FR. BEL SAN LUIS, SVD In the vigil service of Holy Saturday tonight, Christians await the Lord as He comes forth from the tomb. The paschal candle symbolizes the Risen Christ dispelling the darkness of sin and death. This is dramatically enacted as the church, with all the lights switched off, is...
WORD ALIVE FR. BEL SAN LUIS, SVD In basketball, a player is hailed as a hero when he commits a few errors and makes points during crucial moments. He becomes a "darling of the crowd." But the next time, he is treated as a bum or villain when he fumbles, misses some baskets and does not score as...
WORD ALIVE FR. BEL SAN LUIS, SVD One morning, a husband who had a quarrel with his wife went to church to attend Mass. When he came home, he looked for his wife and, finding her in the kitchen, embraced and lifted her up. Startled, the wife yelled, “Why did you do that? Did the priest tell you to...
WORD ALIVE FR. BEL SAN LUIS, SVD There’s a saying: “A face that only a mother can love.” But with God, He loves even faces that a mother cannot love. * * * According to a Jewish legend, when God was about to create man, he consulted the angels that stood about his throne. "Create him...
WORD ALIVE FR. BEL SAN LUIS, SVD In most stories of the gospel, Jesus Christ is depicted as a gentle, kind, compassionate man. However, in one incident at the temple, the Lord is seen fuming mad (read Jn 2,13-22, gospel for this 3rd Sunday of Lent). * * * Making a kind of whip of cords, "he drove...
WORD ALIVE FR. BEL SAN LUIS, SVD A patient, who was being wheeled into the operating room, pleaded with the young doctor: “Doc, ple…please be gentle with me; this…this is my first time to be operated on!” * * * The surgeon, who also looked nervous, glanced at her and blurted out:...
WORD ALIVE FR. BEL SAN LUIS, SVD There's an amusing story about a young man who was constantly bedeviled by sensual thoughts. Feeling guilty, he consulted a priest-friend. "Don't worry,"...
WORD ALIVE FR. BEL SAN LUIS, SVD Once a jeepney was passing in front of a leprosarium. Two patients, though cured already but still bore physical deformities, boarded. There was an uneasy silence as they moved to the front seat right beside the driver. * * * A few minutes later, the two asked to...
WORD ALIVE FR. BEL SAN LUIS, SVD Once a distraught man knelt in front of a life-size crucifix and poured out his problems and sufferings. He was startled when the Lord suddenly spoke from the cross: “allright, stop crying now. I know how you feel. Let’s exchange places. I’ll carry all your...
WORD ALIVE FR. BEL SAN LUIS, SVD Today we celebrate Pro-Life Sunday. There’s a story told in a Pro-Life gathering. Scientists today have tremendously advanced in genetic engineering, decoding genes, making clones. Flush from their fantastic achievements, they concluded that God had become...
WORD ALIVE FR. BEL SAN LUIS, SVD Today, the feast of the Sto. Niño in the Philippines is immensely popular among Filipinos. Rich and poor, young and old alike maintain a strong, if not fanatical, devotion to the Holy Child. Colorful fiestas and processions are held in His...
WORD ALIVE FR. BEL SAN LUIS, SVD There was once a woman who brought her child to church for baptism. "What's the baby's name?" asked the parish priest. "Toyota," said the mother. Taken aback, the priest said, "Why that name?" " Kasi po Father," she replied, " iyong panganay ko ay...
