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PURGATORY, EXCERPT FROM SPE SALVI A BIBLICAL APPROACH POPE BENEDICT XVI Saint Paul, in his  First Letter to the Corinthians , gives us an idea of the differing impact of God's judgement according to each person's particular circumstances. He does this using images which in some way try to express the invisible, without it being possible for us to conceptualize these images—simply because we can neither see into the world beyond death nor do we have any experience of it. Paul begins by saying that Christian life is built upon a common foundation: Jesus Christ. This foundation endures. If we have stood firm on this foundation and built our life upon it, we know that it cannot be taken away from us even in death. Then Paul continues: “Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort

GESTURES OF HOPE 30th Sunday What is the point in being a Christian, in following Jesus as Lord?   Today many people turn their backs on the faith of their younger years.   They question, rebel, and abandon their faith for another set of beliefs.   There are many also who look for answers to their religious longings by discovering other voices they belief will lead to enlightenment and fulfillment. Today’s gospel (Mark 10) illustrates for us the value of a relationship with Jesus the Lord, of following Him and all throughout our lives.   This is a time in history when it is not fashionable for Catholics to stand up for the teachings and the values of Jesus, so it is great to look at Jesus through the eyes of one who experienced His power to save, the blind Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus had multiple handicaps.   He was blind and so was physically poor.   He was a beggar and so was socially an outcast.   He was truly a man of no importance.   His only hope was a possible

AFTER ST. PEDRO CALUNGSOD, ANOTHER FILIPINO PRIDE, ANOTHER GIFT FROM GOD! THE NEW CARDINAL-ARCHBISHOP OF MANILA HIS EMINENCE CARDINAL LUIS ANTONIO G. TAGLE, DD

TRUE GREATNESS IN THE EYES OF A SAINT 29th Sunday What is the measure of true greatness? In the world today, there are numerous, varied responses:   Money! Control!   Skill!   Attitude!   Fame! Achievements!   Depending on who you ask and what his heart suggests, you will have an answer. In the gospel (Mark 10), the Lord Jesus instructs his disciples to expect that the world will value greatness mainly on the basis of “who’s at the top of things”.   He is great who triumphed over the others, who beat the others, who showed the others his might. Then He tells them to pursue another kind of greatness, one that will make people scratch their heads, shake their heads in unbelief, blow their minds off.   To be great, says Jesus, is to be the servant of all.   To be first is to be the last of all. What better way to understand the Lord than to merely rejoice with the entire Filipino nation as we welcome our latest addition to the roster of the heroes of the

READY FOR HEAVEN? 28th Sunday Do you want to go to heaven?   Most Catholics will say “yes, of course!” - we want to go to that “place,” reach that point of being surrounded only by peace and bliss that do not end.   Even non-believers, while not calling it heaven, surely aspire to that most wonderful state of life where there are serenity and security that simply flow continuously. The gospel today (Mark 10:17ff) must count as one of the most moving encounters in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was pursued by a man, some say a young man, whose one burning question in mind was salvation.   How do I get to heaven?   What must I do to gain eternal life?   This man hit the nail on its head.   He found the right source person.   Jesus knew so well and wanted to guide him to his destiny. What reply did Jesus give?   First, Jesus pointed to the commandments.   He reviewed before this man what the commandments enjoin people to do.   Honor your parents

PRAY FOR US SAINT PEDRO CALUNGSOD, SECOND FILIPINO SAINT, TO BE CANONIZED THIS OCTOBER 2012 IN ROME, BY POPE BENEDICT XVI.  MABUHAY ANG PILIPINO!

CALLED TO GOD’S FAITHFULNESS 27th Sunday I received an unusual text message from a lady:   “Dear friends, I inform you that today my husband has left me and my children for another woman.   Please pray for our family.”   I felt sad for her and her uncertain situation.   But days later, she sent another message:   Dear friends, my husband returned home today.   He missed his family and he realized that by abandoning us, he sinned against the Lord.”   This woman must really have prayed a lot and, all her friends with her. We know it is not easy to maintain a marriage in these very trying times. How many husbands and wives, and even children, go through a lot each day just to keep the family together. Today the Lord is gracious in reminding us about his plan for relationships, all kinds of relationships, but specially marital, between husband and wife.   In all, God demands faithfulness.   If you truly love another, you must be willing to risk everything, to