These Little Wonders

I just came from a family reunion/vacation in Iloilo. And when I reported to work today, I was told that I'm going to Bangkok for mission. WOW! I remember one of the passengers on the bus which we rode from Iloilo to Manila. He was a little boy who was so amazed at the beauty of Aklan and every time the bus makes a turn on a sharp curve or passes by a picturesque view, he would excitedly exclaim, "WOW!" (with different intonations, such a cutie :D) Well, there's really a lot of reasons to shout WOW and one of my greatest wows is knowing that someone loves me so dearly that He's more than willing to offer His life just to save me. Amazed at Your great love, Lord! Wow! :) Dear Aiza,   You’re my greatest wow. Really, God P.S. Masterpiece of creation, Aiza. That’s you.

Today's Gospel is taken from John 10:11-18.  "I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father." Jesus, The Good Shepherd As discussed in the homily, there are three

In 2009, I joined the Mission Volunteers Discernment Program of Singles for Christ and part of that program is a consultation with one of the former leaders of CFC, Tito Ernie Maipid. Of all the things we've talked about, there was one question I clearly remember. " There are two letter S in the word MISSION and they are positioned side by side with each other. What do you think do those letters stand for? " Without having second thoughts, I answered serve and surrender . I told Tito Ernie that I think a missionary's life is about those two things: service and surrender. Mission will never be complete without service, and as you serve, there will be hindrances, challenges, and all other obstacles that you just can't overcome by yourself. There will be plans that won't push through, dreams that won't become a reality, wishes that will only be wishes, and yes, there will be frustrations and disappointments. And during those times, all you can reall

This year's Maundy Thursday was a little different because I spent it with my upper household. :) We did Visita Iglesia and heard mass at San Sebastian. During the homily, the priest talked about the very first Eucharistic celebration (during the Last Supper). He said that we don't just "remember" but we "re-member." That is, we make ourselves members of the Body of Christ once again. We go back to Him, sinful and sorrowful as we humbly ask for His mercy and forgiveness. On a personal note, I believe that the "re-membering" part should be done everyday. It's not easy, but there's no other way to live but to stay connected to the giver of life. :)  Let me share this beautiful reflection from the liturgical leaflet given at San Sebastian Church: Eucharist: The Memorial That Makes Us Live Images, statues, paintings, and photos are "visual reminders" that enable us to make a "journey to the past

Today is Palm Sunday, and officially, the end of the Lenten Season. (And it is also the end of my forty-day project! Hooray! Praise God for all the inspiration!) During this morning's mass, Fr. Mark explained that the season that is about to come (holy week) is called " Mahal na Araw " because it speaks of the passion and death of Christ, the ultimate expression of His great love for humankind. He also said that if we want to show God that we love Him too, then we must not leave Him just as He did not abandon us. We must be with Him, especially during this time. Two words: "Walang Iwanan." Four words: "Never leave God behind." Let me just connect that to what I would really like to highlight in this post. Who has not heard of this quote? Well, I have another version. :) The family that sings together, stays together. And they say that singing is twice praying right? It just feels good to be singing with Papa and Mama. And it feels