Archive for June, 2010
Noynoy Aquino’s Inaugural Speech
His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and members of the Senate, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and members of the House, justices of the Supreme Court, members of the foreign delegations,Your Excellencies of the diplomatic corps, fellow colleagues in government, aking mga kababayan.
My presence here today is proof that you are my true strength. I never expected that I will be here taking my oath of office before you, as your president. I never imagined that I would be tasked with continuing the mission of my parents. I never entertained the ambition to be the symbol of hope, and to inherit the problems of our nation.
I had a simple goal in life: to be true to my parents and our country as an honorable son, a caring brother, and a good citizen.
My father offered his life so our democracy could live. My mother devoted her life to nurturing that democracy. I will dedicate my life to making our democracy reach its fullest potential: that of ensuring equality for all. My family has sacrificed much and I am willing to do this again if necessary.
Although I was born to famous parents, I know and feel the problems of ordinary citizens. We all know what it is like to have a government that plays deaf and dumb. We know what it is like to be denied justice, to be ignored by those in whom we placed our trust and tasked to become our advocates.
Have you ever been ignored by the very government you helped put in power? I have. Have you had to endure being rudely shoved aside by the siren-blaring escorts of those who love to display their position and power over you? I have, too. Have you experienced exasperation and anger at a government that instead of serving you, needs to be endured by you? So have I.
I am like you. Many of our countrymen have already voted with their feet – migrating to other countries in search of change or tranquility. They have endured hardship, risked their lives because they believe that compared to their current state here, there is more hope for them in another country, no matter how bleak it may be. In moments when I thought of only my own welfare, I also wondered—is it possible that I can find the peace and quiet that I crave in another country? Is our government beyond redemption? Has it been written that the Filipino’s lot is merely to suffer?
Today marks the end of a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people. It is not Noynoy who found a way. You are the reason why the silent suffering of the nation is about to end. This is the beginning of my burden, but if many of us will bear the cross we will lift it, no matter how heavy it is.
Through good governance in the coming years, we will lessen our problems. The destiny of the Filipino will return to its rightful place, and as each year passes, the Filipino’s problems will continue to lessen with the assurance of progress in their lives.
We are here to serve and not to lord over you. The mandate given to me was one of change. I accept your marching orders to transform our government from one that is self-serving to one that works for the welfare of the nation.
This mandate is the social contract that we agreed upon. It is the promise I made during the campaign, which you accepted on election day.
During the campaign we said, “If no one is corrupt, no one will be poor.” That is no mere slogan for posters—it is the defining principle that will serve as the foundation of our administration.
Our foremost duty is to lift the nation from poverty through honest and effective governance.
The first step is to have leaders who are ethical, honest, and true public servants. I will set the example. I will strive to be a good model. I will not break the trust you have placed in me. I will ensure that this, too, will be the advocacy of my Cabinet and those who will join our government.
I do not believe that all of those who serve in our government are corrupt. In truth, the majority of them are honest. They joined government to serve and do good. Starting today, they will have the opportunity to show that they have what it takes. I am counting on them to help fight corruption within the bureaucracy.
To those who have been put in positions by unlawful means, this is my warning: we will begin earning back the trust of our people by reviewing midnight appointments. Let this serve as a warning to those who intend to continue the crooked ways that have become the norm for too long.
To our impoverished countrymen, starting today, your government will be your champion.
We will not disregard the needs of our students. We will begin by addressing the glaring shortage in classrooms and educational facilities.
Gradually, we will lessen the lack of infrastructures for transportation, tourism and trade. From now on, mediocre work will not be good enough when it comes to roads, bridges, and buildings because we will hold contractors responsible for maintaining their projects in good condition.
We will revive the emergency employment program established by former President Corazon Aquino. This will provide jobs for local communities and will help in the development of their and our economy.
We will not be the cause of your suffering or hardship. We will strengthen collections by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and we will fight corruption in the Bureau of Customs in order to fund our objectives for the public welfare, such as:
• Quality education, including vocational education, so that those who choose not to attend college or those who cannot afford it can find dignified livelihood;
• Improved public health services such as PhilHealth for all within three years;
• A home for every family, within safe communities.
We will strengthen the armed forces and the police, not to serve the interests of those who want to wield power with impunity, but to give added protection for ordinary folk. The armed forces and the police risk their lives daily so that the nation can live in peace and security. The population has doubled and yet their numbers remain unchanged. It is not right that those who make sacrifices are treated pitifully.
If there was a fertilizer scam in the past, today there will be security for farmers. We will help them with irrigation, extension services, and marketing their products at the best possible prices.
We are directing Secretary Alcala to set up trading centers that will directly link farmers and consumers thereby eliminating middlemen and opportunities for corruption. In this way, funds can be shared by farmers and consumers. We will make our country attractive to investors. We will cut red tape dramatically and implement stable economic policies. We will level the playing field for investors and make government an enabler, not a hindrance to business. This is the only means by which we can provide jobs for our people.
Our goal is to create jobs at home so that there will be no need to look for employment abroad. However, as we work towards that end, I am ordering the DFA, POEA, OWWA, and other relevant agencies to be even more responsive to the needs and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers.
We will strengthen the process of consultation and feedback. We will strive to uphold the constitutional right of citizens to information on matters of public concern.
We relived the spirit of people power during the campaign. Let it take us to good and effective governance. Those who believe in people power put the welfare of others before their own.
I can forgive those who did me wrong but I have no right to forgive those who abused our people.
To those who talk about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongs that they have committed in the past, we have this to say: there can be no reconciliation without justice. When we allow crimes to go unpunished, we give consent to their occurring over and over again. Secretary de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.
We are also happy to inform you the acceptance of Chief Justice Hilario Davide of the challenge of strengthening and heading a Truth Commission that will shed light on many unanswered issues that continue to haunt our country.
My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflict, inclusive of the interests of all — may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.
We shalI defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life. With proper governance life will improve for all. When we are all living well, who will want to go back to living under oppression?
If I have all of you by my side, we will be able to build a nation in which there will be equality of opportunity, because each of us fulfilled our duties and responsibilities equally.
After the elections, you proved that it is the people who wield power in this country.
This is what democracy means. It is the foundation of our unity. We campaigned for change. Because of this, the Filipino stands tall once more. We are all part of a nation that can begin to dream again.
To our friends and neighbors around the world, we are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities.
We will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say, “it all works.”
Today, I am inviting you to pledge to yourselves and to our people. No one shall be left behind.
No more junkets, no more senseless spending. No more turning back on pledges made during the campaign, whether today or in the coming challenges that will confront us over the next six years. No more influence-peddling, no more patronage politics, no more stealing. No more sirens, no more short cuts, no more bribes. It is time for us to work together once more.
We are here today because we stood together and believed in hope. We had no resources to campaign other than our common faith in the inherent goodness of the Filipino.
The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality. To those among you who are still undecided about sharing the common burden I have only one question: Are you going to quit now that we have won?
You are the boss so I cannot ignore your orders. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to your needs and aspirations.
You are the ones who brought me here—our volunteers—old, young, celebrity, ordinary folks who went around the country to campaign for change; my household help who provided for all my personal needs; my family, friends, colleagues at work, who shared, cared, and gave their support; my lawyers who stayed all hours to guard my votes and make sure they were counted; and the millions of Filipinos who prevailed, kept faith, and never lost hope – I offer my heartfelt gratitude.
I will not be able to face my parents and you who have brought me here if do not fulfill the promises I made.
My parents sought nothing less, died for nothing less, than democracy and peace. I am blessed by this legacy. I shall carry the torch forward.
My hope is that when I leave office, everyone can say that we have traveled far on the right path, and that we are able to bequeath a better future to the next generation. Join me in continuing this fight for change.
Thank you and long live the Filipino people!
ano ang pakialam mo sa amin, anak ng Diyos?
Matthew 8:28-34 [14th Sunday – C, TUESDAY} “ano ang pakialam mo sa amin, anak ng Diyos?” – may pagkakataon bang sinusungbatan ko ang Diyos sa mga oras na ako’y naguguluhan at puno ng pighati sa buhay? Lord, huwag namang mangingibabaw sa akin ang mga problema at kaguluhan ng isip bagkos laging makita at madama ang mga biyaya at pagpapalang nagmula sa Iyo. Amen. (LORENNA LUNA)
Jesus Prepares Witnesses to Himself and His Ministry
Biblical Reflection for 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time C
TORONTO, JUNE 29, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The theme of “peacefulness” appears in all three readings today, and there is a definite link between the first reading from Isaiah (66:10-14c) and the reading from the Gospel of Luke (10:1-12, 17-20). Isaiah’s poetry celebrates the long-awaited return of Israel from exile and imagines their triumphant return to the nurturing arms of Jerusalem, the Holy City and Mother of all cities.
There is certainly a parallel and a contradiction in today’s Gospel. Both Isaiah’s reading and the gospel speak of the rejoicing that characterizes the return of exiled Israel to Jerusalem and the return of the disciples after a successful mission.
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus, like Israel, is also journeying toward Jerusalem, where he, too will be welcomed by the city — but then rejected. It is in the holy city of Jerusalem that Jesus will inaugurate the new kingdom of God by his passion and death.
The mission of the seventy-two
Only the Gospel of Luke contains two episodes in which Jesus sends out his followers on a mission: the first (Luke 10:1-6) is based on the mission in Mark 6:6b-13 and recounts the sending out of the Twelve; here in Luke 10:1-12 a similar report based on Q becomes the sending out of seventy-two in this Gospel. The episode continues the theme of Jesus preparing witnesses to himself and his ministry. These witnesses include not only the Twelve but also the seventy-two who may represent the Christian mission in Luke’s own day. The instructions given to the Twelve and to the seventy-two are similar and that what is said to the seventy-two in Luke 10:4 is directed to the Twelve in Luke 22:35.
When Jesus orders his followers to carry no money bag (Luke 10:4) and greet no one along the way, he stresses the urgency of the mission and the single-mindedness required of missionaries. Attachment to material possessions should be avoided and even customary greetings should not distract from the fulfillment of the task.
Evangelization and healing
Luke relates evangelization and healing in Jesus’ commissioning of the Twelve. He summoned the disciples and sent them on mission to engage in ministries that would restore health and well-being to individuals, families and communities. Jesus also sent the seventy-two, our predecessors: “Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”
In the sending of the seventy-two, Jesus confirms that through his disciples, and those who would come to believe in him through their word, his peace and the news that “the kingdom of God has come near to you” would be proclaimed to the world. At their joyful return, despite rejection, Jesus rejoices at their success in the submission of the evil spirits in his name: the message is never to cease, never to give up. And yet the call to repentance that is a part of the proclamation of the kingdom brings with it a severe judgment for those who hear it and reject it. As the kingdom of God is gradually being established, evil in all its forms is being defeated; the dominion of Satan over humanity is at an end.
Proclaiming the Word brings healing
For Jesus, healing is never just the healing of the body but also mind, heart and spirit. It is not just about making people physically better, but it is about hearts made whole, sins forgiven and a world healed. The very proclamation of the word is meant to heal and cannot be separated from care of neighbor. As we share meals with the stranger, as the seventy-two did, we naturally build relationships, which will lead us to a deeper concern for their health and well-being. As we let go of our self-interest and focus on the healing needs of others we will restore God’s covenant with those who have been denied the opportunity for health.
Healing has always been a significant concern and an ongoing activity of the Church. The relationship of reconciliation, healing and salvation are recurring themes in Luke. Jesus called his followers to repentance and to a transformation of their old attitudes and way of living into a radically new set of relationships and attitudes.
Rejoicing in the Holy Spirit
Commenting on today’s Gospel, Pope John Paul II, in his masterful 1986 encyclical letter “Dominum et Vivificantem” (On the Holy Spirit in the Life of the Church and the World) wrote in #20: “Thus the evangelist Luke, who has already presented Jesus as ‘full of the Holy Spirit’ and ‘led by the Spirit … in the wilderness,’ tells us that, after the return of the seventy-two disciples from the mission entrusted to them by the Master, while they were joyfully recounting the fruits of their labors, ‘in that same hour (Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said: “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was your gracious will.”‘ Jesus rejoices at the fatherhood of God: he rejoices because it has been given to him to reveal this fatherhood; he rejoices, finally, as at a particular outpouring of this divine fatherhood on the ‘little ones.’ And the evangelist describes all this as ‘rejoicing in the Holy Spirit.’”
Continuing our reflection on the Holy Lands
After the Council of Nicea in 325, Palestine began flourishing with Constantine’s churches especially in the three most venerated places: the Holy Sepulcher and Calvary in Jerusalem, the traditional place of Christ’s teaching on the Mount of Olives (so-called Basilica of Eleona) and the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem. Some of the works were supervised by Helena herself.
For the pilgrims journeying to Palestine in the 4th century, those sites constituted the core of their interests. Holy spots became so popular and desirable that one of the Christian traditions placed Jerusalem, specifically the hill of Golgotha, at the center of the world. This is clearly seen on many ancient maps of the Holy Land from this period. In 333 a Christian pilgrim from Bordeaux made the journey to Jerusalem by land. As a remembrance, but more likely for the benefit of future pilgrims, he compiled a detailed record of the stages and distances on the road both there and back in his important work called the Bordeaux Itinerary.
Here in this city of Jerusalem
St. Cyril, bishop of Jerusalem (349 – 384 A.D.) had a unique privilege of presiding over the church in Jerusalem immediately after the completion of new buildings begun during Constantine’s reign. Cyril is the envy of every bishop, pastor, chaplain, parish council, finance committee and pastoral minister! Imagine walking into a situation where everything is newly built and no fund drives or building campaigns are needed! Cyril preached magnificent sermons within feet of the actual places of Christ’s death and resurrection. He said of Calvary, “Others only hear, but we both see and touch.” Cyril wrote: “Here in this city of Jerusalem the Spirit was poured out on the church; here Christ was crucified; here you have before you many witnesses, the place itself of the Resurrection and towards the east on the Mount of Olives the place of the Ascension.”
In the Diary of Egeria (or Etheria), written by a wealthy Spanish woman while making her pilgrimage to the Holy Land between 381-384 (the trip included also Sinai, Egypt, the Valley of Jordan and Transjordanian area), we read not only about her vivid impressions made by the impact of the biblical sites, but also a vivid observation of the liturgy celebrated in the shrines. With many details she describes the Sunday and weekday celebrations throughout the liturgical year, focusing especially on the Holy Week prayers in which she participated in Jerusalem. From Egeria’s Itinerary we learn how she enjoyed the cordial reception of local Christians who met all her needs as a pilgrim, showing her biblical sites, conducting appropriate acts of worship in the spots, escorting her, giving hospitality and advice. Egeria’s positive experiences might be very indicative of the experiences shared by most pilgrims at the end of the 4th century, and of pilgrims today who have the privilege of meeting the local peoples of the Holy Land.
Those who settled in the Holy Land
Another pious practice linked to the pilgrimages was settling in the Holy Land. Some pilgrims explicitly decided to set out for the Biblical Land in order to live there, or during their sojourn made up their minds to remain there. Such is the case of St. Jerome and his women friends. After arriving in Palestine in 386 he established a community in Bethlehem. Jerome would exclaim in his writings: “Here, he was wrapped in swaddling clothes; here he was seen by shepherds, here he was pointed out by the star; here he was adored by the magi.” Jerome later wrote to his friend Paula in Rome urging her to come and live in the Holy Land. He wrote: “The whole mystery of our faith is native to this country and this city.” Nothing else in our Christian experience can make this claim. No matter how many centuries have passed, and no matter how far Christianity has spread, Christians are wedded to the land that gave birth to Christ and Christianity.
Basilian Father Thomas Rosica, chief executive officer of the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation and Television Network in Canada, is a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. He can be reached at: rosica@saltandlighttv.org.
[The readings for 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time are Is 66:10-14c; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 or 10:1-9]
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Basilian Father Thomas Rosica, chief executive officer of the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation and Television Network in Canada, is a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. He can be reached at: rosica@saltandlighttv.org.
“Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang mga susi ng kaharian ng langit”
Matthew 16:13-19 [14th Sunday – C, MONDAY: SOLEMNITY of STS. PETER & PAUL) “Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang mga susi ng kaharian ng langit” Tulad ni Pedro…kaya ko bang pangalagaan ang mga responsibilidad na iniaatang sa akin? Lord, sa kabila ng aking mga kahinaan ay manatili nawa ang katatagan…patuloy nawa akong makapaglingkod sa Inang simbahan. Amen. (LORENNA LUNA)
SPEECH of JANINE FAYE L. ANCHETA
Speech[1] of Janine Faye L. Ancheta
Our very own President, Rev. Fr. Reynaldo B. Jimenez, SVD, our Vice Pres. For Administration, Rev. Fr. Denny D. Lucas, SVD, our Vice Pres. For Academics Affairs, Prof. Romana L. Bitancor, the new Campus Minister, Rev. Fr. Jaimelito G. Gealan, SVD, our respective faculty members in the School of Basic Education, my fellow Divinians, good morning.
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous religious institution, because we are the pride of the north.
Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin the work of making the Divine Word College of Laoag, truly a great place of learning.
We will transform our school, the School of Basic Education, to meet the demands of a new age. All these we can do, all these we will do.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guide by these principles, once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort – even greater cooperation and understanding between us.
Our challenges maybe new. The instruments with which we meet them maybe new. But those values upon, which our success depends – honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism – these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility – a recognition, on the part of every Divinian, that we have duties to ourselves, to our school and to the community and even to the world – duties that we do not grudgingly accept, but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all, to a difficult task.
This is the price and promise of a Divinian.
This is the source of our confidence – the knowledge that God calls on us, to shape an uncertain destiny.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled.
DWCL, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless DIVINE WORD COLLEGE OF LAOAG – SCHOOL OF BASIC EDUCATION.
[1] Speech delivered during the OPENING MASS of the BASIC EDUCATION of DIVINE WORD COLLEGE of LAOAG last 11 June 2010 @ 8:30 @ College Gymnasium
Monday of the 13th Week of Ordinary Time
Monday of the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time
28 June 2010
Today’s Readings:
Amos 2:6-10,13-16
Ps 50:16b-23
Matt 8:18-22
Getting ridiculous with Jesus
If Jesus said to you, “Come follow Me into a life that’s very different from the one you have now”, what comforts would you find too hard to give up? What unfinished business would you want to accomplish first?
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is talking to those of us who want to follow him “but only if –.” Only if we have a comfortable place to sleep and an easy road to travel. Only if we control which duties to handle. Only if God doesn’t ask for much. Only if everything stays predictable and God’s plans are obvious. Only if it doesn’t interfere with what’s already in our plans.
Following Christ is rarely convenient and comfortable. In fact, it’s an up-stream swim that goes against the currents of normal life. At times, it even seems irresponsible! Why? Because God stretches us beyond our current limitations so that we can become ever more effective as apostles for his kingdom.
“Follow Me,” says Jesus. Do you want to have better relationships? Then go the extra mile. Do you want to find healing from the wounds that others have caused you? Then forgive over and over again until you’ve finally let go of the desire to see remorse and repentance. Do you want to find peace? Then surrender to God everything that you’re fighting for, and trust him to provide you with what you need when you need it, which is always better than the way you think you need it.
“Let the dead bury the dead” means that we should leave behind our lifeless, fruitless efforts in trying to solve problems the way unbelievers people do. Those who do not give up everything to follow Christ should not be our examples, nor should we feel obligated to do what they say we should do. In Christ we become truly alive. But are we willing to do the ridiculous, what the world calls nonsense? Are we willing to take a left turn where the world posts a big sign that says “turn right”?
Every day, we face both little and large decisions about going left or going right. “I’ll follow you, Lord, but wait, not to there! You don’t really want me to do that ministry; I’m not good enough at it.” Or…. “I’ll follow you, Lord, but wait, not now! This isn’t the right time! I have other obligations. I’m too busy. And I can’t cook dinner for my sick neighbor until after we form a friendship, which by the way, Lord, I don’t have time for either.”
No matter how hard we try, we’ll never find the easy, comfortable life that we’re striving for, so why live in the illusion that it’s a worthwhile goal? Jesus says, “Come, let go of everything that holds you back from reaching your full potential in the kingdom of God. Be ridiculous and follow Me!”
LOVE HAPPENS
When you feel love, you get loved.
What you give is what you receive.
Where it takes you, nobody knows.
The beauty of falling in love with somebody begins so subtle and ends just as elusive as you were from the beginning. Huh???
It’s mysterious. It can be dangerous. And adventurous.
Things can get complicated. That’s what usually happens. Everything good about love and life is right before you.
When it comes too strong, let it go. Make it happen.
“There is nothing you can not do about it. Live it and love her!”
Remember how struck you were when she first walked in.
You stood straight with all efforts to stay still.
Calm and composed. That didn’t last long. Gasping!
Confident and drawn, you have to say something. Quickly!
You waved at her and tried to give out the best smile. Nice teeth!
Your careful touch earned you nothing but a sweet smile back from her (return to sender)..then she walked away.
Made you want her more. Everytime since then. Damn girl!
You offered to walk her to her car. Dude! She doesn’t even know you! What makes you think…but wait, you started talking.
The words you said, gentle yet expressive..made her think.
She was immediately honest about herself. Almost sounded like a true confession. Wow! That was truly a first one of its kind for you. But you stopped her from leaving. You told her that it would be the biggest mistake she’ll ever make in her life.
She turned to you and in your face she said, “not to worry, I’m an expert on that.” Ouch! She bites! Bitter girl! But also very quick with her mind. You like that. You got even more curious.
You were sly yourself by telling her that it will all end right there.
That if she stayed and talked to you then she could kiss all her mistakes and her habit of making bad choices goodbye. She got challenged. She thought, “wow, what a confident man!” Loves it!
She bit the captain’s hook. Well, well, well. Not bad, Stud!
The way your eyes were set on her. She stared right back at you.
Hopes and dreams you shared with her. They all sounded within reach. She encouraged you, repeatedly. In the end, she finally believed. And you saw how sincere she was. Started trusting each other. Uh-oh..was it that easy for you? Fast forward…
A very strong, honest friendship was then built. Real friendship with real people. Where can we find more of that around here?
The gifts of many things you gave to her. She refuses to accept any of them but ultimately, respects your generosity. Smart girl!
She tries to give you back more than you gave… just because she knows you deserve it. Mutual appreciation. Just the way it is.
She laughs as you wit your way through with cautioned humor.
Apparently, a good sense of humor is one key to her heart and you have that. Points, to you!
You also know that when the joke is on her, she quickly doubles it and turns it back onto you.
So, you have met your match, Honey. Tough girl! Careful!
What interests her seems to come from you and you alone.
And now you’re beginning to realize that you have fallen for her.
The words “I Love You” have been a frequent statement lately.
The way you look at each other is self-understood and mutual.
Every little spectacle between you two. They all noticed. Uh-oh!
What to them seem unconceivable, to you both is enjoyable.
Didn’t even know what the word taboo meant before. Fun and party from the very day you started hanging out. Forbiddden?
But now you know and obviously you’re enjoying it. Wild girl!
You pursued. She warned you. Still, you pursued even more.
Obviously, she cares for you and your image. You didn’t at all.
Taking a chance is the next big thing. The world talks. Let them.
In time, what education they need, will be yours to teach and preach and gladly practice in life. Yes. Even those notable paid professional athletes and experts do need to be schooled once in a while. Nobody is that good and perfect!
The game of life and love. Where everyone wins! Nobody loses!
Watch and learn. Humans grow. Minds expand. Hearts warm up.
People mature with you. Just give it time.
Then you both learn to accept them before they could even accept themselves and what is real.
You just can’t please everybody. Right? Darn it!
Thank you for being brave together. Proud of you two.
Chemistry redefined and uncalculated. Imbalanced. Self-balanced
A newly discovered formula of love and an equation of finding happiness. Spontaneity! You’re getting the picture.
The stolen glances. The unpoken thruth. The painful reality.
And when at times, things could be so punishing, you both cry.
Sensitivity is an ingredient in any given relationship. Pain can be so mean. But together you work on it and eventually ease the situation. Together you pray having the same faith in God. Believing in Him every day of your relationship. Now you both can find ways to make it through. With prayers and ongoing faith. He has been good. You both know that.
And for those few days that you can pull away from your demanding schedules, together you left and just skipped town unannounced. Go far. Or stay nearby. It didn’t matter.
Escape to places so strange. You both feel right at home. Ironic?
Run. Run. Run with your hands held together. How cheesy!
This is your playground and it’s yours to enjoy! Go play.
Laugh aloud. Ride fast cars. Get naked together. Who cares?
Breathing the same. Eat and drink together. And then drink even more. What a fish! Again, you have met your match, Honey!
Absorbing time as it ticks away. Pressure mounts. But who’s counting? So take it slow but make the most of it.
Make the most of today and look forward to doing some more tomorrow. If it doesn’t come then you should be glad you did your best to enjoy it. Someone used to tell her that.
Then if the time and place isn’t right then you make love.
Why not?
Making love is simply being pure and sincere with one another. It’s not all about being physical with her. It is the way you approach each other. It’s that special moment you share.
Anything less than that is plainly being desperate with time.
True? But if you disagree, then go ahead with your time.
Making love is loving her with what makes her feel special and happy. It’s all about being genuine with your emotions and thoughts with her. You have and will continue to show her.
Your touch. Your kiss. Your smile.that’s how it all started for you.
The glances. The stories. The rejections..in a good kind of way.
Your jokes. Your wit. The games you play. Your patience.
Your courage. Your silliness and cute stupidity. Your sweetness.
Your wisdom. Oh yeah! She especially loves wisdom.
Don’t stop now. You’re driving her crazy! And so are you!
You’ve never felt this happy that you have to share with friends.
You danced and sang in front of everybody. Then you asked her to join you. A duet. All eyes, ears and hearts are on you again. The whole team went nuts! Applause all over the cafe. Bravo!
Again you look at each other with one idea in mind. Wink! Wink!
Nope! Not that! Let’s keep our focus on the message here. Alright
Just need a few more seconds of your time then, maybe, just maybe she will consider granting you your three wishes. Genie?
Shifting back to the cafe, please. Meanwhile, when everyone gets so deep into the happy couple…Yeah..that’s you and her!
Lucky girl!
You both have this stare towards each other that, together, only your one heart could explain. You have this unspoken understanding.You both agree that what you have together is indeed special. Together you’ve pushed and persevered.
You, being so relentless, assertive and stubborn, have given yourself a better glimpse in happiness and what is real in life. She, being so tough, understanding and supportive with you all throughout, have been given a better meaning in taking second chances in life. No regrets.
Then you both stopped and asked yourselves, “what were we so worried about, Honey?” Love happens.
So, bring on the mystery. Face the danger Take the adventure!
Love does happen, whether you like it or not.
Be ready. For when it comes….
Let it.
Happy Anniversary! Thank you…
MISS K.
The Seven Steps
- We invite the Lord
Will someone, please invite Jesus in a prayer.
2. We read the text
Let us open…chapter…
Will someone, please, read verses…
3. We pick out words and meditate on them
We pick out words or short phrases,
read them aloud prayerfully,
and keep silence in between.
(We read the text again.)
4. We let God speak to us in silence
We keep silence for…minutes
and allow God to speak to us.
5. We share what we have heard in our hearts
Which word has touched us personally?
(We may share also on any “spiritual experience”, e.g. how some have lived the “Word of life”.
We do not discuss any contribution, even if some do not “share” but “comment” on the text)
6. We discuss any task which our group is called to do
-
- Report on previous task
- Which new task has to be done?
WHO is doing WHAT and WHEN?
7. We pray spontaneously
(We end with a prayer/hymn which we all know by heart).
Luke 9:51-62 (14th Sunday – C)
Luke 9:51-62 [14th Sunday – C] “ sumunod ka sa akin” – ano nga ba ang at sino ang aking sinusundan sa kasalukuyan? Ang dikta nga mundong aking ginagalawan o ang paanyaya ni JESUS para sa isang misyon. Lord, makasunod nawa ako sa Iyo ng walang pag aalinlangan…lubusang maibigay ang aking sarili at maging alagad ng iyong mga turo at aral. Amen. Have a Blessed Sunday! (LORENNA LUNA)
John the Baptist and Learning in Jesus’ Land
Bethlehem University Is “a Voice in the Wilderness”
ROME, JUNE 24, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Here is the text of a homily given today by Basilian Father Thomas Rosica, for the feast of St. John the Baptist. The Mass was attended by the board of governors and board of regents of Bethlehem University, who are meeting in Rome at the headquarters of the Christian Brothers de la Salle.
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Your Eminences, Cardinals Sandri and Foley,
Brother Priests,
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Dear Friends of Bethlehem University,
It is an honor to preside and preach at this liturgy in the world headquarters of the Christian Brothers de la Salle, who have been entrusted with the prophetic mission and work of Bethlehem University in Palestine. Your important meetings in Rome with many agencies involved in the Holy Land, combined with our meeting with the Holy Father tomorrow, coincide with today’s great feast of the Birth of the one who was “Precursor,” “Friend of the Bridegroom,” “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,” John the Baptizer. I share these reflections with you as a student of the Word of God in the very places where this Word was first spoken, as a friend of the Christian Brothers, and as the head of a Catholic Television Network in Canada that has been privileged to produce a documentary on the remarkable story of Bethlehem University.
Today’s first reading, the second of the four “Servant of the Lord” songs of the prophet Isaiah 49:1-6 identifies so well the role of the Baptist. He was truly the Servant made ready and fit for the preaching of God’s word. John was identified with the people of Israel and his vocation as ultimately not only the restoration of Israel, but also the conversion of the world. John was the sharp-edged sword who pointed out the true light to the nations, the one whose salvation would reach to the ends of the earth.
St. Paul, in the reading from the Acts of the Apostles [13:22-26] spoke of this John who heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; and as John was completing his course, he would say, “What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.”
In the Gospel text for today’s feast, Luke writes in imitation of Old Testament birth stories, combining historical and legendary details, literary ornamentation and interpretation of Scripture, to answer in advance the question, “Who is Jesus Christ?” Luke is not only interested in the words and deeds of Jesus, but also in the larger context of the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus as the fulfillment of the promises of God in the Old Testament. Like the Gospel according to Matthew, Luke’s Gospel opens with an infancy narrative, a collection of stories about the birth and childhood of Jesus.
There is no Gospel that begins the story of Jesus’ public ministry without first telling the reader about the life and mission of John the Baptist. John’s preceding Jesus was clearly fixed in the Christian tradition, so much, that in two of the three Gospels that begin their story before the public ministry with Jesus’ first appearance on earth, John the Baptist is brought forth to precede the appearance as well. His role in salvation history and in announcing the coming of the Messiah is beautifully described in the Advent preface of the Roman liturgy: “John the Baptist was his herald and made him known when at last he came.”
John the Baptist was a man of the desert and began his preaching in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his path” (Mark 1:3; Matthew 3:3). His long years in the desert before his appearance as a preacher and teacher of repentance (Luke 1:80) were the source and time for many possibilities. It must be the same for all who would follow Jesus. Each and every ministry and service in the Kingdom of God that involves communication with others requires first a period of preparation in the wilderness and loneliness of our own human deserts. Only in those moments of solitude can we be attentive to God’s word in our lives. When do we go to listen to the Word of God? Where is that holy ground in our own life where God’s word is unbound and totally free to be heard, experienced and lived? Do we allow our deserts to speak to us and form us?
When the time had come, John led his own disciples to Jesus and indicated to them the Messiah, the True Light, and the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Jesus’ own testimony to John makes the Baptizer the greatest of all Israelite heroes (Matthew 11:7-19; Lk. 7:24-35). Jesus also testifies to John’s greatness in calling him a “witness to the truth, a burning and shining lamp” (John 5:33-56). John could not save, but he gave other people a profound experience of forgiveness, thus allowing them to experience God wherever they were on their life journey. He considered himself to be less than a slave to Jesus, “There is one among you whom you do not recognize — the one coming after me — the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to unfasten” (John 1:26-27). When John’s own disciples came to him and were troubled about the meaning of Jesus’ baptizing in the Jordan, he answered them confidently: “No one can receive anything except what is given them from heaven …” John says that he is only the friend of the bridegroom, the one who must decrease while his master increases (John 3:25-30). The Baptizer defined his humanity in terms of its limitations.
John the Baptist is finally imprisoned by Herod Antipas because of his public rebuke of the tetrarch for his adulterous and incestuous marriage with Herodias (Matthew 4:12; Mark 1:14; Luke 3:19). John was executed as a result of the foolish pledge made by Herod during a drunken orgy (Matthew 14:1-2; Mark 6:14-28; Luke 9:7-9). Just as the Baptist and the Messiah are closely linked in their births so too are their fates so closely intertwined.
Let me conclude with a biblical image that was the backdrop of the mission of John the Baptist: that of the desert and its dry and barren climate. In Isaiah’s prophetic vision in Chapter 35:1-10, waters gush forth in the desert, and the dry, parched land springs to life. This image is a promise of life in the midst of desolation. Isaiah sees the desert come alive this way, sees its blossoming abundance as new life announcing the glory and majesty of God.
We have experienced some of this barrenness and desolation in the Church over the past year. Bethlehem University knows what a geographical, spiritual, social, political and cultural desert is all about. With the exiles of Israel and the disciples of John the Baptist, we yearn for salvation, for one who enables new life to blossom. The new life in the desert signals the presence and power of God. Those who are weary, enfeebled or fearful can take heart because God comes to save. This means healing and transformation in specific ways: sight for those who are blind, hearing for those who are deaf, speech for those who are mute. So great is the joy and so profound the healing that those who were lame now leap and those who were speechless now sing.
Brothers and sisters, I say to you this evening here in Rome: Israel and Palestine need the prophetic witness of Bethlehem University. The world and the Church need this powerful witness. Founded in October 1973 with 112 students, it now counts nearly 12,000 graduates over 37 years. Its alumni represent the biblical lands of Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Ramallah, Qubeibeh, Gaza, Hebron, Amman, and God knows how many people from the world of cyberspace! This university is a voice in the wilderness, a light to the nations, a friend of the Bridegroom, and a holy place where people can come together and adore God in spirit and in truth.
Through the inspiration of the Servant of God, Pope Paul VI, the tenacity and courage of the late Cardinal Pio Laghi, the cooperation of the Vatican’s Congregation for Oriental Churches, and the dedication of so many Christian Brothers and their colleagues, supporters and friends, the desert of Judah has blossomed into a living oasis of life through this university, in the very place where the Word was made flesh and pitched his tent among us.
In the midst of our desert times, let us take courage and go forward in peace. “Transeamus usque ad Bethlehem ed videamus hoc verbum quod factum est.” Let us go to Bethlehem University and see the Word that continues to be made flesh and dwells powerfully among us.
Through the intercession of the Messiah’s herald, whose birth we commemorate today, of St. Jean Baptiste de la Salle, and Our Lady of Palestine, may Bethlehem University continue to be a voice in the wilderness, announcing that the Lord is near, and proclaiming peace to those who are near, and peace to those who are far. Shalom, salaam, enduring justice and unending peace for the people of God’s land.
* * *
Basilian Father Thomas Rosica, chief executive officer of the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation and Television Network in Canada, is a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. He can be reached at: rosica@saltandlighttv.org.
Salt and Light Television has produced a documentary on Bethlehem University, which will be available this fall.
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