God’s Gracious Word

“I commend you now to the Lord, and to that gracious WORD of His which can enlarge you…” Saint Paul, Acts 20:32

God's gracious word can enlarge you, build you up, and give you an inheritance with all those set apart for Himself. Sometimes I rush through reading the Bible because I have read it all before several times. But when I slow down, I see gems like this verse. When I am able to savor God's Word, I see it as a treasure room full of different finely set jewels, intricate gold pieces and the finest pearls. Just like that room in National Treasure but only bigger, limitless!

Many people through the ages have sought after gold, pearls, and jewels. Some have even gone down deep into the sea to salvage pirate's treasure. Kings and the Nazis hoarded gems, explorers bravely set out to find cities of gold, pioneers spent years prospecting the elusive metal. Legends have grown around famous pearls. One particular pearl, the La Peregrina, has an illustrious 500 year history! After being found by a slave in Africa in the 1500s, and worn by Spanish queens and English nobility, it eventually ended up in Elizabeth Taylor's extensive jewelry collection. Once, she recounts in her book, she was so scared because she lost it. It was eventually found in the mouth of one of her puppies! The most perfect pearl in the world being chewed by a puppy!!

One day, all these worldly treasures will be worth precisely that- nothing! Years and years of prospecting something that is worth nothing! So much time, money and effort spent searching for some elusive treasure under the sea worth nothing! What do I spent my time, effort and money on? Does it have eternal value or will it be eventually worth nothing?

Jesus said we should store up for ourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. (Matthew 6:20-21) Let us dig in the vast treasure of God's Word and let it enlarge us, build us up and give us an inheritance worth far more than all the earthly treasures throughout the ages!

To Know You

“Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” John 17:3

On earth, only Jesus would really know what eternal life tastes like, and feels like. In John 17:2, He reveals that eternal life is knowing God. As a child, we walked around with a sense of wonder. Everything was new and exciting. Even a blade of grass could occupy us for a long stretch of time. I remember when my son Josh would examine the wrapping paper with curiosity instead of the gift that came inside it. What happened to that sense of everything being a gift, a delight? What happened to the eagerness with which we greeted each day? I imagine that the appreciation for the newness of life’s pleasures each day would capture a little bit of what eternal life is.  

In the memoir, “Find Me Unafraid”, Kennedy Odede and his wife Jessica, wrote about the horrors of growing up in the evil-infested Kibera slums of Nairobi. Kennedy had to steal to eat. He witnessed friends and family murdered before his eyes, he was repeatedly beaten by his father, and he was raped by a priest. In spite of all that, he and his wife founded schools for girls and a community organization called Shining Hope for Communities. 

David Brooks, a journalist of New York Times, who noticed that Kennedy was full of joy, asked him how he is able to retain that sense of joy and wonder in the midst of pain and suffering. Kennedy answered: “While I didn’t have food and couldn’t go to school or when I was the victim or witness of violence, I tried to appreciate things like the sunrise—something that everyone in the world shares and can find joy in no matter if you are rich or poor. Seeing the sunrise was always healing for me, it was a new day and it was a beauty to behold.”

Contrast that with what Harry Patterson said when asked what he knew now that he would have wanted to know as a boy. Harry sold millions of books under the pseudonym Jack Higgins, and he did it all, the Hollywood dream, cars, eating in the best places.  He said sadly, “When you get to the top, there’s nothing there.” 

Lord, may we always be grateful whatever our circumstance. Gratefulness connects us to You. May we know You as the giver of every good gift! 

Take Courage

“In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” John 16:33

There can be no doubt that trouble is part and parcel of our life on earth. When I was young, I asked God to treat me gently. It was my constant prayer. He answered that prayer until He showed me that if He did not prune me, His plans for me would not come to fruition. I remember clearly when He said during my prayer time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, “If you are willing to be pruned, I will give you Luigi as a husband.” I prayed for 3 days, in wonder. Does God do this? Did I really hear Him say that? Finally, after 3 days, I answered yes. And a couple of years after, Luigi and I were married. 

The pruning did not come right away, but several years afterward I was beset with persistent mouth sores that we could not find a cure for. Several doctors and treatments after, we learned I had Pemphigus Vulgaris, a rare autoimmune disease. Thank God my blisters only broke out in the lining of my mouth, and not all over my skin! This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks proteins in the upper layers of the skin. Then a few years after that I learned I had Thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder in which my body makes an abnormal form or inadequate amount of hemoglobin. And then I suffered from Deep Vein Thrombosis, and Pulmonary Embolism, and Pulmonary Hypertension, which eventually led to my needing open heart surgery last December 2019 to remove calcified blood clots. So one may say I have certainly had my share of troubles! 

I was listening to this virtual prayer meeting. The theme was “Faith that isn’t Troubled by Troubles”. That is what we want, isn’t it? That when we have troubles, our faith will not be shaken, we will not be anxious, but we will continue to anchor our life on God. If we want that, we need the troubles to test us, and God will use the troubles to produce in us good fruit. 

In the first chapter of the book of James, we read, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Well, I certainly am still immature and lacking so many things, but I recognize the grace of God in my life when I encounter it. Last December 2019, in my hospital room, His grace was so palpable, I was devoid of anxiety at my coming open heart surgery. I felt I was wrapped in His grace and mercy. I had no fears at all, I could “laugh at the days to come”, like the woman described in Proverbs 31. 

Today, I continue to recuperate. My lungs still need the help of oxygen. I get tired quickly, and have to walk up the stairs very slowly. I continue to persevere, and hope in the Lord, and trust in His promises. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12) Troubles come and go, but the goodness of the Lord is forever!

Enkindle the Flame

“May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to His call, what are the riches of glory in His inheritance among the holy ones.” Ephesians 1:18

What does it mean to have a childlike faith? Let me ponder this for a while because it is so important to Jesus. He said, “Whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” (Mark 10:15) 

Our grandchild , the son of my niece, is almost five years old. My husband likes to bring him around, walking to church, lighting a candle in prayer for me, saying hello to the staff at the parish office. I asked Luigi why he carried the little boy when he was so heavy already. He answered because he likes to see his little face with its many expressions. The last time they went walking, the adorable child came into the house with a huge smile on his face and his eyes were crinkled as he recounted to me what he saw and did. So much joy for simple things. 

In Ephesians 1:3, St. Paul wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens…” And then in verse 18, “May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to His call, what are the riches of glory in His inheritance among the holy ones.” 

Do we have a childlike joy, enthusiasm and delight for the blessings and gifts our Father has for us? Or have we grown too blasé, tired and weary, disheartened and even disillusioned to even think about being grateful? How do we get back the joy and eagerness of our first love for Jesus? I think taking the time to sit with Jesus, wasting time with Him as a new bride can sit contentedly with her husband, just relishing the nearness and companionship, will enkindle the flame. After all, Jesus will not be outdone in generosity. Whatever time we give to Him, will come back in a hundredfold blessing and favor. ♥️♥️♥️

The Apple of God’s Eye

“And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Luke 1:43

Elizabeth, filled with the Spirit of God, marveled. Her cousin Mary had come from far away to visit her all the way into the hill country of Judah. Who was she, that the mother of our Lord would deign to find out how she was and spend some time with her? Was she that special, that significant?

Like Elizabeth, we should marvel at the truth that we are the apple of God’s eye. “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.” (Psalm 17:8) We usually take for granted that God’s eye is upon us always. Without His attention, without His breath of life within us, we are just dust and ashes. Each one of us is special and significant. Each one of us has the imprint of God as we are created in His image and likeness. 

It is heartbreaking that In 2020, estimates suggest 1.26 million abortions were induced by Filipino women according to the Philippine Safe Abortion Advocacy Network (Is there any safe abortion for a baby?). The World Health Organization assesses that around 73 million induced abortions takes place worldwide each year. No value is given to the lives of these children. But the truth is each one of them is as precious as we are to God and should be as precious to us as well. 

St. Lawrence as the archdeacon in the reign of Emperor Valerian, was ordered to turn over the treasures of the Church in three days. He quickly sold the Church’ property and distributed it to the poor, the widows and the sick. After three days, Lawrence led a crowd of poor, blind, crippled, suffering people to the door of the palace. “These are the true treasures of the Church,” he boldly proclaimed. In fury, the Emperor ordered that he be grilled on the rack that same day. 

Let us pray that we will not catch the world’s attitude of cavalierly treating the powerless and the voiceless. Sometimes animals have more rights than babies in the womb, homeless and disabled people. We should always see each person through God’s eyes. 

Our Troubles Will Turn to Joy

“You will grieve, but your grief will become joy.” John 16:20

When I was pregnant, I was filled with anxiety. I was 38 years old, it was my first time (and only time) to be pregnant. I had spotting, pre-eclampsia, and pains in my pelvic region. And the baby would have spasms of what would turn out to be bouts of hiccups.

Because of my fears, I would nag God, and “pray without ceasing". Then I felt God say to me, “Patsy, when you hold your baby in your arms, you will know how much I love you." True enough, my delivery was quick, almost painless. And when I held my baby, I was just surrounded with God’s love. 

When Joshua arrived, he had a big nose and even bigger ears. My mom was so dismayed that she pestered God to make Joshua cute. It so happens that God answers even silly prayers like that and Josh was the cutest baby ever!

There are many times in our life that give us anxiety, fear, grief, or pain. We go through many challenges. But if we HOPE in God, 'pray without ceasing', and trust that God always wants the best for us, ALL our troubles will turn into JOY!

"When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.” John 16:21

In a Little While

Jesus said to His disciples, “A little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me." John 16:16

Jesus and His disciples certainly had some strange conversations! But after He died and appeared to them, some of those conversations became clearer.

I miss my mom, my dad and my brother Robert very much, but that is tempered by knowing I will see them again. Recently, my aunt who would have been 96 years old next month, passed away too. It happened so fast that I keep thinking of her as well. We already had special plans on how to celebrate her birthday. How terribly desolate I would be if I did not have this reassurance that we will all be together again one day! 

But we do not have to wait to be with Jesus! We can be with Him all the time! He left us the Spirit to be with us always! “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

We just need to spend time with Him and not be so enamored of the things this world has to offer! We can't "see and hear" Him if we don't turn off the noise, the clamoring of this world, the urgent call of the long list of things to do!

God’s Greatest Miracle

“What therefore you unknowingly worship, I proclaim to you, the God who made the world and all that is in it, the Lord of Heaven and Earth...He fixed the ordered seasons...so that people might seek God, even perhaps grope for Him and find Him, though indeed He is not far from any one of us." Acts 17:23-27

Paul said these words in Athens where he noticed so many temples dedicated to idols. One altar caught his eye, however, an altar TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Paul wanted to introduce this unknown God to the Athenians. And he chose the Areopagus, a prominent rock outcropping in Acropolis, Greece, in which to do it. We may not be an eloquent speaker like Paul, we may not be a missionary going to far reaches of the world, but we do have access to a modern day Areopagus where we can share about the goodness and greatness of God. Aside from our work places, schools, and neighborhoods, the internet is where we can make our voices heard above the fake news, the confusion, the troubles and headaches of this world. 

Creation is God's first missionary. All of creation shouts out about God's majesty and power! “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities--His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20

 “Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering.”

St. Augustine

We, our human body, our minds, our soul, are God's greatest miracles! Let us find Him and help others find Him for He is as near to us as a whispered prayer! 

The Power of Praise

“About midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God...” Acts 16:25

There is power in praising God. Many times when I feel bad I sing songs to God, sometimes in my own words. It never fails to lift up my spirits. Here in Acts chapter 16, Paul and Silas land in jail after freeing a slave girl from evil spirits. She was a fortune teller and brought much money to her masters which angered them because they lost their source of income. They dragged the disciples to the chief magistrates who ordered them beaten and thrown into jail. They were put in the innermost cell with their feet fastened to a stake. 

Did they mope and feel sorry for themselves? Did they cry out to God in desperation? Did they get angry at God thinking we are doing all this for You and this is our reward? No. They prayed and sang hymns of praise to God. The prisoners were all listening and the praise was so powerful there came a great earthquake which shook the foundations of the jailhouse!!! 

When we are more desperate than desperate, when all hope is gone, what should we do? Shake heaven with our praise! This is the message of a little 96-page book entitled “Prison to Praise” by Merlin Carothers. He had a very tough start in life, ending up in jail for a while, where he learned the powerful practise of praising God in all circumstances, especially the difficult ones. More than 10 million copies of this book has been printed and many who followed his example have had their lives transformed. 

Jean Underfel-Babalis said, “When I first got sober 32 years ago I found this book, it revolutionized my thinking, my life, and became the basis for my recovery. I’m convinced that this book was one of the primary sources that is responsible for my being clean and sober for the past 32 years. I learned the power of praise.” 

Kelly Davis shared, “I was in a cult when I first read this book 21 years ago. I was unhappy and felt very oppressed, victimized and never "good enough". I figured I had nothing to lose so I tried it first on a nasty day when I had to stand out on a corner collecting money with a sore ankle. My praise was pretty sarcastic at first but as the day went on, I started noticing many subtle changes happening within me. I persisted and by the end of the day I felt a "joy unspeakable" I had never experienced before...I did it in faith and obedience to His Word. When I persisted in this, something broke apart deep within me and a stronghold Satan had on me for years started crumbling.”

Praise God for another secret! The power of praise! 

The Advocate

“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” John 14:25-26

Jesus spoke these words to his disciples the night before he died. Six days ago this was also the reading, almost as if the Church wants to emphasize this message, especially as we will celebrate Pentecost Sunday in two weeks. The Feast of Pentecost is often referred to as the birthday of the Church because this is when the apostles started spreading Jesus’ gospel message. 

We witnessed a powerful example of Jesus’ promise to His disciples when the cardinals convened to gather in the conclave last May 7 and 8. Cardinal Ambo David revealed there were many messages like this circulating during the pre-Conclave sessions: “We believe the Holy Spirit has already chosen the next pope. He is here among us, but we have yet to identify him. Dear brother, whoever you are, should the lot fall upon you when we cast our votes, please accept it. We assure you of our allegiance and fidelity." 

On the fourth ballot, a majority of more than two thirds of the 133 eligible cardinal electors discerned that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was God’s anointed. 

A lot of the cardinals when interviewed said they did not know him. Before the Conclave, priests and experts offered the opinion that it was unlikely that an American would be chosen as pope. But on the second day of the conclave, this relatively “unknown” American was put on St. Peter’s seat and took the name of Leo XIV. 

When I read about him, and listened to what his brothers and teachers had to say about him, I felt that God had chosen him from when he was young, maybe even before he was born. He was unlike other boys as he aspired to the priesthood from a young age and would even play at being a priest using the ironing board as the altar. He was chosen, anointed for such a time as this. 

I appreciate what the Hon. Justice Aggrey, a judge in Kenya who is not Catholic, has to say: “…today, the Catholic Church has reminded us of something we have forgotten. That the kingdom of God is not noise but order. Not display but discipline. Not popularity but purity. It has reminded us that when God is allowed to speak, He will often choose the one no one expected. He will raise the man who is hidden. He will lift the one who has been in the secret place.” Pope Leo XIV is our David for this time when there are many Goliaths that need dealing with. Let us pray for him.

Read Cardinal Ambo’s sharing about the Holy Spirit and the Conclave: 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0MtpNwNprBoxJH7LuiumEqAv5xog7AdCFG23JgJyvnU3SMT4WXFL59HvbMAmv1sA2l&id=1144910906

God Saves Us

“If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” John 15:20

If we were to pick sides, we would rather be on the side of victory, true victory. On one hand, there are all these people attacking the Church, persecuting the Church, insulting the Church, throughout history, in different corners of the world.  There was Nero who invented all sorts of barbaric torture for the early Christians, making them human torches even. The persecution continues today, and there are many unknown martyrs in different parts of the world. Torture is severe in North Korea, Somalia, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, Iran, Nigeria. Christians face harassment in 145 countries! 

Christian churches are being burned to the ground, homes destroyed, people beheaded for their beliefs. I read a lot of blogs. Sometimes blogs are taken down because people attack the blogger for what they believe in. One lady just said that she wanted to dress modestly because she wanted to follow what it says in the Bible. She got so many acidic comments! I've also seen horrible insults under YouTube videos of pastors preaching the word of God. So much hatred! 

But just as Nero’s systematic oppression of the followers of Christ made them stronger and more fervent, so today where there is persecution, there is also more growth in the number of Bible believing Christians. It is well known that Iran has one of the fastest growing Christian churches in the world! And in Easter this year there has been a record number of converts to the Catholic faith! 

On the winning side, we have Jesus Christ, who allowed Himself to be crucified so His followers would have not only fullness of life but eternal life. Before He died, He prophesied that He would rise up on the third day (Matthew 27:62-64). It may surprise some to know that there is solid historical evidence that Jesus rose from the dead. The proof is so strong that serious historians of all stripes, even atheists, concede the empty tomb, and the appearance of Jesus after his death. This is a primary reason the Christian church was established and grew in spite of the persecution. 

The following story is based on historical events but the conversation is fictional: A shrewd Jewish businessman got baptized a Catholic after staying with a Borgia Pope in the Vatican and doing business with the Vatican bank . He was asked why he was becoming a Catholic after witnessing all the scandals and corruption. “I'm a businessman,” he answered, “and I know one thing for sure: no earthly business that stupid or corrupt could possibly last fourteen weeks;  yours has lasted fourteen centuries.  It's a miracle;  I'm convinced!"

Our Church and our faith, and even God is attacked today. But as Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urges, let us stay calm. “Be fools for Christ. God is the Savior. We do not need to save God. It is God who will save us."

Bear Fruit and Soar With Eagles’ Wings

“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go forth and bear fruit that will remain.” John 15:16

We are all chosen by God to be a part of His body, and just as the body has many parts, we too have different responsibilities and vocations. We may think that what happens to us is coincidence or an accident, but I believe that God has a Master plan for each one of us. He does not usually show us what that is, just as a weaver does not reveal to the rug or tapestry what the final outcome is. The shuttle quickly flies back and forth, and the design is revealed slowly. 

The way eaglets learn to fly is very fascinating. When the mother eagle builds her nest she first finds thorns, branches, and other ragged and sharp materials for the first layer. And then she proceeds to cover it with a padding of wool, feathers, or straw to make a soft bed for her eggs. She provides everything her babies need while they are growing, but when it is time to teach them to fly, she starts “stirring the nest”. She removes the soft layer to make it uncomfortable for her little ones. In this way, the mother eagle prompts her babies to mature and desire to fly. 

When we feel despondent that God is allowing discomfort and trials in our life, let us remember the baby birds. God our Father loves us, and has chosen us to bear fruit, to soar with eagles’ wings.

Remain in My Love

“Remain in my love.” John 15:9

This is what Saint Paul prayed for the people of Philippi: “That your love may increase, grow, abound more and more in knowledge, depth of insight, discernment, judgement, and every kind of perception so that you may be able to approve that which is excellent, that which is best, pure and blameless, what is of value..." (Phil. 1:9-10)

We are indeed blessed if we witness real love in action. It is very seldom that we see it on TV or in the movies. It is sad that many people are governed by the counterfeit love that seeks happiness for themselves, and not the kind of love that brings joy. Saint Paul was able to write about joy a lot, even while he was in prison!

In St. Paul's prayer, it is apparent that when our love for God and others increases, so does our wisdom and discernment. We will be able to sense “what is vital and prize what is excellent and of real value" (Amplified Bible). Wisdom is seeing things through the eyes of the giver of wisdom, God Himself. To see life, people, situations from God's perspective. To see others as they truly are- God's children, God's beloved. To have a depth of insight into God's heart.

Seems impossible? If we want to know how a person thinks, whom he cares about, what should we do? SPEND TIME with them. That is the only way we can know what is important to God.

Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.” (John 15:9-11)