Welcome To My World!

Beautiful Lesson

A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, deserted island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God.

However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.

The first thing they prayed for was food.

The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren so he went hungry.

After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife.

The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing.

Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, and more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing.

Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island.

The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.

As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?"

"My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them," the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything."

"You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings."

"Tell me," the first man asked the voice, "What did he pray for that I should owe him anything?" The voice answered, "He prayed that all your prayers be answered."

For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of another praying for us.

This is too good not to share. With obedience come blessings. My prayer for you today is that all your prayers are answered. Be blessed. "What you do for others is more important than what you do for yourself"

Shake It Off and Step Up

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' -- or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer felt sorry for the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened and asked them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back: he should shake it off and step up! This is what the old mule did, blow after blow.

"Shake it off and step up... shake it off and step up... shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on shaking it off and stepping up!

You guessed it! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him, actually end up blessing him. All because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

Life's Struggles

One day a man found the cocoon of a butterfly, with a small opening just starting to appear. So, he sat down to watch as the butterfly struggled for several hours to force its body through the hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared to the man that it had gotten as far as it could.

Then the man decided to help the butterfly, so he took a pair of scissors and snipped the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and the body would contract, so it could fly -- but neither happened. Sadly, the butterfly spent the rest of it's life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It was never able to fly, or be a truly beautiful butterfly.

What the man in his well meaning kindness and haste did not understand, was that the restricting cocoon, and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening, was God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly, into its wings, so that it would be ready for flight once it got out of the cocoon.

Sometimes, like the butterfly, the struggles we go through in life are necessary, although we usually don't understand why. If God allowed us to go through life without any obstacles, it could hurt our growth. Then we would not be as strong as we should be -- and it could keep us from soaring to the wonderful heights that HE has planned for you and me.

Basilan - A Province To Be Watched

Description
Basilan is one province in a setting that reflects the true description of an island paradise. Blessed with natural bounties since its early years of existence, it has been called by merchants and travelers as an island of hope. The province, bestowed with different cultures and traditions and rich in aquatic resources, was once considered the trading center of Mindanao in the early days.

The kilometer-wide channel that opens to the port of Isabela, provincial capital, is lined on both sides by mangroves and Samal houses on stilts. Across is Malamawi Island, the gateway to Basilan, where can be found the Badjao, Samal-Luaans-Banguingui, and Muslim cemeteries. The island boasts of the only lake in the province with wild ducks and is home to the Panigayan fishing village, an ideal spearfishing destination.

In the heart of Isabela is the Santa Isabel Cathedral with its modern architectural design. Beside the cathedral is a display center of native handicrafts like mats, bags, and other products made of buri.

Not far from Isabela proper is the Kaum Purnah Mosque and Muslim Village, which shows Muslim culture through at least three tribes. The 400-meter-high Calvario Peak and its Chapel of Peace are a delight to photographers. Sumagdang Beach is a natural swimming resort amidst coconut plantations, mini rice fields, and fishponds while Kumalarang River boasts of a 14-meter-high waterfalls.

The next town of Lamitan is the best place to see the Yakan, a peace-loving people known for colorful clothes handwoven with intricate geometric designs as well as for elaborate weddings and festivals.

Geography
The province of Basilan has an aggregate historical jurisdiction of 135,892 hectares, with mainland Basilan encompassing an area of 124,892 hectares. It is separated from the mainland of Mindanao by a strait of about 17 miles wide at its narrowest point. Basilan is geographically located between latitude 6°15' and 7°00' longitude 121°15' and 122°30'.

Political Subdivisions
Basilan has eight municipalities, namely; Isabela, Lamitan, Tuburan, Tipo-Tipo, Sumisip, Maluso, Malamawi, Lantawan.

Climate
Basilan, as part of Mindanao, is outside the typhoon belt. The annual average rainfall is 1,100 millimeters and mean annual temperature is 26.6° C. Source of rainfall is the southwest monsoon and intertropical convergence zone (mc). Prevailing winds are from the southwest with a speed of 4 knots.

Language / Dialect
Approximately 55% of the people speak Chavacano; 20% Samal; Joloano, Yakan, and Maranao; 10% Visayan; 10% Tagalog, 5% llocano and other dialects.

Major Industries
Agriculture is the main source of livelihood of the people of lsabela, in particular. There are a few industries operating here and all are agro-based. Copra trading is the leading commercial activity while coconuts are planted almost throughout the year. Rubber-sapping and logging complement the people's major occupations.

Mineral deposits of gold, manganese, iron, ore, copper, and coal are also found in Basilan.

Lanao Del Sur - Cradle Of Muslim Art

Description
Lanao del Sur is the land of the Maranaos, “people of the lake,” among the most devout of Muslim tribes as well as the most artistic. Nowhere is this more evident than in the the people’s most natural way of life and the land’s most attractive sites.

The life of the Maranaos centers on Lake Lanao, the second largest and deepest in the Philippines and one of the most breathtakingly beautiful. The lake is surrounded with myths and legends. The climate here is envigorating and fine grazing land stretches into the distance. A commanding view of the lake is offered by Marawi City, the provincial capital.

The unique natural setting of the Maranaos is perhaps best manifested in Marawi Cty, by the presence of the many large torogans, the Maranao houses, which are characterized by an antique royal high roof with curved designs. The city’s Aga Khan Museum, located within Mindanao State University, is a repository of Maranao and other Moro artifacts. It boasts a huge collection of indigenous art and cultural materials, ethnic music, the native tools and weapons used by the Muslims, and Muslim houses of different artistic designs. Founded in 1962, the university draws the most crowds to the city.

The Maranaos’ flair for the creative is exhibited by their numerous ceremonial artifacts and everyday tools trimmed with the sensuous "okir" (carving) and colorful "nagas" (serpent figures). Their long, low, and sleek boats sport a rainbow of brilliant colors matched only by the exuberance of the malong, the native wear of the Maranao women. Worn as a shirt or dress, used to cover the head or as a blanket, the highly decorated malong is violet, purple, green, red, yellow, floral, and geometric.

Geography
Lanao del Sur forms the western portion of Northern Mindanao. It is bounded on the north by Lanao del Norte, on the east by Bukidnon, on the west by Illana Bay, and on the south by Maguindanao and Cotabato. Rolling hills and valleys, a placid lake and river dominate the landscape.

Climate
The province has a cool and pleasant climate that falls dominantly under type F, which is distinguished by an even distribution of rainfall throughout the year. The Philippine summer is not quite distinct here. The wettest month is February and the dryest month is June. Lanao del Sur is outside of the typhoon belt

Language / Dialect
The Maranao dialect is the most commonly spoken. Also spoken are Tagalog and Visaya as well as English and Arabic.

Maguindanao - The Seat Of Muslim Mindanao

Description
The essence of the ancient Islamic faith and culture remains in good health and well-being in the province of Maguindanao, home of the Muslim Maguindanaos, traditionally a peace-loving, inland-dwelling people. Maguindanao is the only predominantly Muslim province of the four that were created out of the former province of Cotabato. Today it holds the seat of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The ARMM Compound, located on Gov. Gutierrez Avenue, is a showcase of a unique blend of modern and Muslim architecture. It houses the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center, the Regional Museum, the Regional Library, and almost all regional offices of Region 12.

Perhaps Maguindanao is most popularly known for Rio Grande de Mindanao, the second largest river in the Philippines and the longest in Mindanao. Water sports and boat racing are ideal activities here, and are usually held to coincide with the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival and the Feast of Hariraya Puasa. Celebrated every December 19, the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival is a colorful commemoration of Kabunsuan’s arrival via Rio Grande de Mindanao more than 500 years ago to introduce Islam to the natives.

Cotabato City's most famous landmark is P.C. Hill, a stone fort towering over the city with a height of 90 feet and now housing the Cotabato City Internal Defense Command. This historic hill served as a watch tower for the natives. It commands a panoramic view of the city and Rio Grande de Mindanao. The oldest church in the city is Tamontaka Church at Barangay Tamontaka. It was built in 1872 following Spanish architecture and design.

Geography
Maguindanao is bounded on the north by Lanao del Sur, on the east by North Cotabato, on the west by the Moro Gulf, and on the south by Sultan Kudarat.

Climate
The province's climate is generally characterized by a more or less even distribution of rainfall throughout the year. Compared to other regions of the Philippines, Maguindanao has the lowest frequency of very cloudy or over-cast days.

JULY 13
ST. HENRY II

Henry was born in 972. He became the duke of Bavaria in 995. One night he had an unusual vision. St. Wolfgang, who had been his beloved teacher when he was a boy, appeared to him. Wolfgang pointed to the words, "after six" written on the wall. What could that mean? Perhaps Henry was to die in six days? With that thought, he prayed with great fervor for six days. At the end of the six days, however, he was in perfect health. Perhaps it meant six months? The duke devoted himself to doing good more than ever. At the end of six months, he was healthier than before. So he decided he had six years to get ready for death. But instead of dying after that time had passed, he was elected emperor of Germany. Then he understood what the vision had meant.

Henry worked hard to keep his people happy and at peace. To defend justice he had to fight many wars. He was honest in battle and insisted that his armies be honorable too. Henry married a very gentle and loving woman named Cunegundes (or Kunigunda) around 998. She, too, has been proclaimed a saint. Henry and Cunegundes went to Rome in 1014. They were crowned emperor and empress of the Holy Roman Empire. It was a great honor because Pope Benedict VIII himself crowned them.

Emperor Henry was one of the best rulers of the Holy Roman Empire. He promoted Church reform. He encouraged the growth of new monasteries and built beautiful churches. He showed his own love for Jesus and the Church with sincerity and love. He was a man of prayer and was greatly attracted to religious life. But he accepted his role as husband and ruler and fulfilled his responsibilities generously. Henry was just fifty-two when he died in 1024.

He was proclaimed a saint by Blessed Eugene III in 1146. Pope St. Pius X named Emperor Henry the patron of Benedictine Oblates.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Thursday (7/13): "You received without paying, give without paying"

Scripture: Matthew 10:7-15

7 And preach as you go, saying, `The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay. 9 Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it, and stay with him until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, salute it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if any one will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomor'rah than for that town.

Meditation: Jesus gave his disciples a two-fold commission: to speak in his name and to act with his power. The core of the gospel message is quite simple: the kingdom (or reign) of God is imminent! What is the kingdom of God? It is that society of men and women who freely submit to God and who honor him as their Lord and King. In the Lord’s prayer we pray for God to reign in our lives and in our world: May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus also commissioned his disciples to carry on the works which he did -- bringing the healing power of God to the weary and oppressed. The gospel has power to set people free from harmful and sinful desires, and from fear, oppression, and sickness, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical. The Lord will free us from anything that keeps us from loving him and our neighbor with joy and confidence.

Jesus said to his disciples: Freely you have received, freely give. What they have received from Jesus they must now pass on to others without expecting a favor in return, whether it be in form of a gift or payment. They must show by their attitude that their first interest is in serving God, not receiving material gain. They must serve without guile, full of charity and peace, and simplicity. They must give their full attention to the proclamation of God’s kingdom and not be diverted by other lesser things. They must travel light -- only take what was essential and leave behind whatever would distract them -- in order to concentrate on the task of speaking the word of the God. They must do their work, not for what they can get out of it, but for what they can give freely to others, without expecting special privileges or reward. “Poverty of spirit” frees us from greed and preoccupation with possessions and makes ample room for God’s provision. The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent on him and not on themselves.

Secondly, Jesus said: the worker deserves his sustenance. Here we see a double-truth: the worker of God must not be overly-concerned with material things, but the people of God must never fail in their duty to give the worker of God what he or she needs to sustain themselves in the Lord's service. Do you pray for the work of the gospel and do you support it with your material and financial resources? Jesus ends his instructions with a warning: If people reject God’s invitation and refuse his word, then they bring judgment and condemnation on themselves. When God gives us his word there comes with it the great responsibility to respond. Indifference will not do. We are either for or against God in how we respond to his word. God gives us his word that we may have life -abundant life- in him. He wills to work through and in each of us for his glory. God shares his word with us and he commissions us to speak it boldly and simply to others. Do you witness the truth and joy of the gospel by word and example to those around you?