Misty's Gratitude Journal

An Attitude of Gratitude Goes a Long Way

2019-03-28T16:46:00.002+08:00

They say an attitude of gratitude will help us go through life with flying colors. And I agree. Being grateful helps us remember how much we already have. These are the people and things I am grateful for right now:

God's Love

God's Grace

God's Mercy

God's presence in my life

God's gifts and blessings

My life

My health

My family

My friends

The food we eat each day

The clothes on my back

The roof over my head

Work that I love

There are so much more blessings to be grateful for but these 13 are at the top of my list.

I hope to travel again someday when I have the funds to do so. I am grateful and content now.

I pray that an avalanche of blessings will come this year, In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

What's Next, Lord?

2014-04-18T21:47:00.000+08:00

I am aware that I haven't written a new blog for a looooong time. Mea culpa! I want to blame work but I don't think that's fair. I think it's safe to say that I've been living my life. You know the expression "Get a life!"? I think that's what I've been doing the past few months.

The road has been paved with trials, all bumpy and rocky. At times, I wonder if I can make it to the other side.Thank God I have family and friends who have helped me through this. But at times, I have ended up resenting some of them. Not knowing that the biggest lessons lay behind these very same people and experiences.

And now, I am wondering... "What's next, Lord?"

And I can feel the next chapter unfolding. Mixed feelings of excitement and trepidation. Here we go!

Thank You, Lord Jesus. :)

Clarity and Gratitude

2014-01-20T21:43:00.001+08:00

You know that feeling when things are crystal clear and there's no one to share it with? That's what I'm feeling right now.

45 Life Lessons, Written by a 90 Year Old

2014-01-20T21:39:00.001+08:00

45 Life Lessons, Written by a 90 Year Old
www.TrulyRichClub.ph

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short not to enjoy it.
4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.
5. Don’t buy stuff you don’t need.
6. You don’t have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.
7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for things that matter.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye… But don’t worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.
18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It’s never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words, ‘In five years, will this matter?’
27. Always choose Life.
28. Forgive but don’t forget.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give Time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d
grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you think you need.
42. The best is yet to come…
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

Grateful and Graceful - How to Deal with Mood Swings

2013-10-06T00:42:00.000+08:00

"Feelings, good and bad, always come and go. The trick is to be grateful when your mood is high and graceful when it is low."

Wow! Who knew dealing with mood swings could be so easy? Blessed Sunday, everyone! :)

Freedom...

2013-08-28T16:43:00.001+08:00

A few things I learned about freedom from my own personal journey:
It begins with forgiveness and acceptance.
Taking the high road means getting off my high horse and getting my hands dirty with love.
Freedom and freewill are 2 different things but they are closely intertwined.
Freedom means knowing when to stop and knowing when to push.
Sometimes, in order to be truly free, we must give up our freedom and trust that God will lead us where we're destined to go.

Thank You, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Independence... (Now I Can Dance!)

2013-08-27T14:24:00.001+08:00

I used to consider myself fiercely independent and stubborn. But now I realize I was wrong about the independent part. Being stubborn is not something that I am particularly proud of, mostly because it does not result in good things and usually earns the ire of good people instead. Since this is a post about independence, I will hold off on the stubborn part and save it for another blog post.

A very wise sister once told me, in order to be truly independent, I have to work on my financial life. My understanding of that advice is this: once I am financially independent, I can do what I want to do with my life with little or no barriers. Well, the idealist in me sees it that way.

Now I realize that what my wise sister says is true. With financial independence comes freedom -- freedom to do the things that I want, with limits of course. I am still far from achieving my financial goals (I am not even halfway there) but now I understand what my sister meant. Now I am ready to pursue my dreams and be truly independent.

I have also unearthed a few (not so easy to digest) truths along the way:

I was very dependent on my Mama.
When she died, I crawled back into my little shell and have not emerged since. I was not only financially dependent on my mama, but also dependent on her for most of my needs - emotional, physical, even spiritual. So imagine my rage when God 'took her from me.' Yes, it's childish to say that but I have to say it out loud and see it in writing to fully understand the implication of that statement.

Acceptance does not come easy for me.
After almost 10 years, her death is still a blow that hurts and now I understand why. For some reason I keep nitpicking on the details and the more I do that, the further away I run from the genuine healing that God offers me every single day. It's like a scar whose scab never goes away because the owner (that's me!) keeps on picking at it. Annoying? Definitely! So why do I do it? Because it's the easiest thing to do. Rather than accept that Mama has moved on to a better place that God has prepared for her and all of us, I keep holding on to her. I know this is not healthy for both Mama and me.

God loves Mama and me.
I finally understand why God took her home earlier than I wished He would. She was suffering and He did not want her to. And so He has brought her to a better place. It truly is not about me. It's about Jesus. It's about His plan for my Mama. And His plan for me. And I am convinced that His plan for me is greater than anything I could ever understand or describe here. And so, I will pick up the pieces and move on.

His message is clear:
Get up.
Take up your cross.
Follow Me.

And so I will do all this and follow Jesus all my life. Or die trying. Now I understand why God 'took my Mama from me.' Yes, I was being childish. I still am. But now I know that God has a reason for everything and sometimes the fun part is in finding out what His reason is. Now I know that Jesus was, is, and always will be the Great I Am. Because He is. And He is always there. I may not see Him sometimes but His miracle is always evident. And for that I am eternally grateful. Now I can finally rejoice! Now I can dance!

Thank You, Jesus. I am awed by You. Always have, always will be. You Are and forever will be My God. Praise You, Jesus. Amen.

Missing...

2013-08-21T13:39:00.001+08:00

For the past 3 weeks, I’ve been feeling really down… like I’ve lost someone but I don’t know who. Tomorrow is my late grandpa’s birthday. He would have been 95 this year. He passed away in 2003 so it’s been almost 10 years since he left us. But who’s counting? Well, maybe I am.

That could be one of the reasons why I’ve been teary eyed these past few weeks. It all started when I joined a mass at our local church one fine day. For some reason, after I took communion, I cried and cried and I could not stop. I cried because I was at a loss on how to help my grandma. I cried because I miss my mama and my papa who lives in Italy. And yes, I also cried cuz I miss my grandpa dearly. The days that followed have been really weird. The slightest provocation either got me down (in tears) or really irked me; it made me very mad or really sad. And I can’t pinpoint the source. I thought it was PMS but it’s been almost a month now so I'm pretty sure that’s not it.

And so I’ve decided to immerse myself in work again but for some reason, it’s not working! I don’t know what to do or who to call and so I am writing this to remind myself that life on earth may be fleeting but the people who have left us have gone to a better place and I dream of one day being reunited with them in heaven or where God decides to put me. At this point, I am reminded that I can’t control people or things or situations here on earth. Only God has the power to do that and I know He’s got my best interest at heart. He loves me and His timing is always perfect. So I guess my only choice now is to let go and let God. He knows what is right for me and He wants to bless me so I will wait.

Thank You, Lord Jesus for your love and your grace. Please bless my family, Lord Jesus. Always and forever I will love You, Lord Jesus. Amen.

The Good Samaritan -- an Attitude of Gratitude

2013-07-14T12:26:00.002+08:00

Today's Gospel and Reflection from Kerygma Family

“And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 32 Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 33 But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. 34 He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ 36 Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” 37 He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Notice how the Samaritan went out of his way — binding up the wounds, pouring oil and wine, settling him on the horse, bringing him to a place of rest until he should return. And return he did! What amazing love and compassion.

It would be good to be reminded of the “works of mercy,” both spiritual and corporal. Perhaps we can use them as points for our examen of conscience in our meditations today. The spiritual works of mercy are: convert the sinner, instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, comfort the sorrowful, bear wrongs patiently, forgive injuries, and pray for the living and the dead. The corporal are: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

REFLECTION QUESTION: Of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy enumerated above, what have you been fulfilling diligently? And which have you been neglecting?

Father, make me a Good Samaritan. Amen.

Cuz All You Wanted to Do Was Dance...

2013-05-09T22:32:00.000+08:00

"That I should have bought you flowers and held your hand
Should have given all my hours when I had the chance
Take you to every party cuz all you wanted to do was dance."

Mother's Day is coming up and I've been thinking of new ways to honor my mom. And suddenly this stanza from Bruno Mars' latest single came to mind and I thought to myself, "It's perfect for Mama!" cuz she really loved to dance!

I think that's one thing that I inherited from her. I too love to dance. But this isn't about me.

Mama, I hope you're dancing now... dancing in heaven in Jesus' arms. Please pray for me and wait for me. I can't wait to join you! Looking back now, I realize that we (I) should celebrate life both here and after death... because now I'm starting to understand what they say that death is merely a way for us to be born again -- when we are able to claim our birthright -- life everlasting.

Thank you, Jesus! It's amazing to know that I have an awesome God just waiting for me to discover His Almighty presence in my life. So from now on, I surely will celebrate life! AMEN!!!

Pope Francis Says Constant Complaining Keeps Us from Noticing Jesus' Presence in Our Lives

2013-05-01T02:34:00.002+08:00

—Constant complaining keeps one from noticing Jesus’ presence, Pope Francis says

Complaining frequently and stewing over disappointments can easily become an obsession that blocks one’s view of Jesus’ presence in difficult situations, Pope Francis said.

Celebrating the morning with staff members from the Domus Romana Sacerdotalis, a nearby residence and guesthouse for clergy, Pope Francis preached about the Gospel story from St. Luke about the two disappointed disciples on the road to Emmaus after the death of Jesus.

“They were afraid. All of the disciples were afraid,” he said. As they walked toward Emmaus and discussed everything that had happened, they were sad and complaining.

“And the more they complained, the more they were closed in on themselves: They did not have a horizon before them, only a wall,” the pope said, according to Vatican Radio.

The disciples had had such high hopes that Jesus would be the one who would redeem Israel, but they thought their hopes were destroyed, he said.

“And they stewed, so to speak, their lives in the juice of their complaints and kept going on and on and on with the complaining,” the pope said. “I think that many times when difficult things happen, including when we are visited by the cross, we run the risk of closing ourselves off in complaints.”

When all people can think of is how wrong things are going, Pope Francis said, the Lord is close, “but we don’t recognize him. He walks with us, but we don’t recognize him.”

Like the disciples joined by the risen Lord on the road to Emmaus, people can hear beautiful things, but deep down, they continue to be afraid, the pope said.

“Complaining seems safer. It’s something certain. This is my truth: failure,” he said.

But the Gospel story shows how very patient Jesus is with the disciples, first listening to them and then explaining things step by step, until they see him.

“Jesus does this with us, too,” the pope said. “Even in the darkest moments, he is always with us, walking with us.”

Complaining and griping — about others and about things in one’s own life — is harmful “because it dashes hope. Don’t get into this game of a life of complaints,” he said.

— The Catholic Sun

Why I am Now Confident that My Future is Bright -- Thank You God!

2013-04-08T02:00:00.000+08:00

Wow! Last week was a nightmare and a dream rolled into one! Since Monday my mood had been bouncing up and down, up and down, up and down at an alarming pace!!! To cap off that week, I literally fell flat on my face. Well, my right knee and elbow suffered the brunt but you know what I mean. It's just been a really challenging week. And it was not even work-related.

But you know what I realized now that this week is finally over? God is good. And life is good. I just got a bit stuck on the negativity that I did not notice God's wonderful blessings. He gave me an important lesson today. People will surprise you. And I was very surprised with how today turned out. Let me rewind just a few hours back.

My neighbor's daughter -- Ashlee -- the sweetest little girl who is my favorite among all of the kids in our neighborhood was seeking my attention yesterday afternoon but I was too busy to notice partly because I was in a bad mood and I wanted to go home and sulk. When I gave her 5 pesos, she showed me that she already had a few pesos. I did not know what she wanted. Maybe she just wanted a hug or a kiss. I know I sure could have used one myself. But I was a bit rude and I told her to save the money. I think I was just frustrated at myself because I am not saving money at my age.

Later that same night, I fell on the street and guess who was quick to help me out? That little girl's family. Her father helped me up, her mother comforted me, and her grandmother even massaged both my legs and checked for broken bones. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry but that was when it dawned on me how blind I truly have been. I have been surrounded by these amazing people almost my whole life and yet I barely spend time with them. I used to kiss their little girl when I saw her but for some reason, I have been avoiding her, which usually happens when I am too engrossed with work or when I am not feeling good about myself.

And now I am thinking this must be why God has not granted my dream and constant prayer - a little girl of my own. I have not yet outgrown my selfish ways and I have miles to go probably before I learn that kind of selfless love that only mothers and fathers have for their child.

Another thing I learned today, an attitude of gratitude goes way further than an attitude of grumbling and whining. Also, it is true what they say, "The Truth shall set you free." The Truth really did set me free. I understand now why they call it growing pains. But then, I would rather accept the truth and feel the pain rather than not feel anything at all. That is the worst experience I have ever had and I never want to go down that road again.

But do you know why I am now confident that my future is bright? The answer is simple, really. I have the best support system in the whole wide world. Family, friends, and yes, neighbors too! Who could ask for more? Thank You, Lord Jesus, for opening my eyes to see and experience compassion from the most unexpected people. Thank You, Mama Mary for bringing me closer to Jesus and reminding me to always remember Jesus wherever I go and whatever I do. I have been quite selfish and I am truly sorry. But I am also grateful for Your presence and LOVE Lord Jesus Christ.

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love My Work

2013-04-08T01:58:00.000+08:00

Here are the top 10 reasons why I love my work:

1. It puts food on my table.

2. I enjoy my work.

3. I can work whenever I want.

4. I can work wherever I want.

5. I can work with who I want.

6. I can work on what I want.

7. I can work on a variety of projects.

8. I can spend time with my family and friends even on weekdays.

9. I can eat home cooked meals with my family at home.

10. I can rest whenever I want.

I praise You Lord Jesus Christ for blessing me abundantly! Thank You, Lord Jesus! Amen.

Buon Compleanno / Happy Birthday to You

2013-01-16T02:40:00.000+08:00

January is a special month for our family. My father celebrated his 72nd birthday yesterday and my grandmother celebrates her 90th birthday today. For some reason, I think I'm more excited than they are. lol. I can't believe these milestones! Thank You Lord Jesus!

My 2012 Success and Failure Story

2012-12-31T20:13:00.003+08:00

The year 2012 had so many milestones; I'm surprised why I am not more grateful than I am. Yes, there were some ups and downs but I have been blessed with the best people who helped me enjoy the wonderful moments and get through the bad times.

Viaggio la Futura – my new travel blog – was born. Yes, I started to travel again in 2012. Nothing major really, just trips to the south of Cebu and road trips and food trips with family and friends. My first major trip since the epic vacation to Dumaguete in 2007 was a trip to Moalboal with my best friend and her close friends who are my friends now too – such a wonderful way to open the doors to more viaggio. We had so much fun laughing and running around, I think I may have lost 3kg during that trip. Kidding aside, it was one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever had. Not because the venue was fancy (it was beautiful and picturesque but did not cost a bundle) or because we had steak for dinner (which we didn’t… but the sinugbang pork belly was more delicious than any steak in the city). It was memorable because I was with people who were kind and gracious enough to welcome me into their circle. And it’s been an exciting roller coaster since then.

In June, I got the best birthday gifts ever – the first one was from my birth father, Papa PierFrancesco, the second one was from my client, who gave me a bonus because she was really happy with my work, and the third gift was from God (I’d like to think that it was because the experience taught me so many lessons. I was offered an opportunity to lead a team of SEO Content Writers in Cebu City. It was the most gruelling yet most rewarding management job that I ever had. Not only because the monthly take home pay was the highest one any single company had ever offered me, but also because I met and bonded with beautiful people who taught me lessons in patience, forgiveness, kindness (and yes, naughty stuff too, mostly silly jokes). It turned out to be one of the most challenging work I have ever had although it was short-lived. To this day, I miss my colleagues who became friends and I’m glad I took that leap. No regrets, it is now part of my “Oh Well”… lessons and all.

Oh, the gifts from my Papa and my generous client went to my funds for my new air conditioning unit. It was expensive and I had to work double time for the other half but it’s so worth it. I now understand that I need to invest in my home office because I might be here a while, God willing. I am saving up for renovations and vacations in the next few years. I am also grateful for rekindled friendships and an improvement in my family life.

The failures were nothing major really. Just some opportunities that passed me by because I did nothing about them; some relationships that were broken because of personal differences; and some people that I really miss simply because I was too cowardly to tell them how I felt. But if you ask me, I have so much more to be thankful for that I am eagerly awaiting the coming of 2013, just because…

So there you go, that’s my 2012 in a nutshell… What’s your story like? Please feel free to leave a comment. See you next year!

Thank You Lord Jesus, Mama Mary, and St. Joseph for blessing my family all year long.

A Girl on Re-mission

2012-12-29T20:17:00.002+08:00

Have you ever had that feeling that something horrible was about to happen? That at any moment someone or something is gonna strike you and you won't be able to defend yourself? I've been living with that terrible feeling of foreboding for a few years now... and that feeling is the worst. They say that our fears are usually worse than that which we fear. Now I can honestly say that it's true.

I have been searching for my life's purpose since I was a teenager. I've been to places that scared the heck out of me and to this day, I am still unsure what my purpose really is. I've been praying for God to show me the way, reveal my mission, so that I can live out his plan for me. But until now, I still don't know what my mission is. At first, I thought I was supposed to spend my life in the countryside helping the underprivileged, the poor, and the oppressed. But now I realize that the ones I should be serving is right here in my own home -- my family -- especially my Grandma.

Do you know when I discovered this? It was during the past few years. While I was out there looking for my mission, I overlooked the very people who I should have been serving all along -- my family. My grandma (Lola) is turning 90 next month and I really want to give her a birthday party that she will remember. I was hoping to invite her living siblings, close relatives, and friends. Oh, I also want to buy her a cake with the numbers 90 firmly planted on top of it. In short, I just want her to be happy on her 90th birthday.

So from being a girl with a mission to becoming a woman without one, I now have a new mission -- I'd like to call this my re-mission. I know this will not be easy but I also feel deep in my heart that this is what I am meant to do. What will happen next year, I do not know. And that feeling of foreboding is still there. But I choose to be happy and I want my family to be happy too. And so I pray for peace, love, and joy in the next year for my family and friends.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mama Mary, Queen of all saints, pray for us. Amen.

A (Grateful) Self-made Woman

2012-10-13T23:28:00.001+08:00

Last night, while speaking with my Papa who lives all the way in Italy, he said something that made me very happy - he said that I was a self-made woman. I did not know exactly what it really meant at the time but I had the impression that he was proud of me and that made me so happy.

My Papa is proud of me. Praise God!

My Papa said that I was a self-made woman after learning that I wrote my way through college and made a career in writing afterwards. Now, not only do I find fulfillment in my work; but also receive my father's approval after all these years. People say we should not seek the approval of others. However, making my Papa proud is something that makes me very happy, especially since I barely get to see him anymore. We met once in 2002 and that was it! Just phone calls and letters from Rome after that.

Thank You Lord Jesus for bringing my Papa and me into each other's life. Living without Mama has not been that easy but knowing that I have a Papa who loves and cares for me makes the loneliness go away, even for a while. I miss Mama and I pray Lord Jesus that she is with You. Thank You God!

Mama Mary, queen of all saints, pray for us. Amen.

"Build Your Dream Team" - God

2012-09-22T14:38:00.001+08:00

Dear Misty,

Don't try to succeed alone. It will never work.

Cheering you on,
God

P.S. The climb to success can only be done by team effort, Misty. Who is your dream team? Start recruiting. It's so much happier this way.

A Mother's Prayer - Thank You God

2012-09-14T08:00:00.000+08:00

Happy birthday, Mama Macring! I hope you are happy in heaven now. Thank you for being the best mother in the world. I miss you so so so much! I feel your presence still... here in my heart where you will always have a very special place.

Mama Mary, I pray, in Jesus' name...

Please kiss my Mama Macring for me.
Please tell her I love her and I long to see her.
Please thank Jesus for giving me my Mama Macring.
Amen.

Lord Jesus, I pray...

Please kiss my Mama Macring for me.
Please tell her I love her and long to see her.
Thank You Lord Jesus for giving me my Mama Macring.
Amen.

I love you Mama! I miss you. I miss your laughter. I miss your voice. I miss your love.

Happy birthday, Mama Macring! Thank you! May God bless you and keep you near Him always.

Listen to the Expert

2012-09-09T14:50:00.002+08:00

Dear Misty,

Never allow what others say about you to change your opinion of yourself.

I think you're great,
God

P.S. Misty, when it comes to YOU, I'm the expert. I made you. I bless you. And I love you. So when it comes to YOU, listen to the expert only.

I am Tickled Pink! Thank You Lord Jesus! :)

2012-09-05T13:59:00.001+08:00

Dear Misty,

Don't hide. Go to where the people are. Build relationships. Engage. Serve. Bless. Care. Love.

Be happy,
God

P.S. Misty, don't wait for people to go to you. Walk across the room and give them my love.

I am God's Joy! :)

2012-09-02T14:05:00.003+08:00

Dear Misty,

You are my joy. You are my treasure. You are my song. I sing about you every morning. I love you so much, your name is written on the palm of my hand. Your face is etched in the flesh of my heart.

Love,
God

P.S. Does that make you smile, Misty?

Yes, Lord Jesus. Thank You. :)

What Comes Out Defiles...

2012-09-01T20:53:00.001+08:00

GOSPEL

Human traditions derived from the Law are incapable of saving us. Only the power of God is sufficient to save. Tradition, as we have them in our faith, is a useful reminder of various aspects of our faith and may contain essential aspects of it. However, they are incapable of salvation. The Church has two sorts of traditions, one unchangeable and the other optional. It is the former we have to cling to as essential.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
1 When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, 2 they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. 3 For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. 4 And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds. 5 So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” 6 He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; 7 In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.’ 8 You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” 14 He summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. 15 Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” 21 From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. 23 All these evils come from within and they defile.”

Wow! The timing, I think is perfect, for this Gospel passage to appear in my inbox today.

I just received the Sacrament of Confession yesterday and yet I am already guilty of the last three verses. I find this alarming, knowing that being unclean really has a bad effect on me. I may not have murdered anyone but if my thoughts could kill, I would be in jail right now. Well, not just for today but for the past 5 years.

I have confessed these thoughts time and again yet they linger like an unwanted visitor that never goes away no matter how much you hint at them to leave.

Yes, this is my folly. And yet I remain hopeful somehow. I don't know but yesterday's confession gave me more than I expected or hoped for. A glimmer of hope that things will be alright. That even though some remnants of that old trauma and ill feelings still linger, my future is bright. And even though I am too hard on myself sometimes, I feel the stirrings of renewed self-love -- something that has been sorely missing from my life and my heart for so many years.

Lord Jesus, I praise You and thank You for giving me hope. Please help me so that this self-love will not turn into arrogance and instead flicker on and stay like a good friend and keep me inspired. Keep me grounded and show me the Way, Lord Jesus. Never ever leave my side as, with Your help and guidance, I try to figure out what our Father's will is for me. Yes, Lord Jesus, I understand now that this is going to be very difficult so teach me to trust in You more and be quick to seek Your help and less hasty to judge others and myself. Stay with me Lord Jesus and help me fulfill Your plan for my life. Thank You, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Vengeance is Not Christian

2012-06-18T22:10:00.003+08:00

GOSPEL

Vengeance is not Christian. Neither is it really Jewish. The interpreters of the law made it impossible for the state to sanction the killing of people for their crimes. The option of locking people up in order to protect society from criminal acts is the only moral road to take. If this is impossible to do, then perhaps there is room to consider capital punishment. Let us seek to avoid taking lives as we can never be sure that the guilty one is the one we are punishing.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
A lamp to my feet is your word, a light to my path.

Matthew 5:38-42
38 Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. 40 If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. 41 Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”

think: The more you have, the greater the responsibility to use it not for yourself, but for others.

The Union of the Two Hearts

2012-06-16T06:22:00.004+08:00

GOSPEL

Jesus is an obedient child — He does as He is told to do. Later He will encourage us all to embrace the need to become like little children as we seek to respond to the Gospel. It is the purity of a child’s heart, always trusting in the inherent goodness of his/her parents, that is essential in the life of a disciple. Nothing gets done unless we are willing to trust that God desires the best for us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Blessed is the Virgin Mary who kept the word of God and pondered it in her heart.

Luke 2:41-52
41 Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, 42 and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. 43 After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, 47 and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

think: It is the purity of a child’s heart, always trusting in the inherent goodness of his/her parents, that is essential in the life of a disciple.

HEART TO HEART

When I was young, my mother used to dictate to me the answer to the perennial question: What do you want to be when you grow up? At first, it was to be a doctor, then a lawyer. But this childhood fancy would keep changing as I grew up.
High school was entirely different. I started to think independently from my mother. Suddenly, I was fancying journalism, advertising, etc. But whenever I would be asked to sign slambooks, I would jokingly write: to be a priest. For somebody like me, it was meant to be a joke.
But apparently the Lord read my joke and took it seriously.
My mother was frustrated that her easy-go-lucky, youngest son wanted to enter the seminary. But to give in to her longing and obsession, I entered the University of the Philippines for college and became known as the only boy in our part of Tondo to enter U.P. Oh, how proud my mother was! But at 18, I decided to leave U.P. and prepare for my entrance to the seminary. My mother was surprised that I came home in the middle of the week. The statue of the Virgin Mary, which was being brought to different houses in our block, was in our home that week, as if she was there to help explain my predicament to my mother. It pained my mother no end to think that I would enter the seminary. It broke her heart. Yet it was necessary.
In the Gospel, the Lord has come of age quite early. He was 12. Mary’s heart was broken when they could not find Him for three days. Finally, they found Him at the temple in a discussion with the high priests.
Jesus now has a mind of His own, knowing very well the mission He had to undertake later. It broke the heart of Mary. Her Son, in no time, would live a life and mission of His own. Letting go of Him was difficult. It broke the heart of Mary. Yet, it was necessary.
He broke her heart so these broken pieces may be one with His. From then on, Mary understood. She owned the mission and longing of Jesus, in the union of the two hearts! Fr. Erick Y. Santos, SFO

REFLECTION QUESTION: What heartbreaking experiences did you have which made you a whole and better person?

Lord, let the longings of my heart be united to Yours. Thank You Lord Jesus and Mama Mary. Amen.

Source: http://www.kerygmafamily.com/