"A repetition of what has been happening"? I hope that the time will never come in our life when we feel the same way as that grandfather. A New Year is always another chance for us to grow as a human person, as a professional, as a Christian.

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As we begin a new year, let’s pause and THANK the good Lord for the graces and blessings received. But some cynic might say, "What’s there to thank when we’re going through hard times?"

Be positive. There are blessings, too. Remember the boy who complained he had no pair of shoes…until he met a boy who had no leg?

* * *

Thank the Lord you are still alive. Think of those people who didn’t have the good fortune of seeing the New Year – the victims of hurricanes, of floods and various misfortunes.

Life is not all "sugar and spice and everything nice."

* * *

A visiting priest to a small village church delivered a 30minute sermon on "Gratitude." At the conclusion of the sermon, he said, "And remember, however small the gift, always be grateful to the Lord."

Later, when it was time for the offertory, an usher used the preacher’s hat to take up the collection.

* * *

When the hat came back to him, the priest shook it carefully, but heard no sound. It was EMPTY!

Whereupon, the clergyman raised his hands to heaven, still holding the empty hat, and said, "I thank you, Lord; at least I got back my hat!"

Failures should not break us altogether. After recovering from a setback, we should come out much like the proverbial plant bamboo tree – stronger, wiser, more mature.

* * *

January 1st is not only New Year’s day but also the feast of the "Motherhood of Mary" in the Catholic Church calendar. The idea is that the Church fittingly entrusts us to our spiritual mother right at the beginning of the year.

A caring mother knows best. The powerful intercession of the Blessed Mother is illustrated in the following apocryphal story: Our Lord was making his rounds in heaven. As he did, he noticed some suspicious-looking Filipinos or TNTs (Tago Ng Tago).

* * *

The Lord summoned St. Peter, the gatekeeper, and asked: "Why are these seedy characters here? Who allowed them to enter?"

Peter scratched his head and sheepishly said, "Lord, I keep on barring them away from the gate, but they hang around by the window and the lady lets them in."

"What lady are you referring to?" the Lord asked. Peter pointed at the woman whose back was turned.

* * *

When our Lord approached her to find out who she was, it turned out to be his own mother! It was the Lord’s turn to scratch his head. He couldn’t go against his mother’s wish.

WISHING YOU ALL A GRACE-FILLED, BRIGHTER NEW YEAR!

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FAMILY TV MASS – will be aired on IBC 13 at 9-10 a.m. tomorrow, Sunday. Sponsor for this Sunday: DIVINE MERCY National Shrine, Marilao, Bulacan.

Donations for Mass intentions and sponsorships to maintain our TV ministry are most welcome. Names of donors/sponsors will be gratefully acknowledged in the TV Mass.

For inquiries, call tel. 726-5002 or 723-3343. E-mail: ftvmass@ skyinet.net.