Flywheel and Fireproof, Good Movies!!!

I praise God for inspiring the people behind the film "Flywheel" for coming out with a movie that not only touches the heart but the spirit as well!!!  Zig Ziglar, author and motivational teacher, said that it is an entertainment that packs a message right where we all live and work.

"Jay Austin wants to sell used cars in the worst way... and that's exactly how he does business at his dealership.  Promising much more than he can ever deliver, he'll do whatever it takes to sell a car.  His manipulative ways permeate all of his relationships- -even his wife and son know they can't trust him.  But as Jay works on restoring a classic convertible, he begins to see that God is working on restoring him as well.  Coming face-to-face with the reality of how he truly conducts himself, Jay Austin begins the ride of his life as he learns to honor God with his business, his relationships, and his life!"

It's one film you would want to see over and over again.  It would have you cheering and crying at the same time as you hear and see the word of God becomes alive in the film.  Just approach the film with a prayerful attitude, and you will hear God speak in your heart.

The film was produced by Sherwood Pictures, and distributed in the Philippines through Magnavision Incorporated.  Get your copy, sit back, relax and let God speak to your heart!  Watch it with your loved ones!

To the married people out there, I strongly recommend "Fireproof" from the makers of "Flywheel."  It's a powerful story of triumph, honor and forgiveness.  I'd like to thank my sister, Yae, for recommending the said films.  To God be the glory!http://www.facebook.com/chic326?ref=profile

Call to Holiness in Singleblessedness

(I am sharing with you the short talk I gave this morning during the Mass in Nuestra Sra. De Gracia Parish for their vocation awareness program. Incidentally, today is the scheduled boxing fight of the Philippines' Manny Pacquiao vs Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto.--Manny won on the 12th round. Mabuhay ka, Manny!)

(PANAWAGAN SA KABANALAN)

Father Jojo, sisters and brothers, good morning. Akala ko po mana-knock out ang Misa ngayong umaga. Sa ibang parokya po konti lang ang nagsisimba sa umaga pag laban ni Pacquiao. Anyway, ilan po dito sa atin ang single? Walang asawa, wala ng asawa, wala pang asawa, mukhang ‘di na mag-aasawa… For some people, it's not okay to be alone. Most people in our society today respond with surprise if an older woman remains single. They expect every man and woman to get married, preferably before turning 30.

However, choosing to be single can be just as satisfying as flourishing in a healthy relationship. It can be a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. Being single means you have the time to grow and be the person you want to be. It means you are free to spend a week's vacation on the beach, to take special courses, to work late on an interesting project, to spend the day in bed with a good book. Being single is feeling good about being in control of your life. It allows us to do what we want, and allows us the time to sit in quiet solitude, reading good books, praying and reflecting on our lives. There are actually a number of single men and women who are happier with their singleness. As singles we are not tied up with limitations and restrictions from home as when we are married. Single women today find fulfillment in service to their society, church and families by having a good job or business while regularly serving in the church, spending time with the Lord in prayer and studying the Word daily.

St. Paul said in I Corinthians 7, “I should like you to be free of anxieties. An unmarried woman or a virgin is anxious about the things of the Lord, so that she may be holy in both body and spirit. A married woman, on the other hand, is anxious about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.” St. Paul continues, “I am telling you this for your own benefit, not to impose a restraint upon you, but for the sake of modesty and devotion to the Lord without distraction.”

In 1 Thessalonians 4 St. Paul said, “This is the will of God, your holiness: that you refrain from immorality; not to take advantage of or exploit a brother in this matter, for the Lord is an avenger in all these things. For God did not call us to impurity but to holiness. Therefore, whoever disregards this, disregards not a human being but God, who (also) gives His Holy Spirit to you.”

The will of God is clear: holiness and sexual immorality are mutually exclusive. Sexual desire is God given and is not wrong. When you read the Song of Solomon, a love poem of sexual love and passion within marriage, you will see God’s blessing on sex in marriage. Christians are to avoid and abstain from any and every form of sexual practice that lies outside the circle of God’s revealed will. Christians are to avoid adultery, premarital and extramarital intercourse, homosexuality, and other perversions.

Sexual immorality wrongs the partner in the forbidden act by involving him or her in behavior contrary to God’s will, and therefore under His judgment. Just as stealing is a sin against one’s neighbor, sexual immorality is a transgression against others. The tremendous effect of this can be seen on the home and in the transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases so prevalent in our world today. Sexual sins, regardless of their nature, are self-centered and usually involve the exploitation and use of another for selfish reasons. Sexual sin clearly goes against God’s call for believers to a life-changing, sanctifying relationship with Himself.

Knowing God intimately is vital to living a life of holiness. St. Paul reminds us that God has also given believers His indwelling Spirit. This Person of the Trinity is so characterized by holiness that He is called the Holy Spirit. The indwelling Holy Spirit has power enough to enable any Christian to learn how to control his own body, even in a pagan, immoral climate. So we cannot justify sexual immorality by saying we are only humans, and that we are weak.

The unbelieving world is watching and we should always be concerned about how our lives look to those outside the body of Christ. They cannot see our hearts. What they need and want to see is authenticity—lives that back up our profession with works and a walk consistent with our talk. To please God, we must walk with Him in the light of His Word, pursuing excellence and progressing in the daily life of holiness in whatever state of life we are in. St. Alphonsus Liguori said, "All of holiness consists in the love of God, and all of the love of God consists in doing His will.” A holy life demonstrates God’s supernatural power at work overcoming what is natural, and it glorifies God. Single men and women can overcome because they know AND LOVE God. Who are those who love God? Those who truly love God are those who obey and try to please Him.

Some of us may have the wrong idea of holiness. We do not have to work miracles or found religious orders, or endure extreme penances. We only are required to fulfill the duties placed before us by God by means of our state in life but with great love for God and for our neighbor, and then do whatever is necessary to give life to that love with the object of pleasing God, doing our ordinary duties extraordinarily well.

As Catholics, we know that our spiritual life, while personal, is also corporate. It is up to us to become a people of deep prayer, our eyes open to the needs of the world around us. If, guided by the Holy Spirit and sustained by Christ's presence in the Eucharist, we can learn real compassion, then we will sustain one another. Let us focus on the main goal: that is, charity or love of God and neighbor. Holiness is only a byproduct.

As the teachings of Vatican II were made public, it became clear that not only the clergy and religious, but all Catholics, all of us, are "called to holiness and the perfection of love in our own state of life." Millions of Catholics especially the youth and singles have not only heard this call to holiness, but also responded by volunteering for ministries. Catholic laypeople have become more service-oriented, seeing serving people in need as an essential part of holiness.

Sisters and brothers, especially the singles, how well have you embraced your own baptismal call to holiness and service? What new opportunities for involvement might you consider pursuing in the future?

Marahil marami po sa atin, lalo na sa mga kabataan na mahilig gumimik, ang magtatanong, “Eh pa’no naman ako magiging holy kung nagkakasala ako?” God uses emotions and conscience to speak to us. Look up to God, and ask for forgiveness. Grow closer to God thru prayer and the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Prayer is spiritual oxygen. Just as we can’t go on living without air, we cannot go on living without prayer. We keep our soul purified and holy when we connect with Jesus regularly. Our Blessed Mother continually advanced in holiness during her whole life. Let us seek her powerful intercession in responding to the call to holiness and service.

John Paul II said, “The deepest joy there is in life is the joy that comes from God, and is found in Jesus Christ.” As a single, I find joy in serving God and ministering to His people. When I left the convent, I promised the Lord I would continue to serve Him wherever I may be in whatever way I can. I’ve been serving the Lord for the past 16 years of my life by giving talks and seminars, teaching, writing as well as leading worship. It brings me a sense of fulfillment, satisfaction and true happiness that money can never buy. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I came so that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” An abundant life is a life of love and holiness. A life of love and holiness is a life shared with others in service.

God is calling you… Hebrews 3 says, “Oh, that today you would hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” To the singles as well as the married people here, I will leave you with a question: Kelan mo sasagutin ang panawagan sa kabanalan? Bukas? Mamaya? NOW NA! God bless you, brothers and sisters!

Praying for Poor Souls

This month of November, let me share with you something.

It has been my practice for the longest time to pray for the souls in purgatory especially that of our departed relatives and friends. One evening, on my way to work before boarding a bus, I was surprised to see many passengers inside looking out the window, looking at me. I told myself, "Uy, bat kaya gabi na ang dami pang pasahero?" "Buti na lang, para may mga kasabay ako, " I answered myself while getting in.

To my surprise, upon getting in, it turned out I was the only passenger. I looked around a number of times but didn't see a single soul. It was at that moment when I remembered the Poor Souls. Got goose bumps!... but then I didn't get scared for I realized it was the Lord's way of assuring me that someone's (many, I'd dare say...) watching over me... or even escorting me in the wee hours... on my way to work...

IT IS INDEED TRUE that if you pray for the poor souls, they will do you favors... If you haven't done so, BETTER START PRAYING FOR AND OFFERING YOUR SACRIFICES FOR THE POOR SOULS... and GOD, WHO CAN NEVER BE OUTDONE IN GENEROSITY, WILL SURELY BLESS YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES FOR IT. Believe me, I am a living witness to it.

In this busy world, a Hail Mary or Holy Mass for them, will greatly benefit them... and you and the people you care for as well... Take care...