HOLY MASS! OF SHOPPING LISTS, POLICEMAN AND GROUP DATES

⁸ “ Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

- Exodus 20:8 

As always I went to mass excited to hear what God had in store for me. After the Gospel, my second favorite part of the Mass is listening to Fr. Sanji's homily. 

Ever since he started celebrating the 9:00 a.m. Holy Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes,  Fr. Sanji had given very relevant and informative homilies. Because of his sincerity, rapport, and humble aura, this Sunday is another great homily day regarding the Holy Mass, Shopping List, the "Policeman" and the group date part is my personal addition.  Once again his homily is a rich source of wisdom and faith. 

AND THE LIST GOES ON

Fr. Sanji began his homily with his usual "Good Morning" in Filipino. And then he asked permission to read something to us. 

At first I saw it was just a piece of paper, but after he asked permission to read it,  he released the other parts of the paper which made me laugh. It was a long paper. 

Not only was he great in telling anecdotes, he has a sense of humor and is very creative. Today, the "long list" was a simple but effective prop regarding his homily.

He started reading what it was. It was a shopping list. 

Fr. Sanji didn't finished everything of course, he just read around four to five stuff in the list. And then explained why he did that. 

He likened the shopping list to people's intentions when they go to Church. He mentioned that as people, even I am guilty of this, we tend to go to mass with our "shopping list". Of course it is not like the one we bring to the grocery but it's a list of things, we hope God can provide us.

 There's nothing wrong with that of course, but it's just that it would be great if we also go there to thank Him, ask for His forgiveness and not just treat God/Jesus as if He is SM Mall of Asia.

THE PUNISHER: JESUS THE POLICEMAN

 

Another point that Fr. Sanji pointed out is that some people tend to go to Church in fear. They fear if they don't go to Church God will punish them.

As Fr. Sanji pointed out, if we believe that Christ or God is like a Policeman, it makes attend Mass because we are afraid of God's wrath. That's the wrong way of "Fear of the Lord".  God loves as so much that's why He gave His only Son. 

Christ stretched out His arms and died on the cross for us. That's how vast his love is. That long stretch of arms was "to infinity and beyond."

It's better that we go to Church because we want to be God, because it's wonderful to be with Him and with people you love even just through faith.

UNLIKELY GROUP DATE 

Fr. Sanji's homily made me think. How do I treat the mass? Why do I go there?

Then I remembered about treating time for God like dating. This doesn't mean I treat God like my boyfriend per se, but what one of my Ate (or older sister in Franciscan Youth Movement)  Em's mentioned.  Being  with God is like having a relationship.

You see her question really first focused how is my spiritual life, particularly regarding my Sacred Half Hour. The Sacred Half hour is like my personal date with God. Time to be with Him.  Alone with him .

When I go to Church, that's like a group date she explains.  I'm with my fellow Churchgoers.

That's why I added the Group Date analogy in this entry. For me the Holy Mass is spending time with God joyfully with my fellow believers.


YOU'RE OWN PERSPECTIVE

If you don't have a relationship with God.. How can you expect a relationship with anyone else to work? - Tweeted by @TheNoteboook RT by @Ouinenism

That's my way of looking and treating the Mass. It's an exciting way to learn what God has for me and to feel His loving presence together with the rest of the congregation.


How about you? How do you treat the Holy Mass?

GIVE NOTHING LESS THAN THE BEST

"And his master saw that the Lord [was] with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand."  - Genesis 39:3

Ever since Rev. Fr. Sanji, OFM. Cap. began celebrating the 9:00 a. m. every Sunday, I am more than happy to listen to his homily.

Fr. Sanji is the type of priest, though Indian in descent, would always greet us (massgoers) in our own language (Filipino). There's not one shed of hypocrisy in him as he picks up the wireless microphone and greets us.

What I love about the way he does his homily is that he shares interesting anecdotes/stories and connects it with the Gospel. When Fr. Sanji does his homily, it's as if I'm just listening  to one of my friends telling me a great story.

COLGATE'S STORY

His homily last Sunday was about William Colgate's story. It's about a young man, in the late 18th century who was inspired by a priest's homily about giving his best to God. With what little he had, this poor boy made sure he gave God 10% but when his business - toothpaste business - grew he was not stingy of giving more to God. In fact, he felt that it was unfair when he noticed that he was only giving 10% to charities etc., eventually he not only kept his pact to God about giving 10% he actually increased his personal tithes to God by sharing more of what he had. William Colgate's toothpaste is non-other than the renowned Colgate toothpaste.

HOMILY REACHES HOME

 

Just like William Colgate, I was very much inspired with Fr. Sanji's homily. I realized that for the past week I kept complaining that I'm tired doing my "Panata" or sacred vow to God, which is share my talents to other people. I kept telling God I have a life too. And yet when I heard, Fr. Sanji's homily I realized how minute are my worries and contributions when it comes to giving back to God and others. 

Other people's faith like William Colgate did not diminished, in fact he had the audacity to realize he was giving "little" compared what God kept giving. Such eye-opening example, a person without seizing or complaints is truly inspiring.

ST. FRANCIS AND THE BIRDS

 

As a Franciscan, just like St. Francis, he was given so much peace and wisdom that he was profusely sharing it with other people. 

Right now, I realized I'm like sister birds whom St. Francis preached/scolded at when they weren't singing. God gave them the talent to sing, St. Francis asked them why they weren't singing when God gave them the right and skill to sing. 

Just like the birds whom St. Francis preached at, I forgot that God had given me more than what I deserved and yet I was so foolish enough to forget these blessing. From my own Slough of Despondency, God lifted me up and gave me not just another chance at life but so many blessings. While it's true I'm not as rich as Colgate, God made me rich in other ways.

I guess it is great that I heard this homily before Holy Week. It further reinstated my faith and realized that while God maybe considerate whether I do my sacred vow to Him or not, I should be ashamed of my own selfishness and greed. Who am I to keep all my talents under a bushel-measure, I should share the God's blessings as it was generously given to me by God in Heaven.

THE STORY OF EVERYMAN AND A DIFFERENT MAN NAMED FRANCESCO

Jesus is tested in the Wilderness. Matthew 4: 1-11

One of the most oldest medieval plays that still exists until today, is the morality play of "Everyman". 

In the play, God asks Death to go to Everyman to make his reckoning. Everyman by that time had forgotten the Lord and had become so selfish, vain and arrogant. When Death approached Everyman, Everyman asked Death to at least give him sometime to take someone with him. So Everyman tried to convince Kindred, Cousin, Knowledge,  Wealth, Beauty, Strength, Discretion, and the Five Wits until only Good Deeds accompany him. Good Deeds who had weakened by Everyman's folly was rejuvenated through confession. Anyhow, as Death took Everyman only Good Deeds was with him.

It's an allegory as relevant as the first time it came out. I guess I might sound a bit dark and nostalgic because the 8.9 and the Tsunami that hit Japan, showed me how everything can disappear in one fell swoop.  It's like watching one of Dooms day Hollywood movies, that the news footage looked like some CGI. But sad to say, it was not. It was real, it was happening.  Death is indeed like a thief of the night and no one can be spared when the time comes.

If there was something good that came out of it,  it is that people learned to pray, collectively and individually. While most of it has to do with their concern for the people in Japan and the neighboring countries that might be affected, a great deal of it was also fear, fear for oneself and existence.

But there was one man whom I envy, who saw Death differently.  St. Francis of Assisi called Death - his brethren...Sister Death. When St. Francis was about to die the only regret he had is that he believed he has not done anything yet. But St. Francis was not afraid of Death, in fact he lovingly embraced Sister Death because he believed that "it is in dying that we are born to eternal life." He had a strong faith and can't wait to meet his maker.

To be honest I cannot be as undaunted like St. Francis and embraced "Sister Death" wholeheartedly, but what I can do right now is make the most of my life through faith.  I don't want a malnourished soul which usually the reason the cause of fear.  However, I do not want that fear as well, the only fear I want to have is "Fear of the Lord." In this time of Lent, in the wake of  Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami, may I and people remember that life is too short for regrets. How short life is. But rest assure, God gave as that freedom to make the most of it. Hopefully, we are not like Everyman who succumb to the temptations of life's pleasure.  But hopefully, find hope, faith and most of love to be the greatest thing going for us every second of the day.

LA VIE BOHEME! - WELL, NOT ALWAYS

"¹Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it:    ²That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged". Deuteronomy 6:1-2

Last weekend I had some great experiences, I met the PR people of 9Works Theatrical who are currently producing rent and there were Parish Involvers who observed the YAFCA NSOLL Repertory's Advance Acting Workshop. These two experiences are somewhat relatively connected since they both involved the Theatre but personally there's more that meets the eye.

When I was talking to Mr. Jon-Jon Martin from 9Works Theatrical I got to see the real message of the play RENT. How everything in this is life temporary and how the late Jonathan Larson used the play as a way to reach out and touch people about his advocacy about people with AIDS. I also was struck when Mr. Martin pointed out that as artists, there would be some point in our lives that we would starve one way or another.  I guess that's the bohemian lifestyle, an artist's life.

THE BOHEMIAN IN ME

Yes there was a point in my life that I thought that I did starve because I want to try out doing freelance writing, theatre facilitating, follow my love for both theatre and literature. I know how it is to live only for today. Most of the time that Bohemian spirit had made me forget that I needed to graduate. I also ran away then for the sake of my Art and disobeyed my guardians (my parents were Overseas Filipino Workers) But God had other plans for me and worked in His own mysterious ways.

In February 14, 1999. I decided to turn my back on the theatre and I was searching more infinite and lasting. I was searching and thirsting for God. I realized how wrong I was to hate myself and used the theatre to forget who I am and  my responsibilities to my family.  Eventually through the Franciscan Youth Movement, their formations and friendship, I learned to be able to have a good footing in faith and in my life.

UNEXPECTED TURN OF EVENTS

On September 1999, Kuya Deng (Lara) approached me and asked if I can pen the "La Verna segment" for the Inter-Franciscan Transitus that would be held at St. Joseph's Auditorium, Quezon City. To make the long story short, I was able to write the script. I became the Stage Manager for this Segment and even performed as St. Francis (during that time I was sporting a very short hair) when the actor who was supposed to play it was late.

That same day, during dress tech, I approached Bro. Aurelius Cagande, OFM. Cap. and told him I want to create a Theatre group for the Church. On October 4, 1999, I personally approached Rev. Fr. Troy de los Santos, OFM. Cap. - then Parish Priest of the National Shrine Of Our Lady Lourdes, about the idea I pitched in the night before. On that auspicious, the NSOLL Drama Guild, now known as YAFCA (Young Artists for Culture for Arts and Advocacy) NSOLL Repertory, was born.

PANATA: ON-GOING

For 11 years, now YAFCA NSOLL Repertory has grown to what it is. I also have graduated and I am almost finish with my Masters Degree...in well, Theatre Arts at my dream school University of the Philippines. Of course I still dream of performing on Broadway, join professional theatre groups and perform on the legitimate stage (Although as of this writing, I was able to performs at the Music Museum during my recital as a Voice Scholar for Center for Arts, directed at the Carlos P. Romulo Theatre in Makati, Philippines - Sykes Idol and last year, I directed and performed at the Philam Life Theater for Vignettes. I directed a Filipino Translation of Room 77, Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Excerpts of Once on This Island and The King and I). Still, if God wills it let it be, but right now I enjoy what I have.

I have a great job that pays great. I'm able to do other jobs on the side like freelance writing, events coordinating and events hosting. I am able to provide for my family, study Theatre Arts and still enjoy doing/giving workshops in Art and Acting.

Last Sunday, I told this same real or true-to-life story on how YAFCA was created to the Parish Involvers I realized how long and how far I have gone as a person. It's great to be able to let God lead me to where I am now. I am still living my Bohemian life, somewhat with the way I wear my clothes and being in the Artsy side in different ways. However because of the Francisan Youth Movement where I was taught the Golden Rule - God, Family, Work/School, FYM and other extra-curricular activities - I learned to set my priorities straight.

I will always have that Bohemian part in me, but I also am a Franciscan now - I am an artist for the Lord with a Panata (sacred vow).  God gave me experiences that keep on making me be myself while letting Him work through me through the theatre.

Parish Involvement: God's OJT to Prep Me Up for the World

"A man's heart plans hi8s way, but hte Lord directs his steps." - Proverbs 16:9

They say that it's the journey in life that is exciting. True. But what makes it more profound is the realization that God had something to do with everything.

Serendipity

For the past months, I lied low when it came to my apostolate and Parish involvement.  I wanted to taste life outside my usual Church duties as well as theatrical ones.  I decided to focus on work. I also tried new things and explored the world around me little by little. I wanted to "rest" and tried to wheedle my way out of my "panatas" and be less active with Church activities.  (Later on, I just realized I can have my cake and eat it too, if I simply no how to balance things.)

By this time, I am an NPI Specialist, a freelance writer and theatre facilitator, Events Coordinator, Artistic Director.  And then it hit me while staying still. I realized I should not tire of serving god because it's God's way continually honing me to be the person he created me to be. Everything that I am now I had one way or another been trained by being active in the Church.

Forced Apostolate

It is quite sad that schools need to require students to do the so-called Parish Involvement in order for the young people of today be active in the Church.  It's sad because these young people often treats the said activity just as a mere school requirement. They do things for the grade but then again, who am I to judge them. My only point is, Parish Involvement is more than just an academic grade, it's God's way to form one for their future.

The Great Training Ground

I wanted to write this article hoping that some people would see the Church to be a better person and that it helps God properly mold one for the world they would soon be exposed to.  To make God the captain of one's ship is a great privilege and a challenge. But one thing is certain, this training ground guarantees to hone one as a winner in life - no more, no less.

Of Origins and Organizations

I have been to several Church organizations and not just choirs.  I have been a member of Legion of Mary, several choirs include the Edsa Shrine choir, St. Paul the Apostle Church children's choir, and Youth Choir of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. Of course, there are also other groups that really affected me big time like the Franciscan Youth Movement, Prayer and Life Workshop, LOURDES Newsletter and YAFCA NSOLL Repertory. And looking back, all these organizations have honed me to be prepared for my current jobs and the challenges of the "Adult World."

Fitting the Pieces

I really find it amazing how I could be so insensitive and unaware how being active in Parish Organizations have played a huge part in my adult life.  I'm not just talking about the spiritual aspect but the emotional, psychological, social aspect of my life. In fact it was in the Church that nurtured all my talents and gave me the experiences, knowledge, and confidence to be able to be the person I should be.

My Parish Involvement

How did God honed me? Let me count the ways.

My active participation in Church organizations taught me to mingle with other people, learn the flow of the Mass, be aware of the Church precepts, traditions and songs- these things help me with my Events Coordination work as I now am in transitioning period to be the Ceremony Head of Concepts Magic Events. I guess one great factor for this was the different choirs I've been part of.  As a choir member I am exposed to the mass very often.

Formations in FYM and workshops in YAFCA helped me to get teaching/facilitating jobs like in Ecole de Mont Michel, Lourdes School of Quezon City, Childhope Asia and even ABS-CBN design and talent center.

Legion of Mary, on the other hand, where I am usually asked to pray the Rosary in front of the Church Assembly and almost got the Secretary part had I stayed longer that summer I joined the group, was my training ground to be a leader as well. It helped me face an audience which eventually led to the theatre. Added to this is my Prayer and Life Workshop training supposedly as one of the facilitators.

As for writing my stint as the secretary, once upon a time of the Parish Youth Ministry of NSOLL, Scribe of FYM-NSOLL Fraternity and of course my beats as a feature writer for the LOURDES Newsletter, nurtured my writing skills and made me a writer of articles for UNESCO Newsletter, different magazines, newspapers and even websites. This include being Editor-in-chief of a newsletter that was sponsored by UNFPA, different Account and Company nzines/websites, and finally as an NPI Specialist in my current company.

GIVEN TALENTS

God had helped me be the person I am today and I am so grateful for that.  The next time I'd think of my apostolates as burdens, I should hold my tongue and learned to be grateful instead.

5 WAYS FOR A NEW YOU IN THE NEW YEAR

"Put off the old man his deeds and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created Him." Corinthians 13:9-10

If there's one tradition that majority of the whole world does, it's making resolutions.

At the beginning of the year, we all want to change something and be a better person. It is already imbibed in our psyche that we ought to do new year's resolutions and try to fulfill them. Most of the time people would have a number of resolutions and at the end of the year ends up fulfilling any of them. After all we want to change, for one reason or another, that's the whole logic of resolutions. 

There are many ways to be able to make sure we get to do them and here are 5 few tips that you may want to consider.

1) Know what you really want to change, do one or two resolutions. This is for practical purposes. It is easier to be able to accomplish a resolution if you would focus on one or two things to change.

2) Ask God that you want to change with His help and guidance. 

3) Accept God and let God work through you to change in the process.

4) Do not expect to change overnight or you will get frustrated - change isn't immediate it is gradual.

5) If you find yourself not fulfilling what you set yourself out to do, you're permitted to be frustrated but zero tolerance when it comes to letting yourself give up.

If there is one thing I learned best in Prayer and Life Workshop is that people don't really change, they only improve. Changes take years to permanently be iradicated. It is a matter of habit and willpower but most of all it would be in God's infinite gracious hands that you must be lead all the way to the righteous path you chose. He is the wonderful consoler to those who are weary and those who are willing to be renewed in life.

In whatever you do, have God blessed it. We were all made in His image and likeness, our greatest goal in life in try to be like Him in His goodness and loving nature. Changes maybe inevitable but it may cause some effort, discipline and a lot of God in acquiring them.

My Guardian Angel Ephraim and I and the Year that Was

"Indeed we count them blessed who endure.  You have heard of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord - that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." - James 5:11

Do you believe in Guardian Angels? I do. 

I don't know how he really looks like but I know he is there. I have felt his presence and I had a friend, who had a strong third eye who saw him once.

But whatever the case, I know that God assigned me the perfect angel and I have no complains about it.

Guardian Angel 101

It's not a matter of "You're never too old to be young thing," it's just that I know Guardian Angels exists and mine is perfectly paired for me.

Just like most pre-schoolers, I grew up with the closing prayer "Angel of God" - a Guardian Angel prayer.  All I know then about Guardian Angels is that each of us where assigned one. They don't really have any "genders"  however they said if you're a female more or less you are assigned a male looking one. However still, I always picture angels as Cherubims and Seraphims.

Third Eye Episode

If you know me well, there was a time in my life that I delved in well...spirit stuff and was with people who often have opened their third eyes.

One time in College, when I was extremely depressed my friend Sheila B. who had a powerful "third eye" saw that my Guardian Angel was a male and he was also sad because I was crying unceasingly. She saw him rubbing my back as if to calm my nerves. But once she told me that, he made himself invisible.

A Whisper and Brush with an Angel

I didn't think much of that time until I got to "Basic Christian Doctrine Class" at Iraya Study Center.  

I was told that I can asked my Guardian Angel his/her name. So I did. I don't know how I knew it but the name Ephraim popped up my mind as a soothing voice told me. 

Despite having performed in the production of "Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and got acquainted with the Bible story it was based on, I did not know that "Ephraim" was the name of one of Joseph's son which means "God made me fruitful in the land of my affliction." Until that time, I never really heard of that name, that I was amazed that I knew it.

The next time, that I felt Ephraim's presence was when a warm breeze "embraced me" during one of the deserts in Prayer Life Workshop (PLW). We were at Caluruega having our 4-day retreat. I was at the camp site within the vicinity and I stayed at a sort of bridge there where my restless spirit stayed. 

I remember crying then out of joy as I was moved by a Scripture reading and I was slowly moved to rest amidst the tears. I was lying down in fetal position when I felt a warm breeze enveloped me amidst the cold Batangas air. 

Later people told me, that's an angel and I very well know, which one.

My Angel and I: A Change of Heart

I guess the reason why I had to drag Ephraim in this entry is because as the year closes, I recall everything that had transpired this 2010.

I simply have no regrets, only a smile. No bitterness, only the wonderful notion that I have not only survived the past year but I am very grateful for everything.

Unlike in the past, wherein I painfully recall what had transpired, I seem to have surpassed that staged where I see ever trial, problem as a nuisance. Now I only see them as blessings.  

I'm not sure if this is a sign of maturity but it does not really matter. All I know is that "God made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."

The land here refers to my life this past year. I was afflicted with so many problems, financially being number one of those affliction, that there was a long time that I did not know how I will survive and how will I get additional sources because my salary was not sufficient then.

This was a very hard year for me. For I had to struggle a lot. And yet despite everything, I have no qualms of saying that I have been blessed despite everything.

I just remembered how Ephraim's name befits the year that was because I find myself more grateful compared to how I used to be bitter because of all the past trials. I used to be sorry for myself, and very angry and fearful. 

Perhaps I still have fear in my heart, but I'm not as scared as I used to because like Ephraim's name which reflects my disposition, God indeed made me fruitful in the land of my affliction because I gained more knowledge, more experience, more wisdom, more mature in faith, more grateful than I ever was  -and a lot more.

And because I am more thankful to the Lord for all He gave me, included are all the trials and failures because I grew to become a better person because of them. God is indeed a compassionate Father, Teacher and Lord and He is highly merciful.