Wife Of A Filipino Martyr

Everyone has a story to tell...

Especially my dear friend, Precious Javier, from bible study. Precious is a sweet spirited Filipina lady who reminds me of my own mother. Last night was the first time I had dinner with her and other friends from bible study. With good food and company, we'd laugh and talk casually about our daily lives. I then asked Precious about her husband. She paused for a moment and then proceeded to tell us the unforgettable story of her husband... the Filipino national martyr, Evelio Javier.

Evelio Javier grew up in the province of Antique, Philippines. Well educated, he studied law at Ateneo de Manila University and at 28, he became the governor of Antique--the youngest governor of the country during the time. Precious told us how he would always talk of hope and democracy for his people and how he was so passionate about serving the public. He became a well known activist who spoke out against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. However his activism led to his assassination on February 11, 1986. He was only 44.

As I sat and I listened to my friend Precious speak of her husband, I was amazed by her great strength as she endured the murder of her husband and the years raising her two sons alone. Despite going through such tragedy, Precious is a woman of undying faith. It is her faith that gets her through life and it is people like her that I find truly inspirational.

Everyone has a story to tell.
All we have to do is listen and learn from their experiences.
Through others we can grow in our faith.

Ubi Caritas

One of my favorite Latin prayers:

UBI CARITAS

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.

Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.

Exultemus, et in ipso iucundemur.

Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum.

Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.

Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur:

Ne nos mente dividamur, caveamus.

Cessent iurgia maligna, cessent lites.

Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus.

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.

Simul quoque cum beatis videamus,

Glorianter vultum tuum, Christe Deus:

Gaudium quod est immensum, atque probum,

Saecula per infinita saeculorum. Amen.

TRANSLATION:

Where charity and love are, God is there.

Christ's love has gathered us into one.

Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.

Let us fear, and let us love the living God.

And may we love each other with a sincere heart.

Where charity and love are, God is there.

As we are gathered into one body,

Beware, lest we be divided in mind.

Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease,

And may Christ our God be in our midst.

Where charity and love are, God is there.

And may we with the saints also,

See Thy face in glory, O Christ our God:

The joy that is immense and good,

Unto the ages through infinite ages. Amen.

"The Good Little Church Girl"

On Facebook I was tagged by one of my friends as "The Good Little Church Girl" on  a photo of different characters.  I smiled because I never thought of myself as that.  In fact, growing up, I was quite the opposite.  I hated to go to church.  I thought I had better things to do than to go through an hour of sitting, kneeling, standing....I just didn't get it.  I was bored out of my mind! The reason I didn't see the importance of church was because I was "spiritually anorexic."  At sixteen, I chose to go through confirmation because my sisters were confirmed so I just blindly went through the confirmation process.  I remember once my confirmation coordinator asked if I could volunteer within the parish and you know what I've said? "I can't...I have to do homework to do."  I was really into my studies and like many other things, I've put my grades before God.

It wasn't until significant experiences in my life, that I've really began to see the fulfillment in going back home to the Church.  In times when I felt completely lost, the Church was always there to welcome me home.  I have found a familial community and sense of belonging. Even though we were all of different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds, we all have one thing in common-- OUR FAITH.   I can feel the presence of God through serving others through the gifts and talents he has given me.  I feel his presence when I sing in choir.  I feel his presence when I do artwork for Catholic Underground.  I feel his presence when I attend RCIA and bible study.    I used to think that spirituality can be achieved on our own, but now I've realized that it is very difficult to do so.  We as humans are not meant to be alone.  We cannot heal by ourselves. Through prayer we help each other heal. Through the love we show each other can we truly heal and experience the God's presence. We are the BODY OF CHRIST!

As for me, I don't mind being known as the "Good Little Church Girl."  I've wished I was known that earlier on in my life--but it's never too late!  It's never too early either.   There is nothing more beautiful than seeing parents teaching their children the importance of being part of the church, no matter how old they are.   After all,  a family that prays together, stays together. :-)

Like the Blind Man

In today's readings, a blind man comes to Jesus to be healed.  Jesus restores the blind man's sight, and the blind man can now see clearly.  A lot of times I feel like the blind man.  I feel blind to the point where I feel lost and alone in the darkness of uncertainty.  The times when I felt most blind in my life was when I would put God aside and forget about Him.  However, Jesus brings me back to the light.  He heals me of my blindness.  He allows me to see my life with all the joy and blessings he has provided me.   I just need to trust in God and know that he will allows be there to guide me for He will never leave my side.

A New Year, A New Beginning

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!

It's been awhile since I've posted so I am making it my New Year's Resolution to write here more. I am excited what God has in store for us in this new year. It's a time for me to start afresh and move forward spiritually. Everyday I wake up and praise the Lord for giving me the joy of life, from the greatest bliss to the smallest moments....

This year will be an awesome year. I plan to start up a Creative Arts Ministry at my church. I want to be able to use art as a means of creative spiritual expression for the love of the Lord. Art has definitely made a difference in my spiritual life, inspiring me to creatively evangelize to others. I am hoping that by starting this ministry, I would be able to motivate not just the youth but everyone of all ages to express spiritual joy through the arts.

I will keep everyone posted on the development of this ministry. :-)