16 Characteristics of Love

In the kingdom of God, love is (Corinthians 13:4-8):

1. Patient.
2. Kind.
3. Respectful of others.
4. Humble.
5. Open to others ot sensitive.
6. Courteous.
7. Helpful.
8. Understanding.
9. Forgiving.
10. Merciful or compassionate.
11. Truthful.
12. Ready to make allowances.
13. Ready to trust.
14. Optimistic.
15. Preserving or enduring.
16. Last forever or faithful.

Source:
St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church in Plano, TX.
Sunday June 8, 2008's homily.

Help Neven Pesa To Become A Priest

Neven Pesa is a young man who wants to follow in the footsteps of St. Peter and St. Paul. He simply wants to become a priest. He wrote in his email to me:

I recently got accepted to the Byzantine Catholic Order of Basilian Salvatorian Fathers in Massachussets - a semi-contemplative order of Catholics of the Eastern Rite. I belong to the Melkite Catholic Church of the Virgin Mary in Brooklyn.

I am supposed to start my Novitiate this September 2008, but I first need to pay off the large college student-loan debt I've incurred from attending Franciscan University of Steubenville for 4 years.

To remedy this - I just finished recording an original Catholic album to help raise money so that I become debt free in order that I may freely pursue my vocation, financially unhindered towards the priesthood.

He introduces us to his life via an article he published in The Catholic Exchange, where he wrote:

I'm a son of Croatian immigrants who first emigrated to Italy and subsequently to America in the 70's. Within two years of their marriage, my brother and I were both born.

My mother lovingly tells me that God willed very much that I come into this world because I came as a "happy surprise" to both my parents, having been conceived only 4 months after my older brother had been born.

My parents gave me the name of "Neven," which is a Christian name of some very early obscure saint, "Neven: meaning "everlasting" in Croatian. I was raised in a typical Catholic household and am happy to say that I enjoyed a particularly joyful childhood.

My Dad, whom I admire very much, had a noticeable handicap which was the result of an accident he had at the age of five. This left him with only one usable arm. His injured arm was permanently atrophied and was rendered almost useless. But this did not deter my father nor did he allow anyone to pity him. Although limited in his job options, he always seemed to find work. My mother was employed evenings as a cleaning lady at a Manhattan office building. This arrangement allowed for at least one of my parents to always be home with my brother and me.

The first peek into God's call on my life was when I was about 2 or 3 years old. My mother had walked in on me once in prayer, and saw me standing in front of a high table that had a number of Holy cards neatly arranged and splayed out. My mother took note of this occurrence and brings up the memory of it since it had obviously left a significant impression on her.

I promised Neven to publish his story and promote his music CD, which you can hear and buy by clicking on this link.

Please, spread the word to help Neven become a priest.

Prayer For Slowing Down

Loving God, you made the days and nights.
Sometimes it seems we never have enough time,
but you have given us all the time we need.

Help us to slow down
so that we may
see the smiles around us,
hear the music of laughter and words,
smell and taste the delicious food you give.

In noticing all these things,
we honor all that you have given us,
if we simply take the time,
which itself is a gift from you.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Source: My church bulletin

Prayer For Renewed Hope

Lord, renew our hope
when unexpected crises
throw us off the path,
When, like the disciples scattering to Emmaus,
we are discouraged and confused.

They had been hoping
that Jesus would be the one to redeem Israel.
After his death, they could not see
the future they had expected.
They could not see him,
walking beside them, teaching them.

When we cannot see the path ahead,
shake use out of our expectations.
Help us to see that you are with us,
teaching us on the way,
breaking the bread that will sustain us.

Amen.

Source: My church bulletin

Fr. Yousif Adel Abodi Murdered In Baghdad

Source: Ankawa Online

Another day, another sorrow in Iraq. On Saturday, Syriac Orthodox priest, Fr. Yousif Adel Abodi, was murdered in front of his house in Baghdad. His murder comes a few weeks after the murder of Chaldean Bishop Rahho in Mosul.

Fr. Yousif was born in 1961. He earned a bachelors degree in electrical engineering and worked at the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation before he became a priest in 2001.

Zenit reports:

Speculation surrounding the murder links it to Father Adel's involvement in interreligious dialogue. The priest was the director of an integrated school attended by Christians and Muslims of both sexes.

AsiaNews reported that Father Adel had already been pressured to resign his position at the school by threats and intimidation.

The Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano reported that Father Adel served the Church of St. Peter, whose parish priest, Father Doglas Youssef Al Bazi, was kidnapped in November 2006 and released nine days later.

Source: Ankawa Online

R.I.P. Fr. Yousif.

Chaldean Bishop Rahho Kidnapped Then Killed In Mosul

AP Photo / Courtesy of Rev. Amer Youkhanna

Chaldean Catholic archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho poses by St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican in Nov. 2007.


ORIGINAL POST - Feb 29, 2008
Ankawa Online reported Paulos Faraj Rahho, the Chaldean Bishop of Musul was kidnapped this afternoon. Bishop Rahho was kidnapped when he left his home after attending Stations of The Cross at The Holy Spirit Chaldean Church in Mosul. His driver and two bodyguards were killed at the scene by unidentified kidnappers.

This is another setback to the dwindling Iraqi Christian community in Mosul. Last year, they lost Fr. Ragheed. They say, God doesn't give people more than they can take. I'm not sure how much more they can take. I'm yearning for peace in Iraq. But peace had turned its back on my native country a long time ago.

---

UPDATE I - March 13, 2008
The terrorists who control the streets of Mosul didn't spare the life of Bishop Rahho. Their bloody spirit turned bloodier with the murder of Bishop Rahho.

Thanks to the American invasion, which turned Iraq into a nightmare. Another mission accomplished.

---

UPDATE II - March 16, 2008
Below are reflections on the life and death of Bishop Rahho by Baghdad Hope:

Light a candle for Mgr. Faraj Paulus Rahho.
Touching remembrance of Mgr. Faraj Rahho.
Funeral mass in Karamles for Mgr. Faraj Paulus Rahho.
Karamles: another day of mourning.
Karamles: symbol of the fate of Iraqi Christians.
"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves."
Don't blow out the candles for Mgr. Rahho!
Death of Mgr. Rahho: tears and pain in Erbil.
Mgr. Faraj Pauls Rahho is dead!

---

UPDATE III - March 16, 2008
Pope Benedict XVI addressed the Iraqi people during the Palm Sunday mass in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican {Via Zenit):

At the end of this solemn celebration in which we have meditated on Christ's Passion, I would like to recall the late Chaldean archbishop of Mosul, Monsignor Paulos Faraj Rahho, who tragically died a few days ago. His beautiful witness of fidelity to Christ, to the Church and his people, whom he did not want to abandon despite numerous threats, moves me to cry out forcefully and with distress:

Enough with the bloodshed, enough with the violence, enough with the hatred in Iraq! And at the same time I make an appeal to the Iraqi people, who for five years have endured the consequences of a war that has provoked upheaval in its civil and social life:

Beloved Iraqi people, lift up your heads and let it be you yourselves who, in the first place, rebuild your national life! May reconciliation, forgiveness, justice and respect for the civil coexistence of tribes, ethnic groups and religious groups be the solidary way to peace in the name of God!

Psalm 23 (for work)

The Lord is my real boss, and I shall not want. He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me. He gently reminds me to pray and do all things without murmuring and complaining.

He reminds me that he is my source and not my job. He restores my sanity everyday and guides my decisions that I might honor him in all that I do.

Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping co-workers, discriminating supervisors and an aging body that doesn't cooperate every morning, I still will not stop--- for He is with me! His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through.

He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me. He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens to let me go. His Faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check.

His retirement plan beats every 401k there is!

When it's all said and done, I'll be working for Him a whole lot longer and for that, I WILL BLESS HIS HOLY NAME.

Prayer For a Meeting With Christ

Loving God,
let me meet you today
as the Samarian woman met you at the well.
Surprise me in the middle of my work day.
Ask me for water, food -- any sort of help.
Talk to me, lead me to a new truth.

Keep me alert so that I can recognize you,
listen, question and drink your living water.
Let me hear your voice today,
that voice with which you speak to me every day,
the one I keep missing.

Press me to make time for silence
so that I won't miss you this time.
Show yourself in the people and events of the day,
and give my heart wisdom,
so that I can act wisely and bring good.
I ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Source: My church's bulletin

Prayer For The Lenten Journey

God our Father,

you sent your Spirit to lead your Son Jesus into the desert to be tempted.

Be with us as we begin our journey through Lent.

Help us to see more clearly how we need to change so that we can resist temptation and grow in understanding.

Be with us as we plan our Lenten practices, and give us the resolve to carry them out.

Stir our desire to help the needy.

Help us discover ways to share what we have.

Speak to our hearts as well as our minds, and teach us to pray more sincerely and deeply.

We ask this through our model and teacher, Jesus Christ, the Lord. Amen.

Source: My church's bulletin

Prayer For Emmanuel's Peace

Give us peace, dear Lord,
the calm understanding that you are Emmanuel.
That you are with us.
You sent your Son to be the Prince of Peace.

Be Emmanuel in the heart of each one of your children in this world.

Be Emmanuel in our families who may be separated by distance or disagreements.

Be Emmanuel in our nation and Emmanuel in all the nations of the world, so that all may grow and manifest your love.

Be Emmanuel in the hearts of those who mourn, that they may experience what you promise during this blessed season.

Give us your peace, Emmanuel and good will toward all.

Amen.

-- Source: My church's bulletin.

Bless Us, O Lord

Bless the mothers and fathers of this world, who like Mary and Joseph, care for their children with love and do all they can to keep their children safe.

Bless the children of the world who give us hope in the future we try to create.

Bless all who have no family to support, nurture and love them.

Bless those who reach out to create bonds to unite us with each other.

Bless those who feel alone and give them comfort and solace.

Bless those who see all humans as belonging to one human family.

Bless us, O Lord.

Amen

-- Source: My church bulletin

Epiphany of The Lord In Iraq

Bless our house, dear Lord.
Bless every person who lives here.
Bless every person who enters our door.

Help us to welcome each one as though we were welcoming you.

We recall how the Holy Family received the three kings that day so long ago.

You example shows us that all are welcome in your heart and all are to be welcomed to our households.

Help us to make our home a place of peace.
Remind us that it is to be a center of joy.

Show us how to make it a home where love of God and love of others is lived each day.

Help us to be like Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

Amen.

-- Source: My local church's bulletin.


On Sunday, I attended the Epiphany of the Lord mass at my local church in Beaumont, Texas. After mass, the parishioners were invited to a pancake breakfast at the church hall. All went peaceful and quiet.

In Baghdad and Mosul on Sunday, the Iraqi Christians' Epiphany of the Lord had a different color. The insurgents, who want to tear Iraq apart, paid their respect to Jesus with coordinated bombings of churches in Baghdad and Mosul. Fortunately, there were only four injuries.

The next day, parishioners attended mass at St. Paul's church in Mosul, which was the target of the previous day's attacks. The parishioners prayed for their trespassers and for peace in Iraq. That's the spirit of the Epiphany of the Lord as Iraqi Christians know it.

Mother Teresa:In The Shadow of Our Lady

Mother Teresa never fails to inspire me. Every time I read a book dedicated to her, I learn something new about my favorite saint. Mother Teresa: In the Shadow of Our Lady is no exception.

I need to to make a confession. I got very busy with work. I had a limited time to read any books. I chose to read this book because it's short. It's less than 100 pages.

Things happen for a reason. This book is very different than the other books that focus on Mother Teresa's journey with Jesus. In this book, the author focuses on her journey with Mother Mary.

I never thought of the relationship between Mother Mary and Mother Teresa before reading this book. The book shows how the two saints lives intersected in many ways even though they lived in different times.

Now that I have read the book, I can draw parallels between the two saints. For that, I'm so glad I chose this book to read between my busy work and family commitments.

---

Mother Teresa:
In the Shadow of Our Lady

Count God's Blessings

The following words are from an email a friend sent me recently:

أراد رجل أن يبيع بيته لينتقل إلى بيت أفضل
فذهب إلي احد أصدقائه وهو رجل أعمال وخبير في أعمال التسويق...
وطلب منه أن يساعده في كتابه إعلان لبيع البيت وكان الخبير يعرف البيت جيداً فكتب وصفاً مفصلاً له أشاد فيه بالموقع الجميل
والمساحة الكبيرة ووصف التصميم الهندسي الرائع ثم تحدث عن الحديقة وحمام السباحة.....الخ....
وقرأ كلمات الإعلان علي صاحب المنزل الذي أصغى إليه في اهتمام شديد وقال..."أرجوك أعد قراءه الإعلان"....
وحين أعاد الكاتب القراءة صاح الرجل يا له من بيت رائع ..لقد ظللت طول عمري أحلم باقتناء مثل هذا البيت ولم أكن أعلم
إنني أعيش فيه إلي أن سمعتك تصفه ثم أبتسم قائلاً من فضلك
لا تنشر الإعلان فبيتي غير معروض للبيع!!!

هناك مقولة قديمه تقول..أحصي البركات التي أعطاها الله لك واكتبها واحدة واحدة وستجد نفسك أكثر سعادة مما قبل...
إننا ننسى أن نشكر الله لأننا لا نتأمل في البركات ولا نحسب ما لدينا...
ولأننا نرى المتاعب فنتذمر ولا نرى البركات. قال أحدهم: إننا نشكو لأن الله جعل تحت الورود أشواك...
وكان الأجدر بنا أن نشكره لأنه جعل فوق الشوك وردا...!!
ً ويقول آخر: تألمت كثيراً عندما وجدت نفسي حافي القدمين ...ولكنني شكرت الله أكثر حينما وجدت آخر ليس له قدمين...!!!

The Shepherds' Prayer, The Audio Book

I've been very busy at work lately. So, I decided to try an audio book. I can listen to the audio on my way to and from work. It worked well, and I enjoyed the experience.

Dec. 28th is the Feast of the Holy Innocents. According to St. Matthew:

Herod perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceeding angry; and sending killed all the men children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying: A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great mourning; Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

"The Shepherds Prayer" looks at the birth of Jesus from the prospective of the people who witnessed the murder of the innocent children of Bethlehem. The book also sheds light on the faith of the shepherds who followed the star to the manger where Jesus was born.

Both aspects make it a good read for anyone who wants to deeply explore the birth of baby Jesus.

---

The Shepherd's Prayer
Audio Book

"Noel," Josh Groban's Christmas CD

Being a big fan of Josh Groban, I couldn't resist buying his Christmas music CD. He released it in October 2007.

I'm not into Christmas music. But, Josh's majestic voice can't be resisted. I've been listening to "Noel" since I bought it last month. The more I listen to the songs on the CD, the better they get. It's the best pre-Christmas gift I've bought for myself this year.

---

Josh Groban: Noel

No Christmas in Basra

Source: Ankawa Online
Basrawi Christians and Muslims attend the funeral of Maysoon, 42, and Osama, 45, Fareed At Mar Afram Chaldean Church in Basra, Iraq. The two siblings were killed by members of the Shia Militias on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007.


By Queen Amidala
Basra, Iraq

Dear all,

With great sorrow, I bring sad news. The militias struck again. This time, they killed a brother and sister. The militias kidnapped them, killed them and then dumped their bodies away from their residence.

If it wasn't for the people who witnessed the murder and then collected the corpses, the dogs might have feasted on their bodies.

The victims names are Mayson and Osmam Fareed. They lived in our neighborhood and attended our church.

Neither one had any connections to the Brits. Mayson worked at a local clinic. Osama was a maintenance worker. They lived in a rented house owned by a Sunni family, who fled Basra. The militias wanted to evict them from the house. The siblings refused to submit to the militias' harrasment. People say the Shia militias wanted the house for a Shia family that was displaced from another part of the country.

The murder of Mayson and Osama hit the Basrawi Christian community very hard. Fr. Emmad, who collected their bodies and presided over the funeral, asked us to cancel any Christmas celebrations this year. In light of Mayson and Osama's death, we all agreed.

There is more disturbing news. Female university students who don't cover their heads are being threatened by students, who are members of the Shia militias.

My family, including myself, decided to flee the country as soon as possible. There's no safe place in Basra anymore.

Pray for us. I know you always do.

Regards,

Queen Amidala
Basra, Iraq

---

Related Links:

إلغاء احتفالات الميلاد في البصرة بعد خطف شابين مسيحيين وتصفيتهما
استشهاد شقيقين من أبناء الطائفة المسيحة في البصرة
مسيحين في البصرة يلاحقون من قبل المليشيات

Iraqi Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly

Source: Ankawa Online

When Pope Benedict XVI elevated Chaldean Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly to the rank of a cardinal, I knew the Pope was highlighting the plight of the Iraqi Christian community. The Associated Press reports what I already knew:

Among them was Chaldean Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly, 80, who received special mention in Benedict's homily.

"By calling the patriarch of the Chaldean Church to enter into the College of Cardinals, I wanted to express in a concrete way my spiritual closeness and my affection" to Iraq's Christians, Benedict said to applause.

"Our brothers and sisters in faith are experiencing in the flesh the dramatic consequences of an ongoing conflict and are living in an extremely fragile and delicate political situation," he said, adding that he was praying for peace and reconciliation in the country.
[...]
Delly had unusual vestments as well, because he is a patriarch from an Eastern rite church. Rather than wearing the red cassock with white lace or linen surplice that the other cardinals donned, Delly wore all crimson. He also received a round, black-trimmed red hat rather than the three-pointed red "biretta" that each of the other new cardinals were given.

Delly was mentioned by name in an introductory address to the pontiff by the highest-ranking new cardinal, Leonardo Sandri, who said he was carrying out his service "among tears and blood and the painful exodus of so many Christians from the land left by Abraham, our common father in faith and hope."

Cardinal Delly is the ultimate example of humbleness, faith and love of his country. It was evinced by him receiving the loudest applauds when he walked to received his biretta from the Pope. Thanks to the many Iraqis who traveled to Rome to attend the ceremony:

Among the thousands of pilgrims crammed inside the basilica were hundreds of Chaldean Catholics from Iraq, Syria, Jordan, the United States and Europe. Pilgrims who did not get inside the standing-room-only ceremony in the basilica watched in St. Peter's Square. One large group waved two immense Iraqi flags, devoid of Arabic script, cheering and ululating loudly when the pope announced their patriarch's name.
[...]
He [Cardinal Delly] said Sunni and Shiite Muslims, Kurds, Christians and other religious and ethnic representatives were in attendance to pay witness to the Iraqi government's desire "that we are still in a united Iraq and that I will continue to serve (my country) with all my strength to the last drop of my blood."

Congratulations to Iraq and Iraqis. Let's hope this elevation brings us closer to each other.

Amazing Grace, The Movie

This morning, I decided to stay home and watch the movie "Amazing Grace" on DVD. I couldn't have chosen a more inspiring movie to start my day.

I always liked the hymn "Amazing Grace". But, I never knew the story behind the popular hymn:

Amazing Grace (How sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd!

Thro' many dangers, toils and snare,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall profess, within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be for ever mine.

Lyrics by John Newton

The movie focuses on the efforts of William Wilberforce to abolish the slavery trade in the British Empire during the slavery era.

William was part of a small group of courageous men and women who were vocal in their efforts to end the slavery trade. As you can imagine, nothing comes easy when trying to bring social change and justice.

I won't reveal the details in my review. I hope you watch the movie to understand that justice and change comes slowly even in the 21st century.

---

Amazing Grace

Togetherness

Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way you always used. Put no difference into your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as you always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.

Let my name be the household name it always was. Let it be spoken without the shadow of a ghost in it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. What is death but a negligible accident. Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight. All is well, nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before.

Source: Companions of St. Anthony