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Showing posts from November, 2010

Following Jesus

How could Andrew and Peter immediately leave everything behind to follow Jesus, and so too with James and John?  If Jesus were to call us, would our response be the same? It takes a while to say "yes" to Jesus and to follow him.  We would need an important component - a lively faith - the ability to leave everything behind for Jesus.  But how could we have a lively faith unless we are fully convinced who Jesus is for us?  St. Paul said, "If you confess Jesus is Lord, you are already saved."  But at the second paragraph, St. Paul wrote, "But they will not ask his help unless they believe in him, and they will not believe in him unless they have heard of him, and they will not hear of him unless they get a preacher, and they will never have a preacher unless one is sent, but as scripture says: The footsteps of those who bring good news are a welcome sound.  Faith is the response, but before faith is listening, or being preached to by the One who sent. And St

Remembering a history

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the blessing of the housing project of the St. Joseph the Worker Foundation by his holiness Pope Paul VI Brothers and sisters:  Let us not forget: of all housing projects only two are blessed by the pope; one of them is this housing project we now come to know as the St. Joseph the Worker foundation.  This is a truly rare opportunity where his holiness, Pope Paul VI gave his message, not only to the residents but also to the rest of the world.  It is important to rekindle the past and to relish the very words he said when he blessed this institution, among them are the following: 1. "The aim of our journey to Asia is spiritual order: to proclaim the infinite riches of Christ - the grace this seed of the Word should grow and multiply in our hearts and in the lives of men in the course of pilgrimage here on earth and share it with the poor their hopes and joys."  Brothers and sisters, your existence in this vicinity is a liv

25th Wedding Anniversary

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Dear Jo and Mar, I feel a certain admiration especially from couple who in a span of 25 years are totally sincere in aligning themselves with God and in enlivening and animating their faith. Jo and Mar, you gave me your preferred readings for your 25th Wedding anniversary.  I think that the readings you chose contain the blueprint of your marriage for the next 25 years.  You have started out correctly; but the next is yet to come and the keys for success in your marriage could probably contain the following:    1. The perfection of the love you have for one another and the love you bestow upon your children is the same love Christ has for you.  Keep the flame of God's love in your hearts.    2. On the more practical side, this love entails genuine communion to make it work - being one heart and one mind.  You all belong to Christ, why should there be disunity in the family?    3. Bear in mind the next 25 years till eternity in heaven.  By now you realize that you are the