Friday I’m In Love: DRT

Quiet Storm by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, 26 November 2024

*Photo by author, Pulong Sampalok, DRT, Bulacan, 23 November 2024.*

Since my mom’s passing in May, I have finally been more resolved in having days off and overnight breaks after some bouts with depression and grief. Last Friday I went to DRT – Doña Remedios Trinidad – the final frontier of Bulacan province where the Sierra Madres link us with Quezon and Rizal provinces.

*The Retirement Home of the Dominican Sisters of St. Joseph at DRT.*

Named after the mother of former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, DRT was a barrio or barangay of the town of Angat. When Mrs. Marcos separated Valenzuela from Bulacan province in the mid-70’s to create the Greater Manila Area (GMA) that became Metro Manila in the 1980’s, DRT was separated from Angat to become the last and youngest town of Bulacan.

It was actually a homecoming for me after 27 years when I chose to be assigned at Galilee Home, our diocesan rehab for drug dependents before our ordination as deacons in 1997 found at the opposite side of the Dominican Sisters’ House of Prayer where I stayed last weekend.

The Dominican Sisters of St. Joseph were so kind to welcome me to their spiritual center and had promised to join them there every fourth Saturday to celebrate their Mass by staying overnight for my much-needed rest or sabbath.

Indeed, it was a Sabbath to me, a return to Paradise, so close with nature where time seems to stand still or at least goes so slowly.

*Those bamboo fences remind me so much of my childhood days in Bocaue; see how modernity represented by the electric meter competing with the countryside’s laid back atmosphere.*

What I like seeing all the nature around me is when my memory is shuffled to those days as a promdi when like these kids we ruled supreme on the streets, never worried of being run over by vehicles so kind to stop if we were playing.

*Lahat kasali – pati poste! Kids playing Chinese garter.*

As my childhood memory sauntered, I realized it was truly another setting than the city when at 545PM I heard a mother shouting to her children, “kakain na… uwi na!” and the kids obediently went home.

The following morning, as usual, I woke up at 5AM. Prayed and did my warm up exercises and shortly before 6AM, I went off to walk. My destination was the view deck of DRT where a giant statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands right after the welcome arch.

*So peaceful… as if the whole world is yours!*

Every time I walk around Valenzuela, I just bring about 200 pesos in my pocket and nothing else – no glasses which I hate so much and likewise, no cellphones. I find these as distractions.

But, that Saturday morning, I brought along my cellphone in order to shoot scenes and of course the sunrise.

Late did I realize on my way back that I should have brought my glasses for better focus especially with the abounding bird species in the area of Pulong Sampalok.

*Oh, they were so many but I failed to catch them in my camera phone because I had no glasses…*

Actually, not related to my not bringing of glasses, I got lost that morning.

Instead of turning right from the Damascus circle, I made a left.

Funny too while walking, I felt something was wrong with my t-shirt – it was baligtad!

Since nobody was around not even houses in the area, I changed my shirt and went happily in my walking.

Barrio folks have always believed that in order to find one’s way in the forest or anywhere, one has to change his/her shirt. Baligtarin ang suot na damit kontra sa tiyanak.

But, despite that act of pagbaligtad of my t-shirt, I still got lost and went onto high steeps that really challenged me so greatly.

Many times I had to stop to catch my breath. Even the cyclists I have met admitted it was a very steep climb while others opted to walk with their bikes.

All in all, I walked 6.69 kilometers without reaching the view deck but, God, I found so many views I never expected that truly refreshed me!

As I got lost walking nowhere, I realized life’s parable – that the most joyful and loveliest things are found in ordinary places like along the sides of the road like these plants and flowers as well as rock formations.

Many times in life, it is actually a grace to go nowhere, to get lost once in a while and simply keep on walking, trusting God for He would always find us a way to Him. Within.

Even met my former student in High School riding with his cousins to visit their lot in the area that Saturday!

What I like most as I have mentioned earlier are the natural fences people have in the countryside like these lovely garden at a store I passed by…

Even dogs seem to be most kind here… not a single dog barked at me despite my getting lost in their area!

Unfortunately, there have been a strong influx of settlers in DRT with presumably big people buying out large tracts of lands for future developments. What an ugly sight to see barbed wires in the mountain area.

And… whoa!

Or, is it the installation of the post that was wrong? Some misplaced priorities that destroy nature.

What kind of road construction is this?

Meanwhile… we are not sure if these are indicative of the climate change at all….

Join me next month in my “Friday I’m In Love” journey to cure my grief as I take you to Dumaguete City. Thank you for the visit! God bless!

I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's grey and Wednesday too
Thursday, I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in love
Monday you can fall apart
Tuesday, Wednesday, break my heart
Thursday doesn't even start
It's Friday, I'm in love
(Friday I'm In Love by The Cure)

Friday I’m in love, Part 3

Quiet Storm by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, 29 October 2024

*Photo by author, entering the Nagsasa Cove in San Antonio, Zambales, 19 October 2024.*

I have always imagined God must be like Jewish director Steven Spielberg. According to an article I have read long ago, Spielberg would always hide sets of important scenes to capture the real emotions of his actors and actresses during shooting. One example was the Raiders of the Lost Ark series where Harrison Ford’s expressions were very natural.

And that exactly was how I felt God in Nagsasa Cove on that lovely weekend of October 19.

Nagsasa’s white beach is actually lahar from Mount Pinatubo’s 1990 eruption that also brought those lush Agojo trees.

From the sea to the cove, I was already so enchanted, even enthralled with the scenery, the sparkling waters with its gentle breeze blowing, so clean and crisp. A taste of paradise.

After a few sips of wine in the warm waters of Nagsasa Cove, I ventured inland. Lo and behold! I immediately went back to our boat to get my cellphone as I told my companions how lovely is the river at the back. That was when Sir Benet Galang, owner of Agojo Beach, willingly joined to guide us deeper inland.

According to Sir Benet, some trekkers who have gone there told him the scene was like New Zealand which he could not verify because he has not been down there yet. One thing for sure, though, he has not seen any hobbits dwelling there except a few gentle Aetas in a settlement area who often guide hikers up the Pundaquit Mountain range.

I forgot to bring my slippers but what the heck! I have always loved walking on earth barefoot, so close to nature, so close with God, reminding me of the burning bush event of Moses when told to take off his sandals because he was on a sacred ground.

That’s Nagsasa Cove, a sacred ground.

The river is very stony but very clear. Water is warm on top but as you dip, it gets cold. Parang beer!

One realizes upon coming here is the great gift God has given our country, a gift so precious that we ought to take care. From here, one may hike to the mountain in about four hours with Aetas as guides.

A lot of greenery… and trees.

*A young Agojo tree which is a variety of pine trees.*

So many sights to behold, things one will never see in the city nor provinces these days.

I was fascinated with the mushrooms growing on this stump of an Agojo tree…

Again, I prayed this area would be spared of roads and big businesses to keep its beauty and charm intact. Residents are very organized, requiring vendors from outside to ensure they take back their waste and litter. During summer, each vendor of any goods is asked to fill a sack of litter to ensure the surroundings are well maintained.

If you are a nature lover, planning to have an entirely “me time”, I strongly recommend Nagsasa Cove.

No problem with food and accommodations there from simple tents to ones like this and air conditioned kubo…

Just come as you are and surely you shall come home filled with good memories and sights. Most of all, fulfilled in yourself.

Piso na lang, nasa langit ka na! Promise. See yah!

*All photos and videos taken by author using iPhone12.
*Check FB page of Agojo Beach for details.

Friday I’m in Love, Part 2

Quiet Storm by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, 25 October 2024

*From left after me is Gic (Eric’s wife), her brother Allan with wife Mariel, Eric our host and Captain, and his sister Dra. Mayet.*

After a sumptuous dinner and restful night that lovely Friday last week in Binictican Homes, we rose early the following morning, had a light breakfast and headed for Vasco’s port in Subic to await my kinakapatid Eric with his speedboat.

It was my first boat ride.

*At the dockyard of Vasco’s Hotel in Subic.*

Of course… I was scared because I do not swim; but, I have always loved the sea and it was a total bliss right after we have left port.

Immediately I felt an adrenaline rush within as we throttled our way into the open sea with Christopher Cross singing “Ride Like the Wind” in my head that felt being treated with a “natural” Japanese hair spa courtesy of the strong winds.

The ride and the sights were so relaxing.

The vast expanse of the sea was very calming and soothing, cleansing me of all negativities in my body, heart, and soul. Can’t contain my joy at that time as I felt all the free radicals in my system vanished.

It was so heavenly, so close with God and with nature. Life is so beautiful indeed that I kept thanking God for His gifts of life, of nature, and most especially, of good friends, so kind and loving.

The sea is so unique not only with the infinite horizon but most especially it is the only place on Earth where we do not leave any marks as in footprints. How I love those burst of waves and bubbles like saying goodbye to the past, looking forward to new day, new sights, new land.

After about 45 minutes from Subic, we reached Nagsasa Cove which is part of San Antonio, Zambales.

There are four other coves in the area: Agnain, Anawangin, Silanguin, and Talisayen. All are accessible only by boat. We hope and pray they remain that way, far from big businesses that always destroy nature.

All coves are self sustaining with abundant supply of mountain spring water, so much food on land and the sea so blessed with abundant fish. In fact, on our way home at about 3:30 PM, we chanced upon some fishermen and bought some of their catch!

Now I experienced first-hand Eric’s famed skill in fishing… with his magic bait, his wallet!

Nagsasa Cove is so lovely. And nakaka-in love really. Especially for those who want to touch base with Mother Nature, with one’s self. And with God very much present there.

Nagsasa Cove is a very “young” beach naturally reclaimed by Mount Pinatubo’s lahar flows in 1991.

According to our friend Mr. Benet Galang who owns Agojo Resort there, the actual beach was about 500 meters to the back that was actually rocky. Following Mount Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991, the beach was reclaimed by lahar (that’s why it is a white beach) along with its endemic tree called agojo.

I have been coming to Anvaya Cove the past three years courtesy also of Eric and another friend. I have come to love it that have brought my family too last summer. I felt at that time it was the best, even better than Boracay.

But now, my heart is already aching for Nagsasa Cove. So lovely, so peaceful. Perfect for “me time”.

*The part of Nagsasa Cove for snorkeling.*

Imagine watching the sunset here.

Imagine how it would look like when the glowing sun kisses the sea as it sets and at midnight or before dawn, the moon and the stars hugging the cove beneath them?

Whoa…!

More stories and photos as we explored the river and the mountains at the back of this paradise called Nagsasa Cove.

*All photos and videos by the author using iPhone 12. For those interested to visit Nagsasa Cove and Beach, check Agojo Beach Resort at Facebook. Very kind owner, Mr. Benet Galang, a true outdoorsman and nature lover.

Holiness of work

The Lord Is My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Wednesday, Memorial of St. Augustine, Bishop & Doctor of the Church, 28 August 2024
2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18 <*{{{{>< + ><}}}}*> Matthew 23:27-32

*Commuters hang from the back of a jeepney as it travels along a road in Manila, the Philippines, on Sunday, April 9, 2017. Photographer: Veejay Villafranca/Bloomberg via Getty Images*.

Glory and praise to you,
God our loving Father
for the gift of this great Saint,
Augustine, son of St. Monica,
Bishop and Teacher of the Church;
in him, O God,
you showed us every saint
has a sinful past 
and that no sinner 
can be denied of a saintly future.

It was St. Augustine who taught us
among his so many teachings that
"grace builds on nature"
which he must have learned from
his own experiences,
from his conversion to Christianity
to becoming a priest then a bishop
that did not happen like a magic trick
by God but with hard work wrapped in
intense prayers by him and St. Monica;
what a tremendous blessing that 
as we honor him today, 
our first is from a letter by his inspiration,
St. Paul:

For you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat (2 Thessalonians 3:7-10).

Remind us, O God
in Jesus Christ like St. Augustine,
what is essential is the inside
not the outside;
let us not be like the Pharisees
and scribes, hypocrites,
looking like "whitewashed tombs
that appear beautiful on then outside
but inside are full of dead men's bones
and every kind of filth"
(Matthew 23:27).

Grant us the zeal and
enthusiasm like St. Augustine
to strive in becoming a better person,
most of all a better Christian
by working hard in cultivating
the prayer life,
love for the Sacred Scriptures
so that Jesus may dwell always
in our hearts.
Amen.

Praying in time of storm

The Lord Is My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Prayers in the storm and after the storm, 24-25 July 2024

*Photo by author, Parish of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Valenzuela City, 24 July 2024.*

We did not sleep well Tuesday night, worried with the serious impact of heavy rains to our brothers and sisters living in shanties and low-lying areas. Electricity was cut off early yesterday as we received reports of widespread flooding in the Parish. Immediately, the Parish Priest with the Parish Pastoral Council gathered dry clothings, jackets, and blankets for the evacuees in a nearby school, sending some breakfast too. This was our prayer on that rainy Wednesday:

God our loving Father,
we thank you for the rains
we have long been waiting for
to fill our dams,
to water our fields and plants,
to cool our climate;
but because of our continued
disregard for your creation
and for one another,
these blessed rains have brought
many problems too
especially floods that
are getting worse every year;
forgive us for we never learn
to respect not only nature
but especially one another;
rich and poor alike failed
to take care of each other
thinking only of one's self.
May these rains wash away
our selfishness,
cleanse our conscience
to think more of others
and enable us to finally
take concrete steps
in changing our lifestyle
as Pope Francis had long
called for in Laudato Si
so that we may finally see
our interconnectedness in this
one home and planet we call
Earth.
Amen.

*Photo by author, the Fatima image we use for procession after Sunday Masses at the Shrine taking cover from the strong rains and winds yesterday.*

Rains heavily poured with a lot of thunders before noon yesterday; more parishioners sent help in kind and food for the 60 evacuees near the Shrine. This we composed for our noontime prayer during that thunderstorms:

God our Father,
thank you for the midday rest
on this stormy Wednesday;
many of us are bearing with
the discomfort of no electricity,
of not being able to move around,
of idly staying at home;
forgive us for the complaints
especially when we forget there are
more who are going through severe
tests and sufferings at this time:
dilapidated and leaky homes with
still more moving to evacuation
centers; many people have nothing
at all in their pockets for these rainy days;
help us reach out to our poor brothers
and sisters especially the children 
who haven’t have breakfast nor have rested
at all since last night!
Father, we pray for the daily wage earners
who could not work today 
due to bad weather; 
we pray also for those living alone
as well as those who could not come home.
Bless every home,
fill us with more love and kindness
to keep warm everyone in this time
of calamity.
We ask this in Jesus Christ’s name
with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O blessed Mother Mary,
our Lady of Fatima,
Pray for us!

There was still no electricity and rains continued to pour in the afternoon with a handful people celebrating the 6PM Mass at the Shrine. Up in our rectory, our staff and PPC officers were busy preparing packed meals for the families evacuated in a nearby school. This was our prayer that afternoon:

God our loving
and merciful Father,
thank you for bringing us to the
end of this day;
thank you for the gift of life,
for the selfless people who served
in all rescue and relief efforts
for those affected by the heavy
rains that still continue;
thank you and bless those who remained
faithful to their call of duty especially
those in the police and military,
the journalists who risked their lives
to keep us informed of the situations,
our weathermen who tracked Carina
and the habagat;
most of all, we thank you
for the doctors and nurses
who came to hospitals as
extensions of your healing hands in this
time of calamity.
Keep them all safe.
Bring us all home safely tonight
guided by your light of love and care
in Jesus Christ
in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Mary our Mother,
Our Lady of Fatima,
Pray for us.

*Photo by author, Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel of Angel of Peace, RISE Tower, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela City, 26 June 2024.*

Darkness enveloped the whole city of Valenzuela by nightfall as we remained without electricity but the good news of rains finally stopping with the ebbing of the floods were most welcomed news to bring joy to many among us. We continued with our prayers and this is what we shared:

Most loving Father,
many of us will not sleep tonight:
some are working overnight
to ensure tomorrow we’ll have
food and power while others are
keeping watch for everyone’s
safety and wellbeing;
bless them,
give them the strength to do their
tasks and duties,
and keep them safe.
It has been a very long,
cold, and wet day, Father;
help us set aside our worries,
to trust and hope in You
that it is always after the rains
and the storms leaves are greenest;
it is after the floods when rich top soil
are deposited, conducive for farming;
it is during calamities when love
and charity surprise us most.
Amen.

Jesus, King of Mercy,
we trust in You!

Our Lady of Fatima,
Pray for us!

*Photo by author, Fatima Avenue, Valenzuela City after the storm this morning, 25 July 2024 with Our Blessed Virgin’s old statue reminding us of her motherly care.*

Finally, we saw the sun at the start of this new day still with some rains and the heavy tasks of cleaning and clearing the debris left by the floods. Will we ever learn to respect nature which is actually an expression of our respect for each other too?

Our prayer after the storm:

Praise and glory to you,
God our loving Father!
Thank you for this new day,
thank you for the gift of life,
thank you for guiding us
during these stormy days.
Bless our doctors and nurses,
the selfless volunteers and staffmembers
of rescue and emergency units
along with our police and military
personnel as well as the weathermen
who continue to work and serve us
today after the storm.
Help us to do better
in responding to emergencies
next time while we finally learn
to change our lifestyles in caring
for the environment and ultimately,
for one another.
Let us appreciate
each one’s giftedness
in Christ Jesus our Lord
as we celebrate life
in the Holy Spirit
today.
Amen.

Our Lady of Fatima,
Pray for us!
St. James the Great,
Pray for us!

*Photo by author, Fatima Avenue, Marulas, Valenzuela City, 25 July 2024.*

Ulan

Lawiswis ng Salita ni P. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Ika-13 ng Hulyo 2022

Itong ulan
ay kay buting paalala
sa atin ng kalikasan  
na kailanma'y hindi tayo nalilimutan
ng Panginoong Maykapal
sa ating mga pangangailangan;
dinidiligan nanunuyot na kapaligiran
maging ating katauhan, minsa'y
nagwiwilig lamang upang maibsan 
ang alinsangan at kung tag-ulan, 
bumubuhos upang lubluban 
labis nating karumihan!

Itong ulan
maraming kahulugan
kadalasa'y pagpapala at
biyaya, tubig mula sa kalangitan
bagaman kung minsan
ay parang sumpa o parusa
tila mga patak ng luha 
tayo ay binabaha ng hirap
at hilahil, nalulunod sa pighati
at kalungkutan na tila walang katapusan.

Itong ulan
mayroong taglay na katangian
wala sa ibang kalikasan
ang mangusap at magparamdam
dampian buong katawan tulad
ng isa pang kapwa nilalang
upang maranasan kalinisan at
kadalisayan nitong buhay
luntiang mga dahon, damdaming naaantig 
ng magkasabay na lamig at halumigmig!

*Larawan kuha ni Peter Fazekas sa Pexels.com.*

Para saan, daan sa kabukiran?

Lawiswis ng Salita ni P. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Ika-28 ng Pebrero 2020

Larawan kuha ng may-akda sa Pulilan, Bulacan, 25 Pebrero 2020.

Sa aming lalawigan 
na tinuturing luntian
maraming halamanan at kabukiran
unti-unti nang napapalitan yaring kalikasan.

Ako'y kinakabahan 
sa darating na kinabukasan
ating mga palabigasan wala nang laman
mga bata'y kumakalam sa gutom kanilang tiyan.

Ang sabi ng karamihan 
ito'y para sa kaunlaran
ngunit kung ating titingnan 
malayo sa katotohanan.

Doon pa rin sa Pulilan, Bulacan, 25 Pebrero 2020.

Kailangan daw ay kongkretong daan
upang mapabilis kalakalan 
nguni't paano naman
kung wala nang aanihan?

Repormang pangsakahan, tinalikuran
mga magsasaka tinatapakan 
lupaing ginawang daanan di binayaran 
presyo ng palay kulang at alangan!

Hindi masama ang kaunlaran
ngunit kung ang maliliit ay kinalilimutan
kapakanan nila ay pinababayaan
wala rin itong patutunguhan.

Hindi ba natin namamalayan
sa pagkawala ng ating mga kabukiran
kasabay nababaluktot ating katuwiran
pati katinuan at katarungan nasasalansang?

Buksan natin ating isipan
sa sasapiting pagkawasak at kawalan
kapag mga sakahan ating pinabayaan
hindi lamang tiyan mawawalan ng laman.

Sementuhin mo man maraming daan
ngunit sarado naman puso at kalooban
sa higit na malalim na mga katotohan
wala patutunguhan kungdi kapahamakan.

Katotohanan ng bulkan

Lawiswis ng Salita ni P. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Ika-17 ng Enero 2020

Larawan mula sa Inquirer.net, 12 Enero 2019

Lahat ay nagimbal
nang pumutok bulkan ng Taal:
nagdarasal, nagninilay
kahulugan at mga aral 
na sa atin sana'y gumabay.

Isang katiyakang ating mapananaligan
hindi kaparusahan pagsabog ng bulkan
na batay sa kaayusang tinakda 
noon pa man nitong kalikasan
sa karunungan ng Poong Maykapal.

Gayon pa man,
mahalaga nating mapaglimi-limihan
kung ano baga mga aral
sa atin ay inuusal nitong 
pagsabog ng bulkang Taal.

Larawan ay kuha ni G. Raffy Tima ng GMA-7 News, 12 Enero 2020.

Una kong napagtanto
laganap na pagkalat ng abo
mula nang pumutok ang Taal
upang ipaala-ala sa ating mga tao
ating pinagmulan at hahantungan.

Iyon nga lang
sa inyong pakundangan
bakit nga ba yaring mga kinauukulan
pati na rin sambayanan
tila baga mga isipan walang laman kungdi abo lamang?

Kanya-kanyang bidahan kinabukasan
mayroong ibig magpaulan upang abo ay mahugasan
habang isa pang kasamahang hunghang sa batasan
nagmungkahing imbestigahan diumano'y 
kapabayaan ng mga nagbabantay sa bulkan.

Natuyot nang islang kinaroonan ng bulkang Taal. Larawan ay kuha ni G. Raffy Tima ng GMA-7 News, 15 Enero 2020.

Iyan unang aral ng bulkang Taal:
huwag nang ihalal mga upisyal na hangal
na walang ibang kayang gawin kungdi
samsamin kaban ng bayan at palitan
pangalan ng mga lansangan.

Ngayon ibig nilang pakialaman
gawain ng mga nasa agham
matapos pabayaan at bawasan
pondong kinakailangan
sakaling mayroong mga di inaasahang kalamidad.

Mas makakapal pa sila sa abo ng Taal
masangsang pa kanilang amoy sa asupre
mga salot ng lipunan, mga upisyal na walang pakialam
maliban dilaan sino mang nasa Malakanyang
na lihis din takbo ng isipan kahit may kaguluhan.

Mapayapang tanawin ng Taal bagama’t umuusok pa rin. Larawan kuha ni G. Raffy Tima ng GMA-7 News, 17 Enero 2020.

Larawan ng kagandahan at kaayusan
sa kanyang katahimikan itong bulkan
sa loob ng lawa ng Taal na ngayo'y
kay hirap na ring masilayaan 
dahil sa mga gusaling nagtataasan sa daanan ng Tagaytay.

Marahil isang hinaing
at pinag-aalburoto ng Taal
ating kawalang galang sa kanya
sampu ng buong kalikasan
na ating winawasak at sinalaula.

Gayon din mga nagkabitak-bitak
na lupa waring nagsasaad 
malaon nang mga pitak
sa ating mga kapatiran 
maging kaisahan sa Inang Kalikasan.

Kung sakali mang
puputok at sasabog ng tuluyan
yaring bulkan ng Taal
nawa'y walang mapahamak sino man
ngunit aral niya ating matutuhan at matandaan.

Wanted: Prayer from the heart!

The Lord Is My Chef Breakfast Recipe for the Soul

Thursday, Week 1, Year 2, 16 January 2020

***1 Samuel 4:1-11* ><)))> ><)))> ><)))> Mark 1:40-45***

Altar of the Church of All Nations beside the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem where Jesus prayed before his arrest on Holy Thursday. Photo by author May 2019.

Lord Jesus Christ, our Master and Divine Teacher, please teach us how to pray like you. Teach us how to truly pray that is pleasing to the Father not in the social media as many of us seem to be doing these days amid the eruptions of Taal Volcano recently.

May we be reminded of the experience of the Israelites in the first reading that despite the presence of God’s Ark of the Covenant in their battle with the Philistines, they were defeated.

Worst, the Ark of the Covenant was captured and among those dead were Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas (1Sm.4:10-11)!

Remind us that it is the Holy Spirit within us who prays and calls out to you, O God, because we do not really know how to pray. Dispose ourselves unto your will, O God, like that who came and knelt to beg before Jesus, saying,

“If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.
Mark 1:40-42

Dear God, may we heed the calls of Pope Francis in Laudato Si that each of us seriously change our own ways of living, to have a shift in our lifestyles that respects nature as part of your creation, part of our lives.

We have long disrespected you and nature, O God.

Cleanse our hearts, strengthen us in facing Taal’s fury and heed her voice hereafter to take care of her. Amen.

Lawiswis ng Salita ni P. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Ika-28 ng Pebrero 2020

The Lord Is My Chef Breakfast Recipe for the Soul

Thursday, Week 1, Year 2, 16 January 2020

1 Samuel 4:1-11 ><)))*> ><)))*> ><)))*> Mark 1:40-45

***1 Samuel 4:1-11* ><)))> ><)))> ><)))> Mark 1:40-45***