Be grateful, Be Faithful

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 joy, and a happy family. These blessings are not just words but promises that God will fulfill in your life.

The gospel tells us of Mary whom we celebrate every January 1, Mary the Mother of God - theotokos. Mary kept all the wonderful things made by the angel through the shephers and reflected on them. As our mother, she will forever watch over us, guide us her children.

We are all called to be like Mary, always faithful and grateful to God. Even amidst difficult situations, uncertainties, humiliation and fear, we should remain grateful and faithful to God like Mary.

The Lord never promised that the journey will be easy. But we are assured that He will never leave us, He will bless us. That when things are not in line with our plans, God is in control. That when we do not see crearly where to go and what to do because of some situations, God can be trusted. That when we are about to give up and become weak because of pain or disappointment, God will remain strong for us. That when the battle is becoming impossible, God has already fought the battle even before we fight.

Last year is a past to be grateful. This year is another year to be faithful. Let's continue holding on to God for blessings are coming our way.

Happy New Year! God bless!

Comments

LSIs and PUMs found refuge in OMI Retreat House

The Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (SOMPH) retreat house in Binoligan, Kidapawan City, an OMI-run center has become a haven of refuge for several (Locally Stranded Individuals) LSIs and (Persons Under Monitoring) PUMs under the care of city government of Kidapawan. Since last year, the shrine has been accepting individuals and families under quarantine during the event of the pandemic. Through the joint program of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) and Kidapawan City government, LSIs and PUMs are quarantined in the OMI retreat house, identified as one of the quarantine centers. In Kidapawan City, only a number of centers have been assigned for such delicate role of accepting person under quarantine. The decision was made by Bp. Charlie Inzon, OMI, the apostolic vicar of Jolo Vicariate, who was then the OMI provincial superior during their meeting with Mayor Joseph Evanghelista of Kidapawan City, early last year. It was a huge decision for the OMI congrega

Notre Dame of Cagayan: Evangelization Through Education

History The Notre Dame of Cagayan is located in a far distant island called Mapun, Tawi-Tawi. It is one of the Notre Dame schools founded by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in the Sulu and Tawi-Tawi archipelago to respond to the literary education needs of the local people. Among the Notre Dame schools, NDC is one of the farthest if not the most challenging mission area of the oblates particularly with regards to transportation. The Notre Dame of Cagayan was founded by the OMI Fathers in 1958. Fr. Maurice A. Hemann, OMI was its first school principal and director. During that time, the Notre Dame of Cagayan (NDC) was the only high school in the island municipality of Mapun. That is why most of the professionals coming from Mapun are graduates of NDC. The school in its long-standing influence through education has already produced doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, architects, a lawyer, businessmen, entrepreneurs, a priest, and many others. The Notre Dame of Cagayan is known for

Destiny

Sometimes THINGS happen almost repeatedly, one mistake today and tomorrow the same mistake you fall. And unbelievably they happen so fast but you can't track them anytime. Seriously! This is really sick! I always make the same mistake knowing that they are going the same route and end in the same feeling. My heart once advised that the next time it happen it would be a different game, a different feeling of excitement but sadly I was wrong. I still missed the last spark to make the feeling into reality, making the ending open like a movie always creating another sequel to finally seize the whole picture and story. But, maybe there are things that just won’t work out for some people. Instead there are other things that are just meant for them. Well, I heard this from people, and they call it destiny. Crap! If this is what destiny for me, then holy crap! I just can’t figure out how to move next time. Why can’t I just make the perfect move now? I’m not comparing but some people can

Minutes of Hope

Search This Blog