Inspirations at your Fingertips!

To be poor John 16:20-23  I  would like to greet the Christian community of Kapasigan a happy Fiesta as they celebrate the feast of their patron, San Isidro Labrador. "San Isidro", a Spanish laborer, maintained his poverty before God.  There are three things which makes San Isidro poor: First, he was poor in God's eyes.  To be poor means to maintain our humility before God. Second, he was poor in men's eyes.  He maintained the poor lifestyle together with his wife who is also a saint. Third, he was rich in kindness and service to the poor.  He possessed Jesus' heart.  His employer allowed him to go to daily masses because he saw his kindness and his generosity. How true then is the gospel message for today, "You sorrow will turn to joy."  Because our sacrifices on behalf of the poor will not go unrewarded.  Let us imitate the life of San Isidro Labrador.

A community of saints Matthew 24:42-51 When we launched the Basic Ecclesial Communities in the Parish of Sto. Rosario de Pasig some 4 years ago, I don't know if they they actually knew they are being prepared to be communities of living saints here on earth as stated in St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians? What does it mean to be a community of saints here on earth?  It is to actually realize that all the things the community are doing are in accord with God's plan.  The signs of a healthy community of saints are as follows: 1. They are filled with the Holy Spirit - they are aware that they are touched, purified and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. 2.  They are bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit - as preachers, teachers, etc. 3.  They are faithful to the Holy Spirit through and through - even when the "Master" is away, they remain faithful to their tasks, knowing that one day they shall meet Him. May these things move us to strengthen our resolve...

The true companion   Matthew 5:13-16 Who is St. Barnabas?  Saint Barnabas was born in Cyprus. He was one of the early converts in Jerusalem and vouched for St Paul when he appeared before the elders there. He accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey and later went to Cyprus with his cousin John Mark (Mark the evangelist) to preach the gospel there. (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02300a.htm) Who is the "companion" today?  He can be a "co-journeyer"; a friend to stay with us in our journey. He is a "co-discerner"; someone who thinks with us in making the right decision. And here's my favorite theme in my formation in the seminary; we are "co-responsible" for our formation.  A companion joins us in our formation to perfection in God so we can realize what we are supposed to do in this world. Such is St. Barnabas.  And we can be companions too if our task is to lead others to heaven.