NO NEED TO FEAR, Jesus IS NEAR

a personal reflection on Luke 1:39-45

"Salamat!" Then I gave the streetkid some coins for guiding me while I was parking the car earlier.

He smiled back.
"Magpakabait ka ha, para makapunta ka ng langit."
"Saan po ba ang langit?"
"Kung nasaan si Jesus, dun ang langit!"

Heaven is where Jesus is but God loves you so much that HE is willing to go where you are. You may feel un-worthy like Elizabeth who asked "And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:43)

Don't feel un-worthy. Jesus loves to meet us wherever we are. Check out these examples.

• Joseph was SLEEPING when God appeared to him in a dream saying "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit"(Matthew 1:20)
• The adulterous woman was CAUGHT IN THE ACT OF SINNING when Jesus bent down & told her "Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again." (John 8:11)
• Peter was WORKING when Jesus said to him "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19)
• Lazarus WAS DEAD when Jesus asked them to take away the stone & HE cried out "Lazarus, come out." (John 11:43). Then a miracle happened. Lazarus was alive again!

Kahit tulog ka, nasa trabaho, nagkakasala andun si Kristo. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing always remember that God is there. This coming Christmas, we remember how God became man to be with us.

"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world, so that we might live through him." - 1 John 4:9

MAHAL na MAHAL KA NG DIYOS KAYA KUNG NASAAN KA MAN, PUPUNTAHAN KA NIYA.

There is no need to fear because Jesus is near. Remember, going to heaven should be our "end-of-life" goal. But being with Jesus should be our "every moment" goal. This last Sunday of #Advent2018, may we reminded that GOD WILL MEET US WHERE WE ARE!! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

DO YOU HATE THE WAIT?

Hate the wait?

Just have faith.

Coz God is never late.

That's what makes it great!

So, just wait.

A CLOSER LOOK

a personal reflection on Matthew 1:1-17

Nakakita ka na ba ng snow? Ako hindi pa.

Snow looks like ordinary fluffy, white, frozen rain at first glance. A friend says that you have to look at snow through a microscope, a magnifying glass or take a closer look. Then you will appreciate it's total beauty.

That’s like reading today's Gospel Matthew 1:1-17. The chosen cast of character look questionable. You also feel bored with all “the father of” phrases. This story takes second place in the "dullest story in the bible" category. The gold winner, for me, still goes to the book of Leviticus 🙂

That is until you TAKE A CLOSER LOOK (or read) at the story.

Jacob was a liar,
Rahab was a prostitute,
Ruth was a Moabite, a cursed clan because their patriach Moab was the son of Lot who had an incestuous relationships with his own daughter (Genesis 19),
David was an adulterer & murderer,
& there are more questionable characters mentioned.

But from that not so perfect family tree comes out Jesus. The Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) & totally sinless God/Man came out from a family of liars, adulterers, murderers & killers!

Isn’t that like the story of our lives also? It’s full of dirt, full of sin & other things that we are not proud of. We have been through a lot of “dark” periods. The events of your life may not look so good but Jesus will come out victorious in the end. Remember what Romans 8:28 says "that in everything God works for good with those who love Him".

This #Advent2018, don't focus on what's "nega" in your life, simply WAIT & BELIEVE in Jesus! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

APPETIZER PA LANG ULAM NA

a personal reflection on Luke 3:10-18

The FRONT ACT is supposed to be a warm-up or opening act only. He performs before the featured act or "headliner”. Kung baga appetizer o patikim pa lang. John the Baptist was a special front act. In today’s Gospel he gives us three life lessons when the people asked him "What then shall we do?” (Luke 3:10)

1. GIVE NOT GAIN. "He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” (Luke 10:11). Christmas is all about giving. Sometimes, we focus too much on what we will receive that we forget what giving is all about. John 3:16 says "that HE gave HIS only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life”. True giving is when you give even if you will not getting back. Ano ba pwede mo ibigay sa Diyos na wala Siya? WALA. Yet God gives us “His ONLY Son”. Who are the people that cannot “pay you back” with a gift? They should be the people on your Christmas list.
2. ACKNOWLEDGED GOD so you don’t ABUSE others. "Collect no more than is appointed you" (Luke 10:13). John the Baptist knew what his role was. Alam niya na mas mataas si Hesus. He preached that he baptizes "with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Luke 10:16). What does this teach us? That we should know where we stand so we don’t abuse our power. If we know that God should be above all then we become a more loving people because that is God’s essence. God is love. You will not take advantage of the people that you truly love. Kaya magmahal tayo, huwag mang-abuso.
3. CONTENTMENT OVER CONTEMPT. "Rob no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your wages” (Luke 10:11). If you woke up today then you’re blessed! Be satisfied with you what you have. It is futile to always aim on acquiring things because there will always be someone who will be richer than you. Do not treat people as “assets" that can get you more assets. Paano dapat ang trato sa kapwa? RESPECT. Treat everybody with respect. This applies specially if you are a leader & people report to you. Respect your subordinates. You may not agree on religion, politics or if Lebron is the "G.O.A.T" (Greatest Of All Time). The important thing to remember is that every person is valuable in the eyes of God. If God can respect every soul then we should do the same.

GIVE, ACKNOWLEDGE, CONTENTMENT. Appetizer pa lang yan mga kapatid, busog na tayo. Finally, WE REJOICE! That is what the 3rd Sunday of Advent tells us. We rejoice because we have an awesome front act in the person of John the Baptist. We rejoice because Jesus is coming soon. Christmas is near but not yet. Have a blessed #Advent2018! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

GRABE SIYA OH!

a personal reflection on Matthew 11:16-19

• God warned them not to eat it. But maybe the temptation was too much that "she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, and he ate." (Genesis 3:6).
• Moses told them there was only One God. Pero ng mawala si Moses ng saglit, inipon nila ang mga ginto at gumawa sila agad ng mga diyos nila. Then they said "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” (Exodus 32:4).
• John the Baptist preached "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2). The people were supposed to rejoice & follow what he proclaimed. Sadly, eleven chapters after, we read that he was "beheaded in the prison.” (Matthew 14:10).
• Jesus became man, healed the sick, fed the hungry & forgave sins. He loved everyone & "they could charge him with nothing deserving death, yet they asked Pilate to have him killed.” (Acts 13:28).

Grabe noh! This creature called man looks like a totally hopeless case. I refer to all of us when I say "man". Wala na yata tayong pag-asa. Ginawa na ng Diyos ang lahat pero ganun pa din tayo. Man has done bad things in the past. We continue to do bad things throughout the generations.

"But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places and calling to their playmates,” - Matthew 11:16

Grabe talaga! Di tayo nakikinig sa Diyos. Nowadays, we still prefer to do evil over good. We love to call out the mistakes of others but we don’t see our faults. We judged others but we don't know the full picture. We asked for God's pardon yet we cannot forgive our family or friend.

May pag-asa pa ba tayo?

Yes! But we need Jesus in our lives. Because despite our brokenness HE comes to save us. Matthew 11:19 says that "the Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’”.

That’s us. The glutton, the drunkard, the tax collectors and the sinner! But do not focus on what's wrong with us. Focus on what's right with God.

Because that is who God is. We are REJECTS but HE REPAIRS US. We are BROKEN yet HE BUILDS US UP. We do EVIL but for God we are EVERYTHING to HIM.

So, if you want to give up already think about this truth first - GOD WILL PURSUE YOU NO MATTER HOW MUCH DIRT YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE! Kaya huwag ka muna sumuko. Remember, God has not given up on you.

Take time to listen to God this Season. Prepare your hearts for HIM & have a blessed #Advent2018! - @alvinfabella alvinfabella@yahoo.com

NOW NA!

a personal reflection on Luke 1:26-38

Paalis na sana ako pero bigla siya lumapit sa akin. 

“Sir, pwede mo ba ako tulungan?”

“Oo naman. Ano ba ang concern?”, I replied to the middle aged man who attended the talk I just gave.

“I always procrastinate. Sana magbago na ako. Can you pray-over me?”

“Sure! I would love to. Let's find a quiet corner…..”

He suddenly raised his hand to cut me off. He paused, then said “Ay, next time na lang. Thanks.”

The Season of Advent reminds us about the importance of waiting. In waiting, we realized that God blesses. In waiting, God forms us. God calls us to wait in faith. But when God asked you to do something, then you do it immediately. 

Why? Because God's plan is always the best plan. Sumunod ka kahit hindi mo masyado naiintindihan. 

• God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Sounds crazy, right? Did Abraham hesitate? Nope. Abraham immediately followed the next day. In Genesis 22:3 is says that “EARLY THE NEXT MORNING Abraham saddled his donkey, took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac.” (***Words in caps are my own emphasis)
• Peter was busy working when Jesus said "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Did Peter say “Lord, let me finish this first. Sunod po ako mamayang 5 PM, after work”? Nope. Verse 20 says “AT ONCE they left their nets and followed him."
• Mary was pregnant with Jesus when she learned that her aged relative Elizabeth was also six months pregnant. Mary could easily make an excuse not to serve her. She could say “sorry I have morning sickness” or “it’s not safe for me to travel” or “mahal ang manggang hilaw sa Judah" :-). She could say any excuse & people would understand. But what does Mary do? In Luke 1:39 it says that "Mary SET OUT and traveled to the hill country IN HASTE to a town of Judah"

The inspired author of the above stories used the following key words “early next morning”, “at once” & “set out in haste”.  The main point of this post is this - WHEN GOD CALLS YOU, DON’T MAKE GOD WAIT. You do it right away, at once, no hesitation, "now na”! 

Are you a “WAIT LANG” type of a person? Be a "NOW NA!” person…….& don’t start tomorrow :-)

Have a blessed #Advent2018! - @alvinfabella alvinfabella@yahoo.com

DON’T JUST BE MERRY, BE LIKE MARY

a personal reflection on today's Gospel Luke 1:26-38 (December 8, 2018)

“Alvin, ganda ng mga posts mo! Christian ka pala?”Di ko alam kung matutuwa ako dun sa part na “…christian ka pala?” :) 
So I just smiled & replied back, “Yup, I’m #Catholic”
“Ohh, I thought you were a christian.”
“Oo nga, christian nga. I am a christian-Catholic”

That conversation with my friend did not end there. Don't get me wrong. I love friendly & reasonable discussions about my #Catholic faith. So, I decided to continue the conversation with my friend. I want to link that discussion with today's feast which is one of the more controversial teachings in the Catholic church. December 8 is the Feast day of The Immaculate Conception.

“How can Mary be sinless?”
“How much time do you have?”, I replied back to my friend.
"Not much. I have to go back to work."
"Ok, let me give it a shot."

We sin because we lack God's grace. There are a lot of ways for us to receive His grace. If you're #Catholic, receive the Sacraments as often as possible to get God's grace. So if we received grace regularly, why do we still sin?

Because we are like the poorly maintained roof of our ancestral house. We leak. We received grace but grace leaks out from us. Thus, we sin regularly because of lack of grace. But I know someone who does not lack grace. Her name is Mary.

She's always been full of grace. From her conception onwards. The angel Gabriel confirms this when he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28)

Not partially full. Not probably full. Simply full. 100% full. When you're filled with grace there's no room for sin. There are other ways to explain the Immaculate Conception but my friend had to rush back to work. My friend asked for a part 2 of our discussion & we agreed to set a date.

Friends, this post is not meant to focus on the Immaculate Conception only. More importantly, the Gospel today encourages us to be like Mary. We are called to be saints like her. But how can we be like Mary? We are not sinless like her.

We can be like Mary by doing what she did. WE CAN SAY YES TO GOD.

In Luke 1:38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

Beautiful words indeed! Those words can be summarized in two - “YES, LORD". Maybe she did not fully understand the consequence of her “YES” but she agreed in faith. And because of that “YES”, God was able to save us through Jesus Christ! Wow!

This is what today's Gospel is telling us. THAT WHEN WE SAY “YES” TO GOD, AWESOME THINGS HAPPEN! The impossible becomes possible because "nothing will be impossible for God” (Luke 1:37).

May we be like Mary. May we be always ready to say “YES” to God no matter what it takes.

Have a blessed first Saturday of #Advent2018 ! - Alvin Fabellaalvinfabella@yahoo.com

"PAG DI MO NAKITA, MAKIKITA MO!”

a personal reflection on Matthew 9:27-31, the Gospel today December 7

Mahirap mag-intay. Sabi nga nila "patience is a virtue". I think the two blind men in today's Gospel waited for a long time. Because when they realized that Jesus arrived by they cried out aloud - "Have mercy on us, Son of David." (Matthew 9:27)

Then they approached to Jesus. Jesus asked them "do you believe that I am able to do this?" (Matthew 9:28)

Kapatid, yan din ang tanong ni Hesus sa iyo ngayon. Do you believe that God can do something in your life?

• That Jesus is able to change a person no matter how hopeless that person looks. Pwede pa yan!
• That God can make you love the un-loveable. Tayo nga minahal ng Diyos di ba?
• That God will heal you or your sick friend even if the doctor says otherwise. Believe & be well!
• That Jesus can teach you humility & move you to apologize to the people you offended. Forgive & be forgiven!
• Do you think God can help you stop that habitual sin? Stop the sin now!

Lahat yan ay depende sa iyo. When the two blind men told Jesus that they believed "their eyes were opened." (Matthew 9:30). Because your faith can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Your faith will open your "eyes" & heal your "blindness". Your faith will open your life to miracles! Jesus says "according to your faith let it be done to you." (Matthew 9:29)

But it all starts with WAITING. The two blind men WAITED. Then at the right time they APPROACHED Jesus, BELIEVED & then they experienced a MIRACLE.

If you are able to WAIT, that's the a sign of FAITH!

Have a blessed first Friday of Advent! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

THROUGH GOD’S EYES

“Many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it.” – Luke 10:24

Michael was born in the Philippines but moved to the U.S. when he was only five years old. He worked with Habitat for Humanity and helped open their first ReStore shop that sells preloved, donated items. He loves helping others, and his work allowed him to do that. But deep inside, he felt that God wanted him to do more. Some people questioned his decision to leave his career that allowed him to earn and help others at the same time.

Michael wanted to take some time off so he decided to travel to the Philippines in 2014. He bought a round-trip ticket because he had no plans of staying. But he fell in love with the country and decided to stay. He applied for a position in resource development at Habitat Philippines. During his interview, he was surprised to hear that they were looking for a manager to start the first ReStore shop in the Philippines. It happened to be the same job he had in the U.S.! He was hired.

Today, ReStore Philippines is doing well through the efforts of Michael and his team. He’s back to doing what he loves in his own native land. Michael followed his heart and it allowed him to see and accomplish God’s plan for his life. -  alvinfabella@yahoo.com

http://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2018-12-04

"DON’T WORRY, JUST WORSHIP”

a personal reflection on today's Gospel Luke 21:25–28, 34–36 (December 2, 2018)

Mabilis ka ba mag-panic? Are you the type who worries too much?

You see what’s happening around & then you start to worry. That's what the Gospel today says.

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” - Luke 21:25-26

Our worries may affect your decision making. So,

• You stop eating chicken after you heard about bird flu. Pero pag “eat all you can” sa Max’s una ka sa pila.
• You avoided all flights since Malaysia Airlines MH370 went missing. Pero pag Piso fare puyat ka mag-intay sa website.
• You shun away from high rise buildings since the 911 incident. Pero pag andun ka na sa may building may selfie ka agad. Sayang naman e.
• You can’t sleep because Dr. Google says that the symptoms you have point to cancer. Baka ubo lang yan :)

Is worry really worth it?

• Forty (40) percent. That’s how much percentage of the things you worry about never happen. 
• Thirty (30) percent. Things in the past that can't be changed by all your worrying.
• And the real & legitimate worries are only eight (8) percent.

The Christian approach calls for total trust in God. 

Don’t WORRY, instead WORSHIP. Don’t PANIC, instead PRAY MORE. Don’t FEAR, instead be FAITHFUL!

“But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man." - Luke 21:36

MAHAL KA NG DIYOS! That alone should remove all your fears. Because “there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18). And God alone can give you that PERFECT love that you need.

May you have a blessed 1st Sunday of Advent! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

#Advent2018

"HARI, POTTER"

a personal reflection on John 18:33-37 (November 25, 2018)

Pilate asked Jesus in John 18:33 “Are you the King of the Jews?"

Baka yan din ang tanong na dapat natin sagutin - “Are you the King?" Because sometimes we act like kings. We think that,

• ....we need to collect things because a king owns a lot. That’s materialism.
• ....we are always right because whatever a king declares is the law. That’s a narcissist.
• .....we are superior over others. That’s being egotistical.
• ....the world revolves around us. Bakit araw ka ba? 😁

Sino ba ang tunay na hari?

Jesus tells us in John 18:37, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth.”

What’s this truth that Jesus declare?

That God fulfills the promise He made to David in 2 Samuel 7:12 “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.”

God always fulfills His promise. God was speaking about His Son Jesus in that verse. 

Pagkat SI KRISTO LANG ANG TUNAY NA HARI!

Anong ibig sabihin niyan?

We are all his subjects. God should reign in our lives not anything else. We should listen to Him because "every one who is of the truth hears my voice" (John 18:37). Let him mold you to what you were meant to be. Let Him mold you to be holy. Let His Church transform you into a saint!

Isaiah 64:8 declares "Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand."

Always remember that God is KING. God is the POTTER. We are only clay. May you have a blessed CHRIST THE KING Sunday! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

PAALISIN ANG MGA SQUATTERS!

a personal reflection on today's Gospel Luke 19:45-48 (November 23, 2018)

Hindi po ito tungkol sa mga illegal settlers ng Metro Manila. I just want to use it as an analogy to present a point from today’s Gospel.

The gospel says that "Jesus entered the temple area & proceeded to drive out those who were selling things" (Luke 19:45). Wala ng tanong-tanong, action agad. He immediately drove them out. Bakit nga ba?

DAHIL ANG TEMPLO AY HINDI TIANGGE!

The traders did not respect the temple. They sold "oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there.” (John 2:14). Yes, they were traders but they were also illegal settlers in that place. Squatters. They did not belong in the temple. This is why Jesus drove them out. Wala silang "K" doon. Hindi sila nararapat doon.

Now, check this out. YOU TOO ARE GOD’S TEMPLE!

1 Corinthians 3:16 says "Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”

Reflect on this, if Jesus enters your heart today, what do you think will He find there? Do you also keep "illegal settlers”?

Anger, envy, lust, revenge, habitual sins or being unforgiving.

There are more of these "squatters" & they do not belong in your heart. Acknowledge them, yes. Accept that you will always experience or have them, yes. But not allow them to stay too long and prosper in your life. These squatters should not thrive within you. Get rid of them.

Start by saying this prayer with me.

Lord, my desire is that you occupy my life.
Invade my heart and every area of my life.
Cleanse me soul & make me holy.
Make me a loving person.
Make me the saint that you want me to be.

May you have a blessed & restful weekend! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

SHORT KA BA?

a personal reflection on Luke 19:1-10 (November 20, 2018)

Kahit may kapangyarihan o kayamanan parang kulang pa rin. That’s how Zaccheus felt. That’s how most of us feel.

Zacchaeus had both power & money as Luke 19:2 says "he was a chief tax collector, and rich.” Yet, he felt a void in his life. Parang bitin. Maybe that's why we wanted to "see who Jesus was" (Luke 19:3).

Try lang. Baka Siya ang sagot. Baka Siya ang magpupuno kung ano man ang kulang.

Zacchaeus knew that he had to see Jesus but could not because "of the crowd” & "because he was small of stature.” (Luke 19:3)

• What is that “crowd” that is blocking you from seeing the Lord?
• More importantly, are you the “crowd” that is keeping the other “Zacchaeus” of this world from seeing Jesus?

These “Zachs” feel that they are short. Maybe they feel un-worthy. Maybe it’s because of their past. Maybe it’s because of sin. But aren’t we all "Zachs”? The bible says "all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God." - Romans 3:23

What should we do then?

Luke 19:4 has the answer. It says "So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way."

1. Don’t let others block you from experiencing Jesus even if it requires you to run & climbed up. Be persistent!
2. Don’t be part of the “crowd”. Instead, be a sycamore tree and allow others to see Jesus!

May you have a blessed Tuesday! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com