Home is Where My Heart Is

Every year since I came to the United States, I always made it a point to go back home to my native country, the Philippines, to visit family, friends and loved ones. As everyone knows, especially those who are working abroad and away from loved ones, to go back home and see one’s family is always a revitalizing experience. From my own experience I know for a fact that no matter how hard life is, no matter how difficult one’s journey may have been in life– going back home and be with one’s family gives you a sense of belongingness and affirmation, a sense of direction and purpose, a sense of “meaning,” if I may call it that way. There is so much truth to the saying of Frederick W. Robertson which says “Home is the one place in all this world where hearts are sure of each other. It is the place of confidence. It is the place where we tear off that mask of guarded and suspicious coldness which the world forces us to wear in self-defense, and where we pour out the unreserved communications of full and confiding hearts. It is the spot where expressions of tenderness gush out without any sensation of awkwardness and without any dread of ridicule.” Very much so, indeed! When we go out and begin to explore the world, we are pretty much on our own – facing our own battles, carrying our own burdens, crying on the shoulders of no one. We are forced to live in our own independent world, seeking our own dreams and purpose solely by ourselves. And some of us may have gone a long way seeking their own dreams; some may have settled at a lower pace along the way; and some may have just given up hope trying to make some sense of their lives. But no matter what our achievements maybe( or defeat!) – there is nothing compared to going back home and be with family, and feel accepted and affirmed no matter what our achievements (or defeats) may have been. No matter what happens to our lives, our family will always be there to love and support us.

I was in the Philippines for the whole month of June for my annual vacation. After a year long of work, I think I needed and deserved a break as every one else. “Break” or vacation is always good for the body as well as for the soul. As for me, it was a time to recharge myself, break off with the daily routine, and a time to examine myself again. Well, I can tell you that I really had a wonderful experience. I spent most of my time with my siblings. While in the Philippines, we traveled around and visited some known tourist places like Baguio, the summer capital of the country. Going back to Baguio was a reminiscing experience, considering that I finished my college in Baguio some years back. I visited my Alma Mater, which has not changed very much in its physical structure. I met some seminarians from my Diocese, where I had a chance to talk and share with them some experiences. It was truly a fun reunion of some sort and a reminiscing of experiences.

From Baguio we traveled back to Manila. I had my home base in Fairview. Every year I see a lot of changes going on in the city. There were malls newly erected, new highways were built and rerouted, new schools, business establishments rising everywhere. Well, I guess it’s a good sign. The Philippines is finally catching up with the needed improvements. On the other hand, despite my own optimism, I still observed about the current traffic mess in the city, the garbage files on the side roads, the crowding of vendors on the side streets, and others. You still see a number of children peddling on the streets, and the poor people living under bridges and slums. The Philippine government, I was told, had been trying its best to improve the life of the poor through various project programs. In fact, to improve the economy is one of the urgent goals of the current President. But as to how this is translated into action is something to be seen and validated.

From Manila we went to Tagaytay. It took us about two hours and a half ride from manila. In Tagaytay one can readily observe a change of scenery. The climate too is different here, a lot cooler than Manila. In Tagaytay we went up to this place called people’s park (the highest peak), where you can have a nice bird’s eyeview of the city, see Taal lake, and the surrounding towns of Batangas. In Tagaytay I enjoyed so much not only the beautiful scenery but also I enjoyed eating all these native fruits like sweet pineapple, avocadoes, banana, and others. Along the road going to Tagaytay, you will find vendors one after the other peddling and selling all kinds of fruits and farm products.

From Tagaytay we went down to Matabungkay beach, a well known beach in Lian, Batangas. We stayed at Coral Beach Club owned by a British couple, I was told. Among the many resorts there, I found this place quite decent and secure. The resort was guarded twenty four hours so it was very safe. It has its own heated pool. The rooms were clean and classy. It has its own bar and restaurant. We really had a good time there. We stayed only for a night. The next day we went back to Manila.

As in the previous years, whenever I went back home, I did not just go and visit places, I also visited family and friends. In manila, we visited an uncle priest who is now retired. He is currently residing at Christo Rey in Christ the King Seminary in Quezon City. My uncle priest is an SVD missionary priest who spent all his life serving God and people. Before his retirement some years ago, he was the chaplain of the Pink Sisters (cloistered nuns) in Baguio City for a number of years. Before that, he was a priest chaplain of UP Los Banos, a parish priest in San Teodoro, Mindoro. During his younger years, he was the President of Divine Word College in Vigan. He is a very jolly and friendly priest. When we visited him, he told us of his current hobbies which are composing religious songs and learning how to play the guitar and violin. He is now 87 years old and yet he was able to learn and play the guitar and violin. I told him, “you are an amazing priest!” He just looked at me with a smile on his face.

I have also reconnected with a friend whom I haven’t seen in a long time. She is truly a wonderful person, with a generous heart. Her husband just passed away on June 6. He suffered from brain tumor. She herself, my friend, is battling some terminal sickness. Recently, her younger sister is facing the same fate. And yet, despite of everything, her faith is strong and her convictions are firm. I love to share with people her story because it is an amazing story of a beautiful soul. Too often we cannot understand why we suffer in this life, or why our love ones suffer terribly. And yet, there are some people like my friend (maybe not so many), who still hold on and believe on a good and loving God, despite of everything. What an incredible story of faith. Please pray for her and for her sister. I pray for all those who are in the same or similar situation.

I had some ambivalent feelings coming back to the US after my grand vacation in the Philippines. Once again, I had to say goodbye to my siblings, nephews and nieces. To say goodbye is always the most difficult thing. Yes, we promised to pray and call one another constantly. We said to one another that we hope to see each other again next year, God willing. But who of us can predict of tomorrow, or next year. Life is full of uncertainty. I hope that tomorrow and next year will come as we have dreamed. But between now and next year, we are left alone again to face our own battles. I just hope that the beautiful memories I have of yesterday with my family will give me strength, hope, and joy, as I tread on my journey for the future.

Farrah Faucet's Story

Yesterday I watched the video documentary of Farrah Faucet on hulu.com on her battle against anal cancer. This documentary, I was told, had been aired on NBC last Friday, where apparently there were about almost 9 million viewers who watched the documentary, according to the papers. As I was watching the documentary, it was a very heart-wrenching video as far as I was concerned. The documentary taught me a lot of lessons about many things. First, it gave me a better understanding about the life and pains of those people who are suffering with the same or similar kind of illness. Second, it made me see about human beings’ limitation and capabilities. In spite of the advancement of technology and science, man has not discovered any known cure for cancer. Billions of dollars are currently being spent for research and for trying to find a cure for this dreaded disease. But, until today, unfortunately, nothing has been discovered. Scientists and doctors are trying some alternative medicines to cure cancer patients, but these are nothing but experiments. We pray to God that scientists and researchers will soon discover a cure for this dreaded disease.

We all know Farrah Faucet. She was the golden girl among the three in the famous show called ‘Charlie’s Angels.’ If you watch the video documentary, your heart will cry out for her. In this documentary, it shows the life, pains and struggles of a cancer patient, who is trying to find a cure for her illness. She has availed the services of probably the best doctors in the world. She had seek treatment in Germany. She have had chemo and radiation and all kinds of treatment, including so called alternative treatments. Initially, in the beginning, her treatment seemed to be working out well. Her initial treatment and prognosis in Germany was very positive. She and the people who loved her were so elated and happy. Then, at a later examination, her doctors found out that the cancer has returned, and has metastasized in the liver. She had been treated with all kinds of treatment, but nothing seemed to be working out now. But the video presents the face of a Farrah who has not given up hope. Her son who was recently jailed was given permission to visit her in their house, maybe to see her for the last time. It was a very moving scene- the encounter of a dying mother and a son - in the documentary. But the documentary ends there, with lot of flashbacks about Farrah’s early and joyful life. What a very moving video.

It was about two years ago when she was told about her illness. From that day forward, her world changed dramatically. Remember, she was a famous actress, adored and loved by her family, and millions of people all over the world. She was a devoted mother to her son, and loving wife to Ryan O’Neal. She had everything anyone in this world could ever hope for. And yet, beyond anyone’s expectation, when she was diagnosed with this cancer, her world just collapsed upon her. No one could do anything else to reverse the situation, even the best doctors in the world. Now, she is at the verge of her demise. Her family and loved ones could not do anything else but pray for a miracle. Yes, life is so fragile. Our life and everything we have can be taken away from us in instant. We do not own our life. We are just stewards of God’s gifts.

After I watched the video of Farrah Faucet, I started to offer a prayer for her, and for all people who are stricken with the same or similar illness. I know that we can never understand why people suffer in this way, or why God allows suffering. But I also know that there is a purpose in everything. Just recently a friend of mine wrote me about her struggles, and pains and hopes- as she was also stricken with cancer, so with her husband, and recently, her youngest sister. It broke my heart to hear about their struggles and pains. But she has not given up hope. She continues to surrender herself to God’s will. I am so amazed by her deep faith and commitment to God. I pray for them constantly.

Now, I also promised myself to pray for Farrah Faucet. I know that millions of people may also be praying for her. But I know and believe that God, in his own good time, will cure her. Let us flood heavens with our prayers. We ask God to cure Farrah Faucet, so that His goodness maybe known to all men. He is a God who loves and cares for us, and that He can do even the impossible.

Happy Mother's Day

I was at CVS the other day to pick up a mother’s day card for my cousin. Then I realized that I was browsing for a mother’s card that I should have liked to give to my mom today instead. My mom passed away in 1999. But there is not a day that I don’t think about her.

Today we celebrate and honor the life and work of mothers. For me, motherhood is one of the most fundamental institutions of God’s creation. Although some of us may have struggled with their moms, but who of us can ever really forget our mothers.

Now and then we hear about unsung heroes. There is probably no more unsung a hero than a true mother.

If we consider what she has done for us, what she is doing for us, what she will do for us should some urgency require... and compare this to what little thanks she receives in turn –it’s so sad that mothers generally go unrecognized in this world.

Let us not make the same mistake.

The book of Ecclesiastes (17:24-30) states, “Honor thy father and mother and forget not the groanings of thy mother. Remember that thou hast not been born but through them: and make a return to them as they have done for thee.”

Our mother carried us nine months in her womb, she nourished us with her own substance; she gave us birth in a most painful way; she nursed us at the breast... when we could not feed ourselves, she fed us; when we could not change our diapers, she did. As we grew, it is true, the father began to share the pains of child raising. But is it “the groanings of thy mother” we are told not to forget. Mostly, mothers need be praised for giving us life.

In the Old Testament we read that when the elder Tobias was growing old, he said to his son, also called Tobias, “When God shall take away my soul, thou shall bury my body, and thou shall honor thy mother all the days of thy life: for thou must be mindful what and how great perils she suffered for thee in her womb.(Tobit 4:3-4)

Our mothers suffered to give us life... even now those heroic mothers who stay home to raise their children suffer. The father gets to leave the home most days of the week; he gets to intermingle with people and co-workers, perhaps have lunch with friends at a café; he may even receive promotions and certificates of “job well done.” It is different with a stay home mother. She stays home where she, day in and day out, looks at the same walls, hears the same voices, occupies herself with the same chores for which no promotion is forthcoming. It is a suffering of the humdrum.

Do we give our mothers appreciation even for this type of humdrum suffering? Perhaps. But as much as we ought, probably not.

Let us recall often the words of the book of Wisdom, “in the womb of my mother I was fashioned.”(7:1) Without my mother I would not have life. But to be praised too is that mother who sacrifices a job of the world for a world at home with her children.

On this day, and often besides, let us wish our mothers a happy day if not with words at least with a good life for virtuous children are the true pleasure of parents. Adults - we should daily pray for our parents; we should call, write, or visit them frequently. Children - pray every day for your parents, but also be obedient and uncomplaining; do your homework and chores on time and without complaint. Good deeds greatly please our mothers and will be a sign of our appreciation for what they have done for us.

There was an interesting story about John who was 12 years old, and who became self-conscious about his mother’s hands. Although she was in every way beautiful woman, her hands were terribly scarred and twisted. John’s father was the first to notice that John, who had once brought his friends home to play, now no longer did so. “Perhaps you would like to know how your mother came to have such hands,” said his father, “because when I married her, they were lovely. One day when you were just able to toddle about, your mother turned her back for a moment. You made for the fireplace and stood too close. You screamed, and because there was nothing else available and the flames were growing, she smothered the fire with her own hands. She saved you but sacrificed her hands in doing so.”

Our mothers will sacrifice anything and everything for us. That’s how they show their love for their children.

I have received this email a few years ago, and I have kept it till now. The title of the email is: “The Portrait of a Mother, written by Ermie Jaramillo.

What is a mother? Que es una madre?

A mother is someone who cares for and loves her children deeply.

A mother is a person who worries about her children, day and night, every moment.

When they are infants, a mother worries when they are sick, and stays up all night taking care of them and praying that they get well. When they get older, a mother worries about where they are going and whom they are with. A mother worries about her children constantly, hoping that they are being raised correctly and hoping that someday they will grow up to be good and loving parents, and live a respected and prosperous life.

A mother teaches her children the values of respect, the appreciation of hard work, and the affirmation of God and faith.

Young people of today, don’t forget that mothers are very special people, and you’ll only have one in your lifetime. Take care of your mother and never get tired telling her how special she is and that you love her. Make this day and every day special for your mother by the gift of love from your heart. She may not be with you next year, or the year after that. So, love you mother everyday and always.

Finally, mothers of all ranks, never forget the great reward laid up for you by the good God. By fulfilling well your vocation you have many opportunities in the day to show your love for God. We have only to consider the words of the blessed Lord to know this: “Whatever you have done for these little ones, you have done unto me.”

Happy Mother’s Day!

Please Pray for the Repose of the Souls of my Friends!

This morning I heard the shocking news that two of our active parishioners(who are sisters) died in a tragic car accident yesterday. Actually, there were five of them who perished in that car accident. Four of them were siblings --3 sisters, and a brother. The fifth person was a brother-in-law of our two deceased parishioners. All of the fatalities were in their 70's. According to the news story, all the deceased were riding on the same car. They just attended a wedding of a relative, and they were on their way to the reception when the accident happened. Apparently, their vehicle was struck from behind by a truck, which in turn ignited the car into flames. All of them died instantly.


If this was just a news that I read on the papers, it would have been different, I am sure. But what was so sad and heartening was that---I knew personally all the three sisters. Two of them were very active parishioners of our parish. The three sisters were members of my Faith Study Class. They used to come regularly and attend my class every second Friday of the month. One of them was very close to me. She was a member of my team who helped me out tremendousbly when I did our first parish recollection last March. The two sisters who were members of our parish just sent me a beautiful card for Easter, with their warm wishes and greetings. The day before yesterday, I just saw them in church when they accompanied their great grand nephew for his first reconciliation. Now and then I used to talk to one of them on the phone when I had some requests or things to be done. Now, you would understand why I feel so sad and downtrodden right now. I am sure many of our parishioners who knew them feel the same way. I could not understand why these two beautiful souls, who were very religious, God-fearing, service-oriented, loving and kind ...could just be taken from this world, just by the twinkling of an eye.Yes, life is indeed short. We have to be prepared always because we don't know when death will come knocking at our doors.


Yes, I prayed for them today, and all the members of their family who perished in that accident. Please, may I ask you to pray for them as well. We pray that God will bless their souls and reward them with everlasting life. May they rest in peace.

At the Bagel's Place

When I have time and don’t have any schedule early in the morning, I usually drive to Jollibee to buy some breakfast meal and have coffee. One early morning, as I was driving to go to this Jollibee place where I frequent to have breakfast, I spotted a small “bagel’s place store” at a corner of a main street, near the Jollibee place. For whatever reason, I just decided to try it out for a change and have my breakfast at this bagel’s place that morning. When I entered the place, I saw two guys chatting at a corner, enjoying their coffee. There was a big table strewn across the place. An elderly woman was sitting at the end corner, sipping her coffee, and chatting with another elderly lady who was eating her breakfast at the other end of the table. An African-American man, in his mid- thirties, was luxuriously eating his bagel at the middle of the table, with his daughter (who was maybe six or seven years old). There was another guy who was also seated at the table, sipping his coffee, and writing something on his calendar. When I went in, they all looked up as if surprised—and said, “good morning!” I said “good morning,” too, in response. I ordered a bagel with cream cheese and a coffee. I sat down at the table to eat my breakfast with the rest of the people. As I was eating my breakfast, I could hear this conversation from these people from the table. They seemed to know one another. They were calling each other by name. There was a lively conversation at the table about almost everything—on the status of the economy to the latest buzz in town. I was smiling to myself as I was intently listening to their conversations. After a while, some of the guys left, then the others. I had to leave too because I had to do something that morning.

You think the story ended there. No. The next morning, I went again to the same bagel’s place to have breakfast. To my surprise, it was the same fixture of people whom I saw there. The two men conversing at the corner, the two elderly lady who were conversing at the table, the African-American man with his daughter, and the guy who was sipping his coffee and writing on his calendar. It was like a small town, all-in-one in this small bagel’s place. At this bagel’s place, you hear the latest news on the economy, the latest buzz in town, and everything what’s going in the life of every American. I was really amused and entertained. I have been going to that place almost everyday, for almost two weeks now. I see the same faces, hear the same conversations, enjoy my breakfast like the rest. Know what? I enjoyed the company of these people. I don’t know any of them but I felt a certain sense of belongingness and community. Here I found the souls of ordinary people, who just want to live ordinary lives and not get caught up with the web of lies and intricacies of the world. Think of a place where you can sometimes escape? This was for me one of those places.

Life's Little Surprises

The other day, I had three unexpected little surprises. Now I call them “Life’s Little Surprises.”

I went to Staples in the afternoon to buy a new printer. At the same time, I brought along an old hp printer to be recycled. I have read in their Ads that Staples would give a rebate of $50.00 for anyone who brings along a printer to be recycled, but the customer had to buy a new printer not less than $179.00 in value to avail of their promotion. That’s exactly what I had in mind to do when I went to the store. When I arrived in the Staple store, there was a Filipina lady(also a customer) who saw me and apparently recognized me. But I had no recollection whatsoever who she was. After a while, she engaged in a conversation with me as if she knew me for a long time. She asked all sorts of questions about computers and printers and the like. Then when I told her that I was at the store because I was planning to buy a new printer, and that I brought along an old printer to be recycled so I get a rebate….to my great surprise, she immediately offered to buy a new printer for me. Now, would I call this a coincidence, or some kind of ‘good luck?’ I don’t know. I just thanked her for her overwhelming generosity. While driving home afterwards, it got me to think about what real generosity really mean - when you give something without expecting anything in return.

The second surprise. In the afternoon, I went to a Filipino restaurant to order some food. When the owner of the restaurant saw me, she declined to accept any payment for all my orders. In spite of my insistence, she would accept none of it. “Well, “ I said. “If you don’t accept my payment, you would go bankrupt.” She just smiled at me and said..” just remember me in your prayers.” Again, I was flabbergasted.

In the evening, I was invited by a friend to go for dinner- which I gladly accepted. The dinner was supposed to be at 7 PM. But due to some works I had to finish, I went to the restaurant somewhat late. When I arrived at the restaurant, to my great surprise and shock, a chorus of friends greeted me with a belated happy birthday. Talk about a surprise birthday party…that was it. I never expected that my friends would surprise me with a big bash birthday party. I almost fainted in shock. But, anyway, we had a wonderful evening together. I thanked all of them for all their warm wishes and generosity. It’s so nice and comforting to have friends who love you and whom you can depend on.

While lying down in bed that night, I could not but thanked God for such a wonderful experience I had during the day. And talk about life’s surprises…I had them that day.

Fight Against Abortion

On Thursday of this coming week, our nation will observe the 36th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion in the United States. Thirty-six years ago, the Supreme Court decided that it was mightier than God and gave its permission to kill children in their mother’s wombs. We know people – our friends and even our own family members – who would agree with the decision. We also know of many others – hopefully ourselves – who would not.

The question as to when human life begins has occupied the minds of physicians, philosophers, and jurists from Greece's golden age of famous thinkers until now. The question is ancient, and for us once again new.

In our time the debate over abortion rights has often been skewed by assertions that those who are against abortion on demand are imposing their religious beliefs on those favoring abortion rights. They couch the debate in terms of faith, doctrine, and religious belief. But what are the factual elements that belong in the debate quite apart from religious beliefs?

At the end of the first three weeks of pregnancy (just twenty-one days), medical science, not religious faith, tells us that the child in the womb has brain cells that are developing. Likewise the child is developing a stomach, lungs, and its own pair of eyes. The child’s heart first begins beating when it was only eighteen days old. Electric brain activity begins in the fourth week of pregnancy. Soon its arms and legs make their first appearances. These are medical facts, not articles of faith. Can we say it is not a human life in being?

A fetus in its mother’s womb has its own blood type, not its mother’s. It has its own body cells, its own DNA coding, it’s own heartbeat, and its own electric brain activity. Quite clearly it is not merely a part of its mothers protoplasm. It is not even a part of its mother’s body. The fetus is, however, connected to its mother’s body via an umbilical cord in order to receive nutrients. It is dependent on its mother; it is distinct from its mother but not yet separated from the shelter of its mother’s body. Clearly it is not a simply a part of its mother’s bodily cells.

In simplest terms, a fetus is a human life that, if nurtured and protected, will grow to be eighty or ninety years old. These considerations are matters of science, of fact, and of common sense, not faith. These truths are held not only by Catholics but also by people of other faiths, and people who do not claim to profess any particular religious faith. To claim that a fetus is not a human life is to turn a blind eye to reality.

Let us be mindful in these days ahead that the Lord is calling us to action. Abortion on demand is legal but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Pro-abortion activities and their allies in Congress are now promoting an agenda that would deprive Americans of their freedom to enact any restraint on abortion at any stage of pregnancy.

For those of you who do not know, the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) was introduced in the United States House of Representatives on January 21, 2004, and in the United States Senate on January 22, 2004. Although the bill received no further action in the 108 congress, it was again reintroduced in the 110 congress. President elect Barack Obama promises to sign it if it is passed by Congress. The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) is the next chapter in the book of abortion. If made a law then all limitations on abortion will be lifted which will result in the following:

1. All hospitals, including Catholic hospitals will be required to perform abortions upon request. If this happens Bishops vow to close down all Catholic hospitals, more than 30 % of all hospitals in the United States.
2. The FOCA would overturn the national Partial Birth Abortion Ban. This means, the Partial birth abortions would be legal and have no limitations.
3. The FOCA will overturn hundreds of current laws, including limits on tax payer –funded abortion . In other words, all U.S. tax payers would be funding abortions.
4. Also, it will overturn the current law of parental involvement in the decisions of their minor children regarding abortion. If FOCA will be made into law, then Parental notification will no longer be required.

This information is disturbing, but sadly true. As Catholics, as Christians, as anyone who is against the needless killing of innocent children, we must stand as one. We must stop this horrific act before it becomes a law.

These current laws must not be swept away, all at once or even one at a time. So what can we do?

First, consider writing your Senator and your congressional representative asking them to vote against the Freedom of Choice Act.

Second, pray (say a novena) along with fasting. For Catholics and non-Catholics, I encourage you to pray your strongest prayers with the same intention. The hope is that this will branch and blossom as to become a global effort with maximum impact. We have very little time so we must act fast.

Remember that with God all things are possible and the power of prayer is undeniable. If you are against the senseless killing of defenseless children then the time is now to do something about it.

The Real Meaning of Christmas

Tonight we are celebrating the vigil of the birth of our Savior. In this context I would like to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.

Can you imagine a person receiving a precious Christmas gift, which came very beautifully wrapped. He impatiently removed the nice gift-wrap paper and treasured it. While the gift itself he threw into the garbage pile.

That is exactly what some people today, as I have observed, have done to Christmas. They celebrate the season of the year. The traditional Christmas carols that recall the mystery of Christ's birth are now replaced by Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman, and Mommy kissing Santa Claus. People put up beautiful and even high tech decorations - Santa Claus on space ship, and fireworks, many of which focused on the season rather than Emmanuel - God with us.

Somehow Christ has been left out of his own birthday party. The greatest event that changed the whole history of mankind is not the reason and concern for the celebration. In many places people celebrate a Christ-less Christmas. Frantic shopping, midnight madness, partying, and tempers rising in the traffic replace the greatest mystery of God's love.

As we journey into another year, let us put Christ back into Christmas. Carols, greeting cards, Christmas trees and gifts are only a few of the many traditions, which come alive with the celebration of Christmas every year. They are all tied together with various meanings and memories from as long as our childhood days. These customs, beautiful as they are, do not touch the very heart of Christmas, but are only extensions of its central meaning.

If we are looking for the real message of this day, we should not search for it in the shopping mall, or TV Christmas specials. We turn to Church to hear why this day has such deep significance, although we have heard the story over and over again.

Perhaps the most significant words from the account of Christ's birth by Luke is the phrase, "Glory to God...Peace on earth."

The message that resounds on the first Christmas eve holds the everlasting key to the attitude we should have toward Jesus. "Glory to God" is a brief but powerful prayer of adoration acknowledging His unequalled dignity. It tells of his infinite power in the face of our weakness, His wisdom in the face of our foolishness.

The Incarnation, the birth of Jesus is the deepest expression of God's love for sinful mankind. Before the coming of Christ, the world was in a grip of sin and Satan's power. Humanity was incapable of saving itself. By becoming one of us, and dying for us, Christ broke the power of Satan, the power of sin and death. His birth was indeed an event of great glory of God's power and love. By God's saving acts, we can rightly join the angels as they sing "Glory to God in the highest."

St. Jerome, who had spent his life at Bethlehem translating the bible living in a grotto was praying one Christmas night, wondering what gift he might make to Jesus, when suddenly the baby Jesus appeared to him, in the midst of a brilliant light.

"Jerome," the infant Jesus asked, "What are you going to give me for my birthday?"
"Divine Infant," replied the saint, "I give you my heart."
"Yes, but give me something more," says the Infant Jesus.
"I give you all my prayers and affections of my heart," Lord.
"Yes, but give me something more,"
"I give you all that I have and all that I am," answered Jerome.
"There is still something more than I want," says the Baby Jesus.
"Divine Infant, I have nothing more. What is it that I can give you?"
"Jerome, give me your sins."
"What will you do with them, Lord?"
"Give me your sins that I may pardon all of them."
"Divine Babe," exclaimed the saint, "you make me weep."

And the strong man, filled with love of the Infant Jesus, wept for joy.

I think that message from the Infant Jesus was not only for St. Jerome, but also for each one of us. Christ is no longer in the manger in Bethlehem. He left that over 2,000 years ago.

Christmas present is God present in our midst, his spirit inspiring us to care and respect all people, especially the needy. It is a time to encounter Christ in a personal way, to let him be born in us, that we maybe "Christs" in our time and age - to the people around us. Let us be the "Good News" to people in our time.

The second part of the angelic song says, "Peace on Earth." It is the Lord's mission statement set to music. We will work and pray for it, for our suffering world is filled with violence, hatred and mutual mistrust. It's unfortunate that we have not taken seriously the message of the Prince of Peace.

We give glory to God when we extend ourselves to one another and thereby create a small atmosphere of peace on earth. Our kind words naturally invite other kind words from our neighbor, and that could start a pleasant chain reaction to produce peace on earth. Selfishness breeds contempt, and hatred turns to war - but love, like a seed, germinates and grows into everlasting goodness.

Tonight we join all our prayers with those of the angels. We re-echo once again the meaning of the birth of Jesus, the message of the Church, the mission of Jesus and song of the angels, "Glory to God..Peace on Earth."

Merry Christmas to all of you!

How can I bear it?

A few days ago a woman came to me crying hysterically. "What else can I do? How can I go through this? How can I bear it? I have prayed to God everyday; I say my rosary and novena three times a day; I go to church; I plead to God that He will help me...but it seems he is not listening. I have no one else to turn to." This was the cry of this woman who is in desperate need.

This woman whom I call Martha is married, has two grown up children, but she is right now at the verge of hopelessness and desperation. Her husband has cancer and does not have work. Her children are married but are not working too. They all live in the same house together. Martha is the only one working but her salary is barely enough to pay their house mortgage. Her credit card debts are insurmountable. There is no way she can pay them. But that is not all - a week ago, her husband has been accused of some misdeamenor by his daughter. Now, Martha's husband was not allowed to stay in or near the house with family, or be near with his grandkids. A court hearing is set next week on the case.

How can I bear all these? Martha asks. She seems to have no way out. She is in pain and don't know what to do next. Yes, it is easy to say to her..God loves you.He will take care of you. But is that all we can say to her?

I ask you to pray with me for Martha. When at times we complain that we are suffering from some kind of trial, or difficulties in our lives-- think about Martha. We just don't know that there are people who are suffering out there more than we are.

Boredom and Complacency

I haven't written any article for the past month or so. I just felt lazy to do anything worthwhile. Even as far as my health problem is concerned, i have been complacent about it too. I know I need to take care of myself. I am fully aware of the possible tragic consequences of my complacency. But sometimes I just don't get it. The bottom line is, I think I am still on denial about my health issues. It is not that I deny of its existence. I simply try to live my life as if the illness is not there. If you call this denial- then maybe I am on denial. As a consequence, I really don't pay much attention any more on what kind of food I eat or not eat. In the past month or so, i simply put my dieting on the side. I have been eating all kinds of food-- even food that I know which are not healthy for a diabetic person like me. I still maintained my regular exercise though.(Well, it has not been really regular in the strict sense of the term). But I still try to maintain some form of exercise on occasion, but on a lesser degree. Taking of my medications has become irregular too. I stopped injecting myself with insulin. I haven't checked my blood sugar in a long time. Either I was lazy or i simply didn't care to know about my blood sugar anymore. I just checked in my weight lately and I found out that I have gained another 10 pounds since the last time I was on the weighing scale. Well, this is where I am at for the moment. I don't know what I can do to change my life patterns. Yes, I know I need to do something about this. Do I have to wait till something happens to me again before changing my lifestyle? Boredom, complacency, and laziness...they are getting in control of my life...