Lenten Series: Apr 5

HAPPY EASTER!

It is not hard to fall inlove with Him. When I decided to start a serious committed relationship with Him, it meant: (1) making time for daily conversation - I listen, as much as (if not more), I talk; (2) taking an active participation in His affairs - in my own small way; and (3) wearing my heart on my sleeve - I don't know about you, but, when I'm inlove, everyone can tell ... I can't stop blabbering about it!
A love like this just moves you in ways beyond imaginings. And you know, just know, that there is no other way to live your life ... but merged with His. Then you realize, it is when you die to yourself and surrender to His will, that you truly start LIVING!

Suscipe (St. Ignatius of Loyola)
"Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding
and my entire will,
All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace.
That is enough for me."

From Easter Sunday's 2nd Reading - Colossians 3:1-4
"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."
From the Gospel - John 20:1-9
" ... he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the Scripture that He had to rise from the dead."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxBcXY7T67Y

Lenten Series: Apr 4

Picture yourself as a 3-year old flower girl or ring bearer about to walk down a long stretch of church benches --- with all the big people watching you and clicking pics of you. Wouldn't you feel like crying? How could you possibly get through the long walk with your tiny feet?
And then you catch a glimpse of your mom or dad a few benches away (just behind the scary men holding cameras), coaxing you to take your first step ... and smile (Hehehe). So, you do. And, keeping your eyes on her/him, you make it to the altar in no time. She/He wears a proud smile as she/he grabs your hand and walks you to your seat. You take your seat with a big grin plastered across your face, feeling triumphant.

THAT is how God is as we walk down the paths of our lives. So, let us keep our eyes focused on Him and walk sure-footed towards where He leads.

From Black Saturday's Gospel - Mark 16:1-7
"He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you."

Lenten Series: Apr 3

For so many years I had struggled with 3 important lessons: (1) patience; (2) trust; and (3) obedience. It wasn't a book-worthy / movie-worthy kind of struggle, but it was long-drawn and frustrating. And I haven't completely learned the lessons yet, mind you ... but I'm getting there ... I think!

My learning the lessons was hinged on two things: (1) letting go of or "forgetting" about my plans; and (2) recognizing my littleness and relying on God. It was only in these past couple of years, when I've let go of the reins and proactively consulted with Him every step of the way, that things started clicking into place. They're not all in place yet, but I can feel Him moving the puzzle pieces. When I find myself in a bit of a hiccup, I raise my hand and say, "I need a little help (or guidance) here!" And help comes. No fail.

From Good Friday's 2nd Reading - Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
"So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help ...
Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered; and when He was made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him."

Lenten Series: Apr 2

M: "A, we have to go get your haircut"
A: "But I'm still playing with my friend."
M: "You can play with him some other time."

Clearly, he didn't want to go and was half-grumbling. I parked the car in front of 7-11 and walked straight towards it. He looked surprised as he followed me in. I told him to choose what he wanted for snacks and agreed for him to have Slush Puppy. As we headed towards the barber shop ...

A: "Mom, I'm sorry kanina (awhile back). You have a better plan pala."

Sometimes, while we are in a difficult situation or when things don't go as we planned, it is hard not to throw a tantrum at God. We have heard people say, "everything happens for a reason", and it's true! All my life, that is the trend I see --- all "bad" things that happen are blessings in disguise. No fail. When the right time comes, the epiphany hits me and all I can do is marvel at how masterfully He has engineered my life. So, even when I do not understand, I go with Mama Mary's and Jesus' example and just say, "Your will be done".

From Holy Thursday's Gospel - John 13:1-15:
"What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later ...
I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do."

Lenten Series: Apr 1

Would you walk bravely to the stake and burn for your principles with your head held high? We don't have physical stakes anymore, but its present-day counterpart - social media - burns just as much.
Some days ago I shared about a few famous female TV personalities, who received much criticism (loud and public) and praise (quiet or secret) for their decision to remain untouched until marriage. One of them broke up with her then boyfriend. She had to deal with the social media torture --- on top of the heartbreak. Yet she stood firm by her principles and values.She remained faithful to God and, although there was burning-at-the-stake, He did not forsake her. She stands at the threshold of her "resurrection", having found (or rediscovered) the more suitable partner, who loves, respects and honors her. Less than a year into the relationship, they are now engaged to get married early next year. Boom!

From Holy Wednesday's 1st Reading - Isaiah 50:4-9
"The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning He opens my ears that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back ...
The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame."

And, as we officially begin the more somber days of Holy Week ...
"See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts REVIVE!" (From today's Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34)

Lenten Series: Mar 31

We are God's Secret Weapon ... and He planned it from the very beginning!
(repeat to self as needed)

Living life as a true witness to the Gospel may seem like such a "thankless job". We throw in our small acts of kindness in a seemingly unyielding and apathetic ocean with the hope that the ripples we make yield a tidal wave. We sit, waiting for the tidal wave, that may never come, yet fail to realize that: (1) sometimes the tidal wave hits distant shores, far beyond the horizon; (2) the chance to do good, the grace that enables it and the one soul whose life is changed by it ---- are hidden but wonderful (defined as: inspiring awe) 'rewards'.

From Today's (Holy Tuesday's) 1st Reading - Isaiah 49:1-6
(Just have to say, that this is one of my favorite readings)
"The Lord called me from birth, from my mother's womb He gave me my name. He made me a sharp-edged sword and concealed me in the shadow of His arm. He made me a polished arrow, in His quiver He hid me. You are my servant, He said to me, Israel, through whom I show my glory. Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God ...
And I am made glorious in the sight of the Lord, and my God is now my strength! ...
I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth."