Walking with the Saints Podcast | January 25, Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, the Apostle, Patron Saint of the Pauline Family

Many of us know very well St. Paul, the Apostle, patron of missionaries, theologians, and of evangelizers. His Exemplary virtues are courage, constancy, fortitude, compassion, celibacy, frankness, and sincerity. We read his 13 Letters in the New Testament during Holy Mass and his teachings continue to be the important roots of the theology, worship, and pastoral life in the Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Eastern, and other minor Churches. St. Paul is considered by many to be the most important person, after Christ, in the history of Christianity. He was born about 5 B.C. or 5 A.D. and named Saul, in Tarsus, Cilicia (modern Turkey), of a devout Jewish family from the Tribe of Benjamin. He was involved in tent-making, was educated under Gamaliel, one of the most noted rabbis in history, and became a Pharisee. A faithful follower of the Mosaic law and Jewish traditions, he hated the Christians. And, in fact, he took part in the stoning of Stephen, the first martyr, by guarding the cloaks of Stephen’s persecutors.

Saul was intent on eradicating the Christians. He obtained permission to capture, imprison and punish them. Yet, the Lord had other plans for him. And we know what happened next. Jesus appeared to him on his way to Damascus saying: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Saul fell to the ground and Jesus told him: “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting.” Blinded, Saul was led to Damascus and after three days he was baptized. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and regained his sight, was converted to Christianity, and took the name, Paul.

After Paul’s conversion, he became an ardent apostle of Christ. He stayed in Arabia for three years, returned to Antioch, and went to Jerusalem to see Peter and James. Paul and Peter decided to separate ways: Peter to preach to the Jews and he to the pagans or Gentiles. This is why he is called the “Apostle of the Gentiles”. He traveled to many places in Asia Minor and in Europe. He met many trials and difficulties, but he never gave up his mission to proclaim Christ. The Jews were his greatest adversaries. But, he had also many supporters. Once, they lowered him into a basket to avoid his enemies. Many times, they helped him collect money for the churches he had established, and his converts cried when he bade them goodbye. Due to his missionary work, the Jews hated him and he was put in prison. He went to Rome to appeal to the emperor, but he was again imprisoned. While in prison, he continued to write and proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, the Son of God, and the expected Messiah.

Paul’s many Letters reveal someone who is convinced, dedicated, intelligent, compassionate, clever, quick-witted, emotional, sometimes angry, and frank but profound and pervasive. Paul was beheaded in Rome about the year 64 or 67 A.D., during the persecutions of the Christians by Nero. Tradition says that when Paul was decapitated, his head bounced three times and produced three fountains: one hot, one warm, and one cold. A church was built on the spot in the 5th century, called St. Paul Church of Tre Fontane at Via di Acque Salvie, Rome. It was renewed in 1599 and now belongs to a religious order of men. In 1950, the fountains were sealed to prevent water pollution. The church still reminds us of the greatness of St. Paul. St. Paul is also the Patron Saint of the Daughters of St. Paul & the Pauline Family.

Prayer: O Glorious Saint Paul, after persecuting the Church you became God's most zealous Apostle. Obtain for us the grace to be good Christians so as to bring faith to others and to accept any trials and tribulations that may come our way. Amen.

Point for Reflection: Do I give time to reading the Bible and the Letters of St. Paul? Or do I instead enjoy reading pornographic or fake stories?

Mabuting Balita | Enero 25, 2023 |  Miyerkules sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Taon

Ebanghelyo: Mark 16:15-18

Sinabi ni Hesus sa labing-isa: “Pumunta kayo sa buong daigdig at ipahayag ang ebanghelyo sa buong sangkinapal. Maliligtas ang maniniwala at magpapabinyag; hahatulan naman ang di maniniwala. At ito ang mga tandang sasama sa mga maniniwala: magpapalayas sila ng mga demonyo sa aking Pangalan, magsasalita sila sa iba pang mga wika, hahawakan nila ang mga ahas, at hindi sila maaano kung iinom man sila ng may lason. Ipapatong nila ang kanilang kamay sa mga maysakit at gagaling ang mga iyon.

Pagninilay:

Sa paghayo ni Hesus Maestro sa labing-isa, buo ang tiwala Niya na tutuparin nila ang Kanyang iniatas. Magpapangaral sila ng Mabuting Balita na hindi na pisikal na laging kasa-kasama ni Hesus. Nasa kanilang kalooban na si Hesus at sa kanilang diwa. Dala-dala nila ang Espiritu ni Hesus na may sense of urgency. Nang tinawag naman ni Hesus si Saulo habang nasa kasukdulan siya para usigin at sugpuin ang mga nabinyagan ng mga Apostol, nasa sense of urgency siya noon. Buo ang loob niyang patayin ang mga followers ni Hesus.  Pero sa moment na nagpakita si Hesus bilang nakakasilaw na liwanag, huminto ang inog ng kanyang mundo ng pagkasuklam. Pansamantalang nawalan siya ng paningin. Ang amazing dito, nilusaw ng liwanag ni Hesus ang kanyang sariling pananaw. Binigyang direksyon ang kanyang determinasyon. Doon nagbago ang buhay ni Saulo at bininyagan bilang Pablo. Iniwan niya ang pangalang Saul na nangangahulugan ng pagtatangi at karangalan. Niyakap niya ang pangalan na nangangahulugan ng pagpapakumbaba. Dahil ang lahat sa kanya, iniugnay niya at iniugat kay Hesus. Mula sa total conversion niya, sa tulong ng ating Hesus Maestro, buong kababaang-loob na ginamit niya ang kanyang kaalaman sa Banal na Kasulatan. Pinagtagpo niya ang kanyang kakayanang intelektuwal at ang ispiritwal na halimuyak na hango kay Hesus sa pagpapangaral. Taglay niya ang tapat na kalooban sa paghikayat. Buhay na buhay ang kanyang “sense of urgency” to proclaim the message. Kapag malayo siya, sumusulat siya nang personal. Dahil aware siya na ang time available to proclaim the message was short. Maikli at mabilis ang takbo ng panahon. 2023 na. Kailangan din nating maging aim ang sense of urgency. Marami nang humuhulagpos ang pananalig sa Diyos. Sila ang dapat nating habulin, bago mawala. Ang itinanim na binhi ng pagmamahal sa Diyos ng mga magulang natin sana mai-share din natin sa mga bata ngayong henerasyon. Sa pagpapahalaga sa Bibliya, sana magpursigi tayong ituro sa young ones. Ang kaligtasang handog ng Banal na Misa, sana maibalik natin ang humihina nang maniwala at magtiwala sa Eukaristiya na mga tweeners, teenagers, young adulters. Magkaroon din sana tayo ng pangamba kung mapapansin natin na lumalabnaw na ang sigasig nating manalangin at humingi ng tawad sa Diyos. Kung hindi natin gagawin ngayon, baka mawalan na tayo ng pagkakataon. Itulad natin ang ating kalooban at diwa kay San Pablo. Bawat sandali, simula noong nagbagong-loob siya at nagbagong pananaw, araw-araw mahalaga ang sandali para makilala at mapalalim ang ugnayan niya kay Hesus. Yun din ang ugat ng kanyang mabilasang pagpapalaganap ng kaligtasan. Sa bawat pag-tiktak ng orasan, sabayan natin ng paghahanap ng taong makakatanggap ng Mabuting Balita.  Sa bawat pagforward natin ng message of Good News, sigurado na thousands ang makakatanggap. Make smart decisions in Hesus’ name. and act on them with faith and love. - Sr. Gemmaria Dela Cruz, fsp l Daughters of St. Paul

You are listening to the daily gospel reflections with Sr. Cloth, fsp

This podcast is brought to you by the Paulines Multimedia. It is our mission to Bring the WORD of GOD to all peoples, through sounds and images, voices and music. Come and join us as we share “A THOUGHT A DAY”.

Mabuting Balita | Enero 24, 2023 

Martes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Taon

Ebanghelyo: Mark 3:31-35

Dumating ang ina ni Hesus at ang kanyang mga kapatid; nakatayo sila sa labas at ipinatawag siya. Nakaupo si Hesus at napapaligiran ng mga tao nang may magsabi sa kanya: “Nasa labas ang iyong ina at mga kapatid; hinahanap ka nila.” “Sino ang aking ina at mga kapatid?” “Narito ang aking ina at mga kapatid. Kapatid kong lalaki at kapatid na babae at ina rin ang sumusunod sa kalooban ng Diyos.”

Pagninilay:

Malimit kapag tayo ay umuwi at nagkakatipon para sa reunion, mababanggit natin ang katagang: “There’s no place like Home.” Kakaiba kasi ang saya kapag kasama mo ang mahal sa buhay lalo na ang buong pamilya. Sa ating Ebanghelyo ngayon nabanggit ni Hesus ang tungkol sa pamilya ng sabihin niyang,“ Sino ang aking ina at mga kapatid? ” at idinugtong pa niya, “ Ang sinumang tumupad sa kalooban ng Diyos ay siyang aking mga kapatid at ina.” Dalawang bagay ang nais ko munang linawin sa tagpong ito.

Una: Ang salitang KAPATID, sa wikang Hebreo at Aramaic ay walang tiyak na salita para sa salitang COUSINS. Kaya nga sa Aramaic ang salitang brothers ay nangangahulugan ring RELATIVES. Sa salitang Griyego ito ay nangangahulugang brothers.

Pangalawa: Ang sinabi ni Hesus na “Ang sinumang tumutupad ng kalooban ng Diyos ay siya kong ina at mga kapatid.” Hindi po itinatakwil ni Hesus ang kanyang pamilya o binabalewala ang kanyang ina at mga kamag-anak. Hindi nililimitahan ni Hesus ang kanyang pamilya sa BLOOD RELATIONSHIP lang o sa mga kadugo bagkus nais niyang maging malawak pa upang tayo rin ay maging kapamilya Niya. Paano? Sinabi na niya… kapag tinupad natin ang kalooban ng Diyos…. tayo ay maituturing na kapamilya niya sa pamamagitan ng PAKIKINIG AT PAGSASABUHAY NG SALITA NG DIYOS. Ako po bilang Pari, lumawak ang aking PAMILYA, ang SIMBAHAN. Napakasaya na mapasama sa malaking pamilya. Ang pagiging kapatid ni Hesus ay hindi lang prebilehiyo bagkus isang responsibilidad na isabuhay ang salita ng Diyos. Maging tunay na kapatid din sa iba. Maging asal Hesus din sa kapuwa. We belong to the Family of God if we hear His Words and Act upon it. Wika nga, “HINDI LANG SA NGAWA BAGKUS IPAKITA SA MABUTING GAWA.” “THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME” “MASAYA KAPAG KASAMA ANG PAMILYA”. “MASAYA ANG MAGING KAPAMILYA NG DIYOS!”

- Fr. Francis Fournal | Diocese of Romblon

Walking with the Saints | January 24 - Feast of St. Francis de Sales, Patron of Writers and Journalists 

Have you heard about the Gentle Saint? Most saints possess gentleness as a virtue, but there is one who seemed to exceed all the others, that is why Louise Stacpoole-Kenny, an author of the 19th and 20th centuries wrote a book about him entitled: THE GENTLE SAINT. Friends, our saint for today is St. Francis de Sales, a Frenchman who was born on August 21, 1567 in the Castle of Sales, to a noble family in Thorens, Savoy, France. His family expected nothing from him, as he was born two months premature, but God destined him to be a priest, a Bishop, and finally, a great saint. Francis‘ father sent him to the best school to prepare him to become a lawyer, so even at a young age, he enjoyed a privileged education under the Capuchin Fathers.  In 1578, he went to study at the Jesuit’s College de Clermont, and took up rhetoric and humanities. Being a nobleman, he was accompanied by a servant and a tutor. To please his father, he also took lessons in horse riding, dancing, and fencing. He was handsome, intelligent, tall, with blue-grey eyes, reserved and quiet. In 1586, after attending a theological discussion on predestination, he began to doubt his eternal salvation. This made him sick as he feared damnation in hell. After a few months, he visited a certain church and prayed to the Black Madonna, and consecrated himself to her. He decided to dedicate his life to God and made a vow of chastity. Soon his doubts vanished and he continued his studies. From College de Clermont, he enrolled at the University of Padua and studied law and theology. Meanwhile, Francis’ father tried to find him a prestigious position in Savoy and a bride in the person of a beautiful and noble heiress, but Francis opposed his father’s wishes and decided to become a priest. He shaved his lovely hair and when his father consented, Francis ceded to his brother the right of succession to his father’s position as Lord of Sales. He was ordained in 1593. As a priest, he preached at the Cathedral of Annecy, in parish churches, and before Catholic confraternities. His sermons were simple and short. He avoided controversy and people loved to listen to his deep and rich voice. He was recommended at age twenty-seven to be named Grand Penitentiary of the diocese, one to whom people go to make Confession. In 1594, Fr. Francis was sent to Chamblais, where most people have become Calvinists, but he met many oppositions and had little success. In 1599, he was appointed co-adjutor Bishop of Geneva. In 1602 he was sent to Henry IV of France to negotiate the restoration of Catholic worship in Gex and he was successful. In 1602, the Bishop of Geneva died and he was consecrated Bishop of Geneva. However, he resided in Annecy because Geneva was then still controlled by the Calvinist. Due to his guidance, his diocese became famous throughout Europe as a model for efficiency in organization, devoted clergy, and well-instructed laity. He worked closely with the Capuchins that they made him an associate member of the Order, the highest honor given to a non-member. He was loved for his patience, kindness, and mildness. Francis was also the author of many books, the most famous of which is Introduction to the Devout Life. He was also co-founder of St. Jane Frances de Chantal of the Order of Visitation of Holy Mary. In December 1622, he was obliged to travel to Lyons with the Duke of Savoy. While there, he suffered a stroke and died on December 28. He was buried in the church of the Visitation Monastery in Annecy. He was beatified in 1616 and was canonized four years later. He was declared Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1877. In 1923, Pope Pius XI proclaimed him patron of writers and journalists. He is named The “Gentle Saint” due to his kindness, patience, gentleness, and charity, characteristics not usually inherent to a guy.

You are listening to the daily gospel reflections with Sr. Cloth, fsp

This podcast is brought to you by the Paulines Multimedia. It is our mission to Bring the WORD of GOD to all peoples, through sounds and images, voices and music. Come and join us as we share “A THOUGHT A DAY”.

Walking with the Saints Podcast | January 13, St. Hilary, Patroness of Lawyers

Our saint today, St. Hilary was from Poitiers, a region in west-central France. He was a strong defender of the Church against Arianism so he was called the “Hammer of the Arians.” Arianism was a heresy that did not believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ. He also fought against other doctrinal errors so St. Athanasius described him as the “trumpet” of orthodoxy.  Hilary was born in 315 to pagan parents of noble distinction. He received a good pagan education with a high level of Greek and Neoplatonism. He married and had one daughter. When he heard about Christianity, he studied it, together with the Old and New Testament books. Consequently, he, his wife, and his daughter were baptized, embraced Christianity, and were received into the Church. The Christians of Poitiers so respected Hilary due to his piety and virtuous life that about the year 350, they unanimously elected him to become their bishop. His wife lived a life of continence when he embraced the episcopacy. His daughter, who joined the nunnery, is venerated as St. Apra, who became a saint due to her great works of charity. During Hilary’s time, the Arian heresy was very strong and threatened to destroy the Church. He, therefore, resolved to fight against the heretics. Hilary wrote a letter to Emperor Constantius II asking him to stop the persecution of the Christians by the Arians. The emperor, however, favored the Arians. He tried to persuade Hilary to sign a document condemning St. Athanasius, defender of the true faith, but Hilary refused. Seeing Hilary’s response as a political opposition, he banished him instead to Phrygia. While in Phrygia, Hilary continued to have connections with his diocese and wrote his books. Among them was one addressed to the Semi-Arian bishops, another answering to the criticisms which accused him of being too lenient with the Arians, and one about the Trinity. Hilary also attended several synods, and one very special was the synod that prohibited discussions about the divine substance of the Trinity. Hilary tried to secure an audience with Emperor Constantius but he was denied. Therefore, he attacked the emperor as an Anti-Christ and a persecutor of the true Church. Hilary wanted to debate with the Arians in Phrygia to show them their errors, but they feared him so they asked the emperor to send Hilary back to Poitiers.  In 361, Hilary was back in Poitiers. He was welcomed with great joy by his flock and his brothers in the episcopate and was visited by his former disciple Martin, who became the bishop of Tours. The death of Constantius in 361 ended the persecution of the true Church in that part of the world. In 364 Hilary tried to extend his influence beyond Poitiers. He went to Milan to openly debate with the bishop of that city, who was a defender of the Arians, but Emperor Valentinian, the protector of the heretics, ordered him to leave Milan. In the same year, Hilary encouraged the future bishop Martin of Tours to establish a monastery in Poitiers. Aside from those already mentioned above, Hilary’s other writings include a commentary on the Gospel of Matthew considered to be the first written in Latin; an exposition of the Psalms; a book of hymns, and other historical and theological writings. The most esteemed work of St. Hilary was the twelve-volume work on the Nicene Creed and the Trinity. Here, he explained that the Son is co-eternal with the Father and proves the consubstantiality of the three Divine Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He also teaches that the Church is One, outside of It, all are heresies.

Mabuting Balita | Enero 23, 2023 

Lunes sa Ikatlong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

Ebanghelyo: Marcos 3:22-30

May dumating na mga guro ng Batas na galing sa Jerusalem, at sinabi nila: “Sumasakanya si Beelzebul at sa tulong ng pinuno ng mga demonyo siya nagpapalayas sa mga ito.” Tinawag sila ni Jesus at nagsalita sa talinhaga: “Puwede bang satanas ang magpalayas sa Satanas? Kung may pagkakahati-hati ang isang kaharian, hindi na makakatayo ang kahariang iyon. At kung may sambahayang nagkakahati-hati, hindi na makatatayo ang samdahayang iyon. At kung si Satanas ang lumalabas sa kanayang sarili at nagkakahati-hati, hindi na siya makatatayo kundi malapit na ang wakas niya. Walang makapapasok sa bahay ni Malakas at magkakalat sa lahat niyang mga gamit kung hindi muna itatali si Malakas. Saka lamang niya masasaid ang lahat na ari-arian nito. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: “patatawarin ang mga anak ng tao sa lahat ng kanilang mga kasalanan at pati sa kanilang mga paglait sa Diyos kahit na marami man ang mga paglait nila sa Diyos. Ngunit kung may magsalita laban sa Espiritu Santo, kailanma’y hindi siya mapapatawad; kasalanang walang haggan ang nasa kanay.” Ang pagsasabi nilang may masamang Espiritu siya ang tinutukoy ni Jesus.

You are listening to the daily gospel reflections with Sr. Cloth, fsp

This podcast is brought to you by the Paulines Multimedia. It is our mission to Bring the WORD of GOD to all peoples, through sounds and images, voices and music. Come and join us as we share “A THOUGHT A DAY”.

Mabuting Balita | Enero 22, 2023 

Ikatlong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

Ebanghelyo: Mateo 4:12-23

Nang marinig ni Jesus na dinakip si Juan, Lumayo siya pa-Galilea. Hindi rin siya tumigil sa Nazaret, kundi sa Capernaum nanirahan, sa may baybayin ng lawa ng Galilea, sa teritoryo ng Zabulon at Neftali. Kaya natupad ang salita ni Propeta Isaias: “Makinig kayo, mga lupain ng Zabulon at Neftali, mga daang patungo sa Dagat, kabilang ibayo ng Jordan; pakinggan ako, Galileang lupain ng mga pagano. Nakakita na ng malaking liwanag ang mga lugmok sa kadiliman. Sumikat na ang liwanag sa mga nasa anino ng kamatayan.”  At magmula noon, sinimulang ipahayag ni Jesus ang kanyang mensahe: “Magbagumbuhay; lumapit na nga ang kaharian ng Langit.” Nagsimulang maglibot si Jesus sa buong Galilea. Nagturo siya sa kanila mga sinagoga, ipinahayag ang Mabuting Balita ng Kaharian at pinagaling ang kung anu-anong klase ng sakit at kapansanan ng mga tao. Lumaganap sa buong Siria ang balita tungkol sa kanya. Kaya dinala sa kanya ang mga may karamdaman, ang lahat ng naghihirap dahil sa sakit, ang mga inaalihan ng demonyo, ang mga nasisiraan ng bait, ang mga paralitiko, at pinagaling niya silang lahat. Sinundan siya ng maraming taong galing sa Galilea, sa Sampung Lunsod, sa Jerusalem, sa Judea at sa kabilang ibayo ng Jordan.

Ebanghelyo: Mateo 4:12-23

Nang marinig ni Jesus na dinakip si Juan, Lumayo siya pa-Galilea. Hindi rin siya tumigil sa Nazaret, kundi sa Capernaum nanirahan, sa may baybayin ng lawa ng Galilea, sa teritoryo ng Zabulon at Neftali. Kaya natupad ang salita ni Propeta Isaias: “Makinig kayo, mga lupain ng Zabulon at Neftali, mga daang patungo sa Dagat, kabilang ibayo ng Jordan; pakinggan ako, Galileang lupain ng mga pagano. Nakakita na ng malaking liwanag ang mga lugmok sa kadiliman. Sumikat na ang liwanag sa mga nasa anino ng kamatayan.”  At magmula noon, sinimulang ipahayag ni Jesus ang kanyang mensahe: “Magbagumbuhay; lumapit na nga ang kaharian ng Langit.” Nagsimulang maglibot si Jesus sa buong Galilea. Nagturo siya sa kanila mga sinagoga, ipinahayag ang Mabuting Balita ng Kaharian at pinagaling ang kung anu-anong klase ng sakit at kapansanan ng mga tao. Lumaganap sa buong Siria ang balita tungkol sa kanya. Kaya dinala sa kanya ang mga may karamdaman, ang lahat ng naghihirap dahil sa sakit, ang mga inaalihan ng demonyo, ang mga nasisiraan ng bait, ang mga paralitiko, at pinagaling niya silang lahat. Sinundan siya ng maraming taong galing sa Galilea, sa Sampung Lunsod, sa Jerusalem, sa Judea at sa kabilang ibayo ng Jordan.