Oh Sandy!

Ave Maria:)

prayers for all who are experiencing the onslaught of Frankenstorm - in Asian countries, where typhoons, storms heavy rainfall are a regular occurence - people are almost stoic or bored when warnings are given by both gov't and media - for people to move to higher ground, to  take security measures.

This stance was so evident again during the Habagat days here in Manila -- it wasn't an actual typhoon but rainfall was so heavy it caused floods just the same --- and thousands of Pinoys -- could name several friends refused to budge..even as the floodwaters were rising, and rescue teams were circling their vicinity-- but no sirree, they would not budge , they stayed put , actually enjoying the experience...Pasaway talaga.

Of course this Habagat calamity is nothing compared to the Sandy Frankenstorm now hitting the U.S. and probably on its way to Australia.

how did they describe it? A nasty mix of a hurricane and winterstorm -- I 'm trying to imagine both... and can only shiver in fright --- the closest we have here of hurricanes would be mini ipo-ipos , whirlwinds ... carrying leaves and dust and tiny insects and that's about it.... but a hurricane?think Katrina , and you'll understand how a hurricane can destroy a city, a whole metropolis.

We have our typhoons , our storms... but what is a winter storm? Would it have hard snow -- stone- like pelting?... if that be the case , how dangerous they are.

Come hail, water, fire, earthquakes...tsunamis... who can indeed stand before all of these?

What man-made structure, human technology and prowess can stare Mother Nature's wrath and pure force in the eye.?

For that matter... how could we, the proud earthly powers that we are, with our governments and businesses and science and advancements.... how could we dare stand before the Creator, the Mover of these Forces of Nature.?

For all that science dictates ( Big Bang theory and all), there has to be a Supreme Being, the Prime Mover who Alone dictates to nature, causes the galaxies to move at a certain speed, in a particular direction.. in harmony or in chaos.

ALmighty God , the Author of all Life can make His presence felt in countless ways... He can be gentle, soothing..a healing/ strengthening presence.

He can infuse new life, to what should have been dead.

He can come to us in our laughter and joy - at the times we seem s tho' we are conquerors  , so on top of everything - the world at our feet , ah how we thank God in these golden moments.

But God can also reveal Himself in the sorrows of our life, in the pains and sufferings we either simply behold from a distance or experience personally and painfully.   

He comes to us during our downfalls.. the crisis we must undergo, not just once but several times in our lifetime.

We donot cherish poverty whether material or spiritual .. we hate being the object of ridicule or humiliation .. or rejection and abuse --- no it is not God Himself who inflicts this - unless He deems it necessary to punish us for our multitude of sins --- but He is Ever-Present in these dark times, the Anchor and Lifeline, the Only Hope for survival we have-- hence yes, God too can make His presence felt in times of trials.

As for the Katrinas, Ondoys, Sandy and Intensity 8 earthquakes that rock the earth and temporarily bring people to a humbler stance -- an actual awe at the brute, unstoppable force of nature -- I say temporary humble stance because, people easily forget - will probably pray and be on bended knees at the height of the calamity -- but no sooner than the lights/power return, the malls open , the internet and tv on.... and it's back to normal -  normal being ---> what is there to fear? what is there to prepare for?...why must I reflect on life and its purpose... what need is there for GOD and why should I let Him interfere with my life.?

How sad that we have the temerity to use the word interfere -- for  God does not want to interfere in our life...He wants to lovingly share His life with us -- He wants to provide all good things only He can give...And how horrible to accuse Him or to tell Him plaintively: Pls God don't interfere...wag kapo makialam sa buhay ko...Okay na po ako."

We need Habagat, Katrinas and Sandy's in our life... and they need not necessarily come as natures's calamities... but as other jolting experiences ( perhaps death in the family, an affliction, a betrayal, a financial crisis, old age, war, crime..etc... ) , the better to put us in our place...and make us remember we are the creature ,not the Creator.  These jolting experiences have the unique ability of cleansing our souls, ridding us of our false idols and our incredible stubborn pride... As floodwaters bring out the debris and can carry them back to the ocean... may our trials also cleanse us of everything that blocks the work of the Holy Spirit in our life.Let them destroy all evil "structures" , all principles, all worldly enslavements that separate us from Christ and His kingdom... and let them grant us a new,clean slate in life... one where together with God , we can write purposefully  our wonderful life story ... our hidden life in Christ.

Remember how Jesus was able to calm the storm.... Who has the power to subdue not just storms but all the evils that beset us? Even death itself? Only Jesus...come Lord Jesus..Calm the storms in our life...hold out your hand to us, that we may safely come to you and live a new life in you.

Let us pray for all affected by Sandy. May it bring out the best in the American people..and may it lead to a kindling of their faith in God....God bless you.... te mye.

Jesus calms the storm.
Mark 4: 35-41

Jesus Calms the Storm

³⁵ That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷ A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.³⁸ Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

⁴⁰ He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

⁴¹ They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

   

Kiss of Death or the Kiss of Life?

Ave Maria:-)

Wow..seems like years since I last blogged Was carrying on at the speed of light, work, work, church... family -- uhmm not necessarily in that order -- until God by His infinite wisdom and mercy granted me a splendid , timely gift -- haha---> a pesky head-ache, the only way for me to keep still, rest... pray more... then when God permits , write--praise the Lord.

An aunt and uncle flew in all the way from the U.S. Uncle Ric and Tia Ludy -- I love them not just because they are first degree relatives - but because they were instrumental in helping me join the charismatic movement or Catholic Renewal.

Here's the strange part -- my dear uncle and aunt have become Christian ..and I have remained Catholic to the bones -- our common denominator acknowledging that we must have this personal , loving relationship with Jesus Christ (relating to Him as a divine Person, as our Lord and Saviour -- seeking His Will and asking for the grace to obey Him at all times  -  -- to love , study and be immersed in the Word of God -- to live the life in the Holy Spirit ( which really is nothing more than simply  experiencing what early Christians had -a vibrant faith experience and discovering the gifts we are given through the Holy Spirit and actually using them every single day of our life... taking the New Way of Life Christ has introduced --- yes,  ever so seriously. ) and finding a Christian community to nurture our faith.

This was a sweet encounter, we only had a few hours at Junjun and Jackie's home -- a few cousins came by... and we were treated to Jackie's delicious feast. she cooks like an angel.

Mona and Ed were so sweet , they drove for Uncle Ric and Tia Ludy ... Rex Sammy came with the two handsome , talented boys, Franco and Martin.. then Eric came with his three children. Dilbert accompanied me. Hmmmm.. I loved  even just looking at ageless Tia Ludy, wearing a hairdo that she says Uncle Ric did for her -- yep he is her hairdresser Hahahaha, only a Gaviola female can convince a husband to give her a haircut - 

the way she wants it.so funny.

If Tia Ludy could have her way, she would have wanted to talk , share stories non-stop for hours -- but ahhh..it's  2012 -- everyone is much older -- so while we were watching the dvd movie she brought ... she and later Uncle Ric had some shut-eye while watching the dvd - poor guys mustav' been so tired ---- zzzzzzz

I was deeply touched when she shared about how her 3 sisters were doing - tia Fe seems to be the one strongest --after her heart procedure ...then Tia Rosie and Tia Dinday stricken with cancer..both very brave and admirable.

If only the U.S. were a bus ride away ..would be there with them... we think that when we visit the sick, we bring them consolation..yet what we often don't realize is how the sick , especially when they are surrendered to the Will of Jesus --how they are empowered by the Lord to be the ones to give to us.... and what is it that they could possibly give from their sickbed? It is FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE in God Almighty.

 When we suffer the most whether this be from lingering illness, a critical relationship, poor finances, whatever trial it is ---  we can use these in our favor --- by offering them to the LORD, praying as Jesus and Mary  and countless saints have prayed "Thy Will be done...oh God, thy Most Holy Will be done in my life. "

To think that we didn't even have a whole straight month to be with each other -- I'll remember  Tia Dinday and Tia Rosie as a little girl ( in my mind they were like beauty queens..wishing I could grow up and be half as beautiful as them) ..but my stronger memories are of them when they went home for a vacation for family reunions-- they might have been in their forties?  -- when Monsignour and Pappy and most elders were alive..oh  those were reunions were so filling -- not in food , well yes there was lots of food... but we were filled with so much love, acceptance, forgiveness - a sense of belongingness  -- and went home strengthened in our faith in God and each other - It helped very much seeing the elders united in prayer and conviction - it helped that Monsignour was there to offer mass for us - and even without him saying mass... just the sight of him...sometimes leading us in prayer , either him or one of the aunts --most possibly Tia Litang  --- when elders would congregate -- the younger ones would follow suit -- seeing / learning how and what family was all about...gosh I'm in a time warp)

 Tia Ludy and Uncle Ric lived in Subic decades ago -- the four sons so young then ... and don't laugh but would always remember their fridge with the vanilla ice cream... got closer to them when I was a teener -- by that time we'd be able to share stories about life and love, heartbreak and all...It's amazing how you don't need 20 years to make a connection with people... love and friendship can happen even when we are unprepared for it.

So that is where and how my heart aches because my beloved aunts are not just aunts but dearest friends... we share the funniest stories, laugh and giggle till kingdom-come...   when you are related by blood, I think you find a part of yourself while bonding with the cousin , nephew or elder relative. Talking and spending time with them keeps us in touch with our roots, hearing and witnessing their strengths and weaknesses make us   realize  our own  gifts and vulnerabilities.

We must cherish each other while there is each other because we won't always be here... this is not our real home.. we called and meant for heaven ... and as many of our loved ones have safely made it there it's best we too be on our journey.

My dear family..take a good look at your life right now...

a long hard look at how life has unfolded... the growing up years... the joys and possibly some traumas in our youth... the dreams we had  back then... and which dreams /goals were attained.. which ones remained but a dream.

the relationships we have built both within our families and amongst friends. The talents, abilities... resources , life experiences so unique that were given to us by the Author of Life... it is time to take stock of where we are - the good accomplished , and the failures as well  --- yes... as we journey.. it is not enough to build and make our material dreams come true.. not enough to build and nurture our families... not enough to gain success , fame..riches.

All these will not last. all these are lent to us so that this life , this earthly life becomes one filled with God's goodness, an expression of His love ..and so that when we have shared as much of God 's love and goodness as we can..that we may peacefully close our eyes , take our last breath and surrender our self to the Lord.. in an embrace that lasts unto eternity.

In Bisaya ..we have this wonderful word "gara" -- as when one is filled with joy and vanity and pride --- we've had our fill teasing each other endlessly and making light of life -- but it is time to move beyond "gara" .... to be grateful for the gift of life , all the  blessings..yes even the pains, trials we've experienced that we may say..we indeed "lived life to the fullest".. come...It is time to prepare..and to prepare well.

No...I am not frightening you about the Kiss of Death ... rather I want you to savor the Kiss of Life , here and now...and later the perpetual
 Kiss of Life when we behold and live in God's presence for all eternity.

Mwah...take that.......... missing you all... and praying for you daily..........let's keep praying for each other's safe journey in life.........................Jesus loves you , te mye 

do let's hear mass more often and recieve dearest Jesus in the state of grace... regular sacramental confession is the best beauty treatment ever... no kidding.

"I Am the Bread of Life

(John 6:24-35)God Himself becomes our bread and our truth....The seed of eternal life lies within them...