Thirsty Thursday: Advent Atonement

Since Advent and Lent are Penitential seasons, these are times for us to repent for our sins.

In my own Catholic faith, we must confess our sins regularly to a clergy member to cleanse our souls for communion.

No matter how holy I strive to be, I as a human have my share of shortcomings. With a conscience, I’ve constantly prayed

• The Act of Contrition
• series of the Hail Mary

Remorse for our mistakes won’t do us any good if we keep repeating them. Learning lessons from our wrong actions and doing right by GOD will lead us closer to Heaven …

R.I.P., Father Romanus ✌ 

Spirit Sunday: World Missions

Mission is a passion for Jesus and at the same time a passion for people.

~ Pope Francis

OLG with mums from my sis’ baby shower

Let’s follow Chris†‘s example by serving others ~ regardless of mistakes along the way (like my off-tune ♪singing♫ at Church yesterday) ~ as our fai†h will always prevail, our missions won’t fail!

#DISPObustAFlow✌

OLG with mums from my sis’ baby shower + rose in hand yesterday!

World Mission Sunday

Send me forth each day, O God,
to announce Your peace, love,
forgiveness and joy to all the earth. Like the Samaritan,
help me be a good neighbor.Like the Centurion,
help me confess my faith.Like the Beloved Disciple, help me to be a bold
and faithful witness to Your Resurrection.

All the world deserves to hear Your Good News.
Help me proclaim and live it today.

Amen.

~ Father Joseph R. Veneroso 

World Missions ☼Sunday☼ Reminder from Father Raymond J. Finch

Both Prayer and Reminder Courtesy Maryknoll Missions

Thirsty Thursday: The TRUTH

My ultimate goal: to be closer to GOD each & everyday!

Will y’all also join me on my journey and invite GOD into your heart, soul and every aspect of your lives?

Last weekend, I truly felt GOD speaking through me as His instrument as I proclaimed His Word at Mass:
† Exodus 17:3-7
† Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
† Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

Then our Deacon read the Gospel from John 4:5-42, followed by our Priest’s Homily, during which he asked if we were thirsty. I was, both figuratively and literally, because the first reading introduced Moses’ followers as thirsty for water, and I too, was thirsty after speaking at the altar, and also because

I long to be closer to GOD, as I belong to Him.

When folks have asked me what I’m giving up for Lent or tell me what they’re giving up during this Lenten season, the past few years, I’d say that I don’t “give up” ~ but rather:

I give my time to enrich and strengthen my relationship with GOD.

After Easter, I don’t just resume my regular life; instead I lead a richer life because of GOD‘s strength and guidance, as well as His patience and mercy, which He instilled in me. This year, my companion through this time is a book provided by my Church, called Rediscover Catholicism: A Spiritual Guide to Living with Passion & Purpose by Matthew Kelly*.

One decade ago, upon my visit to my Motherland, the Philippines, my cousin’s wife gave me pasalubong (gift), which I read during Lent and still cherish to this day: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. If you’re seeking a sense of direction, I recommend both of these readings, as you go on your own walk with GOD.

Nothing matters more than He does because nothing is possible without Him.

*Reflections of Celebration …

#GOD led me to read this after I wrapped up the day on my #dissertation, & this very much has to do w/my #study as well as my #spirituality & #life: “The very #best #coaches will tell you that #teams that #win #championships are those that #focus on the #basics and #master them #together.” ~ Matthew Kelly

Chapter 1 on #Universal #Hunger reminds me of the song lyrics in #ThereIsALonging (in our #Hearts) because we #thirst for the #Truth = #GOD ❤

Chapter 2 on The #Prevailing #Philosophy prompts me to point out that we’re not here to serve ourselves & seek fast results, but rather to serve #GOD & seek His #purpose while remaining #patient & without questioning His will be done. #TrustInHim

Chapter 3 entitled Is #JESUS Still #Relevant? shows me that #InstantGratification won’t bring us closer to #Heaven, #GreatLOVE will. #LiveLikeJESUS! #Disciple = #Discipline

Chapter 4 on #Searching for #Identity inspires me to #maximize my #potential to #love & #serve #GOD & His #people ~ that is the #heart & #soul of my #person. ♥♥♥ #LoveGOD = #LovePeople ❤ ❤ ❤

Chapter 5 about what we #Celebrate brought to mind this song http://youtu.be/04y_KfO7GzI ~ so let’s #approach #life w/ the #LORD of #love taking the #lead on our #way according to His #will! #GOD = #GOoD 🙏👏✌️☝️💒💖

*… Leading into Authenticity

Chapter 6 called “What Is the #Authentic #Life?” does #guide me toward the #spiritual #secret: to be #holy in #everything that I do. For me, this is through #service to my #Church & #community + #work on my #dissertation & #career + #relationships w/ my #family & #friends ~ ALL to #lead w/ #great #LOVE for #GOD & His #creation! 💖👏🙏✌️☝️📖💒

1:11 ~ make a wish … Or actually, say a prayer!!!