Inspirations at your Fingertips!

As we progress through Holy Week, we see more and more the signs of violence of evil men; but the good men become more godly.  It's really a matter of asking which side we are on. The Holy Week is a definitive time to confront our state of humanity whether we are for or against God; whether we are instruments of heaven or the world. It's not much of a question of what our orientation is but rather, it is more of how we can attain godliness. As the word implies, is is a life that is directly related with God.  "Without God, I am nothing."  But I wish to push it a step further - God becomes the reason of my life. Secondly, it is a life that pleases him.  I practiced discernment practically my whole life. Thirdly, it is in the process of perfection; not of self, but of charity. As I celebrate twenty two years of priesthood, I have been a witness to a growing relationship with God, a life that pleases him alone, and a life of perfection in charity.

At the very heart of priesthood March 27, 2014 In my 21 years as a priest, experiencing both lights and shadows surely gives my priestly life that 3D image which I find very alive, colorful, and meaningful. Each year, I've been asked to share on what it means to be a priest.  My answer would probably be the same, "I haven't started yet and I'm not done yet!" There are 2 guideposts that mark my priesthood and until now, I am in the that constant process of trying to attain them.  The first mark is being configured according to Christ as head and shepherd of his flock.  Pastores Dabo Vobis is just that - "shepherds after my own heart." (Jer. 3, 15) A bishop remarks, "A priest is like a walking billboard. He never fails to advertise Christ."  At this point in time, I might not yet  be configured 'in persona Christi'; yet this image aptly describes me; the billboard big enough to remind me and others that Jesus is alive and wants us to...

Worth emulating  Matthew 26:14-25 The gospel is a prelude to the blessed event that we will recall tomorrow, i.e., the most holy Eucharist. By this time, Judas already would have gone out and Jesus would have already reprimanded Peter.  Everything is ready for the banquet.  Jesus is the supreme sacrifice to his Father. Jesus is the sacrament of His Father for all of us to see.  Salvation comes in our total adherence to Jesus and not to ourselves.  Just as Jesus carries the dignity of His Father, we carry that dignity if we allow ourselves to imitate the virtues and goodness of the Father. Judas' words and actions are not dignified.  They are signs of betrayal and mistrust; of a total loss of the sense of faith.  They are not worth emulating.  Jesus' actions are worth it. In my 20 years as a priest, I know that this is not an easy task; but it is worth all efforts to be configured to the Father's will. If I see I am not worthy; I char...

On the occasion of the 19 years of priesthood As I celebrate the 19th anniversary of my priesthood, I have come to celebrate it in a most peaceful way.  For my only consolation is to be in communion with God. I have come to realize this during the times I was studying in Rome.  I didn't have any big celebrations such as this one.  But to wake up early in the morning and go to St. Peter's Basilica to celebrate mass with Fr. Greg Gaston is enough for me to feel deep consolation that God loves me and His love goes on forever.   Despite my sinfulness and unworthiness He sanctifies me and makes the priesthood fruitful. Here in the parish, my delight is to receive the sincere prayers of people filled with compassion.  For them I am truly grateful.  This also gives me the reason to go on and on until God recalls me from this life.  But know that I am eternally grateful.  The priesthood is Jesus; but the priesthood is composed of countless men a...