21 Jan – Memorial for St. Agnes, virgin and martyr At the age of 12 or 13, St. Agnes was ordered to sacrifice to pagan gods and lose her virginity by rape. She was taken to a Roman temple to Minerva (Athena), and when led to the altar, she made the Sign of the Cross. She... Continue Reading →
20 January, Thursday – The gift of free will
20 Jan – Memorial for St. Fabian, pope and martyr; Memorial for St. Sebastian, martyr Pope St. Fabian (d. 250) was a layman and a farmer. He came into Rome on a day when a new pope was to be elected. A dove flew in and settled on his head. The gathered clergy and laity took... Continue Reading →
19 January, Wednesday – Who are you battling with?
Wednesday of Week 2 in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 17:32-33,37,40-51Mk 3:1-6 …for the Lord is Lord of the battle... I must be at the age in life (that most everyone in every generation reaches); that age when it just seems that the world is going to hell in a handbasket; that age when it seems... Continue Reading →
18 January, Tuesday — Sabbath
Tuesday of Week 2 in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 16:1-13Mk 2:23-28 “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath” For the Jewish nation, sabbath starts Friday evening until Saturday evening. This was instilled from the time of Moses. For Christians, sabbath is observed on Sunday, the day our Lord resurrected. Today’s... Continue Reading →
17 January, Monday — Obedience
17 Jan – Memorial for St. Anthony, abbot Following the death of his parents when he was about 20, St. Anthony (251-356) ensured that his sister completed her education, then sold his house, furniture, and the land he owned, gave the proceeds to the poor, joined the anchorites who lived nearby, and moved into an empty sepulchre.... Continue Reading →
16 January, Sunday — Complete Trust and Humility
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Isa 62:1-51 Cor 12:4-11Jn 2:1-11 “Do whatever he tells you.” Such simple words spoken by our Immaculate Mother. Although simple, those words hold so much meaning and depth. As parents, we expect our children to do whatever we tell them because we know best (most of the time). As a... Continue Reading →
15 January, Saturday — Those who want to make heaven must wear repentant tags
Saturday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 9:1-4,17-19;10:1Mk 2:13-17 When Jesus heard this he said to them, "It is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick. I did not come to call the virtuous, but sinners." There are a number of ways of carrying out evangelization, and reaching out to... Continue Reading →
14 January, Friday — Prayer is a content carrier to God
Friday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 8:4-7,10-22Mk 2:1-12 And the man got up, picked up his stretcher at once and walked out in front of everyone, so that they were all astounded and praised God saying, 'We have never seen anything like this.' God’s healing hands and mercies would never cease from... Continue Reading →
13 January, Thursday — We cannot control the joy that comes with God’s approval
13 Jan – Memorial for St. Hilary, bishop and doctor of the Church St. Hilary of Poitiers (315-368) was known as Athanasius of the West. He was born to wealthy polytheistic, pagan nobility. His early life was uneventful as he married, had children (one of whom was St. Abra), and studied on his own. Through his... Continue Reading →
12 January, Wednesday – Listening in Silence
Wednesday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time 1 Sam 3:1-10,19-20Mk 1:29-39 Speak Lord, for your servant is listening. I shared some time back, on how many of us remain numb to God's Word today. Admittedly, it isn’t easy to be sensitive to His promptings amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, I know... Continue Reading →
OXYGEN 