18th SUNDAY of ORDINARY TIME (The RICH FOOL)
Once there was a chronic gambler who said: “I would do anything, even the devil’s work, to see the lotto winning numbers ahead of the draw. I would become the richest man in the world.”
He got his wish. A messenger came to his door and handed him a newspaper dated one week ahead. Excited, the man turned to the page where the winning numbers were listed. There before his eyes were all the numbers that would entitle him to win millions of pesos.
* * *
He was beside himself imagining what he would do with the huge amount. But as he turned the pages, his heart skipped a beat. For there he saw his name printed in big, bold prints – in the obituary! On the day he wins all those millions, he will also die.
* * *
The story may well parallel the parable of Christ in this Sunday gospel concerning the rich fool (Lk 12:13-21). Jesus understood our craving for security, but He wishes that we put that yearning in proper perspective.
The rich farmer in the parable could be a landowner growing rice in Nueva Ecija or a real estate developer of high-rise buildings in Metro Manila.
* * *
An abundant harvest forces the farmer in the parable to tear down his existing barns and build even larger ones. With all his possessions snugly secured, he congratulates himself on a job well done. He has security. He has proved himself to be prudent organizer, a good planner, a man respected in the community.
And yet Christ calls him a fool! Why?
* * *
There is no indication that he was dishonest or that he cheated anyone or deprived them of what was rightfully theirs. What then was wrong with him?
The answer is: He was greedy. That’s why Jesus says, “Avoid greed in all its forms. A man may be wealthy, but his possessions do not guarantee him life.”
* * *
He wants security in the future, but he does not look far enough beyond death to a security that only God can guarantee.
* * *
There’s a story about a rich matron who died and went to heaven. St. Peter escorted her down a magnificent boulevard on which rows of mansions stood. The rich lady saw one house that was exceptionally beautiful and asked who lived there.
* * *
“You will be surprised,” said St. Peter. “That is the home of your katulong (helper).” “Well,” the lady said smiling, “if my helper gets a place like that, I certainly look forward to having a more grandiose mansion.”
Soon they came to an iskinita (alley) where the houses were cramped. St. Peter stopped and said, “Lady, you will live in that hut.”
* * *
“Me, live in that hovel! This is an insult. On earth I was rich and famous!” “I understand, but this is the best we can do for you,” explained St. Peter.
“You must understand that we only build houses up here with the materials you send ahead while you were still on earth.”
* * *
The materials we are supposed to send ahead are obviously not cement, sand, and gravel but spiritual like our good works, our acts of kindness, and piety.
Certainly we have to work and to save for the future, but we are sadly mistaken if we think that our possessions will give us the kind of security we really need.
* * *
No matter how much money we may have saved up or will gain – as in the story of the gambler – the time will come for God to say to us, “This very night, your life shall be required of you.” What then of your security? Where will all your piled-up wealth go?
We hope and pray that we won’t be called a “rich fool” when we come face-to-face with the Lord.
“What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his life?” (Mt 16:24).
* * *
FAMILY TV MASS – is aired by the SVD Mission Communications Foundation, Inc. (MCFI) on IBC 13 at 9-10 a.m. every Sunday.
Sponsor: Mater Dei ME Community & Various Associations of BIR. Celebrant: Fr. Pablito Tagura, SVD.
* * *
To offer Mass intentions and love offerings, call Brian at Christ the King Seminary (cf. tel. directory) or e-mail: familytv.mass@yahoo.com.
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WANTED
Little Johnny’s kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station where they saw pictures tacked to a bulletin board of the 10 most wanted criminals. One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person. ‘Yes,’ said the policeman. ‘The detectives want very badly to capture him. ‘Little Johnny asked, ‘Why didn’t you keep him when you took his picture ?’
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You Are Always In My Mind
our distance is not a hindrance
to keep you in my mind
the feelings i have for you
though you are out of sights.
the time is not a reason
to forget the days that passed
you are always in my mind
and that’s what i feel all nights.
the moments were so precious
when we were in our house
clinging arms and joining hands
as a sign of our loving hearts.
you are always in my mind
because i love you so much
especially this special day
when i’m supposed to be with you.
you are always in my mind
in everything i do
like now when i make a poem for you
as a way of greeting “Happy birthday to you”.
-o0o-
rossana/ a poem for Felix
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18th SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME – C
1 August 2010
Ecc 1:2; 2:21-23
Ps 90:(1) 3-6, 12-14, 17
Col 3:1-5, 9-11
Luke 12:13-21
STOCKPILING
When we understand God’s generosity, we are truly wealthy. No matter how little money we have in the bank, our lives are rich in peace – the kind of peace that gets us through trials and battles with wisdom and endurance.
God’s generosity also leads to material blessings. Every material blessing we have comes from God. He delivers it to us through the talents, abilities, and personality style that he has given to us. Whatever we earn through our own efforts comes originally from God’s efforts. God is the source of everything that’s good in our lives.
However, there’s always a purpose that’s bigger than us. Everything from God is meant to bless others, too. We are channels of God’s generosity.
Whatever we have that we refuse to share becomes the cause of sin. We succumb to selfishness, which is akin to greed. The problem with greed is that it hurts others by denying them what God wants to share with them.
What makes us vulnerable to this sin? Self-reliance. It comes from thinking that we can rely solely on ourselves and on our own resources instead of partnering with God in generosity. Even when we recognize that God has been generous with us, self-reliance says we should keep it all to ourselves or else we will suffer bad consequences.
When we protect our lives by storing up our goods, others suffer. In next Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus addresses both greed and self-reliance, because they are completely contrary to the personality of God.
Generosity grows when we understand that God is the provider of everything good and that he will continue to provide for us even when we give away what he gives to us – especially when we give away what he gives to us. Think about what you have in abundance (be it money, or joy, or wisdom, or lessons learned from experience, or ___ ). Now look around. How might you be the answer to others’ prayers?
Everything that belongs to God is ours when we desire to share it with others. This is the primary economic principle of the kingdom of God. The Body of Christ thrives only when there’s a continual exchange of goods. We call this the communion of saints.
Questions for Personal Reflection:
What is most difficult for you to share or give away? Why do you cling to it? What are you afraid will happen if you let go of it?
Questions for Family & Community Faith Sharing:
Why do we feel safer relying on ourselves than on God? Give an example of God’s generosity in your own life. How would (or did) sharing this with others make a difference?
The WINDOW
Change Your Thinking
It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking…
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room’s only window.
The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end.
They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..
Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time bydescribing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivenedby all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.
Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats.
Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color
and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details,
the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man could not hear the band – he could see it in his mind’s eye
as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days, weeks and months passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the manby the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.
She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window.
The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, ”Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t buy.
“Today is a gift. That is why it is called “The Present”.
The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.
Do not keep this letter.
I pray you will forward it to all your friends to whom you wish God’s blessings.
FRIENDSHIP IS A BRIDGE
FRIENDSHIP IS A BRIDGE
our friendship builds a special bridge
when our loved ones have to leave
because it helps us how to feel
that they are near or still up here.
are fathers are so meant to us
inspired and cleared the roads we pass
they tried some ways to open our eyes
that led us to a better life.
those memories they left behind
and years of laughter are kept in mind
the love they showered away from sights
enough to soothe our grieving hearts.
those people whom they touched their lives
cannot forget how things went right
their presence shared a lot of ease
for us who reap comfort and peace.
no matter how long they have been gone
they are our treasures under the sun
preserving ties that bind us one
remembering their thoughts as days pass by.
that’s why my friend,i make it clear
this friendship brings a lot of cheer
for both of us who know it’s true
this simple journey,we’ll both us go.
a poem i composed when someone like me lost a kind and responsible father.”Friendship Is A Bridge” – ROSSANA GEALAN
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18th SUNDAY of ORDINARY TIME – C (ILOCANO)
MAIKA-18 A DOMINGO ITI PAGMAKATAWEN ( Ordinary Time)
1 August 2010
Cacabsatko ken Kristo:
Adu ti masapul ti bagi ken kararrua kabayatan iti panagbibiagtayo ditoy rabaw ti daga. Manipud naiyanaktayo ingganat mapantayo idiay nailangitan a lugar adu ti gastos para kanen, lupot, balay, panagtaming iti salun-at, ken panagadal iti uneg ken ruar ti eskuelaan. Malaksid no napagasatantayo nga nagtawid iti kinabaknang adu a tiempo ken trabaho ti paglasatantayo tapno dumur-as ti panagbiag tayo ditoy a lubong tayo. Kakabsat manmano ti bimmaknang babaen iti sugal a kas koma panagtaya iti jueteng wenno sweepstakes. No dadduma inda agsapul iti pagliwliwaan ket sumrekda iti aniaman nga ay-ayam a matiketan.
Sino kadi ti mayat iti kuarta? Awan ti ammok a dina tinal-liaw ti kuarta. Adu met ngamin ti maited ti kuarta. No awan kuartam makaadayoka kadi? Wen, adu dagiti naayat a tattao a mangilibre kenka ngem maalatayo met ti agbain no kua. Amin a problema solbaren ti kuarta ket no agproblema ti Pagilian tayo pabasolen tayo ti kinakapsut ti Economia.
Adu dagiti maal-lilaw iti sileng ti kuarta. Nagistayan maaramidmo amin a kayatmo no adu ti kuartam. Agpatakder iti aniaman a balay, eskuelaan, kalsada, pagsinean, hospital, bus lines, airports, pagsangladan iti bapor, wenno dagiti mismo nga eroplano, mapaaddada no adda kuarta. No saan a nalinteg ti tao nga addaan adu a kuarta adu met ti maaramidna a dakes. Aggatang kadagiti maiparit a droga, dagiti contrabando, ken uray pay “botos” kabayatan iti Campania para elektion. Adda pay agpasuksok tapno mabaliwan ti sentensia wenno maiyab-ababa iti panagikaro idiay pagbaludan. Adda pay ket umasideg a “hired-killer(s) tapno makabaleska iti kabusormo. Kunada pay ketdi no maituredmo ipakitada ti ulo ti pinatayda a cabusormo. Ay Apo, mannakabalin iti kuarta nga agpayso!
No lumawlawa ti nagbaetan dagiti nababaknang ken napapanglaw ti tuddoen ket ti “kuarta.” Dagiti nababaknang, nabaknangda la ngaruden, dida sardayan ti agpanunot kadagiti pamuspusan tapno manaynayonan pay ti kinabaknangda. Pasaray agbalinda a buklis iti sanikua. Manmano kadagiti nababaknang ti managparabur. Adda im-imutda kunak man laengen. Mangmangegtayo “fuera de los Buenos.” Wen, agpayso, adda met dagiti nababaknang a naayat a tumulong kadagiti napapanglaw ken kadagiti proyekto ti Simbaan. Dios ti agngina kadakuada. Inton tumulong met dagiti napapanglaw gapu iti kinaaduda, pasaray ti naurnong a kuarta dakdakkel ti bilangna ngem dagiti sag-paminsan a naawat a naggapu kadagiti nababaknang. Uray ni Apo Jesukristo bigbigenna daytoy a pasamak kadagiti agidatdaton idiay Templo. Agyamantayo kadagiti amin a naayat a tumulong kadatayo, kakabsat.
FR. DOMINADOR FERNANDEZ, SVD
DWCV – Campus Minister
DF/helen
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HOW TO LIVE LONGER
PAMPAHABA NG BUHAY: MGA TIPS AYON KAY DOC WILLIE
Mula sa Pahina 6, Julyo 18, 2010
Alam mo ba na depende sa iyong pamumuhay at pananaw sa buhay, pwedeng humaba o umikli ang buhay mo? Alamin natin ito:
- May magulang o lolo’t lola ka b a na lampas 85 years old? Kung oo, hahaba rin ang iyong buhay ng 2 taon dahil mahaba ang buhay ng lahi mo.
- Nag-graduate ka ba sa kolehiyo? M ahilig ka ba magbasa tungkol sa iyong kalusugan? Kung oo, hahaba ang iyong buhay ng 2 tao dahil may alam ka sa kalinisan at tamang pamumuhay.
- Mahilig ka bang mag-ehersisyo? M adalas ka bang mapawisan sa pag-eehersisyo? Kung oo, hahaba ang iyong buhya ng 3 taon.
- Mahilig ka bang kumain ng gulay, prutas at isda? Mas marami ba ang kinakain mong gulay kaysa kar ne? Kung oo, madadagdagan ka ng 3 taon sa iyong buhay.
- Mahilig ka ba sa steak at karne? Kumakain ka ba ng steak 2 beses sa isang linggo? Kung oo, mababawasan ka ng 1 taon dahil ma-kolesterol ang karne.
- Mahilig ka bas a crash diet o yo-yo diet? Iyong biglang mapapapayat sa pamamagitan ng diet pills o kung anu-ano pa? Kung oo, mababawasan ka ng 5 taon sa buhay. Masama sa katawan ang crash diet. Dapat ay 1-2 pounds lang ang ibabawas bawat linggo.
- Nagpapacheck-up ka bas a doctor bawat taon? May blood test ka ba at pinasuri mo ba ang iyong nararamdaman? Kung oo, hahaba ng 3 years ang iyong buhay. Pero kung hindi ka na gpapacheck-up, iikli ng 3 taon ang iyong buhay. Kumonsulta na sa doctor para magamot agad ang sakit.
- Relihiyoso ka ba? Lagi ka bang nagdarasal? Kung oo, hahaba ang iyong buhay ng 2 taon. Mas Masaya at mas health y ang mga taong naniniwala sa Diyos.
- Matulungin ka ba sa kapwa? Gumagawa ka ban g charity work bawat linggo? Kung oo, hahaba ang iyong buhay n g 4 na taon dahil sa ang pagtulong sa kapwa ay nagpapaganda ng pakiramdam.
- Mag-isa ka lang ba sa buhay? Wala ka bang kasama sa buhay? Kung oo, mababawasan ka ng 3 taon sa buhay dahil walang mag-aalaga sa iyo. Magkaroon ng kaibigan at maging malapit s a iyong kamag-anak.
- Lagi ka bang in-love? Masaya ka ba sa iyong lifetime partner? Kung oo, hahaba ang iyong buhay ng 7 taon. Kaya dapat laging in-love at Masaya.
For a longer reading, buy the book in the National Book Store.
From copying work: FR. DOM FERNANDEZ, SVD
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17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle – C
25 July 2010
ASK, SEEK & KNOCK
Next Sunday’s Readings:
Gen 18:20-32
Ps 138:1-3, 6-8
Col 2:12-14
Luke 11:1-13
In next Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus teaches us how to pray with faith. Notice that his parable does not say that we can get everything we ask for. Not everything is good for us; the “bread” that runs as a theme through this scripture is the life of holiness – the “Bread of Life” is Jesus. The gift of the Holy Spirit, the Giver of Life, is a HOLY life.
Notice also that the visitor in the parable is a friend of God, not a stranger, who wants to share the bread with another friend. This represents a baptized Christian who wants to share the friendship of God (“three loaves” – the Trinity) with others, but he or she is inadequate for the task.
When we knock on the door to God’s heart seeking help for our inadequacies, the Father gives us his fully adequate Holy Spirit. And that’s not all we get! Whenever we pray, this Holy Spirit connects us to the Father and to Jesus. Therefore, every prayer increases our holiness, brings us closer to God and empowers us to be more like Jesus. But holiness does not come quickly nor easily . We must be persistent in our prayer lives. We must continually rely on God’s Spirit in order to resist temptations and grow in faith.
No matter what we ask God to share with us, including the material things that we need or desire, God wants to use it to nourish our souls. This is what we ask for when we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Be persistent. Receiving God’s bread usually doesn’t happen overnight (we’re slow learners).
It’s the devil who says that we can have everything we ask for as fast as we want it. New Age and occult practices are fast-food spiritualities that are riddled with the unhealthy fat of false beliefs. They lack the growth in holiness that we can only receive from the Holy Spirit. Many people turn to the occult because they don’t have the desire to persist on the path of holiness.
The supernatural adequacies of the Holy Spirit are ours for the asking, because we already received the Holy Spirit during baptism. However, to live in God’s supernatural power, we have to pray persistently, identify our sins and repent, purge our lives of selfish motives, and humbly open ourselves to the holiness of the Holy Spirit.
Questions for Personal Reflection:
How much do you rely on the Holy Spirit’s help in your daily life? How often do you humble yourself before the Lord in prayer and ask for an increase of holiness?
Questions for Family & Community Faith Sharing:
Describe your prayer life. How does it help you become holier in your daily activities? How has the Holy Spirit purified you?
CHEROKEE LEGEND
Cherokee Legend
Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth’s rite of Passage?
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun
shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone.
Once he survives the night, he is a MAN.
He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.
The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him . Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold.
It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.
It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him.
He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.
We, too, are never alone.
Even when we don’t know it, God is watching over us, Sitting on the stump beside us.
When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.
Moral of the story:
Just because you can’t see God,
Doesn’t mean He is not there.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.
fr. heart, SVD/RETREAT 2010/Cherokee Legend
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18th SUNDAY of ORDINARY TIME (The RICH FOOL)
Once there was a chronic gambler who said: “I would do anything, even the devil’s work, to see the lotto winning numbers ahead of the draw. I would become the richest man in the world.”
He got his wish. A messenger came to his door and handed him a newspaper dated one week ahead. Excited, the man turned to the page where the winning numbers were listed. There before his eyes were all the numbers that would entitle him to win millions of pesos.
* * *
He was beside himself imagining what he would do with the huge amount. But as he turned the pages, his heart skipped a beat. For there he saw his name printed in big, bold prints – in the obituary! On the day he wins all those millions, he will also die.
* * *
The story may well parallel the parable of Christ in this Sunday gospel concerning the rich fool (Lk 12:13-21). Jesus understood our craving for security, but He wishes that we put that yearning in proper perspective.
The rich farmer in the parable could be a landowner growing rice in Nueva Ecija or a real estate developer of high-rise buildings in Metro Manila.
* * *
An abundant harvest forces the farmer in the parable to tear down his existing barns and build even larger ones. With all his possessions snugly secured, he congratulates himself on a job well done. He has security. He has proved himself to be prudent organizer, a good planner, a man respected in the community.
And yet Christ calls him a fool! Why?
* * *
There is no indication that he was dishonest or that he cheated anyone or deprived them of what was rightfully theirs. What then was wrong with him?
The answer is: He was greedy. That’s why Jesus says, “Avoid greed in all its forms. A man may be wealthy, but his possessions do not guarantee him life.”
* * *
He wants security in the future, but he does not look far enough beyond death to a security that only God can guarantee.
* * *
There’s a story about a rich matron who died and went to heaven. St. Peter escorted her down a magnificent boulevard on which rows of mansions stood. The rich lady saw one house that was exceptionally beautiful and asked who lived there.
* * *
“You will be surprised,” said St. Peter. “That is the home of your katulong (helper).” “Well,” the lady said smiling, “if my helper gets a place like that, I certainly look forward to having a more grandiose mansion.”
Soon they came to an iskinita (alley) where the houses were cramped. St. Peter stopped and said, “Lady, you will live in that hut.”
* * *
“Me, live in that hovel! This is an insult. On earth I was rich and famous!” “I understand, but this is the best we can do for you,” explained St. Peter.
“You must understand that we only build houses up here with the materials you send ahead while you were still on earth.”
* * *
The materials we are supposed to send ahead are obviously not cement, sand, and gravel but spiritual like our good works, our acts of kindness, and piety.
Certainly we have to work and to save for the future, but we are sadly mistaken if we think that our possessions will give us the kind of security we really need.
* * *
No matter how much money we may have saved up or will gain – as in the story of the gambler – the time will come for God to say to us, “This very night, your life shall be required of you.” What then of your security? Where will all your piled-up wealth go?
We hope and pray that we won’t be called a “rich fool” when we come face-to-face with the Lord.
“What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his life?” (Mt 16:24).
* * *
FAMILY TV MASS – is aired by the SVD Mission Communications Foundation, Inc. (MCFI) on IBC 13 at 9-10 a.m. every Sunday.
Sponsor: Mater Dei ME Community & Various Associations of BIR. Celebrant: Fr. Pablito Tagura, SVD.
* * *
To offer Mass intentions and love offerings, call Brian at Christ the King Seminary (cf. tel. directory) or e-mail: familytv.mass@yahoo.com.
WANTED
Little Johnny’s kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station where they saw pictures tacked to a bulletin board of the 10 most wanted criminals. One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person. ‘Yes,’ said the policeman. ‘The detectives want very badly to capture him. ‘Little Johnny asked, ‘Why didn’t you keep him when you took his picture ?’
You Are Always In My Mind
our distance is not a hindrance
to keep you in my mind
the feelings i have for you
though you are out of sights.
the time is not a reason
to forget the days that passed
you are always in my mind
and that’s what i feel all nights.
the moments were so precious
when we were in our house
clinging arms and joining hands
as a sign of our loving hearts.
you are always in my mind
because i love you so much
especially this special day
when i’m supposed to be with you.
you are always in my mind
in everything i do
like now when i make a poem for you
as a way of greeting “Happy birthday to you”.
-o0o-
rossana/ a poem for Felix
18th SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME – C
1 August 2010
Ecc 1:2; 2:21-23
Ps 90:(1) 3-6, 12-14, 17
Col 3:1-5, 9-11
Luke 12:13-21
STOCKPILING
When we understand God’s generosity, we are truly wealthy. No matter how little money we have in the bank, our lives are rich in peace – the kind of peace that gets us through trials and battles with wisdom and endurance.
God’s generosity also leads to material blessings. Every material blessing we have comes from God. He delivers it to us through the talents, abilities, and personality style that he has given to us. Whatever we earn through our own efforts comes originally from God’s efforts. God is the source of everything that’s good in our lives.
However, there’s always a purpose that’s bigger than us. Everything from God is meant to bless others, too. We are channels of God’s generosity.
Whatever we have that we refuse to share becomes the cause of sin. We succumb to selfishness, which is akin to greed. The problem with greed is that it hurts others by denying them what God wants to share with them.
What makes us vulnerable to this sin? Self-reliance. It comes from thinking that we can rely solely on ourselves and on our own resources instead of partnering with God in generosity. Even when we recognize that God has been generous with us, self-reliance says we should keep it all to ourselves or else we will suffer bad consequences.
When we protect our lives by storing up our goods, others suffer. In next Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus addresses both greed and self-reliance, because they are completely contrary to the personality of God.
Generosity grows when we understand that God is the provider of everything good and that he will continue to provide for us even when we give away what he gives to us – especially when we give away what he gives to us. Think about what you have in abundance (be it money, or joy, or wisdom, or lessons learned from experience, or ___ ). Now look around. How might you be the answer to others’ prayers?
Everything that belongs to God is ours when we desire to share it with others. This is the primary economic principle of the kingdom of God. The Body of Christ thrives only when there’s a continual exchange of goods. We call this the communion of saints.
Questions for Personal Reflection:
What is most difficult for you to share or give away? Why do you cling to it? What are you afraid will happen if you let go of it?
Questions for Family & Community Faith Sharing:
Why do we feel safer relying on ourselves than on God? Give an example of God’s generosity in your own life. How would (or did) sharing this with others make a difference?
The WINDOW
Change Your Thinking
It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking…
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room’s only window.
The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end.
They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..
Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time bydescribing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivenedby all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.
Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats.
Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color
and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details,
the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man could not hear the band – he could see it in his mind’s eye
as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days, weeks and months passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the manby the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.
She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window.
The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, ”Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t buy.
“Today is a gift. That is why it is called “The Present”.
The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.
Do not keep this letter.
I pray you will forward it to all your friends to whom you wish God’s blessings.
FRIENDSHIP IS A BRIDGE
FRIENDSHIP IS A BRIDGE
our friendship builds a special bridge
when our loved ones have to leave
because it helps us how to feel
that they are near or still up here.
are fathers are so meant to us
inspired and cleared the roads we pass
they tried some ways to open our eyes
that led us to a better life.
those memories they left behind
and years of laughter are kept in mind
the love they showered away from sights
enough to soothe our grieving hearts.
those people whom they touched their lives
cannot forget how things went right
their presence shared a lot of ease
for us who reap comfort and peace.
no matter how long they have been gone
they are our treasures under the sun
preserving ties that bind us one
remembering their thoughts as days pass by.
that’s why my friend,i make it clear
this friendship brings a lot of cheer
for both of us who know it’s true
this simple journey,we’ll both us go.
a poem i composed when someone like me lost a kind and responsible father.”Friendship Is A Bridge” – ROSSANA GEALAN
18th SUNDAY of ORDINARY TIME – C (ILOCANO)
MAIKA-18 A DOMINGO ITI PAGMAKATAWEN ( Ordinary Time)
1 August 2010
Cacabsatko ken Kristo:
Adu ti masapul ti bagi ken kararrua kabayatan iti panagbibiagtayo ditoy rabaw ti daga. Manipud naiyanaktayo ingganat mapantayo idiay nailangitan a lugar adu ti gastos para kanen, lupot, balay, panagtaming iti salun-at, ken panagadal iti uneg ken ruar ti eskuelaan. Malaksid no napagasatantayo nga nagtawid iti kinabaknang adu a tiempo ken trabaho ti paglasatantayo tapno dumur-as ti panagbiag tayo ditoy a lubong tayo. Kakabsat manmano ti bimmaknang babaen iti sugal a kas koma panagtaya iti jueteng wenno sweepstakes. No dadduma inda agsapul iti pagliwliwaan ket sumrekda iti aniaman nga ay-ayam a matiketan.
Sino kadi ti mayat iti kuarta? Awan ti ammok a dina tinal-liaw ti kuarta. Adu met ngamin ti maited ti kuarta. No awan kuartam makaadayoka kadi? Wen, adu dagiti naayat a tattao a mangilibre kenka ngem maalatayo met ti agbain no kua. Amin a problema solbaren ti kuarta ket no agproblema ti Pagilian tayo pabasolen tayo ti kinakapsut ti Economia.
Adu dagiti maal-lilaw iti sileng ti kuarta. Nagistayan maaramidmo amin a kayatmo no adu ti kuartam. Agpatakder iti aniaman a balay, eskuelaan, kalsada, pagsinean, hospital, bus lines, airports, pagsangladan iti bapor, wenno dagiti mismo nga eroplano, mapaaddada no adda kuarta. No saan a nalinteg ti tao nga addaan adu a kuarta adu met ti maaramidna a dakes. Aggatang kadagiti maiparit a droga, dagiti contrabando, ken uray pay “botos” kabayatan iti Campania para elektion. Adda pay agpasuksok tapno mabaliwan ti sentensia wenno maiyab-ababa iti panagikaro idiay pagbaludan. Adda pay ket umasideg a “hired-killer(s) tapno makabaleska iti kabusormo. Kunada pay ketdi no maituredmo ipakitada ti ulo ti pinatayda a cabusormo. Ay Apo, mannakabalin iti kuarta nga agpayso!
No lumawlawa ti nagbaetan dagiti nababaknang ken napapanglaw ti tuddoen ket ti “kuarta.” Dagiti nababaknang, nabaknangda la ngaruden, dida sardayan ti agpanunot kadagiti pamuspusan tapno manaynayonan pay ti kinabaknangda. Pasaray agbalinda a buklis iti sanikua. Manmano kadagiti nababaknang ti managparabur. Adda im-imutda kunak man laengen. Mangmangegtayo “fuera de los Buenos.” Wen, agpayso, adda met dagiti nababaknang a naayat a tumulong kadagiti napapanglaw ken kadagiti proyekto ti Simbaan. Dios ti agngina kadakuada. Inton tumulong met dagiti napapanglaw gapu iti kinaaduda, pasaray ti naurnong a kuarta dakdakkel ti bilangna ngem dagiti sag-paminsan a naawat a naggapu kadagiti nababaknang. Uray ni Apo Jesukristo bigbigenna daytoy a pasamak kadagiti agidatdaton idiay Templo. Agyamantayo kadagiti amin a naayat a tumulong kadatayo, kakabsat.
FR. DOMINADOR FERNANDEZ, SVD
DWCV – Campus Minister
DF/helen
HOW TO LIVE LONGER
PAMPAHABA NG BUHAY: MGA TIPS AYON KAY DOC WILLIE
Mula sa Pahina 6, Julyo 18, 2010
Alam mo ba na depende sa iyong pamumuhay at pananaw sa buhay, pwedeng humaba o umikli ang buhay mo? Alamin natin ito:
- May magulang o lolo’t lola ka b a na lampas 85 years old? Kung oo, hahaba rin ang iyong buhay ng 2 taon dahil mahaba ang buhay ng lahi mo.
- Nag-graduate ka ba sa kolehiyo? M ahilig ka ba magbasa tungkol sa iyong kalusugan? Kung oo, hahaba ang iyong buhay ng 2 tao dahil may alam ka sa kalinisan at tamang pamumuhay.
- Mahilig ka bang mag-ehersisyo? M adalas ka bang mapawisan sa pag-eehersisyo? Kung oo, hahaba ang iyong buhya ng 3 taon.
- Mahilig ka bang kumain ng gulay, prutas at isda? Mas marami ba ang kinakain mong gulay kaysa kar ne? Kung oo, madadagdagan ka ng 3 taon sa iyong buhay.
- Mahilig ka ba sa steak at karne? Kumakain ka ba ng steak 2 beses sa isang linggo? Kung oo, mababawasan ka ng 1 taon dahil ma-kolesterol ang karne.
- Mahilig ka bas a crash diet o yo-yo diet? Iyong biglang mapapapayat sa pamamagitan ng diet pills o kung anu-ano pa? Kung oo, mababawasan ka ng 5 taon sa buhay. Masama sa katawan ang crash diet. Dapat ay 1-2 pounds lang ang ibabawas bawat linggo.
- Nagpapacheck-up ka bas a doctor bawat taon? May blood test ka ba at pinasuri mo ba ang iyong nararamdaman? Kung oo, hahaba ng 3 years ang iyong buhay. Pero kung hindi ka na gpapacheck-up, iikli ng 3 taon ang iyong buhay. Kumonsulta na sa doctor para magamot agad ang sakit.
- Relihiyoso ka ba? Lagi ka bang nagdarasal? Kung oo, hahaba ang iyong buhay ng 2 taon. Mas Masaya at mas health y ang mga taong naniniwala sa Diyos.
- Matulungin ka ba sa kapwa? Gumagawa ka ban g charity work bawat linggo? Kung oo, hahaba ang iyong buhay n g 4 na taon dahil sa ang pagtulong sa kapwa ay nagpapaganda ng pakiramdam.
- Mag-isa ka lang ba sa buhay? Wala ka bang kasama sa buhay? Kung oo, mababawasan ka ng 3 taon sa buhay dahil walang mag-aalaga sa iyo. Magkaroon ng kaibigan at maging malapit s a iyong kamag-anak.
- Lagi ka bang in-love? Masaya ka ba sa iyong lifetime partner? Kung oo, hahaba ang iyong buhay ng 7 taon. Kaya dapat laging in-love at Masaya.
For a longer reading, buy the book in the National Book Store.
From copying work: FR. DOM FERNANDEZ, SVD
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle – C
25 July 2010
ASK, SEEK & KNOCK
Next Sunday’s Readings:
Gen 18:20-32
Ps 138:1-3, 6-8
Col 2:12-14
Luke 11:1-13
In next Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus teaches us how to pray with faith. Notice that his parable does not say that we can get everything we ask for. Not everything is good for us; the “bread” that runs as a theme through this scripture is the life of holiness – the “Bread of Life” is Jesus. The gift of the Holy Spirit, the Giver of Life, is a HOLY life.
Notice also that the visitor in the parable is a friend of God, not a stranger, who wants to share the bread with another friend. This represents a baptized Christian who wants to share the friendship of God (“three loaves” – the Trinity) with others, but he or she is inadequate for the task.
When we knock on the door to God’s heart seeking help for our inadequacies, the Father gives us his fully adequate Holy Spirit. And that’s not all we get! Whenever we pray, this Holy Spirit connects us to the Father and to Jesus. Therefore, every prayer increases our holiness, brings us closer to God and empowers us to be more like Jesus. But holiness does not come quickly nor easily . We must be persistent in our prayer lives. We must continually rely on God’s Spirit in order to resist temptations and grow in faith.
No matter what we ask God to share with us, including the material things that we need or desire, God wants to use it to nourish our souls. This is what we ask for when we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Be persistent. Receiving God’s bread usually doesn’t happen overnight (we’re slow learners).
It’s the devil who says that we can have everything we ask for as fast as we want it. New Age and occult practices are fast-food spiritualities that are riddled with the unhealthy fat of false beliefs. They lack the growth in holiness that we can only receive from the Holy Spirit. Many people turn to the occult because they don’t have the desire to persist on the path of holiness.
The supernatural adequacies of the Holy Spirit are ours for the asking, because we already received the Holy Spirit during baptism. However, to live in God’s supernatural power, we have to pray persistently, identify our sins and repent, purge our lives of selfish motives, and humbly open ourselves to the holiness of the Holy Spirit.
Questions for Personal Reflection:
How much do you rely on the Holy Spirit’s help in your daily life? How often do you humble yourself before the Lord in prayer and ask for an increase of holiness?
Questions for Family & Community Faith Sharing:
Describe your prayer life. How does it help you become holier in your daily activities? How has the Holy Spirit purified you?
CHEROKEE LEGEND
Cherokee Legend
Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth’s rite of Passage?
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun
shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone.
Once he survives the night, he is a MAN.
He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.
The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him . Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold.
It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.
It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him.
He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.
We, too, are never alone.
Even when we don’t know it, God is watching over us, Sitting on the stump beside us.
When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.
Moral of the story:
Just because you can’t see God,
Doesn’t mean He is not there.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.
fr. heart, SVD/RETREAT 2010/Cherokee Legend
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