Homosexual couples can love children the way heterosexual couples do; but children need more than love. They need the unique qualities and complementary natures of a father and a mother. The wisdom of thousands years and advanced researches conclude that the ideal marital and parental configuration is composed of one man and one woman.
All else being equal, children do best when raised by a married father and mother. They are more likely to have a healthy development – psychologically, mentally, and physically. The differences of men and women provide lifelong benefits to children that cannot be duplicated by same-sex “legal” parents acting out different gender roles or attempting to substitute for the missing male or female role model in the home. Fathers and mothers are simply not interchangeable. Furthermore, children raised by homosexual parents are more likely to experiment with sex, experience sexual confusion, and engage in homosexual and bisexual behavior themselves.
We empathize with homosexuals who long to be married and raise children and who yearn for social and legal recognition of their unions. However, we cannot allow our compassion for them to surpass our compassion for children. Same-sex marriage harms those who are most vulnerable – namely, the children. Pope Francis wrote: “At stake are the lives of many children who will be discriminated against in advance, and deprived of their human development given by a father and a mother and willed by God.” In another occasion, he talked about “the right of children to grow up in a family with a father and a mother capable of creating a suitable environment for the child’s development and emotional maturity.” We only want what is in the best interest of the children. Let us respect and protect their rights.
(Reference: Same-Sex Marriage is Harmful to Children by Trayce Hansen (licensed psychologist); A Warning from Canada: Same-Sex Marriage Erodes Fundamental Rights by Dawn Stefanowicz; Letter of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to the Carmelite Nuns of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires (June 22, 2010); Address of Pope Francis to Members of the International Catholic Child Bureau (April 11, 2014)
It was the 29th day of May, 2015, Friday before the last weekend of Summer Vacation. The day was special for the families that gathered in St. Francis Friendship Home Livelihood & Spirituality Center, composed of the underprivileged mothers, fathers and children of West Rembo and its surrounding communities in Makati. It was the Recognition Day of the Order of Franciscan Seculars OFS Summer Feeding Program at the Friendship Home.
The air was filled with happy anticipation that something good was going to happen . . . each one hoping to be given an award for their dedication and presence in the Feeding Program. The La Ermita de San Nicolas de Tolentino was filled with Secular Franciscans, parents and children as early as 7:45AM, ready to start the day’s Agenda with prayer and thanksgiving. Fr. Tasang’s homily moved the hearts of mothers and children to be more involved and caring.
Immediately after Mass, the Program started with games for the children and mothers to build up their appetite for the nutritious Vita-Pro breakfast and lunch after. Thereafter, the children waited in anticipation to be weighed and attendance checked for the Best in Weight and Attendance categories; listened intently to their mothers as they told their life stories and eyes and ears glued to the Emcee to hear the winners for the Most Attentive and Family Awards.
In all these, the Secular Franciscans were beginning to form the parents and their children the good habits that parents should teach their children as part of their instructions for life . . . the value of prayer and thanksgiving . . .which can be a powerful resource for them in the years ahead.
The English language uses the word herd mentality; it comes from the pastoral setting of tending the sheep. It means a mindless grouping/congregation of people very similar to our phenomenon of the so called HAKOT SYSTEM, where people are grouped together in a place not knowing why they are there in the first place, except that everybody is there. The basic disability of the sheep is its lack of vision, hence it is almost half blind. Therefore their security is in being together. Their sense of smell is their source of action. No other reason except vulnerability and survival instinct put them together.
Readings: Today the 16th Sunday in ordinary time, the responsorial psalm sums up the theme of our reflection. The first reading from Jeremiah speaks about the false shepherd who doesn’t care about the sheep; hence God will send a shepherd, who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear or tremble. Someone who will govern wisely and do what is right and just in the land. Mark’s gospel speaks about Jesus moved with pity for the people and saw the pastoral situation as being like “sheep without a shepherd.” And Jesus, despite their need for rest & nourishment, attended to their needs, teaching them many things. Shepherding is not an 8-5 job, but a 24/7 ministry. The need of the sheep is paramount more than the Shepherd’s. When the crowds seek Jesus at a time when Jesus is seeking privacy, there is no question that which need priority. It is the crowds. Tending the flock is not just a job to keep the groceries on the table; it is his reason for being, and for dying. It is a vocation given by the Father, which there can be no greater. The Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
For us to admit that we are sheep is to put our trust completely, unreservedly in Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The relationship between this kind of shepherd and his sheep is a power of connectedness, of empathy. The relationship between the Good Shepherd & his sheep intimate that it is an extension of the relationship between the Father and the Son. The Father’s omnipotence is the guarantee of Jesus’ promises; his promise of eternal life, that we shall not perish, that no one can take us out of his hands are promises to his flock that can be fulfilled by the Father. With him we shall not only “never perish”, not only protected from danger and harm, but will be led to eternal life, where we would not want anything, for God is the only necessity in our life.
1. Like sheep, we are almost half blind. We would not be able to see what lies beyond the horizon that awaits us. Neither can we see the dangers around us trying to exploit and mislead us. It is Jesus alone who can lead us to the eternal pasture. The grind of the daily life can lull us to contentment and we lose sight of the beyond. We can get so engrossed with daily cares and concerns that we are not able to see the marvelous future ahead of us.
2. Jesus is not only content in giving us the vision. Aside from the images of security of giving us the basic necessities, he leads us to the right paths, to mean all danger is averted. At the moment of greatest danger, God still provides, thus the Psalmist can say, “fear no evil.” God’s scepter/rod connotes royal authority hence his guidance and provision are reliable because God is sovereign. Jesus as Good Shepherd will put his life at risk in face of danger.
3. The caring and tending of the sheep includes knowing the sheep personally, each by name. An intimate relationship between Good Shepherd and the sheep binds them in an inexplicable way. The shepherd knows each one. Who is missing; who is sick; who has no appetite. There is no stranger in the clock. We are all known. None should feel she/he is unrecognized. But more than recognition, knowing means involvement in our lives.
In this age where many communities, neighbors are strangers to one another, whose neighbors scarcely know the name of those living next door and when many in fact seek anonymity, let us put away out isolation and alienation . Let us start hearing the voice of and follow the Good Shepherd that we may become one flock, where one knows and is known in the process.
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Luke 18 Summer Camp
The Lukers had their first Luke 18 San Antonio Summer Camp last May 29- 31. The focus and theme of the camp was “Being Salt, Light and Yeast for the World.” Below is the talk given by Bella Murga to the other Lukers regarding her experience and reflections from camp. (Introduction by Yenyen Chan)
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Last Saturday, 25 of us had to embark on an adventure to Bataan. Each of us participated in the first ever Luke Camp. It was an opportunity for all of us to bond and get to know each other. I’m sure that all of us had a great time and we were all able to create many new memories. I had a truly amazing experience at camp. I was able to make some new friends, as well as get closer to some of my older friends. I really enjoyed and this camp made me very happy because I was able to spend the weekend with the people who I consider my second family. My favorite part of the camp was probably when we swam in the pool and the falls because everyone was just very active and the positive energy was very contagious. It was also my first time to swim in a waterfall so it was a very good experience for me.
At camp, I learned that all of us have a mission, and that is to spread God’s love to everyone. I believe that spreading God’s love is by choosing to do the right thing instead of just doing what is easy. It is choosing to reach out to others instead of ignoring them, etc. Spreading God’s love is when we act selflessly and do good deeds with out expecting anything in return. All of us are learning to be like three everyday objects, and that is salt, light, and yeast.
The first object is salt. Salt is very important. It is very valuable because it’s known as a popular spice. There is a Bible passage that says, “You are salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Salt may be small but it can make a big difference by adding its own taste and flavor. This can also be applied to ourselves. At times, we may tend to feel small and unimportant. I can actually relate to this. Here’s an example. When I joined the 62nd Luke Weekend, I didn’t know a lot of people and I felt left out because everyone had their own group of friends already. I struggled for a while, but after several meetings, I was able to make new friends and feel more comfortable with myself. I had to go out of my comfort zone and reach out to other people. In the end, it was all worth it. I also realized that I am never alone. God is always there to look out for us and He showers us with blessings. We are all special in our own way. You may not feel it all the time, but we must all remember that God loves each and every one of us and we are all unique in His eyes.
Next is light. Light is what brightens up the dark and it helps us see more clearly. There is a Bible passage that states, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Many of us have suffered from our own problems, struggles, and obstacles in our lives. One way or another, we find a way to move on from them or find the courage to face them. That is through the help of God. He helps us become brave and He continues to give us hope. We are not the only ones who come across darkness. There are many more people out there who have a lot of problems, specifically, the needy. There are people who have no food and clothing, people who are poor, sick, homeless, and abused. These people feel alone and hopeless. They are lost and they don’t know what to do. They just want to find their way out of the darkness. You can spread your light to them, the light from God. You can do this by participating in charities, donating the stuff you don’t use anymore, joining immersions and organizations that promote social justice. One time I felt like I acted as a light to someone was when my Lola was suffering from cancer. I would visit her in the hospital and as she lay in the hospital bed, I would talk to her so that she would feel more relaxed. We would also get her some pastries. When we weren’t with her, we would call her to make sure she was okay. Before her operation, we all visited her and wished her well. We should all spread light to others because everyone needs a little bit of hope.
Lastly, there is yeast. Yeast, when mixed with other ingredients, helps pastries grow and form a better shape. We need yeast to help build up the Kingdom of God. There is a parable that says, “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with 3 measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” In order to be yeast, we must mix with other people, even if we don’t know them, so that we can enlighten one another and create a better community. As Lukers, maybe we can plan a day where we could spend time with orphans or plan a family day for the families of the homeless. We should never focus on the negative, but instead look at the positive sides of people so that we can establish peace and harmony among each other. We all have to help build up one another, not bring each other down. Earlier I mentioned those who are in need, such as the poor and the homeless. Our mission is to spread God’s love and we can only do that by treating them as equal individuals and help make them feel that they belong in God’s Kingdom. We must make them feel loved and let them know that God is with them by helping them in any way that we can. We should give our best efforts and do some of the actions that I stated earlier. We can only build God’s Kingdom with the help of each other.
Before I end this, I want to challenge you to try your best to become salt, light, and yeast. Remember that God loves us and we must share His love to everyone we meet. Since summer is almost over, I know that most of you will be returning to school in the upcoming week or the week after that, so I want you to spread God’s love to your fellow classmates because nobody deserves to be alone in this world. God is there for us and he guides us, and uplifts us. That is why we must give back and do the same to everyone. Let’s all work together to fulfill our mission here on earth as one loving community. (By Bella Murga)
Pictures by Rocky Chan and Victor Roman
Have you ever thought that our savior Jesus Christ could have done differently in proclaiming the Gospel to the world? In today’s gospel Jesus Christ sends the apostles two by two to the neighboring villages, preaching repentance, casting out demons, and healing the sick. They are to trust absolutely in Divine Providence for daily sustenance.
It’s over two thousand years ago since the time of Jesus Christ. Millions of people have come to know about him and his message. It is a reality that this is still far from the millions and millions in this world who are not evangelized yet. We are still waiting for the event when he would endorse to God, Father and Creator, everyone so that the New Heaven and New Earth could usher in.
As God and Son of God there are alternative ways Jesus Christ could have adopted to evangelize the world quickly. After his resurrection, he could have gone to all corners of the world and could have taught his doctrine to all humanity, proving his words with supernatural deeds (miracles). Yet he chose the more human way of evangelization…he sent his own fellow human beings to bring the good news. In this way he shows his divine love and understanding of weak human nature. This is a lot better way than the supernatural means which he could have done.
God gave humanity free will. Human beings are able to choose between alternatives. Jesus Christ has never used force or coercion on persons to choose heaven as eternal home. The person who chooses heaven can select the means for reaching it. By appointing mortal beings to bring the good news of salvation and the means of getting there to all of us, Christ gives us the opportunity to exercise our free will and thereby merit heaven. We can accept to reject the Gospel of Christ. If Christ chose to inform us miraculously or taught us personally, it is impossible to refuse the Gospel.
Jesus Christ earned heaven for ALL people and not only for Christians. He founded the Church with its truth and aids and shared to those who would become his followers. By virtue of our baptism, we are followers of Jesus Christ. For us, the way of the Gospel is a sure way to reach heaven, if we are faithful to the commandments.
There are still millions of people who have not heard Christ and the church. Other millions who heard of Christ and his church did not accept the Christian way of life because of their upbringing, culture and environment; would Christ exclude them from heaven? Jesus Christ is aware of these millions and He wants them to be in heaven. It could be that their situation and circumstances, lack of knowledge of the Christian truths, limited perception, personal biases, which were brought by circumstances beyond their control prevent them from being attracted to become Christians. Would Jesus Christ exclude them from Heaven? Certainly NOT!
Jesus Christ has foreknowledge of those who could not accept his Gospel and yet they want to reach heaven. This is why he lets other persons who may be doubted to proclaim the Gospel. It would not be acceptable to refuse to listen to his teaching if it was delivered by some other form or preached by Christ personally. These people could be excused if they doubted Christ’s human stewards because of some reasons like their personality and lifestyle. Christ would let them enter heaven! This is telling us that Christ found ways and means to excuse those who choose to trek the wrong way rather than travel on the highway to heaven that he offered.
In all of these we see Divine Mercy and Compassion at work with Jesus Christ. We are all children of God regardless of nationality, race, color and language. The will of God is that all people may be saved, that is, to be able to enter heaven. While on a pilgrimage on earth, we serve Jesus Christ according to our God-given talents. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ’s Divine Mercy and Compassion could reach frontiers and trails less traveled through his chosen workers/followers. Christ continues to shower Mercy and Compassion to people along the way.
With expectant hope may we all enter heaven and live blissfully ever after because our Friend and Good Shepherd Jesus Christ, Son of God, is a MERCIFUL AND COMPAASIONATE GOD.
(Ref: THE SUNDAY GOSPEL by Kevin O’Sullivan, OFM)
Indeed the parish fiesta was a celebration of both the young and ‘the young at heart’ at the annual Children’s Day, with the theme “Superhero Academy,” held last June 7, 2015 at the Parish Center Hall. It was an awesome party where everyone came in costume, dressed up in their favorite superhero, or had their face painted to be the strong and powerful characters.
The parish center was spectacularly transformed into a superhero wonderland with lots of balloons, decorations and a colorful stage backdrop of Gotham city.
There were lots of terrific activities for every boy and girl— such as arts and crafts, mask making, face painting, glitter tattoo, photo booth, hair and nail salon, and an obstacle course with various sport activities. Kids of all ages had fun in joining the party games, and won lots of prizes. Everyone enjoyed the yummy food and snacks, refreshing drinks and delicious desserts that were served. It was a delight to see everyone go home with lootbags filled with snacks and treats.
The most memorable part of the afternoon was, that the entire audience was treated to an interactive skit: “Jesus the ultimate superhero” staged by the Youth of San Antonio- Antiochers (with JJ Yulo). The kids watched earnestly in seeing Jesus transform hearts and trust God’s plan. At the end of the program, we announced the winner for male and female Best Costumes.
This event was made possible by the Family Life Ministry headed by Doy and Jeannie Bitanga, Karen Blanco and the Youth of San Antonio (Luke 18, Antioch, and Single Young Adults) headed by Crissy Castillo, Reg Galvez, Tina Cuyco(decorations), PishaBanaag (graphics) and Kevin Kramer and AlyWijangco (program hosts).
Special Thanks to our generous and supportive sponsors namely— Krispy Kreme, Mc Donald’s, Rustan’s Supermarket, RFM Corporation, Rebisco, Golden Spoon, Tinette and Co. Salon, Pre-School Camp, Everest Academy, Integrow Children’s Activity Center, Ms.Suzette Gatmaitan of Colorplus , READYSTEADYGOKIDS and to Edmund Lim, Jun Rodriguez, Mike. Limpe and Tina Tehankee and Melo’s who were all instrumental to making this event a success!
After this Children’s day Superhero academy party may we all be a “Superhero of love” to each other, passing on God’s peace and joy to everyone, towards one faith, one family, one parish!
A BIG THANK YOU, TO OUR 2015 NOVENA MASS OFFERORS:
1) June 4, 2015, Thursday
a. Fr. Napoly Pasion, OFM – St. Francis of Assisi, Caliat, Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya
b. CWL
2) June 5, 2015, Friday
a. Fr. Emerson Bumagat, OFM – Pope Pius X Mission Church, Virac, Catanduanes
b. Belle Poe & Family
c. Dee Chan and the Lectors & Commentators Ministry
3) June 6, 2015, Saturday
a. Fr. Cristino Tibong, OFM – St. Clare Mission Community, Dagat-Dagatan, Navotas
b. Severino & Letty Roxas Chua
c. Mike & Karen Limpe & Family
4) June 7, 2015, Sunday
a. Fr. Oscar Ante, OFM – Secretary, Mission & Evangelization, Sampaloc, Manila
b. Judge & Mrs. Cesar Cruz
c. Menchu Bautista & Family
d. Lilia Tantoco & Family
e. Edmund & Beryl Lim
f. FOSA
5) June 8, 2015, Monday
a. Fr. Bernardo Agarpo, OFM – St. Mary Magdalene, Palanan, Isabela
b. Grace Padilla & the COP Contemplative Ministry
c. Mrs. Marge Tambunting
d. Mrs. Marrot Moreno & Daughter
e. Mr. & Mrs. Xavier Loinaz
f. Mr. & Mrs. Ramon Manoloto
g. JPIC Prison Ministry
6) June 9, 2015, Tuesday
a. Fr. Jerome Ponce, OFM – Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, Sta. Fe. Nueva Vizcaya
b. Friends & Members of the St. Anthony Fraternity of the Order of Franciscan Seculars
c. Petrona Lim
d. Chit Montoya
e. Maxie Martinez
f. Nenette Jalandoni
g. Carina Lebron
h. Loreta Galang
i. Emma Estampador
j. Baby Barba
k. Paquito Tankiang
l. Remy Maceda Berris
7) June 10. 2015, Wednesday
a. Fr. Andy Litigio, OFM – Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, Brgy San Antonio, Donsol, Sorsogo
b. Consul General & Mrs. Mike & Alice Guerrero
c. Mrs. Helen Ong and Daughter, Czarina Ong-Camus
8) June 11, 2015, Thursday
a. Fr. Jhoan Pader, OFM – St. Joseph, Spouse of Mary, St. Tomas, Isabela
b. Mr. & Mrs. Jose Mari Chan & Family
c. Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Mckenzie
d. Vicky Chan & Family
e. Baby Ledesma
9) June 12, 2015 Friday
a. Edmund Lim & Chung Family
b. Mike Limpe
c. Men of the Sacred Heart
Many of us fear aging with all the trouble it brings. The older we get, the worse we get physically. Our bodies keep ticking away in inevitable decline in spite of daily workouts, vitamins, organic food. Let’s face it . . . the decades that follow our twenties and thirties can no longer ensure long lasting physical health . . . our eyesight starts to go, then the knees, then the mind . . .
But believe it or not, it is possible to get better with age. While it is true that the older we get the worse we get physically, it doesn’t have to be that way spiritually. In 2 Corinthians 4:16, St. Paul tells us that “Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”
When we are gradually stripped of everything that props us up . . . wealth, independence, health, dignity, beauty, power, authority, control, self-esteem or all of the above . . . we are left more and more to rely on the power the Spirit within . . . the Spirit of Jesus who dwells in us . . .
We are happy to announce that in our Parish, there is a fraternity that gathers brothers and sisters no matter their age to understand a deeper meaning and purpose of life. The Secular Franciscans of our Parish spend time in God’s Word and invest in their spiritual well-being . . . Just recently, on the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua, June 13, five Candidates who have undergone a series of Formation were admitted as Professed Members: Rowena Fierro, Maxie Sindiong Martinez, Dolly Mejilla, Helena Joy Pabalate and Gerry Reyes. They see the payoffs of time well spent . . . then . . . now . . . and later.
The lay Franciscans realize that although our outward shell decays, renewal come each day. Commitment to God’s Word and prayer give strength that does not fade away. The older we get . . . the better we can become . . .
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CONGRATULATIONS, FR. REU!
THANKSGIVING MASS, TESTIMONIAL DINNER AND OATH TAKING
The friars of the Franciscan Province of San Pedro Bautista, Philippines hosted a thanksgiving mass and testimonial dinner last June 22, 2015 at the Santuario de San Antonio parish. The occasion installed Fr. Cielito R. Almazan, OFM as the new Minister Provincial and Fr. Reu Jose C. Galoy, OFM (our very own parish priest) as the new Vicar Provincial of the OFM province of San Pedro Bautista. The event was also a despedida for Fr. Lino Gregorio V. Redoblado, OFM or Fr. Greg as we know him. Fr. Greg was elected the new General Definitor for Asia, Australia and Oceania.
Each of today’s readings raises serious issues for the person who wishes to follow Jesus along the way. A few phrases strike me in a particular fashion and I would like to reflect on these against the background of God’s call in Christ to all of us to live according to His way of love, justice and compassion. Ezekiel says that the Spirit of God “set him on his feet.” This reminds me that without the Holy Spirit, without grace, without the energy that is God’s gracious gift, faith-life is not possible, inner transformation is not possible, change is not possible, the movement into the wholeness that Yahweh-Shalom offers is not possible.
In saying this I remind myself that it is easier to do nothing than to do something, it is easier to be negative than positive, easier to be destructive than creative, and that I am an amalgam of these contradictory tendencies. That is why I have so often been stiff-necked, stubborn and rebellious, even cynical–because free-wheeling refusal to be responsible takes little effort and less understanding. To live the covenant, however, demands awareness; it calls for a commitment to be conscious of grace and of the practical implications of grace that must find expression in real, practical, reconciling, forgiving, growth oriented patterns of life and relationship.
If today’s gospel means anything, we must confront any tendency to judge others, take hurt and offence from them, reject them, and make the scapegoats of our own unrecognized, unaccepted aversions and resentments. We must become acutely aware of how we spread negativity at home, among our friends at work–or wherever–lest we become like Pharisees or Herodians, or those of Jesus’ own people who so readily rejected him. We must realize how easy it is to confuse reality with our own ingrained prejudices and preferred viewpoints. We need to see that every story has another side, every person has his or her own reasons for what they do.
With St. Paul I need to acknowledge my own “thorn,” my own complex, shadow, inferior function, potential for neurotic behavior; call it what you will, each of us has it! If I really want to be a disciple I must learn to rebuild the center of my existence on God’s terms lest I scatter myself and lose myself because I have no ground of coherent meaning on which to base my relationship with reality. This is spirituality, this is what psychology so often discovers we need. May we remember God’s grace, may we remember that it precedes us along the way, may we allow it to set us on our feet and make us courageous. May we permit it to energize us for the next few steps on the perilous, wonderful, bright, dark journey to abundant life.
Reflection Guide Questions (rjcg):
1. What where the opportunities I miss in life due to my negative perception and judgmental attitude toward others?
2. Why is it that I cannot appreciate the goodness in others and good things around me?
3. In what way does my faith in Jesus help me live for and like Jesus in this changing and challenging world?
Santuario de San Antonio Parish 