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Elisar "Ralphie" Itchon, Oceanside, CA (2026)

08/21/2026

A PORTRAIT OF MY GOD
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time | Luke 9:18-24

Our concept of God matters enormously. It shapes our values, commitments, choices, actions, character, and most of all, our destiny. WE RESEMBLE WHAT WE WORSHIP. As "the only Christian nation in Asia," our collective idea of God inevitably shows up in the kind of society we have become.🇵🇭 That is why Jesus asks His disciples a piercing question: "Who do you say that I am?" He wants to make sure they are truly on the same page—DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHOM YOU ARE FOLLOWING? Let me share with you three levels in our knowledge of God: inheritance, instruction, and encounter.

1️⃣ Inheritance (Unconscious, Non-critical)

First, CULTURALLY. Faith begins with what we receive. Before we can think critically, we absorb an image of God from our family, culture, and tradition. We inherit beliefs, prayers, and rituals that we never dare to question. We simply follow the crowd. Ito na kasi ang NAKAGISNAN natin. We accept Catholicism BY DEFAULT. Most Filipino Catholics are "split-level" Christians—“sacramentalized but not evangelized.”

Second, PSYCHOLOGICALLY. Our EARLY EXPERIENCE OF AUTHORITY becomes a lens through which we view our Heavenly Father. Parents take heed: the way you teach, correct, and discipline your children. Individuals nurtured in caring, secure homes naturally approach God with a sense of trust, joy, and relational ease. But when childhood is marked by harsh discipline, shouting, or conditional affection, we unconsciously develop a DISTORTED IDEA OF GOD as over-demanding and vengeful. “I avoid sin because God might punish me.” Distant or neglectful parents can foster the illusion of an absentee God who doesn’t care about you, unless you “EARN” HIS LOVE.

Those raised by overly strict or punitive parents may develop a FEAR-BASED SPIRITUALITY. As adults, they may become rigid, hyper-critical, scrupulous, mean, and intolerant—traits often seen in fastidious liturgists, ultra-conservative traditionalists, and legalistic administrators.

YOUR CONCEPT OF GOD SHAPES WHO YOU BECOME. A tyrannical image of God can produce tyrannical believers; a merciful image = merciful people. But there is a danger here: SELF-PROJECTION. If we rely only on feelings, memories, and personal experience, our “god” can simply become a subjective projection of our wounds, frustrations, and preferences—NOT THE GOD WHO HAS REVEALED HIMSELF.

2️⃣ Instruction (Ecclesial / Intellectual)

Our inherited faith needs to be corrected by Revelation. How can you know Jesus if you never read the Bible? St. Jerome famously said: “IGNORANCE OF SCRIPTURE IS IGNORANCE OF CHRIST.” And how can you truly know Jesus if you do not live within HIS BODY, THE CHURCH? We need Scripture, Tradition, the Sacraments, and the teachings of the Church. The Bible reveals the true character of God; the Church keeps our faith anchored in truth rather than personal illusion. (cf. 1 Tim 3:15)

But even here, we can get stuck. Some Christians—and yes, even some priests like myself—can remain largely at this level: intellectually informed, doctrinally precise, traditionally observant, yet PERSONALLY UNTOUCHED. We can know ABOUT Jesus without truly knowing Jesus. Faith often starts with what we hear from parents, catechists, priests, or even social media. “Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17). But mature faith cannot survive on HEARSAY or sabi-sabi. In a court of law, you cannot CREDIBLY TESTIFY about someone you have never personally encountered. That is why instruction must lead to encounter.

3️⃣ Encounter (Experiential / Personal)

Jesus asks: “Who do YOU say that I am?” True knowledge of God is more than information. It is RELATIONAL KNOWLEDGE—personalized and internalized through experience and contemplation. It's remarkable that across history and religions, the testimony of those who have reached spiritual awakening reveals A FATHER OF UNMERITED MERCY AND TRANSFORMING GRACE, ONE WHO HEALS HUMAN BROKENNESS RATHER THAN DEMANDING RIGID CONFORMITY. Do you have the same portrait of God?

And when you have truly encountered Christ, evangelization becomes spontaneous. Look at the Samaritan woman in John 4. She encounters Jesus, and becomes an UNSTOPPABLE WITNESS in her town. Kaya, kapag wala kang ganang ipakilala si Jesus sa iba, malamang ay ‘di mo pa Siya tunay na nakikilala.

It is simple: how can you recommend a restaurant you’ve never been to? TALK IS CHEAP! That is why Pope Paul VI, in Evangelii Nuntiandi (1975), observed that modern people listen more willingly to WITNESSES than to teachers—and if they listen to teachers, it is because those teachers are witnesses. People may forget our sermons or lectures. But they remember how we treated them—with patience, kindness, and humility. You might be the only Bible they ever read.

CONCLUSION: Collecting statues, observing traditions, studying doctrines, or even being ordained means little without PERSONAL INTIMACY with Jesus. True transformation of society blossoms only from a LIVING ENCOUNTER with Christ.

08/21/2026

Maraming Salamat brothers and sisters! All glory to God!

08/17/2026

PASTORAN FAMILY ROSARY
in celebration of the ASSUMPTION of the Blessed Mother.
Thank you so much!
- Brgy. Macayo (Pastoran San Pablo)
- Brgy. San Juan (Pa*oran San Juan)
- Brgy. San Pedro Ili (Pastoran San Pedro)
- Brgy. San Nicolas (Pastoran Sta. Cruz)
For welcoming Mama Mary!
Thank you Bro. Luigie Bandino for the Statue of Maria Assumpta.

08/15/2026

INTERCEDING FOR A HAUNTED GENERATION
Trust that even when you cannot see Him, the Lord is already entering their dark rooms, reaching for them, and leading them home. Don't give up on your loved ones!

Matthew 15:21–28 | 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

In today’s Gospel, a pagan mother from Tyre and Sidon runs to Jesus with a cry that pierces the heart of every parent, elder, and community member:

“Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” (Mt 15:22)»

She asks for the liberation of her child. Her daughter is bound, broken, and consumed by a force beyond her control. Her child’s suffering had become HER OWN. "Have pity on ME."

If we look closely at our world today, does that cry not sound hauntingly familiar?

Our new Bishop, Most Rev. Nick Vaquilar, has called us to a vital mission: to help people FIND THEIR WAY HOME. Nowhere is that call more urgent than among TODAY’S YOUTH. So many young people are wandering, spiritually and emotionally homeless, TORMENTED BY MODERN DEMONS—not always literally, horned demons, but pervasive afflictions: crippling anxiety, deep loneliness behind bright screens, despair, and the crushing pressure to measure up. They are swimming in information, yet starving for peace and belonging.

How do we, as a Church and community, help our youth find their way home? Today’s Gospel gives us three lessons from the Canaanite mother.

1️⃣ We Must PRAY for Them When They Cannot Pray for Themselves

Notice her words: “Have pity on me, Lord.” She carries her child’s invisible battle so deeply that her daughter’s pain becomes her own prayer. The daughter is not even there. She is at home, unable to speak or reach out to Jesus.

Our young people can be like that. They may be UNABLE TO ARTICULATE THEIR PAIN. When anxiety or despair grips them, they may not know how to ask for help. Instead, they act out, withdraw, or hide behind bright screens.

Our instinct can be to condemn them—to call them rebellious, lazy, or lost. But before we judge, we must LEARN TO SEE THE SILENT BATTLE beneath the behavior.

When someone is drowning, you do not lecture them on how to swim. You throw them a lifeline.

When our young people lose their voice, WE MUST BECOME THEIR VOICE. We carry them in our Rosaries, our quiet tears, and every Mass we offer.

2️⃣ We Must Wait for Them with STUBBORN LOVE—Don’t Give Up

When the mother cried out, the Gospel tells us: “Jesus did not say a word in answer to her” (Mt 15:23). Even the disciples wanted her sent away.

When we try to reach someone who is struggling, we may encounter silence, resistance, or closed doors. We may feel our prayers are bouncing off the ceiling and the darkness is winning.

But the Canaanite woman did not walk away. She moved closer, knelt before Jesus, and said, “Lord, help me.”

Helping someone find their way home requires patient, stubborn love. HEALING TAKES TIME. We cannot rush a soul out of a dark room.

Waiting patiently does not mean doing nothing. It means holding space for someone when they cannot hold it for themselves. It means being an anchor when their world is spinning.

Never give up on your children. KEEP PRAYING EVEN WHEN YOU SEE NO PROGRESS. Keep standing at the door. Let them know: “I see your pain. I am not judging you. I am not giving up on you. WE WILL WAIT THIS OUT TOGETHER.”

3️⃣ No Child Is Ever Too Far Gone for God’s Mercy

Jesus tests the woman’s faith, but she responds with remarkable humility and trust: “Even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the master’s table” (Mt 15:27).

Jesus then declares: “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And in that very hour, her daughter was healed.

GOD’S HOUSE HAS NO BORDERS. (Cf. 1st reading) No matter how far a young person has wandered, how deeply they are struggling, or how dark their room has become, NO ONE IS BEYOND THE REACH OF CHRIST’S MERCY.

Welcome Them Home

The spirits tormenting today’s youth will not be driven out by anger, pressure, or condemnation. Perhaps not even by holy water or incense. They are cast out by SACRIFICIAL LOVE, PATIENT PRESENCE, AND RELENTLESS INTERCESSION.

If you are a parent, grandparent, or simply someone carrying a heavy heart for a young person, do not lose hope.

Keep praying. Keep waiting. Keep loving.

Bring their NAMES to this altar today with the same bold faith as the Canaanite woman.

Amen.

08/15/2026

KAHIT KONTING PAGTINGIN: The Grace in the "Crumbs"
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

Today's Gospel reminds me of an 80's Filipino song: "Kahit konting pagtingin... kung manggagaling sa 'yo, ay labis ko nang ligaya, dahil sa ikaw ay mahal ko."🎼🎵🎶

If a tiny gesture from someone you love brings so much joy, how much more when we speak of God’s grace? Our heart’s posture should be: "Lord, ANYTHING FROM YOU is more than enough for me!"

Swak na swak sa ginang yung salitang "a*o" in a good sense. Parang nag-lockjaw siya sa kahilingan niya. Ayaw bumitaw. "DOGGED" talaga, synonym for persistent or relentless.

Jesus praised the Canaanite woman's faith and practically told the Apostles "watch and learn from her, you men of little faith." Recall the gospel episode last Sunday. Let's unpack today's lessons.

1️⃣ DROP THE OFFENSE: The Power of God’s "Crumbs"

In today’s Gospel, Jesus’ response feels shockingly harsh, comparing her people to house dogs: "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs."🐕 For the Jews as well as for Pinoys, dogs are symbols of uncleanness, low status, or contempt (1 Sam 17:43).

Kung ikaw yun, anong mararamdaman mo? Maiinsulto o magagalit ka di ba? We might even rant on social media: "I’m never coming back to this parish—that church leader was mean and cold, and I felt completely ignored!" When our pride gets wounded, we throw a tantrum (nagtatampo), FOCUSING ON HURT FEELINGS INSTEAD OF GOD'S GOODNESS.

But this woman dropped the offense. She replied with astonishing wisdom:
⭐⭐⭐"Yes, Lord, yet EVEN THE DOGS EAT THE CRUMBS that fall from their master's table."⭐⭐⭐

Short of saying: "O, kunyari lang suplado si Sir. Pero SURE AKO, MABAIT SIYA." Even if Christ uses heavy words, the overall tenor of His character is MERCY.

2️⃣ APPRECIATING LITTLE FAVORS

Growing up, whenever I dropped crumbs around my plate ior under the table, I was told: "Api, pidutem dagita murkatmo. Grasya ni Apo Diyos dagita." ("Pick up those crumbs. Those are God's grace.") Wasting even a tiny bit of food is ingratitude. For the Canaanite woman, humbly bending into the Lord's metaphor, EVEN THE SMALLEST CRUMBS of His mercy were ENOUGH TO SAVE HER DAUGHTER.

If you give 1 peso to a beggar and he snaps back, "Ito lang?! Kuripot mo naman. Sa 'yo na 'yang piso mo!"—would you give him again next time? Same thing when we don't appreciate small blessings.

Last Sunday, monsoon rains (habagat) made our collection very low. Yet I prayed: "Lord, salamat pa rin—at least may pang-palengke kami." If we're thankful, God reveals His power even more. Aapaw ang biyaya! Kaya ngayong Linggo, siguradong dodoble ang koleksyon, di po ba? 😂😂😂

This brings us to a deep truth about HOLY COMMUNION. After Mass, some still queue up asking: "Father, pa-prayover nga po." Kasi may-sakit, birthday, magaabroad, maeexam. While I'm happy to bless you, I wonder: NABIBITIN PO BA TAYO SA HOLY COMMUNION? We just received Christ Himself! Anong blessing pa ba ang maidadagdag? Even the smallest "crumb" of His Body contains HIS FULL DIVINITY. A single drop of His mercy can transform your life. If we have the canaanite woman's faith, ONE GOOD COMMUNION IS MORE THAN ENOUGH!

3️⃣ RELENTLESS INTERCESSION FOR YOUR FAMILY'S SOUL

"Have pity on me, Lord! My daughter is tormented by a demon."

Look at our sons and daughters today. So many are "tormented by a demon"—bound by depression, homosexuality, addiction, immorality, rejection, childhood trauma, worldly culture, and disillusionment with religion.

Parents usually pray for children's health, safety, successful board exams, or good jobs. Okay lang! But when was the last time you prayed for the SALVATION OF THEIR SOULS?

"Lord, make my children and spouse holy."
"Lord, convert them from sin, and lead them to repentance."
"Lord, if You call my child to the priesthood or religious life, give me a generous heart to say yes."

Never grow tired of praying for your family. Like St.Monica. A parent's persistent prayer breaks spiritual strongholds because PARENTS' SOULS ARE DEEPLY CONNECTED WITH THEIR CHILDREN'S SOULS.

🔹Conclusion: MAMA MARY, OUR UNTIRING ADVOCATE

Jesus marveled at her: "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." This woman reminds us of the Blessed Virgin Mary, OUR PERSISTENT INTERCESSOR IN HEAVEN. Sometimes Jesus might say, "Mama, kasi naman, pasaway 'yang anak Mo na 'yan." But Mary gently pleads: "Please, Anak... pagbigyan Mo na para sa akin." What a blessing to have a Mother in heaven who never stops praying for us! Amen.

08/14/2026

TAKEN UP BODY AND SOUL: THE THEOLOGICAL GROUNDING OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY

A common charge leveled by Evangelical Christians against the Catholic Dogma of the Assumption is that it is a literal "assumption"—an arbitrary, unbiblical invention of the Church. Critics point to the year 1950, when Pope Pius XII solemnly defined the dogma in Munificentissimus Deus, arguing that a teaching formalized nearly two millennia after Christ must be a groundless, subjective human conclusion.

However, a serious investigation into Catholic theology, historical tradition, and Sacred Scripture reveals a very different reality. The Assumption is not an isolated, late-stage invention. Rather, it is the organic unfolding of an implicit doctrine deeply rooted in Divine Revelation, nurtured by the early Church, and supported by theological consistency regarding biblical prophets, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Immaculate Conception.

1️⃣ Biblical Precedents: Prophets Taken Up to Heaven

Before addressing the Assumption of Mary, it is essential to answer a fundamental question: Is the concept of a human being taken bodily into heaven unbiblical?

Scripture clearly demonstrates that God taking a faithful servant directly into heaven is not unprecedented:

Elijah the Prophet: Scripture explicitly records that the prophet Elijah did not experience normal bodily decay on earth, but was taken up directly into heaven in a whirlwind. "As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind." (2 Kings 2:11)

Enoch: Long before Elijah, Enoch was also taken by God. "Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away." (Genesis 5:24; cf. Hebrews 11:5)

If God raised the prophet Elijah bodily into heaven under the Old Covenant, it is entirely consistent with Scripture that He would do the same for Mary—the mother of the Messiah—under the New Covenant.

2️⃣ Explicit Scripture vs. Implicit Revelation

The core Protestant objection often hinges on Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone). Because the word "Assumption" or a direct account of Mary being taken into heaven does not explicitly appear in the Bible, critics reject it. But does a Christian truth require explicit textual mention to be valid?

The early Church demonstrates otherwise. Major Christian truths—including the Holy Trinity, the dual natures of Christ, and practices like clerical celibacy or the concept of Purgatory—are not explicitly laid out step-by-step in a single verse. Scripture itself acknowledges its own limitations:

"There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." (John 21:25)

Divine Revelation was passed down both orally and in writing. Saint Paul explicitly instructs the early faithful to hold onto unwritten traditions:

"Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours." (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

To guide the Church through emerging situations across history, Christ gave His Apostles the authority to teach and govern:

Authority to Bind and Loose: "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:19; 18:18)

The Great Commission & Guiding Presence: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19–20)

We see this dynamic at work even within the Bible. The Pastoral Letters (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus) contain institutional disciplines and administrative teachings that did not come directly from the earthly ministry of Jesus. Instead, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles applied Christ’s teachings to new cultural contexts—a process known as theological recontextualization or reappropriation. Revelation is not lacking, but our human understanding grows gradually over time. This is the fecundity of Revelation.

3️⃣ Why 1950? Dogma as Response, Not Creation

If the Church believed in the Assumption, why wait until November 1, 1950, to define it solemnly?

Historically, the Church rarely defines a dogma without cause. Throughout history, official declarations were usually prompted by external threats, such as a spreading heresy (e.g., the Council of Nicaea defining the divinity of Christ in 325 AD in response to Arianism). Where there was unanimous, quiet consensus, no formal decree was required.

From the earliest centuries, the Church celebrated the belief in Mary's passage into eternal glory, traditionally termed the Dormition ("falling asleep") of the Theotokos in the Eastern tradition. Christians held that Mary experienced a peaceful end to her earthly life and was immediately taken, body and soul, into heavenly glory.

The Historical Context of Munificentissimus Deus:

When Pope Pius XII officially defined the Assumption in 1950, the declaration was framed by the brutal aftermath of World War II, where millions had died in total warfare, the Holocaust, and atomic bombings. The human body had been treated as disposable industrial material, leading to widespread existential despair.

By defining the Assumption in 1950, the Church offered a powerful antidote to modern despair: human bodies are not mere fuel for warfare or totalitarian systems; they are sacred, created for eternal glory, and destined for resurrection.

4️⃣ Typology: Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant

The Assumption is supported by biblical typology—the study of how Old Testament persons, events, and objects prefigure New Testament realities.

In the Old Testament, the Ark of the Covenant was made of incorruptible wood, overlaid with pure gold, and housed the divine presence of God (containing the Manna, Aaron's rod, and the Tablets of the Law).

In the New Testament, Mary becomes the living Ark of the New Covenant. Within her womb, she carried the true Bread from Heaven, the eternal High Priest, and the living Word of God (Hebrews 10:5: "A body you prepared for me"). Just as the ancient Ark was brought into the holy sanctuary with songs of joy, Mary, the vessel of the Incarnation, was brought into the heavenly sanctuary.

"Arise, O Lord, into Your resting place: You and the ark of Your sanctification." (Psalm 132:8)

5️⃣ The Theological Necessity: Sin, Death, and the Immaculate Conception

The most compelling internal theological argument for the Assumption rests on the relationship between Sin, Death, and Redemption.

Scripture is explicit regarding the consequences of the Fall:

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23; cf. Genesis 3:19)

Bodily decay and death entered the world as a direct consequence of Original Sin. However, Catholic theology holds that Mary was preserved from Original Sin from the moment of her conception (The Immaculate Conception), making her the very first human being fully redeemed by the merits of Christ’s cross.

Because Mary was free from Original Sin, she was exempt from its ultimate penalty—the bodily corruption of the grave. She could not remain bound by death, because sin had no claim on her.

A Son’s Love:

On a simpler, deeply human level, Jesus Christ perfects the Fourth Commandment: "Honor your father and your mother." Jesus was the perfect Son, possessing all divine power and heavenly authority. What loving son, possessing the power to save his mother from corruption and bring her into his own home, would refuse to do so? Christ welcomed His mother into the full fullness of His victory over death.

Conclusion: Our Escrow of Hope

Far from being a groundless invention of 1950, the Assumption of Mary is a profoundly coherent doctrine. It honors the authority given to the Church, respects the unwritten apostolic tradition, aligns with biblical typology, and follows the logical consequences of Christ’s complete redemption.

Just as God took Elijah into heaven as a sign of His divine power in the Old Testament, He assumed Mary into heaven as the ultimate sign of Christ's triumph over sin and death. Mary’s Assumption sets the blueprint for our destiny: where she has gone in body and soul, the rest of the Church hopes to follow at the final resurrection.

08/12/2026

While words have power, their ultimate sting or solace is determined by WHO the speaker is TO YOU.

08/11/2026

Kudos kiddos! Pastoran San Pablo Confirmation Class 2026. Sincerest thanks to Bro.Luigie Bandino, the indefatigable catechists of Holy Cross Parish, and the pastoran leaders. That in all things Christ alone may be glorified!

08/07/2026

"IF YOU ARE MINE, YOU ARE SAFE," Jesus tells us today. In the vast sea, He knew exactly where to find His disciples. IF YOU ARE EXACTLY IN THE PLACE WHERE JESUS WANTS YOU TO BE, THEN YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR. In Him, we find complete safety. This principle is anchored in Bishop Vaquilar's motto, DOMINE TUUS SUM—a reminder that as lay faithful, we belong to God just as much as the ordained. When we faithfully obey His commands and go where He leads, He promises to protect us.

♦️ Let's be careful in judging Peter's little faith, because there were three praiseworthy things that HE ALONE was able to do.
1. He ALONE recognized Jesus in the midst of danger.
2. He ALONE was willing to obey whatever the Lord would command. “Lord, if it is you command me to come to you on the water.” (Mt.14:28)
3. He was the ONLY disciple who ever walked on water, braver than the 11.

♦️There are 3 kinds of people in the story:

1. First, those who stay on the shore – those who have no commitment to the Lord. Some followed Jesus only because they wanted to eat more miraculous loaves and fish.(Cf. Jn 6:26) They were just using Him, like the KBL, "submarine", and K*K Catholics.

2. Second, people who stay in the boat. They are committed and are serving God. But they still keep distance from Him. They're in the Church but they're distant from Jesus. They don't trust Jesus enough...Not brave enough. The boat could represent our OLD WAY OF BEING CHURCH, to which the majority are still too attached—"better-to-be-safe-than-sorry" mentality.

3. Third, people who dare to walk on the water: for Peter, it was more dangerous to remain in the old sinking boat, but much safer to be near Jesus. He was braver than the 11 who stayed in the boat. Peter would rather risk sinking while trying to reach Jesus than remain safely in the boat. He would rather be in the water DANGEROUSLY NEAR JESUS than stay COMFORTABLY IN HIS BOAT AWAY FROM JESUS. You can never walk on the water unless you abandon your boat of false security (your comfort zone).

♦️From a purely rational perspective, Peter was CRAZY to leave it. The boat was objectively SAFER than the water. It was solid and familiar. Everyone else chose to stay there. But Peter, as a leader, dared to THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. “If I sink, Jesus will be there.” Peter had seen Jesus do the impossible before. The miraculous catch. The calming of the sea. The feeding of the five thousand. Perhaps something was stirring in Peter's heart: “After everything I've seen Jesus do, WHY SHOULD I DOUBT HIM NOW?”

♦️ When storms come, a true believer professes: “The LORD is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe.” (Psalm 18:2) “Iingatan ka niya't ipagsasanggalang, pagkat siya'y matapat.” (Awit 91:4) IF YOU ARE EXACTLY IN THE PLACE WHERE JESUS WANTS YOU TO BE, THEN YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR. Jesus tells us: IF YOU ARE MINE, YOU ARE SAFE…

♦️ What is your boat of security and safety that you need to get out of in order to be nearer to Jesus? Is it pride, possessions, pleasures, wrong friendships, work or position, an old belief or mindset? If you think you're safe there, think again. It's much safer to be with Jesus.

♦️It is interesting that Jesus walked towards Peter on very water where he was desperately fighting for life. Jesus uses the very things that threaten us as his own path to get closer to us.

♦️Sometimes God sends us troubled waters to step on so that we can get closer to Him. The storms of life are intended by God to redirect our lives to better shores, as in the case of Jonah.

♦️Kung sa alon ka nakatingin, lalo kang malilito at lulubog. Every Sunday, we stop working and choose to attend the Mass, fixing our eyes upon Jesus. And because of this, we are enabled to see more clearly, discover smart solutions and walk on water!

♦️Kapag ikaw ay nasa mabagyong dagat ng buhay:

1. Tumingin kay Jesus, hindi sa mga alon
2. Magtiwala at tumalima sa kalooban ni Jesus
3. Maglakasloob kang gumawa ng kakaiba para kay Jesus

Elisar "Ralphie" Itchon

08/21/2026

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