A Sleeping God?

"Natutulog ba ang Diyos?" asks Gary V. in his song which became popular some years back. If we look at this Sunday's Gospel, the answer is "yes! the Lord is asleep!" and as the apostles asked, "don't you care that we are drowning?" The experience of the apostles is very much our own too. Oftentimes, we ask whether the Lord cares at all, especially when we are beset with problems that seem like strong waves that hit the boats of our security one after the other.

Yes, the Lord may be sleeping, BUT He is PRESENT nonetheless. And WITH Him in our midst, there should be nothing to fear. After all, as the Lord says in the first reading: "it is who sets the limits of the waves."

O Lord our God, strengthen our faith in our presence!

My Precious Blood

When blood is involved in a discussion, whether it be coughing or vomiting blood
or unceasing flow of blood from a wound, or donating blood, it always means a serious matter. It can not be triviliazed, as when we say, "I've purchased and worked on this land with my sweat, tears and bloo!" It's no small thing!

Hence, it must be the same when Jesus speaks of shedding his blood. When He says, "This is my blood which will be shed for you and for all." He is talking about something precious, something of great value, which we can not trivialize. In saying he is shedding his blood, Jesus means that He is giving His all, His everything, holding back nothing, for us and for all. His is a giving that leaves nothing for Himself. And in the process, He gains everything. In his total self-offering, the Father gave Him back the gift of Himself, of the Spirit, in His resurrection.

May the feast of Corpus Christi inspire us to love as Jesus loves...

The Trinity and Independence Day

Yesterday's solemnity of the Trinity may help us recapture the meaning of Independence Day of our country. In many ways, our country is not yet fully free. We are prey to many forces that continue to enslave us...poverty, graft, corruption, culture of mediocrity, palusot, ignorance etc. And one of the possible causes of these is the absence of sharing among our people, especially the "haves" to the "have-nots".

The life of the Trinity is characterized by sharing. The Father shares everything to the Son, and vice versa. They share their love for each other, which is the Holy Spirit. Everything is shared, nothing held back. If there is genuine sharing among our people, then maybe we can come closer to freedom which is every Filipino's cherished treasure.

May the Father, Son and Spirit bless us!

The Spirit of Freshness

In most schools, classes open on Monday, Juen 5. New students are especially excited about going to school, what with their new bags, new notebooks, new raincoats! They look forward to knowing and meeting new teachers, new classmates. They expect many new things!

Isn't it a happy coincidence that the beginning of the new schoool year is preceded by Pentecost Sunday, the feast of descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the disciples gathered in the Upper Room. With the coming of Holy Spirit preceded by the blowing of a strong wind that shook the place and startled the disciples. The windows flew open and a breath of fresh air blew upon them and they felt like new creatures. They suddenly felt brave and courageous and began to preach the Good News! Thus, the Church was born!

Come Holy Spirit, blow in us, refresh us, encourage us!