What? Everything Is Useless? Why?

I may be able to speak the languages of men and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell. I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have all the faith to move mountains - but if I have no love, I am nothing. I may give everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned - but if I have no love, this does me no good.
1 Corinthians 13

Wow, this was the reading last night at our assembly. Though we have heard and read this not just once, I remain amazed with St. Paul's wisdom.

You cannot say you are perfect. Check if you have done it in love. It is astonishing to be reminded that: worthless is the ability to speak in tongues, to be the most inspiring preacher, being an Einstein, even living as a saint with so much faith and sacrifice . . . everything boils down to "nada", zero, if you deduct love in the equation.

All is made perfect in love.

The next thing to ask is "what then is love"? How does one love? You can't give what you don't have? How then do you acquire love?

Set Your Heart On . . .

It is love then that you should strive for. Set your hearts on spiritual gifts, especially of proclaiming God's message. The one who speaks in strange tongues does not speak to others but to God, because no one understands him, He is speaking secret truths by the power of the Holy Spirit. But the one who proclaims God's message speaks to people and gives them help, encouragement, and comfort. The one who speaks in strange tongues helps only himself, but the one who proclaims God's message helps the whole church.
St. Paul

Tired? Not Today

Yup, there are times things are just too heavy for me. Nakakapagod na! (So tiring!)

When everything seems to be going down the drain, I simply stop a while and try to rest at night (though most of the time sleep doesn't come). I then say to myself, "Things will come to pass and help shall come from the One whom I trust, the One who loves me in the dimension of the cross."

A winner is just a dreamer who never gave up. Why then must I give up my dreams? I shall keep on dreaming, then wake up and act to pursue the dreams.

Trust in the Lord.

Our Deeds Count

This Lenten season, let's not forget to feed the souls as well. Why not add more meaningful acts of mercy, I said to myself . . .

The Corporal Works of Mercy

(1) Feed the hungry
(2) Give drink to the thirsty
(3) Clothe the naked
(4) Shelter the homeless
(5) Comfort the imprisoned
(6) Visit the sick
(7) Bury the dead

The Spiritual Works of Mercy

1. Admonish sinners
2. Instruct the uninformed
3. Counsel the doubtful
4. Comfort the sorrowful
5. Be patient with those in error
6. Forgive offenses
7. Pray for the living and the dead

"Do not tire of doing good . . .", " . . . and run with determination the race that lies before us", says St. Paul.