MERCY, NOT JUSTICE

Today is the Feast of the Divine Mercy.  And in his homily, FatherJoey Belcina of the Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish of Minglanilla, Cebu has had everyone ask the question - Will God ever pardon me my sins?  Father Joey had me believe to be unafraid, to trust  God’s Divinae Mesirecordiae – the font of infinite love and fathomless mercy.

Today’s feast reminds me of a friend who had a close call of death as he lay in the hospital bed reeling under the effects of medicinal drugs.  Writing about it in his Blog, he claims to have heard a voice saying  “It is My mercy, not My Justice”.

I have known this man to be a Christian Activist, a dog after his tail.  A lost brother for  two decades, I found him now enlightened, deserving to be among  “those much-needed Johns and Janes to help, in any way, the Mother Church to shape up, or else, ship out.”

You should not miss his Blog at:

http://johnpaulrice.blogspot.com/

and scroll down to Blog Archieve of February 2013 with this title:
HIS MERCY, NOT HIS JUSTICE

My Father Joey

Innocent and True

I came early to office that day and my officemate the ever beautiful Tarsing was already at her desk chatting with some elderly.  I did my usual katahoran saying maayong buntag and how are you to everybody including this elegantly-dressed child of four.

I took my seat and immediately uncovered the typewriter so as to start issuing I.D. cards for the new applicants who came early that morning to avoid the  rush hours.

Then the Lola talked freely and proudly about her clever and wonderful Apo.

Lola:  Apo, what is your name?

Apo:  My name is J.R.

Lola:  How old are you?

J.R.:  I am four years old.

Lola:  Where do you study?

J.R.:  At the Day Care Center.

Lola:  Who is your teacher?

J.R.:  My teacher is Mam Amor.

Lola:  Where do you live?

J.R.:  I live in Minglanilla, Cebu.

Lola:  Who is your Father?

J.R.:  Father Joey.

Everyone in the room got so excited and laughed  at the little boy’s prompt and innocent response!   

The boy's Mother is a single-Mom and he has not met his wayward Father kay nalumos lagi sa sabaw.

He is fond of Father Joey that he never misses kissing his hands right after the Children's Mass on Sundays.

TEMPORARY NOTICE

PAGHANDUM SA KAMATAYON SA KRISTONG JESUS

USA KA TAWHANONG HALAD SA IKA-UPAT NA KA TUIG

KARON.  ANG

ONLY IN MINGLANILLA

A Bee at the Main Plaza de Minglanilla

Am proud of my hometown Minglanilla.  It has a Bee in the plaza, a Gothic-inspired church edifice and a modernist municipal hall.  At over 150-million pesos revenue, it is a legitimate candidate for cityhood.

Minglanilla is known as the Sugat Capital but which is no longer the case today.  Sugat, which literally means the meeting of the Risen Christ and the Sorrowful Mother, has evolved into a mole in the tourism-inspired Lenten festivities of my town called the Kabanhawan Festival.

A blob Municipal Building

My hometown never fails to make it on and off the headlines.  Early last year it was possessed by a scandal involving el padre y la bella mujer.  And in July, a local paper reported that undefeated Mayor Selma is giving up politics in 2013!

Minglanilla is still that place where one could take a ride at the middle of the highway.  Pedestrians here are forced to play tubig-tubig (an indigenous game) with buses, multi-cabs, and pedicabs.  Vendors and habal-habals (illegal means of transport) are lining-up the main thoroughfares narrowing down the streets.   

A light-traffic situation at the town center

For whatever reason, traffic lights installed just late last year have been perpetually(?) turned-off. And only six enforcers are left of what used to be the Minglanilla Traffic Commission.  The coming solutions are the completion of a multi-million-peso public market and the diversion road still in the sky somewhere.

Church-goers in Minglanilla could be late for Mass even if they do come early to Church but not because of traffic.  Local Church time, as claimed, is ahead of standard time and that there are also days that Masses are started earlier than the Church's time. 

A Church with Gothic-elements

Worried about her condition, a lady told me that she raised this point to a member of the Team of Pastors and was told well, this is our time - (and you just have to follow it would be just as logical). 

So my advice was for her to come thirty minutes before the scheduled Mass time and to bring along a packet of biscuits if she desires Communion. This is because anyone going early to Church fasting could become really hungry after an hour of Mass, reaching home thirty minutes because of traffic.

Church Canon 919 commands Catholics to ABSTAIN from any food or drink, with the exception only of water and medicine, for at least the period of one hour before receiving the Holy Eucharist.  It is a mortal sin to deliberately break the pre-communion fast.   

Minglanilla is unique in many ways political and spiritual.  But rest assured, politicians here are sweating it out peacefully this election and the cinco padres are enjoying the serene atmosphere of media for now. 

R.A. NO. 9994 - NEW SENIOR CITIZEN PURCHASE BOOKLET AND I.D. CARD

R.A. 9994 is good news to Senior Citizens of the Philippines.  Now in full effect, the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010 not only gives more benefits and coverage but it also brought in a new-look Purchase Booklet and I.D. Card.

Noticeable benefits under R.A. No. 994

-A Filipino who is a “dual citizen” may now apply for a senior citizen I.D. card;

-Both the 20% discount and PhilHealth benefits can apply during hospitalization or in seeking for medical services.

-Purchase of Vitamins and minerals specifically prescribed by an attending physician are now subject to 20% discount.  Food supplements remain excluded.

-Indigent senior citizens may now enjoy a free pneumoccocal and influenza vaccination.

-Indigent senior citizens may also receive pensions between P350 to P500, as well as, burial assistance of up to P2,000.

-Senior Citizens may now enjoy a 5% discount on electric consumption not exceeding 100 kw hrs and water consumption not exceeding 30 cu.m.

-Bigger discount of up to 50% (as institutional support) is also available to senior citizens centers and residential group homes for electricity, water and telephone charges.

-Except for the cost of memorial lot and obituary publication, a 20% discount applies to burial services.

New-Look Identification Card

The approved format of the new senior citizen identification card (RA No. 9994) is available for download at:

www.dswd.gov.ph

Advocacy

National Coordinating and Monitoring Board

Download Resources

Administrative Orders, Memorandum Circulars & Other Resources

New Senior Citizen ID Card Template

Sample ID Card for approval, may look like this.  This design is in  compliance to the approved NCMB template.

ID FACE

ID BACK

The New Purchase Booklet

The new senior citizen purchase booklet is a real bundle of joy.  Although fewer in pages, it could last for over a year of proper use with more personal items on line for consumption and enjoyment by senior citizens, such as:

BASIC NECESSITIES

1 –Rice                                                     

2 –Corn                                             

3 –Bread in any shape and name, excluding pastries and cakes

4 –Fresh, dried and canned fish and other Marine products       

5 –Fresh Pork/Beef and Poultry Meat     

6 –Fresh Eggs                    

7 –Fresh & Processed Milk           

8 –Fresh Vegetables/ Root crops    

9 –Coffee and Coffee creamer              

10 –Sugar         

11 –Cooking Oil

12 –Salt

13 –Powdered, Liquid, Bar, Laundry and Detergent soap

14 –Firewood

15 –Charcoal

16 –Candles

PRIME COMMODITIES

1 –Fresh Fruits           

2 –Flour                                    

3 –Dried, Processed and Canned Pork, Beef and Poultry meat

4 –Dairy products not falling under Section (A2) above

5 –Canned sardines, Tuna     

6 –Noodles

7 –Onions

8 –Garlic

9 –Geriatric Diapers

10 –Herbicides

11 -Poultry, Swine and Cattle Feeds

12 –Veterinary Products for Poultry, Swine and Cattle

13 –Nipa, Shingle, Plyboard and construction nails

14 -Batteries

15 –Electrical supplies and Light Bulbs 

16–Steel Wire

The approved design of the new purchase booklet (RA No. 9994) may be downloaded as follows:

On a Google search window, type:

Download new senior citizen purchase booklet 1.71 mb

Click on:  2 – Download Resources for:  ncmb.dswd.gov.ph/index

Scroll down until you find

Approved Template of DTI’s Senior Citizen Purchase Booklet for Basic

Necessities and Prime Commodities, Joint DTI-DA Administrative Order

No. 10-02, Series of 2010

Sample purchase booklet for approval, may look like this.  This design is in compliance to the DTI template.

Booklet Cover Pages

1st and Last Pages

SENIOR CITIZENS BADGET

 “Senior citizens in the Philippines have traditionally received due care and concern from the family and the state. To stress this national attitude towards senior citizens, Article XV, Section IV, of the Philippine  Constitution states that, “It is the duty of the family to take care of its older person members while the State may design program of social security for them.” Moreover, Article XIII, Section II, provides that “The State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all people at affordable cost.”   

There are now at least twenty-one Enabling Philippine Laws on Senior Citizens but there is hardly any EXCEPTIONAL support given to Senior Citizens at the Municipalities level.   Instead, the Spirit of these Laws are put on hold annually by two budgetary worms, namely: 

1).  LACK OF FUNDS

2).  STREAMLINING

The Dark Side of Mainstreaming

The first is a mild worm  since Municipalities are always known to  be Lacking of funds although never short of ways to put loose ends together to realize a surplus at the end of the year.   It is this second worm Mainstreaming that is crippling the senior citizens.  Mainstreaming  is a certificate of immunity in the budget that  protects especially the low-income municipalities to do away with  social reform laws by splitting mandatory and allied expenses and yet gain compliance.  It is like legalizing splitting of contracts.  It is repugnant to reason and inhuman because the direct support and care for the needy is being jeopardized. 

A friend of mine once said he has difficulty understanding why budget appropriation for senior citizens in the first class municipality of Minglanilla has not left ground.  Although his figures may be unofficial, it shows the dark side of mainstreaming.  At 150M pesos (approxi. 2012 annual municipal budget),  Senior Citizens appropriation is seen only at P300,000.00 because the 1.2M pesos (to make up for the 1%) is deemed “inserted” or “included” or “attached” to repairs,  maintenance, etc.  This is the evil of mainstreaming which is exactly like deducting an amount from children’s allowances to help pay for the house water bill.  But why let the children pay for domestic obligations of parents!

Is There True Love in Minglanilla

About ninety-nine percent of the administrative and legislative teams of the municipality are relatives to senior citizens and altogether they are the Minglanillans known for their spirit of charity and love.   But why the darkness?

Personally, I am seeing this as lack of proper planning and coordination, poor feedback, and lack of representation of those concerned - the lead agencies of government, the senior citizens federation, the working committees, and the watch teams in the administrative and legislative offices.  

In the coming season of change where new christs and messiahs could be anointed somehow,  I hope that the Spirit of Love of the Enabling Laws on Senior Citizens for Minglanilla would be restored! 

BLACK SATURDAY ELECTION

April 7 was a rigorous Black Saturday for 11 newly elected members of the Board of Directors of MIMUFESCAP.   No one suspected there would be an overflow of fooling and joking around.

The meeting started without the usual prayer presumably because Jesus died and was still in the bosom of the earth.  So my first reaction was to watch out and look around for the devil.  The agenda was two fold.  The first was the discussion of matters of importance to the outgoing officers and the second was the holding of the election where the 11 would be voting for themselves for a post.

The Meeting

After the hymn, the president and presiding officer made the introduction and uttered a word that was heard for the first time in a board meeting the word DE FACTO (I misheard it as impacto). Obviously it meant the board of directors who have not taken their oaths may attend the meeting however they cannot participate in the deliberation.   The three newcomers were helpless and the magical word de facto  zipped their lips.  Whether or not the disallowance was lifted in the process, my attention was all for the surveillance of the paranormal presence, as I waited for the moment to cast my vote.

After the short speeches of gratitude by the officers who didn’t make for re-election, the discussions turned rather off the normal course.  The outgoing president was pressing for the discussion of when, where, and how the oath taking ceremony must take place and who  shall be the administering official.  Everyone seem to agree that the matter is not of concerned by the outgoing officers but by the incoming new set who are yet to be elected by the body.   But again the voley of the DE FACTO was heard and this time the Speaker's face turned light purple  the approximate color of Friday the 13^th.

The Election

In the first round of balloting, the Elecom could not proceed counting the votes since only 9 bond paper ballots were counted INSIDE the ballot box instead of 10 (1 of the 11 did not make it that day).  And despite repeated pleas, the missing ballot disappeared forever so that balloting Round No. 2 was called for giving way for a tie.

In the second balloting two BODs tied for the Presidential race.   The first (the popular BOD-elect) declared that he was not in favor of being elected to the president’s post but without really making a categorical statement that he should be excluded in the election for the presidency. The other one, was ready to accept any favor for the post he held since 2006.  And the BIG SURPRISE happened!  The popular candidate simply bundled-up all his votes, made the declaration and proposal that he would just support the other candidate (his friend) along with all his garnered votes like pouring beer into one's mouth. He volunteered to become the vice-president instead, And so his friend moved quickly and proclaimed himself the duly elected Federation President.  Both gentlemen refused the toss of coin solution prayed for by those present stating they aren’t used to the game.

Blest with the day’s un-blessedness, the President-elect immediately proceeded to handpick the rest of the officers from Secretary through PRO.  I could not even tell if this was a violation of the federation CBL.  I have not got a copy of the CBL myself.  He also appointed 2 PROs and ended up creating the position of SERGEANT AT ARMS.  Later I learned that the CBL mandated only 1 PRO and zero Sgt-at-arms.  THE PARANORMAL PRESENCE  MUST HAVE POSSESSED EVERYBODY IN THE ROOM!  NO ONE DARED TO COUNTER THE ECSTASY!

Hope was of course just six days away in the general assembly meeting, the Mecca for the distraught.  And since nothing good really happens on a Friday the 13^th,  the results of the Black Saturday, 7^th of April 2012 election of officers was nullified and a new election was called again sometime in the fragrant Month of May.  And WOW, both gentlemen got the same posts anyhow! 

THE MIMUFESCAP MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ELECTION

The election of new federation officers of Minglanilla Municipal Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (MIMUFESCAP) is finally over.  It was the first election in many years and is unique in election history.  

It started with a sales talk by 2 groups of people selling ‘health products’ to senior citizens who gathered for the election of officers from a pool of candidates nominated ON THE SPOT, without the nominal filing of certificates of candidacy.

It was also a race of endurance of the elderly voters who had to wait long for their turns to vote because of the limited supply of ball point pens despite the oversupply of unnumbered and unmarked bond paper ballots, pre-cut to size 3-1/2” x 4-1/2”.

Registration of attendees could not be made by those who are supposed to do attendance.  And the composition of the ELECOM was voluntary and constituted RIGHT WHERE THEY WERE SEATED ON LOCATION.

Naturally the voters got wearied waiting so that some of them had to limit their choices down to 2 or 6 from the required number of 11 names among the 20 nominees.  Others had to contend themselves to what names are dictated unto them because they are too far away from the tally board and could not read the inscriptions.

Counting of votes took until after 5pm when most of the senior citizens have gone out for the station of the cross and attended mass.   And the winners of this election in alpha-order are:

Adlawan, Nena           (re-electionist)

Besanez, Diorelina      (re-electionist)

Caballero, Prima         (re-electionist)

Delgra, Cesaria           (re-electionist)

Engbino, Eddie           (new)

Herbias, Benjamin      (re-electionist)

Cimafranca, Roy         (new)

Moscoso, Lorenzo       (re-electionist)

Obiso, Hilario              (re-electionist)

Paraiso, Lucita            (new)

Penascoza, Mercedes  (re-electionist)

The NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE BOARD will determine the next year’s Federation Officers being the official candidates and voters anytime soon and before the next federation meeting on April 13.

Their tasks of course aren’t easy but they are all aware of the challenges coming up their way.  They know that until today MIMUFESCAP has not done nor delivered enough to convince the Senior Citizens of Minglanilla that THERE IS LIFE beyond mere possession of the I.D. Card and Purchase Slip Book.

THE MATTER OF COURSE IS NOT JUST WHO WILL LEAD THEM, HOW, AND TO WHAT DIRECTION.   THEY NEEDED THE HEART AND SUPPORT OF THE BARANGAY AND MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS WHO LIKEWISE HAVE NOT SHOWN AMBITIOUS SUPPORT TO BENEFIT THE SENIOR CITIZENS OF THIS TOWN.   

IN ALL THESE, NOBODY SEEM TO HAVE THE RIGHT MIND TO TALK ABOUT ANYTHING THAT FATEFUL DAY OF MARCH 9, 2012

HEAT IS HEALTH

The Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper is the hottest pepper in the world, according to Guinness World Records. A laboratory test conducted in March, 2011 measured a specimen of Trinidad Scorpion Butch T at 1,463,700 Scoville heat units, making it hotter than the Naga Viper's 1,382,118 Scoville heat units. (C. chinense) - (from www.mrchilli.co)



Capsicums or chili peppers (such as birds eye (labuyo, kulikot), cayenne, habanero, pimento, jalapeno, thai, etc. including zero-heat bell peppers) have amazingly high levels of vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants than many other fruits.  A 100g provides the following (in % of RDA):

240% of vitamin-C (Ascorbic acid)  39% of vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)

32% of vitamin A  13% of iron  14% of copper  7% of potassium

and no cholesterol.

Value of Nutrients (USDA National Nutrient Data Base)

          (principle-value-%of RDA)

        Energy 40 Kcal-2%  Carbohydrates-8.81g-7%  Protein-1.87g-3%

Total Fat-0.44g-2%  Cholesterol-0 mg-0%  Dietary Fiber-1.5g-3%

Folates-23mcg-6%  Niacin-1.244mg-8%  Pantothenic acid-0.201mg-4%

          Pyridoxine-0.506mg-39%  Riboflavin-0.086mg-6.5%  Thiamin-0.72mg-6%

          Vitamin A-952IU-32%  Vitamin C-143.7mg-240%  Vitamin E-0.69mg-4.5%

          Vitamin K-14mcg-11.5%  Sodium-9mg-0.5%  Potassium-322mg-7%

          Calcium-14mg-1.5 %  Copper-0.129mg-14%  Iron-1.03mg-13%

          Magnesium-23mg-6%  Manganese-0.187mg-8%  Phosphorus-43mg-6%

          Selenium-0.5mcg-1% Zinc-0.26mg-2% Carotene-ß-534mcg
          Carotene-α-36mcg Cryptoxanthin-ß-40mcg Lutein-zeaxanthin-709mcg

The Heat in Chilis

Chili has a chemical called Capsaicin, which is responsible for the intense heat and has been known to aid, relieve and prevent health related problems. 

Red fresh chilis are 2-3 times hotter than green; dried pods are up to 10 times hotter than fresh pods.  The smaller the chili, the hotter it will be.  The white pith and seeds in chili are the hottest.  It contains a pungent oil that causes burning sensation to eyes and skin.  

Added to vinegar, Chili heat is mix-reduced to food for flavor and health.

Types of Chili

(Listed are only 6 variety of known chilis for home cuisine and for natural cure)

Bird's Eye Chili Peppers

50,000-100,000 Scovilles.  Originally from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Philippines; small and round in shape, usually red in maturity.

Cayenne Chili Peppers

30,000 - 50,000 Scovilles.  Thin, 2-5 inches long and green to red in color in maturity.  Originally from French Guiana.

Habanero Chili Pepper a.k.a. Chinese pepper

80,000 - 600,000 Scovilles.  Grown in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica and some parts in USA.  Ripe habaneros measures 0.8 to 2.4 inches.

Jalapeno Peppers

2,500 - 8,000 Scovilles. The world's most popular chili pepper! Harvested when they are green or red if allowed to ripen, about 4-6 inches long.

Super Chili Pepper

40,000-50,000 Scovilles.  2-1/2 inches  long x an inch wide and grows in an upright position.  Maybe grown in a garden where climate is hot and humid.

Take Chili Everyday for Health

Daily consumption of 2 super chili (or cayenne*) or 1 habanero as part of the meal is ideal.

OR alternatively, you can take 3 birds eye chilis after meals.  Make a small slit on the chilis and swallow all with a glass of water. Wherever practical other varieties with scouville heat units 50-100 thousand maybe used.

        *Cayenne pepper has a good local anesthetic effect.

          Taking chili may have adverse effect on persons with GER

          but capsicums are not known to cause ulcers.

          A study suggests that consuming 3-8 Habanero peppers

          three times weekly deters growth of prostate cancer cells.


         In the Philippines, we add chilis to our local wine.  Habanero 
         or cayenne cold tea are served in restaurants in other parts
         of the world.
         
         Take note of what Dr. John Christopher (famous master herbalist)

         says with confidence:  “In 35 years of Practice, I have never lost

         one heart-attack patient.  If they are still breathing, I [give]

         them a cup of cayenne tea (a teaspoon of cayenne in a cup of hot

        Water), and within minutes they are up and around.”

Except for the Capsaicin in the yellow, red, orange, and purple bell peppers, the fruit provides phytochemicals and nutrients. It has a high content of Vitamins A,C,E that protects the body from carcinogenic and toxic substances.  It has vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9 and minerals such as like  potassium, manganese, thiamine, molybdenum, trytophan, copper, cobalt and zinc.

Bell peppers may be taken as a drink by JUICING plus a squeeze of lemon to make it flavorful for purposes of cure.

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Capsicum

(Verbatim from www.juicing-for-health.com)

“Capsicums have been used for its medicinal values since ancient times but have only recently been documented by medical science.  And what research has found are remarkable healing virtues.

Bell pepper, or capsicum, is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available.  By itself, capsicum has so many healing properties, but when taken together with other herbs, fruits and vegetables, the nutrients absorption are multiplied hundredfold.

Here are only some of the benefits of taking capsicum, and we have only scratched the surface:

Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal:  The anti-septic properties in capsicum makes it effective in fighting food poisoning.  Coupled with a good supply of probiotics, yeast and fungal infection problems, like ring-worm, shingles, athlete's foot, etc. can be easily eliminated.

Anti-aging:  We all know that anti-oxidant is highly effective in helping to protect the skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging.

Blood clots, prevent:  The very high content of vitamin C in capsicum makes it very effective in preventing blood clot, thus preventing strokes.

Cancer:  All the colored capsicums contain very high anti-oxidant and phytonutrients that are especially helpful in preventing cancers of the bladder, cervix, pancreas and prostate.

Cholesterol:  These colorful juices can significantly help to reduce cholesterol.  The concentrated anti-oxidant fights oxidative stress that is the main culprit in oxidizing the LDLs in our blood.  In the process, it also retards the development of   atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and lower blood pressure.

Cold feet:  During the winter when you have cold feet, cut up capsicum and put them in the socks.  The mild "hot" will help keep your feet nicely warm.

Digestive system:  Capsicum is a stimulant herb.  It helps relieve gastrointestinal problems like indigestion, stomach ulcers,        colic, dyspepsia, diarrhea and even help reduce excessive flatulence.

Immune system:        The strong content of vitamin C stimulates white cells to fight infection, naturally building a good immune system.

Metabolism, enhanced:  Increases our body metabolism by lowering triglycerides which are stored in our body fats.  This helps to burn calories more effectively.

Nose bleeding:  The rich vitamin C helps to heal, repair, build/strengthen the lining of the mucous membranes to prevent nose bleeds. Mix capsicum juice with lotus root juice for better effect.

Optical system:  The high vitamin C and beta-carotene makes capsicums especially beneficial in preventing eye problems like astigmatism, cataracts and macular degeneration.

Pain relief:  Capsaicin in capsicum blocks transmission of pain, so it can help relieve pain to a certain degree.  It is also effective for eliminating headaches and      migraines.

Respiratory problems:  The high level of vitamin C coupled with flavonoids make capsicum a very good food that helps prevent respiratory problems like asthma, emphysema, wheezing, lung infections, etc.

Sore throat:  Gargle some capsicum juice to help eliminate a sore throat.  The anti-septic properties does the work super well.”

From materials I read at

nutrition-and-you.com

chilipeppermadness.com

iloveindia.com

(Dok Alternatibo seminar)

For sites mentioning research and studies you may visit:

whfoods.com

wiki.org

livestrong.com

curezone.com

naturalnews.com

bbcnews.com health
bastis.org/cayenne

UNCLEAN SPIRITS ABOUND IN THE CHURCH – Father Joey Belcina

Minglanilla 1/29/12:  4^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Relating what he has seen in the movie, ANGELI E DEMONI, Father Joey says that the Devil has been in and out in houses of worship and that it is not afraid of the Cross as believed.  He relates that the unclean spirit in Verse 24 of Mark 1 was in fact inside a Jewish Synagogue and shouting at Jesus it said:

24  What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?  Have you come to destroy us?  I know who are you:  the Holy One of God. (NJB)

Father Joey says that the commotion was an indirect introduction of the Messiah which in this case was a confession only of Knowledge but not in Faith.  The unclean must have known Jesus long before the Angelic Revolt and it could be one of the Fallen Angels (angeli caduti) or a new recruit, a frequent visitor of the Synagogue who got agitated by the presence of Jesus. 

And how did Jesus disposed of the unclean?  He did so in this manner:  

25  But Jesus rebuked it saying, 'Be quiet! Come out of him!'

26  And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him.  (NJB)

Then Father Joey recalls a parallel incident in the gospel of Matthew in Chapter 16 (herewith detailed for emphasis):

13  When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of man is?'”

14 And they said, 'Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.'”

15 But you,' He said, 'who do you say I am?'”

16 Then Simon Peter spoke up and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'”   (NJB)

Father Joey emphasizes that although the event was an earlier case of indirect introduction of the Mesiah, it was by far of a different light.  The declaration of Simon Peter is one of Faith –  of the Knowledge revealed to him by the Father in Heaven.

Knowing Jesus, we accept Him by Faith and by accepting Him, we follow Him in Obedience that we may become One in Him as He is with the Father.  This is blessedness!

Father Joey ended his homily by enjoining everybody at the pew to be watchful of unclean spirits who are working very hard to snatch us from Jesus.

I believe he was also referring to those who continue to create divisiveness in the Parish; those who claim to be champions of truth but are becoming impertinent as if the world is ended today beyond the reach of understanding and love.

THE FULL GOSPEL OF ST. MARK

Chapter One (New Jerusalem Bible)

21 They went as far as Capernaum, and at once on the Sabbath he went into the synagogue and began to teach.

22 And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.

23 And at once in their synagogue there was a man with an unclean spirit, and he shouted,

24 'What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.'

25 But Jesus rebuked it saying, 'Be quiet! Come out of him!'

26 And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him.

27 The people were so astonished that they started asking one another what it all meant, saying, 'Here is a teaching that is new, and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.'

28 And his reputation at once spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.

29 And at once on leaving the synagogue, he went with James and John straight to the house of Simon and Andrew.

DIALOGUE ON THE AIR: A COMMENTARY

Lloyd Suarez for Bobbytrap Nalzaro

Bro Rito, Francisco,Mario, Vic, other LMs and Leaders

Sakristan 1,2,3,4,5

Bro Sho, Gentleman from Calajo-an, a CFD,

Texters, Students, Others

Jan. 21 after 5pm–  I did listen to the above radio program which was broadcasted live from Minglanilla and participated in by personalities mentioned above.  The matter under discussion is still the Sacred Scandal of Our Town.

The case has not really moved forward since it was whispered to the ears of the Lay Ministers last Nov. 2011.   Just 2 weeks ago the LMs have initiated a signature campaign for the purpose to URGE-PUSH the Archbishop to replace the remaining members of the Team of Pastors which  solution, they say, would bring PAX AETERNA to Minglanilla.  To my knowledge this paper is now being challenged by another signature campaign initiated by parish-based organizations, LGU leaders, entrepreneurs, a legal counsel, concerned citizens, et.al. and yours truly is a signatory of the counter-campaign.  This is now the Battle of LMs and TM (lay ministers and team moderator).

In the deliberation, at least 2 of the speakers claimed that a palace-dialogue on the matter has been scheduled coming February to re-connect the loose ends.   The LMs are pressing for a limited attendance on this, not to include especially legal counsels and officers of the parish-based organizations.  Desired attendees will only be:

1.  The Lay Ministers who have tendered resignations

2.  The Sakristans who saw the dramatic interlude

3.  The 4 Priests whose past sins are now resurrected

4.  Those who were with the LMs when the case was presented before the archbishop

5.  Bishop’s staff

GMA radio may sneak in.

The LMs reiterated that they bore no grudges with the priests and that they all love them and that they are praying for them but that they have to GET OUT.   They are ready to take the next step F-N-WEN Bishop Palma won’t heed their demand of which Lloyd Suarez quickly stated mosulat mo ana sa Santo Papa.   A listener with me was quick to suggest other conventions like hunger strike, a picket line on Sundays, or a rally 3 times a week.   But am very pleased on the Christian manifestations of Bro Sho –  PAKIG-SINABUT – PAKIGHI-ULI.

It is WICKED to bring the  Church onto its knees so that moving them out into a new team or distributing the priests individually to other parishes at the Bishop's call is always the solution with grace.   For the pros and cons of the 2 signature campaigns and those who remain neutral or offered prayers instead,  I am proposing this table of demerits as a way to peace:

TABLE OF DEMERITS

Name of Priest	Initial Demerit On Assignment	Repetition of Offense or Commission of New Offense	Action taken in favor or against	Total Number of Demerits Todate	My Recommended Action
Father Oscar	1	0	1	2	Status Quo
Father Joey	1	0	1	2	Status Quo
Father Nanie	1	0	1	2	Status Quo
Father Ladie	1	1	1	3	For replacement
Father Jojo	1	0	2	3	For replacement