In Earthen Vessels

In a blog I wrote under "My Women", I give a brief description of Monica, the mother of St. Augustine. During her feast on August 27, I gave a sermon where I did nothing but read about St. Monica's life from the pages of Augustine's "Confessions." Those attending the Mass were mostly women (only two... Sign in to see full entry.

Someone has called him "The First Modern Man." Both Catholics and Non-Catholic Mainline Churches claim him as their own. Eastern Catholics number him among their "fathers" prompting a scholar to suggest that he be named "Common Father of the East and West." Descartes was flattered when he was told... Sign in to see full entry.

Chrysanthemum village has a resident fool. People call him "Nono" a nickname for "Noel." He does not speak; he makes strange noises. Nobody knows where Nono lives, but he makes his presence felt from morning till evening. At 5:30 AM and 6:30 PM, he walks around the village blowing on his whistle. He... Sign in to see full entry.

The other day, a young college student came to me asking for an appointment. She is taking up a course on the Sacraments and was given the assignment to interview a priest about how he got into the priesthood. I gave her the appointment but required her to read an account of my journey into the... Sign in to see full entry.

"Funny how difficult it can be for one to become a Christian." The words were from Joel. I remember him saying that more than twenty-years ago as we sat on the grass near the school's grotto. He and I and about ten more boys were having our bible sharing and the gospel reading was on Jesus' counsels... Sign in to see full entry.

... although it may be considered an Explanation. I remember getting an angry letter after delivering a sermon once. It seemed that the girl who authored the letter was "scandalized" at the idea that God did not like mediocrity. For her, mediocrity is due to weakness, and since the weak are loved by... Sign in to see full entry.

During a recent high school reunion, many expressed their disbelief at what I have become. Ambrosio however told me: "Don't mind them. I have always known God works in mysterious ways." Ambrosio wanted to be a Baptist pastor. He was already in his early twenties when we went to school together. I... Sign in to see full entry.

I was reading the Scriptures this morning when I remembered the first time I joined my friends for a bible sharing session. We were in senior high school then and have recently joined an organization that promised to train us in leadership. One of the requirements for training was to come together... Sign in to see full entry.