SHOW IT OR COVER IT? …which is the way to the dwelling place of light, and 1 where is the abode of darkness… – Job 38:19 FRIDAY OCTOBER One day, I went to Mass, looked at the altar, and smiled. The priest was as bald as my son’s Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5 marbles. Next to him was his sacristan. He, Psalm 139:1-3, 7-8, too, was bald but you won’t notice because 9-10, 13-14ab Luke 10:13-16 he wore a toupee. I whispered to my wife, “In front of you is a vision of my future. What do you want — option A or option B? Option A is show it off in all its glorious splendor. Or option B: cover it up.” She giggled and slapped me. “Shhh! Attend Mass!” But I really was attending Mass. The Eucharist is the center of our faith — but when you think about it, it’s a celebration of the greatest defeat — Jesus hanging dead on a REFLECTION: cross. Our faith doesn’t hide our blackest spot. Are you still trying Instead, it throws a party. to hide something? Life is always a choice between exposing Celebrate it and open yourself to our weakness or covering it up, going into healing. the light or remaining in darkness. And only those who have accepted their own humanness Lord, grant me the can expose it to others. People who haven’t courage to accept my woundedness, accepted their brokenness will always cover it to be open about it, up. so that Your healing It is only when you celebrate your limits power can take place and expose your brokenness do you also open in me. yourself to your own healing. The choice is yours. Bo Sanchez ([email protected]) St. Ralph Crockett, pray for us. LIKE CAIRO “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 2 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest SATURDAY in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3-4 OCTOBER

Memorial of the Guardian Angels His name is Cairo. He was a six-year-old who played the role of Joseph’s son in the Exodus 23:20-23 Trumpets Production Joseph the Dreamer in (Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17) 2006 at Megamall. Psalm 91:1-2, 3-4ab, Once, I asked Cairo for a massage. My 4c-6, 10-11 (or co-cast members were joshing me that I should Psalm 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130) pay him for it. Then my friend pulled out a P100 Matthew 18:1-5, bill from my wallet. However, I was hesitant 10 (or Luke 10:17- 24 ) to give it to Cairo because I wasn’t sure if his parents would approve. So I said, “No. Cairo loves me. I don’t need to pay him.” Later on, I saw him looking and playing with a P100. My friend pulled it out of my wallet and gave it to him. Or so I thought. I asked Cairo if he got the P100 from my friend. But before he could answer me, I seized it from him. Upon putting it in my wallet, I saw my P100 still there. I asked REFLECTIONS: What childlike Cairo, “Where did your P100 come from?” qualities have you He answered, “My dad gave it to me this lost and wish to morning.” Oops. “Why didn’t you tell me?” I regain? asked him. His answer floored me: “I thought

Lord, make me like a you needed it.” child today. Sigh… to be like a child, indeed. God, make me like Cairo. George Tolentino Gabriel St. Theophilus, pray for us. ([email protected]) mustard seed faith “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to (this) mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in 3 the sea,’ and it would obey you.” – Luke 17:6 SUNDAY OCTOBER Gloria cried when her American doctor-fiancé Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4 returned to the States after finishing his Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, studies in the Philippines. But he promised 8-9 (8) her that as soon as he lands, he’d file his 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 petition to claim her and her six-year-old son Luke 17:5-10 by another man. Months passed without a word from John. Gloria didn’t stop praying. Six months later, she received a call from the US embassy informing her that the petition for her and her son was approved. All she had to do was to report to their office and sign some papers. Fifteen years into her married life with John, and having a 14-year-old daughter with REFLECTION: him, I visited her in her beautiful home in Is there California. Very honestly, she spoke of the something in your doubts she had that time when John left her, but life right now that’s after a while, she corrected herself and declared calling you to a deeper faith? that God had given her John, so that she may live a new life with him and their children. Lord, help me to Gloria shared how life for her was a trust that You are at constant day-to-day bliss since the time she work in every area of my life, even if I left the Philippines to the present. Her husband sometimes don’t see loves her and her two children, providing for Your hands. them well. She couldn’t ask for more. Gloria had faith as big as a mustard seed. St. Widradus, pray for us. Chelle Crisanto ([email protected]) I KNOW THE FEELING! “But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was 4 moved with compassion at the sight.” – Luke 10:33 MONDAY OCTOBER Why was it that it was the Samaritan who

cared for the half-dead man and not the so- Galatians 1:6-12 called religious people? The storyteller in Psalm 111:1b-2, 7-8, me has a strong hunch: Only the Samaritan 9, 10c Luke 10:25-37 “knows the feeling.” The Samaritans are the Jewish enemy and object of scorn. Ignoring a Samaritan is the “most merciful” thing a Jew could do to him or her. A Samaritan “knows the feeling” of being ignored. When the Samaritan saw the beaten-up man, passing by on the other side was not an option. He knew this pain to be as agonizing as, or maybe even worse than, REFLECTION: the deep gashes and the gaping wounds. He Do I know someone cared because he felt it. who has the same hurt now as I had Who do you think can care for the drug in the past (or as addicts better than former drug addicts? I currently have)? Who can reach out to rape victims more than How can I reach out abused people? Who can connect with cancer to this person? patients better than cancer survivors? Who Lord, I’ve been hurt. can minister to someone who lost a loved one Rather than lurking better than those who have been there? in the pits of self-pity, give me the strength God never wastes a hurt. This can make to use this hurt to you “know the feeling,” then lead you to reach feel for others and out to others. Jon Escoto ([email protected]) reach out to them.

St. Domnina, pray for us. WORSHIPING HEART, SERVING HANDS “There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the 5 better part and it will not be taken from her.” TUESDAY OCTOBER – Luke 10:42

Galatians 1:13-24 Psalm 139:1b-3, I was drawn to attend the prayer meetings 13-14ab, 14c-15 because of worship. There was never a worship Luke 10:38-42 session that I was not moved to tears. Things changed when I was assigned a ministry. I was so “faithful” to every task assigned and was “promoted” from physical arrangement to music ministry to worship leader and was “prophesied” to preach. Very subtly, my desire for worship was diverted into an “addiction” to ministry. Late did I realize that I was then loving the service of the Lord and no longer the Lord of the service. Author Rick Warren was right when he said that ministers start out as servants REFLECTION: and end up as superstars. I learned this the Am I loving the Lord hard way. I repented and availed anew of of the service or God’s grace. He brought back my first love: merely the service of the Lord? worshiping God in wild abandon! I learned that authentic ministry is only a fruit of spirit- One thing I ask for, deep worship. Hence, my secret of sustained one thing I seek, to spiritual balance and growth: a worshiping dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze heart and serving hands. on His beauty all the This must be your better choice. It days of my life! will not be taken away from you. Obet Cabrillas ([email protected]) St. Flavia, pray for us. WHERE HE LEADS I went up in accord with revelation and I presented to them the Gospel that I preach to Gentiles... so that I 6 might not be running... – Galatians 2:2 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER There are many things I wouldn’t have done Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14 in my life if the Lord had not told me to do Psalm 117:1bc, 2 so. Luke 11:1-4 For one, I gave up all my dreams and ambitions in order to serve Him full-time after I graduated from college. People didn’t understand my decision and some thought I was wasting my college degree. I also left my family to live in our community center so I could be available for the Lord’s service 24/7. Again, not everyone agreed with my decision. “You can serve Him even if you live at home,” I was told. But it was clear to me that the Lord wanted me to do it so I packed my bags and left. For most of my single life, I also shunned dating and entertaining suitors because I knew that God wanted me to single-heartedly serve REFLECTION: Him without distraction. “Where God guides, As I look back at my life, I see the infinite He provides.” (Vance blessings I’ve reaped because I followed Havner) where the Lord told me to go. And if I would Jesus, where do live my life all over again, I’d do things You want me to go exactly the same way — obeying where Jesus today? tells me to go. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail. com)

St. Faith, pray for us. I SURRENDER Are you so stupid? After beginning with the Spirit, are 7 you now ending with the flesh? – Galatians 3:3 THURSDAY OCTOBER “I surrender, Lord,” I muttered between sobs.

Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary For years I had been trying to make things happen my way. I had a plan — work hard to get rich, buy a house and lot, travel Acts 1:12-14 (or Galatians 3:1-5) the world, build my own business, meet Luke 1:46-47, 48-49, Prince Charming, have a grand wedding, 50-51, 52-53, 54-55 raise a family, etc, etc. For a time my plans (or Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75 ) were going well. I worked hard, all right, and Luke 1:26-38 earned much. I was able to travel, too. But (or Luke 11:5-13) with my success in my so-called career, I went astray. I lost touch with my being and let go of God’s hand, thinking I was able enough to run my life. One day, God knocked me hard on the REFLECTION: head. I suddenly had no work and my personal Humans we are, life was in shambles. Then, I found myself and we can only do crawling back to Him, begging for pardon and so much. But God conceding defeat. For the first time, I found is omnipotent. Let Him rule your life. peace in nothingness. The Good Shepherd brought me back into Without You, Lord His fold. He made me realize that I can never Jesus, I am nothing. find my way home without His guiding hand. When I seem to be letting go of Your Is your life not happening the way you hand, tighten Your planned it? Maybe that’s not want God wants grip and keep me for you. Surrender to His will and let Him lead with You. the way. Nova Arias ([email protected])

St. Sergius, pray for us. BECAUSE I BELIEVED Consequently, those who have faith are blessed along 8 with Abraham who had faith. – Galatians 3:9 FRIDAY OCTOBER When I was a “baby Christian” — having just accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Galatians 3:7-14 Psalm 111:1b-2, Savior — I was super-duper high on the Spirit. 3-4, 5-6 My faith must’ve registered off the charts! Luke 11:15-26 One time, my baby cousin was sick. Copying my spiritual mentors, I instinctively prayed over him, laying my hands on his tiny body. His fever instantly dropped. Another time, I was rushing to an appointment and was in desperate need of a cab. I lifted up a prayer, and an empty taxi came around the corner a few seconds later. And on another occasion, just when I needed it, the exact amount of money fell into my lap like manna from heaven. These are my faith experiences. Would they have happened anyway without me lifting up a prayer? Who knows? With God’s goodness, I don’t doubt it. REFLECTION: Nevertheless, I choose to see them as Has God ever let fruits of faith. you down? The And yes, I am blessed. George Tolentino Gabriel more we ponder on it, the stronger our ([email protected]) faith becomes.

Lord, I believe in You.

St. Martin Cid, pray for us. PEACE AND SECURITY There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all 9 one in Christ Jesus. – Galatians 3:28 SATURDAY OCTOBER U.S. President Barack Obama made an Galatians 3:22-29 unannounced visit to the White House Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, pressroom on his second day in office. When 6-7 Luke 11:27-28 he saw the Fox News and CNN booths next to each other, he jokingly likened it to the goal for Israelites and the Palestinians, saying that the two cable news networks were “living side by side in peace and security.” Unity is an elusive dream for many of us as it is between Israel and Palestine. More often than not, we want others to follow our views and agree to our agenda. And we brook no dissenting opinion. Today’s verse, REFLECTION: however, says that in Christ, all are one. In “In necessary Christ, we can be united. We can agree to things, unity; in disagree. doubtful things, liberty; in all If Jesus can bear with us, can we not things charity.” (St. strive to be patient with one another for His Augustine) sake? Can we not choose to accept and love instead of always thinking of our agenda, of Dear always trying to change the other person? Lord, open my eyes to see that others Let us ponder on this and choose to live are as important as “in peace and security” with others. Joy Sosoban me. Help me to live in ([email protected]) peace and harmony with others.

St. Louis Bertrand, pray for us. ARE YOU A LEPER? One of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, 10 glorifying God in a loud voice. – Luke 17:15 SUNDAY OCTOBER Lepers were outcasts. They were treated as foremost sinners, manifestations of which were 2 Kings 5:14-17 Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4 obvious on their skin. Today’s “spiritual lepers” 2 Timothy 2:8-13 don’t stand at a distance. They mingle with Luke 17:11-19 people and appear normal. Yet inside they’re the ones decaying with compounded sins and feelings of emptiness. The symptoms? Let’s spell out L-E-P-E-R: L-ust satisfies the cravings of the body, both food and sexual, leading to poor health and at worst depression. E-nvy desires what others have while ignoring what one has. Shakespeare coined the expression “green-with-envy” because this tarnishes one’s soul with insatiable want. P-ride makes people oblivious of others. They deprive themselves of authentic joy REFLECTION: earned through service. What symptoms of sinfulness do I feel E-nticements create the saddest people right now? It might who can only afford the costly things. Real be time to approach happiness is both costless and priceless. the throne of grace. R-esentment accounts for the things that Have mercy on me, hurt and brings on physical maladies. The O Lord, and deliver saying is true: the best cure is forgiveness. me from the roots of Are you a LEPER? What’s your symptom? decay inside me. Avail of God’s healing mercy and grace. Obet Cabrillas ([email protected]) St. Tanca, pray for us. ARE YOU A LEPER? THE SIGN! One of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks for a sign, glorifying God in a loud voice. – Luke 17:15 but no sign will be given except the sign of Jonah.” – 11 Luke 11:29 MONDAY OCTOBER Lepers were outcasts. They were treated as Have you heard of the story of the mountaineer foremost sinners, manifestations of which were Galatians 4:22-24, who slipped during one of his climbs and was obvious on their skin. Today’s “spiritual lepers” 26-27, 31-5:1 precariously suspended on a steep and rocky don’t stand at a distance. They mingle with Psalm 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5a, 6-7 mountain side? Well, the story goes that while people and appear normal. Yet inside they’re Luke 11:29-32 holding on for dear life, the mountaineer the ones decaying with compounded sins and fervently prayed to God for a sign of His feelings of emptiness. The symptoms? Let’s saving help. All sorts of help came but he was spell out L-E-P-E-R: adamant to stay where he was, unable to see L-ust satisfies the cravings of the body, and recognize God’s voice. both food and sexual, leading to poor health I guess you know how the story ends. and at worst depression. Anyway, I think that same story now has E-nvy desires what others have while several versions already. Needless to say, ignoring what one has. Shakespeare coined this story enables me to reflect on the times the expression “green-with-envy” because this that I myself was unable to see, much more tarnishes one’s soul with insatiable want. recognize God’s perfect plan for me. P-ride makes people oblivious of others. REFLECTION: Sometimes even, this inability to They deprive themselves of authentic joy Open my eyes, Lord, recognize God’s desire becomes my reason earned through service. so that I may see to be complacent, reluctant or indifferent to E-nticements create the saddest people the purpose You’ve do His will. who can only afford the costly things. Real planned when You created me. Now, I fervently pray that I may be happiness is both costless and priceless. sensitive to the Lord’s voice and my eyes R-esentment accounts for the things that Holy Spirit, give us open to see His wondrous plans for me. Annette hurt and brings on physical maladies. The the grace to see You Abad-Flores ([email protected]) saying is true: the best cure is forgiveness. and Your perfect Are you a LEPER? What’s your symptom? plans for Your sons and daughters. Avail of God’s healing mercy and grace. Obet Cabrillas ([email protected]) St. Canice, pray for us. answered prayer For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision or uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith 12 working through love. – Galatians 5:6 TUESDAY OCTOBER Clarissa was raped when she was 15 years Galatians 5:1-6 Psalm 119:41, 43, old. From this sad experience came a pretty 44, 45, 47, 48 baby girl. Her friends advised her to abort the Luke 11:37-41 baby so she could go on with her life. But she didn’t listen to them. After five years of living a hand-to-mouth existence, she decided to leave for Shanghai and work in a factory with a meager salary. Every night she would ask the Lord to make it possible for her daughter to join her in China. She’d cry herself to sleep, hugging a small pajama top of her daughter, imagining that she would soon get answers from God. REFLECTION: Little did she know that her supervisor God knows our needs. He is our witnessed her anguish and was determined to Provider. help her. She was an asset to the company and the officers decided to help her. One day, she I love you, Lord, and I was called to the office of the Administrator and want to believe that You love me. And was told that they were sending her home (she because You love was trembling because she thought she was me, please remind being fired!) to fix the papers of her daughter so me that I must never she could join her in China. They were giving doubt. And that I must believe that her an all-expense-paid trip, including money You will help me in for the visa fees and pocket money. my deepest need. Really, the important thing is faith — the kind of faith that works through love. Chelle Crisanto St. Fiace, pray for us. ([email protected]) KNOWLEDGE DOESN’T CHANGE 13 “Woe to you, Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of WEDNESDAY rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention OCTOBER to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others.” – Luke 11:42

Galatians 5:18-25 Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6 Luke 11:42-46 One person close to my heart has been smoking two packs a day since he was just about knee high. All his life, he knew smoking isn’t good. He read all the medical bulletins. His wife and children would nag him about it every three minutes. He even memorized the warning printed on the cigarette pack. He’s long decided to quit. But he couldn’t. Because knowledge doesn’t change lives. Until his first grandchild was born. The child’s parents made a stern decree that no nicotine-smelling creature could ever touch REFLECTION: their baby. He could only gaze on the planet’s Do you have anything that needs prettiest baby from afar. He was longing to changing in your cuddle and kiss her and it killed him that he life? Find someone can’t. The “distance” was unbearable. to love and do the Now he’s the happiest man on earth. He’s change for. able to kiss the one who smiles with a luster that Let me love You and puts gold to shame. Because he quit smoking the people You bring for her. to me, enough to The Pharisees know the law. But they make me change the things that need didn’t know the Spirit of the Law. Knowledge changing in my life. doesn’t change lives. Only love can. Jon Escoto ([email protected]) St. Romulus, pray for us. B.I. “You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those 14 trying to enter.” – Luke 11:52 THURSDAY OCTOBER I cannot recall when this term was coined, but I remember not wanting to be called one. Ephesians 1:1-10 Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, B.I., as you know, stands for Bad 3cd-4, 5-6 Influence. I often heard classmates and friends Luke 11:47-54 branding this girl and that boy as “B.I.” Because they were known as such, I knew I had to stay away from them. Ironically, at some point in my life, I had been a B.I., too. When there was a prayer meeting that I was just too lazy to attend, I think I might have influenced some of my REFLECTION: Were there times friends to skip it because they did not want to in your life when go there without me. When we were late for you were a bad Sunday Mass, I might have told my family to influence on skip that, too, and hang out in the mall instead another person? How can you repair so we could bond over a good meal. Without that? being conscious of it, I stopped them from spending time with God. You have shown us, As Christians we are not only tasked to Lord, how it is to live uprightly. May we proclaim the goodness of the Lord. We must always be conscious also be a good influence on others, and lead of our actions and them closer to God by example. intentions in order I hope one day we would hear of more to lead others, by example, to love You people being labelled as “G.I.” (Good more. Influence) than “B.I.”Nova Arias ([email protected])

Sts. Saturninus & Lupus, pray for us. NO FEAR! “I will show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I 15 tell you, be afraid of that one.” – Luke 12:5 FRIDAY OCTOBER The wild clash left five of our enemies Ephesians 1:11-14 Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, unconscious. We won that battle in front of the 12-13 College of Engineering at the University of the Luke 12:1-7 Philippines. Thunderous applause came from onlookers who were pleased to see action on an otherwise boring campus day. Was the bloodthirsty me satisfied? No, I wasn’t. Because the frat’s “fearless” hitman got hit! In rumbles, every bloodied head meant a “score.” Therefore they scored on me and the frat. I was de-mystified. The only “pride” I had left was that I fought fiercely. Enemies ganged up on the shortest guy who bludgeoned his way out with REFLECTION: a lead pipe. Still I bled profusely. In whose service do you fight for? Is it My brods drove me to the hospital. worth fighting for? The image of the crucified Lord on the car dashboard struck me: Jesus shed His blood for …from all the evil mankind’s salvation whereas mine was due to that surrounds me defend me, and blind fanaticism. My vision blurred with tears when the call of and blood loss. Was I dying? Will I live? death arise, bid me Yes I did. And I live to testify that His come to Thee that I love is fiercer than me. Henceforth, I fight in may praise Thee with Thy saints forever… His service — with weapons of love and grace. Ahoo! Obet Cabrillas ([email protected])

Blessed Victoria Strata, pray for us. GRATEFUL I do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you 16 in my prayers. – Ephesians 1:16 SATURDAY OCTOBER Several years ago, I learned a cool technique on praying the rosary from Bo Sanchez. Ephesians 1:15-23 Psalm 8:2-3ab, 4-5, If you dedicate each bead for a person, 6-7 each Hail Mary and Holy Mary becomes Luke 12:8-12 more meaningful and less likely to be mechanical. So before moving on to the next bead, I silently mention the name of someone I want to pray for. By the time I reach the last decade, I’d be mentioning five people at a time because I’m running out of beads. When I think of these people, aside from their concerns, I release a sigh of thanksgiving. For all they’ve been and done in my life. Then I realize that we have so much to be grateful for — so many people in our lives to thank God for. No matter how many times I repeat this process, it’s fresh every REFLECTION: time. Have you thanked Wanna give it a try? George Tolentino Gabriel (george. God for the people [email protected]) in your life lately?

Lord, thank You for manifesting Your presence through my loved ones.

St. Maxima, pray for us. GLORY TO GOD IN THE street 17 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ SUNDAY Jesus... proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is OCTOBER convenient or inconvenient. – 2 Timothy 4:1-2

Exodus 17:8-13 Psalm 121:1-2, 3-4, In a church, there was a majestic stained glass 5-6, 7-8 depicting the Ascension of Jesus with the 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2 Luke 18:1-8 words, “Glory to God in the highest.” One day, some boys were playing with a ball. One of them threw it and wham! It hit the stained glass. A priest saw what happened and scolded the boys. When he checked the damage, the letters “highe” was replaced by a hole. What remained was “st.” — the abbreviation of the word street. The priest clasped his hands and prayed, “Thank God for Your wonderful message: ‘Glory to God in the _____st. (street).’” Hearing this in a homily pinched my heart. Yes, God deserves to be glorified in heaven but He wants to be glorified more in the streets. He so wants people to know Him and His REFLECTION: How can you show unconditional love for them, and I can allow God’s message of Him to use me to do it. love in the streets? I can preach His message of love in simple ways. I can proclaim it with my simple “Hello” Dearest God, teach me to love and “How are you?” or with acts of charity that You may be and warm friendliness… in the streets, where glorified everywhere. ordinary people walk, where God’s message of love is needed. Ma. Luisa dela Cruz ([email protected]) St. John the Dwarf, pray for us. FRIENDS WITH THE WOLF “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” – 18 Luke 10:3 MONDAY OCTOBER She bought a new male Czechoslovakian

Feast of St. Luke, evangelist Wolf-Dog for a pet. Every morning, this woman would pry the dog’s jaws open and 2 Timothy 4:10-17b force a dose of cod liver oil into his mouth so Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18 he could have a healthier and shinier coat. He Luke 10:1-9 struggled but she persisted. He doesn’t know what’s good for him! she thought. One day, however, the bottle tipped over. To her surprise, the dog sniffed at the fishy liquid and began lapping up what had spilled. He actually loved the stuff. He simply objected to being coerced! Sometimes we use a similar method in bringing people to the Lord. The “way of the wolf” — an intense, in-your-face kind of REFLECTION: confrontation, rarely works. In our sincere Who is God leading but overly enthusiastic attempt, we create you to make friend resistance and repel people. with? Wolves are fierce predators. Lambs are Shepherd of my excellent friend-makers. Jesus called us not Life, let the Spirit to be wolves among wolves, but to be lambs of friendship flow among wolves. I thought it was clear. Jon Escoto through me that ([email protected]) I may make more friends and bring them to Your abundant joy.

St. Kevoca, pray for us. TO DIE FOR ...You who once were far off have become near by the 19 blood of Christ. – Ephesians 2:13 TUESDAY OCTOBER “Have you tried the decadent chocolate cake at this place?” a friend once asked me. Ephesians 2:12-22 Psalm 85:9ab-10, “Not yet,” I replied, “Is it good?” 11-12, 13-14 “It’s to die for!” she exclaimed. Luke 12:35-38 Now what does decadent chocolate have to do with the chosen verse above? I just had a crazy thought: In Jesus’ eyes, we are decadent chocolate. And we are to die for! Despite our sinfulness, we are appealing to Him, lovable, and addicting. Jesus’ love for us is so great. He wants us to be with Him in His Father’s Kingdom and so He offered up His body and blood not only for His people — including the very ones REFLECTION: who had Him crucified — but for the whole Do you feel of mankind and its generations to come. And unworthy of God’s that includes you and me. love? Why? Isn’t His In the Holy Eucharist, Jesus Christ dies sacrifice enough for you? for us all over again that we may witness His great sacrifice for our salvation. May you Jesus, my Savior, never forget that you are precious to Him, I thank You for and that you are to die for. Nova Arias (nova.svp@gmail. dying for me. May com) Your sacrifice be a constant reminder of how precious I am in Your eyes.

St. Charles Garnier, pray for us. THE INSIDE MAN …in whom we have boldness of speech and confidence 20 of access through faith in Him. – Ephesians 3:12 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER I have a friend who happens to be well connected. One time we needed to get a Ephesians 3:2-12 Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, pass into a restricted area in the airport. He 5-6 immediately volunteered, “I know someone Luke 12:39-48 who can get us in.” One phone call and we were granted full access all the way, just like V.I.P.s. It’s the same when we come before the Father through Jesus Christ. Knowing Jesus personally gives us the confidence to enter into His presence and ask for anything in His name. I believe God offers us all the same blessings. He loves us all equally. What makes the difference is how open we are to receiving them. And one factor in being open is our REFLECTION: believing — our confidence that we deserve Do you feel you the blessings as His children. deserve God’s blessings? Or are When we are confident, we can spread you standing on the our arms wider and say, “Lord, bless me outside? abundantly!” But when we don’t know anyone on the Lord, grant me the joy of having a inside, we might just settle for a small amount personal relationship because we feel we’re standing on the outside, with Your Son, Jesus. unconnected. George Tolentino Gabriel ([email protected])

St. Martha, pray for us. Loving GOD — divisive, yet unifying 21 “ I have come to bring fire on the earth and … THURSDAY division… family divided against each other…” OCTOBER – Luke 12: 49-53

Ephesians 3:14-21 Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, Disturbing words from a God of peace. 11-12, 18-19 I know what it entails. Detached loving. Luke 12:49-53 A determination to love God with all my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength. To the exclusion of people and things that might take my focus away from Him. It means standing humanly alone opposite loved ones’ respective stances on issues and beliefs. It means fighting myself — my own desires and wants — not just those of others. God wants my soul to be purged and purified in the crucible of self-denial and attachment from anyone and anything. From out of this cleansing will emerge the slow steady fire of a heart finally stilled REFLECTION: and rested in His presence. Warmed by His I am warned not to have other “gods.” eternal passion and disciplined in obedience, only then can I become a potent instrument of Dear Lord, please unity and love: emptied of self-love, focused remind me always to only on God and dedicated to service to seek You first, fight Grace Princesa ([email protected]) “ my possessions, others. carry my cross and then I will have everything.

St. Viator, pray for us. DON’T BE A BLAMER “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?” – 22 Luke 12:57 FRIDAY OCTOBER I can be indecisive at times. One time, when I had an important decision, I kept asking others Ephesians 4:1-6 Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, what to do even when I was leaning toward 5-6 one answer already. So when they would give Luke 12:54-59 me an answer I didn’t like, I would contradict them with my many rationalizations. “George, why do you still ask me if you already know what you want to do?” I realized I was trying to get someone else to share the responsibility for my decision. I knew what I wanted to do but wasn’t sure if it was the right thing. I guess I wanted someone to tell me it was OK — perhaps to share the blame? What I do know is this: God has given us the freedom to choose what is right and what is wrong. Yes, it’s important to seek counsel, but in the end, when we are alone with ourselves, we can’t fool anyone — least of all, God. We know and He knows when we REFLECTION: go against our own conscience. What decisions are you struggling with A wise friend once told me that the right now? Follow greatest sin is going against your own your conscience. conscience. I’ve been guilty of that and it’s an awful, awful feeling. Lord, make me pure But doing what you know is right — now in heart. that’s the best feeling in the world. George Tolentino Gabriel ([email protected]) St. Mary Salome, pray for us. DON’T BE A BLAMER beauty of reconciliation “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?” – “If you do not repent, you will all perish as they did.” Luke 12:57 23 – Luke 13:3 SATURDAY I can be indecisive at times. One time, when I OCTOBER I was in the hospital for five days because had an important decision, I kept asking others of severe diarrhea. I had the scare of my Ephesians 4:7-16 what to do even when I was leaning toward Psalm 122:1-2, 3- life when I became dehydrated despite the one answer already. So when they would give 4ab, 4cd-5 intravenous fluid and the other medications Luke 13:1-9 me an answer I didn’t like, I would contradict that I was taking. My wife and I had lost count them with my many rationalizations. on how many times I was going back and “George, why do you still ask me if you forth to the bathroom for three straight days. I already know what you want to do?” was totally weak from dehydration and could I realized I was trying to get someone else hardly move. That was the very first time I to share the responsibility for my decision. I felt afraid to die. I thought I couldn’t leave knew what I wanted to do but wasn’t sure if it my family behind. was the right thing. I guess I wanted someone But it was also during those scary times to tell me it was OK — perhaps to share the that I had the chance to commune with God. blame? What I do know is this: God has given It was then that I realized that I had been busy us the freedom to choose what is right and serving the Lord and attending to other secular what is wrong. Yes, it’s important to seek concerns yet neglected my regular personal counsel, but in the end, when we are alone time with Him. My friend Omy Romero with ourselves, we can’t fool anyone — least REFLECTION: confirmed this message when he sent me a text “Seven days of all, God. We know and He knows when we without God makes during my hospital stay. He asked me to seek go against our own conscience. one weak.” the Lord’s purpose for me and discern what He A wise friend once told me that the (Unknown) wanted me to do. “To be still” and to commune greatest sin is going against your own with Him! I repented and asked forgiveness for Lord Jesus, please conscience. I’ve been guilty of that and it’s remind me that my shortcomings and for my sins. an awful, awful feeling. when I’m at my Oh, how great it is to be in the loving But doing what you know is right — now busiest, it’s then that embrace of our God. This is the beauty of the that’s the best feeling in the world. George Tolentino I need You the most. Sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus is always Gabriel ([email protected]) there waiting for us. Hermie Morelos ([email protected]) St. Verus, pray for us. THE COMPARISON GAME “The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the 24 rest of humanity — greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or SUNDAY even like this tax collector. I pay tithes on my whole OCTOBER income.’” – Luke 18:11-12

Sirach 35:12-14, Jesus just had to say this story. Because one 16-18 Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, game show is simply topping the ratings: The 19, 23 (7a) Comparison Game! 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 This Game is so popular because it helps Luke 18:9-14 you to feel better about yourself. You may be flunking way below the standards but you’re still better than a lot of other people. So you must be good enough. Jesus says this Game doesn’t work. First, the game is always “fixed” so you get to choose your own competition. Never mind if you didn’t win a single game in the Barangay Seniors Basketball League last year. If you want to feel good and finally dunk on someone, just pick the home for the aged basketball team as your next opponent. Second, the issue is never beyond “you.” Imagine a person on trial who says, “Judge, REFLECTION: Are you still playing I admit to committing the murder. But I just the Comparison killed one. I’m not a serial murderer like some Game? Cut it out. It people. That should count for something!” never works! Friend, the question isn’t what somebody Lord, have mercy on else did.When you’re the one on trial, any me, a sinner. comparisons you make is beside the point. Friend, it’s time to stop playing the game. St. Joseph Thi, pray for us. Jon Escoto ([email protected]) THE HEALER! He laid His hands on her, and she at once stood up 25 straight and glorified God. – Luke 13:13 MONDAY OCTOBER The teenager was sobbing. She begged, “Bro. Obet, please pray over somebody I love. Ephesians 4:32 – 5:8 Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6 He lost his sight. I’m too shy to approach Luke 13:10-17 our elders so I ask you instead.” I declined because I was a neophyte in the ministry and didn’t know what to do in such case. Yet, the more I refused, the more she insisted. Through her “gentle coercion,” I gave in. We went toward her car and she said, “His name is Tiger.” I couldn’t believe what I saw. Tiger was a spotted puppy who couldn’t open its eyelids due to sore eyes. With confidence, I laid my hands on Tiger and proclaimed, “Be healed in Jesus’ name!” The teenager thanked me profusely and sped off. REFLECTION: The next prayer meeting, she stood up “Not to us, Lord, not and testified, “Last week, Bro. Obet prayed to us but to Your name, give glory over somebody who’s blind. Now he can because of Your see!” The congregation ganged up on me faithfulness and asking to be prayed over! They didn’t even love.” (Psalm 115:1) hear me say, “He’s just a puppy!” Lord, help me realize Funny, but many “healers” ascribe the that we are healed to miracle to themselves and no longer to God. help and are saved The truth is: God intends to use our brokenness to serve. to restore many. We are merely channels. He is The Healer! Obet Cabrillas ([email protected]) St. Daria, pray for us. YES, DEAR! YES, LORD! “Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to 26 the Lord. ” – Ephesians 5:22 TUESDAY OCTOBER I have to be honest, it is much easier to submit to the Lord than to my husband. As I write this Ephesians 5:21-33 Psalm 128:1-2, 3, reflection, I come to realize why I feel so. 4-5 I never considered that God uses my Luke 13:18-21 husband to guide me in doing His will. Don’t get me wrong, my husband is a loving person and a wonderful father. But when I have spiritual questions, I always think I can find the answers in other people that I do not know or in situations where others are involved. I often solicit confirmation for my actions from friends and ask for my husband’s views last. I couldn’t have been more wrong. God has given me a partner in life to fulfill His plans. I should value my husband’s sentiments. Mae Ignacio ([email protected]) REFLECTION: How often do I put aside my husband’s opinion when I need to make a major decision?

Dear Father, please give me the strength to always stand by my husband.

St. Lucian, pray for us. GOOD ENOUGH IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH Willingly serving the Lord and not human beings . . . – 27 Ephesians 6:7 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER

Ephesians 6:1-9 Excellence is one thing my late friend, Greg Psalm 145:10-11, Caro, taught me by example. We worked on 12-13ab, 13cd-14 numerous advertising projects, oftentimes Luke 13:22-30 working until the wee hours of the morning. Once, he asked me to listen to the mix of a jingle he was finalizing. Feeling tired after a long day’s work and longing to sleep, I said, “Puwede na ‘yan.” (That’s good enough.) He smiled and told me,“Hindi puwedeng ‘pwede na.’” (Good enough is not good enough.) His statement has stayed with me to this day. It’s a good reminder that mediocrity can REFLECTION: never lead one to excellence.This, among Was there a time in others, should also guide our acts of service your life that you — in the workplace, family, community or didn’t do something parish. For what good is service if it is not done excellently? What consequences came wholeheartedly and excellently? out of it? Our God is not a mediocre god. He is perfect. When He blesses us, He doesn’t give O God, You are the us blessings that are just good enough; He author of perfection. gives us the best! Thus, we must also give our Fill me with the Holy Spirit that I may do best to Him, and serve our fellowmen the way Your work perfectly we should serve the Lord. so that You may be Strive for excellence in everything that glorified. you do, and do it wholeheartedly. Nova Arias (nova. [email protected]) St. Namatius, pray for us. NO SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS 28 “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, THURSDAY but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and OCTOBER members of the household of God.” – Ephesians 2:19

Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles Tito Orly is an amazing 80-year-old who still Ephesians 2:19-22 drives his own car to Baguio. He has been Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5 all over the world, was once connected to Luke 6:12-16 the World Bank and was adviser to President Marcos. One time, he suggested to the president that the Philippines should train and equip its professionals for work abroad, and then provide them an incentive to want to come back home once they have gained experience. He said that this would encourage more OFWs to come home as they are not second-class citizens here. His suggestion was turned down. REFLECTION: In God’s economy, you and I are always “You have made us welcome balikbayans. His house is always for Yourself, and our hearts are restless open to those who want to return home. There till they find their are no second-class citizens in His world. rest in You.” (St. The question for us is, do we want to Augustine) return home? Or are we too busy gaining the Dear Father in world’s riches, fortune and fame that we have heaven, You are my forgotten what home feels like? Or, do we feel true home. You will too ashamed to return — thinking we will not always welcome me be welcomed back? back. Don’t ever let me stray. Friend, don’t think negatively of the Father. Let’s go home. He is waiting, ready to embrace us. Joy Sosoban ([email protected]) St. Godwin, pray for us. SILENCE “And they kept silent... But they were unable to answer 29 his question.” – Luke 14:4, 6 FRIDAY OCTOBER My son came home after staying with friends for a few days following a misunderstanding Philippians 1:1-11 Psalm 111:1-2, 3-4, between us that almost became violent. I met 5-6 him at the door of our house and, without Luke 14:1-6 saying anything, I spontaneously gave him an embrace. It was a quiet embrace that spoke a thousand words. It was a silence that loved, forgave and healed. I also recall a thank you note from a dear friend whose spouse had committed suicide. “Thank you for being there all the time during the wake. And thank you especially for not having said anything and just letting me grieve. I appreciate it very much.” I REFLECTION: realized then that I gave him the silence that How comfortable allowed him to mourn and let go. It was a are you with compassionate, consoling silence that gave silence? Can you truly say silence is him space during a time of grief and allowed your friend? him to be himself. Unlike the Pharisees, but like Jesus, we Lord, let me can use silence to love, to heal, to forgive remember when to Danny G. Mendiola keep silent. Remind and to let others be themselves. me always that it is ([email protected]) only in silence that I can listen to You with all my heart.

St. Bond, pray for us. LESSONS ON HUMILITY “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” 30 – Luke 14:11 SATURDAY OCTOBER Just the other night, my Catholic Korean student and I were talking about false Philippians 1:18b-26 Psalm 42:2, 3, 5cdef humility. Being a cellgroup leader, too, she Luke 14:1, 7-11 asked me how to differentiate true humility from false humility. So I told her about what I learned in my faith walk so far. I told her that true humility is all about following Christ’s footsteps, keeping one’s feet on the ground and never being a “braggadocio.” Of course, I didn’t use REFLECTION: those big words with my student but I said Are you practicing something close to that. true humility or False humility, on the contrary, arises merely sporting false humility when we decline opportunities to serve at because the evil church because we think that we’re not good one has planted enough or others are better than us, even seeds of doubt though we know that we are capable of doing in your heart? Acknowledge your the tasks at hand. God-given talents I related to her how I was encouraged to serve more to pastor six professional single women people. even though I doubted my own capabilities, abilities and leadership skills. With God’s Father, teach me to keep my feet on anointing, I took on the responsibilities of the ground and to being a care group head because I know this be truly humble like was part of what God had called me to do. Your Son. Leeanne Sy ([email protected])

St. Herbert, pray for us. LESSONS ON HUMILITY MISSIONARIES WITHOUT “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but BORDERS the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” … That our God may make you worthy of his calling – Luke 14:11 31 SUNDAY and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose OCTOBER and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Just the other night, my Catholic Korean Jesus may be glorified in you. – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 student and I were talking about false Wisdom 11:22-12:2 humility. Being a cellgroup leader, too, she Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, asked me how to differentiate true humility 10-11, 13, 14 “When the angels stop singing, when stars 2 Thessalonians stop shining, when the three kings are able from false humility. So I told her about what 1:11-2:2 I learned in my faith walk so far. Luke 19:1-10 to reach home through another route, so the I told her that true humility is all missionary task begins.” This was Archbishop about following Christ’s footsteps, keeping Angel Lagdameo’s final words during a Mass one’s feet on the ground and never being to launch an out-of-school youth program. a “braggadocio.” Of course, I didn’t use The lyrical words remind us that, indeed, those big words with my student but I said Jesus came in order to send us forth — to make something close to that. us missionaries. Just like the Mass is said to False humility, on the contrary, arises be a commissioning, so our baptism calls us when we decline opportunities to serve at to bring glory to our Lord through our good church because we think that we’re not good works. We don’t always belong to organizations enough or others are better than us, even that produce big projects. Nor are we required though we know that we are capable of doing to do so. What the Lord calls us to, however, REFLECTION: the tasks at hand. is to have big hearts so that even in seemingly “God’s work done in “small” acts, we will love in a great way. And I related to her how I was encouraged God’s way will never to pastor six professional single women lack God’s supplies.” in the process, we glorify our Lord. even though I doubted my own capabilities, (Hudson Taylor) Do we think that our circumstances abilities and leadership skills. With God’s prevent us from serving the Lord? Because of Dear Lord, enable anointing, I took on the responsibilities of lack of funds? Or perhaps because of lack of me to give glory to education? In truth, nothing can stop us from being a care group head because I know this You through my was part of what God had called me to do. life. Let my love be glorifying the Lord if we really want to. We Leeanne Sy ([email protected]) borderless. set our own boundaries. Are we missionaries without borders? Joy Sosoban ([email protected]) St. Bega, pray for us. THE YOKE OF PURITY “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.” – 1 Matthew 5:8 MONDAY NOVEMBER On the second day of the Kerygma Conference

Solemnity of All Saints 2008, God woke me up early and told me to totally change my talk. I didn’t have much Revelation 7:2-4, time to prepare. On stage, I opened the Bible 9-14 to Matthew 11:28: “Come to me all of you Psalm 24:1b-2, 3- 4ab, 5-6 who are weary and tired and I will give you 1 John 3:1-3 rest.” That passage is so familiar but the verse Matthew 5:1-12a that follows is a bit hard to understand. It says, “Take my yoke upon you.” A yoke is a wooden beam that you put on an animal so it can pull a plow or a wagon. Not very restful, I assure you. So what did Jesus want me to talk about? Many people are tired either because of REFLECTION: What yoke am I their trials or their sins. And people carry either carrying now? Is it the yoke of God or the yoke of sin — the yoke leading me to Jesus of purity or the yoke of impurity. or away from Him? As I spoke, the crowd was more silent Today, Jesus, I than usual. Then I led all over 6,000 people make a solemn to kneel down. We repented of our sins and commitment to let received God’s forgiveness. We made a solemn go of the yoke of commitment to live a life of purity. Many were impurity and instead take on Your yoke. I set free that day. am tired of the yoke Friends, I invite you to make the same of sin and I want to commitment today. Take the yoke of purity. rest in You. Jesus wants to set you free. Bo Sanchez (bosanchez@ kerygmafamily.com) Blessed Paul Navarro, pray for us. BEGGARS CAN’T BE CHOOSERS 2 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom TUESDAY of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3 NOVEMBER

Solemnity of All Souls We worked so hard that we missed lunch. It was hot, we were at camp and we were starving. We 2 Maccabees 12:43- all agreed that the food was great. I’m sure it 46 (or Wisdom 3:1-6, 9 was but my friend said, “When you’re up on or Isaiah 25:6-9) the mountains, anything tastes great.” Psalm 42:2, 3, 5; 43:3, 4, 5 (or Psalm How true. When we are in need, hungry 27:1, 4, 7-9, 13-14 or or in lack, we take what we can get and we Psalm 25:6-7, 17-18, 20-21) are grateful. Beggars can’t be choosers. Romans 6:3-4, 8-9 Spiritual poverty is a concept I never (or Romans 5:5-11) John 11:21-27 (or understood until my wise priest friend, Fr. Matthew 25:31-46 or Mimo Perez, explained it to me. Matthew 5:1-12) He said, “To be poor in spirit means you

empty yourself of all your knowledge and standards of spirituality and allow God to give you whatever He has in store for you.” Sometimes it’s hard for me to live out this principle because I feel I know God so much. I tend to take the spiritual highway when REFLECTION: sometimes He may be offering me a simpler Has God offered me alternative. I’m so full, so I can say “no” when an answer that I’ve He offers me something. I choose. refused? But when we are spiritually poor, Lord, help me to we’ll take whatever answer He has for us. accept whatever Whatever blessing He chooses to bestow on Your will is for me. us. However way He wills to work out our situation. George Tolentino Gabriel ([email protected]) St. Maura, pray for us. fulfilling our dream “For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in 3 you both to desire and to work.” – Philippians 2:13 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER After three years of marriage, Romina lost her husband and had to look for a job to survive. Philippians 2:12- 18 At the same time, she went back to school Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 to continue where she left off when she got Luke 14:25-33 married. She was determined to succeed. No job was too insignificant for her as long as it would bring her nearer to a dream of being a pediatrician. She envisioned herself being the head of a foundation ministering to children of less fortunate parents. She had always seen herself becoming rich from her career, and thus be able to cure sick poor children and serve in church and community. After four years, she became a full- REFLECTION: fledged developmental pediatrician and began God has planted her private practice. But every Saturday, she His dream for you in would go to Payatas, in a small hut which has your heart. been turned to a small clinic, and minister to Show me the way, the many sick children and their parents. She Lord. I want to do all gives out medicines, vitamins, food, clothes things that please and anything else they may need. You and please God works in us to help us want to do others, too. Teach me not to think of what pleases Him. And when we please Him, myself alone but to we also please ourselves. Chelle Crisanto (ellehcmaria@ think of those who yahoo.com) need me.

St. Winifred, pray for us. THIS ONE HITS HARD “In the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” 4 – Luke 15:10 THURSDAY NOVEMBER Nelson Mandela, after being tortured and Philippians 3:3-8a Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, jailed for 27 years, took his oath as the new 6-7 president of South Africa. He appointed a Luke 15:1-10 commission to bring to trial those who had been guilty of atrocities during the time of apartheid. Any white officer who voluntarily faced his accusers and confessed his guilt would not be punished. An aged woman was brought face-to-face with the officer who had brutally murdered her only son and her beloved husband. Asked what she wanted from him, she said, REFLECTION: “Although I have no family, I still have a lot How do you feel when you hear and of love to give.” She requested that he visit read about this her regularly so she could mother him. Then kind of love? Have she said, “I would like to embrace him so he you experienced can know that my forgiveness is real.” it enough to talk about it to other As the elderly woman made her way people? to the witness stand, the officer became so overwhelmed with shame and remorse that Lord, I could never he fainted. Who would not? This kind of love understand Your knocks everybody out. It’s the God-given love love. Just enlarge my heart to receive it that can lead to repentance and reconciliation. and teach me to give Jon Escoto ([email protected]) the same.

St. Clarus, pray for us. WORLDLY TOOLS? “…For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of 5 the light.” – Luke 16:8b FRIDAY NOVEMBER Before becoming a preacher, I was the Philippians 3:17-4:1 Psalm 122:1-2, 3- “world’s” storyteller, singer and fighter. 4ab, 4cd-5 At five years old, my friends would gather Luke 16:1-8 around to listen intently to my stories. To miss nothing, they’d just pee right there. When I was older, friends would laugh wildly at jokes I’ve told for the nth time. The more I drank, the more my stories came alive. I was the drunken balladeer that my fraternity brods would drag to serenade their love interests. Dorm girls would turn their lights off and listen to my love songs that would receive muffled, “Awwws.” I wasn’t afraid of fighting because I punch REFLECTION: hard and run fast. During frat rumbles, my mind What are your quickly designed tactics to hurt opponents. “worldly” skills and But the Galilean Carpenter intervened giftedness that and remodeled me! Today, I tell good stories can be recycled to become the about His love and hold audiences’ attention Carpenter’s for hours. I sing songs that wow my Audience ministerial tools? of One and cause listeners to feel His embrace. Oh, yes, I still fight and break hardened hearts All my regrets and all my acclaims, the to win them back to God’s grace. joy and the pain, I lift My “worldly” implements became God’s them to You. ministerial tools. Some Carpenter eh? Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@ St. Elizabeth, pray for us. gmail.com) Power-aide “I have the strength for everything through him who 6 empowers me.” – Philippians 4:13 SATURDAY NOVEMBER My children lost their dad when they were toddlers.They finished high school by the Philippians 4:10- 19 grace of God, and through the help of my Psalm 112:1b-2, parents, relatives and insurance companies. 5-6, 8a, 9 Luke 16:9-15 The insurance benefits ran out right before they entered college. Good thing God made my boys smart – the elder one got into UP (easy on the pocket); the younger one got a full scholarship from De La Salle College of St. Benilde. Even if they’re diligent and hard- working, maintaining their grades wasn’t that easy. One time my Benilde scholar almost gave up. It was the night before an important project was due. He hadn’t slept for days and was not yet done. He said, “Mom, I can’t do it anymore. But if I don’t, I’ll fail and lose my REFLECTION: scholarship.” Pitying my tired and stressed- Where our strength out son, I said it was all right if he lost his runs out, scholarship. God has always provided for us God’s strength anyway. But I also assured him that God will begins. give him the strength to finish. Lord, thank You for My son got a power boost that night. He always being my finished the project, passed the subject and strength. kept his scholarship. Lella Santiago (mirellasantiago@yahoo. com) St. Barlaam, pray for us. FANTASTIC LIFE! “… and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for 7 to him all are alive.” – Luke 20:38 SUNDAY NOVEMBER Early last year, we started a teambuilding program in Shepherd’s Voice that includes 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14 activities to enliven the office environment Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, despite mountain-loads of work. There are 15 (15b) 2 Thessalonians days when we come to the office in flowery 2:16-3:5 get-ups, or wear fancy hats or outrageous Luke 20:27-38 shades in the heat of summer. We have fun doing those things, yes, but more than that, the activities encourage cooperation, creativity and self-expression among the employees. The normally quiet ones are able to express themselves through the activities. Apart from the above, we also hold mini- Feasts twice a month. We come to the office early to praise and worship the Lord and then listen to a video talk by Bo Sanchez. Afterwards, we break into small sharing groups. As one of the group facilitators, I am amazed at how my co-employees can be so open and trusting, REFLECTION: sharing their dreams and difficulties, and how Is God God works in their lives. alive in your life? But when I look deeper into the dynamics Lord, dwell in me happening in our organization, my heart that I may continue overflows with gratitude because finally I am to live in Your in a place where God is respected, where God presence. rules, and where God is alive in everyone’s life! Tess V. Atienza ([email protected]) St. Hieron, pray for us. A BROTHERLY ACT OF LOVE “If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, 8 forgive him.” – Luke 17:3 MONDAY NOVEMBER He was a man I truly respected. Someone I looked up to and admired a lot. And I hurt Titus 1:1-9 Psalm 24:1b-2, 3- him. I can’t disclose the nature of my offense, 4ab, 5-6 but what’s important is how he handled it. Luke 17:1-6 He came over to my place one morning then proceeded to narrate how I had offended him. I had no idea. I was moved to tears out of remorse for hurting him and because I was overwhelmed by his loving gesture of correcting me. I asked for forgiveness and he gave it. It was there to begin with. But he didn’t want to just forgive me without pointing out my wrong because it was for my own good. The people pleaser in me is often scared to correct people. But I’ve come to realize that it can be the most loving thing to do. By correcting someone, you also honor them because you trust that they will take it the right REFLECTION: Who are the people way. Inasmuch as it may be painful, you deem I need to forgive the friendship worth it by taking that risk. in my life? Have Admittedly, I still haven’t mastered it. I expressed it to There are still people in my life whom I need them? to correct for having offended me. I’d want to Lord, give me the give them the same honor I was given. boldness to correct Hopefully I will have accomplished that others out of love. by the time you read this reflection.George Tolentino Gabriel ([email protected]) St. Cybi, pray for us. TRIM AND FIT “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the spirit of God dwells in you?” 9 – 1 Corinthians 3:16 TUESDAY NOVEMBER I felt very awkward trying to follow the fast- Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome paced hiphop dance steps in the exercise video I had committed to in order to stay trim Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 and fit. Meanwhile, the men and women in Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, the video with drool-worthy bodies smiled at 8-9 1 Corinthians 3:9c- me as they sweated their way to even flatter 11, 16-17 abs and more sculpted bodies. John 2:13-22 Of course it’s not wrong to exercise or to keep our bodies trim (otherwise I wouldn’t have made the effort, would I?). The problem is that the world focuses so much on the physical that it has become almost a religion to some. They have replaced the things of the spirit for things that they can see. REFLECTION: “While physical Even as we strive to keep our bodies training is of healthy, are we developing our souls as well? limited value, Or have we forgotten about it? Do we pray, devotion is valuable read the Bible and strive to become more in every respect, since it holds a holy? Or are our efforts all geared towards promise of life both the physical? for the present and As Christians, we need to build up God’s for the future.” Spirit who lives within us. No earthly glory (1 Timothy 4:8) could ever compare to keeping our souls fit. Keep my spirit Joy Sosoban ([email protected]) healthy, oh Lord.

St. Orestes, pray for us. THANKSGIVING-RECEIVING DEPARTMENT 10 “Has none but this foreigner returned and gave thanks WEDNESDAY to God?” – Luke 17:18 NOVEMBER

Titus 3:1-7 “Tsismisology” reports say that there are three Psalm 23:1b-3a, angelic departments in heaven: the PRD, 3bc-4, 5, 6 APDD and TRDD. In the Prayer Receiving Luke 17:11-19 Department (PRD), angels are busier than a call center. They receive prayers by thousands every millisecond. Once packaged, they’re delivered to the Answered Prayer Delivery Department. APDD receives all the prayers and submits them to the Heavenly CEO. Once approved, they deliver God’s yes, no or wait. “Yes” means answered prayers are delivered promptly because the time is right and the recipients’ hearts are ready. “No” means replacement blessings are delivered instead. “Wait” means the opportunity to grow in virtue is delivered. REFLECTION: Finally, in the Thanksgiving Receiving Carry a grateful heart, it will Department (TRD), angels are bored due spare you from a to infrequent thanksgiving from earth. One transplanted one. thanksgiving makes them ecstatic and brings much joy to the CEO’s heart. In all circumstances give thanks, for Dear reader, make the TRD busy again: this is the will of count your blessings, offer thanksgiving Mass, God for you. (1 share blessings with friends and bring joy to the Thessalonians 5:18) heart of God. He is waiting for you, patiently, painstakingly. Obet Cabrillas ([email protected]) St. Monitor, pray for us. BEYOND WORDS “…because the hearts of the holy ones have been 11 refreshed.” – Philemon 7 THURSDAY NOVEMBER The experience is truly amazing and is beyond words. My husband, Raul, and I are Philemon 7-20 Psalm 146:7, 8-9a, grateful to God for the privilege of serving 9bc-10 Him as worship leaders of the Bukas Loob sa Luke 17:20-25 Diyos Catholic Covenant Community at the Santuario de San Antonio church in Makati. As the date draws closer, the excitement builds up for the precious moment of encounter. But along with the mounting enthusiasm and eagerness, comes the tension and the anxiety once we begin our preparation. “Whoever worships Him must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). This is the difficult part — being living witnesses of God’s grace. We cannot give what we don’t have, “for from the fullness of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). REFLECTION: When the Spirit We have found out over time that the more calls, be ready to difficult it takes to prepare, the more powerful embrace His mighty the worship becomes. And at the final hour, as power. we stand in front of the assembly of worshipers, the coldness inside that church melts and the Lord, grant me a fresh anointing power of the Holy Spirit takes over. today and touch How humbling it is to be an instrument the hearts of others of the Lord in refreshing the hearts of many. through me. Mari Q. Sison-Garcia ([email protected])

St. Aba Mina, pray for us. wisdom from children But now, Lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing a new commandment but the one we have had from the 12 beginning: let us love one another. – 2 John 5 FRIDAY NOVEMBER A family of four were having dinner in a 2 John 4-9 Psalm 119:1, 2, 10, restaurant, when another family sat on the 11, 17, 18 table nearest them, ordered and waited for Luke 17:26-37 their food. As the first family began to eat, the little girl noticed what the other family was eating. She saw that the only thing they ordered was a bowl of rice and a medium-sized fish. She also noticed that the parents hardly touched the food, but instead kept on urging their children to eat. She also noticed that they REFLECTION: looked neat but very poorly dressed, and “Love will stammer rather looked very hungry. than be dumb.” After a few minutes, she asked her (Robert Leighton) mother if she could give the food on her plate to the other family. Her mother instantly Oftentimes I look away when I know admonished her, telling her not to mind other that I need to reach people but just eat. She looked at her mother, out and help a and said, “Look at them, they are hungry but friend. Help me, that is all they have. We have so much and Lord, and put in my heart that I must they have nothing but that fish. Did you not love no matter what teach us to be kind?” the circumstances There are times when children know are. Give me a heart better than their elders. When God uses them of love. to remind us of our calling to love, we would do well to heed them. Chelle Crisanto (ellehcmaria@yahoo. St. Machar, pray for us. com) LET’S GET REAL “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared 13 God nor respected any human beings.” – Luke 18:2 SATURDAY NOVEMBER Let’s get real today (because that’s what authentic prayer really is). 3 John 5-8 Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, How could Jesus compare God to an 5-6 unjust judge? Well, Jesus has a knack for Luke 18:1-8 knowing exactly how we think. Sometimes our thoughts about God are so dark, and our fears about him run so deep, that we hardly dare to say what we’re thinking. But Jesus says it for us. Go ahead, admit it: sometimes the Lord seems like an unjust judge. He doesn’t seem fair. He doesn’t seem to care. We pray for Him to help us but He doesn’t do what we ask. Jesus knows how discouraging that can be. He knows there are times when we feel like just giving up on God and not praying to REFLECTION: Him anymore. But Jesus still tells us to never Have you been give up praying. Why? I may not know what’s honest with God on how you feel about on God’s mind but I definitely know who He His silence over is. your prayers? You He is The Judge. Not the rotten kind can pour your heart who delivers anyway. He’s the kind who out to Him today. is ultimately good and always able. This Father, I’m tired is more than enough assurance to continue praying. Embrace believing. me today. Let’s pray today. Again. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@ gmail.com) St. Didacus, pray for us. A Word from Above ”For I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.” 14 – Luke 21:15 SUNDAY NOVEMBER Adolescence: the transitional stage of human Malachi 3:19-20a Psalm 98:5-6, 7-8, 9 development when teenagers believe they 2 Thessalonians have instantaneously acquired all cosmic 3:7-12 wisdom and they now have more knowledge Luke 21:5-19 than their parents. That’s not from Wikipedia, just what I felt when my boys were in their teens. My elder son must have inherited lawyer genes from my father. I lay down the law. He objects. I have an opinion. He disagrees. Walking with me to church one day, he started complaining about his brother on some matter that siblings normally disagree about. I rolled my eyes heavenward and silently said, “Lord, you take over this one. I’m sure he’ll argue with whatever I say.” Out loud I told REFLECTION: him to be patient and treat his brother with “The one who has love. The objection came fast, “Why should wisdom in his head and heart does not I do that? He doesn’t treat me that way.” need to shout at Simply I answered, “Because you’re the kuya, others.” you should set the example on how to act.” (Spiros Zodhiates) I waited for him to retort and was surprised Lord, give me the when he didn’t have an argument for that right words to say at one. Now, that’s what I define as divine the right time. intervention. Lella Santiago ([email protected])

St. Modanic, pray for us. REAL VISION, REAL LIFE 15 “Lord, please let me see.” – Luke 18:41 MONDAY NOVEMBER In college, I thought that fraternity life was “the” life! When “barbarians” (men without frats) say, Revelation 1:1-4; “When I’m 30, I’ll be… And at 40, I’ll be the... 2:1-5 of this big company,” I snicker and say, “Wake Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6 Luke 18:35-43 up, weirdos!” Yet when they graduate and visit me donned in professional outfits and driving new cars, I turn green with envy. Socrates said that an unexamined life is not worth living. And Helen Keller said that the blindest people in the world are those who have eyes but do not have vision. So I painstakingly examined my life and realized that I was living a “blind” hedonistic lifestyle. I prayed, “Lord, I want to see.” He healed my life through my mission-vision statement:“To give myself fully into the work of the Lord by being: • A loving husband and father; REFLECTION: “Amazing grace, • A devoted friend and brother; how sweet the • A tenacious researcher and educator; sound, that saved • A productive asset to my company; a wretch like me, I • A proactive entrepreneur; once was lost and now I’m found, was • A passionate man of arts; and blind but now I • An anointed witness and proclaimer of see…” the Gospel. Today, I solemnly declare all these are Lord, I want to see. fulfilled through the grace of God! Amen. Obet Cabrillas ([email protected]) St. Leopold, pray for us. REAL VISION, REAL LIFE HIS POSSESSION “Lord, please let me see.” – Luke 18:41 “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what 16 was lost.” – Luke 19:10 TUESDAY In college, I thought that fraternity life was “the” NOVEMBER life! When “barbarians” (men without frats) say, When you close a document on Microsoft Word, the computer asks, “Do you want to save “When I’m 30, I’ll be… And at 40, I’ll be the... Revelation 3:1-6, of this big company,” I snicker and say, “Wake 14-22 changes?” That’s if you inputted any changes Psalm 15:2-3a, 3bc- at all. But if you already saved it and didn’t up, weirdos!” Yet when they graduate and visit 4ab, 5 me donned in professional outfits and driving Luke 19:1-10 make any further changes (or didn’t make any new cars, I turn green with envy. changes at all) it wouldn’t ask you anymore. Socrates said that an unexamined life is In fact, if you try to save it, the “save” option not worth living. And Helen Keller said that would not be clickable. Why? Because there the blindest people in the world are those who was nothing to save in the first place. have eyes but do not have vision. If it wasn’t yours, you can’t save it. You So I painstakingly examined my life and can only save something that was in your realized that I was living a “blind” hedonistic possession to begin with. lifestyle. I prayed, “Lord, I want to see.” He I find comfort in the realization that the healed my life through my mission-vision reason why God came to save us was because statement:“To give myself fully into the work we were His possession in the first place. If of the Lord by being: we weren’t once upon a time good, righteous • A loving husband and father; and holy, He wouldn’t have to save us. We • A devoted friend and brother; were born on the path to heaven. We tend • A tenacious researcher and educator; to go astray, thus the need to get us back on • A productive asset to my company; REFLECTION: track. But the beauty of it is that we were • A proactive entrepreneur; Feel lost? He has meant to travel that road to begin with. every intention to Lots of times I forget this truth. When I • A passionate man of arts; and seek, find and save • An anointed witness and proclaimer of you. look only at my faults and weaknesses. But the Gospel. the greater reality is that I was made in God’s Today, I solemnly declare all these are Lord, I desire to be image and likeness in the first place. fulfilled through the grace of God! Amen. found by You. I choose, then, to focus on that. George Tolentino Obet Cabrillas ([email protected]) Gabriel ([email protected]) St. Gratia, pray for us. YOU INVEST... “…he called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I 17 return.’ “ – Luke 19:13 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER Late 2004, I joined the Light of Jesus Family. Revelation 4:1-11 Psalm 150:1b-2, I was a baby Christian. In 2005, I joined the 3-4, 5-6 Intercessory Ministry. There I learned much Luke 19:11-28 about communicating with God and deepening my relationship with Him. Then I joined the Service Team where I learned about teamwork, administrative work and organizing activities. After this, I joined the Training Ministry. I also learned to make training modules and conduct workshops. Later, I became the servant head of the Intercessory Ministry and a group of single women. Since 2007, I have been Intercessory Committee head of the Kerygma Conference. REFLECTION: I used to write my reflections and just What gold coins share them with friends. Now, I was given has God given the opportunity to write for Didache. As you you? How can you read this, my first book may be out in the enhance and use them? market. I never imagined that I would be doing Dearest God, all these, considering that I am inexperienced help me to develop and I have a physical handicap. But God, by and share the time, talents and treasure His grace, gave me a gold coin and said, “See You have entrusted what you can earn with this…” As He assured to me. me and increased my faith, He helped me gain and bless others with my gold coin. Ma. Luisa dela St. Hilda, pray for us. Cruz ([email protected]) YOU INVEST... FAIL ALOUD “…he called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried return.’ “ – Luke 19:13 18 out in fear. – Matthew 14:26 THURSDAY NOVEMBER Late 2004, I joined the Light of Jesus Family. Aren’t you wondering that despite everybody’s Acts 28:11-16, 30-31 I was a baby Christian. In 2005, I joined the Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, unfair judgment of Peter in this episode, Jesus Intercessory Ministry. There I learned much 3cd-4, 5-6 never changed his mind about handing him about communicating with God and deepening Matthew 14:22-33 the “keys to the Kingdom” and appointing my relationship with Him. him to be the leader of the band? Then I joined the Service Team where I Peter failed. But so did all the others in learned about teamwork, administrative work the boat! Remember that “all were terrified,” and organizing activities. After this, I joined mistook Jesus as a ghost and “cried out in the Training Ministry. I also learned to make fear.” In fact, it was only Peter who took Jesus training modules and conduct workshops. by His word and accepted His challenge to Later, I became the servant head of the come out of the boat. The others were either Intercessory Ministry and a group of single in total doubt or in total fear, or both! women. Since 2007, I have been Intercessory But Peter was special. While others failed Committee head of the Kerygma Conference. in silence, Peter failed aloud. He failed while REFLECTION: I used to write my reflections and just Has God given you trying. This is success in Jesus’ eyes. share them with friends. Now, I was given a dream but fear Thomas Edison was asked, “What can the opportunity to write for Didache. As you has paralyzed you you say about your 10,000 failures before read this, my first book may be out in the from pursuing it? finally lighting up the first incandescent Today is the first day market. to walk on water. bulb?” He candidly said, “I didn’t fail. I just I never imagined that I would be doing discovered 10,000 ways that don’t work!” all these, considering that I am inexperienced Save me, Lord, from The future belongs to those who have the and I have a physical handicap. But God, by the fear of failure courage to dream, the courage to act and the that paralyzes many His grace, gave me a gold coin and said, “See of Your servants in courage to fail. Jon Escoto ([email protected]) what you can earn with this…” As He assured accomplishing Your me and increased my faith, He helped me gain dreams for our lives. and bless others with my gold coin. Ma. Luisa dela Cruz ([email protected]) St. Odo, pray for us. THE FEAST SAVED HER “… all the people were hanging on his words.” 19 – Luke 19:48 FRIDAY NOVEMBER “I had considered transferring to another religion,” my sister revealed to me one Revelation 10:8-11 Psalm 119:14, 24, morning. I was shocked. “But thanks to 72, 103, 111, 131 The Feast, I feel I have finally found what Luke 19:45-48 I was looking for — a way to deepen my relationship with God,” she continued in the same breath. She and her family now attend The Feast almost every Sunday. Then, they would usually eat out and relax with the kids. While eating, they would talk about The Feast topic. Her children, though seemingly distracted or sleeping during the talks, are surprisingly able to absorb them. When asked, they know what it’s all about, including the jokes and funny stories. And even if they don’t actively REFLECTION: participate in the worship yet, they are being How are you moved in small ways. Her teenage son has growing in Your love for God’s Word? downloaded some worship songs to his iPod Make time for God’s and could be heard singing them. Word each day. Through all these, my sister continues to hang on to God’s Words preached at The Feast Mold me according to Your Word, oh to stay afloat despite the many difficulties she Lord, so that I may encounters in their business. become more like I am glad I didn’t lose her to another You. religion. God really works in wondrous ways! Tess V. Atienza ([email protected]) St. Crispin, pray for us. God’s HRT “If someone’s brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants 20 for his brother.” – Luke 20:28 SATURDAY NOVEMBER I used to be a klutz. I’d walk into furniture. Revelation 11:4-12 Psalm 144:1b, 2, I’d be all thumbs. Things improved with 9-10 motherhood. I’m proud to say I didn’t drop Luke 20:27-40 my babies ever. But bumping into things remained as my signature move. Because of this, my husband didn’t let me drive. He said car repairs were not in our monthly budget. When he died, one of my biggest challenges was automotive in nature. Driving for my kids when nobody else could was a religious experience. A hundred Glory Bes and Hail Marys and dashes of Our Fathers punctuated our trips. Thank God, He sends me people to take my husband’s place, especially when I get car trouble. As I write this, our car is in the repair shop. It overheated this morning. Having remained in ignorance of what makes a car REFLECTION: run, I poured water in the radiator with the “Nothing is or can engine off and busted something inside. God be accidental with sent a mechanic who had a shop in the corner God.” (Henry W. Longfellow) from where I stopped. God also timed the incident when my father was in town to give Jesus, You never fail me directions and talk to the mechanic. This me. is God’s HRT (husband replacement therapy) in action. Lella Santiago ([email protected]) St. Edmund Rich, pray for us. KING ON A WOODEN THRONE 21 “Jesus, remember me when you come into your SUNDAY kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen I say to you ,today NOVEMBER you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:42-43

Solemnity of Christ the King The word “king” evokes images of palaces paved with glimmering precious stones, 2 Samuel 5:1-3 Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, lavish gatherings, important dignitaries 4-5 gathered before a man seated on a golden Colossians 1:12-20 Luke 23:35-43 throne. This is the worldly view. For us who have met Christ, the real King, we know better. His throne was “an old wooden cross” yet it brought Him treasures for eternity, a place at the right hand of the Father in the loveliest and most beautiful REFLECTION: place — paradise in heaven. It is a challenge to Just a reminder. The way to the rooms be other-worldly in that God has prepared for us for eternity a mammon world, where the stomach can only be opened by dying to ourselves, and money are being poor in spirit, dependent only in God’s king. providence and the use of earthly wealth to spread His love. Dear Lord, the real King, please help The first should be last. me to follow Your Simple is rich. life of simple yet To lead is to die in service. challenging service Christ our King has shown us the way. — carrying my cross daily so I that I may Let us follow. Grace Princesa ([email protected]) join Your heavenly kingdom.

St. Digain, pray for us. EVERYTHING HE HAD “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their 22 surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered MONDAY her whole livelihood.” – Luke 21:3-4 NOVEMBER

Revelation 14:1-3, Have you seen the movie Cinderella Man? 4b-5 Psalm 24:1bc-2, It’s about a poor man who became a famous 3-4ab, 5-6 boxer. His wife disapproved of it at some Luke 21:1-4 point and went to his promoter to scold him for encouraging her husband to partake in such a violent sport. She felt he was just making money off her husband. Upon arriving at the promoter’s apartment, she saw that he had sold all his furniture in order to raise money for his entrance fee to the next big fight. He had sacrificed his comfort because he believed so much in his fighter. The amount of what we give isn’t what REFLECTION: matters. Its value lies in how important it is Have I been stingy to us — how much we sacrificed. in my love offerings It makes me think about how willing I and tithing? What George Tolentino Gabriel makes me hold on am to part with my last mite. to them? ([email protected])

Lord, help me to part with my last mite, knowing that You cannot be outdone in generosity.

Sts. Mark & Stephen, pray for us. EVANGELISTS For many will come in my name, saying, “I am He.” – 23 Luke 21:8 TUESDAY NOVEMBER Turn on your cable TV and you will find a lot of evangelists preaching the Word of Revelation 14:14-19 Psalm 96:10, 11-12, God. Go to one channel and you will see one 13 preacher attacking another from a different Luke 21:5-11 denomination. Turn to other channels and you will basically find the same thing. They proclaim the Word of God yet they don’t stop attacking the faith of other denominations. They each profess that theirs is the way to God. Sometimes, you will get confused and ask yourself, “Whom should I believe?” The above passage will give us a guide on how to discern. The Bible says that many will come in Jesus’ name so we should be more discerning. Take a look at how these professed evangelists live their lives and, from there, you will know whom to believe. But this leads me to a deeper question: REFLECTION: How do I live my life? Am I inspiring people Live your life in a around me or am I leading them to sin? way that people will I am an evangelist just like you. All of us see Jesus in you. are called to evangelize and spread the Good Jesus, let me do my News. Will they believe us? Hermie Morelos (hrm9224@ part in evangelizing yahoo.com) others.

St. Columban, pray for us. NEVER THE SAME “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” 24 – Luke 21:19 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER One of the “Lost Boys” of Sudan, those who sought refuge from the chaos and killing and Revelation 15:1-4 Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, have been taught the Gospel in the churches 7-8, 9 founded by missionaries, told a congregation Luke 21:12-19 that he is grateful for the comforts of being resettled now in the US. But he’s extremely grateful for the faith he learned through hardship. “Americans believe in God,” he told them, “but they don’t know what God can do.” People of deep joy and wisdom have one common thread that weaves through the fabric of their lives. They went through the REFLECTION: crucible of testing, stood firm and gained life Has God seemingly blown out the in a way we could only hear and read about. candles that light Persecution has taken away everything most up your darkness? sacred and dear to their existence. They’ve Rejoice! Life will been stricken by the worst pain of all, even never be the same. the hatred of their families. Lord, it’s never easy And yet, God, who was seemingly believing in and blowing out all the remaining lamps of hope standing up for You. in their dark prison cells, did so only to throw Let me wait for You to lovingly open open the shutters, to let the light of heaven the shutters and let in. me see the light of And their lives were never the same! Jon heaven come in. Escoto ([email protected])

St. Colman of Cloyne, pray for us. create beauty! “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud 25 with great power and glory.” – Luke 21:27 THURSDAY NOVEMBER God’s inspiration can happen at unexpected and otherwise inconvenient moments. I was Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a “savoring” the bumpy road while back- Psalm 100:1b-2, riding a tricycle to a mission when I saw 3, 4, 5 Luke 21:20-28 the marvelous skies and beautiful clouds. I suddenly became oblivious of the road, was reminded of the Scripture passage above and was inspired to write a song. The song is entitled, “I Want to See.” I want to see what lies behind the heavens / I want to see what lies beyond the clouds / I want to see You Lord, in all Your power and glory / I want to see Your face, gaze on Your beauty forever / I want to feel the joy of saints and angels / I want to feel the zeal of endless praise / I want to see His joy throughout all people / I want to feel His love among all men REFLECTION: / I want to see, I want to feel, I want to be with No one ever got blind or You! got blurred vision What about you? What are the beautiful by looking at the (and inconvenient) things around you brighter side of life. inspiring you to do? Lord, let me taste Obey this urge to create beauty and and see Your to do good. (Note: this song is included in goodness every day my album, You Brought Me Joy!) Obet Cabrillas of my life. ([email protected])

St. Jucunda, pray for us. create beauty! THINK GREEN “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud He taught them a lesson. “Consider the fig tree and all with great power and glory.” – Luke 21:27 26 the other trees. ”– Luke 21:29 FRIDAY God’s inspiration can happen at unexpected NOVEMBER God has ingenious ways of conveying His and otherwise inconvenient moments. I was message to us. God uses nature to remind us Revelation 20:1-4, “savoring” the bumpy road while back- 11-21:2 of how much He loves us. He created trees riding a tricycle to a mission when I saw Psalm 84:3, 4, 5-6a, to tell us that a season is about to end and a 8a the marvelous skies and beautiful clouds. I Luke 21:29-33 new one is coming. suddenly became oblivious of the road, was The trees are indicating another important reminded of the Scripture passage above message from God today. Our forests are and was inspired to write a song. The song is disappearing. I watch National Geographic entitled, “I Want to See.” channel every now and then and it is tragic to I want to see what lies behind the heavens see that we are experiencing stronger storms / I want to see what lies beyond the clouds / I because there are fewer trees to help regulate want to see You Lord, in all Your power and the climate and remove harmful elements in glory / I want to see Your face, gaze on Your the air. beauty forever / I want to feel the joy of saints But if we heed the signs and learn our and angels / I want to feel the zeal of endless lesson, we can still ensure that the coming praise / I want to see His joy throughout all generations can receive God’s messages people / I want to feel His love among all men REFLECTION: through nature. The future generations will In my own small / I want to see, I want to feel, I want to be with way, is there still have trees to marvel and write poems You! something that about. What about you? What are the beautiful I can do to help Support environment friendly initiatives (and inconvenient) things around you take care of God’s in your own simple way and fulfill God’s call creation? inspiring you to do? to be stewards of His creation. Mae Ignacio (maemi04@ aim.com) Obey this urge to create beauty and Dear Father, to do good. (Note: this song is included in help me become a my album, You Brought Me Joy!) Obet Cabrillas better steward of ([email protected]) Your creation.

St. Conrad, pray for us. HER WORD, HER BOND These words are trustworthy and true… – Revelation 27 22:6 SATURDAY NOVEMBER She was praying for a job. The Lord granted her two options. Revelation 22:1-7 Psalm 95:1-2, 3-5, After much discernment and waiting, she 6-7ab went with the first offer, the one that replied Luke 21:34-36 sooner. She knew the other school would’ve probably given her a higher salary, but she was at peace with this decision. So she signed up with them. One week later, the other school called her, offering twice the salary she would be getting from the one she had just signed up with. She didn’t expect it to be that big a difference! She could’ve backed out. It had only been a week and the start of the school year was still far off. No damage would have been done. Except she would’ve gone back on the agreement. Besides, they needed the money. She was starting a family. Others may have REFLECTION: encouraged her to take the larger offer. How much value do But she decided to keep her word. She I put on keeping my word? knew it was more important than anything else. Now, she’s happier than ever. Blessed beyond comprehension. Lord, help me to be reliable as You are. God is faithful to His Word. When we are, too, we open ourselves to His unlimited

Blessed Michael Takeshita, blessings. George Tolentino Gabriel ([email protected]) pray for us. GREAT UNVEILING “Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which 28 day your Lord will come.” – Matthew 24:42 SUNDAY NOVEMBER Before I got spiritually renewed, I found the Mass boring. I only felt compelled to go Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, because my mother always told me I’d commit 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 mortal sin if I don’t. So I often went but I’d Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:37-44 sleep during homily. Praise God for the Charismatic Renewal and the change in my thinking towards the Mass. Recently, I re-read the book Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth by Scott Hahn. In one portion of the book, he wrote, “You can tell them that, yes, the end is near; yes, the Apocalypse is now. But the Church has always taught that the end is near — as near REFLECTION: as your parish church. And it’s something you “You can do should be running to, not from.” nothing that can To the Jews, apokalypsis describes a give greater glory part of their week-long wedding activities. to God or be more profitable for It was the lifting of the veil of a virgin bride. your soul than to So during Mass, Apocalypse (or unveiling) hear Mass both happens and Jesus and heaven are unveiled frequently and before our eyes. devoutly.” (St. Peter Julian Eymard) So not only is there no reason to be afraid of the “apocalypse,” there is every reason to be Dear Lord, make me awake during Mass. Let us remind ourselves of wakeful. Enable me this the next time we celebrate the Eucharist. to behold You. Let us wait with bated breath for the great unveiling. Joy Sosoban ([email protected]) St. James Thompson, pray for us. HEALER 29 “I will come and cure him.” – Matthew 8:7 MONDAY NOVEMBER She was 13 years old. The MRI found shattered bits and pieces of her shoulder Isaiah 4:2-6 floating around in that area of her body. Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4b, Her father, a man of faith, prayed 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9 Matthew 8:5-11 earnestly for her healing, whether it be through an operation or through some unexplainable miracle. As long as she got well. On the day of the operation, only a week after the diagnosis, the doctor walks out of the pre-op room to tell the father that he cannot operate on his daughter anymore. The father yells. He throws a tantrum. “You said you would fix my daughter’s shoulder!” “It’s fixed already,” the doctor says. “I REFLECTION: don’t know how, but it’s fixed. The fragments Look back at a aren’t there anymore. The shoulder is time when you got better from a intact.” sickness. Do you God heals. Sometimes through a simple believe it was God prayer, oftentimes through an operation or who healed you through medicine, and sometimes through a through whatever means was used? mind-boggling manner such as this. But bottom line is, He heals. Lord, come and Just like He said He would. George Tolentino make me whole with Gabriel ([email protected]) Your touch.

St. Sadwen, pray for us. SPREAD THE WORD And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is 30 written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring TUESDAY good news!” – Romans 10:14-15 NOVEMBER

Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle I am so thankful for the Kerygma Preachers. Each one of them has a unique style: Alvin Romans 10:9-18 plays a song on his guitar. Obet uses acronyms. Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 Adrian does a song and dance. Arun cracks Matthew 4:18-22 jokes. Jon talks about his family. Mike tells of his long experience in the Renewal. Rissa shares about her baby girl. Bo uses metaphors and analogies. All of them have great stories to tell and they are so selfless in sharing. And that, for me, is the key. I believe we don’t have to be a great speaker to share God’s love. We don’t necessarily need to go up on stage and face an audience of thousands. Because I’m just as blessed listening to these preachers in REFLECTION: our small sharing group talking about their When was the last ordinary experiences. time you shared It could also be a matter of just sharing about a blessing something to the next person you see, to someone? Don’t miss the next blogging about it or texting a friend. Whether opportunity. it be about an everyday incident or a life- changing event, the important thing is to Lord, let my mouth share. And by doing that, we are preaching confess Your blessings at all times. — because everything good comes from God. George Tolentino Gabriel ([email protected])

St. Zosimus, pray for us. HOW P20 GREW TO MILLIONS Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” – 1 Matthew 15:34 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER It all started with P20. In 1979, Rey Ortega was having breakfast with four friends. While Isaiah 25:6-10a Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b- he was reading the newspaper, his eyes caught 4, 5, 6 an article about 200,000 out-of-school street Matthew 15:29-37 kids in Metro Manila. The figure blew his mind. He told his four friends about it. “Look, I have an extra P20 here. We may not be able to help 200,000 street kids, but if we chip in, we can send at least one of them back to school.” So they marched to Tipas Elementary School in Taguig, Rizal. They talked to the principal and asked if they had a student who can’t go on to high school because of poverty. The principal said yes. “Her name is Rodora Lopez.” So Rey and his friends sent her to school. REFLECTION: The following year, they sent another.To What little do I have that can be used for date, they have sent almost 100 children to God’s purpose? school. Some even graduated cum laudes and made it to the top 10 of their board exams. Dear Lord, I have Today, Rey Ortega heads our scholarship ______(name ministry that sends poor children to high here any treasure, talent, time or school and college. whatever you have) If you think P20 has little value now, in my hands. Use it place it in God’s hands and He will multiply for Your purpose. it for His favorite children — the anawims. Bo Sanchez ([email protected]) St. Natalia, pray for us. HOW P20 GREW TO MILLIONS STILL STANDING Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” – “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts Matthew 15:34 on them will be like a wise man who built his house on 2 rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew THURSDAY and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had It all started with P20. In 1979, Rey Ortega DECEMBER been set solidly on rock.” – Matthew 7: 24-25 was having breakfast with four friends. While Isaiah 26:1-6 he was reading the newspaper, his eyes caught Psalm 118:1, 8-9, “I’m afraid He won’t live past one year,” an article about 200,000 out-of-school street 19-21, 25-27a Matthew 7:21, doctors said. He was their firstborn son and kids in Metro Manila. The figure blew his mind. 24-27 the first grandson as well. He was aptly named He told his four friends about it. “Look, I have Uno. At age six, they found a malignant tumor an extra P20 here. We may not be able to help in his skull. Doctor said he could go anytime 200,000 street kids, but if we chip in, we can soon, even the next day. But his family had send at least one of them back to school.” So great faith. They stood on God’s Word that He they marched to Tipas Elementary School in was the Divine Healer. Taguig, Rizal. They sought out other opinions abroad They talked to the principal and asked and found doctors who were willing to operate if they had a student who can’t go on to high on him. While they were waiting for the results, school because of poverty. The principal said Uno told his parents that God spoke to him yes. “Her name is Rodora Lopez.” So Rey and through a verse in the Bible: “Be not afraid.” his friends sent her to school. He survived. He’s now 17 years old. The following year, they sent another.To Vibrant, brilliant and gifted. date, they have sent almost 100 children to REFLECTION: What has God Growing up, he topped his class. He school. Some even graduated cum laudes and delivered me from memorized Bible verses. He spoke about his made it to the top 10 of their board exams. in the past? Do I healing to many people. Today, Rey Ortega heads our scholarship believe He’ll do it again? Their family underwent many, many more ministry that sends poor children to high trials after that. But because they kept their school and college. faith, they survived each one. God had gotten If you think P20 has little value now, Lord, help me to them through the worst so far, and they knew place it in God’s hands and He will multiply trust in Your solid promises. He would do it again — come what may. it for His favorite children — the anawims. Experiencing strong winds? Stand firm Bo Sanchez ([email protected]) St. Pontian, pray for us. on His word. George Tolentino Gabriel ([email protected]) a mother’s love Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done 3 for you according to your faith.” – Mathew 9:29 FRIDAY DECEMBER Jonathan left after burning his house to the ground. Before this, he ransacked his parents’ Isaiah 29:17-24 Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 room to steal his father’s money and his Matthew 9:27-31 mother’s jewelry. He was an only child and his parents loved him so much. But when he started to take shabu, coke and marijuana, he hurt and harmed them many times and other people, too. One day, his mother received a call from the hospital. He was found in an alley, lying on the ground, bloodied and hardly breathing. She became hysterical and rushed to the hospital. She embraced her son, asking for a sign that he was alive. She was crying while holding him, whispering in his ears, forgiving him and REFLECTION: telling him that she loved him so much. God’s love can heal And because she believed that her love all our hurts. could give him the will to live, he suddenly Lord, teach me to opened his eyes, looked at his mom and gripped believe constantly her hand tightly. Very slowly he recovered. that because of It took many months of rehabilitation and Your love, I will detoxification before he became whole again. have answers to my problems. Let my His mother’s love gave him new life. doubts disappear to Jesus made the blind see because He be replaced by hope loved them and they believed. Chelle Crisanto in Your love for me. ([email protected])

St. Eloque, pray for us. a mother’s love SOUL ENTREPRENEUR Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done . . . and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. – Matthew for you according to your faith.” – Mathew 9:29 4 10:4b SATURDAY Jonathan left after burning his house to the DECEMBER A question rings throughout the centuries: ground. Before this, he ransacked his parents’ Why did Jesus choose Judas to be one of His Isaiah 30:19-21, room to steal his father’s money and his 23-26 disciples? Did He really think Judas can be mother’s jewelry. Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, “discipled”? Why didn’t Jesus just bring him 5-6 He was an only child and his parents loved Matthew 9:35- in the “betrayal scene”? Clue to the answer: him so much. But when he started to take shabu, 10:1, 5a, 6-8 Why did He choose me? coke and marijuana, he hurt and harmed them Because Jesus is a Soul Entrepreneur, many times and other people, too. that’s why. He believes in the business of One day, his mother received a call from winning my soul while others think it’s a the hospital. He was found in an alley, lying on worthless and losing proposition. He looks the ground, bloodied and hardly breathing. She beyond the odds and sees the enormous became hysterical and rushed to the hospital. returns (that’s why He’s always ready with a She embraced her son, asking for a sign that party for one repentant sinner returning). He he was alive. She was crying while holding always takes His chances. He believes in me, him, whispering in his ears, forgiving him and that’s why He invests, even with all that He’s telling him that she loved him so much. got (yes, even His life). And because she believed that her love But He lost in Judas, didn’t He? If you could give him the will to live, he suddenly know the overwhelming power of God’s love, REFLECTION: opened his eyes, looked at his mom and gripped Do you believe that you’ll suspect that it could have gotten Judas her hand tightly. Very slowly he recovered. you are God’s most to ask for mercy before his last breath. I won’t It took many months of rehabilitation and important business? be surprised at all if there are photos of Judas’ detoxification before he became whole again. You are. welcome party on heaven’s bulletin board for His mother’s love gave him new life. Help me see my us to see when we get there. Jesus believes Jesus made the blind see because He worth in Your eyes, I will have mine, too. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail. loved them and they believed. Chelle Crisanto as You believe in me, com) ([email protected]) Lord.

St. Osmund, pray for us. FRUIT OR FRONT? “Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.” – 5 Matthew 3:8 SUNDAY DECEMBER The new attendee seemed stuck on his seat stunned after the evangelist’s powerful talk. Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, He was contemplating God’s message to him. 12-13, 17 His contemplative state was interrupted Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12 by the evangelist, who asked, “Hello, are you new here?” “Oh you bet! Thank you for the moving talk. God really spoke to me through you,” replied the neophyte. “Of course! I’ve been preaching all over the world and I’m used to hearing the same affirmations! People are always moved to tears! They get healed! Possessed people get delivered! Lives are changed because of me!”said the evangelist. Then he inquired, “What about you? Can you preach? Lead worship? Prophesy? Evangelize? Cast out evil spirits? Do miracles? Or at least pray in tongues?” The newcomer answered, “No.” Then the evangelist asked, “Then what REFLECTION: “And the fruit of do you do?” the Spirit is love…” The answer was, “I can’t do what you (Galatians 5:22) do. All I know is that I was a former drug- addict, womanizer and a wife-beater. Now Change my heart, oh God, make it ever I’m changed. Through God’s grace, I now true. Change my love God and my family.” heart, oh God. May I What about us, my friend? Are the good be like you! things in us merely a front or authentic fruit? Change! Obet Cabrillas ([email protected]) St. Nicolas Tavigli, pray for us. Burger! Burger! Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the 6 steppe. – Isaiah 35:6 MONDAY DECEMBER Having no money to buy things you want sucks. Having no money to buy what your Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 85:9ab, 10, children want is heartbreaking. Especially if 11-12, 13-14 that something is as basic as food. Luke 5:17-26 Sis. Myrna had this story about Bro. Nomer, a former member of our community, Light of Jesus-Las Piñas. He went through hard times but kept his humor and faith intact. Once, when they were at the mall, his children wanted to eat burgers. Sadly, he said no because he didn’t have enough cash. But they were hungry so he brought them to the burger outlet anyway to buy some fries. As soon as they stepped through the door, the manager greeted them. “Congratulations!” he said. “You just won a prize for being the 100th customer.” It was the fastfood restaurant’s anniversary and they were giving REFLECTION: away free meals. The children were blessed “Our capacity in with the burgers they wanted. spiritual things is I never got to know Bro. Nomer because measured by the promises of God.” he and his family had migrated to the US by the (Oswald Chambers) time I joined LOJ. By then, God had already taken them out of their financial desert and Lord, give us this day brought them where they can have McDonald’s our daily bread. for breakfast, In-N-Out for lunch and Wendy’s for dinner. Lella Santiago ([email protected]) St. Asella, pray for us. WEEP WITH THE WEEPING “‘Comfort, give comfort to my people,’ says your God.” 7 – Isaiah 40:1 TUESDAY DECEMBER I attended a wake of the daughter of a community member. I sat near the sobbing mother who Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 96:1-2, 3, couldn’t understand why her daughter had to 10ac, 11-12, 13 die before her. I couldn’t help but notice that Matthew 18:12-14 most of the people were trying to comfort her with words like, “God has a reason… She is happy in heaven… Don’t cry anymore…” It got me thinking: when I’m broken, wounded and sad, how does God deal with me? The answer? He embraces me. He loves me. He comforts me. At the moment when that mother was wallowing in pain, I’m not sure if any of those “words of comfort” brought comfort. I wonder REFLECTION: if she would really choose to rejoice at that When we’re weeping, what do moment. Can you really tell someone not to feel we really want to bad anymore? Or can we only wait for them to hear from someone be healed? trying to comfort I believe God weeps with us. When we’re us? Shouldn’t we do the same to others? sprawled on the floor, sobbing in sorrow, He gets down on His knees and puts His arms Lord, teach me to be around us. He doesn’t tell us to stop hurting one with others in or stop feeling bad. That will come in time. their suffering just as You are one with us Instead, He lets us know He’s there and that in ours. He understands our pain. And He stays with us… until we are St. Maria Giuseppe Rossello, healed. George Tolentino Gabriel ([email protected]) pray for us. THE BEGINNING OF GREAT FAITH 8 “Nothing will be impossible for God.” – Luke 1:37 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER I really, really, really wanted her to be my Solemnity of Immaculate Conception prom date. of the Blessed Virgin Mary She was a member of our community. I Genesis 3:9-15, 20 asked her during one prayer meeting and she Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 told me she had to get permission from her Ephesians 1:3-6, dad. He was strict — really strict. 11-12 While waiting for the next prayer meeting Luke 1:26-38 the following week, I prayed like anything. I came across the exact same verse above, “Nothing is impossible with God.” I highlighted it… and put my trust in Him. (Yes, for a 15-year-old, this was a very big deal.) The following week, she said her father said yes. And I was a happy man. Well, a happy boy. I know this may seem like a shallow story but it was the start of how I learned to truly REFLECTION: trust God with my “impossible” situations. Do I put limits on A famous director once told me, “When what God can do you pray, ask God for the impossible — for me? because that’s the least He’ll do for you. The possible things, He leaves up to us.” George Lord, help me to believe in You totally. Tolentino Gabriel ([email protected])

St. Romaric, pray for us. GREAT ADVENTURE For I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand; It is I who say to you, “Fear not, I will help you.” – Isaiah 9 41:13 THURSDAY DECEMBER I once joined a 12-hour Amazing Race-type Isaiah 41:13-20 Psalm 145:1, 9, 10- competition where we circled Bohol. At one 11, 12-13ab point, we were required to go up a high bridge Matthew 11:11-15 in Loboc and go through a zip line to the other side. A zip line is a pulley suspended on a cable mounted on an incline. The most scary part was that after they strapped me to the pulley, I had to let go. Looking at the height I could fall, I felt so weak I could hardly speak. My eyes pleaded for time while I weakly said, “Wait…” Finally, I gained enough courage to say yes and I let go. Gravity pulled me down and REFLECTION: Let’s follow our I got zipped down wonderfully to the other Leader / into the side. I felt so exhilarated I wanted to do it great unknown / again. This is the life like There are fearful and painful “things” in no other / This is the great adventure. life. Things that make us lose our appetite and (Steven Curtis make us sob deep into the night. Things that Chapman) make us curl up like a baby in pain, or keep us on our knees time and again. Lord, hold my hand and don’t ever let It is a great relief to hear God’s Word to me forget that You us today, “Fear not, I will help you.” We might are always with me. even be able to say afterwards, “It wasn’t as Until the end of time. bad as I thought, Lord. With you, life is a great

adventure.” Joy Sosoban ([email protected]) St. Balda, pray for us. PEOPLE OF THE “WOW” “We played a flute for you but you did not dance, we 10 sang a dirge but you did not mourn.” – Matthew 11:17 FRIDAY DECEMBER I was the daredevil of my college fraternity. My brods would merely say, “Do this. Do Isaiah 48:17-19 Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6 that. Hit this. Hit that,” and I’d do it out Matthew 11:16-19 of blind fanaticism. In a sick sense I was enjoying their approval as they said, “Berto is the frat fanatic.” I was a pleaser! An approval addict! And I felt empty and sick within. Like me, many dance to the world’s music. Yet emptiness and sadness pervade. Ralph Waldo Emerson was right in saying, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Change happened when I started to wow God instead. How? (Acronym W-O-W): REFLECTION: “Do not conform Worship. St. John endured the desert, to the standards fasted, prayed, lived a righteous life and of this world but proclaimed Jesus’ coming as His acts of be transformed by worship despite the world’s accusation that the renewal of your mind. Then you will he was possessed. be able to discern Openness. Jesus fellowshipped with and the will of God – His loved people despite the world view that He good, pleasing was a glutton and a friend of sinners. and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2) Wisdom. Living from our godly values to testify that “wisdom is proved right by her Lord, at the end of actions.” the day, Your “wow” Friends, wow the Audience of One. is what I seek. Applause from the Pierced Hands still matters the most. Obet Cabrillas ([email protected]) Blessed Julia Merida, pray for us. Together Again “To turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons...” 11 – Sirach 48:10 SATURDAY DECEMBER It has only been six months but it seems so much longer. Our 29-year-old son Peevee is Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 now based in New York to pursue his graduate Psalm 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19 studies. The pain of separation continues to Matthew 17:9a, hit me. I often feel homesick for him, usually 10-13 with a strong urge to hug him. The emptiness somewhat disappears whenever he calls, which is usually early morning, Manila time. My heart leaps as soon as the phone rings. I literally jump out of bed, suddenly feeling wide awake. Nothing he says could ever upset me. I would be in high spirits when I know he’s happy and I would be the exact opposite when he’s sad. Such is a parent’s enduring bond with REFLECTION: Today, let’s be a child. Can you imagine the depth of our reconciled with our Heavenly Father’s love for us? How miserable Father in heaven He must be whenever sin keeps us apart. And who’s longing for what a big celebration there must be in heaven our return back to Him. when we’re back in His loving arms through the sacrament of reconciliation. Lord, don’t let me How wonderful it is to be always one stray away from with our Heavenly Father and to never be You again. Give Mari Sison-Garcia (mari_sison_garcia@ me the grace to separated from Him. obey Your laws and yahoo.com) commandments.

Pope Saint Damsus I, pray for us. writing for jesus “The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant 12 flowers, and rejoice with joyful song.” – Isaiah 35:1-2 SUNDAY DECEMBER Blogs are the “in” thing now. My daughter Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, has been telling me to write my blog and, 9-10 why not, I tell myself. But everytime I sit James 5:7-10 down before my laptop and decide to write, Matthew 11:2-11 nothing comes. And then I remember that I have to write for Didache. My deadline has come and gone and I am late again. But one thing is very glaring. When I begin to write for Didache, the words seem to flow and overtake, my REFLECTION: thoughts come rushing, and just like a flower, “Indeed, our it blooms, showing happiness and shouting purpose in writing with joy. Because, in Didache, I speak of the you this is that love of God, the joy of being in love with our joy may be complete.” Him and the peace that comes when one has (1 John 1:4) loved, especially those who need it. Who needs blogs? I prefer to write that I know, Lord, that for others may see Jesus in me. Chelle Crisanto (ellehcmaria@ as long as I do right, yahoo.com) and do things for Your greater glory, then nothing can stop me. As You said, “everything will work out for good to those who love Him”. Amen, Lord.

St. Corentin, pray for us. QBQ “Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or 13 of human origin?” – Matthew 21:25a MONDAY DECEMBER They had witnessed many of His miracles, but they had either minimized them or attributed Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a them to Satan. What makes us think that this Psalm 25:4-5ab, 6, time they would accept a point-blank-Jesus- 7bc, 8-9 Matthew 21:23-27 answer? So He asked them a question. His questions tell us more than answers ever would. His questions reveal the intentions of the heart and confront the real issues well masked by legalism and false justifications. His question inevitably reveals the QBQ (Question Behind the Question) of the chief priests and elders. Their QBQ was, “How can REFLECTION: we justify ourselves, further our own truth, In which specific and structure a lie to pin You down?” Jesus area of your life didn’t oblige and refused any of His words do you feel God is asking you a to be unjustly used. question to reveal Friend, have you been using God’s Word your QBQ? What is to justify your self-glorifying intentions, to He asking? mask your sinful pride in your relationships, Bring on Your to coerce obedience from helpless victims questions to me, at work or in Christian community or to Lord, when I fall manipulate the feelings of your loved ones. into the trap of The “silence of Jesus” on your question tells manipulating Your Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail. Word for my selfish you something today. gains. com)

Sts. Einhildis & Roswinda, pray for us. Making a U-turn “’He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed 14 his mind and went.” – Matthew 21:29 TUESDAY DECEMBER What’s the hardest thing about being a Christian? Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 For me it’s acting like one. It’s holding Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, back angry words when somebody has made 17-18, 19, 23 Matthew 21:28-32 me so mad. It’s keeping myself from throwing a tantrum when I feel like exploding. Sometimes, I forget I’m a Christian. I sulk, I stop talking to the person who made me angry, I dig my heels in and don’t do what I know this minion of him who must not be named wants me to do. Then God starts poking me. He shows me His Word from the Bible. At first, I argue and justify. Again, He nudges me with Didache REFLECTION: “We are not here reflections. Or, He tells the priest to say to prove God something that’s obviously directed at me. answers prayer; Then I say, exasperated, “OK, Lord, what’s we are here to be the loving, Christian thing to do?” (Picture living monuments of God’s grace.” me with arms crossed and eyebrows knit.) (Oswald Chambers) And then I soften up and go do whatever it is that I had to do in the first place — forgive Lord, grant me the and love. Not that I let the offense slide but I grace to respond as a sandwich my point in between loving words. Christian, especially in the most difficult Lella Santiago ([email protected]) of times.

Sts. Justus & Abundius, pray for us. GOD’S SHOW MUST GO ON! Jesus replied, “Go and tell John what you have seen and 15 heard...” – Luke 7:22 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER John the Baptist boldly declared about Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God.” Now, imprisoned Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25 and with his life threatened, he sent his disciples Psalm 85:9ab, 10, to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who was to 11-12, 13-14 Luke 7:18b-23 come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus, didn’t reply, “John! You seem to doubt your own prophecy. I’m the One!” Jesus, in His wisdom, pointed to the evidence of God’s work through Him: “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor” (Luke 7:22). I reflected on this Gospel and realized REFLECTION: “God loves you the two important things: way you are; but He • Humanity. Like John, when I’m on does not want you fire in the Holy Spirit, I proclaim passionately to stay the way you who Jesus is, while in moments of spiritual are; He wants you to be like Jesus!” dryness would doubt God’s work in me. (Max Lucado) • God’s grace. God will continue His miracles with or without me. Therefore, I Lord, I embrace the must be where God’s action is! I must always sinner and the saint in me. Thank You for say “yes” to Jesus’ call. redeeming the first I therefore conclude: Embrace your and anointing the humanity and work with God’s grace. There second. is no stopping Him. God’s show must go on! Obet Cabrillas ([email protected]) St. Nino, pray for us. ONLY FOR A MOMENT “At night fall, weeping enters in, but with the dawn, 16 rejoicing.” – Psalm 30:6b THURSDAY DECEMBER Simultaneously, the three of us were sprawled on the floor, laughing our guts out. Isaiah 56:1-3, 6-8 (or Isaiah 54:1-10) My two sisters and I had witnessed Psalm 67:2-3, 5, something really funny (I honestly can’t 7-8 (or Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12a, 13b) remember what) and we started a laugh that John 5:33-36 lasted for about 10 minutes. You know that (or Luke 7:24-30 ) feeling when you just can’t stop laughing? That’s what we had. On overload. I was about eight years old. My grandmother barged in the room because we were so noisy. She exclaimed something I’ll never forget: “You keep laughing so hard now, later on you’ll be crying!” True enough, later that day we did something mischievous, got a spanking and cried our eyes out. REFLECTION: But there is as much truth in the positive: Are you weeping over something we may be crying now, but later on we will now? Laughter is be laughing. In the cycle of life, there will just around the always be the passion, the death, but always a corner. resurrection. George Tolentino Gabriel ([email protected])

Lord, You are my joy and my strength.

Blessed Raynald de Bar, pray for us. THERE IS STILL HOPE …Thus the total number of generation... exile to the 17 Messiah. – Matthew 1:17 FRIDAY DECEMBER I was sitting beside a lake when I saw a man walk towards the lakeside. As he reached Genesis 49:2, 8-10 Psalm 72:1-2, 3- the water, he took some fish from a plastic 4ab, 7-8, 17 bag and removed their scales with a knife. Matthew 1:1-17 He cleaned them in the water, cut their flesh and put them back in the bag. The dead fish, after being cooked, would nourish and satisfy him. Like dead fish, the genealogy of Jesus was filled with dead spirits because of their sins. Most of them were disobedient human beings who offended God. But in spite of this, Jesus was born from their race. The hope for salvation came from them. I am a sinner. I, too, die spiritually because of my sins. But with my repentant heart and God’s forgiving love, He cleanses me and gives me new hope and salvation. He REFLECTION: renews my spirit and nourishes me. In spite of my In my spiritual death, He teaches me life frailties, Jesus gives lessons so that I may become wiser and walk me hope. closer to Him. Like a dead fish, there is still Dearest hope for me. In spite of my sinful past, I can God, here I am, still give satisfaction and be used to nourish use me to bring others as long as I put my hope in Jesus. Ma. Your hope to others. Luisa dela Cruz ([email protected])

St. John of Martha, pray for us. THERE IS STILL HOPE E.T. …Thus the total number of generation... exile to the The virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they Messiah. – Matthew 1:17 shall name him Immanuel, which means, “God with 18 us.” – Matthew 1:23 SATURDAY I was sitting beside a lake when I saw a man DECEMBER walk towards the lakeside. As he reached Robert Jastrow, director of the Mount Jeremiah 23:5-8 the water, he took some fish from a plastic Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, Wilson Institute, and his fellow scientists bag and removed their scales with a knife. 18-19 devoted their lives to making contact with Matthew 1:18-25 He cleaned them in the water, cut their flesh extraterrestrial beings that are “superior and put them back in the bag. The dead fish, to us... not only technically, but perhaps after being cooked, would nourish and satisfy spiritually and morally.” After spending him. millions of dollars in a 40-year project, the Like dead fish, the genealogy of Jesus search still continues for “an alien civilization was filled with dead spirits because of their billions of years old, who will be able to tell sins. Most of them were disobedient human us why we are here and how to overcome beings who offended God. But in spite of this, our destructive tendencies.” This fear that Jesus was born from their race. The hope for humanity might destroy itself, as well as the salvation came from them. innate desire for meaning in life, could have I am a sinner. I, too, die spiritually REFLECTION: been the soul for the many popular books and because of my sins. But with my repentant Do you know movies about ETs. heart and God’s forgiving love, He cleanses anyone searching In his book Show Me God, Fred Heeren for meaning and says of this interest in alien beings: “People me and gives me new hope and salvation. He answers for their renews my spirit and nourishes me. life? Bring them to want a higher companion, but not too high.... In my spiritual death, He teaches me life the Immanuel. People are looking for an intermediate... but lessons so that I may become wiser and walk someone who can still identify with us as a closer to Him. Like a dead fish, there is still Immanuel, come to fellow creature.” Now I know why God chose my life this season the name Immanuel. hope for me. In spite of my sinful past, I can in a way I have still give satisfaction and be used to nourish never known and Our search in the wrong places for others as long as I put my hope in Jesus. Ma. experienced You meaning and answer ends in His name. I hope Luisa dela Cruz ([email protected]) before. we won’t miss it this time. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@ gmail.com) St. Moses, pray for us. BLESSED DISTRACTION When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph but before they lived together, she was found with child 19 through the Holy Spirit. – Matthew 1:18 SUNDAY DECEMBER Are you running at 120 kilometers per hour in Isaiah 7:10-14 a mad dash to finish your Christmas shopping, Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 (7c, 10b) gather ingredients for your family’s Noche Romans 1:1-7 Buena meal, and still have time to attend all Matthew 1:18-24 the parties you’re invited to? Let’s just say, if you’re in this kind of situation, part of you is probably thinking, “Out of my way, out of my way! I’m in a hurry!” In our Gospel today, someone was also looking forward to a busy and exciting season — marriage! That was Mary. But what’s this news that she hears? An out-of-wedlock REFLECTION: pregnancy by some other man apart from “It is Christmas in the heart that puts Joseph? I can just imagine wringing my hands Christmas in the air.“ and losing sleep if I were in her shoes. (W.T. Ellis) Mary’s situation reminds us today that not all delays, distractions and unexpected Dear Jesus, You came at an unexpected events are bad. In fact, they might even be moment in Mary’s moments crafted by God for our eternal glory. life. Like her, I want A blessed distraction, so to speak. to be open to Your So when the going gets tough and you coming in the midst of all that’s going want to grumble or start a fight, just laugh at all on in my life. You’re the delays and follow Mary’s response. After welcome, dear Lord! all, you never know what great surprise awaits you along the way. Joy Sosoban ([email protected]) St. Bernard Valeara, pray for us. THE GIFT OF SELF … the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and 20 shall name him Immanuel. – Isaiah 7:14 MONDAY DECEMBER Once there was a wise king who cared for his people so much that he wanted to know how Isaiah 7:10-14 Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, they lived. He dressed himself in rags and, 5-6 night after night, sat with a poor man who Luke 1:26-38 lived alone under a bridge. There they’d share dinner that they scavenged from a garbage dump nearby. Soon, the poor man looked forward to the evenings because of the stranger’s company. One night, the king decided to finally reveal his true identity. In full regalia, he went with the royal entourage to visit the poor man. “What do you want to ask of me?” inquired the benevolent ruler. He expected the man to ask for wealth or a decent home or a place of privilege in the king’s court. Instead, the REFLECTION: poor man replied, “You’ve showered others How can we give with your wealth, but to me, you’ve given the gift of ourselves yourself!” to others this This is the story of our lives. Jesus is Christmas? Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us.” Rulers Lord, thank You for of this world can give us wealth but only He the greatest gift I gave us His very self. He left His throne in could ever receive — heaven and took on flesh to be one of us. Yourself! There’s no greater gift than that. Rissa Singson- Kawpeng ([email protected]) St. Julius, pray for us. BLESSED ARE YOU WHO BELIEVE 21 “Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the TUESDAY fruit of your womb”. – Luke 1:42 DECEMBER

Song of Songs I feel the excitement in the air. Songs of the 2:8-14 (or Zephaniah season warm my heart. Lanterns light the 3:14-18a) dark mornings as I attend the Misa de Gallo. Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21 My favorite puto bungbong and bibingka Luke 1:39-45 tempt my palate. It’s the season to be jolly, to remember the blessed Mama Mary — whose faith-filled yes allowed the reason for the season to be born. She accepted the angel’s message and became the mother of God. Abraham’s blind faith likewise brought blessings. His yes as Abram from Mesopotamia, present-day Iraq, to the REFLECTION: promised land in Canaan, now Israel, made “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, him the Father of all nations. He believed nor has it so much God’s promise to have descendants in his as dawned on old age and with a wife beyond child-bearing man what God has age. prepared for those who love him.” I was blessed to visit his birthplace in Ur, (1 Corinthians 2:9) 100 kilometers from Basrah, the south of Iraq, when I was assigned as Charge d’ affaires, Papa God, help me a.i. in the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad always to believe and, consequently, from 2001 to 2003. I believed I would do so, be truly rich and despite the danger, before I actually went in blessed. 2002. It’s one of the many blessings I’ve received Blessed Andrew Dung Lac, from believing. Grace Princesa ([email protected]) pray for us. MIRACLE “I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted my 22 request.” - 1 Samuel 1:27 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER They couldn’t have kids. They had been trying for six years. Two doctors told them 1 Samuel 1:24-28 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, they were both incapable. 6-7, 8abcd Exhausted from work-ups and from Luke 1:46-56 disappointments, they decided one day to stop trying to solve it medically and just trust in the Lord. If He wanted them to have children, they would have. She remembered a verse from her youth. She used to share it at family encounter weekends as they witnessed to God’s healing love in her family. It said, “If you honor your father and mother, one day your own children will make you happy.” She believed this was a promise. A prophecy. Not just a possibility. Every day for the past month, my dad picks up my first niece, Mireya — our little REFLECTION: miracle — and she spends the day at our house Do I trust in God’s while her parents, my sister and brother-in- Word? law, go to work. They prayed for a child, and the Lord Even if I haven’t received them yet, granted their request. George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@ Lord, I already thank gmail.com) You for the answers to my prayers.

St. Hunger, pray for us. God’s hand 23 For the hand of the Lord was with him. – Luke 1:66 THURSDAY DECEMBER Observe the people around you. 1. Bo Sanchez - he preaches the Word Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 of God at The Feast thrice every Sunday, Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, established Anawim Lay Missions for the 10, 14 Luke 1:57-66 abandoned elderly, set up the LOJ Counseling Center, founded the Light of Jesus Family, and many other organizations. He lives a simple life, loves his wife and is a great father. We can say that the hand of the Lord is with him. 2. Pope Benedict - he inspires and leads billions of people around the globe. We say that the hand of the Lord is with him. 3. Fr. Fernando Suarez - he heals the sick and brings hope to the poor. We say that the hand of the Lord is with him. 4. Milagros R. Morelos - my mother, a widow and a mother of eight, a grandmother of 37, great-grandmother of 17 grandchildren, prays daily for each member of her family, REFLECTION: raised her family well according to Christian How can you inspire and bless your values. I say, the hand of the Lord is with world? her. 5. Put your own name here and list the Jesus, let Your hand things that you do for your family, friends, be upon everything community, company, etc — and the Lord will I do today and always. say, “My hand is upon you.” Wherever and whatever we do, we can ask God’s hand to be upon us so that we can bless St. Dagobert II, pray for us. the world. Hermie Morelos ([email protected]) with “DOWN” BUT DEFINITELY UP 24 “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most FRIDAY High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare his DECEMBER way.” – Luke 1:76

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b- 12, 14a, 16 Tired and wanting to sleep, a man who was Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, assigned a middle seat on an airplane was 27, 29 Luke 1:67-79 irritated when the young girl next to him asked, “Mister, do you brush your teeth?” “Yes,” he replied. “That’s good. People who don’t, lose their teeth.” It was then he realized the girl had Down syndrome. A little later she asked, “Mister, do you smoke?” “No,” he answered. “That’s good. People who do, die.” After a long silence, she turned to him again, “Mister, do you love Jesus?” “Yes, I do,” he responded. “That’s good,” she added. “People who do, go to heaven.” Though deeply touched, he settled back, hoping REFLECTION: there would be no more questions. Just then God wants to use the girl said, “Mister, ask the man next to you to prepare the you if he brushes his teeth.” Well, you can way for Him. Are you willing? guess what followed. When she came to the question about Jesus, the second man became Lord, this Christmas, thoughtful. “I’m afraid I don’t understand,” open my heart to he said. For the next hour the two men talked be sensitive to Your ways of using me to about eternal issues. prepare Your way Sometimes opportunities for “preparing into somebody’s life. the way for Him” may come in unusual ways. If you’re willing, get ready for a surprise. Jon St. Tarsilla, pray for us. Escoto ([email protected]) MERELY SPOTLIGHTS “He was not the light; but came to testify to the Light.” 25 – John 1:8 SATURDAY DECEMBER “You don’t understand, Bro. Obet, I have to

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord go to that mission because people are blessed because of me!” Ouch! It was disappointing to hear this Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, from a young preacher that I mentor. I had 5-6 (3c) nothing against his great preaching abilities but Hebrews 1:1-6 spiritual pride was creeping in. I had to confront John 1:1-18 him to pray more deeply. Missions could wait but God’s work on his character couldn’t. What gave me the double “ouch” was that I saw myself in him. Pride is always there lurking to devour me. For me, preaching is the most urgent of all missions but it’s also REFLECTION: with the most temptations. They’re the triple “In the same way, G: glory, gold and girls (if the preacher is a let your light shine lady, then guys). before men, that Many servants of God start humble and they may see your good deeds end up superstars. The solution? St. John the and glorify your Baptist-proofing: to be merely spotlights and Heavenly Father.” show Jesus to all without us being noticed. (Matthew 5:16) The true missionary is not the one who crosses the seas but, the one who sees the Make me a servant humble Cross. and meek; Lord, let Merry Christmas, everyone! Don’t forget me lift up those who to be spotlights of Jesus in the manger. It’s are weak… His birthday today, not yours. Happy birthday, Lord! We love you! Obet Cabrillas ([email protected]) St. Eugenia, pray for us. TEACHER MAE …as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one 26 another . – Colossians 3:16 SUNDAY DECEMBER Maybe wisdom does come with age... or

Feast of the Holy Family let me rephrase that, wisdom comes as we mature. This is true, for me, at least. Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Being back in school after so many Psalm 128:1-2, 3, years and with a definite purpose, I realized 4-5 Colossians 3:12-21 that my perception of learning has changed. Matthew 2:13-15, I felt there should be more explanation on 19-23 how important a concept would be when I graduate. I found it hard to simply memorize the topics my (younger) teachers give during classes. I can’t help but think that maybe the first time I got into college, I was not inquisitive. Back then I would take on ideas without any questions. I was only a student then, now I am also a wife, mother and a mentor. Whether I like it or not, there are people who look at me as an example. REFLECTION: It will still be a few years before I become Do people around qualified to teach kids with special needs but me learn from the even so, I pray that I can become a teacher to way I live my life? others by being the best wife to my husband Mae Ignacio (maemi04@ Father, help me to and best mother to my kids. aim.com) become a teacher to others by being a good example.

St. Neol Chabanel, pray for us. PANIC OR BELIEVE? 27 He saw and believed. – John 20:8 MONDAY How time flies. That’s a cliché, I know, but it’s DECEMBER true. For many of us, we wake up one day and we feel startled to realize it’s already a “ber” Feast of St. John, Apostle month. Then today comes and it’s already the last Sunday of 2010. December seems to have 1 John 1:1-4 come and gone with work, shopping, parties Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, and reunions. Now we’re faced with a new 11-12 st John 20:1a, 2-8 year. Imagine, one decade of the 21 century is almost over. As a new year comes, we can see it as an unknown that’s scary because we will have to face it alone. After all, there are all sorts of things to be scared of: the unstable economy, health issues, chaotic politics, etc. That’s one way of looking at it. Or we can look at the new year as a new gift and a blessing from the Lord that He hands over to us. As He does so, He assures us that He knows what will come REFLECTION: “I do believe; help and has already won over the challenges of my unbelief!” the future, and that He will be with us every (Mark 9:24) single day of 2011. Today’s Gospel reminds us of what Strengthen my weak knees, O Lord, by separates a believer from a non-believer. helping me realize The non-believer sees and he panics. We see that my fears are — and we believe. caused by my limited What do you choose? Joy Sosoban (jsosoban@gmail. mind — and that com) You are unlimited!

St. Fabiola, pray for us. HIS FRIEND? If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in 28 truth. – 1 John 1:6 TUESDAY DECEMBER The phone rang and the woman on the other Feast of the Holy Innocents end said hello. I answered back thinking she was someone I knew. After a few minutes 1 John 1:5-2:2 Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, of conversation where I naively dropped 7b-8 some facts, she explained why she was in the Matthew 2:13-18 Philippines and asked to be excused that her voice was different because she had some problems with her throat. She then asked me if I could give her a cell phone load as she couldn’t go out of the house and her maid was out. I didn’t understand why it was difficult because I knew my friend’s house was near everything. I wasn’t sure where to buy load myself so I told her I’d just pass on some to her. After I did, we planned to meet each other REFLECTION: the next day. I waited for her at our meeting “A friend loves at place. She never showed up. It was only later all times, and a brother is born for that I realized I had been duped by a stranger adversity.” who claimed to be my friend. (Proverbs 17:17) I was pretty naïve, I agree. But it makes me realize now that we humans have played Dear Lord, protect my so-called “friend” in our relationship with me from my own tendency to betray God. We say we are His friends but many You. Enable me to be times, we actually act like His enemies by faithful. betraying Him through our actions. So are you really His true friend? Think St. Troadius, pray for us. about it. Joy Sosoban ([email protected]) A PRESENT FOR GOD …They took him up to Jerusalem to present the child 29 Jesus to the Lord. – Luke 2:22 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER My wife, Thelma, and I believe that parenting’s goal is to give up our children in the end after 1 John 2:3-11 Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b- having prepared them properly for life. And 3, 5b-6 we consider our mission as done when we Luke 2:22-35 accompany them to the altar and give them away to their future spouse on their wedding day. Come to think of it, maybe we can also look at this giving away of a child in marriage as the parents’ presentation of their child to the Lord and saying: “Here he/she is now, dear God. We have done our part to prepare him/her for life. Our mission is done. Take him/her with you as he/she leads a new life REFLECTION: with his/her spouse.” How are we We will soon give up another child in preparing our marriage. This lesson on giving her up as a children for life? Is it for our own selfish present to God on her wedding day makes ends or for God? the letting go lighter and easier for us. Danny G. Mendiola ([email protected]) Lord God, help us parents to realize that our goal in raising our children is to give them back to You as a present.

St. Trophimus of Arles, pray for us. A PRESENT FOR GOD Unimpressed …They took him up to Jerusalem to present the child For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for Jesus to the Lord. – Luke 2:22 the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father 30 but is from the world. Yet the world and its enticement THURSDAY are passing away. But whoever does the will of God My wife, Thelma, and I believe that parenting’s DECEMBER remains forever. – 1 John 2:16-17 goal is to give up our children in the end after 1 John 2:12-17 having prepared them properly for life. And Psalm 96:7-8a, 8b-9, I prided myself in being able to talk my way we consider our mission as done when we 10 Luke 2:36-40 out of any situation. When I was in high accompany them to the altar and give them school, I joined an extemporaneous speaking away to their future spouse on their wedding contest where, to my dismay, I got a question day. to which I didn’t know the answer. I failed Come to think of it, maybe we can also to read that part of the material where the look at this giving away of a child in marriage answer was found. as the parents’ presentation of their child to But I was not one to concede easily. So I the Lord and saying: “Here he/she is now, spoke and consumed the time that was given dear God. We have done our part to prepare to me. I talked about everything I knew except him/her for life. Our mission is done. Take the correct answer. Of course, I didn’t win but him/her with you as he/she leads a new life at least I wasn’t shamefaced. with his/her spouse.” How different it was the first time I ever We will soon give up another child in attended a Bible study. During the small marriage. This lesson on giving her up as a REFLECTION: “Success without group sharing after the teaching, for the first present to God on her wedding day makes God only makes time in my life, I couldn’t say anything about the letting go lighter and easier for us. Danny G. temporary friends the topic. It was then that I realized that all my Mendiola ([email protected]) and admirers.” (Spiros Zodhiates) intelligence fell face flat before the wisdom of God. Even though I had studied all my life Lord, let me not in a Catholic school, I didn’t know the Bible, run after worthless much less Jesus Christ. things that do not Our earthly achievements, position and lead me closer to You. wealth do not impress God. What excites Him is a heart that seeks after Him and His ways.

St. Sabinus, pray for us. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng ([email protected]) OWE IT TO JESUS All things came to be through him, and without him 31 nothing came to be – John 1:3 FRIDAY DECEMBER “All that I am, all that has come to me in life, I owe to you… I could not even be what I am, if 1 John 2:18-21 Psalm 96:1-2, 11- I did not take such serene happiness from my 12, 13 union with you.” If you wonder who wrote John 1:1-18 this, it was written by US President Woodrow Wilson to his wife, Ellen. Makes you sigh with envy, huh? But you know, our relationship with our Heavenly Father is also a love story. It’s more tender, more moving than any human love story. If we only see it that way. God, in His infinite wisdom, coursed everything REFLECTION: through Jesus. In this ongoing love story, do “Preach as never we acknowledge Jesus’ special role in our sure to preach lives? Do we thank Him for every good gift again, and as dying that comes to us? The talents that we have? man to dying men.” (Richard Baxter) The blessings of everyday life? Or do we strive on our own? Or acknowledge as our Have I forgotten own all our accomplishments? to acknowledge It is admirable that such an accomplished You, Lord, as the man as Woodrow Wilson would acknowledge source of all that is good in my life? his union with his wife as the source of his Have I only exalted success. I hope he also thanked the Lord. myself? Forgive me, Let us be grateful to our Lord for all that Lord. Help me to do He has given us, and let us not be shy to tell otherwise. others about it. Joy Sosoban ([email protected])

St. Melania, pray for us. DIDACHE WRITERS PROFILE Bo Sanchez Jon Escoto Catholic Lay Preacher Corporate Training and Author Consultant bosanchez@ [email protected] kerygmafamily.com

Rissa Singson-Kawpeng Lallaine Gogna Writer and Editor Dentist [email protected] [email protected]

Alvin Barcelona George Gabriel Preacher, School Owner Writer/Theater Performer [email protected] george.svp@gmail. com

Obet Cabrillas Hermie Morelos Director Ympact & Radical Preident, SVRTV, VP-GM, Training Course Equipment Engineers Inc. [email protected] [email protected]

Arun Gogna Chelle Crisanto Retreats and Training SVRTV Administrator Specialist, Christian and Coordinator for External Affairs Author & Artist [email protected] [email protected] DIDACHE WRITERS PROFILE Nova Arias Mari Sison-Garcia Voice Talent Professor and Sales Director [email protected] mari_sison_garcia@yahoo. com

Joy Sosoban Chay Santiago Writer/Editor Magazine Editor and [email protected] College Lecturer [email protected] Tess Atienza Ariel Driz Managing Editor/Writer Engineering Manager [email protected] [email protected]

Judith Concepcion Alvin Fabella Freelance Writer and IT Company Manager Sales Counselor [email protected] [email protected]

Jane Gonzales Rolly España Freelance writer Businessman [email protected] [email protected]

Dina Pecaña Donna España Freelance Writer Real Estate Broker [email protected] [email protected] DIDACHE WRITERS PROFILE Jun Asis Ronna Ledesma eLearning Professional Dentist [email protected] [email protected]

Tina Matanguihan Jomar Hilario Web Designer Internet Marketer tina.matanguihan@gmail. [email protected] com

Cecilia Lim Annette Flores IT Projects Coordinator Industrial Engineer [email protected] annette_abad_flores@yahoo. com

Beth Corral Dr. Henry L. Yu Subscription Officer Physician [email protected] [email protected]

Marie Franco Sol Saura Process Excellence Manager LOJ Member [email protected] [email protected]

Cristy Galang Carlo F. Lorenzo Psychologist/ Counselor TV Reporter [email protected] [email protected] DIDACHE WRITERS PROFILE Jess Santos Ma. Luisa dela Cruz Businessman Pasig Feast Intercessory Ministry [email protected] Servant Head [email protected]

Eugune A. Cailao Danilo G. Mendiola Session singer/ vocal coach Pastoral Counselor, Our Lady of [email protected] Annunciation Parish, Q.C. [email protected] Mirella Santiago Writer/Editor of Proudly Filipina.com Grace Princesa [email protected] Executive Director, Office of the United Nations and other International Organizations of Bay Cabrera Dept. of Foreign Affairs/Phil. Finance Executive Ambassador to the United [email protected] Arab Emirates [email protected]

Mary Mae M. Ignacio Danny Tariman Oracle Consultant/Mom Information Technology Manager [email protected] [email protected]