The Greatest and First Two Commandments

 Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lead: Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
Response: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

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Today's gospel readings is very,very short and yet...one of the hardest to do.

The love our unlovable neighbor.

Oh yes, it is quite easy and dandy if the neighbor is lovable.

It is when the person irritates you, hurts you, angers you...makes you think ungodly thoughts.

There is the rub.

Today's reflection questions are:

How have you been responding to God’s call to love Him, others, and yourself? 

What motivates you to do what is good and right? Is it love of God and neighbor? What are the concrete ways of loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind? How do you love your neighbor as yourself?

One has to be able to answer first and foremost what is a healthy way of loving oneself?

Where do I get my identity from?

Do I get it from what people say or my perception of it?

Or what I want them to think of me?

How much of it is pride and ego?

Next, what is a concrete way of showing my love to God, myself and my neighbor.?

How do I love God with all my heart, my soul and my mind?

I must spend time with God a lot.

Read and reflect on His word.

Ponder.

Meditate.

Then process it and try to apply it in action.

Of course...ask Him for the grace to know what His mission or purpose is for the life He has gifted me with.

Without His grace, without His mercy, we will always fall short.

And there is the evil one who will derail all our well laid out plans.

I rebuke  the evil one.

I reject the evil one.

I repudiate and cast out the evil one and his minions.

I cast them to the foot of the cross of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I command and authorize these evil spirits to await Jesus' instructions to them.

I ask for the cover of Jesus most precious blood all around me and my family, every nook and cranny of our home, our source of supply, our vehicles, our path, our roads, our travel, all the air and ground around us below us and above us.

Mama Mary, Mother of God, help us.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

St, Padre Pio, pray for us.

St. Charbel Maklouf of Lebanon, pray for us.

St. Giana Galgani of Luca, pray for us.

All the angels and saints especially Saint Michael, pray for us and my family , friends and neighbors.

Alleluia Alleluia.

Hosanna in the highest Holy Trinity, One God.

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Today, I remember Ninoy Aquino, who was killed for his opposition views to the then dictator Ferdinand Marcos on this day many years ago.

He could have stayed in Boston to save his life.

He chose to come back and face the music.

The death march was ready to be played for him.

He spilled his blood as a martyr to remind the Filipino and his country, that we were worth it.

By God's grace, may we prove so.

Twenty days from now, another execution of another formidable voice will be remembered...

One person who said, he will be remembered by his faith, first and foremost in His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD6jKICYFEE

The Camel and the Eye of a Needle

  Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lead: Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
Response: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

** ***

The first reading from the book of Ezekiel advices against haughtiness and puffed up pride.

The gospel has many points to unpack:

1. When one's riches and success can hinder oneself from seeking God's presence and will in his/her life. As, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

2. What is impossible for man is possible for God.

3.Who can be saved then?

4. Peter speaks in behalf of the disciples, " we have given up everything to follow you."

5. Jesus assures them of their rightful place as the head or guide of the 12 tribes of Israel.

6. Jesus further promises that for those who have given up, everything will be returned back to them in 100 fold plus the kingdom of God in heaven.

7. Those who are first, will be last, and the last will be first.

Reflection questions from Kerygma Family:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-08-18

What things do you treasure most today? Are they things that will last or things that will pass?

What are the distractions that hinder you from following Jesus? How will you keep focused on the mission He has given you?

** **

I attempted to invite some people to join us in our evangelistic community. One took offense, another hesitated and refused our invite.

All the while, I was getting darts of rejection, social isolation in some pockets or bubbles in a recent activity.

Again, the litany of humility is a required reading, meditating and applying on.

Also, surrendering everything at the foot of the Holy Cross of my Lord, my Savior Jesus Christ.

The sting is bitter, Lord.

Take over Lord.

I did my part.

I will continue to thank You and trust in You as I go through this time of testing again.

Praise Your Lord Alleluia!

The gospel readings with our voice recording for your easy listening:

https://youtu.be/ukFMuTvJuMo

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me

 Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lead: Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
Response: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

** ***

There are days, no matter the times you read  or listen to something...it does not stick.

I kept listening to  Fr. Eric Gibbins of Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Church in Roblin St. Winnipeg in the 9am online broadcast of today's mass.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJQeW3LiWF8

Now as I attempt to recollect the readings...what stands out is the tops of mountains imagery in the first reading.

Earlier, at breakfast time for Lilli and I, I pointed out to her the formations I can see in the canopy of trees between leaves outside our dinning area window.

It forms a cross.

She sees a star.

When the canoe we were given in Lake Louise was #7, I knew that it was God's way of saying, I see you. Now, see me!

The number 7 has often been associated as God's number.

Today, we are reminded to follow Him, deny ourselves and carry our crosses.

Father Eric says, the cross may vary and differ.

It could be people around who are hard to love and forgive.

It could be having to sacrifice our wants and needs so others may simply live.

It could also be being patient and loving when you want to give up on someone.

Whatever it may be, God in His greatness can help us with the burden or heaviness...like Simon the Cypriot, who help Jesus, God the Father, God the Holy Spirit can help us carry our cross.

Thank You Lord  Jesus.

Thank You...

** *** 

https://youtu.be/U9LRXjUVArM

Our recording for your audio comfort the gospel readings for today.

Here is Kerygma Family Bible Readings and reflection questions and prayers.

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-08-07

** **

What is your version of “taking up your cross and following Jesus”?

What do you see as a cross in your life today?

Transfigure and Transform

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

** ***

The weather today has been cool and a bit overcast with light showers.

The gospel reading for today is of Jesus meeting Moses and Elijah up in the mountain.

Peter , John and his brother James were with Jesus and saw and heard everything.

The dazzling white clothes.

The voice from a cloud saying " This is my beloved Son in whom I am very pleased. Listen to Him."

Oh how I wish it was as clear as it was in that mountain top experience for those who are straying from the right path.

We just had recently experienced a mountain top visit.

It was super awesome.

I didnt like to come down anymore.

But, life is in the valleys and the prairies.

It was a much needed retreat.

It was such a renewal.

We returned home very much refreshed.

** ***

Gospel reflection questions:

Imagine that you were with Jesus when He transfigured. How would that make you feel? 

How is God revealing Himself to you and calling you to be more like Him?

** **

Thank you Lord Jesus for revealing yourself to me in the mountains of Banff.

Thank you Lord Jesus for blessing us with Your favor.

Thank you Lord Jesus for protecting us from all harm and danger.

Thank you for refreshing us with the beauty of  nature...the emerald waters of Lake Louise and the cool view of the mountain tops.

Thank you Lord Jesus for bringing us safely home.

Thank you Lord Jesus for your message today that I can also be transformed by your WORD and your grace...that each day, I will target to receive Your pat in my back by saying, You are very pleased with what I accomplished for You and how I remained a child of the most High bringing His LIGHT to all.

Thank you Lord. Thank you.

Your Faith Has Saved You

 Come Holy Spirit, please fill my heart and my mind with your gifts .Enlighten my mind and guide my actions. Help me to be humble and patient, trusting in God's timing and wisdom. Empower me to serve others and to love as Christ love. Amen.

** ***

So many things to share....so many lessons learned....so many graces and blessings received...so many things to Praise God for.

Please allow me to share a recap of the past days events:

August 1,2026

We attended a funeral mass for a brother in the community. It was a first for us here in Canada. It was a beautiful chance to listen to the eulogies delivered by the deceased immediate family. 

It is a timely reminder to put our lives and hearts in order and think of what we are to leave behind. What our  tomb stones will read and how our love ones will remember us by.

Begin with the end in mind as Covey would list as one of the good habits.

That afternoon  we got some flowering plant seedlings and a cabinet from sis Teena after being fed with yummy Liempo and green mangoes and bagoong.

Super yum!!!

Sunday saw Lilli and I doing the first and 2nd readings at the Holy Cross Parish Church.

Again, that temporary panic before I stood up to read was so  debilitating...but Praise God for the grace He gave me to overcome and show up.

Sunday afternoon saw Marsie, Kaye and us set up for our Garage Sale. A plan that was set last March yet.

Unfortunately we didnt have much patrons and sale. Our young lemonade stand  seller, Kayleigh had  a one and only buyer who bought a  $1 dollar glass for $5...not asking for the change back.

Yipee Yay!!

Monday, Terry Fox day, I was planning to document all that happened in Alberta, but was not able to finish my blog since , Ruel had other plans.

It was such a pleasant surprise!!!

This morning, I just finished meeting with the online Dandelion Book Club for our August movie, 2015 Kendrick Brothers movie: War Room.

Awesome movie!

Great message.

** ***

Today's kerygma Family Reflections:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-08-05

How deep is your faith? How can you make it grow deeper?

What can we learn from the faith of the Canaanite woman in today’s Gospel? 

As I turn 57 real soon, I would say, my faith has been tested so many times and I'd say, I barely made the passing greade.

No worries.

It is my God, my Savior who fills the lack.

He get's my mustard seed faith and answers my prayers and sends miracles my way.

He has surrounded me with angels and human ones too.

And if my prayer could only be two words...it would be, Thank Your.

My Lord Jesus is so good!

He is so gracious.

He is so kind.

Blessed be His Most precious name and blood.

May He be praised now and forever.

Mary, the Mother of  my God, please continue to help us draw closer and closer to your Son Jesus Christ.

Jeremiah, John and Alphonsus

 Come Holy Spirit, please fill my heart and my mind with your gifts .Enlighten my mind and guide my actions. Help me to be humble and patient, trusting in God's timing and wisdom. Empower me to serve others and to love as Christ love. Amen.

** **

Today's Kerygma Daily Bible Readings/Reflections:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-08-01

The readings for today highlight the obedience and dedication of God's holy warriors to His truth.

Jeremiah.

John the Baptist.

A little over a month ago, Ruel and I have come into close proximity with a young couple.

During the baptism of their child, I noticed something off with one of their guests.

It so happened, the spouse also noticed it.

We were able to discuss it just lately.

I took the chance to warn them of the dangers of being too close for comfort and safety with ladies who have no qualms of entering into dangerous waters or do not recognize limits in  emotional or physical space of  couples in committed relationships.

It may have not been a welcome or solicited advise...but, I took the opportunity to  give a gentle warning just the same.

And to those ladies who do not respect boundaries of married men, please know that I am praying for you and that the Holy Spirit may enlighten you of your folly.

St Monica, we pray for this ladies.

St. Rita of Casia, please pray for these straying ladies.

St.  Mary Magdalene, please intercede for our prayer intentions that ladies who seek to knowingly wreak havoc in marital bonds be brought to the LIGHT of the TRUTH of the gospel of Christ Jesus.

The reflection question for today's readings:

How courageous are you to speak up for the truth at any given time? Ask God for the grace to do so.

Jesus, help me to embrace the truth at all times, even if it is painful. I want to grow in holiness. 

St Alphonsus Liguouri, Founder of the Redemptorists, pray for us.

Today, we celebrate the life of St. Alphonsus Liguori, the founder of the Redemptorists or the Society of Missions. His holy life reminds us of God’s mercy for His people. Saint Alphonsus reminds us to reflect on the cross of Jesus where we find the mystery of salvation, perfectly portrayed in the love of Jesus who died for us and was raised from the dead. Let us gaze on the cross every day and reflect on what it means to us. Let us allow ourselves to be drawn more deeply into the love and mercy of Jesus

Goodbye July! Hello August!

 Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

** ***

It is Friday and the last day of July 2026.

Sun down is getting earlier. Last June, it would set almost 10pm. Now, it is almost 9pm.

Soon, it would be fall.

The fist order of the day yesterday, though how much I preferred to sleep all day, was to bring Mari's 2nd hand car to Holy Cross Church to be blessed by Father Ani.

We were in time for the 745am mass. There was a group of pilgrims departing for  Our Lady of Guadalupe, Wisconsin.

I shared in their quiet excitement!

Today, I plan to write about our MFC Western Region Couple's Congress (WRCC) what I picked up from there and how Ruel and I wish to go forward in our service of our Lord Jesus.

But, for now, let me just focus mostly on the reflection questions from Kergyma Family Daily Bible Reflections:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-07-31

What has been your turning point in life—that is, when did you decide to follow Christ?

It was 1976 and a very strong earthquake struck Zamboanga City. The aftershock the following day was equally scary.

In great distress I called on to God to save us.

Zamboanga City was indeed spared from the tidal wave that hit the neighboring towns all around us while we, being at the tip of the peninsula, was spared.

Local folklore claimed that Our Lady of the Pillar, which was just a stone throw from our residence at 26  Valderosa St. was instrumental in interceding and praying for the city to be kept safe.

Mom was panic stricken and as we all huddled at the bottom of the staircase, just by the main doors, I asked her to pray. She was in shock that she told me to take the lead.

Me, being the 7th of 8 children that time, felt so unworthy.

And yet, I obeyed.

It marked my walk with my Lord's Mother first...then in high school, I chose to  read the bible daily.

Are you praying for a miracle? Do you have faith? What preparations have you made to receive your coming miracle?

I declare that our  recent trip to Alberta was a miraculous feat in itself. It was not part of the plan. But, God wanted to meet us in the WRCC  and so, he blessed us with the means which he made use of a good number of earth angels.

The only preparation I can make in receiving coming miracles and or answered prayers is the posture of humility and  TRUST.

No matter what, if God wills it, it is possible.

Who was the first person you shared your conversion story with? What was his/her reaction?

It is the community of Singled for Christ then my readers in the old  yahoo! blogging site.

My prayer as taken from Kerygma:

Lord, please continue to be my strength as you re-direct me each time I fall and lose my way. Mama Mary, pray for us.