Our song, our music – our self

Lord My Chef Simbang Gabi Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Monday, Simbang Gabi-VII, 22 December 2025
1 Samuel 1:24-28     <*((((><  +  ><))))*>     Luke 1:46-56

*Photo by author, Church of Visitation, Ein-Karem, Israel, 2017.*

One of the most beautiful and touching sites in the Holy Land I have always loved is the Church of the Visitation at Ein-Karem outside Jerusalem where Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth.

It sits atop of a hill and there’s no other way to get there except by foot due to the narrow road but, it is worth all the effort for anyone going up there with the beautiful scenes all the way with cool breeze soothing your face and lovely flowers delighting your eyes and senses. It somehow gives every pilgrim a taste of the great love and joy of Mary pregnant with out Lord Jesus Christ visiting her cousin Elizabeth on the sixth month of her pregnancy with John the Baptist.

*Photo by Ar. Philip Santiago, Church of Visitation, the Holy Land, October 2025.*

Perhaps we could say the Visitation was the first Christmas party in history as Luke tells us today how Mary rejoiced in God singing the Magnificat after Elizabeth praised her:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day, all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and to his children forever” (Luke 1:46-55).

Aside from this beautiful bronze statues of Mary and Elizabeth at the patio of the Church of the Visitation are the translations of the Magnificat in different languages, including in our very own Filipino which is one of the most popular songs we often sing in our Masses.

But, do we really realize the meaning of this song of Mary?

Actually, the Magnificat was composed by Luke that he placed on the lips of Mama Mary. It is part of his artistry, of putting songs on the lips of some of his Christmas characters like Zechariah after John’s circumcision (the Benedictus) and later on Simeon (Nunc Dimittis) at the Presentation of Jesus in the temple.

Why? Because singing, like dancing, is the highest expression of our feelings to the one we love. Mothers sing lullabies to their infants, suitors compose and sing songs to their beloved, and we Filipinos sing and dance in whatever mood we are wherever we may be! There is always music in us from the simple gesture of washing the dishes, ironing of clothes to driving and taking a shower. When we sing and dance, we not only show what’s inside us but most of all who we are!

In singing the Magnificat which St. Luke patterned after a similar song by Hannah at the birth of her son the Prophet Samuel who’s story we heard in the first reading, Mother Mary expressed her joy and gratitude in the nearness of God among us not only with the coming birth of her Son Jesus Christ but also through her!

The late Fr. Raymond Brown, one of the great biblical scholars of our time noted in his classic “Birth of the Messiah” that Mary as the first Christian is teaching us in her Magnificat the essential task of every disciple of the Lord which is, after hearing the word of God and accepting it, we must share it with others, not by simply repeating it but by interpreting it so that people can see it truly as the good news.

Here we wish to mention something we have read recently about singing and dancing that the best singer or best dancer is one who can listen or hear – and fill the silent gaps in every piece of music. That’s amazing because singing and dancing are not about having super beautiful voice or precise steps. Singing and dancing are more of attitude, of claiming and owning a piece of music as yours. That’s why it is called an interpretation or as young people these days refer to as “cover”.

As we have mentioned earlier, one of the most popular Mass songs in the country is Mary’s Magnificat called Ang Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri but does it reflect our spirituality as a Christian nation?

Have you noticed how this 2025 that we heard so little of Mr. Jose Mari Chan his Christmas in Our Hearts?

I feel sorry for Mr. Chan when suddenly this 2025 he is more heard and seen in the McDonald’s commercial shouting “George!” to a fellow senior citizen. We as a nation momentarily forgot about Mr. Chan’s classic line “whenever I see girls and boys selling lanterns” because we as a nation is so disgusted with the ghost project scams of flood controls. We could not even emphatize with the family of the former Undesecretary of DPWH who had died of an apparent suicide because of the “breadth and depth and height” of their corruption running into trillions of pesos. They have cheated on us big time and we really wonder why the big “congtractors” and senators are not yet in jail?

But God has been so good to us this Christmas that we can all sing with conviction the Magnificat for indeed, “the Almighty has done great things for us” like putting into jail in a far away land the former president who called God as stupid not once nor twice but multiple times on television. That is aside from ordering the bloodiest anti-drug campaign he shamelessly likened to Hitler’s Holocaust of Jews in World War II.

The Lord invites us to make this 2025 as the last Christmas we allow corrupt and inept people get elected, that we finally put an end to political dynasty, and stop the stupidity and callousness of people in government who set a budget of 500pesos for people to enjoy noche buena.

This Christmas let us sing like Mary, as faithful disciple of Christ, sharing Jesus, always Jesus and only Jesus in singing the Magnificat in our daily witnessing to the Gospel, making Jesus come in our life of loving service to everyone especially those in need. Let us actively cooperate with Jesus like Mary his Mother to make these lines a living reality in our midst – “he has mercy on those who fear him in every generation, showing the strength of his arm by scattering the proud in their conceit, casting down the mighty from their thrones, lifting up the lowly, filling the hungry with good things, sending the rich away empty, coming to the help of Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy”.

More than a song and hymn, the Magnificat reveals us as the signs of the Christ, the Emmanuel, God-is-with-us! Amen. A blessed week ahead of everyone!

Every ending a beginning

Lord My Chef Sunday Recipe for the Soul, 16 November 2025
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Malachi 3:19-20 >><}}}}*> 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 ><}}}}*> Luke 21:5-19

*Photo by author, Bosphrus Strait, Istanbul, Turkiye, 02 November 2025.*

We are now in the penultimate Sunday of our church calendar that is why our readings remind us of the Lord’s Second Coming at the end of the world.

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here – the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end” (Luke 21:5-9).

Imagine the scene. See that tinge of humor of Jesus in dousing his disciples with cold water as they marveled at the beauty and magnificence of the Jerusalem Temple only to tell them all shall perish. It reminded me of our recent pilgrimage to the home of the Blessed Mother and St. John the Beloved in Ephesus, Turkiye recently.

Ephesus was a coastal city in Turkiye founded by the Greek colonists hundreds of years before the birth of Christ and was later annexed by the Romans into their empire. It was a very prosperous city with a huge amphitheater that could seat 24,000 people. During the time of early Christianity, Ephesus was already a major city that is why St. Paul founded a Christian community there whom he later sent a letter now part of the New Testament. It was also in that city where the Church held its Council of Ephesus in the fifth century that defined Mary as the Mother of God because Jesus remained true God and true Man in his conception and birth.

*Photo by author, original marble stone floors of Ephesus.*

But, everything is now in ruins after Ephesus was overran by barbarians in year 600 and struck by massive earthquakes through the following years that literally pushed it farther away from the sea. Almost abandoned except for some locals selling good to tourists and pilgrims who come to visit this lovely ancient city designated in 2015 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jerusalem suffered the same fate minus the earthquakes that have kept it inhabited for thousands of years when it fell into the hands of the Romans in year 70AD, then to the Moslems and other invaders until 1948 when the state of Israel declared independence from British Mandate.

Countries and cities come and go along with their civilizations due to varied reasons. It is the normal course of life. This is what Jesus was trying to tell his disciples and us today with the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple.

But of course, there was more.

Christ’s coming is not a spectacle like a show that the world is so addicted with; Christ’s coming is a presence felt and experienced day in, day out right in our hearts. It is a movement of grace upon grace within our very selves that often go unnoticed because we are so obsessed with physical things seen and heard. Jesus reminds us to see beyond, to have vision not just sight. To pray more, to feel more of God, of his truth and justice not only in ourselves but also in others by witnessing his gospel more than ever.

Earthquake survivor Jesiel Malinao sits beside the coffins of her two sons on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 after a strong earthquake on Tuesday caused a landslide that toppled their hillside homes in Bogo city, Cebu Province, Central Philippines. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

This Sunday is designated by the Church as World Day of the Poor who are the ones who suffer most during calamities and man-made disasters as well as conflicts that abound where the powerful play and manipulate peoples for their own selfish ends.

For the poor, every day seems an end – last meal, last breath, last hope. For the poor, living is more of survival because so many of us have not only forgotten them but have totally disregarded them. They are the ones often used and fooled by the powerful like the corrupt politicians with some masquerading as religious leaders like in the aftermath of the ghost-project scam. See how those involved are now playing victims, diverting attention and misleading many of the poor with their calls for transparency and good-governance. It is to them that the words of Jesus are directed today – “Do not be deceived… Do not follow them!”

Let us heed the calls of Abp. Soc Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan for us to be guided by “wisdom, vigilance, and virtue” in these times when our nation is deeply in crisis in almost every aspect of life. Here we find in the warnings and reminders of Jesus that the end of time with its destruction is not something we have to resign ourselves with. We have to take a more active role to play in the course of history by making the right choices always.

*Photo by author, Cantacuzino Castle, Romania, 06 November 2025.*

And that is choosing Christ by being truthful, just, and charitable.

These are the calls of the Prophet Malachi and St. Paul in the first and second readings respectively today. For them, every day is the day of the Lord, a day of salvation, a day of thanksgiving. It is not a call for alarm nor cause us to fear but a call for active waiting for the Lord wherein we must remain responsible with our duties as followers of Christ, not falling into doubts and discouragement especially when things are getting rough and tough. These are precisely what the Psalms speak too this Sunday:

Let the sea and what fills it resound, the world and those who dwell in it; let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy (Psalm 98:7-8).

To let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy is for us to witness Christ, to give testimony to him and his gospel. Nothing is permanent in this world and life except God. As such, every ending is also a beginning in God. We are not only preparing for the end but also embarking on a new journey in Jesus we must persevere to follow especially in this time of our nation’s history to secure our lives and better future for the next generation.

Our liturgical calendar is about to end next Sunday with the Solemnity of Christ the King; like our Psalm, we embark this Sunday on a new journey in Jesus by witnessing his presence in this world so confused, so noisy, so dark. Amen. Have a blessed week ahead and keep cool! Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela City.

*Photo by author, Bucharest, Romania, 05 November 2025.*

Household of God

Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 28 October 2025
Tuesday, Feast of St. Simon & St. Jude, Apostles
Ephesians 2:19-22   ><))))*> + ><))))*> + ><))))*>   Luke 6:12-16

*Photo by author, Sacred Heart Novitiate, Novaliches, QC, 20 March 2025.*

Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you are also being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22).

How lovely to hear
those words of St. Paul
in these times of great divisions
among us not only in politics
but in almost every topic!
What is most painful,
O Lord Jesus Christ is how
some among us have become
numb and callous of each other,
unmindful of things they say
especially of those suffering 
and in pain; with the little cellphone
each of us holding so addictively
the whole day, we have created our
own self-centered world
totally unmindful of others.

On this Feast of your
two great Apostles,
St. Simon and St. Jude 
who were poles apart 
in their differences
as persons and backgrounds,
may we realize that we are not 
"strangers and sojourners" 
but are" fellow citizens",
and "members of the 
household of God" in you,
Jesus Christ who is at the center
of this household as cornerstone.

Help us, Lord Jesus,
to imitate Sts. Simon and Jude 
who built up your Church, 
your household of God here on earth;
fill our hearts with the zeal 
and ardent love for you 
and your Church like Simon 
called the Zealot:
in this time when Catholics 
in the country are declining
in numbers as well as in professing
their faith, may we have the enthusiasm 
to make you known, Jesus,
in our loving actions of witnessing;
grant us also the strength,
clarity and courage like that of
St. Jude Thaddeus in dealing with
the many contradictions of the world
we live in today as Catholics and 
Christians:  
"But you, beloved, 
build yourselves up on your 
most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit;
keep yourselves in the love of God;
wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus
Christ unto eternal life.
And convince some,
who doubt..." (Jude 20-22).

Bless us, dearest Jesus,
through the help St. Simon and
St. Jude, to rediscover
the beauty of our Christian
faith and of our Catholic Church
by working hard to build it up
without tiring through our silent 
and peaceful witnessing
of the Gospel.
Amen.
Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Our Lady of Fatima University
Valenzuela City

Makabagong Santo Papa, kapangalan ng Minamahal na Alagad ng Panginoon

Lawiswis ng Salita ni P. Nicanor F. Lalog II, Ika-22 ng Oktubre 2025

Larawan nina San Juan Pablo II at San Juan XXIII kasama isa sa mga matandang imahen ng aming Patron San Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista sa likuran ng simbahan ng dati kong parokya sa Bagbaguin, Santa Maria, Bulacan.

PANALANGIN KAY SAN JUAN APOSTOL AT EBANGHELISTA KAUGNAY NG MGA BAGONG SANTO NG SIMBAHAN: PAPA JUAN PABLO II at PAPA JUAN XXIII

Mula Hunyo 2011 hanggang Pebrero 2021 ay naglingkod ako bilang kura paroko ng Parokya ni San Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista sa Bagbaguin, Santa Maria, Bulacan bago nalipat bilang chaplain ng Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) at Fatima University Medical Center (FUMC) dito sa Valenzuela City.

Iyon ang una at marahil huli ko nang assignment na parokya sa loob ng dalawamput-pitong taon ko sa pagkapari. Masaya ako at fulfilled sa lahat ng aking mga assignment ngunit mayroong kakaibang karanasan sa parokya di tulad sa mga paaralan na dalawang ulit ko nang napupuntahan.

Ibig ko noong mahalin at pahalagahan ng mga taga-Bagbaguin ang kanilang Patron na sabi ko nga ang siyang minamahal na alagad din ng Panginoon. Noon namin sinimulan araw ng debosyon kay San Juan Apostol tuwing araw ng Martes.

Noong 27 Abril 2014 na isang Divine Mercy Sunday, ginanap sa Roma ang canonization ng dalawang makabagong Santo Papa na kapwa kapangalan ng aming Patron, sina San Juan XXIII at San Juan Pablo II. Kaya minabuti ko na sumulat noon ng panalangin aming dinarasal tuwing araw ng Sabado upang maranasan ng mga mananampalataya ang bisa ng pananalangin ng tatlong San Juan para sa kanila: San Juan Apostol na kapistahan ay tuwing Disyembre 27, San Juan XXIII tuwing Oktubre 11 at San Juan Pablo II tuwing Oktubre 22.

Para sa mga ibig magkaroon ng debosyon sa tatlong San Juan ng Simbahan, narito aking panalangin:

Minamahal naming Patron na Banal, 
Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista po ang inyong ngalan!
Ngayo'y aming ipinagdiriwang sa buong Simbahan 
dalawang bagong Banal: Kapwa sila pastol ng kawan, 
nang manungkula'y pangalan mo ang hiniram.

San Juan Beinte-tres nang sa kanyang katandaan tulad mo,
Sinikap maging makabuluhan at buhay na palatandaan ng Diyos
sa gitna ng makabagong panahon itong Inang Simbahan
nang kanyang simulan ang Ikalawang Konsilyo sa Vatican. 

Kasabay niyang tinanghal bilang Banal 
ang tinaguriang Dakilang San Juan-Pablo Ikalawa;
Labis na pagtitiis ang kinamit sa kanyang sakit, 
Krus ay sinapit, katulad mo’y naging malapit
sa Ina ni Hesus kaya’t “Totus Tuus” ang kanyang awit.

Itulot mo aming Mahal na San Juan Apostol at Ebanghelista,
kaming iyong mga anak sana’y matularan,
pinagsikapan ng dalawang bagong San Juan:
pamilya’t sambayanan mabuklod sa nagkakaisang pag-ibig
katulad ng dalangin ni Hesus doon sa Huling Hapunan. AMEN.

San Juan Ebanghelista, ipanalangin mo kami.
San Juan Beinte-tres, ipanalangin mo kami.
San Juan-Pablo Ikalawa, ipanalangin mo kami.

*Larawan ng dati kong parokya kuha noong Enero 2020 ng dati naming choir na si G. Gelo Carpio.*

Awaiting in overflowing grace

Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 21 October 2025
Tuesday, Feast of St. Pedro Calungsod, Martyr
Romans 5:12, 15, 17-19, 20-21     <*((((>< + ><))))*>     Luke 12:35-38

Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 5:20-21).

Your words today,
O Lord Jesus Christ
are so inspiring
so reassuring
and edifying in these
most troubled times of our lives;
everywhere we look
or turn, there is an
anomaly, a corruption
happening or unearthed
that sadly hurt most the
poor and marginalized.

Yet, despite our
many trials and
hardships in life these days,
we never run out of good
people going out of their ways
to help, to care, to guide
those in need; most wonderful
to hear most of these great
stories of love and care
are by simple folks,
so unlike those supposed to be
more educated,
more upward
and mobile!

It was the same situation
of persecution when
St. Pedro Calungsod 
kept his lamp lighted 
with good works
among the locals in Guam
where he met his martyrdom.
Keep us faithful, Jesus
overflow us with your grace
while awaiting your daily coming
especially during the most
trying times.
Amen.

Divine Presence

Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 26 September 2025
Friday, Memorial of Sts. Cosmas & Damian, Martyrs
Haggai 2:1-9     ><]]]]'> + ><]]]]'> + ><]]]]'>     Luke 9:18-22

*Photo by author, the wailing wall of Jerusalem, May 2017.*

God our loving Father,
we praise and thank you
for the magnificent places
of worship we have for you,
churches so beautiful,
so wide to accommodate us
especially on Sundays
to praise and worship you;
but, dear God,
forgive us when we forget
so often that its glory 
is not in us nor because of us
but from your divine presence,
in the presence of Jesus Christ
not only in the Tabernacle
but among the people
as you have told us through
Haggai your prophet.

For thus says the Lord of hosts: One moment yet, a little while, and I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will come in, and I will fill this house with with glory, says the Lord of hosts (Haggai 2:6-7).

That prophecy 
has been fulfilled in
Jesus Christ your Son,
our Savior
who now asks us daily
with his same question
to the Twelve:
"Who do the crowds
say that I am?"

Grant us the courage
and strength you gave Peter
as well as the early Christians
to acknowledge Jesus
as the Christ - 
something so 
subversive at that time,
so dangerous
as it disregarded
the earthly rulers
especially the Roman emperor;
so much have changed,
Lord in our time
when the church has become
so elaborately decorated
like our faith
but deep inside
is hollow that no wonder
we can't even profess your
being Lord just before every
meal especially in public places;
grant us the same courage
you gave the brothers 
Cosmas and Damian
who treated the sick for free
in your name,
who dared the powers
and stood firm 
in their faith in you.
Amen.

*Photo by author, Chapel of the Angel of Peace, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela City, March 2025*

Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Our Lady of Fatima University
Valenzuela City
(lordmychef@gmail.com)

Praying for prophetic leaders

Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 16 September 2025
Tuesday, Memorial of Sts. Cornelius, Pope & Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs
1 Timothy 3:1-13 <*((((>< +. ><))))*> Luke 7:11-17

Beloved, this saying is trustworthy: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task (1 Timothy 3:1).

How timely
 are your words today,
Lord Jesus:
definitely it is about your
servants in the church;
but, it applies very much
with all other leaders
in the government
and civil society
who have pledged
to serve the poor
and needy.
Give us a prophetic bishop
who is most in touch with
our humanity,
not merely concerned
with one's self
and ego.

We pray,
dear Jesus for bishops
and government leaders
who are decisive
with what is true and good
and what is just most of all;
give us bishops
who act decisively
as a father,
a teacher,
and disciplinarian
not those concerned
with their status
and ego.

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried our, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her (Luke 7:11-12).

How amazing,
dear Jesus,
that despite 
the "large crowd"
you were still able to spot
the grieving widow 
at the funeral of her only son
because you are so in touch
with our humanity
unlike with some bishops
and most leaders in government;
grant us prophetic leaders
who are in touch and amazed
with the dignity and honor of
persons as image and likeness
of God that like you, Lord,
they could feel 
and be one 
in the sorrow 
of those in pain
and sufferings.

In this point 
in our nation's history,
we need so badly,
dearest Lord Jesus,
a prophetic bishop,
even just one who could rally
the other bishops and priests
with the many faithful
to effect change,
to speak of the truth
so people would be shaken
and realize like the crowd 
in Nain who exclaimed
after you have raised the dead boy
to life, "A great prophet has
arisen in our midst."
Amen.

Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Our Lady of Fatima University
Valenzuela City
(lordmychef@gmail.com)

Christ and the Widow of Nain, c.1550-55 (oil on canvas) by Caliari, Paolo (Veronese) (1528-88); 97.7×163.8 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Christ and the Widow of Nain. Paolo Caliari (Veronese)(1528-1588). Oil on canvas. 97.7 x 163.8cm.); Photo © Christie’s Images.

Like a father, like a mother

Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 27 August 2025
Wednesday, Memorial of St. Monica, Married Woman
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13     <*[[[[>< + ><]]]]*>     Matthew 23:27-32

Praise and glory to you,
Lord Jesus Christ
for another set of 
beautiful words from
your great Apostle Paul
of being like a "father",
a parent to the Thessalonians
like St. Monica whose feast we
celebrate today in her diligence
and patience to her son
St. Augustine whose feast comes
tomorrow.

As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children, exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory (1Thessalonians 2:11-12).

In this time of great
trial and crisis in our country
when we are literally deep
in floods of evil and sin, 
a deluge of apocalyptic proportion
that have submerged all three
branches of government -
the executive, 
legislative 
and judiciary 
that have severely dampened
and loosened the morals
of our society,
teach us Jesus
to be like the mother of 
St. Augustine,
the ever patient and
prayerful St. Monica 
to exhort and encourage
everyone to still walk in a manner
worthy of God who calls us
to be fair and just,
tenacious with our faith
and hope in you and your gospel
 minus the trappings of the
Pharisees and scribes of your time
who were like "whitewashed tombs
who appear beautiful on the outside,
but inside are full of dead men's bones
and every kind of filth"
(Matthew 23:27);
may the prayers of St. Monica
with her tears cleanse us
of everything wrong in our selves.
Amen.

Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Our Lady of Fatima University
Valenzuela City
(lordmychef@gmail.com)

*St. Augustine with his mother St. Monica.*

Praying to be gentle & tenacious

Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 26 August 2025
Tuesday in the Twenty-first Week of Ordinary Time, Year I
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8     <*{{{{><  +  ><}}}}*>     Matthew 23:23-26

Thang you very much,
dear Jesus for the gift of
St. Paul your Apostle:
yesterday we heard how
he encouraged the church
at Thessalonica,
of how impressed he was 
with their deep conviction
of faith;
today he described his 
approach to starting the
church at Thessalonica:
so candidly speaking
how he did it while still
remaining tender and gentle
to them,
so sure he had taken
the right course of action.

You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our reception among you was not without effect. Rather, after we had suffered and been insolently treated, as you know, in Philippi, we drew courage through our God to speak to you the Gospel of God with much struggle. Our exhortation was not from delusion or impure motives, or did it work through deception. But as we were judged worthy by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, that is how we speak, not as trying to please men, but rather God, who judges our hearts (1Thessalonians 2:1-4).

As I pray,
Lord Jesus on these
words of St. Paul,
I cannot stop wondering
our many excuses
and "side trips" today
as your apostles;
how did St. Paul unwind
or recreate in his time
compared to our many
forms of rest and recreation;
so many of us cannot move on
with life and ministry
from whatever experiences
we have had in our previous
assignments unlike St. Paul
who simply kept the lessons
learned from his past experiences
at Philippi; most of all,
I could feel the intense love
of St. Paul to you, Lord Jesus
and his ministry with his 
deep personal relationship
in you in prayers
so unlike us today
with so many excuses
in not praying at all.

What I love most
is St. Paul's 
tenderness and gentleness
to his church
with his tenacious 
hold on you Jesus.

although we were able to impose our weight as Apostles of Christ. Rather, we were gentle among you, as a nursling mother cares for her children. With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the Gospel of God, but our very selves as well, as dearly beloved had you become to us (1Thessalonians 2:7-8).

Dearest Jesus,
may your word 
be always alive and 
active in me
flowing in my tender
and gentle service to your flock
so unlike the Pharisees you
have condemned again in
today's gospel
for being blind guides
of the people.
Amen.

Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Our Lady of Fatima University
Valenzuela City
(lordmychef@gmail.com)

What if St. Paul & Jesus come to our Church today?

Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 25 August 2025
Monday, Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time, Year I
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10     <*((((>< + ><))))*>     Matthew 23:13-22

*Photo from The Fatima Tribune, Red Wednesday at the Chapel of Angel of Peace, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela City, 27 November 2024.*

Today I wonder,
God our Father,
what if Paul your Apostle
or Jesus Christ your Son
were to visit our church today,
what would they find out?
Would Paul be proud of us
like the Thessalonians of
his time?

We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen… In every place your faith in God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything (1Thessalonians 1:2-4, 8).

Oh how I envy the Thessalonians
that Paul along with
Silvanus and Timothy
were so proud of their "faith
and labor of love
and endurance in hope";
most of all,
of their "conviction"
that he had no need
 to say anything,
as in, "walang masabi".
So beautiful!
How I wish Paul could say
the same things today to our
parish, to our community of
believers with their vibrant
faith, hope and love.

What  I dread, O Father
is when Jesus comes
and begins speaking 
the same way to us
his priests and bishops:

Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter (Matthew 23:13).

Shame on us, Lord Jesus,
your priests and bishops!
If you were here today,
you would surely say the same
things to us: many of us
your priests do not pray at all
that many have forgotten to 
pray properly and celebrate 
liturgy meaningfully;
many would rather go on
vacation and recreation than
celebrate Mass and sacraments
for your people;
yes, Lord Jesus,
"woe to us" your servants
for many of us have no plans
of going to heaven at all with the
kind of Eucharist we celebrate
that people have lost faith
in you and your church.
Forgive us, Jesus,
your priests for being
blind fools,
following the limelight
of the world than your path
of the Cross;
lead us back to you, Jesus,
so that your flock may be
enlivened again in their
faith, hope and love
like the Thessalonians
of your great Apostle Paul.
Amen.

Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Our Lady of Fatima University
Valenzuela City
(lordmychef@gmail.com)