The Great "Why?"

" We do not do great things. We do little things with great love."
Mother Teresa

Can't help but wonder why are we really are here on earth.

Easter Vigil 2011, The Neocathecumenal Way

Happy Easter everyone!!! Our Lord is risen.

Above is a Kodak moment for our good angels, our catechists, together with the other members of Community 1 of St. Peter Parish.

Thanks too, to Fr. Lawrence, our presbyter for our Easter Vigil 2011. He is the guest priest at the Saint Mary Goretti Parish.

We did the the "Blessing of the Fire" where the Ester candle was lighted, the "Celebration of the Word" with all the 9 readings, the "Blessing of the Water" with the renewal of our baptismal vows and the"Celebration of the Eucharist" where we shared the unleavened bread and the wine.

The hall was truly elegant and terrific, with the bright colorful flowers and carpets, a reflection of Easter. Above is the baptismal font that was used for the blessing of the water.

Communities 1, 2 and 3 (the infant group) completed the celebration at about 5:30 in the morning, breaking the long fast as well, heheh.

Lovely celebration.

Boils Down To Life's Purpose

Ikaw, para kanino ka bumabangon?
(For whom do you wake up and rise?)

I just love this line from a coffee commercial. It made me think seriously at a meaningful response.

For the past months, a portion of my time has been dedicated to the church and community activities. You know what? Ha ha, the change has became uncomfortable.

Though it's a good thing, at the back of my mind, a small voice was saying."Teka puro ka na lang service, wala ka na bang balak gumawa ng ibang bagay na may kabuluhan sa buhay mo?" (Your time has been spent mostly on service, do you plan to do anything meaningful in your life?)

But what is a meaningful activity . . . a meaningful life?

Yes, I've not spent much time now with friends (even relatives) and on things I used to love and enjoy. Seems like I've been missing out a lot on some things.

I was thinking about reducing my time on service and on community activities. Then again, where would I find real meaning in my life?

I was wasting some of my time on TV when this line popped out :
Ikaw, para kanino ka bumabangon?

I wake up early to be able to serve at the 7:00 A.M. daily mass. If I stop doing this, what replacement am I planning to put in place?

My, my, the Lord communicates to us in mysterious ways. I believe He is telling me to continue my service because it's a "Poka-Yoke" (fool-proof) way to growing and maturing in the Spirit. My service does not add an incy little bit to God, it is in reality not for Him, but for me.

Ephphatha! Be opened! I just have to be open so that I may hear what God wants me to do and I may speak His words for others to hear.

Talitha kum! Little girl, stand up! The Lord is encouraging us to cast all our worries and burdens to Him.

True enough, I am starting to have a balanced life. I am beginning to induce some of the things I want to do, without giving up my service.

I really believe that everything will work out good for me. I just have to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto me.

God has come (Emmanuel) to us and has overflowing Mercy. Good news for sinners like me.

Fighting Discouragement

On the other side of crisis lies Opportunity . . .

A Greater Plan

There is a reason for everything and God who is Great has greater plans for us. It is He who blesses our work and business, not our pure efforts and skills.

However, I also believe that we have God-given talents. These talents must be put into use for our benefit and for others. If we do not hone them, ultimately, we will lose them.

Photo taken in Tel Aviv, Israel.

May God who is ever generous give us wisdom, patience and grace to do what we are here to do.

God bless!