the POWER of COURAGE
July 27, 2006
The Power of Courage
"Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."1
When she was only nineteen months of age, Helen Keller suffered an illness that left her blind and deaf. Soon she was unable to speak. By the age of seven she was extremely frustrated by her inability to communicate. Fortunately, her parents were able to hire a 20-year-old teacher to come and live with them.
The teacher, Anne Sullivan, was a very capable and loving individual and was able to put courage into Helen by teaching her to communicate with the use of her fingers. Helen was greatly encouraged, learned to read by Braille and then read everything she could lay her hands on.
She desperately wanted to earn a university degree and, passing the entrance exams to Radcliffe, pleaded with officials to allow her to attend and bring Anne Sullivan with her to translate the lectures into her manual code. The following is part of what she wrote to the admissions office:
"I realize that the obstacles in the way of my receiving a college education are very great—to others they may seem insurmountable; but, dear Sir, a true soldier does not acknowledge defeat before the battle."
Helen was admitted and graduated with high honors. She then spent the rest of her life helping to improve the lot of and put courage into other handicapped people at home and around the world.
Indeed, "A true soldier does not acknowledge defeat before the battle!" A good word for today.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the courage to face any and all battles that may come my way knowing that you are with me and will never leave me or forsake me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen."
C-P-R
July 24, 2006
I think we are familiar with the procedure called CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation). It’s usually what we see in movies during emergency cases that the doctors would pump the chest of the patient (errr…dying) and blow air through the mouth. CPR is described to combine rescue breathing (one person breathing into another person) and chest compression in a lifesaving procedure performed when a person has stopped breathing or a person’s heart has stopped beating. Other names for CPR is cardiac resuscitation, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, kiss of life, breath of life
I recently underwent CPR. It all happened last Saturday (15 July 2006) when my week was a mixture of pressures: a disapproved travel request in work, 3-book review assignment in school, and a major family concern between mom, her siblings and my grandmother. I felt my heart was tightening and I was losing breath…. My body needed air, my mind was screaming for space and my soul is hungry for peace… I realized I needed a CPR…
After my class last Saturday, decided to avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It was the grace that I really prayed for. I was in that state where I can no longer deny to myself that one MAJOR reason why I was experiencing chaos is because I was not at peace with myself and my God. The load that I was carrying was so heavy from the heartaches from relationships, pressures from work, school and home… and the remorse and guilt I was feeling because of the sins I committed… I was spiritually dead, physically tired and emotionally exhausted!
I convinced myself to go to confession since earlier that day I decided to go the spa for pampering and detoxifying, thinking that I should first flush out the toxics of my soul. It was a very fruitful experience; I was able to get a very good advice from the priest. After the confession, I headed for the spa to treat myself for the soul-worthy move. I had the sauna and steam bath for all for myself which gave me time to relax and reflect about things. The massage was one of the best I had in my life! To complete my whole process of detoxifying, I bought Fibrosine in order to flush out the toxics from my digestive system. TV has a little appeal to me that night so I decided to sleep early.
The following day I got out of bed feeling re-energized… revitalized… relieved… physically but most of all spiritually. The whole “detoxifying” experience breathed in new air in my being, performing what it needed that time…a very good CPR for my mind, body and soul. It was a time for me to gather myself through solitude and prayer. To put my concerns at the feet of Jesus as I reconcile myself with Him. It required me to humble myself before my God and ask for forgiveness as well as beg for the gift of peace.
In our life, there will always be time that we will feel tired from our daily routine… be affected of the negative energies surrounding us, take in the toxics that the world is throwing in our face. That’s reality and that’s life. But what is important is on HOW we cope up with these situations. Some would do some shopping, go on a trip, others resort to drink alcohol and even take in drugs — the choice range from the simplest to the most complicated.
Life is sometimes a sad reality. And part of that reality is also the fact that there are times that we falter to stay positive and courageously stand and walk on our journey toward holiness. But despite our failure, the Lord understands our weakness that is why He is encouraging us through Isaiah 40:31:
But those who hope in Yahweh renew their strength. They put on wings like eagles, they run and do not grow weary, walk and never tire.
My brothers and sisters, let us hold on to the Lord’s promise of carrying us through times of difficulties and trials… God is always willing to help us in carrying our load if we will be humble enough to put our yoke on Him. He assures us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Let it be our prayer that in time of difficulties, we continue cling to God… for Him to continually purify our heart, rekindle our spirit as we humbly ask for the grace to live life to its fullness.
In our times of chaos, stress, disorder, exhaustion, despair, disappointments, trouble and pain, let’s check if we need a CPR as we Contritely (humbly) Pray for Renewal.
MORE good news
July 23, 2006
here’s another bacth of GOOD NEWS…
01 June 2006
“Holy Father keep them in your Name, so they may be one just as we are”. We Christians find unity in Christ who unites us to the Father. But we see how much we have to work for to achieve this unity – Christian leaders and countries corrupted by greed and conflict, religions attacking others. Let’s pray for this unity.
02 June 2006
“Do you love me more than these..? Feed my sheep.. Follow me” Jesus’ words to Peter can well be the same for you. Let them sink in and touch you. Be aware of how you feel as Jesus gives you these words. Are you disturbed? At peace? Sad? Consoled? Offer to the Lord your very desire to love Him.
03 June 2006
St. Charles Lwanga, 1 of 22 Ugandan martyrs was baptized only the night before he died. A royal page in the king’s court and a strong athlete, he urged his companion to remain faithful and chaste despite the king’s advances and persecution. Such deoth in the young faith! May we be inspired to be faithful.
04 June 2006
“All of us Jews or Greek, slaves or free have been baptized in one Spirit to form one body and all of us have been given to drink from the One Spirit” (1Cor12) Rejoicing in the resurrection, we’re now filled with the Spirit who frees and forgives, empowers and emboldens. What can you do today to live and share this gift?
05 June 2006
After Jesus’ death the disciples are afraid. They huddle in a room, hidden and uncertain. They don’t go out and preach, not knowing what to do. Then the Spirit descends on them at Pentecost, taking away fear, filling their hearts with fire. They go out and proclaim the Good News! Lord, set me afire too!
06 June 2006
What does it mean that you’re a Christian? Added obligation? Long lists of should’s? A brand everyone else wears? We can recite prayers easily. We can regularly attend Mass. But what made in our lives and other’s? “Being Christian is a fine thing but not always an easy one” (Pope Paul VI)
07 June 2006
After a period of dryness and thirst we welcome a season of rain. Dry and barren times let us look ahead to shower of grace. They ready us to receive them and prepare us to wait patiently. Lord, make me aware of the dry and unproductive parts of myself. Though them may I learn to yearn for You, my Living Water.
08 June 2006
when we look at the nig wide world and see much conflict and violence, suffering and brokenness, we can think of it as Mission Impossible. But we have to look at our neighborhoods and communities, and notice the concrete efforts people do to build our world. We can then smile and say – Mission Possible! Go!
09 June 2006
“I am the King’s servant but God’s first”. Thomas More, lawyer, husband, father, Lord Chancellor of England was the king’s good friend and counselor. But he didn’t agree with his plan to divorce the queen. He was imprisoned and beheaded, faithful to the end. Will you risk your life for what is just and right?
10 June 2006
Discerning can be like driving on a road on a foggy day. We can see only as far as the headlights can reach. All else is dark and under. But we move and find our way with each step we take. Things brighten along the way. Teach me to find you Lord and trust your lead even if the road may not be clear.
11 June 2006
Today is Trinity Sunday. What does the Trinity mean for our practical living? The Holy 3-in-1 exemplifies for us communion. The 3 persons are bounded by eternal giving and loving. We’re shown how we can relate to another, in a relationship of giving and loving. This is something that can unite us!
12 June 2006
We all yearn for freedom. We want to be free from persons, things and situations that oppress us. Look into your heart: what keeps you from becoming more of the person God wants you to be? God offers you freedom. All you have to do I slay down your arms and give in to His power. Happy Independence Day!
13 June 2006
St. Anthony, wonder-worker of Padua, healed the sick and raised the dead back to life. He is known today as a patron for lost objects. On his feast as k for his prayers to find lost objects in your life. Or, more than simple objects what have you lost in your life? What do you need to find and recover?
14 June 2006
In the movie “Deep End of the Ocean”, the lost boy, when found years later, tells his older brother: I am not scared, I know you’ll come and find me. We’re afraid to be lost. We don’t want to be forgotten or pulled from our connections. But are we always afraid or concerned about losing the Lord in our life?
15 June 2006
“If you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift ther in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with him” (Mt 5) Christ challenges – urges us to MAKE peace, not just maintain it. This requires conscious and patient effort on our part. Can you follow? Are you willing?
17 June 2006
From little Eddie: Dear God, the bad people laughed at Noah. They called him a fool for making an ark on dry land. But he was smart, he stuck with you. That’s what I would do. How much have you “stuck” with God this past week? Pray that like old Noah and little Eddie, you may be faithful, even when storms come.
18 June 2006
It’s Father’s Day! What are the things you remember most about your dad? Close your eyes for a while as you prayerfully consider this. Talk to the Lord about your dad. Thank Him for this gift called dad and ask the Lord to bless him. Offer prayers for all the world’s fathers- that they keep trying!
19 June 2006
Who ever wants to be a loser? No one wants to be shortchanged or overtaken by others. In the Gospel today Jesus urges us to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile. Acts and intentions of goodness always go a long way. To lose our possessions and comforts is all right, in the end, it’s Christ we gain!
20 June 2006
During the English Reformation, those caught sheltering priests, were arrested and put to death. English Catholics built priests-holes in their homes to hide them. We live in no such times. We don’t have to hide or risk life to celebrate the Eucharist. But do we have the faith and passion of these people?
21 June 2006
St. Aloysius Gonzaga’s father wanted his son to become a soldier and stateman. He saw in him the makings of a great leader and businessman. But the son wanted to become a priest. Despite the father’s protests, he gave up his princely rank and joined the Jesuits. Are you pursuing the one dream of your life?
22 June 2006
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish…” (2 Pet 3:9) See how your life experiences relate to these words of the Lord. Where are you now? How are you? Which events and people have led you to this point?
23 June 2006
“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere..” (Heb 12:1) Who are in your great cloud of witnesses? They have inspired and raised you up, filled you with hope and love, made you want to become better. Thank God for them.
24 June 2006
Today we celebrate John the Baptist who prepares the way of the Lord. The baby John leaps in his mother’s womb when Mary comes for a visit. From the start, we can see how closely connected John’s actions are to Jesus. Let John be your guide these days as you strive to come and move closer to Jesus J
25 June 2006
Jesus tells his disciples, “Let’s go across to the other side.” They’re on dry, safe land yet they leave it and take the boat – only to meet a storm. Jesus invites us to venture into our open seas, to carry on even when we’re tossed by waves. We’re assured: He is with us. He won’t allow us to sink!
26 June 2006
The film X-Men makes us reflect on our own gifts. Each of us is given power – talents, qualities, skills. Through them we can make or break our world. Lift up or put down others. Through them we can build the forces of good or those of evil. So on whose side are you? Where have you been using your gifts?
27 June 2006
Mountains have long fascinated us. Maybe it’s the height and breadth of the mountain that awaken something in us: our deepest longings for that which is higher and greater than us all. And they quietly, constantly point us to the Maker of Mountains who is always there for us, reaching out and longing. Good day!
28 June 2006
You don’t have to spend anything to make the world lighter. Just SMILE J Smile at the jeepney driver, the grocery counter clerk, the security officer. You can cheer them up, warm their hearts, make their day brighter. By smiling, you give a face to God’s smile – and add a smile on His face too J
29 June 2006
We celebrate miracle today: the miracle called Peter and Paul. The impulsive, selfish Peter becomes head of Christ’s Church. Paul the persecutor turns into a great missionary preacher. Be aware of the miracles in your midst, especially the walking kind, whose lives have changed by having met and known Christ.
30 June 2006
Building the Kingdom of God is not something big and abstract that only “church people” do. It’s a clear and concrete as giving food to the hungry, consoling the despairing, doing household chores. As concrete as helping build Gawad Kalinga’s homes for the poor. So how are you building God’s Kingdom?
goodnews… the series
July 13, 2006
it’s been quite a while that i haven’t updated my blog especially the "goodnews" series… the last "goodnews" reflection i posted was for may 26, to be exact =D
friends, may we be reminded of how God continue to talk to us through the following reflections… enjoy reading and meditating onthe goodnews!!!! =D 
…. i’m wearing brown today, that’s why the font color… hehehe…. still loves GREEN
27 May 2006
“ I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in persecutio0ns for Christ’s sake. For when I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:10) Not that we seek difficulties in life. We realize our experience of weakness opens us to receive God’s strength. It helps us seek not ourselv es but our One True Strength.
28 May 2006
“Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation” (Mark 16:15) as we celebrate Ascension Sunday think of Jesus missioning you to live His Good News and share with those around you. What Good News do they need to hear? Find opportunities today to sow words of truth and works of good.
29 May 2006
“Says the Lord who created you, O (your name) and formed you, O (your name): Fear not for I have saved you, I have called you by name: you are mine”. Hear and treasure the Lord’s words in your heart as He calls you by name. Prayerfully repeat them. Fiund yourself in God’s loving arms as you begin this day.
31 May 2006
The baby in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy upon hearing Mary’s greeting. Our deepest, most felt, innermost gladness is left when we experience the Divine present in our lives. Something in us stirs, is filled and moved to action. And in gratitude, we can’t help proclaiming God’s goodness to others!
was thinking to post all the reflections including June 2006 but realized my own attention span and patience in reading… that’s why i decided to cut it and have a separate post for the whole month of June… til next post ;-)
Para Sa Akin
July 5, 2006
i like the rhythm of the song when i first heard Sitti (Navarro) sang it in a noontime show… sound of the early 80’s… whaaaaaaaa! my age’s getting obvious =P …. i was actually planning to buy the CD as a birthday gift for Lorenz (my bestfriend) but was surprised when he turned on his car stereo and Sitti was singing!!! … i just fell inlove with this song… friends, be ready to be inlove when you hear this….haaaaaaaaay… hahaha! … btw, the album’s SITTI CAFE BOSSA… promotion! hahaha!
PARA SA AKIN Kung ika’y magiging akin Kung ako ay papalarin [chorus] Kung ako ay mamalasin [repeat chorus] Kung ako ay papalarin [repeat chorus 2x] Para sa akin
Di ka na muling luluha pa
Pangakong di ka lolokohin
Ng puso kong nagmamahal
Na ako’y iyong mahal na rin
Pangakong ikaw lang ang iibigin
Magpakailanman
Di kita pipilitin
Sundin mo pang iyong damdamin
Hayaan nalang tumibok ang puso mo
Para sa akin
At mayron ka nang ibang mahal
Ngunit patuloy ang aking pagibig
Magpakailanman
Na ako’y iyong mahal na rin
Pangakong ikaw lang ang iibigin
Magpakailanman
