Minutes of Hope

New Year Reflection January 1, 2010 Luke 2: 16-21 We close the year 2019 with lots of memories full of mixed emotions. We remember all the excitements, the crazy escapades, the flaunting achievements, the mountains we conquered, the people we met and loved or hated, the break-ups, the mistakes and crazy decisions, all the laughters and tears, to mention a few. We all remember them with gratitude and forgiveness with a smile in the heart for we know everything happens for a reason. I am sure they all made us of who we are today. The first reading echoes the message of God's promise of blessings to the Israelites. Blessing of safety - good health, posterity, security, healing from illnesses and diseases. Blessing of abundance - good fortune, finding a good job, sucessful career, finding a good relationship, fonding good friends, good business and financial freedom. Blessing of peace - calmness, away from worries and troubles, serenity in mind and body, inner happiness and jo...

December 26, 2019 St. Stephen, the first martyr, exemplifies our Christian vocation to surrender everything to God. To follow the Lord takes a lot of hard decisions. Often, it’s too easy to compromise when things get tough. We bend down our christian faith and principles, just to get through the possible pain, lose and unpopular. Yes, it is easily said than done. But we have to ask for the spirit of strength when we seem weakening, for fidelity when we are tempted, perseverance when we are about to give up and faith when things are going upside down. When things get rough and life gets tough, hold on. Just hold on. Pain is designed not to stay. It will pass. And after the rain, the sun will shine on you to remind you that a new day is coming. And you will be back on your feet feeling alright. God bless！

December 25, 2019 Our readings in today’s celebration echoe on Christ as “The” light of the world. The first reading from the book of Isaiah reminds us that when God makes a promise, He fulfils. The promises of God are always better and favorable, always in favor His people, not to harm but to comfort, not to destroy but create a future, to give hope not despair. Nevertheless, I know that there are still some prayers and wishes that are still on ”delay.” But the delays are not God’s disapproval. Often, these are times that God is reminding that He is the only light that makes this world and life go round. The second reading from the letter to the Hebrews shows God’s infinite love towards His people. I would like to believe that God could not let Himself be far and separate from us, or He could not forgive himself to leave us alone in this world that He sent His only begotten Son to be one of us. Before, God only sent prophets to remind the people of Hos love. But this time,...

December 24, 2019 Luke 1：67-79 Dawn Mass Our celebration of “misa de gallo” and “simbang gabi” ends with the invitation to thank the Lord. All throughout the readings for nine days portray God‘s graciousness, love, and fidelity to His people. God’s gifts were overwhelming, overshadowing the human imperferfections and sinfulness. Zechariah in our gospel today could not contain the outburst of his joy and gratitude for God’s goodness throughout his life, while remembering the unfolding story of God journying with His people generations and after generations. For years of hoping, the promise of the Lord to him is finally fulfilled. We too remember how God proved His compassion, faithfulness and love in our lives. Over the years, we have personally witnessed what God can do to us, how He held us during the rough and painful times, how His hands carried us through, how He brought joy after our tears, how He cared for us by sending people and friends, how He turned our lives ful...

December 23, 2019 Luke 1:57-66 We see in the Bible the many characters who reflects God's goodness. Abraham was called to be the father of all nations, God promised that he will not bring flood again to Noah, Moses was called by God to liberate the people of Israel, David was made King even in his small stature, the miracles, healing, the feeding of the 5,000, the gift of sons to many women both jews and gentiles, to mention a few. This is the message of our gospel today - God is gracious. God gives gratuitously to His people, which means without any condition. And we notice that mostly, God shows his graciousness to people who have nothing to give back in return, but not without faith. John, which means "God is gracious," prefigures God's attitude towards His people,  that amidst our human imperfections and sinfulness, God continuous to show his love and compassion. Remember the moment you were born? That first time you fell in love and that indescribable...

December 22, 2019 We do all dream. Often, we easily forget about our dreams when we wake up. Sometimes, even if we remember our dreams, we dont have any clue why we dreamt about it. So why do we dream? What is its importance for us? Today's gospel talks about the dream of Joseph. The angel told him in his dream to postpone his plan of leaving Mary because of what happened to her. Instead, the angel ordered him to take Mary as his wife, for a child will be borne through her to be the saviour of the world. And we know what happened. When Joseph woke up, he followed what the angel told him. And the rest is history. Two things about dreams: 1. God speaks to us in our dreams.     God reveals his message to us through our dreams. When we are asleep, these are the times that we loosen our shields. And as we are withrawn from our own "securities", our sense of control, God penetrates His message . God speaks to us in many ways, but most specially in our dreams. What ar...

December 22, 2019 Matthew 1:18-24 The scripture says, "we walk by faith, not by sight." But many times we measure our blessings to the things we see, the situation we experience. When life is filled with pain and problems, we think that we are abandoned by God. But what we do not know is that the most essential things in life are invisible to our eyes. I'm pretty sure that most you have already encountered the beautiful poem "Footprints in the sand." It was during the rocky path that the man started to ask God, why He left him all alone. And then the Lord said in his dream that it was not his footprints that he saw but it was God's. Because during the hard moments of his life, it was God who carried him through. Indeed, how easily we forget the good works of the Lord. Today's gospel reading reminds us that God never leaves us, He is with us. In every moment of our life, God has always been our companion, healer, friend and a lover. God will n...

Are you ready for Christmas? Old people would say, nah..but young people would say yes. There was A boy who wanted a watch for Christmas. That's all he talked about. And his daddy got so tired of listening said. I don't want to hear anything about that watch But if you'll ask anything, I might give that to you. During dinner, the father asked the kids before meal, what is your favorite verse? The boy said, my favorite verse is mk  13:37 . And what I say to you, I say to all, watch. To think that God could have ended the world, he came as a baby in an obscure place. To die on the cross so that you and I can have eternal life and live in eternal life in heaven. That's the best christmas gift. Amen? And out of that gift, there are other gifts of jesus. Have you received some gifts this Christmas? Sino ang meron na? Sino ang wala pa? I have something for you. Please come here and receive your gift. Have you received a gift within a gift within a gift? When you open it,...

Story of a barren wife. Failed many times in tests and medicines. Hoping against hope. Then one day, February 14, she felt something. She began to crave for mangoes, loves sleeping - "naglilihi." Then, she was saying, "this is it. This is it." After 5 days, they learned that she was not pregnant. The doctor said that there's nothing they can do. All the tests were done. That was the saddest part in her life. She cannot work right, she cannot sleep well, cannot eat well. Everytime she attends mass, she would go sobbing and tears would just flow from her eyes.  One night her husband came and saw her lying in bed. And the husband hugged her and said, I'm here I'm here. Then she said to him, love, it's very easy for God right? He can easily make me pregnant. Bakit ayaw pa nya? At that moment, when she was questioning God, she realised she was not actually letting God in control. She was in control. So she said, Lord, I give all to you. She surrendered ev...

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 Today is third Sunday of advent which is also known in Latin as gaudete or rejoice sunday. This is a special sunday because our readings speak boldly the message of gladness and rejoicing in the coming of the Lord. In the first reading, for example, prophet Zephaniah invites god's people to rejoice in the lord for he is coming as a mighty conqueror, a mighty savior. He will come and turn away their enemies. He is their king who will be in their midst. The image of a conqueror, saviour or a king is very powerful during the time of the propehts. For Zephaniah, This is an assurance to the promise of salvation and redemption, A promise of bountiful blessings, of strength and triumph they have longed for. And now it is nearing to its fulfillment. In the second reading, St Paul repeats the message, "rejoice in the lord always."  St paul invites the philippians to turn their fears into joy and galdness. They ahve to rejoice for god will secure their h...

April 27, 2013  daily reflection What troubles your heart and life today? Is it poverty, pain in relationship, your finances, work undone, wrong decision, etc?Jesus in our gospel today tells us, "do not let your hearts be troubled; you believe in god, believe also in me."  If we look deeply into our human experiences, we discover that there are a lot of uncertainties in this world which often impels us to doubt the power of God in our life. These uncertainties might be our blur vision of God's hand working in our life etched through various imperfections, poverty, injustices, infidelities, inequalities and Dis-eases we experience everyday. Sadly, we often see these worse realities as ends in themselves as if they are the center of our existence. And so we loose sight of what lies beyond the various troubles in life. Then we begin to live in despair. We begin to belong into hopelessness, and eventually we loose grip of our faith. We start to denounce God in our life. We...

"Come to me all who labor and are heavy burdened for I will give your rest. Take my yoke and learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart. And you'll find rest for your soul. Yes my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Life might be so burdensome at times. We engage ourselves in so many things and work and concerns that at times make us so depressed, stressed and weak. The Lord invites us today to come to him to find refuge, healing, peace and rest. Let us offer our work today and give him the praise that is due to him alone. Let's take a moment of silence and invite God to come to us. Let us listen to him speak to us his words that silences our troubles and eases our pains .

Obedience of Joseph proves that god is truly with us. We just have to trust god in our life. We have to find confidence in a god who is always there to lead and guide us in life. There was a story of a guy who went for a mountain trek. While he was climbing the mountain, there was full of fog that he can nearly see his path. Suddenly, he stepped on a wet rock and he slid towards the hill. Good for him, he was able to grab some grass. It was dark with fogs, so he can't see anything. He called for help, then after a couple of times, almost desperate, a cloud opened and a voice said to him, it is I, do not be afraid, release your hand from the grass Nd when you fall I will catch you. Then the man replied, is there anybody there? Sometime we are just full of doubts whether we can get through with our problems, whether we can succeed in our life. Sometimes we are hopeless in our situations and relationships and life. But we just have to follow The Lord. How? We'll he sends sign...

Ano bang mga palatandaan ang hinhintay mo sa pagdating ng pasko? Flowers, house, shoes, health, money, joy, family, relationship? What? The first reading tells us do not give up on asking signs. Even how many times you've failed The Lord, once you ask, he will be there to guide you. He will show signs that he is there with you always. The second reading adds that it is Jesus who is our ultimate sign. He is the son of god, the sAvior of the world. So if god is there what more do you ask? The gospel tells us that Joseph dreamt of an angel who told him that a son will be born. It was a sign for him to marry the Virgin Mary. We also face in that situation where we are caught off guard as to what decision to make. Ask god for a sign. Today's messAge is this, do not be afraid. I am with you always. I am the Emmanuel. I am the ultimate sign and I will show you many things just to prove my presence. I will do the Impossibles. I will guide you. I will lead you. I will help you g...

Magandang gabi sa lahat. Bago ang lahat gusto ko po kayong batiin ng advance merry Christmas. Sino ba ang Hindi pa nakatanggap ng regalo dito taas ang kamay? Marami pala tayong wala pang regalo. Di bale, hintay2 LNG pag May time. Paki taas daw ang kamy ng mga bata? Yung mga bata lang po di young Isip bata at mukhang bata. Yan...mamaya pagkatapos ng misa you go here in front and take some candies. Ok bu don't run. Let me ask you this question. What gift do you want for Christmas? Regalong gusto mong matanggap sa pasko? House and lot, car, money, relationship, family, business, joy, blessings, more blessings, etc. Let me give you some time to think and imagine what you want for Christmas. Tapos na? Yung Iba siguro daming inisip..isa LNG muna. This is my topic today. What you dream become reality. In our first reading, ahaz knew what he needs but he was shy to ask from god. But it was not a hindrance to god. God knows what he wants. He wants his dynasty secured. And so god grant...

God says, "You are healed" I believe that each one of us deserves everything in life. I mean, everything! But you may wonder why there are still many imperfections in the world? Why is there poverty, pain, and sorrow so vast and real? Have we not been promised of every special favor from God? The gospel today tells us about the healing of a leper. For many years, leprosy has brought much pain and suffering to that person. But when the leper saw Jesus he knew exactly that he has found healing. And it happened. The leper was finally healed. Some of us might still be waiting for the moment when we will be saved from our pains, imperfections, illnesses or financial difficulties. But just like the leper, surely, God will do great thing for each of us in his most perfect time.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Following what god wants for us is always a struggle. Because sometimes, our plans are not what god plans for us. That is why we have the faith given to us by god to help us make a leap and decision, that even if we do not understand the whole reality and truth, we may see the redeeming aspect of gods plan for each of us. A husband or a wife might have some difficulty reconciling the fact that he or she has married this person. But god is way way knowledgeable than us. When god plans, he goes beyond human emotions, knowledge and understanding or wisdom. He knows the right thing, the exact moment, the precise word or gesture for everything. Therefore, let us be consoled always in Gods word in us, his plans, his will, his love. Like Joseph, may we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to his plans in our lives.

Our readings today tell us of the mystery of gods plan for us. I believe that god has destined each one of us to a better life. Joseph in our first reading suffered from the jealousy of his brothers. He suffered pain and anger from his brothers and sold to the strangers. In our gospel, Jesus tells the story of the tenants and his son being treated ill and killed by the same workers. Jesus in the story prepares his listeners to his coming passion death and resurrection. And yet even knowing what will happen to him, he remained trustful to the father. Let us be reminded that god has a purpose for each of us. If we only listen and follow him, we will surely receive the reward promised for each of us. Have a blessed day!

We say that when god plans it is always the best. Today, our readings tell us that when god plan he will surely fulfill. The story of Joseph in the first reading narrates the life of Joseph with his brothers. He was treated ill with jealousy and anger and finally sold to strangers. An yet we know he will still face his triumph. The gospel also speaks to us about the the tragedy of the servants and the son I sent by the master of the land. Yet it tells us of the glory of Jesus in the end of suffering. Let us pray not to be jealous of what other people have. Instead, let us be thankful of what god has given us.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014 The story of the serpent in the book of genesis. This suggests that the devil from the start was there to deceive humankind.  In the gospel, when jesus was in the desert, he was also tempted by the devil. The devil tried to deceive jesus from the truth.  Like jesus, we have also to be aware of the temptations in our life if we want to have a better outlook im life and to find life's real meaning and happiness. Temptation is seeing things as it is not.  This means believing the truth which is not. Today is the first sunday of lent. And in the coming days we will encounter many forms of temptationz and peoplw who will be tempted. Temptations are real. Why are there temptations? We usually see temptations as a negative circumstance that happen or come to our life. Yet, on the other hand, ww can also see it on a different perspective.  Temptations are just temptations. But temptations become sinful when a person acts on it.  But the good si...

Today we celebrate the presentation of the lord in the temple. in obedience to the mosaic law, mary and joseph offered the child child jesus to the temple after 40 days of his birth  followed by the purification of mary. There are several names referred to this celebration. It was called the purification of mary, presentation of the lord, encounter, candle day, consecrated life day. Today I will be sharing three points: purification, presentation and poverty. these three points will remind us of the truth that it is when we loose everything that we gain everything. In purification, it is us who are purified, not jesus, not mary nor joseph. It is when we offer our weaknesses and sinfulness before the lord, and receiving his mercy and love that we are purified.  In presentation, it is not jesus who is presented but the father has offered his son and in turn gained humanity through salvation. In poverty, we remember all consecrated men and women who offered themselves, left ever...

Today is the end of christmas season and the start of ordinary time. Today is the feast of the baptism of the lord. in the gospel from matthew John was baptizing in the river jordan asking the people for repentance when suddenly jesus appeared to the crowd. And coming to John he asked to be baptized by him. It was a surprise to john knowing that he is not worthy to do it. Yet jesus was firm and hesistant. And so john baptized him. What does it mean for jesus to be baptized? Does it mean that he is a sinner? No. It was not for jesus to be sanctified but to sanctify the water to be the instrument of the holy spirit in transforming the world.  It was also to show that God loves us so that he even chose to consider himself to be part of us except sin. Then when he rose from the water, the spirit of the lord dawned on him and the heavens were opened with the voice this is my son in whom I am well pleased. This is what we also call anointing. In the early days, there were only three peo...

The first reading from the book of the prophet daniel speaks of the infidelity and sheer unfaithful of the israelites toward their god. God has been so generous and faithful to them and yet they remained stubborn and disobedient.   And so how do we approach then our god for all this? The psalm is a prayer asking for forgiveness. It is a prayer for his justice and compassion amidst our sinfulness. Moreover, the gospel speaks of the measure we receive to whatever measure we give. Therefore, here, we ask for wisdom that we may always put love and compassion in all our actions.  Love begets love. Hatred begets hatred. Judgement begets judgment. Forgiveness begets forgiveness.

Queen esther reminds us that when we ask or pray, may we have in mind our total dependence on god in whatever he deems to give us necessary. The gospel likewise reminds us that god truly answers our prayers in the way that is best for us. This also reminds us that doing good to others does not determine the outcome of our action but doing good is christ law which we have to follow everyday.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014 Today marks the beginning of Lenten Season, a season for prayer, fasting and abstinence.  Today we catholics mark ourselves with the blessed ashes as a sign of our commitment to repentance. The ashes reminds us of our humble beginning - "from dust to dust." This calls for humility that in truth we have nothing to be boast of for we are simple dust. And yet in an unimaginable kindness and generosity God made us into his own image and likeness.  Yes, whatever achievements we have, wherever pedestals of success we have achived, or the happiness we felt, they all come from God. Let us be sincere then in our repentance for the times when we feel we are powerful and oppressed the simple, when we boast of our life and mocked the poor, when we have everything and yet lost God. Today, once again, He calls you to Himself, to trust and depend on Him. Amen.

Tell the person sitting next to you, magbago ka na!" Yesterday we talked about the calling that each of us are called to evangelize and fight the demons.  Today we are reminded that for us to follow we must first of all change for good.  Sometimes we learn the hard way. We wait for strange and difficult thing to happen to change or we wait for things to happen before we realize what we should be doing in thw first place. In addition, what is so dramatic in this conversion paul was when he was healed from blindness. We too need some healing in sight that we may see what God wants us to see. Theefore we are invited like paul to let god pass or stop us in our roads and let him change us.

"Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing ever frighten you. Everything is changing. Only God is unchanging. Patience wins everything. If you have God, you lack nothing. God alone is enough."              - St. Teresa de Avila

   Lenten Season is a time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving.     We catholics mark ourselves with the blessed ashes as a sign of our commitment to repentance. The ashes reminds us of our humble beginning - "from dust to dust." This calls for humility that in truth we have nothing to be boastful of for we are simply "dust." And yet in an unimaginable kindness and generosity God made us into his own image and likeness.     Yes, whatever achievements or pedestals of success we have achieved, or the happiness we felt, they all come from God. Let us be sincere then in our repentance for the times when we feel we are powerful and oppressed the simple, when we boast of our life and mocked the poor, when we have everything and yet lost God.  Once again, God calls us to Himself, to trust and depend on Him and to sin no more. Amen.