Feb.24, 2013 - MOUNT TABOR

                             Mount  Tabor

Today, February 24, 2013, the Gospel spoke on the transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor. As the deacon read the account, I closed my eyes and recalled my first visit to that place where Jesus' divinity was manifested to Peter, James and John.

October 16, 1994...."Today, we shall go to Mount Tabor," Benji Shavit, our tour guide announced. I was excited! It would be my first time to set foot on the mountain where the momentous event in the life of Jesus is immortalized in the Holy Bible. From a distance, I saw Mount Tabor, majestic and serene, loom distinctly alone in the Holy Land where mountain ranges abound. I felt the bus start its ascent. It went through a maze of winding road until it reached an area where around seven or eight buses were parked.


"From this point, we shall take cars to reach the top. Don't worry, we shall use Mercedes Benz, four persons in a car," Benji said with an unmistakable glint in his eyes and a queer smirk on his face. Yep! They were Mercedes Benzes, all right, presumably Circa 1950 or 1960, all in awful need of body shop upgrading. It was worse inside! The floor was covered with scraps of linoleum and flaking shreds of wall covering swayed relentlessly. For long years of use, the seat cushion was barely three inches thick so that the iron coils disturbed (to put it mildly) our behind. Can you imagine the "suffering" we experienced as the car went through the narrow road interspersed with many elliptical curves leading to the summit? The speed with which the car ran was nothing short of fast so that kept us gasping for breath with an intoned "Hesus, Maria, Hosep" at each curve. We held on to whatever solid part of the car was available or to each other's knees or arms for support every time the car made a swing. By virtue of the "Keep Right" traffic law, our car had to be nearer the cliff which was not at all protected by any enbankment of any kind. Can you imagine the picture of four bewildered faces, open-mouthed with anticipation what the next moment would bring? So it was a deep sigh of relief that we exclaimed, "Thank God" when we finally reached the top of Mount Tabor and the Basilica of the Transfiguration.

You will recall that the Bible states that Jesus, Peter, James and John were up in the mountain after several days. Yes, after several days for they had to walk. Mount Tabor is so high, thickly covered with forests and without a well defined road then. It would have taken a few days to reach the top on foot. 

Peter experienced something there he wanted to last forever. He wanted to hold on to the moment of profound mystery. He wanted to gaze upon the radiance of Jesus transformed before him - the radiance of God! So, he said,"Lord, it is good to be here." It must have been a "mountaintop" experience for Peter!

By the way, our own transforming moments in prayer  while watching the breaking of dawn or the splendor of the sunset, or by walking by the seashore or through the woods on a crisp autumn morning are all "mountaintop" experiences whether or not we have scaled a mountain. So are the prayer moments we spend alone in our so-called "desert" be it on an easy chair in our room or backyard, park, beach or just anywhere when we simply keep still and through the sound of silence let God be God!

I looked up at the mosaic apse of the basilica depicting the scene of the Transfiguration. There were Jesus, Moses, Elijah, Peter, James and John. I stood motionless, speechless, enveloped with the awesome presence of God. I heard His voice speaking to me, to me directly, "Listen to Him!" I knew He was speaking in my heart! I was consumed in prayer of praise and thanksgiving - basking in God's glory!

Like Peter, I said, "Lord, it is good to be here. Thank you for bringing me here!" All at once I remembered my family, all my loved ones. I wanted them to enjoy the moment with me! I wanted them to set foot on Mount Tabor and feel God's embrace. Then the song of St. Francis reverberated in my ears..."Make me a channel of your peace...where there is hatred, let me bring love." I found a new meaning of love - by giving it away, we get joy, true joy! 

I took several deep long breaths of the most fresh air ever. I looked at the azure sky and clouds meandering by and felt the soft caress of the cool breeze. As I glanced in every direction catching glimpses of hilly slopes against the quiet waters of the Sea of Galilee, I felt His presence as never before. I "floated" in the all-embracing love of God! Again, I bowed my head in prayer, "Thank you, Lord, thank you!" I opened my eyes and savored the exquisite panorama before me. Slowly, I straightened up, pulled my shoulders back and held high my chin. I stood tall with the assurance and confidence of my own humble transfiguration, so to speak. I walked away ready to face everything, buoyed by the memory of the radiance of God!

Feb.17, 2013 - Sunday Mass and My Prayer "

Today, February 17, 2013, the entire family- Brian, Cielo, Joshua, Tiffany Anne, Melanie Mary and I attended Mass at our parish church here in Sacramento. A whole family together for Sunday worship! What a beautiful image! A remembrance of my childhood family togetherness at Mass added to the joy in my heart. The fleeting thought that some families do not enjoy such Sunday togetherness due to unrecognized/discarded values or circumstances beyond their control, somehow crossed my mind.

Fr. Soane Kaniseli, pastor of Divine Mercy Catholic Church, officiated at Mass. It was a most soul-stirring celebration of the Eucharist since his well-prepared homily and wonderful singing voice added much "grandeur" to the sacrament. I was so moved by it and appreciated the fact that since the introduction of the New Missal, many parts of the Mass are now sung much like the chanting in the Orthodox Church. I smiled when I recalled, "When we sing, we pray twice," attributed to St. Augustine. After the Mass, we prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy as is the established practice in that church.

Another "routine" of our family after Mass has been to enjoy lunch in a restaurant which can be any of the cuisine offered by the Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese or American establishments in the area. Today, we relished the Salad Bar and crispy shrimps at Sizzler's. With a heart filled with joy and a stomach full to the "brim," I spent some time of the afternoon in prayer of thanksgiving and a much-needed nap.

What could have been a perfect scenario of peace and contentment was marred by the glaring news report of a singer, Mindy Mcgready, having committed suicide at age 37 leaving two kids aged 9 and 6 years. My immediate reaction was of disbelief and deep sympathy for two innocent kids whose lives would be traumatically affected by the tragedy. What is this world coming to? Several reasons behind the incident can be mentioned or exposed, but to me, the root cause is the absence of God in so many people of this era.

This made me scribble these lines:

                   Let Me Be, O Lord

Let me be, O Lord, your kind caring hands
Stretched out to render aid to the needy and forlorn
To extend your soft healing touch and unbind
The grip of fear, pain and shameless scorn.

Let me be, O Lord, your strong steady feet
To walk with those in bondage and affliction
With courage borne from your protective sheet
Strengthen them to rise, break the chain of addiction.

Let me be, O Lord, your loving searching eyes
That see a friend's pain and sorrow beneath the mask
Which often show mirth on the surface, but, alas
There lies a wounded heart crying for help to rush.

Let me be, O Lord, your soothing voice that counsels
The young, the indifferent, sophisticated wards
Who are ensnared by worldly pleasures and vice
Unmindful of Eternity's justice and rewards twice.

Let me be, O Lord, your keen ears that listen
To the plea of the poor for daily needs so common
Muted by disillusion, shame and false pride unspoken
Beneath stone-faced mien of despair and abandon.

Let me be, O Lord, the face that radiates your love
Through my wrinkles, blotches, disfigured state
Shield me from the fear of ridicule which matches
My intense desire to be an "apostle" of my faith.

So help me, Lord, in my commitment to leave
A Legacy of Faith to family, friends and all
Be aware of God's presence always and to give
Time, talent and treasure in response to your call.


                        XXXXXXX

Feb.16, 2013 - LENT AND PRAYER

                    LENT  AND  PRAYER

1Thess 5: 17 - "Pray without ceasing."
Eph 6:18 - "Pray at all times in the Spirit."
Coll 4:2 - "Be assiduous in prayer. Being wakeful therein, with thanksgiving."

What do these Scripture passages have in common? Prayer! But what is prayer? The Catechism of the Catholic Church which is the repository of the beliefs and teaching of our faith says, "Prayer is the lifting up our hearts and minds to God." (para

Feb. 11, 2013 - ST. BERNADETTE

Today, February 11, 2013, is the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes whose apparition in 1858 to a poor, unschooled 14-year old peasant girl, Bernadette Soubirous, made history in the Catholic world. A number of books, magazines and articles including cinematographic materials are readily available about the eighteen times, our Blessed Mother appeared to Bernadette at the Grotto of Massabielle.

Many people know of her life through the film, "The Song of Bernadette." Suffice it to say, she was a sickly child and suffered from asthma most of her life. Her family was so poor that at the time of the apparitions, she lived at the "Le Cachot," a one-room dwelling which used to be a prison. Despite their destitute situation, Bernadette and her family refused any donation or help in whatever form the community and visitors/pilgrims offered. The constant persecution of police authorities and people wanting to have an "audience" with the seer, affirmed her desire to be a nun. She entered the Community of the Sisters of Charity and stayed at their motherhouse in Nevers, France in Saint Gildard Convent for nine years until her death at the age of thirty-five on April 16, 1879.

From the History of Our Lady's Apparitions in Lourdes, France, we gather some information:

1st  Apparition - Thurs, February 11, 1858
8th        "         - Wed, February 24, 1858 
       Our Lady asks, "Pray for the conversion of
       sinners. Repentance! Repentance!"
          
9th  Apparition - Thurs, February 25, 1858
       Our Lady instructs Bernadette to wash herself and drink at the fountain. Looking about she finds no water, but at the direction of our Lady, Bernadette digs at the foot of the grotto and soon a small trickle of muddy water appears, she drinks and washes her face. By next day, an abundant spring of clear, fresh water appeared and which flows until today.

13th Apparition - Tues, March 2, 1858
        Our Lady confides instructions to Bernadette to have a chapel built at the spot which was relayed to parish priest. Priest asks for the Lady's name.

15th Apparition - Thurs, March 25, 1858             
                           (Feast of the Annunciation)
        Our Lady revealed her name, " I am the Immaculate Conception." Four years earlier, Pope Pius XI, declared the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception: that of all human beings that have ever lived, the Blessed Virgin was conceived without the stain of Original Sin.

18th Apparition - Fri, July 16, 1858
                 (Feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel)
Barred from the grotto by a fence erected by the authorities, Bernadette approaches from across the river and sees/talks with our Lady for the last time.

St. Bernadette is one of the "incorruptibles" in the communion of saints venerated in the Catholic Church.
Incorruptibles are saints whose bodies defied the natural laws of decomposition. This exclusive privilege is given to them after several verifiable exhumations which cover many years in the presence of church, medical and civil authorities.

In 1909, thirty years after her death, the body of St. Bernadette was first exhumed and found totally "incorrupt" although her rosary had oxidized.

On April 3, 1919, the second exhumation of the remains of St. Bernadette was made in the presence of the usual authorities. It was again found to show no sign of decomposition.

In 1925, the third exhumation of the body of St. Bernadette found it "incorrupt." Hence, it was placed  on a gold and silver reliquary where it presently lay at the Saint Gildard Convent in Nevers, France.

I have visited Nevers several times and the serene look of unfathomable peace on her face has always warmed my heart and made me wonder if such a state of "sans soucci" (without care) is ever possible in this present world. Also, what has captivated and even "puzzled" me through all these years were her hands which look as if they have just been manicured- cuticles pushed back and finger nails neatly filed. I have seen the hands of other declared "incorruptibles" as St. Vincent de Paul, St. Catherine Laboure, St. Jean Marie Vianney and St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. All their hands appear like normal working hands that have been laid to rest.....until...

In September, 2009, my sister Beth, sister-in-law Nieves, cousin Tina, my "balae" Lily and her daughter-in -law, Edda, our friends, Pat and Violet and I went to Rome. Having been to the Eternal City before, our main purpose was to see the "incorrupt" body of St. Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo located in the southern part of Italy. The remains of St. Padre Pio was exhumed for the first time after forty years and was found to be "perfectly preserved" (language used by media). The Church allowed the public to view his well-preserved remains for one year after which it would again be buried until the second exhumation.

After a long wait in line to enter the chapel, we saw St. Padre Pio in the way he looked in pictures taken when he was alive, complete with beard and all. A guard kept order in the line and was vigilant in keeping it moving. Wanting to spend more time with Padre Pio, I boldly went direct to a vacant chair in the exclusive reserved area for dignitaries/special guests near the bier. I had a good "close-up" view and do you know what caught my attention? His hands! They looked as if they have just been manicured - cuticle pushed back and smooth edges. Even newspaper reports carried the "just-been-manicured" look of his hands, I learned later. I remembered St. Bernadette's hands! Also, I recalled,  that in one of my visits to St. Catherine Laboure (she was the one to whom our Lady appeared to give instructions for the Miraculous Medal in 140 rue de Bac in Paris), red streaks of blood had flowed and dried between her fingers though in previous visits there were none. 

Now, my thoughts often revert to the hands of the "incorruptibles" specially of St. Bernadette and St. Padre Pio. There must be something the Lord would like to convey about the hands - our hands. Could it be that He wants to call our attention to the corporal works of mercy, for which we are all called to do as children of God? And that these acts of mercy - feed the hungry, clothe the naked, rest for the weary, etc are made possible through our hands? What do you think?

Feb. 8, 2013 - A DISCIPLE - ME?

                              Be a Disciple - Me?

Our Lord says, "Take up your cross and follow me
We'll take the narrow way, you'll see
With the free will to make choices - right or wrong
My gift to everyone, be you weak or strong.

Oh, Lord, isn't the narrow way paved with sorrow
Of sacrifices and dying to myself day after day
To love as to lay down my life for a friend
Be consumed with other's welfare, though a rare trend.

Help me, Lord, I need to change my priorities
To  put You No. 1 in my lifelong duties
I realize now I lack total compassion
To be your disciple in my daily actions.

For charity I give a pittance of my treasure
Which after all come from you, given without pressure
Long do I stay before the TV  or computer
But have so little time in prayer with my Maker.

I often forget to spend some time with You daily
Too involved in fun things I like to do earnestly
Just why instant gratification governs my life
When moments with You should be a cherished rite.

How uncertain I have been in following your call
Distracted by thrills of present luxurious lore
Which like wealth, power and fame will surely be lost
On Judgment Day when I account for what I did most.

Someone said that life on earth is "sowing" time
Our joys and pains have a purpose, we find
To uphold the truth that life goes on continually
So we must live each moment as a seed of Eternity.

To be a disciple requires a firm commitment
To God's Word and teachings be in full agreement
Help me, Lord, to persevere and follow your bid
Renew my faith, make me a disciple, a good seed!


                        XXXXXXXX

Feb. 5, 2013 - ST. AGATHA

                       ST. AGATHA

Priestly vestments on February 5th of the liturgical calendar are red because of the celebration of the memorial to St. Agatha who died in the year 253. She is one of the most venerated virgin martyrs of the Catholic world. She is one of the seven women commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. She is the saint specially invoked for patients who have and those who have survived breast cancer. Many healings have been attributed through the help of this saint who lived in the 3rd century. 

St. Agatha was born to a rich and noble family in Catania, Sicily. Her exceeding beauty caught the eyes of a Roman prefect (senator) who actively and brutally persecuted the Christians. Being a Christian and having dedicated her virginity to God, she rejected his amorous advances. Scorned, Quitianus, had her arrested and subjected her to several tortures. Also a judge, he sentenced her to to death by being rolled naked on a bed of live coals. The ground where she was rolled on began to tremble like an earthquake and a part of the wall fell on two counselors whose counsel she had been so tormented. She was sent to prison where she was tortured by cutting off her breasts. It was said that in a vision, St. Peter with an angel appeared, dressed her wounds and helped her to survive. Eventually, she died in prison.

St. Agatha is often depicted in paintings carrying her excised breasts on a platter. She is the patron saint of breast cancer patients and survivors. Catania, Sicily honors her with a 3-day celebration - February 3 to 5th. Malta venerates her as patron saint since her intercession has been reported to have saved Malta from Turkish invasion in 1551.

A church of great historical importance to Spain is Santa Gadea (St. Agatha) is in Burgos. By the way, the Gothic Cathedral of Burgos, Spain is replete with architectural splendor and beauty with its "lace in stone motif." Millions of pilgrims visit annually the huge acclaimed miraculous 800-yr old cross with our crucified Lord all covered with wounds. For some strange reasons, in each of my three visits there, the camera shots I took of this unique crucifix produced only negatives.To this day, this cathedral is known  to be second to Lourdes as a pilgrimage site in Europe.

                     Prayer  To  St. Agatha

St. Agatha, you suffered assault and indignity because of your faith. Help heal all those who are survivors of sexual assault and protect those women who are in danger. Pray for those women who are suffering from malignancy or who have survived it so that they may have the strength to offer their affliction and pain to God, our Divine Healer. Through your prayers St. Agatha, may they feel and enjoy the healing power of our Lord. Through Jesus Christ, we pray.  Amen.

Jan. 24, 2013 FIRETRUCK RESCUE

Last January 24, 2013, Barney, my son-in-law, offered to drop me at my sister's place in Daly City while he attended to some business matter in San Francisco. I was immensely grateful for the opportunity to see Beth and to enjoy some hours with her. As usual, our chit-chat covered a lot of topics but a large portion was concentrated on our growing- up years in Sta. Ana, Manila, Philippines. There were the hilarious moments when tears simultaneously fell with our boisterous laughter as we recalled the many childhood pranks played on us and those we initiated on unsuspecting siblings and friends, alike. Then there were the brief teary-eyed moments of silence as we remembered those we dearly loved, family members, relatives and friends, who have crossed the Great Beyond. As in the past, these recollections were followed by the outpouring of our thanksgiving and praise to our God for the octogenarian lives we still enjoy. We assured ourselves that there is still meaning and purpose for our existence. So, help us, Lord!

The freeway traffic on our way from San Francisco to Fremont showed the start of the afternoon rush hour. I was oblivious of it all as I related to Barney how my day was happily spent. Thanks, to him! Then quite suddenly, bits of smoke emanated from under the hood of the car. It was a signal to me to stop blabbering! I noticed that we headed to an exit to Redwood City and that the smoke had become dense. It took some time for the traffic light to change and with some six or eight cars ahead of us, we barely made it to a right turn on a street corner. 

I looked up to the clouds and said, "Lord, please help us. St. Michael, St. Joseph, help us." And as I bent to unleash my seat belt, I caught sight of the twirling red light atop a firetruck through the side mirror. Quite unbelieving, I leaned forward to verify what I saw. Sure enough, it was a firetruck and was stopping right behind us. Quickly getting out of the car, I heaved a sigh of awe and wonder and prayed, "Oh, Lord, how magnificent are your ways! Within seconds, You have sent us help! You are true to your promise!"

The rushing tide of worship, adoration, praise and thanksgiving that soaked my whole being somehow made me "limp" with ethereal significance. It was as if the flesh and bones that make up my mortal body had left me. I was suspended in animation! Coupled with this was the mind-boggling, incomprehensible presence of a firetruck, within seconds, at a time when it was exactly what we needed.

There are no coincidences in life... only God-incidences! God positioned a firetruck with the team of Nick Dickson, Alli Harper and Chris Hekr on their way to a Training Session at a street crossing to help us, within seconds, at a time of our greatest need. Their loyalty to the Fireman's Oath was and I believe will always be pure as gold. And, God's love for His children will forever be limitless, unconditional and 

" par excellence."

              Psalm 91 - "When you call on me, I will answer you. I will save you!"

              Psalm 34  - "I sought the Lord and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears!"