Maturity

 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.

** ***

For some reason I pressed a wrong button on my laptop and was led to Gen. Douglas MacArthur's prayer for a his son.

I have a similar prayer framed downstairs in the basement wall.

I made it into a bookmark giveaway for Lilli's baptism.

The words of this prayer I was led curiously to seek just now are very similar to the one I have and is also attributed to the general.

But, reflecting on today's first reading, which is also called the Hymn of Love by St. Paul, is quite inspiring.

If one can move mountains and yet have no love...you are nothing.

If you are like a cymbal, creating a clashing noise, and yet without love...it is all useless.

Love indeed is the be all and end of all.

** ***

Today, I stand in another cross roads for my life.

One if I continue will have some weird and negative comments from people around just like  from someone close to me.

But, it is something I have to do, not 100% what I want to do.

I guess, that is part of being an adult...the path of self actualization is long and winding.

Before we achieve them, we have to conquer ourselves first.

*** ***

Today's Kerygma Daily Bible Reflections:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-09-16

The guide questions:

What are the benefits you receive from being a disciple of Jesus? How do you share these benefits with others?

Has your heart been hardened? Has your neck been stiffened? 

Is your love mature? What “childish things” do you need to put away? 

** ***

Last weekend was give away weekend here in Winnipeg.

It is done twice a year.

One in spring and the next is in fall.

When Marina announced it, I was nonchalant about it since one part of the basement is still in disarray.

I have not got to putting it back in order.

Ruel is still busy with passing a course that he is not able to remove the big dry wall panel and many other construction materials in one side of the basement.

And, he also has parroted  to me when I am protesting anymore potted plants which he is eager to bring in.

Enough stuff!

But somehow, when he picked me up from St. Ann church last Sunday, I saw someone bring out a small round table and two chairs, I said, maybe, that is the laptop table I need.

Ruel had to go to bring Mari's car to the repair shop and said, he could not drive for me.

I was about to get into a petulant childish mode.

But, when he came home an hour or so later, he said, he could drive for me.

When we returned to Ferry road, it turns out it was not for giveaway, the person was just dusting off something from the table, that is why he brought it along the sidewalk. His small round table with two chairs in stripped canvas was back in their small porch.

So instead, we went around the neighborhood and found two wonderful treasures.

So, now, as I write, my laptop is perched happily on a pedestal wine rack.

So happy!!!!

And my orchids have a new shelf with nice bamboo slats.

So happy!!!

Thank you Lord for small answered prayers.

Thank you as well for big miracles!!!

Alleluia!

Alleluia!

The plan is for me to buy a wine bottle each month in honor of my siblings!!!

Not much of a collector...but for some reason, I want to remember them this way.

Hahah...useless folly?

Meaningful remembrance?

Lord knows my heart.

*** ***

A Father Prayer by General Douglas MacArthur (May 1952)

Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.

Build me a son whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be; a son who will know Thee ?and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.

Lead him I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.

Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men; one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength.

Then, I, his father, will dare to whisper, have not lived in vain.

Mater Dolorosa Ora Pro Nobis

 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.

** ***

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Before 2023, I never knew about the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross( Sept 14) since it was over shadowed by today's feast for me.

Surprisingly, perhaps also because it was always Mom's birthday for me.

It is just as well a good thing since we are registered parishioners of Holy Cross Parish in 252 Dubuc st. which is a good 20 minute car ride away although we have nearby churches of like 5 minute distances.

It is just like when we were still in Doha, where it took as more than 20 minutes to get to the religious complex where all the churches are built.

I do miss my mom, but with all the cares of the day, I am not able to linger in the sadness too much. Just as well.

Instead, I will make the attempt of remembering the good things about my mom.

1. She calls me her Anna Banana.

2. She cuts my hair in an apple-look cut which is almost like the bob style now.

3. She never ever was cross to me even if she had to run after me around the formal dinning table so she could help me with my stuck earrings in my bloodied ear lobe.

4. She would lovingly prepare my banana with milk and sugar slices.

5.She did not make any negative or positive comment on my boyfriends.

6. She gently nudge me to tie the knot with Ruel so she could still attend my wedding which she was not able to since the first wedding date we were considering was supposed to be her birthdate to the next life...January 28,2001.

7.She was a very good daughter to her mom and a good sister to her siblings.

8.She did a lot of Mother Mary posture in her later life, gently and silently accepting things beyond her control.

9.She was not perfect, but there were many perfect moments that I will never forget especially when she had to be a loyal wife to my dad despite the strains she experienced.

10. She passed on with all of us around her and special good friends and sibling visiting her for the last time. She was covered in our love and presence.

I will never forget the look of love in her eyes when I was distraught and distressed while I was her watch for her last night with us.

With one look she sent me the positive hope, all will be well after a period of testing and challenge.

As life is and will always be...a series of tests.

May we have the grace to remain victorious in Jesus and with Mama Mary as our guide and safe harbor.

( me holding a bouquet)

Lift High!

 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.

** ***

Today is my mom's birthday.

It is also the birthday of our neighbor back in Wayan St. Mandaluyong City.

Elsa, the mom of Jerome, just reminded me that it is also the birthday of Pope Leo XIV.

I miss our time back then.

Simple neighborliness in an address that was not part of gated and exclusive communities but where we found goodness and kindness in simple courtesy and regard to one another..

Decades after, we still consider the invisible the more important.

The visible will soon pass away, what remains are the fruits we have  in our hearts.

Lately, I have been reflecting on the Catholic Feast day (of today) the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Just like the serpent staff of Moses, when lifted up, people who were bitten by the snakes were healed.

In the same way, as we ponder on the tragic execution of Jesus on the bloody cross in Calvary more than 2000 years ago, we can achieve healing.

Healing from our sins , wounds and imperfections.

Perhaps instantly for some, but slow for  others.

Healing and release from our sin, errors, sicknesses, illnesses and wounds.

Despite our imperfections God has offered His Son's life for this.

He loves us so much that He reaches out to us for our salvation.

Let us receive this grace...and continue to be held by God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit so that His Will may be accomplished while we are on earth.

For me, it is the bitter pill of humility, that despite the false accusations I had to endure, that drove me to panic attacks...I will rest on God's comfort and truth.

That despite the weakening of most of my body parts especially my back and knees, I will continue walking the talk of evangelization to all I meet.

Come hell of highwater as oppression and persecution from the evil one.

In Jesus, I rebuke, reject , repudiate and cast out all demons and it's minions to depart and go to the foot of the Holy Cross of my Lord and my Savior Jesus Christ.

** ***

Mama Mary, thank you for your powerful intercession.

Thank you for the many many miraculous blessings that flow from your mantle of grace and love, just like in the Miraculous Medal as promised.

Ave Maria!

Ave Maria!

** **

Yesterday, I was able to go to St Ann Parish Church in Hampton St. and met Father David.

It was such a beautiful small church.

I love the amber stained glass windows and the yellow color of the walls in their foyer.

Oh such a beautiful gem discovered.

*** ***

Some photos taken...

9-11

  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.

** ***

Today's readings remind us Christian's to be balanced in our judgment of things...to see first our own imperfections and errors in views and judgment of things.

But, it should not stop us from showing condemnations when it is rightfully so.

25 years ago, the World Trade Center was hit by 2 planes hijacked by terrorist.

The word going around is that jet fuel is not enough to make the  2 twin buildings and an adjacent building fall to the ground in a clean demolition like job.

Whatever the real motive and reason behind it, we judge the merits of the case with what is available.

Woe to those who cause harm for their idealogy's aim.

World domination!

Woe to you indeed!

We continue to pray for those soul's that perished that day.

We pray for those who are motivated and controlled by evil.

May the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ cover you all and release you from your shackles of demonic chains.

May the Perpetual Light of Jesus Christ shine upon all of you and may your souls rest in peace.

** **

Today's kerygma Family Daily Reflection reading:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-09-11

The guide questions for our own meditations:

What is God inviting you to notice about yourself? Your healing leads to others’ healing.

Are you more focused on the faults of others than on your own need to grow in humility and love?

** **

God is telling me to be calm and relaxed in the fact that I am loved so dearly.

That I am enough.

I do not need to do anything grand and majestic to earn His love for me.

It is already a given.

He already gave me His Son's life, so I can inherit the title " child of God." 

As a child of God, I have the ultimate reward of gaining heaven in the afterlife...

I need  not go crazy, grab a plane and fly it straight to a building to kill as much people as I can to  gain paradise.

My role is to be a the best version of myself...sans pride and ego...so that in my corner of the world, heaven is real while we trudge this beautiful place called earth.

The Kerygma prayer for today:

Lord, teach me to see with Your eyes—full of mercy, patience, and compassion. Amen.

Jesus, help me to be self-aware, to see myself clearly. Amen.

Charlie Kirk and Happy Birthday Mother Mary

 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

** ***

Yesterday, the girls and I were not able to make it to the 6pm mass.

Ruel went straight to St Edward from Main St.

Failure in planning?

Well, I guess it was.

Anyhow...my Mother knows my heart.

Ave Maria.

Totus Tuus!

** **

Tomorrow is the 1st death anniversary of Charlie Kirk.

Please allow me to share with you  a video from Father Leo Patanlinghug of the Father Leo Show:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy4EBfxosPQ

Father Leo's opinion and video clips in this episode is a  perfect summary of the  Charlie Kirks life and death.

I love what Charlie says of Mary, the Mother of God.

** ***

Today's Kerygma Family Daily Bible Reflections:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-09-09

Have you spent time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament?

Are you willing to admit what you don’t know, so you can truly learn what God wants to teach you?

My prayer:

Mary, the Mother of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, please pray for us your children. May we always be covered by your mantle of care and protection so we will remain walking towards and with your Son Jesus.

May we always rely on His most Divine Mercy, that we will have the grace to know His Will and mission for our life.

We pray for the repose of the soul of Charlie Kirk, may his wife and children follow and protect his legacy and work.

Glory be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning and is now and ever shall be world without end , Amen.

Shannon Leigh Ellis Memorial

 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

** ***

I looked out the windows this morning and saw the surrounding trees and rooftops blanketed in a thick white fog.

The sign of autumn.

I just learned that there are two kinds of this season, the meteorological kind and the atmospheric kind. Do not ask me the difference.

Yesterday, as Lilli and I came home from Sturgeon Collegiate to  work out her  class schedule, we saw our ever loving neighbor Janice working her front yard.

The oak tree in front of their yard was cut down last Tuesday.

There were a stack of logs ready for claiming.

We shared our thoughts on the tree. The roots was rotten already and they were worried that  one tree branch would fall directly to our home, thus they had it cut down.

We exchanged updates and pleasantries.

Later on, my Lilli reminded me of something that was worth heeding.

** ***

Last night at 7pm,  our prayer group leader and husband picked me up to make a hospital visit of one member of our community.

I had an important appointment at 8pm, but still everything worked out well. 

Thank God.

The Lord arranges so long as we surrender to Him our will.

I was so blessed by the incident.

The reading for today reminds us, workers for Christ, to keep obeying the call to serve in whatever shape or form but more importantly to bring Christ to every situation.

Help others see  Christ as the only Way, the Truth and the Life.

We continue to pray for one another that we can be released from our shackles of insecurity, anger, resentment, timidity, envy, pride in the most precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

May the blood He spilled at Calvary cover us, heal us and save us.

May we be found faithful and loyal to His cause and to Him.

** ***

Yesterday morning, as Father Ani Xavier and I were winding down our chat after the 745am mass at Holy Cross, Marina with Marcelina comes into the room with tears of joy streaming down her cheeks.

She tells us that Red River College just informed her that she was chosen to be a recipient of the Shannon Ellis Memorial award for her outstanding performance.

She got a cash gift.

Yesterday, I was just reminding her to make her tithing regularly and religiously and she did.

And Lo and behold, this greets her  the day after!!! 10 fold blessing!

Coincidence?

Serendipity?

Thank you to the Shannon Ellis  Memorial Foundation.

Shannon Ellis  was tragically taken from this life in May 27, 2009 at the young age of 22.

She was also a pastry student at Red River College.

Prayers lifted for the repose of her soul and all those who were met similar fates.

Jesus, may your eternal light shine upon their souls and may they all rest in peace.

** ***

Today's Kerygma Family Daily Reflection:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-09-04

SEPTEMBER IS HERE!

  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

** ***

Yay!!!

Fall season is already upon us and I am not yet ready for winter!

Lord Jesus, give me the grace to put my winter provisions in order. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Lilli just helped me with food preparation for the day and she did not forget to put jasmine rice on the top of the fence ledge for her pet crows.

Light jackets and an umbrella is a must when one goes out.

Lilli and the murder of crows that are a staple now in our backyard each day, waiting for her to feed them.

I initially rejected the idea.

But somehow, it gives her so much pleasure.

Now and then, the squirrels would dare to pass the fence ledge even while the black crows are feeding.

Rabbits with their spring baby would show up as well.

I must have a snow white in our midst who attracts the animals.

Today's Kerygma Family Daily Bible Reflections is quite an eye opener. Bo Sanchez, it's founder gave us his start of the month reflection.

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-09-01

I take off my hat for him.

He did not hide his recent bout with depression especially after his mother died.

Thank God for friends and family around him that offered their presence for him.

Thank God Lord Jesus for the authority to rebuke and subdue and cast out these demons from us and our midst.

Tonight, for our Dandelion Book Club, we will be discussing spiritial warfare via the 2023 movie Nefarious.

Here are the reflection questions for today:

What does the Scriptures tell us about how to overcome temptations, sin, and the world?

In what ways can you be more faithful to your words and actions so that others may see the light of Christ in you?

My prayer: Lord Jesus, You died for us, so that we can overcome the devil and merit Your Kingdom while on this earth and after. Lord Jesus, I praise and thank You for this wonderful grace. Thank You for Your most Divine Mercies. Lord, continue to cover me, my family, friends, neighbors and everything around me with your most precious blood. Cover us. Protect us from the snares and traps  of the evil one and his cohorts. Mama Mary, and St.Joseph, all the angels and saints, pray for us.