Fitlab 101, Upper Corona Drive, Tibasak, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro (2026)

27/10/2024

Thoughts on the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mark 10:46-52)
Sometimes in life, we feel stuck, incapable of making a decision, confused. Generally it’s because we feel as though we don’t see ourselves clearly; we don’t see the situation clearly or which way to go to get out of it. . We are in many ways blind, not necessarily physical, but there are many things that we do not see.
The passage today is about the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man who encounters Jesus on the road to Jericho. This passage is a beautiful reminder of Jesus’ compassion and healing power, as well as the faith that leads to transformation. The story is a profound lesson in faith and persistence. Even though the crowd tried to hush him, he didn’t give up. He knew who Jesus was and believed in His power to change his situation.
In our lives, there are often “crowds” that try to silence our faith, whether it’s discouragement, doubt, envy, prejudices or the voices of others telling us to give up. It is interesting to note that the opposition came not from the Roman soldiers or unbelieving Gentiles. One of the greatest ironies in life is that the people you expect to help you are the ones who will put you down. . Sometimes, in our walk with God, the people whom we thought to be our spiritual brothers or sisters will be the reason for us to stumble. Sometimes, it is the church members who will cause us to leave the body of Christ. Sadly, this problem has been a common occurrence across the churches of God in the past and present.
When Bartimaeus asked for his sight, he demonstrated remarkable clarity about what he needed and his belief that Jesus could provide it. How often do we approach God with this kind of bold, expectant faith? Jesus’ response to Bartimaeus reminds us that He hears our cries and is eager to respond when we come to Him in faith.
The healing was not only physical; it was spiritual. After receiving his sight, Bartimaeus didn’t simply return to his old life. Instead, he followed Jesus on the road. This illustrates that when Jesus touches our lives, it leads to transformation. We are called to follow Him, not only with gratitude but with our whole hearts, ready to walk the path He sets before us. How about us? What is our track record with regards to how we had acted after receiving graces from God? What did we do the last time our prayer was granted? Did it make your faith stronger and deeper? Did you become a better Christian? “Utang na loob” is a very good Filipino trait when used properly. When we owe somebody something, we take it seriously that we try to find ways to return the favor or at least be good to the one we owe. Much more with God. It is unfortunate that at times, “wala tayong utang na loob.” Receiving graces should lead us to the giver of the grace. We must aim not only for the providence of God but the God of providence. We should not only be contented with the egg but the goose which lay the egg. When Jesus was approached by the rich young man who wanted eternal life, Jesus told Him not just to follow Him. The young man preferred more his riches and rejected Jesus’ invitation. In the process, he missed the most important One. More than riches, it is the Lord of riches whom we must have.
This inspiring story reminds us that Jesus is always near, ready to hear us and transform us. Let us, like Bartimaeus, come to Him with persistent faith, trusting that He can open our eyes to His grace and lead us into a life of true discipleship.
Lord, we sometimes open our eyes in the morning, and do not notice the sunshine, the green of trees, the colors in my room, the warmth or sorrow in the faces around me. If we had been blind, like Bartimaeus in today's gospel, we would long to open our eyes and see all that is to be seen. We could not have enough of this light-filled world around me.
Give us a relish, Lord, for all that our eyes can take in: not the pre-selected shots of the TV screen, but the endlessly varied landscape and people scape that surrounds us. We pray with Bartimaeus: /Master, let me receive our sight/.
Blessed and a light-filled Sunday, everyone…..
Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza, pray for us!!!!!!

29/09/2024

Thoughts on the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time…….
God’s love and power transcend our human-made boundaries. The Spirit of God works mysteriously and speaks to us in many ways. No one knows how He works among us or in groups. No group, institution, community, or religion monopolizes God’s Spirit. He is working in the heart of every man and woman, transforming him or her to become His instrument or witness in the world.
In today's Gospel, John draws Jesus' attention to an unknown exorcist who is driving out demons in His name. Jesus teaches them tolerance by stating, "For who is not against us is for us," and "There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can simultaneously speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us."
We could only surmise what was on the disciples' minds. Were they jealous because the man could cast demons, though he was not one of them? Were they angry because they had assumed that the power to exorcise demons was a privilege given only to Jesus' followers and not to anyone else? The disciples were confused. Suddenly, what they had thought to be their exclusive right was no longer their own.
We should not think that salvation is reserved only for those baptized and believing in Christ. Membership in his Church, faith, and the sacraments are still considered the ordinary ways to receive salvation. However, this does not exclude the possibility that God could offer other ways of bringing people to encounter the ‘paschal mystery of Christ’ in their lives. Like the outsider who performed exorcism in the name of Jesus, we have to understand that Jesus is the trustworthy source of salvation; the rest is His medium.
The passage tells us that anyone not against Jesus is for Jesus. Anyone who seeks Him, He will not reject. Thus, who are we to exclude others in the scheme of salvation? Let us not act as if we are above God Himself. Instead of sowing division by arrogating upon ourselves the privilege of salvation, let us work for the salvation of all by recognizing in others the gift of God’s love. “Would that the LORD might bestow his spirit on them all!” (Numbers 11:29) . On the other hand, woe to us if we become the stumbling block for others to know Christ. Woe to us if we become the reason for others to fall. It also encourages us to reflect on how our actions impact others. Are we leading people closer to God or becoming a stumbling block? Jesus warns that causing others to stumble is a severe offense, showing us that our lives should reflect His love, grace, and truth.
How do we offer ourselves to God in little ways and create an impact on others? Simple things like almsgiving, charity, sacrifice, penance, and service to the needy. These are the little things we need to offer to God in our life.
God-given gifts must be used for His purpose. Hands were given not only to reach out to things of the world. It must be used to reach out to God, our ultimate destiny. Feet were not given to bring us to any path but towards the Kingdom. We walk on the path that is Christ. We do not stop upon reaching wealth, power, fame, and pleasure. We go on walking along the path of Christ towards the Kingdom. And our eyes were designed to see God and seek God. Where are we looking all our lives? What are our minds' focus?
Lord Jesus, make us all worthy of the graces you gave us.
Saint Michael the Archangel, pray for us.
Happy Feast Day to all my siblings in Padada, Davao del Sur, my hometown, and Iligan, my in-laws' hometown.

28/08/2024

Happy Fiesta Cagayan de Oro.........

09/06/2024

Thoughts on the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Have we ever done something that made others wonder if we have lost our minds?
In the gospel narrative today, we find Jesus amidst a tumultuous scene. The crowd was so large that He and His disciples couldn’t eat. His family, concerned about His well-being, thought He was out of His mind. Meanwhile, the teachers of the law accused Him of being possessed by Beelzebul, claiming He drove out demons by the prince of demons. Jesus, however, responded with profound wisdom, speaking in parables and highlighting the absurdity of such claims. He emphasized that a house divided against itself cannot stand and concluded with a powerful statement about who truly belongs to His family.
This gospel reminds us to act on the importance of unity and the strength derived from a shared purpose. Jesus’ teaching that a divided house cannot stand directly appeals to us to foster harmony and understanding in our relationships and communities. It urges us to transcend conflicts and divisions, recognizing that unity is not just a desirable trait but crucial for realizing our collective objectives. This message is a source of motivation and inspiration, reminding us of the power we hold when we stand together. Moreover, Jesus’ unwavering response to His accusers is not merely a historical event but a testament to the transformative power of staying true to our mission, even in the face of misunderstanding and criticism. Jesus, in His divine purpose, stood firm, undeterred by others' doubts and accusations. This is a beacon of inspiration for us to remain steadfast in our callings, trusting our values and convictions even when confronted with opposition. It reminds us that our faith and commitment can conquer any challenge and that our mission is not defined by others' perceptions but by our unwavering resolve.
“Divide and Rule” is a powerful tactic or strategy to destroy the enemy. Satan and demons use this method to stop or defeat the Kingdom of God as established by Jesus. They will use everything to dissociate people from God and one another. They are happy seeing people fight each other, even over trivial matters. They will subtly tempt persons of good intentions to become doubtful of themselves and to suspect one another of ill motives. This will cause confusion and division. Thus, the work of redemption is sadly affected. They are at work to attract people to their side and to sow wickedness everywhere. They will use anyone, wittingly or unwittingly, including church people, to advance their cause—woe to people who allow themselves to be used by these fallen angels.
“United we stand, divided we fall” and “In union, there is strength” are old maxims. For the Kingdom of God to be fully realized, we must stand united with Jesus, our Lord and Savior, to crush the enemy's effort to see us divided and fall. His name alone is powerful enough for the devil to tremble and flee. Let us stand on guard against disunity among believers. More importantly, let us always invoke the name of Jesus to cast out the demons among us and within us.
Blessed Sunday, everyone……..

26/05/2024

Holy Trinity Sunday Thought…..
Today, we are drawn to the mystery of the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, also known as Trinity Sunday, is observed on the Sunday following Pentecost. In this gospel reading, we encounter the profound and transformative Great Commission, where Jesus, having triumphed over death, gathers His disciples on a mountain in Galilee and entrusts them with a mission that would change the world forever. This passage is a beacon of hope, purpose, and divine empowerment, calling us to step into a journey of faith and service. Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” In this statement, He reassures His disciples and all of us of His supreme authority. It reminds us that no matter our challenges, we are not alone. We are backed by the sovereign power of the resurrected Christ, who holds all authority. This assurance gives us the confidence to move forward, knowing that our mission is grounded in His omnipotence. He then commissions them: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This is not a passive calling but an active, dynamic charge to engage with the world. It’s a call to transcend boundaries, whether they be cultural, geographical, or social. We are called to reach out to all nations, embracing diversity and bringing the message of God’s love and salvation to every corner of the earth. Making disciples is not mere preaching; it is a profound commitment. It involves building relationships, mentoring, and guiding others in their spiritual journeys. Baptizing in the name of the Triune God signifies a profound transformation, an initiation into a new life in Christ. Teaching them to observe all that Jesus has commanded ensures that our faith is not superficial but deeply ingrained in the teachings and example of Christ. It’s a comprehensive discipleship approach encompassing faith, practice, and community. As we reflect on this passage, let us be inspired to embrace our calling with renewed vigor. Let us step out in faith, empowered by Christ's authority, committed to making disciples, and mindful of His enduring presence. Together, we can fulfill the Great Commission, bringing hope, love, and transformation to a needy world. The cost of discipleship is high, and the Kingdom of God is difficult to enter. It takes complete dependence on God. It’s tough for those with much in this world – materially or morally. The temptation is to trust in ourselves more than God. This passage invites us to reflect on our lives and the things we cling to. It challenges us to consider what we are willing to surrender for the sake of following Christ fully. Jesus’ call is radical, asking us to trust not in our possessions, achievements, or social status but in Him alone. The message here is clear: the path to eternal life is not through human effort or material wealth but through wholehearted faith and surrender to God’s will. It reminds us that with God, even the impossible becomes possible. Let this truth inspire us to let go of what holds us back, to embrace a life of generosity and trust, and to follow Jesus with undivided hearts. In doing so, we find the true treasure that is eternal and beyond measure. Our gospel today presents a paradox: We lose what we keep and gain what we give away.
A blessed Holy Trinity Sunday, everyone.......

19/05/2024

PENTECOST SUNDAY THOUGHT…..
, and glory of Jesus Christ our Lord!
Blessed Pentecost Sunday, everyone……..Today is the Church's birthday, the grand Feast of Pentecost! Pentecost Day marks a monumental moment in the Church's life—the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This event isn’t just a historical occurrence; it’s a celebration of the power and presence that continues to animate the body of believers worldwide. As we reflect on this day, we remember the disciples, once huddled in fear, who became emboldened witnesses of Christ’s resurrection. Pentecost is the grand climax and culmination of Christ's great works to gather all humanity into Him. It was the event of showering the disciples with the gifts of the Spirit. Gathered together and working together for the Kingdom, an institution emerged. It is now called the “Church.” Thus, today is also considered the birthday of the Catholic Church. The birth, which is a gift, has a task. The gospel reading today happened on resurrection day. The apostles were still terrified of the Jews who killed their Master, so they huddled themselves in a room with the doors locked. Suddenly, Jesus appeared from nowhere. Yes, He is alive, yet He is no longer like any human being. His resurrected body is not like His former physical body. He can now appear anywhere, though the doors are locked. He is not like a ghost; He can talk like a human being and be touched! The first word of Jesus is PEACE! He repeated. Perhaps the disciples felt guilty for abandoning Jesus when He needed them most. Yet they were happy to see Jesus again. All their fears and guilt were gone instantly, more so when He did not rebuke them for what they did but granted them peace. Before they could ask for forgiveness, they already felt that Jesus had no grudge against them. He is a compassionate Master, and He understands human weaknesses. Pentecost, the coming of the Spirit, was the event of showering the disciples with the gifts of the Spirit. Gathered together and working together for the Kingdom, an institution emerged. It is now called the “Church.” Thus, today is also considered the birthday of the Catholic Church. The birth, which is a gift, has a task. "Catholic" does not refer only to the faith led by our Pope; it also means "universal" to all who believe Jesus is God the Savior, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. The church is not a museum of Saints. It is the gathering of all the "one another," all the "neighbor," the "enemy," the tax collectors, prostitutes, and lepers that Jesus taught us to forgive, love, and include. The church is the hospital for the spiritually sick trying to become Saints. As we remember that fateful day when the Spirit was given by the apostles and celebrated the birth of the Church, we are reminded of our responsibilities as a Church and community gifted by the Spirit. The battle is not only physical or material. The vital struggle is spiritual. We will not be alone in that battle with the Spirit with us, and let us embrace the fullness of this gift. The Holy Spirit is not merely a helper; He is our connection to the divine, our source of strength, and our guide in truth. He encourages us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. He enables us to forgive, renew, and transcend our limitations. We have been renewed, born again in the Spirit at Baptism. The Holy Spirit is now our Soul! So come, arise! Let us go and claim the peace and joy found only in sharing in the works and sufferings.
Blessed Pentecost Sunday, everyone!!!!

19/05/2024

PENTECOST SUNDAY THOUGHT…..
Today is the Church's birthday, the grand Feast of Pentecost! Pentecost Day marks a monumental moment in the Church's life—the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This event isn’t just a historical occurrence; it’s a celebration of the power and presence that continues to animate the body of believers worldwide. As we reflect on this day, we remember the disciples, once huddled in fear, who became emboldened witnesses of Christ’s resurrection. Pentecost is the grand climax and culmination of Christ's great works to gather all humanity into Him. It was the event of showering the disciples with the gifts of the Spirit. Gathered together and working together for the Kingdom, an institution emerged. It is now called the “Church.” Thus, today is also considered the birthday of the Catholic Church. The birth, which is a gift, has a task. The gospel reading today happened on resurrection day. The apostles were still terrified of the Jews who killed their Master, so they huddled themselves in a room with the doors locked. Suddenly, Jesus appeared from nowhere. Yes, He is alive, yet He is no longer like any human being. His resurrected body is not like His former physical body. He can now appear anywhere, though the doors are locked. He is not like a ghost; He can talk like a human being and be touched! The first word of Jesus is PEACE! He repeated. Perhaps the disciples felt guilty for abandoning Jesus when He needed them most. Yet they were happy to see Jesus again. All their fears and guilt were gone instantly, more so when He did not rebuke them for what they did but granted them peace. Before they could ask for forgiveness, they already felt that Jesus had no grudge against them. He is a compassionate Master, and He understands human weaknesses. They already felt that Jesus had no grudge against them. He is a compassionate Master, and He understands human weaknesses. Pentecost, the coming of the Spirit, was the event of showering the disciples with the gifts of the Spirit. Gathered together and working together for the Kingdom, an institution emerged. It is now called the “Church.” Thus, today is also considered the birthday of the Catholic Church. The birth, which is a gift, has a task. "Catholic" does not refer only to the faith led by our Pope; it also means "universal" to all who believe Jesus is God the Savior, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. The church is not a museum of Saints. It is the gathering of all the "one another," all the "neighbor," the "enemy," the tax collectors, prostitutes, and lepers that Jesus taught us to forgive, love, and include. The church is the hospital for the spiritually sick trying to become Saints. As we remember that fateful day when the Spirit was given by the apostles and celebrated the birth of the Church, we are reminded of our responsibilities as a Church and community gifted by the Spirit. The battle is not only physical or material. The vital struggle is spiritual. We will not be alone in that battle with the Spirit with us, and let us embrace the fullness of this gift. The Holy Spirit is not merely a helper; He is our connection to the divine, our source of strength, and our guide in truth. He encourages us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. He enables us to forgive, renew, and transcend our limitations. We have been renewed, born again in the Spirit at Baptism. The Holy Spirit is now our Soul! So come, arise! Let us go and claim the peace and joy found only in sharing in the works, sufferings, and glory of Jesus Christ our Lord!
Blessed Pentecost Sunday, everyone……..

05/05/2024

Sixth Sunday of Easter Thoughts….
This is the most beautiful reality we can ever discover: God loves us. Even if we don’t love ourselves, He still loves us. Our real value flows from this truth, which is never diminished by human thought or action. Just like paper money crumpled and thrown on the street, our value as God’s creation remains the same even if we are broken and rejected by others. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without a compass, God's love encompasses us completely. ... He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. Nothing can separate us from the Love of God. In the gospel reading today, we are not just told about Christ’s love for us but also drawn into its depths. It's a love so profound and all-encompassing that He doesn't just call us servants but friends. This passage invites us into an intimate relationship with Him, rooted in the same love with which the Father has loved Him. It's a love that cherishes and values us beyond measure. Jesus earnestly implores us to remain in His love, which calls for obedience. But this obedience is not a burden; it is the pathway to a joy that is pure and complete. It's a joy that fills our souls and overflows into the lives of others, bringing happiness and contentment. By keeping His commandments, we not only dwell in His love but also experience this profound joy, just as He has kept His Father’s commandments and abides in His love. The command to love each other as He has loved us is at the heart of His message. This love is not just selfless but sacrificial. It is a love willing to lay down one’s life for friends. When Jesus speaks of this, He doesn’t refer to the ultimate sacrifice of giving one’s life but to the daily sacrifices, big and small, that we make for the good of others. At the same time, Jesus tells His disciples that He does not treat them as slaves but as friends. Jesus defines friendship as sharing and entrusting everything that the Father tells Him to His disciples. It is an invitation to the loving relationship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
What are friends? Who do we consider as friends? Generally, they are those who stick with us through thick and thin. They remain with us when we are at our worst. Fake friends are present only in good times and when they need something. In other words, we cannot rely on them, especially in dire need.
With Jesus, it was more! Remember what we did to Him? We brought about His death, yet after rising from the dead, He greeted us with “Shalom.” We heard nothing from Him about how He was treated. Instead, He offered forgiveness and reconciliation. He never abandoned us, even when we were sinners. He came for us: He was God, but He incarnated, embraced our humanity fully, and died for us. He was faithful to His words, “Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends.” (Jn. 15:13)
Jesus’ friendship aches for a response from us. That response is not for Him but for us. We are patient, open, understanding, humble, and trusting. We are confident and happy always to have our friends by our side. With Jesus, we have the truest and best friend. When we act as a true friend, we stay by His side, listen to His words, and follow them. When we seek to deepen our relationship with the Father, we should not be surprised that we are misunderstood, opposed, or even persecuted for our beliefs” (Saint John Paul II).
Dear Jesus, help us to keep your commandments and to remain in your love. Amen.
Blessed and a loving Sunday, everyone…..

07/04/2024

Thoughts on the 2nd Sunday of Easter….
Let us remember we are not alone in moments of doubt and fear. The risen Christ comes to us, offering peace, understanding, and the invitation to believe. In today’s Gospel, Thomas doubts that Jesus rose from the dead. After all, it’s hard to believe anyone could do that. This story reminds us that our faith is not a static possession but a dynamic journey, enriched by our questions and sustained by the promise of Christ’s presence. We find a profoundly moving account that speaks of the essence of faith, doubt, and divine mercy. This passage, which chronicles the appearance of the risen Jesus to His disciples — first without Thomas and then with him — reveals deep truths about belief, skepticism, and the path to understanding. After the Resurrection, the disciples are gathered, hidden away, engulfed in fear and uncertainty. Into this scene of despair, Jesus enters, bringing peace and showing His wounds, a testament to His sacrifice and victory over death. This moment is transformative, vividly illustrating how light pierces darkness and truth dispels doubt. Thomas, often remembered as ‘Doubting Thomas,’ embodies the skepticism in many of us. His insistence on tangible proof of Jesus’ resurrection is met not with rebuke but with compassion. Jesus appears again, inviting Thomas to touch His wounds, an act of divine mercy that illustrates the depth of God’s understanding and patience. Through this encounter, Thomas’ doubt transforms into a profound declaration of faith: “My Lord and my God!” This passage invites us to recognize that faith often journeys through the landscape of doubt. Jesus’ response to Thomas shows us that questions and uncertainties are not failures of faith but opportunities for its deepening and reaffirmation. His words, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” extend a timeless invitation to find blessedness in belief, encouraging us to trust beyond what we can see and touch. Sometimes, in our small community, we find ourselves like Thomas, who did not find his friends a credible community anymore because we looked for certain tangible signs to shore up our belief. Thomas didn’t doubt the Lord; he doubted the word of his friends! Thomas found it highly unlikely that the Lord was Risen because he was surrounded by a group of witnesses he did not find credible. Brave, honest Thomas had gone to grieve alone, so he missed that meeting with the Lord. I have tasted some of his isolation and resentment in his Unless... I will not believe it. I have suffered in this way when I isolated myself from the community of faith. When I am stunned by sorrow, I most need friends' company and faith's support. Like many of us today, Thomas was a modern man who found faith hard. He was let down by the others who ran away, the leader denied Jesus, and his trust in the group of apostles had been abused. He didn’t want much more to do with them. He had got tired of it all. He wanted to believe but needed a sort of proof. But faith grows within a community. In the community, the disciples found faith in the risen Christ. For some reason, Thomas was not with them when the Lord came. Separated from the community, he found faith more difficult, just like us; if we isolate ourselves, we feel the same difficulties as Thomas. Faith in the Lord, while personal, is not a private affair. In the faith of one, the faith of another may be strengthened. Formation in faith for the disciples had its communal experience - together, we learned and found faith in the Lord. Remember a time in your life when you were fearful and sad and felt lost and alone. Perhaps you experienced a significant loss or change or were struggling with a painful situation. At that time, it would be a great gift if Jesus had suddenly appeared to you and said: “Peace be with you.” We may not sense that Jesus is with us! Typically, we do not see Jesus appear to us. However, did we have any sense of Jesus’ presence at that point? Did we experience the gift of strength from our faith in Jesus? Perhaps our faith and our belief enabled us to keep on going. Jesus is always with us, gifting us and gracing us; however, we may not tangibly experience Jesus with us. Jesus walks with us daily. Do we believe and trust that reality? Even if we have a sense of Jesus’ presence, we may want proof that Jesus is with us, just as Thomas did. Today, if we sense Jesus is near and with us, may we trust and believe that Jesus has appeared to us. May we have open minds and open hearts. Jesus will come to us today! Resurrection takes time. It is not a one-time event. It’s something that we grow into. It’s a process. It’s a way of being and a life to be lived. By the grace of God, we evolve into resurrected people through our relationships and the circumstances of our lives. God wastes nothing. Every day, we step into a resurrected life. It’s not always easy; some days, it's just plain hard.
Blessed Sunday, everyone!!!!

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