Cool Catholics

Gospel Today - The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000+08:00

Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. Luke 2:20 NAB

January 1, 2012 - The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

1st Reading -- Numbers 6:22-27
Responsorial -- Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
R. May God bless us in his mercy
2nd Reading -- Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel Today -- Luke 2:16-21

Gospel Today - Those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God

2011-12-31T08:00:00.000+08:00

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. John 1:12-13 NAB

December 31, 2011 - The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

1st Reading -- 1 John 2:18-21
Responsorial -- Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Gospel Today -- John 1:1-18

Gospel Today - The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom

2011-12-30T08:00:00.000+08:00

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Luke 2:39-40 NAB

December 30, 2011 - Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

1st Reading -- Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3
Responsorial -- Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways
Gospel Today -- Luke 2:22-40

Gospel Today - Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word

2011-12-29T08:00:00.000+08:00

Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32 NAB

December 29, 2011 - The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

1st Reading -- 1 John 2:3-11
Responsorial -- Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Gospel Today -- Luke 2:22-35

Gospel Today - What the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000+08:00

Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son. Matthew 2:14-15 NAB

December 28, 2011 - Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs

1st Reading -- 1 John 1:5-2:2
Responsorial -- Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8
R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare
Gospel Today -- Matthew 2:13-18

Jesus and the Immaculate Concepcion, Who Came First?

2011-12-27T23:26:00.001+08:00

Did I speak heresy in my previous post regarding Jesus Christ and the Immaculate Conceptioin? I would love to be the first to know if I did because I desire to stand corrected. I am a Catholic first and foremost. Being an opinionated blogger is way down the list.

La Purisima Inmaculada Concepcion by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, 1678, now in Museo del Prado, Spain (Photo from Wikipedia)

A very reasonable reaction from a blog reader arose due to a statement in the previous post entitled, "Gospel Reflection - Whose Birthday Is It?" Apparently, the reaction arose from the first reason I listed for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, which mentioned the Immaculate Conception.

Let me elaborate...

The statement went as follows, emphasis added:

1. Because of the birth of Christ, we enjoy all other feasts in the calendar. The patron saint of our barangay (village) is the Immaculate Concepcion, which we celebrate on 8th of December each year. Well, that day happens to be celebrated by the entire Church worldwide. Would there have been a Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion if Christ wasn't born? No. There wouldn't even be Christianity to begin with.

The reaction went as follows (emphasis mine):

The cited theological reason no. 1 below is not clear (or has erroneous argument?). . . doesn't the Immaculate Conception refer to the Blessed Virgin Mary's freedom from sin from the moment of her conception in her mother's womb? years before the annunciation.

I believe I see where the misunderstanding has been. But first let me clarify that indeed what the Church teaches about the Immaculate Concepcion is what Fr Most summarizes in his article entitled Mary's Immaculate Conception.

So, regarding the highlighted reaction above, the answer is an absolute Yes.

In my reflection, I was trying to highlight a theoretical scenario that had Jesus Christ not been born (because theoretically Mary said No), then there would have been no gospel. Consequently, there would have been no Church. Subsequently, there would have been no one to teach about the Immaculate Conception and we wouldn't be celebrating it every 8th Dec. We can say the same about the saints. Because there's no gospel, then there's no saint.

Such "theoretical" scenario would of course never hold water in the light of the Church teachings about the Immaculate Conception. So, allow me to lay down my layman's understanding of the Immaculate Conception. Should it contain theological errors, I sincerely wish to be corrected.

Here's my understanding ...

Immaculate Conception preceded the Annunciation, yes. But God's intention for Christ to be born on earth preceded the Immaculate Conception. In fact it was the rationale for the Immaculate Concepcion to begin with.

The Immaculate Conception was in preparation for the Anunciation and the subsequent Nativity. Would God allow himself to be born on earth in the womb of someone with original sin? No, we Catholics do not think so.

This is why when Mary was conceived without sin, she was predestined to say, "Yes" during the Annunciation, even as we also believe that it was a "Yes" that came from her own free will:

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38 NAB

Mary's humble obedience to God's will from her conception all the way to her assumption into heaven made her the co-redemptrix. That's what we Catholics uphold, don't we? As a Catholic, I couldn't imagine a world without the Immaculate Conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus and the saints.

However, the Church also teaches the centrality of Jesus Christ in all its teachings, doesn't it? Jesus is one of the three persons in the Holy Trinity. Jesus was there during Creation and Jesus was there when Adam and Eve were driven out of Eden. When we get to heaven, we would know who among the three persons said,

"See! The man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil!" (Genesis 3:22 NAB).

Did you notice the word "us" in the middle of the verse? That was God talking to himself. We believe in three persons in one God - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Jesus was there during the Genesis.

Given that, isn't it that as much as we say that the Immaculate Concepcion happened way before the Annunciation and Nativity, we also say that Jesus has existed way before the Immaculate Concepcion?

Jesus was, is and will be God, the Alpha and the Omega. Before Jesus came down to earth via Nativity, Jesus chose her own mother, Mary. He sent angel Gabriel to inform Mary, then Mary has said, "Yes," The rest was history.

Should I stand to be corrected, I would gladly hear it.

Gospel Today - The one who had arrived at the tomb, he saw and believed

2011-12-27T08:00:00.000+08:00

Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. John 20:8 NAB

December 27, 2011 - Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist

1st Reading -- 1 John 1:1-4
Responsorial -- Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
Gospel Today -- John 20:1a and 2-8

Gospel Reflection - Whose birthday is it?

2011-12-25T12:10:00.000+08:00

Christmas sounds and sights never fail to warm our hearts, don't they? I mean, who has outgrown "Silent Night" or "O Holy Night" or "O Little Town of Bethlehem"? We've been gladly hearing and singing these songs for decades!

Christmas trees, lanterns and snowflakes remind us of Christmas, yes. But the Nativity is the ultimate symbol of the birth of Christ. You have one at home? (Photo: 'Nativity' by Patrick Q)

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NAB

Christmas is also the time when our hearts deeply long to be with our loved ones and family, especially for the noche buena, isn't it? In fact, noche buena is the most emotional meal of the entire year, isn't it? Scenes on TV and YouTube of overseas Filipino workers coming home to surprise their families during noche buena make our eyes swell with tears.

It is also very pleasing to walk through the streets and malls during this season, isn't it? Christmas lights, Christmas trees and Christmas lanterns cheerfully greet our eyes like in no other time of the year.

People are much more friendlier too! In fact, we greet each other, "Merry Christmas!" This is a very fine tradition.

Oh, how we love Christmas, don't we?

But what is Christmas? What are we really celebrating here? Did you realize that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ?

Why are we celebrating his birth at all? There are theological reasons for this, and I leave that to the theologians. But there are pragmatic ones too!

Let me cite a few:

1. Because of the birth of Christ, we enjoy all other feasts in the calendar. The patron saint of our barangay (village) is the Immaculate Concepcion, which we celebrate on 8th of December each year. Well, that day happens to be celebrated by the entire Church worldwide. Would there have been a Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion if Christ wasn't born? No. There wouldn't even be Christianity to begin with.

This was taken at the Immaculate Concepcion Chapel in our barangay (village) just this morning. The Nativity scene was at the left. People were waiting for the priest to arrive for the Christmas Day Mass.

2. Because of the birth of Christ, we call this year 2011. Before you exclaim, "Of course, it's 2011!" pause and think. The year 2011 means 2,011 years after the birth of Christ. Without the birth of Christ, there would be no Gregorian calendar, which is the standard of the world today.

3. Because of the birth of Christ, there flurished the Catholic Church, which became ad hoc custodian of the towns and villages abandoned by the Roman Empire when it fell. These towns and villages later on mushroomed into different European nations we know today. The cross in the flags of England, Denmark, Sweden and Finland, for example, did not end up there by a freak accident.

You can theorize how Europe would have looked like without Christianity. You can theorize how the constitution of the United States of America would have read had Christianity not been present during its founding. Would there have been countries like the Philippines and East Timor in the Far East? How would have Latin America looked like?

Without Christian values embedded in the DNA of these nations, how would have the whole world history looked like?

4. Because of the birth of Christ, the world today has the longest running diplomatic entity called the Holy See, which operates from the Vatican City. The Holy See has exercised ambassadorial functions with nations since the 5th century. Today, it "maintains formal diplomatic relations with 179 sovereign states, and also with the European Union, and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, as well as having relations of a special character with the Palestine Liberation Organization." (Wikipedia)

The Holy See today is the voice of compassion in world affairs. Most of us would remember Pope John Paul II on whose credit Poland broke away from the shackles of communism. Today, Pope Benedict XVI endeavors to foster unity among Christians and the end of war among nations and races.

Because of the birth of Christ, there is reason to hope that love and compassion would one day reign among men.

This is why we celebrate Christmas.

This is why we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Ad Maiorem de Gloriam!

P.S. #1 Help spread the gospel to your family, friends and acquaintances. Simply click the "Like" button at the Cool Catholics - Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations Facebook Page.

P.S. #2 Do you have a testimony of God's grace today? I welcome sharings from brothers and sisters around the world in this blog. Send it to me at marvin.macatol [at] gmail [dot] com

COOL CATHOLICS
Living an All-Embracing Faith in an All-Embracing Church
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2011-12-24T21:00:00.000+08:00

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NAB

December 25, 2011 - Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

Vigil Mass

1st Reading -- Isaiah 62:1-5
Responsorial -- Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord
2nd Reading -- Acts 13:16-17, 22-25
Gospel -- Matthew 1:18-25

Mass during the Night

1st Reading -- Isaiah 9:1-6
Responsorial -- Psalm 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13
R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord
2nd Reading -- Titus 2:11-14
Gospel -- Luke 2:1-14

Mass at Dawn

1st Reading -- Isaiah 62:11-12
Responsorial -- Psalms 97:1, 6, 11-12
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us
2nd Reading -- Titus 3:4-7
Gospel -- Luke 2:15-20

Mass During the Day

1st Reading -- Isaiah 52:7-10
Responsorial -- Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God
2nd Reading -- Hebrew 1:1-6
Gospel -- John 1:1-18

Gospel Today - He has raised up a horn for our salvation

2011-12-24T09:31:00.000+08:00

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people. He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant." Luke 1:68-69 NAB

December 24, 2011 - Saturday of the Fourth Week of Advent

1st Reading -- 2 Samel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Responsorial -- Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 And 29
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord
Gospel -- Luke 1:67-79

My Foremost Reason for Thanking Mary Today - A Gospel Reflection

2011-12-18T10:54:00.001+08:00

Let's thank Mary today. She could have said, "Sorry, Lord, but I am not worthy to receive you." Do you realize that such reply would have made everything in the world today look and feel a lot different?

The Annunciation, Waltham Abbey
Photo by TheRevSteve

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38 NAB)

Let me count the ways...

For one thing, the year wouldn't be 2011. It would be something else. The year 2011, despite the secular suffixes they put on it now (i.e., 2011 C.E. instead of 2011 A.D., just Google what those mean) has zero marked as the year Christ was born.

Secondly, one would wonder how Europe would look like. After Christ was born, centuries of Christians ended up providing the roots of European countries we know today. There wouldn't even be a Christian Philippines in the Far East, because there wouldn't be a Christian Spain to conquer it.

Thirdly, there wouldn't be a United States of America that says, "In God We Trust." Without a U.S.A. with strong Christian principles (at least, in the beginning), one would wonder how the balance of world power would like today. One could even theorize that Adolf Hitler would like a puny compared to a power hungry American from a non-Christian USA with guns, ammo and battle cruisers at his disposal.

For many reasons, I thank Mary.

Foremost of these reasons is the example of humility given by Mary for all of to take heed. It's a brand of humility that leads us to Christ, her Son and our Savior.

In humble amazement, she exposed her naivette by asking, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" (Luke 1:34 NAB)

Then in humble obedience, she replied to the angel, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38 NAB)

It was a humility that went all the way to the time she stood in humble submission to the will of God in front of crucified Jesus. Could you imagine the wound and the excruciating pain in her heart that she carried at that time?

It is a continuing humility that goes all the way until today. In her various appearances to people across the world and across centuries, she continues to point us to her Son, Jesus Christ.

She is a shining example for us all who claim to be Christians. She is a shining example for us all who talk or preach about the Word of God. She is a shining example for us all who talk about Jesus Christ.

Following Mary's example, we always point people to Jesus Christ, instead of drawing attention and glory to ourselves.

In humble amazement, let us acknowledge our own humanity in the face of God.
In humble obedience, let us allow the Holy Spirit to work through us.
In humble submission, let us carry our own cross well all the way to the end.

She's indeed a true mother, the mother of Jesus, the Mother of God, the Mother of us all.

Ad Maiorem de Gloriam!

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Gospel Today - Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God

2011-12-18T08:00:00.000+08:00

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. Luke 1:30-31 NAB

December 18, 2011 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

1st Reading -- 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Responsorial -- Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord
2nd Reading -- Romans 16:25-27
Gospel Today -- Luke 1:26-38

The Word Exposed by Archbishop Chito Tagle

Gospel Today - From the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations

2011-12-17T08:00:00.000+08:00

Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations. Matthew 1:17 NAB

December 17, 2011 - Saturday of the Third Week of Advent

1st Reading -- Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Responsorial -- Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever
Gospel Today -- Matthew 1:1-17

Gospel Today - He was a burning and shining lamp

2011-12-16T08:00:00.000+08:00

He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. John 5:35-36 NAB

December 16, 2011 - Friday of the Third Week of Advent

1st Reading -- Isaiah 56:1-3a, 6-8
Responsorial -- Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 7-8
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
Gospel Today -- John 5:33-36

Gospel Today - Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you

2011-12-15T08:00:00.000+08:00

This is the one about whom scripture says: ‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:27-28 NAB

December 15, 2011 - Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

1st Reading -- Isaiah 54:1-10
Responsorial -- Psalm 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b
R. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me
Gospel Today -- Luke 7:24-30

Gospel Today - Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000+08:00

And he said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” Luke 7:22-23 NAB

December 14, 2011 - Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the Church

1st Reading -- Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25
Responsorial -- Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14
R. Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior
Gospel Today -- Luke 7:18b-23

Gospel Today - Son, go out and work in the vineyard today

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000+08:00

“What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. Matthew 21:28-29 NAB

December 13, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr

1st Reading -- Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
Responsorial -- Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor
Gospel Today -- Matthew 21:28-32

Gospel Today - May it be done to me according to your word

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000+08:00

For nothing will be impossible for God. Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:37-38 NAB

December 12, 2011 - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

1st Reading -- Zechariah 2:14-17
Responsorial -- Judith 13:18bcde, 19
R. You are the highest honor of our race
Gospel Today -- Luke 1:26-38

Wanted: Candid Catholics

2011-12-11T20:26:00.000+08:00

Isn't it that candid shots look more interesting than poses? Catholics have lots of candid moments that deserve to be featured.

A not-so-candid photo of "Titos" during a Youth for Christ activity in Calamba City. As "guardian angels" in the background, we were talking and giggling about everything under the sun while youth leaders handled the activity. In this huddle were an engineer, a real estate broker, an accountant and an internet marketer.

I recently had heavy thoughts about the Cool Catholics Blog. How exactly should we blog here? Should we continue posting snippets of gospel readings and feature videos of Catholic teachings? Should we continue posting commentaries about Catholic news? What do you think?

Well, I guess we still should say, "Yes" to all those. But somehow, we feel the calling to be more candid. How easy it is to post gospel readings, news and videos that we can easily gather and repost.

But there's so much to write about real people and events around us. Wouldn't they be more interesting?

I'm reminded of Father Eric Santos who said his homily in front of more than a thousand people. He spoke without his false teeth. He had difficulty pronouncing some words.

Yet he went on in his usual amusing way of preaching the gospel, often mentioning how it was a struggle for him to preach the gospel without his false teeth.

It's cool to be candid, isn't it?

There was another priest in a parish we visited. Too bad I couldn't recall his name. He told his parish about his struggle about some parishioners who came to him for advise about the same problem over and over and over again.

In one of those moments, he excused himself and spent a few minutes alone in the toilet. He did a monologue inside the convent's toilet. He diffused his rising temper by acting funny in front of the mirror.

I thought, what do you know? Priests are humans too. We went home after that Mass with a wish to listen to him again.

Another candid moment that I could not forget was the testimony of a community member. He was a former big time "sabongero" (a gambler in cock fights). After a very profound spiritual transformation, he made a big decision to stop gambling completely.

During his testimony, he took a deep breath and told the large audience about his next prayer to God. He asked God to guide him how he would get rid of 600 cocks in his backyard. He said it in such a way that the audience roared with laughter. As to me I was shocked. I thought, 600? That was a huge number, man!

He couldn't see himself giving or selling any of those to other cockfighters, lest he would be instrumental in leading them to more sin. But neither could he see himself eating those fighting roosters. That was the part when I really got amused. It was one thing to eat chicken for days. It was another to eat chicken with hard muscles for days.

(Animal activists would perhaps rise up to learn that he had all 600 cocks killed, burned and buried. It was a serious test of his resolve. All I remembered after hearing him was, I didn't want to be in his place, please, Lord.)

There are solemn moments in Church life, yes, and we ought to uphold that. The Holy Mass is solemn, although the priest can choose to make the parishioners laugh during the homily. Prayer meetings, novenas and rosaries are solemn, although a fellowship afterwards can be a lively chat among faithfuls. Retreats are almost always solemn from start to finish.

But the spontaneity among faithfuls in between all those are candid moments that are worth appreciating. They constitute the fabric of life of the Catholic faithfuls. They are beautiful manifestations of what is within.

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A 'Laing' Dinner Fellowship

2011-12-11T17:40:00.001+08:00

We had a casual gathering in the home of one of our members. After a hearty 'laing' meal together, husbands shared whisky in the living room while the wives chatted in the dining room. At 2am, we were done and walked to our homes.

We were unable to take a photo of the 'laing' that night, but the photo above from Wip's Blog resembles it well. My wife's chili however wasn't as obvious as the ones in the photo. She grounded it to bits you won't see it.

It all started with my wife's "laing," a Filipino delicacy made of gabi (taro) leaves, cooked with coconut milk and spiced up with spicy chili. Laing happened to be everyone's favorite. My wife cooked enough laing for everyone. The host for that evening provided for the rice.

The laing was placed in a large bowl and covered with transparent plastic wrapping. When the simple dinner started, I asked a sister to remove the plastic wrapping so that everyone could start scooping out laing from the bowl.

She however said that wasn't a good idea. She suggested that the plastic wrapping be taken out an inch at a time. Laughter broke out. But her wise suggestion was carried out.

In reality, you scoop out laing a few spoonfuls at a time. It's tasty and spicy, you only need enough to go with every spoon of rice. Take in more than enough and smoke would rise from your mouth (that's just an allegory, of course). Chili from the Philippines isn't the kind of chili that anyone messes around with.

All in all, it was an evening full of laughter and wholesome fellowship. It was a slice of our life as members of Couples for Christ (CFC) in our area.

We are a mix of business owners, self-employed and employed individuals. Through our respective professions, we aim to raise our respective families and pay the bills.

But on weekends, most of those who ate laing that night sing in Masses in our area or serve as Lay ministers. Yes, with only one priest serving a large area, Lay Ministers take care of the Liturgy, in lieu of the priest, in remote areas of our parish jurisdiction. You'd see them talking about the gospel in lieu of the priest's homily. Then they administer the Eucharist to parishioners during communion.

My wife and I happen to be common members of the Parish. However we serve as Couple Coordinators for the Youth for Christ. We also envision ourselves to talk in pre-cana seminars of the parish. We are passionate about sharing with would-be Catholic couples the barest essentials of Catholic marriage.

This is how we live out Catholicism in my place. It's a mix of community and personal prayer, service, fellowship, studies about God's word (through preaching and sharing) and, most importantly, sacraments.

As you can see, we live it out with a healthy dose of fun too.

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Gospel Today - He was not the light, but came to testify to the light

2011-12-11T08:00:00.000+08:00

He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. John 1:7-8 NAB

December 11, 2011 - Third Sunday of Advent

1st Reading -- Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11
Responsorial -- Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54
R. My soul rejoices in my God
2nd Reading -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Gospel Today -- John 1:6-8, 19-28

Gospel Today - Elijah will indeed come and restore all things

2011-12-10T08:00:00.000+08:00

He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Matthew 17:11-12 NAB

December 10, 2011 - Saturday of the Second Week of Advent

1st Reading -- Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11
Responsorial -- Psalm 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved
Gospel Today -- Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

Gospel Today - We played the flute for you, but you did not dance

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000+08:00

To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ Matthew 11:16-17 NAB

December 9, 2011 - Friday of the Second Week of Advent

1st Reading -- Isaiah 48:17-19
Responsorial -- Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
R. Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life
Gospel Today -- Matthew 11:16-19

Gospel Today - Nothing will be impossible for God

2011-12-08T08:00:00.000+08:00

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Luke 1:36-37 NAB

December 8, 2011 - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1st Reading -- Genesis 3:9-15, 20
Responsorial -- Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds
2nd Reading -- Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
Gospel Today -- Luke 1:26-38

Gospel Today - Take my yoke upon you and learn from me

2011-12-07T08:00:00.000+08:00

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. Matthew 11:28-29 NAB

December 7, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church

1st Reading -- Isaiah 40:25-31
Responsorial -- Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10
R. O bless the Lord, my soul!
Gospel Today -- Matthew 11:28-30