It is a sad reality that someday we will all go home to our creator. Some of us will leave in seemingly untimely fashion and others in a more acceptable circumstance. Either way, we will ultimately depart in total surrender to our mortality and leave behind memories for our friends and families. Fray Paolo may […]
Most people are afraid to talk about their faith in public. Aside from political correctness, it is an invite to the endless and sometimes pointless debate. But lately, the common ground especially among millennials, is not religion but spirituality. The word evokes multifarious realities and somehow veers away from a perceived Catholic black-eye called dogma. […]
Anak, ano ba ang gusto mong marinig? Di ba gusto mong gamutin kita? Lahat ng paghihilom nang anumang sugat ay nagsisimula sa pagiging totoo. MAGPAKATOTOO KA! Kailan ka pa natutong magmura? Kailan ka pa natutong mang-api ng kapwa mo? Itinuro ko ba sa iyong magnakaw ka? Mahal kita, Anak. Napakahaba na ng ating pinagsamahan. Pati […]
This is a post mortem tribute to master photographer brother of ours, the late Fray Noel Paulo Zaragoza aka Leon Paulo Zaragoza. He is one of the many brothers we’ve lost during this COVID-19 pandemic. I don’t know if Fray Noel did succumb to the virus. We know many others did. At one of the […]
Our Gospel for today is about a rich man, Zaccheus, who was a public sinner. Everybody in Jericho knew that as a tax collector, working for the Romans, he extracted exorbitant taxes from the people while he collected high commissions from the foreign government. He made himself wealthy as more and more people became poor. […]
The words in the title of this article were uttered by Meghan Merkle, wife of Prince Harry, and Duchess of Sussex in the U.K., as she concluded her inspirational remarks at the recent CNN Heroes Program. Meghan’s remarks are simple words that one hears quite often from people who wish to end a conversation on […]
HOMILY 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 2020) A man wanted to buy an animal that could help him in the household chores. The animal merchant, after knowing the buyer’s need, brought to him a small box with a centipede and told him that it is guaranteed to accomplish whatever work assigned to […]
HOMILY14th Sunday in Ordinary TimeJuly 2020 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. –Matthew 11:25-26 Children are among the most […]
“PINAKAMAMAHAL KONG PILIPINAS! TINIMBANG KA, NGUNIT KULANG!” Anak, ano ba ang gusto mong marinig? Di ba gusto mong gamutin kita? Lahat ng paghihilom nang anumang sugat ay nagsisimula sa pagiging totoo. MAGPAKATOTOO KA! Kailan ka pa natutong magmura? Kailan ka pa natutong mang-api ng kapwa mo? Itinuro ko ba sa iyong magnakaw ka? Mahal kita, […]
In my line of work, one important aspect of continuous improvement is outlining lessons learned. This serves a variety of purposes: it streamlines operations by knowing what works, what doesn’t and the probability of each of them happening; it serves as a template for other projects to avoid certain pitfalls by mining a treasure-trove of […]
When I became aware of my existence; When I felt inexpressible joy being with friends; When I first marveled at the beauty of creation… When I took the first step in the journey of life; When I met stumbling blocks on a thorny path; When I became indecisive which way to go… When I was […]
Gospel Reflections by Fr. Enrico Gonzales, O.P. Does the Ascension of Jesus prove that heaven is somewhere above the clouds? Let’s look at this mystery, not as a GPS which will help us locate God’s abode somewhere up there. Let’s view it in relation to the mystery we’re celebrating this Sunday: The Pentecost — The […]
HOMILY: 13TH Sunday in Ordinary Time There was once a pig and a hen who became very close friends because they lived in the same barn. They heard that there was going to be a feeding program for the poor in their parish. After thinking about it, the hen suggested to the pig: “Why don’t we […]
Isang paggunita ng nakaraan Napakahilig kong magdamo. Ito’y aking nagisnan at napagtanto noong ako ay isang nobisyo sa Iloilo. Subalit, bago n’yo po akong husgahan nang di kanaisnais, maaari po bang basahin nyo muna ang aking paggunita sa nakaraan at sa aking munting pagninilay-nilay. Lumaki ako sa gitna ng siksikang siyudad. Kahit ang kalye namin […]
I have been asked to share with you today some ideas on the topic of Leadership in Rotary. The interest in this particular topic seems to be inexhaustible among Rotarians. From the time we are admitted as members of Rotary, we are constantly reminded that one of the reasons we were invited to join this […]
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they […]
“You can have flaws, be anxious, and ever angry, but do not forget that your life is the greatest enterprise in the world. Only you can stop it from going bust. Many appreciate you, admire you and love you. Remember that to be happy is not to have a sky without a storm, a road […]
There is no doubt that we all share one commitment. This is our commitment to serve. And this should come as no surprise. After all, our motto is “SERVICE ABOVE SELF”. And our Object of Rotary reminds us that it is the IDEAL OF SERVICE that Rotary encourages and fosters in all its activities everywhere. It […]
While Papa Gandong extended both hands, Jesus said, “Rejoice and be glad.” Do you know what my Papa Gandong did that night before he died? He raised both his hands as if he was reaching up and as if someone was extending his hands invisibly towards him. Then, he clapped his hands three times; and […]
Life is a game that can be played well by anyone who knows its rules. But what a shame, for as we grow old we forgot what we’ve been told. “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you change and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt:18:13) When we […]
This is a usual game…or should I say unusual? Hands are dealt but there’s no point in winning, since although one wins, it’s neither a victory nor triumph over something. For some, it’s a rather selfless game, since the usual player normally shields the other from a bad hand. Any other, but himself. A game […]
The greatest blessing given by God to us is HIMSELF. He gave Himself to us without reservation. This is mind boggling, to say the least. Yet it might just be the greatest challenge He has given us — to give ourselves to Him and to others. Christmas is a wonderful feast to remind us of […]
Editors’ note: Fray Jimmy has served the Rotary as Past Governor for Rotary International District 3830 and Past President of Rotary Club of Rizal West in the National Capital Region, Philippines One of the things I am often asked about is my involvement in Rotary. Why am I seen and heard doing Rotary work in so many […]
I know not what’s best to you to give As you go through life from here onward Words of wisdom as long as you live For you’ll leave this world in high regard, If you can keep all your thoughts on guard. Because as we sow, so shall we reap, in the fertile field which […]
