Lesson on this Feast of the Holy Family

This Sunday is the Feast of the Holy Family. The gospel reading for this Sunday narrates how Mary and Joseph lost Jesus in the milieu. Upon finding Jesus conversing with the doctors of the Temple, Mary told Jesus how she and his father had been sorrowing looking for him. Jesus replied that it was his mission to be at His Father's House. Nobody understood all these words but Mary kept all these things in her heart. Many times, Our Lord works in marvelous ways to confound the pride of humankind. In the story of the nativity we saw how our Lord announced the birth of his Son not by an imperial edict and not to the mighty but to the shepherds. We know that in Jesus' time shepherds were despised and marginalized. But it is to them that the proclamation of God's favor was first made known. Here was the mighty Roman Empire conducting a census of its realms. But in the midst of night silently and quietly Jesus was born in a stable.

The Holy Family's Flight into Egypt

Today, I consider this celebration of the feast of the Holy Family significant because the church militant is confronted with life issues. There are laws and policies that promotes abortion and materialism as a central value of family life. Worldly people think that happiness can be measured by material things. To limit the number of children for the purpose that both husband and wife would have the chance to enjoy life. That unwanted children are better disposed of rather than given life. Where are now the values of self sacrifice? Ought not parents sacrifice for their children? I am grateful that I have parents who work so hard to provide us education and nurture us. Our parents never thought of their own personal convenience but totally gave their lives for us so that we may have a better future. As Christians we should stand for all these values. Materialism has destroyed our values. Human life is no lionger given its proper value. Let us pray for our Bishops who are courageously standing up for the truth. Let us pray for the misguided Catholic Politicians who are making a mockery of their faith in the public square. Remember that our faith is not something to be put under the closet. It is like a candle. we place it on top of the table so that everyone may be lighted.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph enfold us in your love, amen.

The "Us" aspect of the Church

"The "us" of the Church is alive in the place where Jesus was born, in the Holy Land, inviting its people to abandon every logic of violence and vengeance, and to engage with renewed vigour and generosity in the process which leads to peaceful coexistence. The "us" of the Church is present in the other countries of the Middle East. How can we forget the troubled situation in Iraq and the "little flock" of Christians which lives in the region? At times it is subject to violence and injustice, but it remains determined to make its own contribution to the building of a society opposed to the logic of conflict and the rejection of one’s neighbour. The "us" of the Church is active in Sri Lanka, in the Korean peninsula and in the Philippines, as well as in the other countries of Asia, as a leaven of reconciliation and peace." - Pope Benedict XVI.

For more of this read: Fr. Z

I love this message of the Holy Father because this is the right response to violence. True Christians don't use violence in response to violence but rather makes every way to make peace. We should never forget that Our Lord Jesus said: "Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called children of God."

To the City Rome and the World

Today, it is a delight to see the Holy Father impart his apostolic blessing to the Christians in Rome and to all the world. I was also delighted and observe how he would greet the Filipinos. Before imparting his blessing in Filipino he paused for a moment to acknowledge the Filipino audience. For me I consider it a special treatment and esteem that the Holy Father had for the Filipinos. I would think that the Philippines is the only country in the world today that has laws and social system anchored on orthodox Catholic Teachings. Despite of our marginalization becuase of our manifold problems, the faith of the Filipinos remain steadfast. Thank you Pope Benedict XVI for your love and esteem for the Filipino Nation.

The Shepherds

Today in his Midnight Mass Homily the Holy Father has made the shepherds of Bethlehem as focus of his meditation. "We must awake" says the Holy Father, and the shepherds have demonstrated to us how we should respond to the call of God. The Pope made mention of dreamers. Dreamers live in their own world. But in order for us to be able to see the truth we should get out of that selfish world and rediscover the common reality and truth. This desire for God is present in everyone and we who have the knowledge must extend that help so that others may desire it.

Pope Knocked Down by a Woman Who Jumped Barriers at St. Peters

A CNN Report said: "A woman jumped a barrier at the start of Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter's Basilica and knocked down the pope, briefly disrupting ceremonies. Screams erupted from onlooking worshippers when the woman ran toward Pope Benedict XVI and grabbed onto his vestments as he walked down the main aisle of the church, video footage showed. He was quickly helped to his feet by his aides -- prompting cheers from the crowd -- and the service was resumed, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi told CNN." For Detailed Story read it at CNN World.

Let us thank Our Lord and Our Lady for protecting the Holy Father from harm. As we pray and hope that the pontificate of His Holiness will bring much good for the restoration and authentic interpretation of Vatican II. He has displayed and bold courage in his teachings and proclamation of the Word of God and the authentic transmission of the deposit of the faith.

Glory to God in the Highest

The Nativity Scene

Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion, Who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory. - 1 Timothy 3:16 (NAB)

"In this Child, in fact, God-Love is manifested: God comes without weapons, without strength, because he does not aim to conquer, we could say, from without, but rather wants to be welcomed by man in liberty. God becomes a defenseless Child to conquer man's pride, violence and desire to possess. In Jesus, God took up this poor and defenseless condition to conquer with love and lead us to our true identity'

zenit.org - Pope Benedict XVI Address at the general audience December 23, 2009 at the Paul VI Hall.

Paradise on Earth? : A Visit to Misibis, Cagraray Island

As nature lover and an avid traveler, I could not help myself but share with you dear readers some of the photo shots I took this morning (December 22, 2009) while we were on a tree planting activity at Misibis, Cagraray Island in the Philippines. These offshore islands for sometime have been considered as backwater but today has found prominence because of its pristine beauty. Some private investors and the provincial government has been promoting misibis as a tourist destination. I don't want to clog my blog with pictures but I feel that I will be selfish if I did not share these wonderful photos with you. We were privilege to visit the resort. Tourism development is a development goal of the government of the Philippines. And with these development projects going on this will boost tourism and put Cagraray Island into the map of the world.

This is the Cagraray Island Eco-Energy Park a project that demonstrate corporate social responsibility.

Looks like we are at the Aereopagus. Is this the Aegean Islands in Greece? No, it is in Misibis, the Philippines

Our Friends

For the Sports Enthusiasts, overcome your fear! Go jump!

Test your endurance!

Misibis Beach Resort

With all the amenities to enjoy

Albay Gulf in the Background

World class accomodation