God's Word and Daily Life

By Jess Avisado

On Feb. 4, this coming Sunday, the Church celebrates Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking. It is fitting that as we celebrate the 5^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are once again reminded of one of the social teachings of the Church, that is, people are not things. They have dignity.

Human trafficking is a heinous and pervasive crime that continues to plague societies around the world, transcending borders, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Reflecting on this issue evokes a profound sense of concern, empathy, and a call to action. Human trafficking represents a gross violation of basic human rights, exploiting vulnerable individuals for financial gain. It takes various forms, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and involuntary servitude. The victims, often marginalized and disenfranchised individuals.

This Sunday, let us pray for those who are victims of human trafficking. Let us offer their pains and struggles to the Lord so that those who are guilty of the crime may find be bothered by their conscience to do what’s right. Amen.

By Mark Macapinlac

On Jan. 28, we will celebrate National Bible Sunday. It is amazing how a book, written thousands of years ago still affects us today. The Bible, the Word of God, continues to guide believers how to live their lives according to the will of Christ.

National Bible Sunday is a momentous occasion that invites individuals to reflect on the significance of the Bible in their lives and in the broader context of society. This special day serves as a reminder of the cultural, historical, and spiritual impact of the Bible, which has played a pivotal role in shaping the beliefs, values, and moral foundations of countless individuals and communities.

The Bible, as a sacred and revered text for many religious traditions, serves not only as a guide for faith but also as a source of wisdom, inspiration, and moral guidance. National Bible Sunday provides an opportunity for believers to deepen their understanding of the scriptures, fostering a sense of connection with their faith and encouraging spiritual growth. It is a time for individuals to engage in prayer, reflection, and study, reinforcing the importance of the teachings found within the Bible.

Let us pray that many of us may still fall in love with the Word of God by having our own Bible at home. May we also find consolation in Christ’s Words, just as the first disciples drew strength from Him in moments of passion and death.

By Jen Avisado

January 21 is the Feast of the Sto. Niño, a unique feast given by the Catholic Church to Filipinos. The feast is unique because Filipino Catholics are given the chance to celebrate Jesus’ childhood.

Childhood is a unique phase in our lives, marked by innocence, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. It is a time when the world appears vast and magical, filled with endless possibilities. The memories of our childhood often hold a special place in our hearts, shaping our perspectives and influencing the individuals we become.

In the context of Sto. Niño, the connection between childhood and spirituality becomes pronounced. The image of the Sto. Niño, or the Holy Child, is a symbol of the divine in the form of a child. This representation carries profound spiritual significance, underscoring the purity and humility associated with childhood.

The Sto. Niño is deeply embedded in the cultural and religious fabric of the Philippines, particularly in Cebu, where the Señor Santo Niño is venerated. The annual Sinulog Festival, celebrated with grand processions and vibrant performances, pays homage to this iconic representation of the Holy Child. The devotion to Sto. Niño reflects a fusion of Filipino spirituality and the childlike qualities of trust, love, and simplicity.

So, let us celebrate the Sto. Niño’ s feast by remembering the values the Child Jesus teach us – simplicity, humility, and dependence on God, our Father. Pit Senyor!

It was during the Second Vatican Council. Pope Paul VI wanted to be a messenger of peace:

"To all of you We say: call with Us, with your wishes and prayers, for concord and peace on this Earth, unique in the world, which God has visited. Let us ask here together for the grace of a true and profound fraternity, among all men, among all peoples. »

 Angeli

Two days later, on January 8, in his address to members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, Pope Francis vigorously recalled the horrors of all wars:

“Perhaps we need to realize more clearly that civilian victims are not “collateral damage”, but men and woman, with names and surnames, who lose their lives. They are children who are orphaned and deprived of their future. They are individuals who suffer from hunger, thirst and cold, or are mutilated as an effect of the power of modern explosives. Were we to be able to look each of them in the eye, call them by name, and learn something of their personal history, we would see war for what it is: nothing other than an immense tragedy, a “useless slaughter”, one that offends the dignity of every person on this earth.”

What a constancy, reminding us that we urgently need to become instruments of peace in our families, our communities, our places of life and work, in our country.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

By Jen Avisado

As the New Year approaches, the opportunity for reflection and celebration presents itself. Celebrating the New Year is not just about ringing in the next 365 days; it's a chance to bid farewell to the past, embrace the present, and welcome the future with optimism and joy. Here is a reflective guide on how to celebrate the New Year:

• Gratitude and Reflection:
• Begin by reflecting on the past year. Consider the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the personal growth experienced.
• Express gratitude for the positive moments, accomplishments, and the support received from friends and family.
• Set Intentions for the New Year:
• Take time to set intentions for the coming year. What do you hope to achieve? What values will guide your actions?
• Frame your goals in a positive light and focus on personal development and well-being.
• Celebrate with Loved Ones:
• Share the joy of the New Year with friends and family. Whether in person or virtually, being with loved ones creates a sense of connection and warmth.
• Consider organizing a gathering, dinner, or a simple get-together to celebrate together.

As the New Year unfolds, may your celebration be a reflection of gratitude, positivity, and a genuine embrace of the journey ahead. Cheers to new beginnings and the endless possibilities that the coming year holds! Happy New Year!

By Jen Avisado

Merry Christmas! Christmas, a season that transcends mere festivities, has always held a special place in my heart. Beyond the glittering lights, the melodic carols, and the exchange of gifts lies a deeper essence that resonates with the spirit of joy, compassion, and togetherness.

In a world that often rushes past in a whirlwind of tasks and responsibilities, Christmas offers a respite—a chance to pause and reflect on the significance of connection. It's a season that encourages us to be present, to appreciate the people around us, and to express gratitude for the relationships that enrich our lives.

Christmas is more than a date on the calendar—it's a tapestry of emotions, traditions, and shared moments that weave together the fabric of our lives. It prompts us to reflect on the past year, appreciate the present, and look forward to the possibilities that the future holds. As we exchange greetings of "Merry Christmas," let us not only wish for joy and peace but actively contribute to creating a world where these sentiments extend beyond the holiday season, becoming a year-round reality for all.

What’s your plan for Christmas? Do poor people have a spot in your plan?

By Father Bernard Holzer, aa

On November 24, 2013, Pope Francis wrote his first-ever apostolic exhortation entitled "Evangelii Gaudium" or "The Joy of the Gospel”.

He asked the whole Church to remain in a permanent state of mission, to decenter itself in order to rediscover the "original freshness of the Gospel." He also asked God's people to pay special attention to the poorest among us.

Ten years later, Pope Francis calls us to broaden our horizon and to open our ears to the cries of other peoples:

"Ten years after the publication of Evangelii Gaudium, let us reaffirm that it is only by listening to the often silent cry of the earth and of the poor that we will be able to fulfill our mission of evangelization, to live the life that Jesus proposes to us and to contribute to solving the serious problems of humanity."

What a meaningful program for our Advent, to prepare for Christmas, the feast of God made man, one of us!

By Fr. Bernard Holzer, aa

On November 30, in his address to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, Pope Francis urged various heads of state and all people of good will with these words:

“I who bear the name Francis, with the heartfelt urgency of a prayer, want to leave you with this message: Let us leave behind our divisions and unite our forces! And with God’s help, let us emerge from the dark night of wars and environmental devastation in order to turn our common future into the dawn of a new and radiant day. Thank you. »

What a program! It’s more than rushing to the malls looking and buying for gifts and artificial goods! It’s a radical conversion, starting from small resolutions. Let us meet the poor and handicapped children. Let us listen to their dreams. Maybe they are God’s dreams! Thank you!