The world is full of challenges. Men always strive for perfection. It is in his nature to be good as he was created from the image of God. Yet he bears the sin of man which makes him weak and vulnerable of his own free will, like warriors facing daily struggles and battles. The Holy Catholic church have given us great warriors, both young and old. Their life and struggles are inspiration for any age in battle.
The whole month of November is traditionally celebrated by Catholics remembering their departed loved ones. November 2 to be exact is All Soul’s day and everyone is expected to offer a Mass and prayer for the holy souls in purgatory. All of us surely knows a family, relative, a dear friend or love one who passed away. We have cherished memories and enjoyed life with them. But how much do we love them, does it end with their life? Time may heal our pain of losing them, but will the pain of the departed fade in the afterlife as well?
The world is full of colors. Colors are hues created by God that can be seen in nature. When God created the world, the brilliance of colors can be seen in His creations. From the changing of seasons, natures largest and smallest creations, there are multitudes of combinations of colors to love.
The pursuit for world peace and happiness is constant. People lean on religion and faith in asking a higher power for guidance, especially Catholics who have Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and the saints. Jesus Christ established the church with His disciples more than 2000 years ago are rich in history and mysteries. Learning the faith can be overwhelming for the complacent ones. But the Holy Spirit has the power to make dogmas and catechisms easier to understand.
The month of June is believed to be an auspicious time for marriage. An exciting season particularly for ladies who yearn for a new life in union with the man of her dreams. Many do not know that the month was from an old superstitious belief to be blessed from the Roman goddess of marriage, Juno. How unfortunate we all might have been unknowing a tradition to receive happiness from a false god.
We always hear the 40 days as Lent season approaches. Most probably because Lent covers 40 days when it starts from Ash Wednesday until Holy week. It’s the season of reflection for all of us being sinners as we do acts of contrition and meditation. During these 40 days, we are expected to prepare and meditate on the Passion of Christ. Preparations such as fasting and abstinence, prayer and sacrifices. To prove our commitment, we must perform our duties as Christians. Following the practices and traditions of our Holy Mother Church of performing works of charity as members of the faith. Just like Pope St. Gregory the great said: "The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist."
“The sign of the cross is the most terrible weapon against the devil. Thus the Church wishes not only, that we have it continually in front of our minds, to recall to us just what our souls are worth and what they cost Jesus Christ but also that we should make it at every juncture ourselves: when we go to bed, when we awaken during the night, when we get up, when we begin any action, and, above all, when we are tempted.” -St John Vianney (1786-1859)
“I shall spend every moment loving. One who loves does not notice her trials; or perhaps more accurately, she is able to love them. I shall do everything for Heaven, my true home. There I shall find my Mother in all the splendor of her glory. I shall delight with her in the joy of Jesus himself in perfect safety.”
Christmas is all about the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. A season of traditional gift giving in many parts of the christian world. This custom is a symbolic reminder of the Three Kings who gave their gifts of offering to the newly born Messiah. Many christians always see a manger scene of the Three Kings paying tribute to the Holy Infant. They have in their hands special gifts that bears spiritual meaning.
Christmas is celebrated early by devout Catholic countries. Christmas music and decorations start to pop up as early as September in every homes and cities. One of these décor that is extremely common in a country like the Philippines is the display of the christmas parol. The parol from the Spanish word farol or lantern, is a traditional christmas décor from the Spansh colonial period in the Philippines. The most common shape now is a star to represent the star of Bethlehem. Thou different materials are used today with flickering lights on display, simple bamboo and japanese paper were originally used before to produce parols. In the Philippines these were carried in a procession called Panunuluyan (Lodging). A tradition of the reenactment of Joseph and Mary searching for a place to stay in Bethlehem.
The Holy Bible is one of the most important books written by holy men inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is also written in many languages for more people to read and understand. Despite God's wonderful plan to proclaim His Gospel, the bible faced challenges as the church confronts oppositions. The Holy Catholic church fought to preserve the sacred gospel. However, the bible we read depends on what version we read may have not been the same as it was originally written.
The name of St. Michael the Archangel evokes goodness and power over evil. He is known in the world of angels as protector of heaven and victor of the Evil One. He is like an icon, a God-sent angel, who will stop the enemies of darkness. In stories in various cultures, literature and films, when sun sets and darkness looms, evil spirits and elements are believed to be more powerful. The enemies of God are more active and in force. Though God created day and night as part of nature, darkness serves as an advantage to the wandering demons and spirits. They are more aggressive in the absence of light to ruin the human body and souls.
