Jesus, on the importance of rest

 

"Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while..." (Mark 6:31)

Today's society is work-oriented. One is expected to work hard in order to earn well. We became workaholics...that is addicted to work in exchange for cash. Work actually is a means to holiness. But if we abuse it, it becomes our downfall. The money we earned will just be spent in one's hospitalization.

Jesus, in today's Gospel reading (Mark 6:30-34), speaks about the importance of rest in one's life. He advises us all to take time to go away and rest for a while. After all, our body is not built to last. It grows old, it becomes a victim of wear and tear, and it grows tired.  It badly needs replenishment. We need to balance activity and rest. We need to love our bodies because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit!

Everyday is a blessing!

Everyday is a blessing! Sure it is. :-) But blessings come in so many ways.


When we are confronted with good things and great events happen in our lives, we always exclaim with glee that we are indeed blessed! And true enough, we are blessed! But in times of sorrow, can we say that we are still blessed?

There are moments in our lives that we experience darkness, sorrows, pain...and the ache is sometimes so great that we wish we die. It is as if God suddenly abandoned us...Our human nature suddenly floods us and like Christ, we exclaim "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" It seems that God is nowhere to be found. But always remember that God is always there for us. That He will never leave us...And that He is always there in every moment of our lives. He will never forget us. "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast  and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." (Isaiah 49:15-16)

Yes, indeed, we are so much blessed in the midst of everything! Even in times of trials. Because surely, God is just testing us! He knows what is best for us and He may even has a better plan. so when you are tested, always remember this verse: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3)

So when you have problems...when you are being tried, BE JOYFUL FOR YOU ARE INDEED BLESSED!!!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever."

(1 Corinthians 29:13)

For the love of coffee...

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My beautiful friend, Tosca, while sipping a cup of coffee.

10 reasons why I drink coffee:


1. It definitely awakes me and it gets me back on track. Drinking coffee stimulates my mind especially when I am at work and I am overwhelmed with so many deadlines.


2. It connects people. Inviting somebody for a cup of coffee will result to a social interaction. One can gain friends over a cup of coffee.


 3. It is a form of air freshener. The aroma wards off unwanted smells. Furthermore, the wonderful aroma results to arousal of the senses.


4. It makes my day. I cannot imagine starting my day without a cup of coffee. Coffee has been a part of my morning ritual especially while saying Lauds (the official morning prayer of the Church).


5. It gives comfort. A cup of coffee is a good company in your darkest moments. The warmth soothes your soul and relaxes your body.


6. It is healthy. Who says that coffee is bad for your health? Latest study shows that coffee contains antioxidants and certain vitamins as well. Just don't overdose.


7. It can bring out new and wonderful ideas. Sipping a cup of coffee can lead to new perspectives in life. It can create ideas and who knows, it can lead to the discovery of the cure for cancer and HIV.


8. It makes me think how beautiful life is. The sweetness and the aroma will make you feel good.


9. It unites me with my fellow human beings. The cup of coffee that you are drinking is made by human hands. Somebody planted the coffee, another one harvested the beans, and maybe another person dried it and roasted it. And finally, somebody packed it for you. It creates a sense of responsibility and may even lead to a realization of  the nature of human labor.


10. It makes me think about God. Who says that coffee can't be a source of meditation? God made the coffee and He made it sooo gooood! Isn't this wonderful enough to thank Him for this great blessing?

The Latin Mass

For those of you who are not yet familiar with the Extraordinary Form of the Mass (Traditional Latin Mass), here's Cardinal Raymond L. Burke... 

I am looking forward to attend a Traditional Latin Mass! I hope this form of the Holy Mass will soon be available in my local parish (I Hope so). The beauty and the sense of sacred is undeniably present! It is like heaven her on earth!

Hail to the Queen!

July 16 is the feast day of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel! It is the title given to her as the patroness of the entire Carmelite Order. This particular title is usually associated with the devotion to the brown scapular. 

The scapular is a Marian garment since it is a cloth given to us by the Virgin Mary. It is a sign of consecration to Mary, of belonging entirely to her motherly protection. Through this garment prayers were answered, sinners were converted, the dead came back to life, and innumerable graces were bestowed upon the devotees (I myself is a witness of such a miracle).

When one wears the brown scapular, we become a part of the Carmelite family. For this reason, we are invited to imitate Mary. We are invited to follow her example in cultivating the interior life...to devote ourselves to a life of prayer and to unite ourselves to Christ in everything that we do. 

May Our Lady of Mt. Carmel continue to shower us with her maternal protection and intercession! God bless us all! 

More on Our Lady of Mt. Carmel...

The birth of a new blog...

A new blog is born! Finally, a blog that tackles about everything with an emphasis on spirituality and things about being Catholic living in the midst of the world with all its challenges and triumphs! :-)

Now, many of you might wonder why I named this blog "The Silent Meliorist." Meliorism is defined as the belief that the world can be a better place through the collective efforts of human beings. However, I do not conform fully to this ideal since I believe that God should always be a part of the picture. It is through him that everything comes into its existence. And without God, we are nothing.


The word "Silent" on the other hands denotes a spirit of solitude because in silence, you will find God. As an aspiring member of the Discalced Carmelite Order, I am strongly influenced by their charism. Silence is an integral part for the cultivation of the interior life. And that union with God (as the ultimate ideal of the Carmelites) is even possible in your day-to-day activities for God can be present amidst the "pots and pans." 


The Silent Mellorist is a statement of who I am...somebody who can be silent, but at the same time, can effect change no matter how small it is.