Amazing!

The story is told about a tourist guide who pointed to a small skull saying that it is the skull of St. Sebastian. “But St. Sebastian was martyred as an adult,” objected one of the tourists. The tourist guide said: “Ah … that’s his skull when he was still a child!”

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In today’s Gospel (Lk 4, 21-30), we hear how the crowd was amazed at the gracious words that came from His mouth. They admired not only His eloquence but His authority and courage to speak the truth. He was a truth-teller, not just a crowd-pleaser.

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Amazing how some people could lie as if they will never die. Amazing how some people can manipulate the truth and capitalize on half-truths, and continue to fool and make a fool out of innocent and helpless people. Amazing how the truth these days can be controlled by trolls. But the truth will always prevail in the end.

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Today is National Bible Sunday. “God’s word is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path.” (Ps. 119, 105) May we be constantly guided and protected by the word of God in all our decisions and undertakings in this world so filled with the darkness of sin, falsehood, and deceit.

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“Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3,5-6) People who are so in love with their own wisdom and opinions would do well to ponder on this biblical verse. The sooner, the better for yourself, and for people around you.

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People listen more to witnesses, those who personally experienced and encountered God in their own lives. We don’t need more intelligent speakers or savvy talkers proclaiming themselves as more right or more righteous than others. We need humble disciples aflame with God in their hearts.

Yes, we need disciples filled with passion and compassion.

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Today is Pro-Life Sunday. The debate goes on, but somebody once rightly said: In this debate about abortion, everybody has spoken, except the child in the womb.

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By the way, I read somewhere that the most beautiful garden in heaven is Mama Mary’s garden, filled with so many beautiful flowers, and these are the aborted and the unborn. They are loved, and are in a very special place with Mama Mary in heaven.

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Someone noted that when an animal is hurt or killed, people will rise in uproar. But when a child is hurt or killed in the womb, there’s only a silent scream…

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Speaking of animals, amazing how our six-month-old dog Bruce was lost but has been found! (Yes, prayers really work!) He was found and lovingly cared for by Mandy, Kara, and Gabie Legasto. (Yes, angels are real!) He was lost for three days, but I never lost hope that he will come back, somehow.(Yes, miracles do happen!) In hindsight, if Bruce had a dog tag with address and phone number, his return would have been easier. That was my big regret. But in the meantime, I have received three dog tags from generous people already. (Yes, goodness lives on!) Thank you to all those who prayed and helped bring Bruce back to us.

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Time flies. Soon it will be February again. Remember the heart. Do not belittle the heart. Matters of the heart matter.

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“May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.” (Irish blessing)

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A moment with our Lord: Lord, you are an amazing God, and your ways are ever true and amazing. Amen.

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