I ACHE FOR MOTHER CHURCH...

Inspiration:       John 21:14-19

Before, I lived my life as I please, my world is full of me. But then, nagpapansin si Jesus, mas nakilala ko Siya (Jesus attracted my attention, I get to know Him more) and many things changed in me. Unti-unti (Gradually), He is filling my world, and He gradually introduced to me those He cared for. Isa na dito ang ating Inang Simbahan (One of them is Mother Church). Before, wala akong pakialam sa kanya, sa activities niya, sa itinuturo niya, sa nangyayari sa kanya (I don't care about her, in her activities, in her teachings, in what's happening to her). Why will I concern myself with her problems? I have my own life to live.

But now, dahil kay Jesus, nasasaktan na ako para sa Inang Simbahan, naiintindihan ko na siya (because of Jesus, I feel pain for her, I now understand her), I also realized that I should be one with the Church. Hindi madali (It's not easy) to stand alone against the world to fight for what Jesus had taught since the time of the Apostles that was handed down through the Church. True, carrying the Cross, being persecuted are part of upholding and following Jesus. Pero sana kilalanin muna ng marami ang Inang Simbahan, bago siya husgahan (But, hopefully many should first get to know Mother Church before judging her).

Actually, she’s truly like a biological Mom, who wants only the best for her children as God inspired her to do. But most often, many children nowadays do not listen to their Moms especially as they grow because of the many influences and temptations around them. Hindi madaling mag-alaga at magpasunod ng mga anak, kung ano gusto nila, yon ang masusunod (It's not easy to take care and bring up children, what they want should happen). Pero sa huli (But in the end), after all the mistakes the children make in their lives, they would realize, Mom is right, and when they come running to Mom, she’s waiting with open arms to embrace her so sorry children, to give them love.

I pray and wish with all my heart, that the children of Mother Church will start being more concerned for her…

If I take a look at her situation now in this modern world, I wonder, gaano kaya nasasaktan si Jesus para sa kanya (how much is Jesus being hurt for her)?...

-luisadelacruz

visit:   http://iamacatholicbyheart.blogspot.com/

LIKE THE BIRD....

During my silent retreat last June 16-17, as I attended Mass, a beautiful bird bigger than a sparrow flew to and fro on the chapel’s ceiling. There were times he hit the wall and I pitied him. I prayed that may he find his way out and not die there. Once he landed on the high window, but there was a screen, so he flew to and fro again. 

During the reading, he flew on the altar ground, facing the tabernacle, stayed awhile, then flew straight out of the lower window without falter….

I was teary eyed at this. It was like he recognized Jesus and Jesus gave His blessing to him. He flew swiftly to wherever…

When God uprooted me from my community, the transition was hard. But He wanted me to get to know the Catholic Church, her teachings, Mama Mary. He called, I followed, to where, to what, I didn’t know. 

I was like that bird flying around as I learn about my faith and get personal with Mother Church. But it seemed that God is giving me His blessing to fly now. 

Our spiritual director suggested that I hasten my prayer for me to commit to a parish ministry where God is calling me. This will keep me rooted in the parish, so if later, He will lead me to other ministries outside it, I’m still connected to the Church and, that I should not refuse God…

Like the bird, he said, I should remain grounded in Jesus so I could fly straight to wherever He will lead me…

If it’s God’s time for you to fly, stretch your wings, let go, trust God, fly…Let the Holy Spirit carry you with the wind of God’s love to where God wants and needs you to be…

Have a Blossoming Life!

-luisadelacruz

MY SPIRITUAL MOM....

As a Catholic,
I don't worship Mama Mary, I admire her virtues and sacrifices.
I don't idolize her, I just copy her great humility and obedience to God.
I don't put her on a pedestal above God, I respect the fact that God chose her to be His Son Jesus' mother.
I don't replace my biological mom with her, I take her as my spiritual mom.

Today, in her birthday, I thank her for taking me as her spiritual daughter when I was born.
I just want to say "Thank you" to her without asking for anything in return because she deserves it and I believe, even if I don't ask anything from her today, I am in her mind, because she so cares for me as a her own...

And I thank God for the gift of a mom like her...
Happy Birthday Dear Mama Mary!

-luisadelacruz

Site to visit:   www.iamacatholicbyheart.blogspot.com

GREETINGS TO ALL CATHOLICS!

The first Pentecost Day is the "external birth" of the Catholic Church 

as the apostles gathered in the small room 

where the Holy Spirit came down upon them.

This Sunday is the celebration of Pentecost,

the video below greets all Catholics in the world.

Site to visit:   www.iamacatholicbyheart.blogspot.com

POPE JOHN PAUL II - The Holy Man of God

It seems just like yesterday when I watched him in his Papal visit in the Philippines in 1995. I was so awed by him that in a span of four days, I had composed a dozen of poems. I was so inspired by his presence, the way people cheered for him and love him, the overwhelming love and kindness manifested by him….Aaaahhhh, that was a very wonderful sight to see.

   

Now, I saw in the news that he will be beatified on May 1, 2011. Wow! I am not surprised. His kind deserves that. He is a holy man of God. I am happy, such a man lived in my life time.

Let me share with you some of my poems in 1995. This was how he moved me:

THE CHOSEN ONE

Amidst the crowd you speak

With warmth, love and smile on your eyes,

Radiating peace and serenity

Upon your shining face.

How my heart leaps with great joy

As I see you, as I hear you

Address us, the youth.

I hear, I feel your sincerity and

Your love for us.

I thank the Lord for giving us

Such a wonderful father here on earth.

Yes, I thank the Lord for making you

The successor of St. Peter.

Indeed, our Lord knows best.

Indeed He has chosen well.

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SO DEAR TO OUR HEARTS

Like a father you guide us

With abundant love and understanding,

A gentle touch, a cheerful smile,

A caring whisper, and affectionate words.

The sincerity in your eyes reveals

The genuine feeling you have for us.

Yes, your very being speaks the deep love

You are giving us.

That is why, our beloved Pope,

You are so very dear

To our hearts.

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THE CELEBRATED MOMENT

The crowd go wild as you appear

Before them…. cheering, shouting,

Waving, clasping,

A sign of overflowing joy

They feel deep within,

For in you they see the glory of the Lord….

His grace, His love, His peace, His joy.

Through you the Lord reaches out

To the people.

You are His instrument,

His most humble servant.

As the roaring moment

Ascends to the heavens,

The echo of the people’s love

To the Lord God is heard everywhere.

With one voice, they proclaim their faith

And their praises to the Most High….

The crowd go wild as you appear….

The strong link between humanity

And Jesus Christ.

We salute you, JP2!!!

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A PRAYER FOR JP2

Glory to You, oh Lord, the Most High.

Praise be with You always.

We, Your people, thank You with all our hearts

For entrusting us to a loving,

Humble servant of Yours.

Lord, please give him the strength he needs

So he can continue fulfilling

The duties and responsibilities

You laid upon his shoulders….

Guide him, oh Lord,

Continue to light his path,

To give him Your grace, your overflowing

Love and understanding;

To give him Your humor, humility, and peace.

Above all, Most gracious One,

Protect him from evil and let him know, oh God,

That we will always love him, your humble servant.

To You, our Beloved Creator,

We offer our deepest love and gratitude.

To You, oh Most Holy One,

We offer ourselves and your humble servant,

Pope John Paul II. Amen

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 PAPAL FEVER

Everyone is excited,

Waiting for his arrival.

All are anxious, eager to see him.

Alas! The long wait has come to an end.

Mixed emotions are felt by all.

There are tears, smiles, shouts,

Waves, enthusiasm, tremendous energy –

The warm and joyous welcome of the people.

All throughput his visit is seen.

Everywhere he goes, sea of humanity

You can see with overflowing

Love and affection in their eyes….

Millions of people are touched by

Mixed emotions just as they have

Seen him arrived and as they have seen him depart.

He truly has after effects….

On so many lives.

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