The Good Samaritan -- an Attitude of Gratitude

Today's Gospel and Reflection from Kerygma Family

“And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 32 Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 33 But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. 34 He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ 36 Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” 37 He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Notice how the Samaritan went out of his way — binding up the wounds, pouring oil and wine, settling him on the horse, bringing him to a place of rest until he should return. And return he did! What amazing love and compassion.

It would be good to be reminded of the “works of mercy,” both spiritual and corporal. Perhaps we can use them as points for our examen of conscience in our meditations today. The spiritual works of mercy are: convert the sinner, instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, comfort the sorrowful, bear wrongs patiently, forgive injuries, and pray for the living and the dead. The corporal are: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

REFLECTION QUESTION: Of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy enumerated above, what have you been fulfilling diligently? And which have you been neglecting?

Father, make me a Good Samaritan. Amen.

Cuz All You Wanted to Do Was Dance...

"That I should have bought you flowers and held your hand
Should have given all my hours when I had the chance
Take you to every party cuz all you wanted to do was dance."

Mother's Day is coming up and I've been thinking of new ways to honor my mom. And suddenly this stanza from Bruno Mars' latest single came to mind and I thought to myself, "It's perfect for Mama!" cuz she really loved to dance!

I think that's one thing that I inherited from her. I too love to dance. But this isn't about me.

Mama, I hope you're dancing now... dancing in heaven in Jesus' arms. Please pray for me and wait for me. I can't wait to join you! Looking back now, I realize that we (I) should celebrate life both here and after death... because now I'm starting to understand what they say that death is merely a way for us to be born again -- when we are able to claim our birthright -- life everlasting.

Thank you, Jesus! It's amazing to know that I have an awesome God just waiting for me to discover His Almighty presence in my life. So from now on, I surely will celebrate life! AMEN!!!

Pope Francis Says Constant Complaining Keeps Us from Noticing Jesus' Presence in Our Lives

—Constant complaining keeps one from noticing Jesus’ presence, Pope Francis says

Complaining frequently and stewing over disappointments can easily become an obsession that blocks one’s view of Jesus’ presence in difficult situations, Pope Francis said.

Celebrating the morning with staff members from the Domus Romana Sacerdotalis, a nearby residence and guesthouse for clergy, Pope Francis preached about the Gospel story from St. Luke about the two disappointed disciples on the road to Emmaus after the death of Jesus.

“They were afraid. All of the disciples were afraid,” he said. As they walked toward Emmaus and discussed everything that had happened, they were sad and complaining.

“And the more they complained, the more they were closed in on themselves: They did not have a horizon before them, only a wall,” the pope said, according to Vatican Radio.

The disciples had had such high hopes that Jesus would be the one who would redeem Israel, but they thought their hopes were destroyed, he said.

“And they stewed, so to speak, their lives in the juice of their complaints and kept going on and on and on with the complaining,” the pope said. “I think that many times when difficult things happen, including when we are visited by the cross, we run the risk of closing ourselves off in complaints.”

When all people can think of is how wrong things are going, Pope Francis said, the Lord is close, “but we don’t recognize him. He walks with us, but we don’t recognize him.”

Like the disciples joined by the risen Lord on the road to Emmaus, people can hear beautiful things, but deep down, they continue to be afraid, the pope said.

“Complaining seems safer. It’s something certain. This is my truth: failure,” he said.

But the Gospel story shows how very patient Jesus is with the disciples, first listening to them and then explaining things step by step, until they see him.

“Jesus does this with us, too,” the pope said. “Even in the darkest moments, he is always with us, walking with us.”

Complaining and griping — about others and about things in one’s own life — is harmful “because it dashes hope. Don’t get into this game of a life of complaints,” he said.

— The Catholic Sun

Why I am Now Confident that My Future is Bright -- Thank You God!

Wow! Last week was a nightmare and a dream rolled into one! Since Monday my mood had been bouncing up and down, up and down, up and down at an alarming pace!!! To cap off that week, I literally fell flat on my face. Well, my right knee and elbow suffered the brunt but you know what I mean. It's just been a really challenging week. And it was not even work-related.

But you know what I realized now that this week is finally over? God is good. And life is good. I just got a bit stuck on the negativity that I did not notice God's wonderful blessings. He gave me an important lesson today. People will surprise you. And I was very surprised with how today turned out. Let me rewind just a few hours back.

My neighbor's daughter -- Ashlee -- the sweetest little girl who is my favorite among all of  the kids in our neighborhood was seeking my attention yesterday afternoon but I was too busy to notice partly because I was in a bad mood and I wanted to go home and sulk. When I gave her 5 pesos, she showed me that she already had a few pesos. I did not know what she wanted. Maybe she just wanted a hug or a kiss. I know I sure could have used one myself. But I was a bit rude and I told her to save the money. I think I was just frustrated at myself because I am not saving money at my age.

Later that same night, I fell on the street and guess who was quick to help me out? That little girl's family. Her father helped me up, her mother comforted me, and her grandmother even massaged both my legs and checked for broken bones. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry but that was when it dawned on me how blind I truly have been. I have been surrounded by these amazing people almost my whole life and yet I barely spend time with them. I used to kiss their little girl when I saw her but for some reason, I have been avoiding her, which usually happens when I am too engrossed with work or when I am not feeling good about myself.

And now I am thinking this must be why God has not granted my dream and constant prayer - a little girl of my own. I have not yet outgrown my selfish ways and I have miles to go probably before I learn that kind of selfless love that only mothers and fathers have for their child.

Another thing I learned today, an attitude of gratitude goes way further than an attitude of grumbling and whining. Also, it is true what they say, "The Truth shall set you free." The Truth really did set me free. I understand now why they call it growing pains. But then, I would rather accept the truth and feel the pain rather than not feel anything at all. That is the worst experience I have ever had and I never want to go down that road again.

But do you know why I am now confident that my future is bright? The answer is simple, really. I have the best support system in the whole wide world. Family, friends, and yes, neighbors too! Who could ask for more? Thank You, Lord Jesus, for opening my eyes to see and experience compassion from the most unexpected people. Thank You, Mama Mary for bringing me closer to Jesus and reminding me to always remember Jesus wherever I go and whatever I do. I have been quite selfish and I am truly sorry. But I am also grateful for Your presence and LOVE Lord Jesus Christ.

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love My Work

Here are the top 10 reasons why I love my work:

1. It puts food on my table.

2. I enjoy my work.

3. I can work whenever I want.

4. I can work wherever I want.

5. I can work with who I want.

6. I can work on what I want.

7. I can work on a variety of projects.

8. I can spend time with my family and friends even on weekdays.

9. I can eat home cooked meals with my family at home.

10. I can rest whenever I want.

I praise You Lord Jesus Christ for blessing me abundantly! Thank You, Lord Jesus! Amen.

Buon Compleanno / Happy Birthday to You

January is a special month for our family. My father celebrated his 72nd birthday yesterday and my grandmother celebrates her 90th birthday today. For some reason, I think I'm more excited than they are. lol. I can't believe these milestones! Thank You Lord Jesus!

My 2012 Success and Failure Story

The year 2012 had so many milestones; I'm surprised why I am not more grateful than I am. Yes, there were some ups and downs but I have been blessed with the best people who helped me enjoy the wonderful moments and get through the bad times.

Viaggio la Futura – my new travel blog – was born. Yes, I started to travel again in 2012. Nothing major really, just trips to the south of Cebu and road trips and food trips with family and friends. My first major trip since the epic vacation to Dumaguete in 2007 was a trip to Moalboal with my best friend and her close friends who are my friends now too – such a wonderful way to open the doors to more viaggio. We had so much fun laughing and running around, I think I may have lost 3kg during that trip. Kidding aside, it was one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever had. Not because the venue was fancy (it was beautiful and picturesque but did not cost a bundle) or because we had steak for dinner (which we didn’t… but the sinugbang pork belly was more delicious than any steak in the city). It was memorable because I was with people who were kind and gracious enough to welcome me into their circle. And it’s been an exciting roller coaster since then.

In June, I got the best birthday gifts ever – the first one was from my birth father, Papa PierFrancesco, the second one was from my client, who gave me a bonus because she was really happy with my work, and the third gift was from God (I’d like to think that it was because the experience taught me so many lessons. I was offered an opportunity to lead a team of SEO Content Writers in Cebu City. It was the most gruelling yet most rewarding management job that I ever had. Not only because the monthly take home pay was the highest one any single company had ever offered me, but also because I met and bonded with beautiful people who taught me lessons in patience, forgiveness, kindness (and yes, naughty stuff too, mostly silly jokes). It turned out to be one of the most challenging work I have ever had although it was short-lived. To this day, I miss my colleagues who became friends and I’m glad I took that leap. No regrets, it is now part of my “Oh Well”… lessons and all.

Oh, the gifts from my Papa and my generous client went to my funds for my new air conditioning unit. It was expensive and I had to work double time for the other half but it’s so worth it. I now understand that I need to invest in my home office because I might be here a while, God willing. I am saving up for renovations and vacations in the next few years. I am also grateful for rekindled friendships and an improvement in my family life.

The failures were nothing major really. Just some opportunities that passed me by because I did nothing about them; some relationships that were broken because of personal differences; and some people that I really miss simply because I was too cowardly to tell them how I felt. But if you ask me, I have so much more to be thankful for that I am eagerly awaiting the coming of 2013, just because…

So there you go, that’s my 2012 in a nutshell… What’s your story like? Please feel free to leave a comment. See you next year!

Thank You Lord Jesus, Mama Mary, and St. Joseph for blessing my family all year long.

A Girl on Re-mission

Have you ever had that feeling that something horrible was about to happen? That at any moment someone or something is gonna strike you and you won't be able to defend yourself? I've been living with that terrible feeling of foreboding for a few years now... and that feeling is the worst. They say that our fears are usually worse than that which we fear. Now I can honestly say that it's true.

I have been searching for my life's purpose since I was a teenager. I've been to places that scared the heck out of me and to this day, I am still unsure what my purpose really is. I've been praying for God to show me the way, reveal my mission, so that I can live out his plan for me. But until now, I still don't know what my mission is. At first, I thought I was supposed to spend my life in the countryside helping the underprivileged, the poor, and the oppressed. But now I realize that the ones I should be serving is right here in my own home -- my family -- especially my Grandma.

Do you know when I discovered this? It was during the past few years. While I was out there looking for my mission, I overlooked the very people who I should have been serving all along -- my family. My grandma (Lola) is turning 90 next month and I really want to give her a birthday party that she will remember. I was hoping to invite her living siblings, close relatives, and friends. Oh, I also want to buy her a cake with the numbers 90 firmly planted on top of it. In short, I just want her to be happy on her 90th birthday.

So from being a girl with a mission to becoming a woman without one, I now have a new mission -- I'd like to call this my re-mission. I know this will not be easy but I also feel deep in my heart that this is what I am meant to do. What will happen next year, I do not know. And that feeling of foreboding is still there. But I choose to be happy and I want my family to be happy too. And so I pray for peace, love, and joy in the next year for my family and friends.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mama Mary, Queen of all saints, pray for us. Amen.

A (Grateful) Self-made Woman

Last night, while speaking with my Papa who lives all the way in Italy, he said something that made me very happy - he said that I was a self-made woman. I did not know exactly what it really meant at the time but I had the impression that he was proud of me and that made me so happy.

My Papa is proud of me. Praise God!

My Papa said that I was a self-made woman after learning that I wrote my way through college and made a career in writing afterwards. Now, not only do I find fulfillment in my work; but also receive my father's approval after all these years. People say we should not seek the approval of others. However, making my Papa proud is something that makes me very happy, especially since I barely get to see him anymore. We met once in 2002 and that was it! Just phone calls and letters from Rome after that.

Thank You Lord Jesus for bringing my Papa and me into each other's life. Living without Mama has not been that easy but knowing that I have a Papa who loves and cares for me makes the loneliness go away, even for a while. I miss Mama and I pray Lord Jesus that she is with You. Thank You God!

Mama Mary, queen of all saints, pray for us. Amen.

"Build Your Dream Team" - God

Dear Misty,

Don't try to succeed alone.  It will never work.

Cheering you on,
God

P.S. The climb to success can only be done by team effort, Misty.  Who is your dream team?  Start recruiting.  It's so much happier this way.