When Our Cries Become a Prayer

The Lord Is My Chef Breakfast Recipe-Prayer

Thursday, 22 November 2018, Week XXXIII, Year II

Revelation 5:1-10///Luke 19:41-44

Lord Jesus Christ, you taught us in your sermon on the mount that “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Mt.5:4).

Thank you for blessing our crying, our weeping and most of all, thank you very much for crying with us, for crying for us: “As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it” (Lk.19:41). In our first reading today, your beloved disciple John “shed many tears because no one was found worthy to open or examine the scroll” (Rev.5:4).

Thank you for the gift of tears, Jesus. I pray for those crying, especially those who cry in silence, those who cry alone. Crying is praying. Tears are some of the sweetest prayers we can all offer to you because when we cry, we are blessed to be truly poor and helpless before you, relying only to your saving and healing powers. When we cry, we are so blessed because we can sympathize and suffer with those who are suffering. When we cry, our tears cleanse not only our eyes but also our hearts, slowly washing away the pains and hurts sins have left in us.

The world refuses to cry, trying to hide or cover pains and hurts including sins with pleasures and other forms of diversion. I pray also for them, Lord Jesus, that they may stop hiding their tears because when we refuse to cry, we deny your Holy Cross.

Give me the grace, Lord Jesus Christ, to see things as they truly are. Let me sympathize with those in pain and suffering, to “weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15) that together, you may all comfort and console us with your abiding love and mercy, might and presence.

Let us join the choirs in heaven saw by John to sing the new hymn, “Worthy are you to receive the scroll and break open its seals, for you were slain and with your Blood you purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation. You made them a kingdom and priests for our God, and they will reign on earth” (Rev.5:9-10). AMEN. Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Parokya ng San Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista, Gov. F. Halili Ave., Bagbaguin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan 3022.

*Photo by the author of the church Dominus Flevit (Latin for “the Lord wept”) with roof shaped like tears outside Jerusalem taken in April 2017. It is believed to be the site where our gospel scene today took place.

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Prayer of Presentation of Self to the Lord

The Lord Is My Chef Breakfast Recipe-Prayer

Wednesday, 21 November 2018, Memorial of the Presentation of the BVM

Revelation 4:1-11///Luke 19:11-28

Lord Jesus Christ, the skies are hazy today. There’s a typhoon down south of our country. The readings for today are so beautiful and yet we also celebrate the memorial of the presentation of your Mother to the temple. So many things are in my heart, in my mind.

Thank you Lord for accepting me into your family of disciples (Mt. 12:46-50). Thank you Jesus in calling me like John the Beloved to see of the things to come, to see the four winged creatures symbolizing the evangelists (Rev. 4:1ff).

It is always good to serve before you, to help others in need, to touch others with your love and kindness, mercy and forgiveness. These past two days, I have prayed for more love, life and conviction from you to follow you more closely.

As we celebrate today the memorial of the presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I pray for the grace to wholly offer myself anew to you. I am a sinner. Like the people gathered before you during your time, I sometimes refuse to believe in you, to accept you. Like that servant in your parable today, I have kept the gospel in myself, I have not used it wisely and have not prospered so well to bear fruits in me and in others.

Cleanse me, Jesus, my Lord and my God. You are the Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Like your Mary your mother and our mother too, cleanse me and give me the grace of docility, of humility, and fidelity to be like her, the “daughter of Zion” prophesized by Zechariah so that you may dwell in me and your kingdom come in me. AMEN. Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Parokya ng San Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista, Gov. F. Halili Ave., Bagbaguin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan 3022.

*Photo from Google.

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Prayer to be filled with Life Anew

The Lord Is My Chef Breakfast Recipe-Prayer

Tuesday, 20 November 2018, Week XXXIII, Year II

Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22///Luke 19:1-10

Lord Jesus Christ, today I feel like your beloved disciple John, receiving your revelations not about the end of time but about my real self.

Like the people of Sardis, so often I have that “reputation of being alive but actually dead (Rev.3:1).” Yes, there are times I merely accomplish things for you but deeply lacking with life and vitality, zest and enthusiasm. On the surface, like what St. Paul had noted in one of his letters, I act like busy body but really doing nothing. If yesterday I lacked love in the things I do, most likely I also lack life. When there is love, there is always life.

Like the people of Sardis, I would always hide on the sides refusing to walk on the main street because I do not have the drive to be with you on the way. Like Zachaeus, I climb trees to hide from others though too eager to see you, to look at you, to listen to you.

Give me the grace to be filled with life anew, with warmth and energy, to make a stand for the gospel, to stand for what is true and just. Forgive me in my lifelessness that made me lukewarm in the process like the people of Laodicea who were neither hot nor cold (Rev. 3:16). Do not spit me out of your mouth, Lord. Like Zachaeus, give me the grace to turn away from sins and evil, to make a stand for justice and truth.

Let your salvation come today Lord in many families divided! Like what you did in entering upon the home of Zachaeus, smash the walls dividing many family members from one another like indifference and coldness. Fill them with more love and life, kindness and warmth, goodwill and concern for one another. I pray for all family members who have stopped talking with each other, those with festering bitterness and suspicions deep inside, those who continue to hurt each other in words or in deeds, in silence and indifference. Rekindle the warmth of their kinship, of their being one flesh, one blood, one root, one family. AMEN. Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Parokya ng San Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista, Gov. F. Halili Ave., Bagbaguin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan 3022.

Photo by the author, Manor House, Camp John Hay, Baguio City, November 2017.

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Prayer to See Love Anew

Breakfast Recipe-Prayer, Monday

19 November 2018, Week XXXIII, Year II

Revelation 1: 1-4; 2:1-5///Luke 18:35-43

Praise and thanksgiving to you O God, loving and merciful Father!

Thank for making me realize on this beautiful Monday that doing so many good things are not enough if there is no love. So many times I am blinded by the ministry, by the work to be done, by the people to be helped out, even by you, my God, that I do so many things for you without any love at all.

I’m sorry, Lord. There are times that ministry and service, even the very life of holiness become a task or a work to be done and completed, empty of any love at all. There are many times I see myself becoming like the Ephesians in St. John’s vision filled with energy and vigor in the mission but empty of love.

Heal my blindness, O Lord! Let me regain not only my sight to see things clearly but to see you most especially in your essence, in love. Let me see love in everything I do, love in the people I meet and serve. Let me see, O Lord that love you have filled me with so much that I have forgotten and even refused to share sometimes. AMEN. Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Parokya ng San Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista, Gov. F. Halili Ave., Bagbaguin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan 3022.

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Prayer to Live in Love

The Lord Is My Chef Breakfast Recipe-Prayer

Friday, 16 November 2018, Week XXXII, Year II

2 John 4-9//Luke 17:26-37

Today O God I join the psalmist in singing praise to you, praying to live in love:

“Blessed are they whose way is blameless, who walks in the law of the Lord.”(Ps.119:1) You only have one law, O God, which is to love you and to love others.

“Blessed are they who observe his decrees, seek him with all their heart.” (Ps. 119: 2) To follow your love is to live in love, to desire only love in my heart.

“With all my heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commands.” (Ps.119:10) To have love in my heart is to be blessed by you, O God. Fill me with more love.

“Within my heart I treasure your promise that I may not sin against you.” (Ps.119:11) To sin is a refusal to love as you have commanded us. Fill me with more love.

“Be good to your servant, that I may live and keep your words.” (Ps.119:17) Let me not be deceived, O God, to remain faithful in Christ’s teaching of love.

“Open my eyes, that I may consider the wonders of your law.” (Ps.119:18) To be loved is to be touched by you, O God.

Open my eyes, O God, to see the many instances you have loved me, you have touched me through the kindness and goodness of others. Open my eyes to see how much you love me in the wonderful turn of events no matter how difficult or painful these may be. Open my eyes to see those around me needing your love, who could not see you or feel you because we who have been filled with your love as too selfish to share your love with them.

It is only when I begin to live in love that I come to terms with the end that comes in every here and now. It is only when I live in love when I am truly alive, when I am truly present in you and with others, seeing your daily coming like in the time of Noah. AMEN. Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Parokya ng San Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista, Gov. F. Halili Ave., Bagbaguin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan 3022.

*Photo by author, SCTEx-Subic, October 2018.

Refresh My Heart in Jesus

The Lord Is My Chef Breakfast Recipe-Prayer

Thursday, 15 November 2018, 21^st Anniversary of Diaconal Ordination

Philemon 7-20//Luke 17:20-25

Alleluia! The Lord shall reign forever! Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.

Twenty-one years ago today, Lord Jesus Christ, you gifted me with six of my other classmates the Holy Order of Diaconate. For 21 years, you have never left me Lord Jesus Christ as I continue to serve you despite my many limitations and sins.

How wonderful O Lord that on this day as I remember my diaconal ordination, St. Paul writes Philemon about his slave – servant – Onesimus. And how perfect is the request of St. Paul to Philemon to be my prayer too on this joyous occasion, “refresh my heart in you (v.20)”, Lord Jesus Christ.

Refresh my heart in you Lord by letting me behold always that the Kingdom of God is among us when we serve as you willed in the washing of the apostles’ feet on Holy Thursday.

Refresh my heart in you Lord by letting me behold always that the Kingdom of God is among us when we proclaim the gospel in words and in deeds, destroying barriers of race, gender and class among us.

Refresh my heart in you Lord by letting me behold always that the Kingdom of God is among us when we live in harmony with one another in you Christ Jesus, letting go of our many “perceived” privileges and entitlements that betray the truth of your gospel.

Twenty-one years ago, O Jesus our Eternal High Priest, every morning I have the same prayer before you: “Here I am Lord, send me. For every here and now, let me do your will.” AMEN. Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Parokya ng San Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista, Gov. F. Halili Ave., Bagbaguin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan 3022.

Photo above from Google, Jesus washes feet of Apostles on Holy Thursday when He asked us to serve one another like Him (see John 13:12-15).

Photo below taken last year during our annual clergy retreat in Tagaytay clockwise from center Fr. Arnel Camacho, Fr. Joshua Panganiban, me, Fr. Ed Rodriguez our class president when we were ordained, Fr. Romy Sasi and Fr. Len Hernandez. God is so good with us. Pray for us to “refresh our hearts in Christ”. Salamuch.

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Growing In Holiness In Jesus

The Lord Is My Chef Breakfast Recipe-Prayer

Wednesday, 14 November 2018, Week XXXII, Year II

Titus 3:1-7//Luke 17:11-19

Lord Jesus Christ, it is the middle of the week and because of your mercy and love, I have overcome many obstacles as well as accomplished many things since Monday. It is pure grace from you that I am still well, whole and complete physically, mentally and emotionally.

What could possibly be my adequate response to your gifts of love and mercy, Lord Jesus?

More than expressing my gratitude to you like that Samaritan leper you have healed in today’s gospel, help me to grow in holiness in you by going back to you, by being rooted in you.

Growing in holiness in you Jesus is being filled with you.

Growing in holiness in you Jesus is being led by you, my shepherd (Ps.23:1).

Growing in holiness in you Jesus is more than avoiding sin and evil, but doing what is good and just as I walk in this valley of darkness (Ps.23:4).

Growing in holiness in you Jesus is being “obedient and open to every good enterprise (Titus 3:1).”

Growing in holiness in you Jesus is “slandering no one, being peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone” (Titus 3:2).

Thank you Jesus Christ in giving me with so much; I know I have given so little. Help me to give more of myself, give more of my presence with others, and most especially to give more of you dwelling in me. AMEN. Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Parokya ng San Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista, Gov. F. Halili Ave., Bagbaguin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan 3022.

*Photo by my former student at ICSB, Arch. Philip Santiago at the Fatima Square, Portugal, September 2018. Used with permission.

Living In the Lord

The Lord Is My Chef Breakfast Recipe-Prayer

Tuesday, 13 November 2018, Week XXXII, Year II

Titus 2:1-8, 11-14//Luke 17:7-10

Lord Jesus Christ, your birthday is fast approaching as the weather is getting better with chilly mornings, warm sunshine during the day tempered by cool breeze blowing to remind me of the changing of seasons, of the coming end of the year.

What a beautiful reminder to us all of living in your presence, growing and maturing in your loving service, O Lord!

Like Titus in the first reading, help me “to say what is consistent with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1) based on your teachings. Help me to live as older men and women of faith who are “temperate and reverent in behavior, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love and endurance.” (Titus 2:2-3) Help me to be “a model of good deeds in every respect, living temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age.” (Titus 2:7, 12)

Let me take delight in you O Lord Jesus Christ, my Master, faithfully doing what I am obliged to do like the “unprofitable servants” in your parable today (Lk.17:10). AMEN. Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Parokya ng San Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista, Gov. F. Halili Ave., Bagbaguin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan 3022.

*Photo from Google.

It’s the Position Seeking the Person

The Lord Is My Chef Breakfast Recipe-Prayer

Monday, 12 November 2018, Week XXXII, Year II

Titus 1:1-9//Luke 17:1-6

Thank you for this Monday, Lord Jesus Christ.

Remind us on this first day of work that it is the position seeking the person and not the person seeking the position. Remind us of the meaning of vocation that every position and task in our lives is a call from you to serve. Remind us that every position, every authority, every power comes from you and it is always a sharing in your work not for our personal interests.

On this first day of work, St. Paul’s letter to Titus invites us all in the Church and in the civil society to remember that every task, every work, every position you give us is “to set right what remains to be done” (Titus 1:5) to maintain or restore order and harmony among us.

May we heed your warning “things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur.” (Lk.17:1) Many times, sins happen when we desire and get positions not meant for us, inflating our egos, and thus, start lording over everyone. Grant us the humility to always be one in you and with you like St. Josaphat who shed his blood for unity and harmony among the people. AMEN. Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Parokya ng San Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista, Gov. F. Halili Ave., Bagbaguin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan 3022.

leadershipnot positionS

*Photo from Google.

A Prayer to Stop Hurting the Church

The Lord Is My Chef Breakfast Recipe-Prayer

Friday, 09 November 2018, Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran

Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12//1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17//John 2:13-22

On this Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, I humbly pray to you O Lord Jesus Christ for mercy and forgiveness in having hurt your body, the Church.

It is so painful specially these days when people utter all profanities and blasphemies for your Holy Body, but what is most painful is when we in the Church are the ones inflicting your wounds. You have warned us long ago of how people would try to destroy your Church. We need not be alarmed when we are attacked and maligned. That is part of our lives. Just keep us strong and faithful, Lord.

What we must be concerned with – and ashamed of – is when the attacks on your Holy Church come from within, from us your disciples, especially the priests. You were so angry when you saw how the leaders have turned the Temple into a “marketplace” (Jn.2:16). Cleanse us your Church again, Lord Jesus, whip and overturn us when we your pastors are more concerned with money to be earned and collected than to be shared.

Forgive us, O Jesus, in forgetting we are “the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in us” (1Cor.3:16) and we have played gods, possessing your Church, building monuments to our greatness, forgetting the cries of the poor and the women and the children some of us have abused. Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus, when some of us have driven out many from your flock because of our pride and lack of concern, of insensitivities to the plight of many believers confused and lost. Forgive us when we are so quick to defend and safeguard one another’s bruised ego, disregarding the many victims of all forms of abuses by some priests so lost in sin and evil.

Teach us, Lord Jesus our Eternal Priest, to once again be filled with more of you so that we may give life to your people, like the fresh waters of the river seen by Prophet Ezekiel in the first reading flowing from the heavenly temple that every tree planted along its banks is filled with fruits and greenery. Teach our flock also to be holy and help us priests live our vows of poverty, obedience and celibacy. Merciful Jesus, remind us priests and laity always that we do not become holy because we are in the church but that our church becomes holy because of our presence as your indwelling. AMEN.Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Parokya ng San Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista, Gov. F. Halili Ave., Bagbaguin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan 3022.

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*Photos of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome by my former student at ICSB, Arch. Philip Santiago during a pilgrimage Sept. 26, 2018. It is the Cathedral of Rome whose Bishop is also the Pope. Hence, it is the “mother of all churches” and sign of our unity as the Catholic Church.