WORD ALIVE When I did a post-graduate study at the University of Leicester in England, there was a British lady personnel named Joan with whom I occasionally talked about religion. “I find it hard to believe there’s someone up there,” she said. “What I’ve gone through cannot make me...
WORD ALIVE There’s a young man who was constantly bedeviled by sensual thoughts. Feeling guilty, he consulted a priest-friend. “Don’t worry,” the priest assured him, “these thoughts popped out in our minds. They’re not sinful but only enticements. But the moment you start...
SAN LUIS, Batangas – An 85-year-old man was burned to death while cleaning his backyard in Barangay Taliba here on Tuesday afternoon, February 13. Police identified the victim as Sofronio Atienza Marasigan. Investigation said the octogenarian was burning garbage in his backyard when the fire...
WORD ALIVE Five deacons of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) were ordained priests on Feb. 10, 2024 at the Divine Word Seminary Holy Spirit Chapel, Tagaytay City. The SVD ordinands of the Lumen Class 2024 are: Rev. Edbelwin Jiah Manda assigned in the Philippine North; Rev. Carlo Salidaga, Papua...
WORD ALIVE Once a distraught man knelt in front of a life-size crucifix and poured out his many problems and sufferings. He was startled when the Lord suddenly spoke from the cross: “Alright, stop crying now. I know how you feel. Let’s exchange places. I’ll carry all...
WORD ALIVE A man once bragged that he read the Bible from cover to cover several times. But someone remarked, “People who read the Bible from cover to cover, know only the cover.” Just reading the Bible is not enough. What’s most important is to ponder God’s message or what he is...
WORD ALIVE Tomorrow is the feast of the Sto. Niño in the Philippines. It is immensely popular among Filipinos. Rich and poor, young and old alike maintain a strong, if not fanatical, devotion to the Holy Child. * * * On the feast, big and mini statues are dressed endearingly in...
WORD ALIVE Some years ago I celebrated the culminating mass of a two-day Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS) of the Loved Flock charismatic community at the DPWH chapel, Port Area, Manila. It was participated in by a cross section of teenagers and elders, the masa and government office personnel, many...
WORD ALIVE Tomorrow we celebrate the feast of the Magi or Epiphany. It is called Epiphany from the Greek term “epiphanein” which means to “manifest” because Jesus revealed himself not only to the Jews, the chosen people, but also to pagan visitors. * * * The gospel writer...
WORD ALIVE Once I solemnized the wedding of a friend. After that we didn't see each other for some time. When I met the couple, I asked: "How's your marriage going?" The husband said: “Father, I've found that there are three rings in marriage.” "That's new to me,” I replied....
WORD ALIVE On the eve of the graduation of a senior high school class, a dedicated and unassuming teacher was invited to a class farewell party. In her inspirational talk, the teacher said, “Someday you will all be successful in life. But remember, a peso is not a peso without one centavo. I am...
WORD ALIVE Gaudete, which means “rejoice,” “be joyful,” is the message of this 3rd Sunday of Advent. That’s why the liturgical color for this Sunday is not violet but pink. The Sunday tells us to be “joyful in hope” because Christ the Messiah has already redeemed us. However,...
