Thursday, April 2, 2026

Maundy Thursday 2026

 

Maundy Thursday 2026

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

** **

Today, my mom and dad would have celebrated 66 years of married life.

Unfortunately, in 2001, mom succumbed to the big C .

They had a total of 41 years married. Mom was 64 years old.

Dad survived her for 14 years more, and finally passed on in 2015 at age 83.

Yesterday, I got to pray and chat with a 60 year old mom of 3 grown up children. She had her first born at 19 years old.

I loved her philosophy in her children choosing their partners in life.

One of her children was just served divorce papers after 17 years of married life.

I was inquiring if she had an inkling or a vibe that this would happen.

I was trying to see if she was able to see some red flags early on.

I guess what I want to see first of all are the following:

1.       Was God a central figure in their life choices?

2.       Did service to one another figure in  their day to day choices?

3.       What was the couple’s end goal?

** ** 

I want to put out first and foremost, that I am a believer and follower of Christ Jesus.

As such, I check in on Him for His thoughts and words on Marriage.

I believe that God, The Father, Creator of heaven and earth instituted marriage.

Thus, what He has joined together, no one must break.

There are 3 parties in the union. God, the husband and the wife.

** **

Dad and mom had a lot of challenges in their married life. They had 9 children as products of this union.

When I was in 3rd year high school, the challenges came one after the other.

There is the hint of infidelity that resulted in a possible  offspring.

Mom was super stoic about it.

She chose to stay in the marriage.

Dad said, only time can tell. He did not say yes or no to the question of his extra marital affair.

Their life after the supposed betrayal, was marked by a radical change in lifestyle and direction.

Dad supported mom in her activities to draw closer to the Lord and serve Him.

When one is in rock bottom, there is no way but to look UP.

** **

I hope this particular story of our family, will inspire this young mom on the process of divorce.

I had the chance to be the 2nd person to read the divorce papers that was just served to her 2 hours earlier.

It made my head spin.

April fools day to be so coincidental!!!

My mom’s steady and calm reaction to the case of a possible extra marital affair was a super power.

I just hope that it did not cause her own health deterioration.

The kryptonite that killed her eventually?

** **

The decision to forgive is not easy.

It requires a continuous and super natural effort not to lash out and put matters in your own hands.

** **

This young husband, made a promise to his young wife, that he will never allow what happened to him, a product of a broken relationship, happen to his own children.

And what has happened now?

He runs off with another young mom he met through online gaming.

The son of whom is the age of his 2nd child with his legal wife.

** **

My prayer and my hope:

The world is really lost and confused without the knowledge and relationship with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He came so that we can have life. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

We can do nothing good apart from Him being in our lives.

He is the Word made flesh, who died for our sins as a ransom for us so we can be redeemed from the snares, traps and fight of the Evil One.

We all have a God shaped hole in our hearts brought about the pain and trauma of living in a fallen world, and only God can fill it with His healing graces.

United with Him, we can conquer all our wounds with His graces.

May we have the grace to go to Him, this Holy Week and endure our Good Friday with the hope of Easter and salvation every step of the way.

He is the answer.

He can save us.

Praise to You Oh Lord Jesus Christ.

 


 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

God's Peace

 Come Oh Holy Spirit, please fill the hearts of thy 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 the face of the earth.

** **

It has almost been a month now that I have missed writing my thoughts and reflections.

Holy Week is almost here.

Next Sunday is Palm Sunday then, the following Sunday is Easter.

In between those dates are the commemoration of the Lord's passion, death and resurrection.

I chanced upon this short Tiktok video of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians martyred Feb.15,2015.

Spare us Oh Lord and Christian Martyrs, pray for us.

I pray especially for the Iran, US-Israel war.

20th day now.

I pray that Ukraine may be spared anymore bloodshed. It has been going on for 5 years now.

I pray for the Gaza situation.

I pray for Nigeria.

Lord Jesus, heal us, guide us and protect us.

** **

My gratitude list:

Winter is almost over. I praise and thank God that despite the very icy paths, I am able to maintain my balance walking like a penguin. Small steps. Many instances of almost slipping and falling.

The wintry, magical frosting of the trees were a sight to behold.

I now know the best conditions for this to happen, the plus and minus of the temperature needle.

When the snow melts when the temperature borders above freezing, then a sudden dip below zero with blowing snow.

Wonderland!

So beautiful!

Thank you Lord for my youngest daughter having the musical skills and talents. She made a go of auditioning for her 3rd year with The Manitoba Honour band and she made it!

Her good friend did not unfortunately. They were hoping to bond and spend time together in this in depth training.

Marcelina's audition piece was so amazing.

She is also diving deep into Badminton. Her dad is is proud and happy.

Marina on the other hand is almost done with her Professional Baking course with the Red River College.

They had a social networking event the yesterday and she was asking me for my comments on her attire.

I marvel at how much she has grown in maturity and confidence.

She is gearing up for her internship. She will soon let go of her first work from which she has gained a lot.

I made sure that her gum paste pink cherry blossoms are taking special places in our home.







Thank you Lord Jesus for Ruel's presence and support with my various projects. Let me correct that phrase, Lord's Divine Appointments, instead.

Thank You Lord Jesus for the many many times You save us from the dark pitt.

Thank You Lord Jesus for the restoration work You have started and I claim Your choicest blessings  now and always.

** **

Kerygma Daily Bible Reflection questions:

This Lent, how can you intentionally express love and gratitude to the people in your life while they are still with you?

Lord, teach me to cherish love in the present. Help me express gratitude and affection today, following the example of Your selfless and sacrificial love. Amen.





Friday, February 27, 2026

February 27,2026 TGIF

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

**

At 7am today, I was able to catch up in the zoom event for the Novena Prayers with Rosary for the wife of a  friend. She passed 3 days ago. 

She was dad's replacement secretary in the Bank of the Philippine Islands, Zamboanga City Main Branch.

I was perhaps between 7 to 10 years old when I got to hear her answer my calls to dad when dad' secretary would be away,

She had this very unique way of answering the phone. Very remarkable. Unforgettable.

I will always remember our telephone numbers then.

36-31

29-31

** **

Today, the blowing snow is crazily making my view of the windows, remember driving last month, with the same or more challenging road conditions. Almost zero visibility.

I wanted Ruel to share to me the dash cam recording.

Unfortunately, it was recorded over before he could do it.

Nevertheless, I praise and thank God for the grace of His guidance and protection.

It made me recall the time we travelled to Alberta, November 2022.

Thank you God for sparing us from the more than 10 car pile up of cars and big truck accidents, a domino effect near Medicine Hat, Alberta.

We missed it by a few minutes.

Praise God Alleluia!

I will never forget seeing a firetruck man being pushed my the strong winds as he attempted to walk towards us and inform us of the road detours.

I will also never forget navigating small rural roads with no street lights at all.

Thank God again and again for His light and shield of protection and guidance.

** **

Today's gospel readings remind me of the gospel readings of the Friday/weekend of Valentine's day.

It reminds us to repair broken relationships and to get rid of negative attitudes and habits.

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-02-27

Here are the reflection questions:

How do you live out your faith in your daily life? What kind of witness do others see in you?

How can you move beyond the outward sacrifices of Lent and focus on addressing the attitudes and emotions that truly separate you from God?


My prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me especially when I struggle to walk with faith on water.


Thursday, February 26, 2026

February 26,2026

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

** ** 

Good morning world!

It is another beautiful day.

Weather reports predict that soon the ice and snow will melt.

I guess, that is not applicable to Manitoba. 

Someone told me that they experienced 4 seasons in one day.

Wow!

Snow, Rain  and Summer weather with a bit of spring?

That would be something to experience.

I just re-learned about the awful flooding in Texas and the Coast Guard hero Scott Ruskin.

https://www.kcra.com/article/texas-flooding-coast-guard-state-of-the-union-award/70494903

Flash flooding that killed around 130 people and this rescuer saving 165.

Wow!

Praise God for listening to the prayers for help of those 165 people.

Seeking God's grace of surrender for those who perished.

** **

Today's Kerygma Family Catholic gospel readings remind us of the right posture of asking anything in prayer from Our Lord.

Matthew 7:7 Ask and  you shall receive, Seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you...

But, what if one does not receive what one asks for?

God' knows best.

Last night my youngest came to me so giddy with excitement...telling me she is wanting to tell me of a project that is coming to fruition.

She asks me if I will say YES to support it.

This is the 3rd time she has come to me in this manner and with an already answered question of YES.

So, I would patiently and gently remind her I cannot do that.

I have to know all the details before I say YES.

I made two guesses which made her irritated with me.

I asked,  your crush has a crush on you too?

BIG no!

I asked again, do you now have a boyfriend?

Now, I was treading on dangerous waters.

I still proceeded with my guesses...until she left me to finish my task on hand.

** **

Was I like her when I was a teenager? 

Guess so...I just remember I need to be very patient as my parents were.

** ** 

Reflection questions:

What have you been struggling with lately? Has this brought you to the point of giving up? Or has this made you closer to God?

How can you grow in trusting God’s wisdom, even when His answers to your prayers are not what you have hoped for?

Kerygma prayers:

Lord, may I find myself and Your love for me in the process of asking and working for my intentions.

Lord, help me to trust that You know what is best, even when Your answer is different mfrom my desire. Amen.


God knows my struggles.
I surrender to His wisdom and guidance.
Thank You God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit, One God in three.


Wednesday, February 25, 2026

EDSA People Power Revolution 40 Years Later

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

** **

What a beautiful morning!!!

The sun is gloriously shinning through the kitchen and dinning windows!



My pizza is almost done in the oven!



This is my 2nd attempt in making my own pizza dough without baking powder, yeast or egg.

So happy!

Last week, my Marina made her no bread crumb pandesal!

Oh it was so yummy!

Praise God for the grace to work with our hands!

Praise God for the 80% relief I am experiencing from my sciatica.

It took me a while to get up from bed though. Changing positions is still a struggle and involves a lot of pain.

But, over all, I am very happy with the recent exercise I am doing!

Praise God!!!

** **

Pizza got the passing grade from my high school freshman as she grabs a quick bite while dashing out of the back door claiming she is late for school.





yayy!!!

Mayo got a small bite too!



** **

Last night, I finally got most of the Christmas tree decors down. Hopefully by the weekend, there will be no more Christmas decors in the house.

My weekend was so full that the headache  developed  late Sunday, required me to just rest the whole of Monday and a bit of Tuesday!

** **

Took time to be updated with world news.

Praying for peace and safety of all people affected by the Cartel operations/reactions in Mexico.

Praying for all those negatively affected by the Epstein evil reign.

How true the Ghislaine Maxwell was sighted in Montreal?

Also, the growing suspicion over Erica Kirk's unfaithfulness to Charlie?

Lord knows whatever is true.

We entrust all of these disturbing news into His Hands. Trusting that He will keep all our love ones safe from the devil's tactics of manipulation, temptations,  oppression, infestations and possessions...in Jesus most might name and blood we claim.

** ***

I just learned about another death.

The numbers come in waves and batches.

Are they related to the Covid Vac?

Are these cases reactions to it?

Spare us Oh Lord Jesus Christ!


** ***

Today's Catholic Gospel Readings taken from Kerygma Family:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-02-25

Here is my audio recording of it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32XsG63P6y4

____


Reflection question:

Are you learning to walk by faith, even when you don’t see clear signs or immediate answers?


***

Remembering the first People Power revolution in reaction to the death of Ninoy Aquino Jr.

40 years ago!

I was first year in college.

Yellow was the color!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dnYEJjZ5es&t=4s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6V0uDXlvcI


Monsignor Soc Villegas message today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRADqlv6mKI

Monday, February 16, 2026

Catholic Gospel Readings for February 16,2026

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

** ***

Today's gospel readings as taken from Kerygma Family 

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-02-16

My audio recording of it:

https://youtu.be/2ofoc_eOgVQ

** ***

Reflection question:

What are you hungry for?

** ***

I hunger for the faith and confidence of a mustard seed that as I seek my good Shepherd's hand and guidance in my life as THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE, I may achieve my God mission on this earth.

I hunger for a grateful heart that no matter what struggles I may face, I will remain thankful to Our Lord's generosity.


Happy Birthday Jane Steubing

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

** ***

Today is Louie Riel Holiday.

It is also my dear friend's Jane's birthday.

I will honor her with photos of her Christmas Home. This past Christmas, she admitted to going a bit low key in her decorations. She usually goes all out.

It is a marvel still to see her beautifully decorated home and eat her wonderful food for Christmas dinner.

A tradition we always look forward to each December since 2021.

I continue to pray to our Lord Jesus for her to continued blessings of good health, mental strength and her many projects this year and beyond.

Here are some photos: