Catholics do not worship Saints.

The Gospel today reminded me of the triumphant men and women of faith aka the SAINTS. The example they gave us is truly worthy to emulate in order that our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ may grow and "bear much fruit."

Contrary to the claim of some Christian sects, following the footsteps of the Saints doesn't mean that we neglect the truth that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only way. In fact, following the examples of the Saints is tantamount to following our Lord, as the Apostle Paul said, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). And since the Saints are followers (in words and deeds) of our Lord, we believe that they are now in heaven, because the Lord Himself said, "whoever serves Me must follow Me, and where I am, there also will my servant be" (John 12:26). Such Words from our Lord is very reassuring. It gives us the valor to keep on fighting for His Kingdom, knowing that our labors and faithfulness will never be in vain. 

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"The Father will honor whoever serves Me," says the Lord. (John 12:26). If our Heavenly Father knows how to give honor to which the honor is due, then who are we to deny such honor due to the Saints? If we can honor the people who fought for our freedom and rights, then why not give honor to the people who gave their lives for the sake of Jesus Christ and His Church?  Some people might accuse us of worshiping idols and cite many biblical passages to support their claim, but do not fret because in our hearts we know, with the guidance of the Church, that it is God alone we worship. 

The lives of the Saints are truly an inspiration to all Christians who are striving to become perfect in holiness in this world full of ungodliness. To know that there were men and women who were able to persevere in the faith, despite the persecutions of this world, should give us the courage and consolation to stay focus in our earthly journey with the hope that one day, we too, just like the Saints, will receive our heavenly reward.

Salamat sa masasayang ala-ala!

Sa mga giliw naming pumanaw, salamat sa masasayang ala-ala. Salamat sa mga hindi malilimutang pinagsamahan. Salamat sa mga aral. Salamat sa matamis na pagmamahal. Sa panalangin, kayo ay aming patuloy na aalalahanin: 

+Sa Ngalan ng Ama, at ng Anak, at ng Espiritu Santo, Amen. 

Panginoong Hesus, Ikaw po ang buhay at ang muling pagkabuhay. Sa paglisan sa daigdig na ito ng aming mga minamahal, sila nawa ay kaawaan Mo at patuluyin sa langit. Patawarin Mo po sila sa kanilang mga pagkakasala, mga pagkukulang, at mga pagmamalabis. Linisin nawa ng Inyong Banal na Katawan at Dugo ang kanilang mga kaluluwa. Sila nawa ay silayan ng Iyong walang hanggang ilaw at pagkalooban sila ng kapayapaan sa piling Mo. Amen. 

Ama namin, sumasalangit Ka. Sambahin ang ngalan mo. Mapasaamin ang kaharian mo Sundin ang loob mo dito sa lupa para nang sa langit. Bigyan mo po kami ngayon ng aming kakanin sa araw-araw At patawarin Mo kami sa aming mga sala Para nang pagpapatawad namin sa mga nagkakasala sa amin. At huwag mo kaming ipahintulot sa tukso At iadya mo kami sa lahat ng masama, Amen. 

Aba Ginoong Maria, napupuno ka ng grasiya, ang Panginoong Diyos ay sumasaiyo. Bukod kang pinagpala sa babaeng lahat at pinagpala rin naman ang anak mong si Hesus. Santa Maria, Ina ng Diyos, Ipanalangin mo kaming makasalanan, Ngayon at kung kami’y mamamatay. Amen.

Luwalhati sa Ama, at sa Anak, at sa Espiritu Santo. Kapara noong unang-una, ngayon, at magpakailanman, at magpasawalang hanggan. Amen.