These Little Wonders

The Lord has been consistent with His message. This time, His messenger was Pope Francis. ♥ And this part right here is so personal:  Listen to the cry arising from your inner selves! Even when you feel, like the prophet Jeremiah, the inexperience of youth, God encourages you to go where He sends you: "Do not be afraid, [...], because I am with you to deliver you." (Jeremiah 1:8) Below is the copy of the letter. Read and be inspired. :)  

I am so grateful for my teammates who recommended me to handle live steaming in this year's KFC International Kids Village. :) It's such a win-win situation because aside from being nourished by the conference itself, I also got the opportunity to visit my parents for free! :)  It's just like the Strawberry Mango Smoothie of Dunkin Donuts - my two favorites in one drink. :D I have a confession to make: this is actually my first time to conduct live streaming on my own. Even after several practices with Kuya Elmar, it still is different when you're already there, in my case, I'm already here. This is it. I spent the whole morning setting up and trying to make things work. Thanks to Kuya Elmar and Kuya Cesar who supported me all the way and to everyone who prayed for the success of this event. The first day is about to end but the challenge to find new ways to love more continues.  Tonight, let me just share the important points that I got from the firs...

One of the insights I went home with from the recently concluded SFC International Conference in Palawan was Gelo Saludo's definition of loving more: To not just bloom where you are planted, but to bear fruit that will remain. I have been in the community for almost a decade now, and after hearing those words from the last session's speaker, I pondered and asked the Lord if I have contributed anything to the community. Was I able to bear fruit? Did those fruits remain? Then I received a text message from a brother about the Cornerstone Moving Up Day . Time flies really fast. It was just like yesterday when we had our Orientation and now, another school year will come to a close. And in a sweet whisper, I heard God say, "Cornerstone is the fruit that remains." I was privileged to be among the first batch of Cornerstone Tutors, pioneers if we may be called as such. At that time, our sector (East A) was assigned to handle Commonwealth Elementary School i...

People call me perfectionist but I wouldn't consider myself one for I, too, have many imperfections. I would rather describe myself as "one who doesn't settle for less." Para sa akin, hindi pwedeng "pwede na. "  Even before the GMC Vision and Mission Statement was created, it has already been my battle cry to give my "utmost" in everything. My personal statement soon became an oath recited daily by the employees of the CFC Global Mission Center: "We are CFC missionaries who give our utmost in serving God's servants."  Just last Saturday, God affirmed that principle through our new sector fulltime worker, Kuya Jay Laquian, who shared that one of the things he learned from his wife was the idea that "good is never enough for God."  Yes, " good is never enough ." In our local language, " hindi pwedeng pwede na ."  If we do everything to glorify God, then we must do them excellently. We give...

During his message at the Concluding Mass of the Papal Visit, Cardinal Tagle promised our dear Pope Francis that the Filipinos will be the lights of Christ in Asia and in the world . Such big a promise that equates to a bigger responsibility for the Filipino Church and all of us faithfuls. But with Mary, the Star of Evangelization, as our model, we certainly can fulfill our Cardinal's vow. In the Gospel, we are called to be salt of the earth and light to the world (Matthew 5:13-16) . But we are not to produce our own light, for the light comes from Jesus Himself. Just like Mary, we do not have light of our own, but we would only reflect the light of Christ. Thus, we must always be connected and one with Him. After all, He is the Vine and we are the branches, apart from Him, we can do nothing  (John 15:5) . How can we be truly lights of Asia and the world?  We shine with the light of Jesus.   In more concrete ways, we are to:  1. Commune with God...

One of the blessings of mission is the opportunity to explore and be awestruck at the beauty that the place has to offer. On our last day in Maasin, our generous host brought us to a holy place called Monte Cueva , officially known as the Diocesan Shrine of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus and Our Lady of Assumption .  Entrance is free as it is maintained by the Diocese of Maasin but you have to pay a minimal fee for the use of the toilet. (Sorry, I was not able to ask how much.)  Monte Cueva is truly a sanctuary of prayer. By the time you enter its gate, you know you are standing on holy ground. We did not count but we were told that we are to climb 400 steps up to the peak of the sacred mountain. To me it seemed like the stairway to heaven because with every step, I truly felt closer and closer to the Father. The way up was both a physical and spiritual exercise. Aside from the stations of the cross, there are beautiful reminders posted around the mountain....

Last week we went to Southern Leyte for a special mission: to conduct Knights Tale and Princess Diaries Weekend Retreat. But since there's no direct flight from Manila to Maasin (venue of the retreat), we took the Manila-Tacloban route.  As we all know, Leyte was greatly hit by Yolanda last year. And we were witnesses to how the province is still struggling to get back on their feet a year later. From Tacloban, we traveled four hours to Maasin, passing through Palo and other municipalities that were badly affected. While there are already several structures that were restored, there are still a lot that needs to be rehabilitated.  I am grateful for the overwhelming help that the global community, and the local NGOs and foundations has extended to our brethren in Leyte. I am well aware that not everything will be back to their original state. The lives that were lost will only remain a memory, the terror of that fateful day will continue to haunt them, but with our st...

Years ago, I told Tito Ernie Maipid that for me, the two letter 'S' in the word MISSION stand for "serve" and "surrender."  Today, Fr. Benedict affirmed that when he shared about the Gospel and his new assignment. In the Gospel, Jesus was resolutely determined to go to Jerusalem. When they were not welcomed in a Samaritan Village, James and John asked Him if He'd like to call down fire from heaven to consume the people there, but Jesus rebuked them and journeyed to another village. He did not have time for that because He is focused on getting His mission done.  The mission is urgent. And just how Jesus did it, we really need to FOCUS... on the immense LOVE of God and on the intensity of the mission entrusted to us. The key is SURRENDER. After experiencing God's love, comes mission. There is an overwhelming voice of fear but more than that there is also an overwhelming sound of God's loving presence in our lives. Let's choos...

I remember a brother shared the four elements of discipleship : (1) encounter, (2) conversion, (3) commitment, (4) surrender. In today's Gospel, those elements are very much present. I have previously posted a reflection on the same reading months ago and to highlight the four elements mentioned, here's the original text:  Verses 1-3:  People come because they want to experience Jesus, they want to hear God's word, they want to be blessed. God called us for a very special purpose - that is to love Him and to make Him loved. Our mission is to share Christ and to make others experience what it's like to be loved by Him.  (Encounter) Verses 4-5:  We are here because the Lord told us to do so. When the Lord tells us to do something, we need not argue, we can ask, but we simply need to obey and trust that Someone greater is in control. (Conversion) Verses 6-7:  When you say yes to God, expect two things: struggles (because we are following a man in con...

*Cluster 4 Household Topic "But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear." (Matthew 13:16) A mother and a baby camel were lying around, and suddenly the baby camel asked, "Mom, may I ask you some questions?" Mother said, "Sure, son! Is something bothering you?" Baby said, "Why do camels have humps?" Mother said, "Well son, we are desert animals. We need the humps to store water for our survival." Baby said, "Okay, then why are our legs long?" Mother replied, "Son, obviously they are meant for walking in the desert."  "Okay, then why are our eyelashes long?" the baby continued. With pride, Mother answered, "My son, our long, thick eyelashes protect our eyes from sandstorms." Baby stopped to think then said, "I see. So if the hump is to store water, the legs are for walking through the desert, and these eyelashes protect our eyes, then what in heav...

I almost regretted coming to the meeting. I thought it would just be a waste of time since they couldn't give me a concrete agenda. I was fighting so hard the temptation to leave and just go to my other meeting. Though I admit I enjoyed watching Letters To Juliet for the nth time. :) Buti na lang. I stayed and had one of the most " nakakakilig" night with the Lord ever. :) During worship, He embraced me and said, "I have a greater plan." It felt so comforting that I couldn't hold back the tears. He knew how badly I needed that assurance. Then the meeting began. I was expecting it to be functional since it's already June and there's just a lot to be done. Hindi ko na nga alam kung saan magsisimula. But what happened that night was far more important. It was a breath of fresh air! We reflected on a familiar story . It has been a favorite topic especially during discernment programs. As I listen to the sharing of my fellow volunteers, I c...

One day, as Jesus stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, with a crowd gathered around him listening to the word of God, he caught sight of two boats left at the water's edge by the fishermen now washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to pull out a little from the shore. There he sat and continued to teach the crowd.  When he had finished speaking he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon replied, "Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing. But if you say so, I will lower the nets." This they did and caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. They signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They came and filled both boats almost to the point of sinking.  Upon seeing this, Simon Peter fell at Jesus' knees, saying, "Leave me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" For he and his companions were amazed at the c...

I went to heaven last weekend. There I was welcomed by Our Lady of Banneux. :) Our Lady of Banneux ♥ I never planned to be in that BCOP Weekend. As mentioned in my previous posts, the only place I wanted to be in during that time was Iloilo . But God had better plans, as usual. :) You guessed it right, He did not surprise me with a ticket to Iloilo but He allowed me to experience heaven on earth in San Mateo, Rizal. ♥ The activity started with a trip to the "old land" where most of the "home partners" used to live. During the walk, Tito Eric, shared with us how they struggled to survive the wrath of Ondoy. The "old land": Under the bridge of Banaba, San Mateo Tito Eric: OLB Community Leader Then the long journey to the "promised land" began. While traveling the long and winding road to Silangan, San Mateo, I could only imagine what would meet us there. I had my expectations already, but I was still open to God's surp...

Fr. Benedict's homily can be summarized into these three things: 1. One of life's greatest tragedies is this: we work so hard to gain possessions to the point that we are becoming unaware that our possessions already own us . If you find it difficult to give away something due to "sentimental value" or whatever value it may have, you need to ponder and assess if it's still you who own that possession or if it already has owned you. The fact is, we do not own anything. Everything is just being lent to us by God. Whether we like it or not, we will eventually lose them. Don't be attached to the things that are temporary. Focus on what is eternal.  2. The point of fasting and abstinence especially during Lent is to be able to extend charity. We simplify our lives so that others can simply live. May this season not just pass by without making any positive change in us. This is not a season for a good cause - to be able to reach out and extend help to those...

“I put this charge before you, Timothy my child, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you, in order that with such encouragement you may fight the good fight .”  1 Timothy 1:18 We can learn a lot from these wise words given to Timothy by his mentor Paul. In a talk delivered by Tito Chito Cubacub to the leaders of Singles for Christ East A, he shared some practical applications of Paul's counsel to our roles as leaders.  Paul entrust this charge to Timothy with the prophetic words. In 1 Timothy 4:14, Paul further said, “Do not neglect your gift, which was given to you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” Timothy is tasked to to preach and teach with confidence. In order to do so, he must be a good example and witness to his office.  Timothy must also persevere in growing in Christian character and be a model disciple. As leaders who fight the good fight of faith, there are four (4) things that we must be...

Unlike any other parable in the Bible, Jesus generously explained about the parable of the sower.  Aside from the "given" lesson, Fr. Albert Poblete shared "the other side of the coin" - a beautiful reflection on this gospel - during his homily at the noon mass. But let me share the reading first. :)  Gospel Reading (taken from Mark 4:1-20):  Again Jesus began to teach by the lake, but such a large crowd gathered about him that he got into a boat and sat in it on the lake while the crowd stood on the shore. He taught them many things through stories and parables. In his teaching, he said, "Listen! The sower went out to sow. As he sowed, some of the seed fell along a path and the birds came and ate it up. Some of the seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil; it sprang up immediately because it had no depth; but when the sun rose and burned it, it withered because it had no roots. Other seed fell among thorn-bushes and the thorns grew and ...

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  1 Samuel 16:7 |  New American Standard Bible (NASB) Apparently, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry has read 1 Samuel before he wrote The Little Prince. :) Meditation for Today's Gospel ( Mark 3:13-19) :  What is God's call on your life? When Jesus embarked on his mission he chose twelve men for the task of preaching the kingdom of God and healing the sick in the power of that kingdom. In the choice of the twelve, we see a characteristic feature of God's work: Jesus chose very ordinary people . They were non-professionals, who had no wealth or position. They were chosen from the common people who did ordinary things, had no special education, and no social advantages. Jesus wanted ordinary people who could take an assignment and do it ext...

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  1 Samuel 16:7 |  New American Standard Bible (NASB) Apparently, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry has read 1 Samuel before he wrote The Little Prince. :) Meditation for Today's Gospel ( Mark 3:13-19) :  What is God's call on your life? When Jesus embarked on his mission he chose twelve men for the task of preaching the kingdom of God and healing the sick in the power of that kingdom. In the choice of the twelve, we see a characteristic feature of God's work: Jesus chose very ordinary people . They were non-professionals, who had no wealth or position. They were chosen from the common people who did ordinary things, had no special education, and no social advantages. Jesus wanted ordinary people who could take an assignment and do it ext...

If Lady Gaga lives for the applause, Fr. Benedict, in his homily during the noon mass at the CFC Global Mission Center last Tuesday, says DON'T , especially if you desire to be a missionary.  "Hindi ka pwedeng maging misyonero kung kulang ka sa pansin o uhaw ka sa attention at recognition." (You cannot be a missionary if you are hungry for attention and recognition.) Image Source:  http://blog.zerodean.com/2012/quotes/work-for-a-cause-not-applause/ Fr. Benedict likened a missionary's life to the function of the yeast as stated in the Gospel (Luke 13:18-21). The yeast is an important ingredient in making bread but it is hidden and rarely recognized by the consumers who are just after the finish product. Missionaries play an important role in evangelizing people and harvesting souls for the Lord but more often than not, they do not take credit for it. If they do, then, they must re-assess their selves. Are they really working for the glory of the Lord or...

Writing is my first love. And I have always wanted to be a travel blogger. Now I'm trying to become one. :D  For the nth time, Lawrence has won in another online contest. His prize? Two round trip tickets to Basco, Batanes! :) But here's the catch, the airline, Sky Pasada , is based in Tuguegarao and since we were not able to book cheap airline tickets to Cagayan, we had no other option but to take the ten  twelve-hour bus trip.  We arrived at the Victory Liner terminal in Kamias a little past 5pm. Unfortunately, there are no more available seats for the 5pm trip. The next trip is at 630pm but since there is already a long queue of passengers, we didn't want to take the risk. Our flight to Batanes is at 8am tomorrow and we have to arrive in Tuguegarao before 7am. We decided to walk to the nearby Florida Bus terminal. They also have trips to Tuguegarao, some via Laoag. Thank God we were able to catch an ordinary bus which will go directly to our destination. ...