14 December 2016
I have finally mustered the courage to walk away from what has been unhealthy for me emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. In parting, I said that one cannot fight for truth and justice without love and charity in our hearts.
***
Grateful to have been given the opportunity to sit in the stakeholder consultations of the planning committee that will craft the next development plan of our country. By grace, I was able to transcend ideological barriers that made me realize how big our development work is and that we must not be derailed by our differences. My mission in life, after all, is to be a woman for others, and my personal brand of activism involves diplomacy, immersion, sincerity, and active giving.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Day 17 - Last Lunch
13 December 2016
I met with some friends for what felt to me was a last lunch.
I was eager to give gifts, more than to receive them. Through their generosity, we were also able to raise funds that will allow 15 very poor families in Metro Manila to have noche buena this Christmas. I was so happy to bring their donation to church, along with my fellowship action group's donation for two families.
***
It has been quite some time since I have last (felt that I have) received a message from the Our Lady of Guadalupe. In fact, there was a time this year when I just could not connect with her even though I was badly in need of help... I was filled with so much anger and sin in those times. Today is rare—I felt that she is happy and pleased.
I met with some friends for what felt to me was a last lunch.
I was eager to give gifts, more than to receive them. Through their generosity, we were also able to raise funds that will allow 15 very poor families in Metro Manila to have noche buena this Christmas. I was so happy to bring their donation to church, along with my fellowship action group's donation for two families.
***
It has been quite some time since I have last (felt that I have) received a message from the Our Lady of Guadalupe. In fact, there was a time this year when I just could not connect with her even though I was badly in need of help... I was filled with so much anger and sin in those times. Today is rare—I felt that she is happy and pleased.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Day 16 - Feast of the Our Lady of Guadalupe
12 December 2016
"Am I not here, I, who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do you need anything more? Let nothing else worry you, disturb you."
- Words spoken by Mama Mary to St. Juan Diego at Guadalupe
Today is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I am grateful to have made it five or so minutes before the morning mass. It is through her that I have learned to appreciate Mary as my mother; it is through her that I have found peace and comfort during some very difficult times in my life in the last two years; it is her who repaired my relationship with my mother and daughter; she showed me the way to Joseph and most importantly, to Jesus Christ and my Abba by helping me untie the knots in my life with her gentle hands, patience, and understanding.
***
In the evening, I felt at peace as acceptance came upon me: he is not the one.
***
Sadness enveloped me as I watched some documentaries on the war on drugs. I resolved to celebrate Christmas quietly and simply in solidarity with the poor and the sinners with whom Christ has come to live amongst.
***
Thus, I now understand why Christ warned us that following Him meant a lot of struggles especially against our flesh and the material world. Life has never been the same when as when I look at my modest earnings and possessions, and can't bear to have more than what I need out of solidarity for those who have less; I can't enjoy a decent meal without sharing a little tip for the waiters who get minimum wages and no significant bonuses... And I can no longer keep relationships that do not keep me holy nor closer to God.
"Am I not here, I, who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do you need anything more? Let nothing else worry you, disturb you."
- Words spoken by Mama Mary to St. Juan Diego at Guadalupe
Today is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I am grateful to have made it five or so minutes before the morning mass. It is through her that I have learned to appreciate Mary as my mother; it is through her that I have found peace and comfort during some very difficult times in my life in the last two years; it is her who repaired my relationship with my mother and daughter; she showed me the way to Joseph and most importantly, to Jesus Christ and my Abba by helping me untie the knots in my life with her gentle hands, patience, and understanding.
***
In the evening, I felt at peace as acceptance came upon me: he is not the one.
***
Sadness enveloped me as I watched some documentaries on the war on drugs. I resolved to celebrate Christmas quietly and simply in solidarity with the poor and the sinners with whom Christ has come to live amongst.
***
Thus, I now understand why Christ warned us that following Him meant a lot of struggles especially against our flesh and the material world. Life has never been the same when as when I look at my modest earnings and possessions, and can't bear to have more than what I need out of solidarity for those who have less; I can't enjoy a decent meal without sharing a little tip for the waiters who get minimum wages and no significant bonuses... And I can no longer keep relationships that do not keep me holy nor closer to God.
Day 15 - Extinguishing Fire With Kindness
11 December 2016
My daughter was quite irritable as we headed for mass in the late afternoon. She was quite hungry and asked to pass by the convenience store before going to mass. Though we were getting late, I chose to the call of the spirit to calm down and treat my daughter with love and kindness. She responded with love and appreciation.
We spent some time in the Adoration Chapel, bought oil to be blessed and banana cues for the kids that also helped an old man earn some modest income for the day.
We had a good time bonding in the mall but sadly, I lost my patience and charity over a waiter and an Uber driver. :-(
Day 14 - Fail
10 December 2016
It is already clear what tempts me and causes my desolation. I should avoid these people and things out of love of Christ.
It is already clear what tempts me and causes my desolation. I should avoid these people and things out of love of Christ.
Day 13 - Feast of St. Juan Diego
9 December 2016
It is through a simple, "no read, no write" peasant, Juan Diego that the Our Lady of Guadalupe revealed herself. Here again, I am reminded that God favors the simple and the humble—which is a struggle to be.
***
Through our 12:30 Fellowship Action Group, we are doing a simple Love Project that will grant a poor 6 year-old boy in a remote coastal town in CamSur his Santa wishlist of a bag, an umbrella, and a pair of shoes (which we will replace with school supplies and toys), and bring noche buena to two impoverished families in the Archdiocese of Manila.
I encouraged my well-to-do friends to adopt a family too.
It is through a simple, "no read, no write" peasant, Juan Diego that the Our Lady of Guadalupe revealed herself. Here again, I am reminded that God favors the simple and the humble—which is a struggle to be.
***
Through our 12:30 Fellowship Action Group, we are doing a simple Love Project that will grant a poor 6 year-old boy in a remote coastal town in CamSur his Santa wishlist of a bag, an umbrella, and a pair of shoes (which we will replace with school supplies and toys), and bring noche buena to two impoverished families in the Archdiocese of Manila.
I encouraged my well-to-do friends to adopt a family too.
Day 12 - The Solemnity of the Immaculate Concepcion
8 December 2016
Thank God for the gift of Mary, the woman I now strive to be. May I be as humble, simple, pure, modest and worthy of God as her.
I started again my third Novena to Mary Undoer of Knots, this time praying for what will not only liberate me, but also many others I deeply care about. May God grant me the means to help those in need.
Thank God for the gift of Mary, the woman I now strive to be. May I be as humble, simple, pure, modest and worthy of God as her.
I started again my third Novena to Mary Undoer of Knots, this time praying for what will not only liberate me, but also many others I deeply care about. May God grant me the means to help those in need.
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