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.

Be Alert!

 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 Kerygma Family Daily Bible Reflection is the exact same for yesterday. Surely an error.

I have first listened to Father Broderick Pabillo for his First Things First show on focusing on the first readings for today which is the 1st letter of Paul to the Corinthians chapter 1:1-9

He tells us of what happened when factions happened in the different households in Corinth.

This is brought about by differences in values and teachings as well as competition and factions brought about jealousies.

The psalms is taken from Psalm 144:1-7

David is constantly vowing to give praise to the great God, Almighty and all good.

The gospel is taken from Matthew 24:42-51

It reminds us to be good stewards and to be ready for the return of the master.

Just like a thief in the night, His return will not be announced and be a surprise.

It reminds us to be blameless in our ways and business dealings.

** ***

We pray for the 10,000 victims of the mudslide in Nepal.

We also pray for those who have passed on lately like Dolly Parton and Tim Curry.

Also, praying for our dearly departed relatives and friends.

Tatay Francisco +

Tatay Benjamin+, my dear friend's father.

*** ***

reflection questions

In what ways can you practice being “ready” for the Lord today through small acts of faithfulness and service? If the Lord were to call you home today, would He find you living with love, kindness, and purpose? What should you change?

Lord, keep my heart awake and ready, serving You with love each day, so I may joyfully meet You. Amen.

Whitewashed Tombs

 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

** ***

Every month, the online book club I mentor, called the Dandelion Book Club, gather and discuss books that are created into movies. 

For September 2026 we are discussing the movie that is made into a book called, Nefarious (2023.) 

For today's gospel readings and reflections , I am getting wisdom from TV MARIA SALITA NG DIOS SALITA NG BUHAY. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqIhh1vu2wk

The priest is asking the question how to know real from fake.

Who is real? Who is fake?

In the movie, Nefarious, the demon , as inhabiting the host body of Edward, pointed out to  Dr. James Martin, that the current culture is so numb and so clueless as to knowing evil even if it  is already in your midst or right in your face.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4SIyscmeoV4

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JxOGrCQW7cI

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HSo9SQfmmMg

When I was in my mid to late twenties, I was able to witness a demonic possession.

Our leader Paulette, prior to the incident, as she was giving a talk to our Christian Life Program participants, saw white washed tombs in them.

She had the impression that the service team of Single's for Christ were not doing what we were supposed to be doing.

We were not walking closely with our talk.

We had not turned back from our sins in total conversion.

Then, we  had the gall  serving in the Lord's work while being in bed with the devil.

Bad combination, she scolded us.

I praise and thank God for the grace to accept that with humility.

There was a struggle in me a bit since, I was not really part of the service team, I just attended to show support but, I knew, I had unrepented sins that required the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

I soon after did.

I reconciled also with a sister who I was harboring resentment with.

That was many eons years back.

I still do not wish to witness a similar malevolent event and I still struggle with hurts and broken relationships.

But, as the character of Legion claims in the movie, there are many things that we do or i support unwittingly are already murder.

Euthanasia.

Abortion.

Capital punishment.

** ***

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-08-26

In what small but real ways can you live as a prophet of truth, compassion, and courage in your daily life?

Lord, give me a heart like Yours—bold in truth, tender in love, and faithful even when the world rejects me. Amen.

Woe to you!

 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

** ***

Hi my regular reader!

Whoever you are... I thank you for reading my thoughts.

I also praise and thank my dear Lord Jesus Christ for this grace to be able to  ponder on His word, His gospel, His good news of salvation and to digest it, process it and share how it is inspiring me to faithfully walk the talk of evangelization through this digital print.

I have not been able to do my online reflections lately.

So many distractions.

Lack of focus and discipline.

Resilience.

Anyhow, today is another chance to do better.

Before reading the gospels, I listened, and sang along to Paul Rose in Sing the Hours for today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S9OwmT4Txc

Then I sang along loudly to my recent favorite worship songs:

Hosanna, One Day and Still.

All by Hillsong.

The words of the songs are truly resonating with me.

It makes me come alive from my almost default slumber.

Praise and thank you Lord Jesus.

Here is today's Kerygma Daily Bible Reflections:

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-08-25

The reflections questions are :

Does your practice of faith—Mass, prayers, devotions—lead you to become more just, merciful, and compassionate in your daily life? What concrete step can you take today to let your worship flow into service, especially toward someone in need or difficult to love?

I will tie my answer to the word that struck me in last Sunday's homily by Fr. Eric Gibbins in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish:

LISTEN.

Before I think of giving the sermon on the mount...I will ask more questions and listen more without thinking of the next rebuttal.

My walk of faith, has been a struggle.

One step forward.

Two steps back.

So, yes, perhaps, my husband and daughters see me being so far from holiness or righteousness.

But, I hope and pray that they see Jesus in me more and more despite my feeble attempts.

And that they also will agree with me...that without Jesus...I can do no good.

Nothing at all.

Totally wretch! Woeful!

Being totally united to Jesus and His truth as promoted by His church...will keep me in the path and I can DO  all things He calls me out to do.

Mother Mary, pray for me and my family.

St. Joseph, pray for me and my family.

Glory be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

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

** ***

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.

** ***

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