul is waiting for the Lord. I count on his word.
My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak.
Let the watchman count on daybreak and Israel on the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption,
Israel indeed he will redeem from all its iniquity.
Our Father . . .
Hail Mary . . .
Glory Be . . .
V./ Eternal rest, grant unto the faithful departed, O Lord,
R./ and let perpetual light shine upon them.
V./ May they rest in peace.
R./ Amen.
V./ May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R./ Amen.
“The tradition of ringing a bell to remind the faithful to pray for the dead is a very ancient custom. The De ProfundisBell was rung to denote a time of the day to recite Psalm 130. The origin of this custom is accredited to Pope Urban II, who promoted the ringing of the De Profundis in order to pray for Christian armies in the Crusade.”
“Toward the end of each evening, the bells strike the De Profundis. The De Profundis is a slow, solemn and measured toll of the bourdon bell [our heaviest bell that produces the lowest tone] that marks the end of the day. The name comes from the first two Latin words of Psalm 130, meaning “out of the depths.” This prayer is offered for our departed loved ones who have gone home to God. Upon hearing the sound of the bell, we are invited to pray Psalm 130 or offer an Our Father and Hail Mary for the faithful departed.”
Psalm 130
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice!
O let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading.
If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, Lord, who would survive?
But with you is found forgiveness: for this we revere you.
My soul is waiting for the Lord. I count on his word.
My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak.
Let the watchman count on daybreak and Israel on the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption,
Israel indeed he will redeem from all its iniquity.
Our Father . . .
Hail Mary . . .
Glory Be . . .
V./ Eternal rest, grant unto the faithful departed, O Lord,
R./ and let perpetual light shine upon them.
V./ May they rest in peace.
R./ Amen.
V./ May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R./ Amen.
In our Parish of St. Joseph the Worker, our Parish Priest and Vicar Forane Rev. Monsignor Roberto Espenilla started tolling our bells every 8pm in response to the call of the Cardinal. He even catechized us all with respect to this tradition that has been lost in time. Now we revive it as a parish through his initiative. May Jesus our Lord through the intercession of the Holy Spouses, Mama Mary and Papa Joseph, grant eternal rest unto them and may their souls rest in peace. Amen.
POPE FRANCIS’ MESSAGE:
FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE CROSS
Dear brothers and sisters,
September 14 the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Some non-Christian person might ask: why "exalt" the Cross? We can say that we do not exalt just any cross any or all crosses: we exalt the Cross of Jesus, because God’s love for humanity was revealed most in it. That's what the Gospel of John reminds us in today's liturgy: "God so loved the world that He gave only begotten Son" (3:16). The Father has "given" the Son to save us, and this has resulted in the death of Jesus and His death on the Cross. Why? Why was the Cross necessary? Because of the gravity of the evil which kept us slaves. The Cross of Jesus expresses both things: all the negative forces of evil, and all of the gentle omnipotence God’s mercy. The Cross would appear to declare Christ’s failure, but in reality marks His victory. On Calvary, those who mocked him said, 'If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross "(cf. Mt 27,40). But it was the opposite that was true: it was because Jesus was the Son of God, that He was there, on the Cross, faithful to the end to the loving plan of the Father. And for this reason God has "exalted" Jesus (Philippians 2.9), conferring universal kingship on Him.
So what do we see, when we look to the Cross where Jesus was nailed? We contemplate the sign of the infinite love of God for each of us and the source of our salvation. That Cross is the source of the mercy of God that embraces the whole world. Through the Cross of Christ the evil one is overcome death is defeated, we are gifted life, hope is restored. This is important: Through the Cross of Christ hope is restored. The Cross of Jesus is our only true hope! That is why the Church "exalts" the Holy Cross, which is why we Christians bless ourselves with the sign of the cross. That is, we don’t exalt crosses but THE glorious Cross of Christ, a sign of God’s love, our salvation and journey towards the resurrection. This is our hope.
While we contemplate and celebrate the Holy Cross, we think emotionally of so many of our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted and killed because of their faith in Christ. This happens especially there where religious freedom is still not guaranteed or fully realized. It happens, however, even in well-to-do countries which, in principle, protect freedom and human rights, but where in practice believers, and especially Christians, encounter restrictions and discrimination. So today we remember them and pray especially for them.
On Calvary, at the foot of the Cross, there was the Virgin Mary (cf. Jn 19,25-27). She is the Virgin of Sorrows, whom we celebrate tomorrow in the liturgy. To Her I entrust the present and the future of the Church, so that we all may always know how to discover and accept the message of love and salvation of the Cross of Christ.
BIBLICAL AND EDUCATION MINISTER"S MESSAGE:
Every day I pray for Jerusalem, I describe the city as the cite of the triumph of God’s love for us. Indeed the love of God for us was never more so manifested than when Jesus opened up his arms and accepted the nails that were driven therein. I also imagine the Father who had to restrain Himself from not taking action to prevent the Lord Jesus from this horrifying event. I can also imagine the Holy Spirit exercise the same because He can take away the pain if He so desires. The Cross of Christ is the symbol of love but more than that it is the price for our redemption. The Cross of Christ also is painful, our salvation is painful. Many times when we encounter the trials and tribulations of our lives, we resort to trying to avoid it because we do not want the pain. We even justify it as wisdom. However, I have lately realized that if God allows pain & suffering to happen in your life, He has a plan for it. This is a message I always echo to the Recovering Section of the hospital I conduct my weekly Apostolate. Withdrawal and the healing process I can imagine is painful for them but I tell them that if we persevere with God’s grace, we will overcome. Truth to tell in the years I have done this, I have seen that the Lord has worked seemingly miraculous deeds. Many of them, these challenged brothers and sisters, have learned to embrace the cross, face the pain, rise above humiliations and the judgement of people but by God’s grace persevered, cried and prayed & are now back in their homes becoming better persons more equipped to face the challenges of life in their families and communities. Our nature dictates that we go around the pain but do remember that our Redemption, glorious as it seems, is a process that involved pain. The Lord Jesus took the pain to bring us back to the Father and bring us eternal life. For our nation this becomes more meaningful as we in the Catholic Church struggle to promote life and oppose the killing of our challenged brothers and sisters. When we resort to these measures, we are saying that there is no more hope for them. Hope is here because the Lord Jesus lovingly paid for them with His own blood, sweat and tears. When you look at the Cross of the Lord Jesus, grow in faith, attain hope and live in love.
September 14 the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Some non-Christian person might ask: why "exalt" the Cross? We can say that we do not exalt just any cross any or all crosses: we exalt the Cross of Jesus, because God’s love for humanity was revealed most in it. That's what the Gospel of John reminds us in today's liturgy: "God so loved the world that He gave only begotten Son" (3:16). The Father has "given" the Son to save us, and this has resulted in the death of Jesus and His death on the Cross. Why? Why was the Cross necessary? Because of the gravity of the evil which kept us slaves. The Cross of Jesus expresses both things: all the negative forces of evil, and all of the gentle omnipotence God’s mercy. The Cross would appear to declare Christ’s failure, but in reality marks His victory. On Calvary, those who mocked him said, 'If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross "(cf. Mt 27,40). But it was the opposite that was true: it was because Jesus was the Son of God, that He was there, on the Cross, faithful to the end to the loving plan of the Father. And for this reason God has "exalted" Jesus (Philippians 2.9), conferring universal kingship on Him.
So what do we see, when we look to the Cross where Jesus was nailed? We contemplate the sign of the infinite love of God for each of us and the source of our salvation. That Cross is the source of the mercy of God that embraces the whole world. Through the Cross of Christ the evil one is overcome death is defeated, we are gifted life, hope is restored. This is important: Through the Cross of Christ hope is restored. The Cross of Jesus is our only true hope! That is why the Church "exalts" the Holy Cross, which is why we Christians bless ourselves with the sign of the cross. That is, we don’t exalt crosses but THE glorious Cross of Christ, a sign of God’s love, our salvation and journey towards the resurrection. This is our hope.
While we contemplate and celebrate the Holy Cross, we think emotionally of so many of our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted and killed because of their faith in Christ. This happens especially there where religious freedom is still not guaranteed or fully realized. It happens, however, even in well-to-do countries which, in principle, protect freedom and human rights, but where in practice believers, and especially Christians, encounter restrictions and discrimination. So today we remember them and pray especially for them.
On Calvary, at the foot of the Cross, there was the Virgin Mary (cf. Jn 19,25-27). She is the Virgin of Sorrows, whom we celebrate tomorrow in the liturgy. To Her I entrust the present and the future of the Church, so that we all may always know how to discover and accept the message of love and salvation of the Cross of Christ.
BIBLICAL AND EDUCATION MINISTER"S MESSAGE:
Every day I pray for Jerusalem, I describe the city as the cite of the triumph of God’s love for us. Indeed the love of God for us was never more so manifested than when Jesus opened up his arms and accepted the nails that were driven therein. I also imagine the Father who had to restrain Himself from not taking action to prevent the Lord Jesus from this horrifying event. I can also imagine the Holy Spirit exercise the same because He can take away the pain if He so desires. The Cross of Christ is the symbol of love but more than that it is the price for our redemption. The Cross of Christ also is painful, our salvation is painful. Many times when we encounter the trials and tribulations of our lives, we resort to trying to avoid it because we do not want the pain. We even justify it as wisdom. However, I have lately realized that if God allows pain & suffering to happen in your life, He has a plan for it. This is a message I always echo to the Recovering Section of the hospital I conduct my weekly Apostolate. Withdrawal and the healing process I can imagine is painful for them but I tell them that if we persevere with God’s grace, we will overcome. Truth to tell in the years I have done this, I have seen that the Lord has worked seemingly miraculous deeds. Many of them, these challenged brothers and sisters, have learned to embrace the cross, face the pain, rise above humiliations and the judgement of people but by God’s grace persevered, cried and prayed & are now back in their homes becoming better persons more equipped to face the challenges of life in their families and communities. Our nature dictates that we go around the pain but do remember that our Redemption, glorious as it seems, is a process that involved pain. The Lord Jesus took the pain to bring us back to the Father and bring us eternal life. For our nation this becomes more meaningful as we in the Catholic Church struggle to promote life and oppose the killing of our challenged brothers and sisters. When we resort to these measures, we are saying that there is no more hope for them. Hope is here because the Lord Jesus lovingly paid for them with His own blood, sweat and tears. When you look at the Cross of the Lord Jesus, grow in faith, attain hope and live in love.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA MARY
TODAY WE COMMEMORATE THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. THIS IS THE MOMENTOUS EVENT TO WHICH THE REDEMPTIVE PLAN OF GOD CAME TO FORTH. SO MANY MARVELOUS SPIRITUAL THINGS HAPPENED HERE FOREMOST OF WHICH IS THIS BABY SHALL BE THE HOME OF THE REDEEMER FOR 9 MONTHS AT THE APPOINTED TIME. THIS BABY IS THE ONLY HUMAN BEING BORN WITHOUT THE STAIN OF ORIGINAL SIN (IMMACULATE CONCEPCION) THIS IS ORIGINAL GRACE:
"As if these splendid eulogies and tributes were not sufficient, the Fathers proclaimed with particular and definite statements that when one treats of sin, the holy Virgin Mary is not even to be mentioned; for to her more grace was given than was necessary to conquer sin completely.[24] They also declared that the most glorious Virgin was Reparatrix of the first parents, the giver of life to posterity; that she was chosen before the ages, prepared for himself by the Most High, foretold by God when he said to the serpent, “I will put enmities between you and the woman.”[25]-unmistakable evidence that she was crushed the poisonous head of the serpent. And hence they affirmed that the Blessed Virgin was, through grace, entirely free from every stain of sin, and from all corruption of body, soul and mind; that she was always united with God and joined to him by an eternal covenant; that she was never in darkness but always in light; and that, therefore, she was entirely a fit habitation for Christ, not because of the state of her body, but because of her original grace." (INEFFABILIS DEUS, POPE PIUS IX)
AS WE CELEBRATE TODAY, LET US NOT FORGET THAT LIKE OUR MOTHER WE HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY IN THE REDEMPTION OF OUR FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES AND IN THE WORLD. LIKE HER WE MUST SAY "MAY IT BE DONE UNTO ME, ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD". LIKE HER WE MUST BE CHANNELS OF GOD'S GRACE TO OTHERS.
"As if these splendid eulogies and tributes were not sufficient, the Fathers proclaimed with particular and definite statements that when one treats of sin, the holy Virgin Mary is not even to be mentioned; for to her more grace was given than was necessary to conquer sin completely.[24] They also declared that the most glorious Virgin was Reparatrix of the first parents, the giver of life to posterity; that she was chosen before the ages, prepared for himself by the Most High, foretold by God when he said to the serpent, “I will put enmities between you and the woman.”[25]-unmistakable evidence that she was crushed the poisonous head of the serpent. And hence they affirmed that the Blessed Virgin was, through grace, entirely free from every stain of sin, and from all corruption of body, soul and mind; that she was always united with God and joined to him by an eternal covenant; that she was never in darkness but always in light; and that, therefore, she was entirely a fit habitation for Christ, not because of the state of her body, but because of her original grace." (INEFFABILIS DEUS, POPE PIUS IX)
AS WE CELEBRATE TODAY, LET US NOT FORGET THAT LIKE OUR MOTHER WE HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY IN THE REDEMPTION OF OUR FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES AND IN THE WORLD. LIKE HER WE MUST SAY "MAY IT BE DONE UNTO ME, ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD". LIKE HER WE MUST BE CHANNELS OF GOD'S GRACE TO OTHERS.
MEMORIAL OF THE MARTYRDOM OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST (LAST DAY OF PRAYER AGAINST TAKING OF HUMAN LIFE AS PER HIS EMINENCE CARDINAL TAGLE)
Today we celebrate the memorial of the Passion or Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. It is also the last day of prayer His Eminence discussed in his latest pastoral letter. It is quite fitting that we reflect on this memorial as we try to reflect, pray and act on how we as an individual and community can help prevent the random and unjust killings, the taking of human life. If there is any one thing we can emulate from John, it is his zeal to stand for the right even going against the powers of this earth. Asked about John, our Lord Jesus replied; "Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist;" (Matthew 11: 11). John was a cousin of the Lord Jesus. Her mother, St. Elizabeth is a relative of the Blessed Virgin Mary. John played a very important role in the plan of salvation. He was the forerunner of the Lord Jesus whose task was to prepare the way of the Lord as revealed to us by the prophet Isaiah. He was a zealous man and preached the message to return to God by the baptism of repentance. However he has his prize always on the goal which is prepare hearts for Jesus the Messiah as when the time of Jesus' ministry began, John said; "He must increase and I must decrease".
Today we reflect on the martyrdom of this great saint at the hands of the executioner of Herod through the prompting of Salome.
The lesson we can learn from this reflection is that we will experience hardship, difficulties and sometimes even from governments and civil authorities themselves like the one we face these days. However like John (in Hebrew this means “God is gracious”), we must persist and not waver knowing that the Lord will be with us to reward our faithfulness if not in this life, surely in the next. Our focus should not be in the success that our efforts might bring but rather on being faithful to the Gospel values which are the words and teachings of the Lord Jesus and the guidance and directives of Holy Mother Church which has the fullness of the deposit of faith.
I remember that at the time when the issue regarding the death penalty legislatively was very hot, I spearheaded a signature campaign in the parish hoping that it would sway the vote of at least our congressman. It turned out that our very own voted “yes” to the death penalty. I was a bit disappointed but now at hindsight, I still should have done it because it is not the success, it is all about being faithful to God’s call. I get my consolation from St. Paul who urges Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith” and he did not tell him that if you do, success will come out of it. Now I and the Catholic Church here in the Philippines am continuing with a fight of sorts this time regarding our drug users and pushers who are judged as unworthy of living by the civil authorities. I do not judge this people and every week I spend time to bring Jesus to them at the recovering and rehabilitation here in the hospital. The more I talk to these people, the more I realize that like you and I, they are God’s children and that my conviction is that life was given by God and only He has the right to take it. Let us nurture life not destroy it. Let us prepare the way for Jesus, the Lord of Life like our Saint John the Baptist.
“ If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory." (Col 3: 1-4 NABRE)
Let us pray:
Father You gave us John to prepare the way of Your Son, You have blessed him with zeal and passion for Your work and gave him the crown of martyrdom for Your glory. We pray O Lord that You make all of us channels of Your kingdom right here where we are. Make us truly devoted to the calling You have given each one of us and provide us the graces and strength to rise above any difficulty we are facing in participating in the work of redemption, renewal of the temporal orders and to promote life from conception onwards. Make us also humble and allow us to keep our eyes always fixed on Your Son Jesus, our brother and Lord. Amen.
Mama Mary, Theotokos, pray for us.
St. Joseph, our patron, pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, pray for us.
Today we reflect on the martyrdom of this great saint at the hands of the executioner of Herod through the prompting of Salome.
The lesson we can learn from this reflection is that we will experience hardship, difficulties and sometimes even from governments and civil authorities themselves like the one we face these days. However like John (in Hebrew this means “God is gracious”), we must persist and not waver knowing that the Lord will be with us to reward our faithfulness if not in this life, surely in the next. Our focus should not be in the success that our efforts might bring but rather on being faithful to the Gospel values which are the words and teachings of the Lord Jesus and the guidance and directives of Holy Mother Church which has the fullness of the deposit of faith.
I remember that at the time when the issue regarding the death penalty legislatively was very hot, I spearheaded a signature campaign in the parish hoping that it would sway the vote of at least our congressman. It turned out that our very own voted “yes” to the death penalty. I was a bit disappointed but now at hindsight, I still should have done it because it is not the success, it is all about being faithful to God’s call. I get my consolation from St. Paul who urges Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith” and he did not tell him that if you do, success will come out of it. Now I and the Catholic Church here in the Philippines am continuing with a fight of sorts this time regarding our drug users and pushers who are judged as unworthy of living by the civil authorities. I do not judge this people and every week I spend time to bring Jesus to them at the recovering and rehabilitation here in the hospital. The more I talk to these people, the more I realize that like you and I, they are God’s children and that my conviction is that life was given by God and only He has the right to take it. Let us nurture life not destroy it. Let us prepare the way for Jesus, the Lord of Life like our Saint John the Baptist.
“ If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory." (Col 3: 1-4 NABRE)
Let us pray:
Father You gave us John to prepare the way of Your Son, You have blessed him with zeal and passion for Your work and gave him the crown of martyrdom for Your glory. We pray O Lord that You make all of us channels of Your kingdom right here where we are. Make us truly devoted to the calling You have given each one of us and provide us the graces and strength to rise above any difficulty we are facing in participating in the work of redemption, renewal of the temporal orders and to promote life from conception onwards. Make us also humble and allow us to keep our eyes always fixed on Your Son Jesus, our brother and Lord. Amen.
Mama Mary, Theotokos, pray for us.
St. Joseph, our patron, pray for us.
St. John the Baptist, pray for us.
Pastoral Letter of His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle (August 20, 2017)
A letter from His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle will be read in all masses (August 20) after communion. (DRUG-RELATED KILLINGS IN THE PHILS.)
(English Version)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Archdiocese of Manila,
On August 12-17, 2017, I participated in the meeting of Caritas Latin America held in El Salvador, a country where many people had been killed in a civil war. Until now it still contends with armed groups. In El Salvador, I heard news of the increase of killings in our own country due to an intensified war against illegal drugs.
I am inviting you to reflect, pray and act.
First, all Filipinos agree that the menace of illegal drugs is real and destructive. We must face and act upon together, as one people. Unfortunately, it has divided us. Given the complexity of the issues, no single individual, group or institution could claim to have the only right response. We need one other. We cannot disregard each other. Let us invite families, national government agencies, local government units, people’s organizations, schools, faith-based communities, the medical profession, the police and military, recovering addicts etc. to come together, listen to each other and chart a common path. The illegal drug problem should not be reduced to a political or criminal issue. It is a humanitarian concern that affects all of us. The Archdiocese of Manila would be willing to host such multi-sectoral dialogue.
Secondly, to understand the situation better, we need not only statistics but also human stories. Families with members who have been destroyed by illegal drugs must tell their stories. Families with members who have been killed in the drug-war, especially the innocent ones, must be allowed to tell their stories. Drug addicts who have recovered must tell their stories of hope. Let their stories be told, let their human faces be revealed. We knock on the consciences of those manufacturing and selling illegal drugs to stop this activity. We knock on the consciences of those who kill even the helpless, especially those who cover their faces with bonnets, to stop wasting human lives. Recall the words of God to Cain who killed his brother Abel, “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the soil” (Genesis 4:10). Those with sorrowful hearts and awakened consciences may come to your pastors to tell your stories and we will document them for the wider society. I call on all the parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila to mark the nine days from August 21 (Memorial of St. Pope Pius X) to August 29 (Beheading of St. John the Baptist) as time to offer prayers at all masses for the repose of those who have died in this war, for the strength of their families, for the perseverance of those recovering from addiction and the conversion of killers.
Finally, let us conquer evil with good (Romans 12:21). Let us save the lives of people most vulnerable to drug dependency: the youth, the poor and unemployed. Words of solidarity without tears and acts of compassion are cheap. I enjoin our parishes and vicariates to commit again to the parish-based drug rehabilitation program of the Archdiocese of Manila called Sanlakbay in partnership with the local government and police. I ask the Basic Ecclesial Communities and other organizations of the lay faithful to care for our neighborhoods in coordination with our partners.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you! May the Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you! May the Lord look upon you kindly and grant you peace!” (Numbers 6:24-26)
+Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle
Archbishop of Manila
19 August 2017
(English Version)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Archdiocese of Manila,
On August 12-17, 2017, I participated in the meeting of Caritas Latin America held in El Salvador, a country where many people had been killed in a civil war. Until now it still contends with armed groups. In El Salvador, I heard news of the increase of killings in our own country due to an intensified war against illegal drugs.
I am inviting you to reflect, pray and act.
First, all Filipinos agree that the menace of illegal drugs is real and destructive. We must face and act upon together, as one people. Unfortunately, it has divided us. Given the complexity of the issues, no single individual, group or institution could claim to have the only right response. We need one other. We cannot disregard each other. Let us invite families, national government agencies, local government units, people’s organizations, schools, faith-based communities, the medical profession, the police and military, recovering addicts etc. to come together, listen to each other and chart a common path. The illegal drug problem should not be reduced to a political or criminal issue. It is a humanitarian concern that affects all of us. The Archdiocese of Manila would be willing to host such multi-sectoral dialogue.
Secondly, to understand the situation better, we need not only statistics but also human stories. Families with members who have been destroyed by illegal drugs must tell their stories. Families with members who have been killed in the drug-war, especially the innocent ones, must be allowed to tell their stories. Drug addicts who have recovered must tell their stories of hope. Let their stories be told, let their human faces be revealed. We knock on the consciences of those manufacturing and selling illegal drugs to stop this activity. We knock on the consciences of those who kill even the helpless, especially those who cover their faces with bonnets, to stop wasting human lives. Recall the words of God to Cain who killed his brother Abel, “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the soil” (Genesis 4:10). Those with sorrowful hearts and awakened consciences may come to your pastors to tell your stories and we will document them for the wider society. I call on all the parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila to mark the nine days from August 21 (Memorial of St. Pope Pius X) to August 29 (Beheading of St. John the Baptist) as time to offer prayers at all masses for the repose of those who have died in this war, for the strength of their families, for the perseverance of those recovering from addiction and the conversion of killers.
Finally, let us conquer evil with good (Romans 12:21). Let us save the lives of people most vulnerable to drug dependency: the youth, the poor and unemployed. Words of solidarity without tears and acts of compassion are cheap. I enjoin our parishes and vicariates to commit again to the parish-based drug rehabilitation program of the Archdiocese of Manila called Sanlakbay in partnership with the local government and police. I ask the Basic Ecclesial Communities and other organizations of the lay faithful to care for our neighborhoods in coordination with our partners.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you! May the Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you! May the Lord look upon you kindly and grant you peace!” (Numbers 6:24-26)
+Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle
Archbishop of Manila
19 August 2017
PROPHETIC MINISTER'S MESSAGE:
For many years now we have an Apostolate to the Recovering and Rehabilitation Section at the hospital here in our parish. We visit every Sunday these people and bring to them the message of the Lord together with the Eucharist, the center and fount of our Christian lives. In that time I have seen many of these brothers and sisters turn their lives around and I believe that now, am contributing productively in their families, neighborhood, etc. They are just like us who have a need for Jesus our Savior and like all of us have weaknesses. In our own way let us encourage them by telling them that God has a beautiful plan in their lives and wants to partner with them as builders of His kingdom of love in the family and elsewhere. Truth to tell, the bible service with communion I conduct with them is also an opportunity for them to listen to the message of the Cardinal because I watch the program before conducting it and many times they hear me say, "according to the Cardinal this morning" via the "Word Exposed" the liturgical reading exposition program of His Eminence.
As a response to His Eminence, I am asking those who will conduct bible study/sharing in the parish and BEC communities, to talk about the letter and come up with action programs so we can try to make our parish just a little bit safer and avoid the loss of lives. These people are precious in God's eyes because they are created in His own image and likeness just like you and I. Let us heed the call of the Cardinal, reflect, pray and act.
For many years now we have an Apostolate to the Recovering and Rehabilitation Section at the hospital here in our parish. We visit every Sunday these people and bring to them the message of the Lord together with the Eucharist, the center and fount of our Christian lives. In that time I have seen many of these brothers and sisters turn their lives around and I believe that now, am contributing productively in their families, neighborhood, etc. They are just like us who have a need for Jesus our Savior and like all of us have weaknesses. In our own way let us encourage them by telling them that God has a beautiful plan in their lives and wants to partner with them as builders of His kingdom of love in the family and elsewhere. Truth to tell, the bible service with communion I conduct with them is also an opportunity for them to listen to the message of the Cardinal because I watch the program before conducting it and many times they hear me say, "according to the Cardinal this morning" via the "Word Exposed" the liturgical reading exposition program of His Eminence.
As a response to His Eminence, I am asking those who will conduct bible study/sharing in the parish and BEC communities, to talk about the letter and come up with action programs so we can try to make our parish just a little bit safer and avoid the loss of lives. These people are precious in God's eyes because they are created in His own image and likeness just like you and I. Let us heed the call of the Cardinal, reflect, pray and act.
YESTESDAY EVENING AT 6PM, OUR PARISH HAD A CONCELEBRATED MASS FOR THE 56TH FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF OUR PARISH WHICH HAD ST. JOSEPH (PROTODULIA) WORKER AS OUR PATRON. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THE 56 YEARS OF GOD'S BLESSING AND THE CONTINUES PATRONAGE OF OUR BELOVED PATRON, ST. JOSEPH. WE THANK ALL THOSE WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN BUILDING A COMMUNITY THAT SEEKS TO HAVE A TREMENDOUS LOVE FOR JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT AND IN THE SCRIPTURES, TENDER LOVE FOR OUR MOTHER MARY ESPECIALLY IN THE RECITATION OF THE HOLY ROSARY AND IN IMITATING OUR PATRON BY HAVING HIS VIRTUES ESPECIALLY OF HUMILITY. AMEN.
THANK YOU LORD GOD FOR 56 YEARS AND LOOKING FORWARD TO MANY MORE YEARS OF BUILDING YOUR KINGDOM HERE IN PALANAN, MAKATI!
THANK YOU LORD GOD FOR 56 YEARS AND LOOKING FORWARD TO MANY MORE YEARS OF BUILDING YOUR KINGDOM HERE IN PALANAN, MAKATI!
PARISH PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH
PARISH PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH:
(TO BE PRAYED IN OUR DAILY MASSES AT THE PARISH)
BELOVED ST. JOSEPH PATRON OF OUR PARISH, WE COME AND SEEK YOUR MOST POWERFUL INTERCESSION AND LOVING PATRONAGE FOR ALL OF US WHO DWELL HEREIN FOR OUR MANY NEEDS. TRUSTING UPON YOUR CHARITY AS OUR FATHER WHO IS EVER LOOKING OUT FOR US HIS ADOPTED CHILDREN FOR THE GOOD OF OUR BODIES AND SOULS, WE HUMBLY SEEK THAT YOU BRING THESE TO JESUS, OUR BROTHER AND LORD.
(SILENTLY MENTION YOUR REQUEST)
GRANT THAT WE OBTAIN THE SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE TO HAVE THE NEEDS OF OTHERS ABOVE OUR OWN NEEDS, THE HUMILITY THAT OBEYS GOD’S REVELATION PROMPTLY, THE CREATIVE LOVE IN OUR DAILY LABORS THAT MAKES US EVER THANKFUL TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE HIMSELF AND THE CHARITY THAT WOULD HELP US LIVE BY THE VALUES OF THE GOSPEL IN OUR FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES, WORKPLACES AND WITH THE MARGINALIZED: THE POOR, THE SICK, THE SUFFERING, THE INCARCERATED AND THE DYING ESPECIALLY IN OUR PARISH.
O MOST LOVING AND CHASTE GUARDIAN AND PROTECTOR OF JESUS, MARY AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH THROUGH YOUR INTERCESSION MAY WE HAVE A GREAT LOVE FOR JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT, A TENDER LOVE FOR OUR MOTHER MARY AND OBEDIENT LOVE TO HOLY MOTHER CHURCH THEREBY MAKING US FAITHFUL CATHOLICS AND DISCIPLES OF JESUS, YOUR LEGAL SON, IN THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS. AMEN.
ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER, PRAY FOR US.
ST. JOSEPH HEAD OF THE HOLY FAMILY, PRAY FOR US.
ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSAL PATRON OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, PRAY FOR US.
COMPOSED BY: BOBBY GENERAL
APPROVED AND EDITED: REV MONSIGNOR ROBERTO ESPENILLA
(TO BE PRAYED IN OUR DAILY MASSES AT THE PARISH)
BELOVED ST. JOSEPH PATRON OF OUR PARISH, WE COME AND SEEK YOUR MOST POWERFUL INTERCESSION AND LOVING PATRONAGE FOR ALL OF US WHO DWELL HEREIN FOR OUR MANY NEEDS. TRUSTING UPON YOUR CHARITY AS OUR FATHER WHO IS EVER LOOKING OUT FOR US HIS ADOPTED CHILDREN FOR THE GOOD OF OUR BODIES AND SOULS, WE HUMBLY SEEK THAT YOU BRING THESE TO JESUS, OUR BROTHER AND LORD.
(SILENTLY MENTION YOUR REQUEST)
GRANT THAT WE OBTAIN THE SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE TO HAVE THE NEEDS OF OTHERS ABOVE OUR OWN NEEDS, THE HUMILITY THAT OBEYS GOD’S REVELATION PROMPTLY, THE CREATIVE LOVE IN OUR DAILY LABORS THAT MAKES US EVER THANKFUL TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE HIMSELF AND THE CHARITY THAT WOULD HELP US LIVE BY THE VALUES OF THE GOSPEL IN OUR FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES, WORKPLACES AND WITH THE MARGINALIZED: THE POOR, THE SICK, THE SUFFERING, THE INCARCERATED AND THE DYING ESPECIALLY IN OUR PARISH.
O MOST LOVING AND CHASTE GUARDIAN AND PROTECTOR OF JESUS, MARY AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH THROUGH YOUR INTERCESSION MAY WE HAVE A GREAT LOVE FOR JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT, A TENDER LOVE FOR OUR MOTHER MARY AND OBEDIENT LOVE TO HOLY MOTHER CHURCH THEREBY MAKING US FAITHFUL CATHOLICS AND DISCIPLES OF JESUS, YOUR LEGAL SON, IN THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS. AMEN.
ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER, PRAY FOR US.
ST. JOSEPH HEAD OF THE HOLY FAMILY, PRAY FOR US.
ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSAL PATRON OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, PRAY FOR US.
COMPOSED BY: BOBBY GENERAL
APPROVED AND EDITED: REV MONSIGNOR ROBERTO ESPENILLA
DEVOTION 19: ST. JOSEPH
FOR ALMOST 3 YEARS NOW, WE AT THE PARISH CONDUCT THIS WORTHWHILE ACTIVITY TO INCREASE OUR DEVOTION, LOVE AND APPRECIATION TO OUR PATRON, ST. JOSEPH. THIS IS AN ACTIVITY THAT WE GOT THE APPROVAL AND ENCOURAGEMENT FROM HIS EMINENCE LUIS ANTONIO CARDINAL G. TAGLE.
WE START THIS AT 6PM WITH THE HOLY SPOUSES ROSARY, PROCEED TO SCRIPTURAL REFLECTIONS ON THE MANY ATTRIBUTES OF OUR BELOVED PATRON AND THEN WE GO TO THE LITURGICAL CELEBRATION (ST. JOSEPH MASS). ALL IN ALL WE FINISH MORE OR LESS BY 7:30 PM.
SINCE WE STARTED THIS AND UP TO NOW, I HAVE NEVER MISSED ANY OF THESE CELEBRATIONS. I HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY GOD WITH NUMEROUS ANSWERED PRAYERS AND EVEN MIRACULOUS ONES THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF THE PATRON THIS WONDERFUL SAINT.
JOIN US EVERY 19TH OF EVERY MONTH AND EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF THE EFFICACY, TIMELINESS AND CHARITY OF THE GUARDIAN AND PROTECTOR OF JESUS, MARY AND THE CHURCH, LEGAL FATHER OF JESUS, TRUE SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY & UNIVERSAL PATRON OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, ST. JOSEPH MY
PERSONAL PATRON.
BELOW IS THE LYRICS OF THE SONG WRITTEN BY OUR PARISH PRIEST, REV. MONSIGNOR BERT ESPENILLA WHICH WE SING AS THE ENTRANCE SONG IN THE LITURGY,
JOSEPH: THE CHOSEN ONE
THE LORD GOD HAS CHOSEN THIS JUST AND FAITHFUL MAN
TO BE AS A FATHER TO HIS OWN BEGOTTEN SON
THIS JUST MAN SELECTED TO SERVE JESUS AND HIS MOM
IS NO OTHER THAN JOSEPH, THIS PURE AND HUMBLE MAN
ST. JOSEPH YOU ACCEPTED THE CALL OF MIGHTY GOD
TO CHERISH AND TO TEACH THE MAN WHO IS TRULY DIVINE
ST. JOSEPH OF NAZARETH, WITH CREATIVE LOVE YOU ARE
THE GREAT LINK IN GOD'S OWN REDEEMING PLAN.
WE START THIS AT 6PM WITH THE HOLY SPOUSES ROSARY, PROCEED TO SCRIPTURAL REFLECTIONS ON THE MANY ATTRIBUTES OF OUR BELOVED PATRON AND THEN WE GO TO THE LITURGICAL CELEBRATION (ST. JOSEPH MASS). ALL IN ALL WE FINISH MORE OR LESS BY 7:30 PM.
SINCE WE STARTED THIS AND UP TO NOW, I HAVE NEVER MISSED ANY OF THESE CELEBRATIONS. I HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY GOD WITH NUMEROUS ANSWERED PRAYERS AND EVEN MIRACULOUS ONES THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF THE PATRON THIS WONDERFUL SAINT.
JOIN US EVERY 19TH OF EVERY MONTH AND EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF THE EFFICACY, TIMELINESS AND CHARITY OF THE GUARDIAN AND PROTECTOR OF JESUS, MARY AND THE CHURCH, LEGAL FATHER OF JESUS, TRUE SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY & UNIVERSAL PATRON OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, ST. JOSEPH MY
PERSONAL PATRON.
BELOW IS THE LYRICS OF THE SONG WRITTEN BY OUR PARISH PRIEST, REV. MONSIGNOR BERT ESPENILLA WHICH WE SING AS THE ENTRANCE SONG IN THE LITURGY,
JOSEPH: THE CHOSEN ONE
THE LORD GOD HAS CHOSEN THIS JUST AND FAITHFUL MAN
TO BE AS A FATHER TO HIS OWN BEGOTTEN SON
THIS JUST MAN SELECTED TO SERVE JESUS AND HIS MOM
IS NO OTHER THAN JOSEPH, THIS PURE AND HUMBLE MAN
ST. JOSEPH YOU ACCEPTED THE CALL OF MIGHTY GOD
TO CHERISH AND TO TEACH THE MAN WHO IS TRULY DIVINE
ST. JOSEPH OF NAZARETH, WITH CREATIVE LOVE YOU ARE
THE GREAT LINK IN GOD'S OWN REDEEMING PLAN.
PARISH DEDICATION (APRIL 22, 2013)
Yesterday we held the St. Joseph the Worker Parish Dedication. The Solemn Rites was conducted by His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle and was concluded with the signing of the documents effecting that the formal dedication was done and documented. Praise be to God and thank you Mama Mary and St. Joseph for your intercession!
SJWP CHURCH DEDICATION/CONSECRATION:
ON APRIL 22, 2013
THE SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER PARISH CHURCH LOCATED AT PALANAN, MAKATI CITY WILL BE DEDICATED BY HIS EMINENCE LUIS ANTONIO CARDINAL TAGLE ON A SOLEMN RITE THAT WILL BE A MILESTONE IN OUR CHURCH HISTORY.
THE CONSECRATION RITE OF THE ALTAR AND CHURCH WILL IN EFFECT DEDICATE THE CHURCH AND ALTAR ONLY FOR GOD AND HIS WORK. THIS WILL MAKE THE PLACE A HOLY GROUND AND A SANCTUARY FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD. IT WILL BE A WORTHY HOUSE FOR THE HOLY, MAGNIFICENT AND POWERFUL GOD THAT WE WORSHIP AND ADORE.
THE RITES WILL BE DONE ON MONDAY AT 5:00 PM.
MAY ST JOSEPH INTERCEDE TO MAKE THIS EVENT FRUITFUL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!!!
THE SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER PARISH CHURCH LOCATED AT PALANAN, MAKATI CITY WILL BE DEDICATED BY HIS EMINENCE LUIS ANTONIO CARDINAL TAGLE ON A SOLEMN RITE THAT WILL BE A MILESTONE IN OUR CHURCH HISTORY.
THE CONSECRATION RITE OF THE ALTAR AND CHURCH WILL IN EFFECT DEDICATE THE CHURCH AND ALTAR ONLY FOR GOD AND HIS WORK. THIS WILL MAKE THE PLACE A HOLY GROUND AND A SANCTUARY FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD. IT WILL BE A WORTHY HOUSE FOR THE HOLY, MAGNIFICENT AND POWERFUL GOD THAT WE WORSHIP AND ADORE.
THE RITES WILL BE DONE ON MONDAY AT 5:00 PM.
MAY ST JOSEPH INTERCEDE TO MAKE THIS EVENT FRUITFUL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!!!
ST JOSEPH THE WORKER ATTENDS FORMAL CEREMONY IN MAKING ARCHBISHOP TAGLE A CARDINAL!!!
PAX CHRISTI!!! THE ENTIRE ST JOSEPH THE WORKER PARISH REJOICES AND GIVES THANKS AND HONOR TO THE LORD FOR ALLOWING 2 PARISHIONERS TO ATTEND THE FORMAL CEREMONY OF THE VERY SOON TO BE LUIS ANTONIO CARDINAL TAGLE AT VATICAN CITY IN ROME.
THE PARISHIONERS ARE THE MOTHER AND DAUGHTER RESIDENTS OF PALANAN, MAKATI CITY CORAZON R. REYES AND RUBY R. GENERAL.
THE PARISHIONERS ARE THE MOTHER AND DAUGHTER RESIDENTS OF PALANAN, MAKATI CITY CORAZON R. REYES AND RUBY R. GENERAL.
TRIDUUM MASSES IN HONOR OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY STARTS TODAY, 6PM @ ST JOSEPH THE WORKER PARISH CHURCH!!!
THIS IS THE 1st DAY WHICH WILL REACH A CULMINATION ON THE FEAST DAY ITSELF ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2012. THERE ARE MANY ACTIVITIES LINED UP FOR THE 8AM MASS WHICH INCLUDES A KARAKOL, PROCESSION AND SHARED BREAKFAST C/O OUR BROTHERS AT THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS.
CON CELEBRATED THANKSGIVNG MASS FOR THE 51st PARISH FOUNDATION:
THIS MORNING AT 8:30 AM THERE WAS A CON CELEBRATED EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION THANKING THE LORD FOR HIS BLESSING OF THE PARISH FOR THE PAST 50 YEARS. IT WAS PRESIDED BY MONSIGNOR BERT ESPENILLA, MONSIGNOR ANTERO SARMIENTO (HOMILIST) AND FR. JOJAN. WE WERE ALL BLESSED WITH THE HISTORICAL EVENTS LEADING TO THE FORMATION OF THE PARISH BY THE HOMILIST WHO WAS WITH THE ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICES AT THE TIME OF THE PARISH FORMATION UNDER THE LATE CARDINAL SANTOS. WE ALSO WITNESSED THE USE OF THE PARISH KEYBOARD AND THE NEW PARISH PROJECTOR. IT WAS GENERALLY A HOLY EVENT AND AT THE END OF THE CELEBRATIONS THE PPC AND OTHERS WERE TREATED TO A BREAKFAST AT THE PARISH CENTER.
WE THANK THE LORD FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS HE HAS GIVEN US AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT 50 YEARS OF BLESSINGS FROM THE LORD THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF OUR PATRON, ST. JOSEPH.
BELOW APPEARS THE NEWLY COMPOSED AND DISCERNED PRAYER:
PARISH THANKSGIVING PRAYER FOR 50 YEARS UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF
ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER
Heavenly Father, we thank you for giving us Your servant St. Joseph to be our patron through whose intercession we are now finishing our 50th year as a parish and through your graces reached this year filled with momentous and joyful blessings.
We thank you also for the goodness and virtues we have learned from the life of St. Joseph our patron whose dedication and devotion to our Mother Mary and the Lord Jesus has served as our inspiration. In the face of our hills and valleys as a parish, his presence and intercession have given us the courage to face all challenges and obstacles along the way faith and confidence that your grace will abound and would be sufficient for us to overcome them for the glory of your name.
We thank you also for the parish priests, assistant priests, guest priest since the beginning who have served as our pastors and partners in mission, becoming instruments of renewal and spirituality for the last 50 years. We have learned and benifitted so much from their untiring work and patience and pray for your continous blessings for each one of them. We thank you for many lay leaders from the various organizations, ministries BEC Districts and movements who have given their time, talent and treasure.
We thank you also for our Parish Church and the Parish Center where we conduct our worship and meetings. Lastly, we thank you also Lord for the silent parishioners, donors and benefactors who have been channels that made possible parish activities to materialize.
Lord God as we face and step into the next 50 years of our life as a Parish, we pray through the intercession of our Patron St. Joseph, that you give us the grace and power to continue aspiring and working to make our parish community a light in this part of the church, a beacon that will draw men and women to you and raise us up as to become hopefully a community of true disciples emulating the examples set forth by our patron; particularly his obedience to your will, humility in service and work unwavering commitment to the family and selfless dedication to love God above all and His neighbors as he learned from Jesus. We pray that as we journey on under the banner of faith we will move on to bring fullness of life to the parish community with our parish priest as our guide by working to attain our goals and objectives.
May we, the St. Joseph Worker Parish Community become a song of praise that will bring glory and honor to you, our Lord and King who lives and reigns with the Son and the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen.
Mary, our Blessed Mother, Pray for us
St. Joseph, our Beloved Patron, Pray for us
Saints Lorenzo Ruiz, Pedro Calungsod , Pray for us
WE THANK THE LORD FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS HE HAS GIVEN US AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT 50 YEARS OF BLESSINGS FROM THE LORD THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF OUR PATRON, ST. JOSEPH.
BELOW APPEARS THE NEWLY COMPOSED AND DISCERNED PRAYER:
PARISH THANKSGIVING PRAYER FOR 50 YEARS UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF
ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER
Heavenly Father, we thank you for giving us Your servant St. Joseph to be our patron through whose intercession we are now finishing our 50th year as a parish and through your graces reached this year filled with momentous and joyful blessings.
We thank you also for the goodness and virtues we have learned from the life of St. Joseph our patron whose dedication and devotion to our Mother Mary and the Lord Jesus has served as our inspiration. In the face of our hills and valleys as a parish, his presence and intercession have given us the courage to face all challenges and obstacles along the way faith and confidence that your grace will abound and would be sufficient for us to overcome them for the glory of your name.
We thank you also for the parish priests, assistant priests, guest priest since the beginning who have served as our pastors and partners in mission, becoming instruments of renewal and spirituality for the last 50 years. We have learned and benifitted so much from their untiring work and patience and pray for your continous blessings for each one of them. We thank you for many lay leaders from the various organizations, ministries BEC Districts and movements who have given their time, talent and treasure.
We thank you also for our Parish Church and the Parish Center where we conduct our worship and meetings. Lastly, we thank you also Lord for the silent parishioners, donors and benefactors who have been channels that made possible parish activities to materialize.
Lord God as we face and step into the next 50 years of our life as a Parish, we pray through the intercession of our Patron St. Joseph, that you give us the grace and power to continue aspiring and working to make our parish community a light in this part of the church, a beacon that will draw men and women to you and raise us up as to become hopefully a community of true disciples emulating the examples set forth by our patron; particularly his obedience to your will, humility in service and work unwavering commitment to the family and selfless dedication to love God above all and His neighbors as he learned from Jesus. We pray that as we journey on under the banner of faith we will move on to bring fullness of life to the parish community with our parish priest as our guide by working to attain our goals and objectives.
May we, the St. Joseph Worker Parish Community become a song of praise that will bring glory and honor to you, our Lord and King who lives and reigns with the Son and the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen.
Mary, our Blessed Mother, Pray for us
St. Joseph, our Beloved Patron, Pray for us
Saints Lorenzo Ruiz, Pedro Calungsod , Pray for us
NEW MASS SCHEDULE FOR AM MASS (SUNDAY)
STARTING JULY 2012, BELOW WILL BE THE NEW MASS SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY MASSES AT ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER PARISH:
6:00, 7:15, 8:30, 9:45, 11:00
BAPTISM WILL BE 12 noon BUT IT IS STRONGLY EMPHASIZED THAT ALL WHO SHALL HAVE BAPTISM SHOULD ATTEND THE 11 am MASS!!!
6:00, 7:15, 8:30, 9:45, 11:00
BAPTISM WILL BE 12 noon BUT IT IS STRONGLY EMPHASIZED THAT ALL WHO SHALL HAVE BAPTISM SHOULD ATTEND THE 11 am MASS!!!
OUR NEW PARISH PRIEST:
MONSIGNOR BERT ESPENILLA