Thursday, May 15, 2025

Isidro Labrador

 Come Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, please enkindle in us the fire of Thy Divine love, please send forth your Spirit Oh Lord Jesus, and it shall be created, and You Oh Holy Spirit of the Holy Trinity, shall renew the face of the earth starting with my thoughts, habits, decisions and words.

Mama Mary, Mother of God, please pray for us..

St. Joseph, terror of Demons, pray for us.

St, Isidro Labrador, patron saint of farmers , pray for us.

** ***

This morning, I woke up feeling so cool. I at once continued my task of last night which is 2/3rd done now.

Our great and wonderful God Almighty, Creator of all things, showed me beautiful golden rays from our kitchen window...and later on, the beautiful ball of fire...I love how, it showered and kissed everything with it's yellow hue.

Now, it is drizzling steadily with accompanying thunder and lightning in the distance.

Thank you Lord Jesus so the brush fires in the nearby places will be totally extinguished.

** **

Today's Kerygma Daily Bible Reflection by Lella M. Santiago is very similar to my current circumstances with my walk with our Lord.

I am indeed like a two year old throwing a tantrum since I am experiencing a dryness in my prayer life.

Though how much and many times He shows me His great love for me and His many many consolations...I still focus on the negatives of life.

While walking around the house while praying my 2nd rosary for the day, I saw wonderful sights from the windows, making me really feel so lovely of the green trees, the white blossoms of a distant neighbors tree, the soon to bloom lilacs in our front yard!!!

Thank you Lord Thank you Lord.

My dream last night is another reminder that if I can see it in my mind, I will surely see it in my hands since nothing is impossible if  our Lord wills it.

Thank you Lord.

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Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27

R: Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

2 The favors of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. 3 For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.” (R) 21 “I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him, 22 That my hand may be always with him, and that my arm may make him strong.” (R) 25 “My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him, and through my name shall his horn be exalted. 27 He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior.’” (R)

** ***

John 13:18  jumped out to me!

The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.*

Betrayal, rudeness, rejections are normal fare for followers of Him, who was betrayed, insulted and rejected strongly.

Lord, I offer this instances and events to You, dispose them as you please, and may my words, actions and intentions give you back all the glory.

Mama Mary, please hold my hand as I walk with you and your Son Jesus Christ.

My Lord, my Savior and my leader.

** ***

Do you let Jesus take the lead in your personal relationship with Him? In what way?

How do you react when your prayers are not answered? Do you make your own golden calf instead of persisting in prayer?

In your current state of life, how are you being called to tell the story of Jesus?


*** 

I will be quoting Fr Eugene Fadul's reflection verbatim.

A Layperson among Spiritual Giants

A Facebook post emerged during the Feast of San Isidro Labrador: “Happy fiesta to half of the Philippines!” Indeed, the Feast of San Isidro Labrador is so famous in our country, and many parishes and chapels around the country have him as their patron saint. What made him so famous? This can easily be understood in our context because ours is an agricultural nation. We live from the fruits of the earth. Like many of the Filipinos, San Isidro was a farmer, and he used his humble status as a means to holiness. 

But we find many things in the life of this saint that teach us why he became famous. He was canonized on March 12, 1622, together with Sts. Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, and Philip Neri—all considered spiritual giants. San Isidro is the only layperson in the group. This shows that the Church has recognized this humble saint. This affirms that humility is the key to sanctity, as these five saints have followed Christ.

Further, San Isidro’s wife—Beata Maria de la Cabeza—is also beatified by the Church. There are only a few saints whose family members are also raised to the altar. This teaches us that holiness is not personal, but something that can and must be shared with others. 

The life and virtues of San Isidro Labrador remind us that the Gospel must be proclaimed anytime and anywhere. Like Saint Paul who was ready to speak about Jesus to places and people he encountered, San Isidro proclaimed the Gospel through his faithfulness to his work. He made God first in his life. Through this, San Isidro teaches us the path to holiness. Everyone is called to tell the story of Jesus, whatever their status in life is. You can become a saint! 

Fr. Eugene Fadul

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

May Showers

 This morning, I woke up to a very cool breeze coming in from the open window. I heard thunder in the distance...then the most welcome rain showers.

Thank God!

These past few days were very challenging...very hot!

Mari announced last night that it could possibly snow this weekend?!

What?

***


Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of your faithful, please enkindle in us the fire of Divine love, send forth your Spirit Lord and it shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.


Today's gospel reading reflection question:

When was the last time you spent a few quiet moments with God? Friend, today, make time for God and let Him love you.

Do you want to be an apostle?



** ***


Yesterday, I watched an interview of a Wisconsin nun, perhaps in her 90s already talking about the new Pope as being her student in Theology and some other subjects as part of the young seminarian's formation in the 1970's.

One of the topics that was discussed was women priests. Her reply was kind of vague, but you could see she was very open to it with the counter question...what if a woman has the true calling in her heart to serve the Lord in that capacity, who are we to stop that?

Hmmm....


** ***

Yesterday, I also had a nice chat with two women. It was very nice!

One indeed has a need to connect and just talk about mundane stuff like a un-burdening, un-boxing, sharing ready to be refilled, refreshed and renewed!

May Our Lord Jesus Christ, through His most Holy Spirit, make His love for us be felt strongly today and always as I say, Lord Jesus, lead me, guide me, protect me and my family.


Mama Mary, pray for us.



Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of your faithful, please enkindle in us the FIRE OF YOUR DIVINE LOVE, please send forth your Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth, starting with my mind, my heart, body and soul.


** ***

Summer is indeed here!

Temperatures seared and sizzled to the 33*!!!

Staying subterranean is much preferred. It is so cool in the basement, but my laundry towels do not dry as fast.

Yesterday, Ruel, Lilli and I did some yard work when it was much cooler around past 8pm.

Finally, my new plants are settled!

I was able to turn on  the almost- in- retirement- lawn mower several times.

Hope my youngest is able to see this good example of  determination.

But on hind sight, I did show her that good thing, but flipped side a few hours later, my impatience in signing up with a website to get my CE credits for my yearly renewal for my financial services license was stressing me out and I was not a very good patient mom!

Oh well, win some , lose some!

May the positive force be with me more next time.


** ***

Today is the feast of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima to the children in Portugal.

I was  so touched that last Sunday, after mass, we were able to join the procession.

It has been quite a while now that I have not participated in such an event.

Thank you Lord Jesus for this grace.

Ave Maria.

** ***

Today's Kerygma Daily Bible Reading and Reflection by  a lay person Joy Roa is giving me a reminder to take care of my physical health.

The reflection of Father Eugene Fadul is reminding me of offering up sufferings in service and in prayer for others.

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2025-05-13


** **


How do you handle the hard times in your life? Do they weaken you, or do they strengthen your faith? 

Do you strive to listen to and obey God’s Word and leading?


** ***

Sharing some photos of my very beautiful Mother's Day Weekend. Thank you to Ruel, Mari and Lilli and to my dear friend  Cely and her sister Manang Lilia, who is now also my dear sister.






































Thank you Lord Jesus for being our Good Shepherd!

Alleluia! Alleluia!




Saturday, April 12, 2025

Pragmatic?

 

April 12,2025

 

Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy faithful, enkindle in us the Fire of your Divine LOVE send forth your Spirit Lord, and it shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.

** ***

I am so happy, that I can sing and dance.

It was a well spent night last night.

This morning, upon waking up, I urged Ruel for us to start our day by reading and reflecting on the gospel /scripture for today.

I encountered the word  PRAGMATIC.

Let me check the meaning of the word.

Oh ok…related to the practical causes and effect of things in everyday living.

The reflection question was:

How pragmatic are you? Have you ever allowed the practicality and effectiveness of a particular course of action to cause you to sin because you disregarded the rights of other people?

Holy Spirit, help me to see with the eyes of God, listen with His ears, and love with His heart so that I will always be respectful of the rights of others. Amen

The other night, I was just telling a young man of 25 years old, I do not like not to like a person. But, if the person shows me unpleasant qualities and disrespect, it is not easy to LIKE to keep my best attitude and regard for this particular person.

Oh Holy Spirit, please guide me with you wisdom, so I may know how to deal with this person with kindness and respect.

Mama Mary, please, pray for me and this situation and all persons involved.

Ave Maria.

Totus Tus.

 ***

Kerygma Family Daily Bible Reflections


https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2025-04-12

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Behold, the Handmaid of the Lord

 

March 25,2025

Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the heart of your faithful, please enkindle in us the fire of Your Divine Love, send forth your Spirit Oh Lord and it shall be created, and it shall renew the face of the earth.

** **

Today is the  Feast of the Annunciation of Mary.

Exactly 9 months from now is the birth of our Lord.

I am attempting to do an impossible challenge.

May Mama Mary, who was troubled, yet choose to obey in Faith, that nothing is impossible with  God, did not waver to follow God’s will.

An unwed mother will surely be stoned to death in their time.

And yet, she said yes:

“ Be it done unto me according to your Word.” “ Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.”

** ***

 

Is dialogue a way of life in your family, neighborhood, and community (personal and virtual)? 

Like Mama Mary, how do you make yourself ready and willing to do God’s will for you?

What is the “small” yes that the Lord is asking from you this time?

 

** **

 

My answers:

 There are many  small yeses I need to focus and decide upon, like:

1.       Yes  to intentional eating and moderate diet.

2.       Yes to sugar free drinks and focus on water more.

3.       Yes to making the best of my time and lessen time wasters like doom scrolling in the internet.

4.       Yes to the needs of my husband, daughters and  family and community.

5.       Yes to my Good Shepherd, who knows best.

 

Part of making myself ready, is to seek and continue pondering on His Word as much as possible and to get into deep prayer frequently.

 

Dialogue in a calm, patient and loving manner is still a work in progress especially in moments of conflict and contention.

 

My recent chat with some good good friends was so refreshing.

 

Thank you Nanette, Dadah and Trixie. See you again with hopefully, Viola and Mona.

 

My wonderful sisters of Singles For Christ, Fatima ( circa 1996)

 


 

 

Monday, March 24, 2025

The God of Gladness and Joy


March 24,2025

Come Oh Holy Spirit of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Come!

 

** ***

The Kerygma Family Daily Bible Reading with reflections has this question for me to ponder on:

 

Do you challenge others just to confront them, or to encourage a deeper response in faith?

First of, confrontations are quite tricky and challenging to navigate.

My youngest was just telling me of an incident that occurred April 2020 that she has not gotten over with.

I hope, my listening and her venting would slowly dissipate any lingering  unhealthiness in mind and body.

The body usually and does keep score.

Buried emotions will sooner or later erupt in many ways and unscheduled times.

So, yes, I would try to avoid confrontations and process them through writing and seeking the Sacraments.

I was just reminded recently in an activity Ruel and I attended of the V shape dialogue. Where one seats side by side in sharing thoughts and feelings as in counseling.

Face to face  facing can be more confrontational  than the V shape posture.

Also, when one invokes the presence of the Holy Spirit of  God the Father and God the son..

Peace and calm will be achieved.

I am inclined to quote the last verse of today’s first reading:

“Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel.”2Kings 5:15

This was when Naaman, the army commander of  the King of Syria encountered the prophet Elisha in his need for healing.

Words that stand out: Israel, Syria.

I cannot help but ponder on the pictures I saw lately of those beheaded in Syria for their Christian beliefs that the mainstream media will not report on.

 My prayer:

May the blood of the Christian martyrs in Syria recently and around the world through all of history give glory to the word made flesh, Jesus.

Sunday, March 23, 2025

Bless me Lord for I am a Sinner!

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of your faithful, enkindle in us the fire of your Divine Love, send forth your Spirit Oh Lord, and it shall be created, and You shall renew my mind and the rest of the world.

** ***

I woke up like 3 times this morning.

First at 12:30am to bring Mayo out for her pee.

I noticed at once the new blanket of snow.

After two weeks of  hovering above zero temperatures...we got a new salt shaken surroundings.

I guess, we will still see this until April rolls in.

Then 2:30am then 4am.

Maybe, my body is super excited for the event for today.

***

My emails show me a good piece of news I have been looking forward to.

Thank you Lord.

***

Readings for this 3rd Sunday of Lent reminds us to Repent and turn away from our sins.

Time for the sacrament of  Reconciliation to be scheduled soonest.

***

Jesus Christ of Nazareth, son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner