Sacred Ordinary

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… simple prayers are sacred acts. They’re tender and profound. They aren’t the formal prayers of the institutional church. They aren’t the ecstatic utterances of a miraculous vision. They are dignified, homely and eloquent, the ordinary and yet sacred stuff … Continue reading →

Call to Service Mea Culpa

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In the homily at Mass for the Ordination of Deacons on June 2, Archbishop Robert J. Carlson quoted the Prayer of Consecration, which he would use in ordaining each of 25 men to the permanent diaconate. “May (these men) excel … Continue reading →

The Source

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  To be a mother is to be a Touchstone and the Source, Bestower of names, Influencer of identities; Life giver, Life shaper, Empath, Healer, and Original Love. Poem: God Our Mother by Allison Woodward Art by: Dan S. Siglos … Continue reading →

Human Soul

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Just before I woke up from a deep sleep, I dreamt of a single red rose. I can’t remember what the dream was, but the rose stayed with me. The night before, I watched a video of Aokigahara Documentary.The narrator has the … Continue reading →

Trip of a Lifetime

 I would like to stay longer and soak up the three world’s religion: Islāmic, Judaism, and Christianity.  I want to be with the Muslims, Jews, and Christians: and have interfaith dialogue.

At the hotel in Jordan, waiting to leave for Canada, I retreated to the balcony to find some peace and quiet, drinking tea and having a smoke.  I was facing a beautiful garden and overlooking the Dead Sea.  I could see Israel from the balcony.  On a bright day, the walls of old Jerusalem is visible.  I can imagine the location of Bethlehem, Nazareth and other geographical areas of where ancient time began based on the First and Old Testament. I  have covered the places of the Testaments.  The Bible will become genuinely alive. The readings during the mass will be more meaningful for my mind can conjure the places where I have visited. This will be my last trip. 

I am filled with gratitude to my God for making it possible for me to experience the trip of a lifetime. It’s dark.  Only a silhouette of the mountain is visible.  The lights were flickering across the waters.  It’s good to be here, Lord.  I started speaking in my mind.  Whispering softly, I raised my right arm, waved goodbye.

Goodbye, Jerusalem
            Goodbye, Bethlehem
                        Goodbye, Nazareth

Oh, what is that?  A star?  A bright shining star that appeared so close and yet so far.  Is it a plane?  No, it’s not moving. Mapping the silhouette of the mountain, naming the places, Jerusalem is to my left, that’s Bethlehem, over there is Nazareth. The star is situated above Bethlehem. This must be the star that the Magi saw.  Imagine that, and it’s not even Christmas yet. The star is real.

Jordan November 2011

Excitement came rushing out of my body.  I must take a picture.  Made a quick dash inside the room, grabbed my camera and another pilgrim, Neli, to show her what I see.  This scene must have taken at least 15 to 25 seconds.  When I went out, the STAR is gone.  I was so disappointed and sad that I have no picture to show off.  Checked the horizon if anything is floating in the sky. None, it’s pitched dark.  Neli gave me “the look” and walked away.

At Frankfurt airport, I pulled Father Priest on the side and told him about my experience.  He quietly said in his infinite wisdom that the STAR is meant only for my eyes to see.  No camera can ever capture it.  I was so moved by his explanation and tears of joy came out.

Imprinted In the heart of my heart is the image of the star. This memory will live forever. I praise you, O Lord, for your works are wonderful.  Blessed be God forever.

Reaping the rewards

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  “Blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed” – John 20:29 It is with his scientific mind that he has proven black holes, gravity, and wrote the book a Brief History of Time, Steven Hawkings absolute cannot reason … Continue reading →

Setting the record straight

Women play an essential role in the world. For without the woman’s womb, we are not born. Rejoice and be thankful. – Perpetua

Perpetua and Felicity

We celebrate the lives of some remarkable female saints this week, and today, we remember saints Perpetua and Felicity. These remarkable women were early third-century, African martyrs were of great significance in the life of the early Church. They were condemned as Christians by the Roman authorities and sent to the public arena, to be mauled by wild animals. However, they survived and were then taken to be executed by the sword. Their story was widely circulated secretly throughout the early Christian congregations, giving encouragement in the face of adversity. They were martyred for their faith on this day in the year 203.  – Pray As You Go

Painted Prayers

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The primary emphasis in this work is based on evolution distinctively a combination of three persons, one God: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. He is drawn and inspired by The Trinity. The Prayer of St. Augustine … Continue reading →

Sophie’s Choice

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Making a choice in cutting off ties in any situation is difficult when it’s a no-win situation, an unbearable option that one is forced to choose. Even thinking that it is the lesser of two evils, it can still remain … Continue reading →

Aging is a good one.

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I like getting older. The increasing aches, pains, memory failures—sure, I could do without those. But as for the actual adventure of aging, in and of itself? It’s a good one. Skeptical? Ask anyone who might not have the chance. … Continue reading →