Today's Readings

Meditation: How good are you at reading signs? The people of Jesus' time expected that the coming of the Messiah would be accompanied by extraordinary signs and wonders. Jesus' first coming was clouded in mystery and wonderment: a son of David born in a cave at Bethlehem; magi from the East guided by a star to worship the newborn king of Israel; a carpenter miracle-worker who gave sight to the blind and raised the dead; a Suffering Servant who bore the sins of many upon a cross; a Risen Lord who stormed the gates of Hell to release its captives. Jesus on a number of occasions prophesied that he would return again at the end of the world to finish the work he came to accomplish through his death and resurrection. The image of a "Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" is taken from a vision which God gave to the prophet Daniel. God showed Daniel a royal investiture of a human king before God's throne. This king was invested with God's authority and was given rulership over the whole earth. His reign would last for all ages. The Jews of Jesus' day were looking for a Messianic king who would free them from foreign oppression. Jesus is both Son of David – the rightful heir and King of Israel who will rule forever – and the Son of man – God's appointed ruler who will establish a universal kingdom of peace, righteousness, and justice for all the nations and peoples of the earth.

The Lord Jesus gives us the gift of hope – the supernatural strength and perseverance to remain steadfast and confident in God's promise. What can we confidently expect from God? He promises us the hope of heaven, everlasting life, peace, and joy with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He also promises to right every wrong, to vindicate all who have been treated unjustly, to remove every tear, sorrow, and pain, including death itself. The world around us is plagued with fear, uncertainty, greed, selfishness, strife, and division. It has lost hope in God and in his promise to restore the human race and creation itself through the second coming of his Son Jesus Christ. The prophet Jeremiah fortold the day when God would send his Messiah King to "execute justice and righteousness in the land." Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise and every promise God has made.

Many Christian churches in the East and West, since the early first centuries, have marked special seasons to celebrate the central truths of the Christian faith. The Advent season which precedes Christmas and Epiphany reminds us that we are a pilgrim people, aliens and exiles in this age who long for our true home with God in heaven, and who await with joyful hope for the return of the Lord Jesus. When will all these promises take place? Know one knows the day when Christ will return. But it is a certain fact that we are living in the end times, the close of this present age! The end times begin with the first coming of Christ (his Incarnation which we celebrate at Christmas) and culminates in his final return on the Day of Judgment. Jesus' prophetic description of the end of time and the day of judgment was not new to the people of Israel. The prophets had foretold these events many centuries before. "Behold the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger to make the earth a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it." Jesus speaks of the second coming as a known fact, a for certain event we can expect to take place. This coming will be marked by signs that all will recognize; signs which will strike terror in those unprepared and wonder in those who are ready to meet the Lord. When the Lord returns he will establish final justice and righteousness over the earth by overthrowing his enemies and by vindicating those who have been faithful to him. The anticipation of his final judgment is a sign of hope for all who trust in him.

What can keep us from recognizing the signs which await the coming of the Lord? Indifference and the temptation to slacken off – to become passive and lethargic or to fall asleep spiritually. It is very easy to get caught up in the things of the present moment or to be weighed down with troubles. The Lord knows our shortcomings and struggles and he gives us the grace to bear our burdens and to walk in his way of holiness. But there is one thing he doesn't tolerate: an attitude of indifference, being passive, not caring, and doing nothing when we could be actively seeking God and his kingdom! God is ready to give us fresh vision, hope, and grace to walk in his ways. He wants to work in and through us for his glory. That is why he expects more of us than we can do by ourselves. His grace enables us to actively watch for his action in our lives, and to actively pray for perseverance and endurance when we face trials and difficulties. The Lord gives us strength to overcome temptation, especially from apostasy – the denial of Christ out of fear or pride. God is ever ready to fill us with his grace, strength, and power. Is your heart hungry for God or is it weighed down by other things?

"Lord Jesus, may I never lose sight of the signs of your presence in my life and the world around me. Free me from dullness of heart, indifference, and every distraction that would keep me from your presence. May I never tire of seeking you in prayerful anticipation of seeing you face to face when you come again in glory."

Today's Readigs

Meditation: Do you recognize the signs of God's presence and action today? Jesus used the image of a fig tree to teach his disciples an important lesson about reading the "signs of the times." The fig tree was a common and important source of food for the Jews. It bore fruit twice a year, in the autumn and in the early spring. The Talmud said that the first fruit came the day after Passover. The Jews believed that when the Messiah came he would usher in the kingdom of God at Passover time. The early signs of a changing season, such as springtime, summer, or autumn, are evident for all who can see and observe the changes. Just so are the signs of God's kingdom and his return in glory on the day of judgment. The "budding" of God's kingdom begins first in the hearts of those who are receptive to God's word. Those who trust in God's word will bear the fruits of his kingdom. And what are the fruits of that kingdom? "The kingdom of God ..is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." The Lord gives the firstfruits of his kingdom to those who open their hearts to him with expectant faith and trust in his word.

We do not know the day nor the hour when the Lord Jesus will return again in glory. But the Lord does give us signs, not only to "wake us up" as a warning, but also to "rouse our spirits" to be ready and eager to receive his kingdom when he comes in all his power and glory. The "Day of the Lord" will strike terror in those who have ignored or rejected God, but it will be a day of joy and rejoicing for those who long to see the Lord face-to-face. The Lord Jesus wants us to be filled with joyful anticipation for his coming again. While we wait for the Lord's physical return in glory, we can know his presence with us through the work and action of the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts. The Lord Jesus comes daily and frequently to those who long for him and he speaks tenderly to our hearts like a lover who whispers in the ear of the beloved. He comes to show us the way to our heavenly Father and to give us the hope of eternal life. Do you recognize his presence and do you listen to his word?

"Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all history, and the lord of all creation. Give me joyful hope and assurance that I will see you face to face and be united with you forever when you return in glory."

Readings for Today

Meditation: Do you believe that the world as we know it is going to end just as Jesus foretold? Jesus’ prophetic description of the destruction of the holy city Jerusalem, the destruction of the world, and the day of final judgment, was not new to the people of Israel. The prophets had foretold these events many centuries before. Behold the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger to make the earth a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it. Jesus warns of the imminent destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence of the rejection of the gospel. According the historian Josephus, over a million inhabitants died when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem with its temple in 70 A.D. Jerusalem’s vengeance resulted from her indifference to the visitation of God in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus also speaks about the judgment at the end of the world. Only spiritual blindness can keep us from recognizing the obvious signs of approaching disaster which awaits the day of judgment for those who refuse to heed God’s word of grace and salvation. Jesus was completely honest. He told his disciples what it would cost to follow him. And he promised that he would never leave them alone, even in their time of tribulation. The saints and martyrs who underwent torment and death made their prisons a temple of praise and their scaffolds a throne to the glory of God. They knew the saving presence of Christ with them in all circumstances. Jesus offers us safety in the face of earth’s threats. Not a hair of your head will perish. The disciple who walks with Christ may lose their body but not their soul.

The greatest gift which no one can take from us and which we can be most thankful for is our redemption through the precious blood of Jesus, which was shed on the cross for our sins, and our adoption through Christ as children of God our heavenly father. Jesus Christ has redeemed us from slavery to sin, from fear of death, and from final destruction. We can be eternally thankful because our hope is in heaven and in the promise that Jesus will return to fully establish his reign of peace and righteousness. Jesus speaks of his second coming as a known fact, a for certain event which we can confidently expect to take place in the Lord’s time of choosing. This coming will be marked by signs that all will recognize – signs which will strike terror and grief in those unprepared and wonder and joy in those who are ready to meet the Lord. When the Lord Jesus returns he will establish justice and righteousness and he will vindicate all who have been faithful to him. His judgment is a sign of hope for those who have placed their trust in him. Do you hope in God and in the promise of Christ to return again to establish his reign over all that he has made?

“Lord Jesus, fill me with gratitude for the gift of redemption and increase my hope and longing for your return again in glory. May that day bring joy to my heart rather than sorrow. Help me to serve you faithfully and to make the best use of my time now in the light of your coming again.”

Readings: 2009-11-05

The life and death of each of us has its influence on others.

How often we have heard this reading from Romans at a funeral Mass! What have been our thoughts as we listened to the reading? Have we been wondering whether or not our own lives have been positive in their influence on others?

Nobody is perfect, so we need not worry about our past failings. Rather, with hope in our hearts, we would do well to be honest in our prayer and think of the countless times when we have given help to our neighbours and friends and to many others. If we do this we will be consoled, because our positive influence is a reflection of God’s love, transmitted through each one of us.

Readings for the Day: 2009-11-04

‘You cannot be my disciple unless you give up all that you own.’

Everything in our world, Lord, is a gift from you, created by you to be a means by which we can come to know you better, love you more deeply and serve you more faithfully.

We thus appreciate and use your gifts insofar as they help us toward our goal of loving service and union with you. But insofar as any created thing might hinder our progress toward those goals, we let them go. May Jesus help us to recognize what helps and what hinders our relationship with you.

Jesus, may your own life, a life of poverty, humility and service to others, be a guide for us, warning us against seeking wealth, honor and power for their own sakes.

GLIMPSES (2009-04-03)
Jose Ma. Montelibano

It is a drama that has captured a nation's attention. Three International Red Cross workers, two foreigners and one local, were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf bandits and are now trapped, together with their tormentors, in a mountain range in Sulu. A threat to behead one of them if government troops would not leave the area and contain themselves only in the Jolo area was not carried out. Having bought time, the kidnapped victims and government forces still do not know how the Abu Sayyaf will play out the drama. Neither does the public which follows the drama.

As I write this article, a deadly cat-and-mouse game intensifies. It does not threaten three lives but hundreds, both innocent and guilty alike. Around the mountain and the large band of bandits with their prisoners are the Marines and civilian militia coming from all the local government units. The Abu Sayyaf threatened to behead one of the kidnapped Red Cross workers because I believe they saw how they could all be massacred by the superior numbers and position of government forces. A simple threat put the Arroyo administration on hold. Once in a while in the Philippines, a life counts, especially if it is white and if it belongs to an international agency.

When Dick Gordon makes a plea for the lives of the three Red Cross workers, I cannot help but shed a tear with him. And what Dick may not be able to show in public but may be very much alive in his heart is a rage I cannot help but also feel. Sympathizing with victims is natural. What is not so clear is the cause of my rage, not just at the inhumanity of banditry for profit but the many lives that will be lost in the future if a settlement is reached and the kidnapped victims are returned alive and safe. What is not clear, even to me, is why a drama can whip up so much public sympathy for the Red Cross workers but almost nothing for the slain soldiers from the Marine Corps.

Are lives of ordinary Filipinos so devoid of value that the death of hundreds under the strangest circumstances that upset international human rights agencies create no public furor? Does it have to be like the case of Mary Jean Lacaba whose threatened life draws so much attention because she is part of the Red Cross? Even when we appreciate, or do not, one human life because it belongs to an ordinary Filipino, it is almost automatic that foreign lives, especially Caucasians, will elicit more importance from us.

I was in Sulu last week, part of a contingent from Gawad Kalinga visiting our first GK village in Patikul and preparing for our second in Panglima Estino. While media plays up the drama of an unresolved kidnapping and a most fluid situation which, in the end, can only end up with more lives lost, a miracle quietly unfolds where landless and homeless Tausug families in a barangay in Patikul discover that life is not all that hopeless. A generous landowner and just as generous a corporation produced land and homes for the poor.

From a very successful first initiative where the provincial government, Marines, civil society personalities, a municipal bureaucracy, and poor residents of a barangay converged in a Gawad Kalinga program, a template for replication is emerging and exciting those who have been traditionally frustrated at how things simply do not work in a conflict torn area. Panglima Estino is somewhere in the middle of Sulu, a place which most Filipinos may never have heard of. Yet, its mayor and the governor of Sulu asked Gawad Kalinga to establish a village in Panglima Estino after seeing how the residents in the first GK village in Patikul are so enthusiastic about their new homes and community.

Several more GK villages are planned for the next twelve months. Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan has been such a persistent advocate for GK in his province and is moving heaven and earth to produce funds for the houses and communities he wants to build with Gawad Kalinga. And the Marines led by Gen. Sabban and Gen. Ecarma believe that development the Gawad Kalinga way may trigger not just development but even friendship. It is unfortunate but somewhat anticipated that intermittent violence is still part of a pattern which is not so easy to break.

Sulu is dangerous not because of its terrain, which, by the way, is so beautiful with shores covered by white sands. Neither is it dangerous because it is home to the fierce and proud Tausug people. It is dangerous because we have allowed historical prejudice and religious competition to overtake the brotherhood that had been our birthright before being colonized and driven to fight against each other. And it will become even more dangerous if we do not struggle to dismantle four hundred years of Christian-Muslim conflict.

In the heat of the moment when bandits who terrorize for profit try to have their cake and eat it, too, what is beautiful in Sulu and its proud people remains hidden from view except from very up close. Sulu teaches us many lessons, many of them sad ones. Sulu reminds us how a divided people are not only weak but destructive to one another. How, then, can a Philippines ever be a strong nation with a fractious, quarreling population, jealous of their religions, resentful of their past and despairing of their future?

The road to peace in Sulu had long started. The path to friendship has begun between Christians and Muslims who are building homes and communities together. The passageway for the rediscovery of our fraternal bonds lies in our hearts if we choose courage over fear, generosity over greed, nobility over compromise.

When a friend from the military coined the phrase “dangerously beautiful” in reference to peace, he did not mean the usual meaning of danger. He was speaking about a personal experience, about how a beautiful land and people would captivate someone not from the place and make him giddy with infatuation. He was sharing, in two words, a love story that began from conflict and now wants to blossom in harmony.

Dangerously beautiful. Sulu.

Bohol is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. Its capital is Tagbilaran City. It is the 10th largest island in the country, located in the heart of the Visayas. To the west of Bohol is Cebu, to the northeast is the island of Leyte and to the south, across the Bohol Sea is Mindanao.

Bohol is a popular tourist destination with its beaches and resorts. The Chocolate Hills, numerous mounds of limestone formation, is the most popular attraction. The island of Panglao, located just southwest of Tagbilaran City, is home to some of the finest beaches in the country. The Philippine tarsier, considered the second-smallest primate in the world, is indigenous to the island.

Boholanos refer to their island homeland as the 'Republic of Bohol' with both conviction and pride. A narrow strait separates the island of Cebu and Bohol and both share a common language, but the Boholanos retain a conscious distinction from the Cebuanos.

Hills dominate the island of Bohol. Two ranges run roughly parallel on the northwest and the southeast. An interior plateau is dominated by limestone hills. In Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan, these hills form near perfect cones in great numbers and are collectively referred to as the Chocolate Hills.

Bohol's climate is generally dry, with maximum rainfall between the months of June and October. The interior is cooler than the coast. Bohol is the home province of Carlos P. Garcia, the fourth president of the Republic of the Philippines (1957-1961) who was born in Talibon, Bohol.

GEOGRAPHY

Bohol is the perfect arena for scuba diving, kayaking, trekking and cave exploration. For the less adventurous, it offers leisurely pursuits like cruising, swimming, snorkeling or, simply, collecting seashells by the seashore.

The Island of Bohol is oval-shaped mainland surrounded with 73 smaller islands, having a gently rolling terrain, ideal for commercial and industrial site development. Bohol's mountainous interior is home to rare and endangered flora and fauna. At certain points, hills drop steeply to the coast from a maximum elevation of 870 meters above sea level. The interior uplands are fit for agro-forestry and high value agricultural production. The central and northern lowlands have also fertile grounds and abundant water supply. Over a hundred caves have been identified, the biggest of which is found in the eastern part which makes Bohol ideal for spelunking adventures. The Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol are considered one of Philippine's natural wonders and Bohol is often referred to as the Jewel of the Philippines.

Most beaches are of white sand. The sand is often of such high quality that it is exported to other beaches in the world. The most well known of these beaches are in Panglao Island, and there, numerous islets have similar, yet untouched and pristine beaches.

The Loboc River is the most famous, running from the southeastern coast to the center of the island. It is famous for its River Cruise going up to its water source. The largest, Inabanga River, runs in the northern part of the province.

Numerous waterfalls and caves are scattered across the island, including the beautiful Mag-Aso falls in Antequera. Mag-Aso means smoke in the native tongue. The water is cool and often creates a mist in humid mornings which can hide the falls.

mga pagbasa kuman, biyernes 2008-12-05

May mga regalo nan pagtoo na daan an mga buta sa ato ebanghelyo kuman adeser sila mangadjo nan kalooy gikan kan Jesus.

An pagtoo amoy nakadadjaw dila kay tangadjo man nila an kalooy ni Jesus.

Parehas nan iban pa na mga tawo sa mga ebenghelyo, nagpasibadja lamang an mga buta sa pagsunod kan Jesus hangtud na nadawat nila an tubag Nidja.

Sa mga panahon na mohangjo an ato mga amigo sanan mga lumon nan ato pangaliya sila para sa espesyal na intensiyon nila sanan magsibadja sab sila, kompiyansa kita na dunggon an ato pangaliya segun sa ato tag-asahan.

An importante dinhi, nahibayo kita na an ato pangaliya amoy makahatag dato na dayan patunong kan Jesus.

Taghatagan kita Nidja na pag-tan-aw na hikit-an nato an Idja huna-huna sanan kasing-kasing, puwersa sanan dan-ag para sa ato dayan.

Jesus, hatagi kami nan grasya na madawat namo an Imo maradjaw na regalo para himayaon 'Kaw namo, Amen.

readings for today, friday 2008-12-05

The blind men in our gospel today had already the gift of faith when before they asked Jesus to have pity on them.

Their faith deserved Jesus' healing when they were asked if they believed that He can heal them.

Like the many people in the gospels, the blind men have to persevere in following Jesus until they received his reply.

When our friends and relatives ask us for prayers for special intentions and we persevere, we are confident that our prayers are heard in the way that we hoped.

We know that our prayers give us access to Jesus and that is the most important thing.

He gives us interior sight into his mind and heart, strength and light for our way.

Jesus, give me the grace to be ready to receive Your many good gifts in a way that gives glory to You, Amen.

mga pabasa kuman, huwebes 2008-12-04

Pagkatapos Nimo isulti an mahitungod sa mga tawo na motawag nan 'Lord' Dimo, nobati ako nan kasipog samtang nagadje ako, Lord.

Pero nahibayo ako na may oras pa ako na moaksiyon.

Inpasidan-an Mo pa ako na kon jaon ako sa mahuyang na lupa, an ako mga panultihon mahuyog lamang sa ilayom iban nan ako pag-komiter Dimo.

Medyo naembaraso ako nan inhibay-an nako kon uno ka hamabaw ra nan ako mga tagsulti, mga tagtudlo na mga pamayhon, bisan sa pangadje nako.

Bisan an mga konkreto na bayay dili mahangtod nan dugay ugsa na kon gusto nako nan butang na mahangtod, 'mogasto' gadjod ako nan ubay-ubay.

Mangaliya rakan ako na makab-ot nako an ako gusto.

Ama, hinaot unta na mohangtod ako bisan 'makagasto' ako nan ubay-ubay, Lord, Amen.

readings for today, thursday 2008-12-04

After what You said about people who call you ‘Lord,' I feel ashamed about being here praying, Lord.

But there is still the rest of the day for me to act.

You are telling me about my being on a shaky ground if my Christian commitment only goes as deep as my words.

I feel a little embarrassed when I realized just how cheap it is to talk, to espouse values, even to pray.

Even concrete edifices do not last very long hence if I want something more enduring, it will cost me so dearly.

I just pray I can bear the cost. Father, may we be able endure even if it will cost us so dearly, Lord, Amen.

mga pagbasa para miyerkules 2008-12-03

Nagpakita si Jesus nan Idja kalooy sa mga masakiton sanan mga bakol na dinaya nan mga tawo sa paanan Nidja.

Tagtambay Nidja sila sanan tagtudloan Nidja an mga tawo nan tuyo ka adlaw na nagsunod Didja na mga gutom na.

Gusto nan mga apostoles, mga praktikal na tawo, na bugawon an mga nagsunod dila na mga tawo.

May siyete ka pan sanan mga gamay na mga isda sila.

Didto na si Jesus naghimo nan dako na milagro nan pagpahamok nan pan sanan isda, pagpakaon pagkaon para sa upat ka libo na tawo, babadje sanan bata.

Taghuna-huna nan ato Ginoo an ato mga tawhanon na kinahanglan.

Gusto Nidja na manginlabot sab kita sa iban.

Inhatag Nidja an Idja kaugalingon sa Balaanon na Misa para kita maaghit na maghatag sab nan gahin sa ibantawo.

Ginoong Jesus, himoa kami na mga maloloy-on parehas Dimo, Amen.

readings for wednesday 2008-12-03

Jesus manifested His compassion for the sick and the disabled who people brought and laid at his feet.

He cured them and spoke to the people who had been following him for three days and would have been hungry.

The apostles who were very practical men, wanted him to send them away.

They had only seven loaves and a few small fish.

And Jesus worked the great miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, feeding four thousand men, women and children.

Our Lord cares very much about human need.

He wants us to care too.

He gives us himself in the Holy Mass to encourage us to share with others.

Lord Jesus, let us be compassionate like You, Amen.

mga pagbasa sa martes 2008-11-02

Puno si Jesus nan kalipay nan Epiritu Santo.

Uno man kahay hinungdan nan pagkalipay ni Jesus?

Puwede kaha na makaambit kita sa Idja kalipay?

Hikit-an nato na bagan nalipay si Jesus sa isa ka gutlo nan kadaugan.

Nolampos Sidja sa Idja pagpa-abot nan Ideya Ninja.

Kontento Sidja na tagdawat an Idja mga pulong na maypagmahal nan Idja mga mapahi-obsanon na mga disipulo.

Nakita Nidja na tagdawat nila an mga bahandi na waya ihatag sa mga hari sanan mga bantugan.

Ini an pakighi-usa nan Diyos nan paghigugma nan Idja Ama na inhatag sa katawhan.

Ila na ini tagpanag-idja.

Tagpanag-idja sab ini nato kuman.

Jesus, tabangi kami na mapanag-idja inin bahandi nan paghigugma Dimo na inhatag Nimo damo, Amen.

readings for tuesday 2008-11-02

Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit.

What was it that was making Jesus so happy?

Can we share in it?

It looks as though Jesus was enjoying a moment of success.

He had succeeded in communicating.

He was content with the acceptance of His loving message by His humble disciples.

He could see that they were being given a treasure that kings and other great people had missed out on.

Here is the oneness with God which the love of His Father was offering to humanity.

They already possessed it.

We possess it.

Jesus, help us own this treasure to love You which You are giving us, Amen.

mga pagbasa nan lunes 2008-12-01

Dili unta kon angadjan na mangadjo nan pabor an sentoryon kan Jesus kay Romano man sidja, kontra nan mga Judeo.

Pero desidido gadjod karadjaw an sentoryon na mosood kan Jesus kay hugot man idja pagtoo na si Krito ra gadjod an makadadjaw sa masakiton na ulipon nidja.

Sa primero, gusto unta nidja na mokadto si Jesus sa ila bayay para tambadjon an solugoon pero nagduha-duha man sidja kay nasipog man seguro, nohangjo rakan sidja na bisan dili na si Kristo mokadto sa ila, ipamulong lamang Nidja, madadjaw na an maysakit.

Ini an tagkinahanglan nan ato Ginoo gikan dato, an arang gadjod ka hugot na pagtoo sa Diyos na mahimo Nidja bisan an mga butang na sa tan-aw nato imposible mahitabo, Idja mahimo.

Tagdadjeg ni Jesus an Romano kay arang man gadjod kahugot an pagtoo nidja Didja ugsa na nahikomparar Nidja an pagtoo nan sentoryon sa mga Israelita.

Kita na mga tag-aksiptar nan Diyos na Idja mga anak, may hugot ba isab kita na pagtoo sa ato Ginoo?

Ginoo ko, abrehi an amo mga huna-huna para mahimo kami na andam modawat nan Imo mga grasya kada adlaw, Amen.

readings for monday 2008-12-01

The centurion did not supposedly deserve to ask a favor from Jesus because he was a Roman, adversaries to the Jews.

However, he was very determined to get near to Jesus and ask Him heal his ailing servant because he firmly believed it was only Jesus who could straighten the paralyzed man who was home.

At first, the invitation was for Jesus to go his place to heal the servant but the centurion hesitated probably because he felt ashamed for he did not deserve Jesus' visit thus he just requested Him that He just say the words and his servant will be healed.

This is the faith that our Lord wants us to have, a faith in Him that even an apparent impossible thing could happen because of our belief in Him.

Jesus commended the Roman because he possessed true and deep faith in the Lord - a reason to compare the centurion with the Jews.

Do we, accepted children of God, also have true and deep faith in our Lord?

Lord, open our minds so that we can readily receive the graces that you constantly bestow on us everyday, Amen.

mga pagbasa para sa domingo 2008-11-30

Kuman an una na adlaw nan bag-ong tuig sa Simbahan, panahon nan Adviento.

Dinhi na sab kita mag-preparar nan ato mga kaugalingon para sa pag-abot nan ato Kristo sa Pasko na abri an ato mga kasing-kasing sa tanan gusto Nidja.

Kon buot huna-huna-on, dili unta kita angadjan na magpaabot nan Idja pag-abot kay duro pa man an ato mga bagahe na dili nato gusto na mabag-o sa ato mga kinabuhi.

An pinaka-tawag dato dinhi sa paghuyat nato nan Idja pag-abot: na bag-uhon nato an ato mga kaugalingon para kita makaandam sa Idja pag-abot.

Pero may mga Herodes pa kita sa ato pagkatawo na gusto nato pugngan an Idja pag-abot kay may mga butang pa man na dili nato gusto mag-bag-o.

Demudo, kinahanglan nato ipreparar gadjod pagdadjaw an ato mga kasing-kasing pinaagi sa pagbag-o sanan paghinolsol sa ato mga kasay-anan sa upat ka semana na preparasyon nan Adviento para angadjan kita na mag-pa-abot sa ato Kristo na ipanganak sa Pasko.

Ama, lig-ona kami hangtud sa katapusan para dili kami pagbasol sa pag-abot nan adlaw na amo Ginoong Jesus, Amen.

readings for sunday 2008-11-30

Today is first day of the Church's new year, the time of Advent.

This is the time for us to start preparing ourselves for the coming of our Christ of Christmas with open hearts to all that He wants us to do for Him.

Come to think of it: we are not deserving to wait for His coming because we still have a lot of thins that we do not want to change in our lives.

But just the same, we are exhorted to wait for His coming and be changed so that we become worthy of His presence upon His arrival.

However, we still have our Herods in us that want to thwart His arrival because we still have a lot of bad things in us that we do not want to change.

Thus, we have to thoroughly prepare ourselves and our hearts through our being changed and repentant of our sins in our four-week preparation of Advent so that we will be deserving to wait for our Christ Who will be born on Christmas.

Father, strengthen us till the end so that we will not regret on the day of the arrival of our Lord Jesus, Amen.

mga pagbasa nan biyernes 2008-11-28

Waya pa nato hibay-i kon kun-o gadjod mobalik an Ginoo sa kalibuotan sa Idja kahimayaan.

Pero naghatag na Sidja nan mga signus, dili lamang kon para kita kapasidan-an kondili para sab Nidja mapukaw an ato mga espiritu na maandam para nato hikit-an an pag-abot nan Idja Gingharian nan poder sanan kahimayaan.

An mga tawo na dili modawat sa Diyos sanan sa Idja Gingharian nan pagkamatarung mag-antos nan jaon na adlawa, pero an mga nangandoy na hikit-an Sidja nan huyarong malipay nan jaon na adlaw nan kalipay sanan pagmaya.

Gusto nan Diyos na malipadjon kita na mosugat nan Idja utro na pag-abot.

Segun sa Idja tagsaad, segurado gadjod na mobalik an Ginoo sa tanan kahimayaan Nidja.

Taghuyatan ba gadjod nato na Idja pagbalik sanan nangaliya ba kita na moabot na dadjon Sidja para mahitabo na an kalinaw sanan hustisya sa kalibutan?

Ginoo kong Jesus, ikaw an una sanan katapusan sa kasaysayan, an Ginoo nan tanan, hatagi kami nan malipadjon na pag-laum sanan kompiyansa na hikit-an 'Kaw namo nan huyarong sa pagbalik Nimo sa Imo kahimayaan, Amen.

readings for friday 2008-11-28

We do not know the day and time when the Lord will come again in glory.

But the He gives us signs, not only to wake us up as a warning, but also to rouse our spirits to be ready to see His Kingdom come in all Its power and glory.

Those who reject God and His Kingdom of righteousness will suffer on that day, but those who long to see the Lord face-to-face will marvel that day of joy and rejoicing.

The Lord wants us to be filled with joyful anticipation for his coming again.

He surely comes to us each day and speaks to our hearts.

As he promised, the Lord will surely come again in all His glory.

Do we look for the signs pointing to the Lord's return and do we pray that he come quickly to establish peace and justice on the earth?

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the beginning and the end of all history, and the Lord of all creation, give us joyful hope and confidence that we will see you face to face when you return in glory, Amen.

mga pagbasa para sa huwebes, 2008-11-27

Tagsultihan kita sa mga pagbasa nato kuman mahitungod sa mga distruksiyon sanan mga pasakit sa kalibutan adeser mobalik si Jesus - kamatuoran na inhibay-an na nato nan an una pa.

Nahipreparar ba nato an ato mga kaugalingon na sugaton bisan kun-o Sidja mo-abot aber kon magasagubang pa kita nan mga kalisdanan?

Mangutana seguro kita kon angadjan ba kita sa imbitasyon para sa patsada na selebrasyon nan Idja pag-abot.

Uno may ato himoon para nato maseguro na ad-oy ato luna sa kinabuhi pagkatapos nan kamatadjon?

Sa libro nan Rebelasyon, tag-imbitar kita na ato gadjod huptan an kamatooran na bulahan kita kay tagtawag man kita sa kumbera para sa kasal nan Kordero.

Samtang ato tag-tagdan an utrabes na pagpakita ni Jesus, puwede nato Sidja tawagon para sa mga dagko o sa mga gagmay na mga paagi.

Tawagon lamang nato an Idja ngayan bisan sa pabalik-balik na mga pangadje hangtud na ato matagamtam an ato pagka-sood nato Didja sanan an Idja presensiya sa ato kinabuhi.

Ginoo kong Jesus, gusto sanan kinahanglan namo na permi ini 'Kaw damo sa kada gutlo nan amo kinabuhi, Amen.

readings for thursday, 2008-11-27

Our readings for today speak of the great destruction and the pain on earth before Jesus comes back - something we already knew since then.

Have we prepared ourselves to greet Him whenever he comes and appears to us even if we are facing great tribulations?

We might wonder whether we are worthy of His invitation to the wonderful celebration of His coming.

What must we do to ensure that we have a place in the life after death?

In the book of Revelations, we are exhorted to hold to the truth that we are blessed because we are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.

While we await Jesus' reappearance, we can invoke Him in many great or small ways.

We just have to call His name and keep repeating our prayers until we gradually discern his close and gentle presence in our lives.

Lord Jesus, we need You and want You to be with us every moment of our lives, Amen.

mga pagbasa silom, miyerkules

Kinahanglan mag-ekperiyensiya kita nan paglutos kon gusto nato makabaton nan diyosnon na kinabuhi kan Jesus na ato Cristo.

Gusto sab nan Ginoo na paaboton nato an mga paglutos.

An pagpaabot nato nan paglutos amoy magpreparar sanan mag-armas dato para sa espituwal na giyera na ato sugaton kay segurado man kita na tabangan kita ni Kristo kay mahal man kita Nidja.

Hatagan man kita Nidja nan kinaadman para nato masagubang an ato mga kaaway.

Gusto nan ato Ginoo na sagubangon nato an mga paglutos, mga pagtraydor sanan mga pag-kontra tungod sa Idja ngayan.

Tagsaaran Nidja kita nan proteksiyon ugsa na kinahanglan magpabilin gadjod kita na malig-on para sa ato kaluwasan.

Ama, hukmi ako na angadjan sa paglutos, Amen


readings for tomorrow, wednesday

We have to experience persecution if we want to have a godly life in Jesus our Christ.

The Lord wants us also to expect persecutions.

This expectation prepares and arms us for spiritual warfare and we are certain that Christ will help us because He loves us.

He will give us His wisdom so that we can face our adversaries.

God wants us to face persecutions, treacheries and adveristies because of His name.

But He promised us protection hence we have to remain steadfast to attain salvation.

Father, judge me worthy to be persecuted, Amen.

mga pagbasa silom, martes

Dako na garbo para sa mga Hudeo an ila templo sa Jerusalem, isa ka kahibuyungan na estruktura sa karaan na kalibutan pero tagtagna ni Jesus an pagkaguba nan ini.

An pagpropesiya nan pagkaguba isa ka parte sa paghukom.

Tangadjoan nila si Jesus nan signus kon kun-o ini mahitabo.

Tagpasidan-an sila na dili kon signus lamang an hanapon nila kondili an kaharian nan Diyos.

Mahamok na signus an hikit-an nila - mga giyera, gutom, sakit, dagku na bayod sanan linog - pero an Idja tagtudlo an katapusan na paghukom.

Tagwarningan na sab sila na dili sila magpa-ilad sanan motoo sa mga tawo na mogamit nan Idja ngayan sa pag-abot nan na adlaw.

An pinaka-punto dinhi na an mga pasidaan ni Jesus para sa ato tanan na magpreparar sanan mangandam kita permi kay silom damyag, dili nato gadjod kalikadjan an Adlaw nan Paghukom.

Andam ba kita tanan permi sa ato mga kaugalingon na moatubang sa ato Pinaka-Huwes sa pag-abot nan adalaw?

Ama, dili unta namo mahibalhog an amo mga kaugalingon sa empiyerno kay mahal Mo man kami karadjaw, Amen.

readings for tomorrow, tuesday

The Jewish people took great pride in the temple at Jerusalem, a marvel of the ancient world, but Jesus prophesied its destruction.

The foretelling of this destruction was a dire judgment in itself.

They sought Jesus for a sign that would indicate when this would occur.

He admonished them to not seek signs but rather to seek God's kingdom.

He said that there will be plenty of signs – such as  wars, famines, diseases, tidal waves and earthquakes – pointing to God's ultimate judgment.

They were again admonished not to be deceived by those who would use His name when "the time has come" and not follow them.

The bottom line of all these is Jesus' exhortation for us to prepare and be ready for in the very soonest time, Judgment Day is inevitable.

Have we readied ourselves to face our Great Judge when "the time has come?"

Father, may we not condemn ourselves to hell, but let You love us, Amen.