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By Bro. Bobot Apit  

Jesus came to set people free – not only from their physical, mental, and spiritual infirmities - but also from the worst affliction of all – the tyranny of slavery to sin, Satan, and the fear of losing one's life.

YAHWEH EL SHADDAI, continue to use us to bring your good news to our bro/sis, especially those who already knew you but have not received you yet as their lord and savior. May our lives be a testimony of your redeeming love, saving grace, infinite mercy. In Jesus Name! Amen!

M ark 6:1-6 He went away from there and came to his own country; and his disciples followed him. (2) And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue; and many who heard him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get all this? What is the wisdom given to him? What mighty works are wrought by his hands! (3) Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. (4) And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." (5) And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands upon a few sick people and healed them. (6) And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.

Meditation by Don Schwager

A re you critical towards others, especially those who may be close to you? The most severe critics are often people very familiar to us, a member of our family, a relative, or neighbor or co-worker we rub shoulders with on a regular basis.

Jesus faced a severe testing when he returned to his home town, not simply as the carpenter's son, but now as a rabbi with disciples. It would have been customary for Jesus to go to the synagogue each week during the Sabbath, and when his turn came, to read from the scriptures during the Sabbath service. His hometown folks listened with rapt attention on this occasion because they had heard about the miracles he had performed in other towns. What sign would he do in his hometown?

Jesus startled his familiar audience with a seeming rebuke that no prophet or servant of God can receive honor among his own people. The people of Nazareth took offense at Jesus and refused to listen to what he had to say. They despised his preaching because he was a mere workman, a carpenter, and a layman who had no formal training by a scholar or teacher. They also despised him because of his undistinguished family background. How familiarity can breed contempt.

Jesus could do no mighty works in their midst because they were closed-minded and unbelieving towards him. If people have come together to hate and to refuse to understand, then they will see no other point of view than their own and they will refuse to love and accept others. How do you treat those who seem disagreeable to you?

The word "gospel" literally means "good news". Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would come in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to the afflicted who suffered from physical, mental, or spiritual oppression (see Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus came to set people free – not only from their physical, mental, and spiritual infirmities - but also from the worst affliction of all – the tyranny of slavery to sin, Satan, and the fear of losing one's life. God's power alone can save us from hopelessness, dejection, and emptiness of life. The gospel of salvation is "good news" for everyone who will receive it. Do you know the joy and freedom of the gospel?

"Lord Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all our hopes and desires. Your Spirit brings grace, truth, freedom, and abundant life. Set my heart on fire with your love and truth." # # #

GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU. – Bobot Apit

For past gospel meditations or to browse spiritual readings, you may visit the following:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=216458741502#!/home.php?sk=mynotes

http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com

http://www.webprayze.com

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By Bro. Bobot Apit  

J esus gave hope where there seemed to be no human cause for it because his hope was directed to God. He spoke words of hope to the woman (Take heart, daughter!) to ignite the spark of faith in her (your faith has made you well!).

YAHWEH EL SHADDAI, knowing that you love each of us individually with a unique and personal love, grant us the grace to approach your throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. as you touch, heal and restore us to fullness of life, may we be able to wholly give ourselves to living service to others. In Jesus Name! Amen!

M ark 5:21-43 And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him; and he was beside the sea. 22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Ja'irus by name; and seeing him, he fell at his feet, 23 and besought him, saying, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live." 24 And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. 25 And there was a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard the reports about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28 For she said, "If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well."29 And immediately the hemorrhage ceased; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone forth from him, immediately turned about in the crowd, and said, "Who touched my garments?" 31 And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, `Who touched me?'" 32 And he looked around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had been done to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. 34 And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease." 35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" 36 But ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." 37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, he saw a tumult, and people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 And when he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a tumult and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." 40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, "Tal'itha cu'mi"; which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise."42 And immediately the girl got up and walked (she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. 43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Meditation by Don Schwager

Do you approach the Lord Jesus with expectant faith or with skepticism and doubt? People in desperate or helpless circumstances were not disappointed when they sought Jesus out. What drew them to Jesus? Was it hope for a miracle or a word of comfort in their affliction? What did the elderly woman who had suffered greatly for twelve years expect Jesus to do for her? And what did a grieving father expect Jesus to do about his beloved lost daughter?

Jesus gave hope where there seemed to be no human cause for it because his hope was directed to God. He spoke words of hope to the woman (Take heart, daughter!) to ignite the spark of faith in her (your faith has made you well!).

A 4th century church father, Ephrem the Syrian, comments on this miracle: “Glory to you, hidden Son of God, because your healing power is proclaimed through the hidden suffering of the afflicted woman. Through this woman whom they could see, the witnesses were enabled to behold the divinity that cannot be seen. Through the Son’s own healing power his divinity became known. Through the afflicted women’s being healed her faith was made manifest. She caused him to be proclaimed, and indeed was honored with him. For truth was being proclaimed together with its heralds. If she was a witness to his divinity, he in turn was a witness to her faith...He saw through to her hidden faith, and gave her a visible healing.”

Jesus also gave divine hope to a father who had just lost a beloved child. It took considerable courage and risk for the ruler of a synagogue to openly go to Jesus and to invite the scorn of his neighbors and kin. Even the hired mourners laughed at him in scorn. Their grief was devoid of any hope. Nonetheless, Jesus took the girl by the hand and delivered her from the grasp of death.

Peter Chrysologus, a 5th century church father comments on this miracle: “This man was a ruler of the synagogue, and versed in the law. He had surely read that while God created all other things by his word, man had been created by the hand of God. He trusted therefore in God that his daughter would be recreated, and restored to life by that same hand which, he knew, had created her...He who laid hands on her to form her from nothing, once more lays hands upon her to reform her from what had perished.”

In both instances we see Jesus' personal concern for the needs of others and his readiness to heal and restore life. In Jesus we see the infinite love of God extending to each and every individual as he gives freely and wholly of himself to each person he meets. Do you approach the Lord with confident expectation that he will hear your request and act?

"Lord Jesus, you love each of us individually with a unique and personal love. Touch my life with your saving power, heal and restore me to fullness of life. Help me to give wholly of myself in loving service to others." # # #

GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU. – Bobot Apit

For past gospel meditations or to browse spiritual readings, you may visit the following:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=216458741502#!/home.php?sk=mynotes

http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com

http://www.webprayze.com

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By Bro. Bobot Apit  

Are you willing to part with anything that might keep you from his love and saving grace?

YAHWEH EL SHADDAI, help us by your holy spirit to give up whatever we may think that makes us happy but actually, competing for a place in our heart! May we realize that only you can make us genuinely happy and only you should be enthroned in our hearts. In Jesus Name! Amen!

M ark 5:1-20 They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of Gerasenes. 2 And when he had come out of the boat, there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3 who lived among the tombs; and no one could bind him any more, even with a chain; 4 for he had often been bound with fetters and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the fetters he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out, and bruising himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped him; 7 and crying out with a loud voice, he said, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me." 8 For he had said to him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!" 9 And Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" He replied, "My name is Legion; for we are many." 10 And he begged him eagerly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; 12 and they begged him, "Send us to the swine, let us enter them." 13 So he gave them leave. And the unclean spirits came out, and entered the swine; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and were drowned in the sea. 14 The herdsmen fled, and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 And they came to Jesus, and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, the man who had the legion; and they were afraid. 16 And those who had seen it told what had happened to the demoniac and to the swine. 17 And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their neighborhood. 18 And as he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19 But he refused, and said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decap'olis how much Jesus had done for him; and all men marveled.

Meditation by Don Schwager

Do you ever feel driven by forces beyond your strength? A man driven mad by the evil force of a legion found refuge in the one person who could set him free. A legion is no small force – but an army 6,000 strong! For the people of Palestine, hemmed in by occupied forces, a legion, whether spiritual or human, struck terror! Legions at their wildest committed unmentionable atrocities.

Our age has also witnessed untold crimes and mass destruction at the hands of possessed rulers and their armies. What is more remarkable – the destructive force of this driven and possessed man – or the bended knee at Jesus' feet imploring mercy and release?

God's word reminds us that no destructive force can keep anyone from the peace and safety which God offers to those who seek his help. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you. ..Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your habitation (Psalm 91:7,9).

Jesus took pity on the man who was overtaken by a legion of evil spirits. The destructive force of these demons is evident for all who can see as they flee and destroy a herd of swine. After Jesus freed the demoniac the whole city came out to meet him. No one had demonstrated such power and authority against the forces of Satan as Jesus did. They feared Jesus as a result and begged him to leave them. Why would they not want Jesus to stay? Perhaps the price for such liberation from the power of evil and sin was more than they wanted to pay.

Jesus is ready and willing to free us from anything that binds us and that keeps us from the love of God. Are you willing to part with anything that might keep you from his love and saving grace?

"Lord Jesus, unbind me that I may love you wholly and walk in the freedom of your way of life and holiness. May there be nothing which keeps me from the joy of living in your presence." # # #

GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU. – Bobot Apit

For past gospel meditations or to browse spiritual readings, you may visit the following:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=216458741502#!/home.php?sk=mynotes

http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com

http://www.webprayze.com

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By Bro. Bobot Apit  

When he commanded even the demons obeyed! But how strange! Some of our brethren had heard the WORD but stubbornly ignore HIS WORD!

YAHWEH EL SHADDAI, may the Holy Spirit's manifest presence you promised in Ezekiel 36:26-27 empower us and move us to follow your decrees! In Jesus Name! Amen!

M ark 1:21-28 And they went into Caper'na-um; and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. (22) And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. (23) And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; (24) and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." (25) But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" (26) And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. (27) And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." (28) And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

Meditation by Don Schwager

Do you believe that God’s word has power to set you free and to transform your life? When Jesus taught he spoke with authority. He spoke the word of God as no one had spoken it before.

When the Rabbis taught they supported their statements with quotes from other authorities. The prophets spoke with delegated authority – “Thus says the Lord.”When Jesus spoke he needed no authorities to back his statements. He was authority incarnate – the Word of God made flesh. When he spoke, God spoke. When he commanded even the demons obeyed.

Augustine of Hippo (354-430) remarked that “faith is mighty, but without love it profits nothing. The devils confessed Christ, but lacking charity it availed nothing. They said, 'What have we to do with you (Mark 1:24)?' They confessed a sort of faith, but without love. Hence they were devils.” Faith is powerful, but without love it profits nothing (1 Corinthians 13). Scripture tells us that true faith works through love (Galalatians 5:6) and abounds in hope (Romans 15:13).

O ur faith is made perfect in love because love orients us to the supreme good which is God himself as well as the good of our neighbor who is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26, 27). Hope anchors our faith in the promises of God and purifies our desires for the things which will last for eternity. That is why the word of Christ has power to set us free from all that would keep us bound in sin, deception, and despair.

Bede the venerable abbot of an English monastery (672-735) contrasted the power and authority of Jesus' word with the word of the devil: “The devil, because he had deceived Eve with his tongue, is punished by the tongue, that he might not speak” [Homilies on the Gospels 1.8].

Faith is both a free gift of God and the free assent of our will to the whole truth that God has revealed. To live, grow, and persevere in the faith to the end, we must nourish it with the word of God. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds that we may grow in his truth and in the knowledge of his great love for each of us. If we approach God’s word submissively, with an eagerness to do everything the Lord desires, we are in a much better position to learn what God wants to teach us through his word. Are you eager to be taught by the Lord and to conform your life according to his word?

"Lord Jesus, your word is power and life. May I never doubt your saving love and mercy, and the power of your word to bring healing and deliverance to those in need."  # # #

GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU. – Bobot Apit

For past gospel meditations or to browse spiritual readings, you may visit the following:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=216458741502#!/home.php?sk=mynotes

http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com

http://www.webprayze.com

{xtypo_quote} To browse more spiritual readings, please go to: http://www.webprayze.com {/xtypo_quote}

By Bro. Bobot Apit  

Does your hope and fervor for God grow with age? Advancing age and the disappointments of life can easily make us cynical and hopeless if we do not have our hope placed rightly. By placing our trust in the promises of Jesus Christ and relying not on our own strength, but on the grace and help of the Holy Spirit, hope grows!

YAHWEH EL SHADDAI, as we advance in age, may our faith, hope and love for you and for the tasks you want us to do, also grow. we may have deeper understanding of your love and mercy, wider understanding of what is happening around us and a positive hope that since you are our god, everything is under your control. we can always hope... the best is yet to come! In Jesus Name!

L uke 2:22-40 And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 "Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phan'u-el, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Meditation by Don Schwager

Do you know the favor of the Lord? After Jesus' birth, Mary fulfills the Jewish right of purification after childbirth. Since she could not afford the customary offering of a lamb, she gives instead two pigeons as an offering of the poor. This rite, along with circumcision and the redemption of the first-born point to the fact that children are gifts from God.

Jesus was born in an ordinary home where there were no luxuries. Like all godly parents, Mary and Joseph raised their son in the fear and wisdom of God. He, in turn, was obedient to them and grew in wisdom and grace. The Lord's favor is with those who listen to his word with trust and obedience. Do you know the joy of submission to God? And do you seek to pass on the faith and to help the young grow in wisdom and maturity?

What is the significance of Simeon's encounter with the baby Jesus and his mother in the temple? Simeon was a just and devout man who was very much in tune with the Holy Spirit. He believed that the Lord would return to his temple and renew his chosen people. The Holy Spirit also revealed to him that the Messiah and King of Israel would also bring salvation to the Gentile nations.

When Joseph and Mary presented the baby Jesus in the temple, Simeon immediately recognized this humble child of Bethlehem as the fulfillment of all the messianic prophecies, hopes, and prayers. Inspired by the Holy Spirit he prophesied that Jesus was to be "a revealing light to the Gentiles". The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of the Lord to those who are receptive and eager to receive him. Do you recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord with you?

Jesus is the new temple (John 1:14; 2:19-22). In the Old Testament God manifested his presence in the "pillar of cloud" by day and the "pillar of fire" by night as he led them through the wilderness. God's glory visibly came to dwell over the ark and the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38). When the first temple was built in Jerusalem God's glory came to rest there (1 Kings 8).

After the first temple was destroyed, Ezekiel saw God's glory leave it (Ezekiel 10). But God promised one day to fill it with even greater glory (Haggai 2:1-9; Zechariah 8-9). That promise is fulfilled when the "King of Glory" himself comes to his temple (Psalm 24:7-10; Malachi 3:1). Through Jesus' coming in the flesh and through his saving death, resurrection, and ascension we are made living temples of his Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16-17). Ask the Lord to renew your faith in the indwelling presence of his Spirit with you. And give him thanks and praise for coming to make his home with you.

Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph and he prophesied to Mary about the destiny of this child and the suffering she would undergo for his sake. There is a certain paradox for those blessed by the Lord. Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. She received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. But her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises.

Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22). The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take way. Do you know the joy of a life fully surrendered to God with faith and trust?

Simeon was not alone in recognizing the Lord's presence in the temple. Anna, too, was filled with the Holy Spirit. She was found daily in the temple, attending to the Lord in prayer and speaking prophetically to others about God's promise to send a redeemer. Supernatural hope grows with prayer and age! Anna was pre-eminently a woman of great hope and expectation that God would fulfill all his promises. She is a model of godliness to all believers as we advance in age.

Advancing age and the disappointments of life can easily make us cynical and hopeless if we do not have our hope placed rightly. Anna's hope in God and his promises grew with age. She never ceased to worship God in faith and to pray with hope. Her hope and faith in God's promises fueled her indomitable zeal and fervor in prayer and service of God's people. What do you hope for? The hope which God places in our heart is the desire for the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness. How do we grow in hope? By placing our trust in the promises of Jesus Christ and relying not on our own strength, but on the grace and help of the Holy Spirit. Does your hope and fervor for God grow with age?

"Lord Jesus, may I never cease to hope in you and to trust in your promises. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may always recognize your saving presence in my life. Help me to point others to Christ and to be an example of faith and devotion as Simeon and Anna were to their generation." # # #

GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU. – Bobot Apit

For past gospel meditations or to browse spiritual readings, you may visit the following:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=216458741502#!/home.php?sk=mynotes

http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com

http://www.webprayze.com

{xtypo_quote} To browse more spiritual readings, please go to: http://www.webprayze.com {/xtypo_quote}

By Bro. Bobot Apit  

G od's grace enables us to fight fear with faith and to overcome the temptation to compromise goodness and truth with wrongdoing and falsehood.

YAHWEH EL SHADDAI, grant us the grace, strength and courage that we may not shrink back when faced with adversity and temptation. Grant us also the grace to encourage others to continue in their walk with the Lord, even in the midst of difficulties knowing that you will never leave nor forsake us. In Jesus Name! Amen!

M ark 6:14-29 King Herod heard of it; for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him." 15 But others said, "It is Eli'jah." And others said, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." 16 But when Herod heard of it he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised." 17 For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Hero'di-as, his brother Philip's wife; because he had married her. 18 For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19 And Hero'di-as had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. 21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Hero'di-as' daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it." 23 And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." 24 And she went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the baptizer." 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

Meditation by Don Schwager

Do you ever feel haunted by a past failure or a guilty conscience? King Herod, the most powerful and wealthy man in Judea, had everything he wanted, except a clear conscience and peace with God. Herod had respected and feared John the Baptist as a great prophet and servant of God.

John, however did not fear to rebuke Herod for his adulterous relationship with his brother's wife. John ended up in prison because of Herodias' jealousy. Herod, out of impulse and a desire to please his family and friends, had John beheaded. Now Herod's conscience is pricked when he hears that some think that the Baptist has risen.

When Herod heard the fame of Jesus he supposed that John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded, had returned from the dead. Unfortunately for Herod, he could not rid himself of sin by ridding himself of the man who confronted him with his sin. Herod was a weak man. He could take a strong stand on the wrong things when he knew the right. Such a stand, however, was a sign of weakness and cowardice. The Lord gives grace to the humble, to those who acknowledge their sins and who seek God's mercy and pardon. His grace and pardon not only frees us from a guilty conscience, it enables us to pursue holiness in thought and action as well.

God's grace enables us to fight fear with faith and to overcome the temptation to compromise goodness and truth with wrongdoing and falsehood. Do you rely on God's grace and help to choose his way of holiness and to reject whatever would compromise your faith and loyalty to Christ?

"Heavenly Father, form in me the likeness of your Son that I may imitate him in word and deed. Help me to live the gospel faithfully and give me the strength and courage I need to not shrink back in the face of adversity and temptation."  # # #

GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU. – Bobot Apit

For past gospel meditations or to browse spiritual readings, you may visit the following:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=216458741502#!/home.php?sk=mynotes

http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com

http://www.webprayze.com

{xtypo_quote} To browse more spiritual readings, please go to: http://www.webprayze.com {/xtypo_quote}

By Bro. Bobot Apit  

Shepherd of my soul, I give You full control. Wherever You may lead, I will follow.
I have made the choice, to listen to Your voice. Wherever You may lead, I will go

Be it in a quiet pasture, or by a gentle stream. The Shepherd of my soul is by my side. Should I face a mighty mountain, or a valley dark and deep. The Shepherd of my soul will be my guide.

M ark 6:30-34 The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. (31) And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. (32) And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves. (33) Now many saw them going, and knew them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns, and got there ahead of them. (34) As he went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Meditation by Don Schwager

W hat does the image of a shepherd tell us about God’s care for us? Shepherding was one of the oldest of callings in Israel, even before farming, since the Chosen People had traveled from place to place, living in tents, and driving their flocks from one pasture to another.

Looking after sheep was no easy calling. It required great skill and courage. Herds were often quite large, thousands or even ten thousands of sheep. The flocks spent a good part of the year in the open country. Watching over them required a great deal of attention and care. Sheep who strayed from the flock had to be sought out and brought back by the shepherd. Since hyenas, jackals, wolves, and even bear were common and fed on sheep, the shepherds often had to do battle with these wild and dangerous beasts.

A shepherd literally had to put his life on the line in defending his sheep. Shepherds took turns watching the sheep at night to ward off any attackers. The sheep and their shepherds continually lived together. Their life was so intimately bound together that individual sheep, even when mixed with other flocks, could recognize the voice of their own shepherd and would come immediately when called by name.

The Old Testament often spoke of God as shepherd of his people, Israel. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want (Psalm 23:1). Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! (Psalm 80:1) We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture (Psalm 100:3). The Messiah is also pictured as the shepherd of God's people: He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms (Isaiah 40:11).

Jesus told his disciples that he was the Good Shepherd who was willing to lay down his life for his sheep (Matthew 18:12, Luke 15:4, John 10). When he saw the multitude of people in need of protection and care, he was moved to respond with compassionate concern. His love was a personal love for each and every person who came to him in need. Peter the apostle called Jesus the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls (1 Peter 2:25). Do you know the peace and security of a life freely submitted to Jesus, the Good Shepherd? In the person of the Lord Jesus we see the unceasing vigilance and patience of God's love. In our battle against sin and evil, Jesus is ever ready to give us help, strength, and refuge. Do you trust in his grace and help at all times?

"Lord Jesus, you guard and protect us from all evil. Help me to stand firm in your word and to trust in your help in all circumstances. May I always find rest and refuge in the shelter of your presence." # # #

GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU. – Bobot Apit

For past gospel meditations or to browse spiritual readings, you may visit the following:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=216458741502#!/home.php?sk=mynotes

http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com

http://www.webprayze.com

{xtypo_quote} To browse more spiritual readings, please go to: http://www.webprayze.com {/xtypo_quote}

By Bro. Bobot Apit  

Yes Christians, broadcast yourself. Promote yourself. Mark out yourself. But only for the sake of service and charity and that In all things, the Lord may be praised!

YAHWEH EL SHADDAI, forgive us, if at times, we steal the glory, honor and praise from you. Eemind us always that in everything that we do, may you alone be magnified, praised and glorified! In Jesus Name! Amen!

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time B

M ark 1:29-39 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. (30) Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. (31) So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. (32) That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. (33) The whole town gathered at the door, (34) and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. (35) Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (36) Simon and his companions went to look for him, (37) and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” (38) Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” (39) So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Meditation by Fr. Joel Jasobn

Broadcast Yourself!

O ne time I happened to catch a talk show featuring mothers who were worried of their children posting too much about themselves in the social networks in the internet. Some mothers bemoaned that their daughters have gone as far as posting videos of themselves in their most private activities. When one daughter was asked why she did it, she plainly responded, “For me it’s just self-expression. I like it when I get people’s attention. YouTube is cool because it allows me to broadcast myself.”

Broadcast myself!

This is NOT a shy generation we live in. Lately in the news, advisory was given as to what information should and should not be posted in the social networking sites. One family was reportedly broken into as the robbers easily navigated their way after having been “invited” through the Facebook posts detailing every nook and cranny of the home.

We love being in the limelight. I often find myself scratching my head when I hear celebrities, declaring to their enemies on national TV, “I’m a very private person. Let’s settle this, just you and I…” then begins to narrate to all and sundry the dark details of their private lives, in front of the invited press people, at primetime. What a private person!

Mark in today’s Gospel once more narrates a typical day in the public ministry of the Lord – teaching the people, meeting the sick and healing them of their infirmities, expelling demons. One curious fact in the life of the Lord is that He always seems to “shy away” from the limelight every time the crowd seems to get excited over the wonders He performs. It’s not unusual to read in the Gospel Jesus, after rounds of healing and miracles “withdrawing to a lonely place in the desert” (see v 35).

Today, Simon had to track down Jesus and when found told the Lord, “Everybody is looking for you!” ( see v 37). It was the day after another instance of miraculous healings. Perhaps there was a band ready to serenade him. The press might have been invited for a news conference. But Jesus was not interested. Instead, he said “Let us move on to the neighboring village so that I may proclaim the good news there also.”

No, Jesus here is not being aloof. Nor is He being painfully shy. He is not playing hard to get. The irony is, while Jesus often avoids the limelight, He DOES present himself when needed “…that I may proclaim the good news there also (v 38).” In fact, many times in the Gospel, Jesus even calls attention to Himself and calls Himself titles like “ I am the good shepherd,” “I am the way, the truth and the life,” “I am the vine…” “I am the Bread of Life…” etc.

I believe Jesus here is teaching us something about self-promotion. Self-promotion is not bad. It can actually be a Christian duty. But self-promotion is good only when placed at the service of charity and duty. Otherwise, self-promotion becomes vanity, nothing but an ego trip, an ego massage - therefore, fruitless.

Yes Christians, broadcast yourself. Promote yourself. Mark out yourself. But only for the sake of service and charity and that In all things, the Lord may be praised!

God bless! # # #

GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU. – Bobot Apit

For past gospel meditations or to browse spiritual readings, you may visit the following:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=216458741502#!/home.php?sk=mynotes

http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com

http://www.webprayze.com

By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ

Member, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), Asian-American Journalists Association (AAJA)

and National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC)

C lassically-trained singer Jennifer Uy sings “Mutya ng Pasig” at the fundraiser concert at Our Lady of Assumption Church on Saturday, Jan. 21, for the survivors of Typhoon Sendong in the Philippines.

Here's the video at Filipino Web Entertainment Channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNXatT-PItg

To view my other channels, here are the links:

1. For Filipino community news, visit The Filipino Web Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/FilipinoWebChannel#g/u

2. For mainstream news in Canada and the United States, visit The Gotcha Journalist's Currents & Breaking News Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheGotchaJournalist#g/u

3. For Filipino entertainment news, visit The Filipino Web Entertainment Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/FilWebEntertainment#g/u

For other stories and photos, please visit: 

1. http://currentsbreakingnews.blogspot.com/ 

2. http://torontonewsroom.blogspot.com/

3. http://timecircumstance.blogspot.com/

4. http://travelsthemes.blogspot.com/ 

5. http://gotchajournalist.blogspot.com/ .

The Show Goes On Even with Accident at Toronto Fundraising Concert

By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ

Member, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), Asian-American Journalists Association (AAJA)

and National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC)

An accident wasn't going to stop the world-renowned Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe from performing its numbers. Even with glass shards from a broken glass littering the floor, the dancers went on with the Binasuan and the Tinikling at the Sidlak fundraiser concert at Our Lady of Assumption Church, Toronto, on Jan. 21, 2012.

Here's the video at Filipino Web Entertainment Channel: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i0zw9CLIEs

O ther features:

1. Jasmine Ragual sings “Home” at Sidlak Fundraiser Concert at Our Lady of Assumption Church, Toronto, on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po_vALR9UuU

2. Ab-Noize Band's contribution to the fundraiser concert at Our Lady of Assumption Church is this Filipino rock song Tayo Na, at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jlm2im4ipI

To view my other channels, here are the links:

1. For Filipino community news, visit The Filipino Web Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/FilipinoWebChannel#g/u

2. For mainstream news in Canada and the United States, visit The Gotcha Journalist's Currents & Breaking News Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheGotchaJournalist#g/u

3. For Filipino entertainment news, visit The Filipino Web Entertainment Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/FilWebEntertainment#g/u

For other stories and photos, please visit: 

1. http://currentsbreakingnews.blogspot.com/ 

2. http://torontonewsroom.blogspot.com/

3. http://timecircumstance.blogspot.com/

4. http://travelsthemes.blogspot.com/ 

5. http://gotchajournalist.blogspot.com/ .

By The Spokesperson, U.S. Department of State

Dateline Washington, D.C., January 27, 2012

F ollowing is the text of a joint statement by the United States of America and the Republic of the Philippines issued on January 27, 2012, in Washington, DC.

The United States and the Republic of the Philippines held the second Bilateral Strategic Dialogue on January 26-27, 2012, in Washington, DC.  In the spirit of the November 2011 Manila Declaration, the dialogue provided an opportunity to consult and exchange views on a broad range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, reflecting our common values and interests. The dialogue was co-chaired by Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense Peter Lavoy for the United States and Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Erlinda Basilio and Undersecretary of National Defense Pio Lorenzo Batino for the Republic of the Philippines.  Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan chaired the working group on Rule of Law and Law Enforcement.

During the dialogue, the United States and the Philippines reaffirmed our commitment to fulfill the vision of the Manila Declaration through an invigorated and expanded alliance capable of addressing 21st century challenges.  We reinforced the significance of our Mutual Defense Treaty as the basis for the alliance and the treaty’s continued relevance to the peace, security, and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific. We committed to further enhance cooperation, including in security, defense, commerce, law enforcement, human rights, and disaster relief.  We agreed to deepen and broaden our maritime security cooperation.  We emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral trade and investment ties to increase prosperity for the people in both countries.  We reviewed our ongoing collaboration in the Partnership for Growth and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.  We recognized the efforts being taken by the Philippine government in resolving human rights cases and discussed positive developments in the prosecution of abuses. We emphasized a mutual commitment to these efforts.

We look forward to continuing our high-level consultation at a joint ministerial meeting between Secretary of State Rodham Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario, and Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin this March.  The two sides also highlighted upcoming opportunities for further high-level engagement, including a visit by Assistant Secretary of State for Political and Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro to the Philippines in February and a visit to the Philippines by Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis in late February to discuss economic issues and the interest of the Philippines in potentially joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

# # #

FACT SHEET

Toward a Deeper Alliance: United States-Philippines Bilateral Cooperation

T he second United States-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue took place in Washington, DC on January 26 and 27.  It was attended by senior officials of our governments who reviewed a number of shared accomplishments achieved over the past year.  Through our deepened partnership our two countries made a number of significant advances across a wide range of issues, and we look forward to continuing our close cooperation in the coming year and beyond.  Some notable recent achievements include:

Defense and Security Cooperation

Secretary of State Clinton, Secretary of Foreign Affairs del Rosario, and Secretary of Defense Gazmin signed the Manila Declaration on November 16, 2011, aboard the USS Fitzgerald; the Declaration reaffirms both countries’ shared obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty and charts a vision for a multi-faceted alliance for the 21st century.

• The United States transferred the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Hamilton, now the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, to the Philippine Navy, supporting Philippine maritime domain awareness.  The transfer of a second cutter is pending U.S. congressional review;

• The Philippine Government streamlined the diplomatic clearance process for U.S. military aircraft and ships, enhancing opportunities for training and interoperability;

• The United States provided advanced officer training and communications equipment to the Philippine Coast Guard;

• Our governments signed a statement of intent to allow joint missions to recover remains of American military personnel deployed in the Philippines during World War II;

• At the request of President Aquino, the U.S. and Philippine Governments collaborated in removing more than 360,000 pounds of leftover WWII naval ordnance from Caballo Island in February 2011.

Prosperity and Governance

Secretary Clinton and Secretary del Rosario signed a Joint Statement of Principles on November 16, 2011, for the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Growth (PFG) and established a Joint Action Plan to guide its implementation;

Also in November, our senior trade officials signed a Trade and Customs Facilitation agreement on the sidelines of the APEC conference in Honolulu, continued discussions on a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, and further discussed the Philippines’ interest in eventually joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership;

Our governments oversaw the entry-into-force of our $434 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact in May 2011, ahead of schedule.  The three compact projects are underway, and;

Presidents Obama and Aquino, together with six other founding countries, launched the Open Government Partnership in September 2011 and welcomed the commitment of over 40 governments to improve transparency, accountability, and civic participation in 21st century governance.

Rule of Law and Law Enforcement

Our governments commissioned a $26 million Megaports Initiative system at the Port of Manila to help deter, detect, and interdict illicit shipments of nuclear and other radioactive materials;

The Philippines formed an interagency airport task force with support from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency to interdict trafficking and help enforce anti-narcotics laws at Ninoy Aquino International Airport;

Following successful cooperation between our law enforcement agencies, the United States returned to the Philippines ill-gotten wealth from former military comptroller Jacinto Ligot and the sons of former military comptroller Carlos Garcia;

Several U.S. agencies helped enhance police and forensics capabilities in Mindanao, and;

·

The U.S. assisted Philippine anti-corruption institutions in increasing their ability to gather and analyze evidence.

Regional and Global Cooperation

As the country coordinator for the U.S.-ASEAN dialogue, the Philippines worked closely with the United States on a number of issues and facilitated President Obama's participation in the Third U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Meeting in Bali.  Areas of Philippine cooperation included successful consultations with nuclear weapons states (NWS), including the United States, that resolved outstanding issues and should ultimately enable the NWS to sign the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty;

The United States and the Philippines cooperated closely in the region’s multilateral bodies, including the ASEAN Regional Forum and East Asia Summit (EAS).  At the EAS in Bali, Presidents Obama and Aquino made strong statements on the region’s pressing political and strategic issues, including maritime security, nonproliferation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and;

The Philippines and the United States, working with Australia, co-chaired a workshop on disease detection and surveillance for ASEAN Regional Forum participants, the third in an on-going series of annual biosecurity workshops held in Manila. # # #

R anking officials of the Philippines and the United States concluded their two-day dialogue in Washington on Friday with a renewed commitment to help each other on a broad range of concerns, including defense and security. Further talks will continue in March with no less than the secretaries of foreign affairs and defense of the two countries cementing what's shaping up as a new form of cooperation between the two allies.

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

DIALOGUE IN WASHINGTON

Philippines, US Commit to 'Expanded Alliance'

By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ

Member, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)

and National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC)

T ORONTO - The Philippines and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to an "invigorated and expanded alliance" at the conclusion of their two-day strategic dialogue in Washington, the White House said Friday.

Coming in the wake of China's military posturing and the renewed interest in the contested Spratly Islands, the restatement of the countries' position on defense, security, law enforcement and maritime security, among others, could be seen as an indication of Washington's earnest attempt to reestablish itself in the Asia Pacific region.

The US presence had been practically nil when its military bases in the Philippines were rendered useless by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, prompting their permanent closure in the early 90s. Besides, the Philippine Senate voted to terminate the bases agreement with the US.

The White House said the talks between the two countries will continue in March between Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and their Philippine counterparts, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

A joint press statement released by the White House to The Filipino Web Channel said the coming together of the two allies is "capable of addressing 21st century challenges". This could be a veiled reference to the situation in Asia where China is taking a significant military posture.

"The dialogue provided an opportunity to consult and exchange views on a broad range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, reflecting our common values and interests," the statement said.

It was co-chaired by Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense Peter Lavoy for the United States, and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio and Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino for the Philippines. Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan chaired the working group on Rule of Law and Law Enforcement.

"We reinforced the significance of our Mutual Defense Treaty as the basis for the alliance and the treaty’s continued relevance to the peace, security, and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific," the statement said.

It continued: "We committed to further enhance cooperation, including in security, defense, commerce, law enforcement, human rights, and disaster relief.  We agreed to deepen and broaden our maritime security cooperation".  # # #

To view my other channels, here are the links:

1. For Filipino community news, visit The Filipino Web Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/FilipinoWebChannel#g/u

2. For mainstream news in Canada and the United States, visit The Gotcha Journalist's Currents & Breaking News Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheGotchaJournalist#g/u

3. For Filipino entertainment news, visit The Filipino Web Entertainment Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/FilWebEntertainment#g/u

For other stories and photos, please visit: 

1. http://currentsbreakingnews.blogspot.com/ 

2. http://torontonewsroom.blogspot.com/

3. http://timecircumstance.blogspot.com/

4. http://travelsthemes.blogspot.com/ 

5. http://gotchajournalist.blogspot.com/ .

By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA

(© 2011 Journal Group Link International)

T he Philippines and United States deepened their partnership when they made a “number of significant advances across a wide range of issues” at the Second United States-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue that took place in Washington, D. C. on Jan. 26 and 27.

According to a press statement from the White House Communications Office, the dialogue was attended by senior officials from both governments, who reviewed a number of shared accomplishments achieved over the past year.

In a joint statement, the two countries said the dialogue was held in the spirit of the November 2011 Manila Declaration, which “provided an opportunity to consult and exchange views on a broad range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, reflecting our common values and interests.”

The dialogue was co-chaired by Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense
Peter Lavoy for the United States and Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Erlinda Basilio and Undersecretary of National Defense Pio Lorenzo Batino for the Republic of the Philippines.  Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan chaired the working group on Rule of Law and Law Enforcement.

A continuing high-level consultation of a joint ministerial meeting between Secretary of State Rodham Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario, and Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin are scheduled this March. 

During the dialogue, the United States and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to fulfill the vision of the Manila Declaration through an invigorated and expanded alliance capable of addressing 21st century challenges. 

“We reinforced the significance of our Mutual Defense Treaty as the basis for the alliance and the treaty’s continued relevance to the peace, security, and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific. We are committed to further enhance cooperation, including in security, defense, commerce, law enforcement, human rights, and disaster relief.  We agreed to deepen and broaden our maritime security cooperation. 

Partnership for Growth and Millennium Challenge

“We emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral trade and investment ties to increase prosperity for the people in both countries.  We reviewed our ongoing collaboration in the Partnership for Growth and the Millennium Challenge Corporation. 

We recognized the efforts being taken by the Philippine government in resolving human rights cases and discussed positive developments in the prosecution of abuses. We emphasized a mutual commitment to these efforts.”

The two sides also announced upcoming opportunities for further high-level engagement, including a visit by Assistant Secretary of State for Political and Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro to the Philippines in February and a visit to the Philippines by Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis in late February to discuss economic issues and the interest of the Philippines in potentially joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

A mong the highlights of cooperation between the two countries during the past years are as follows:

Defense and Security Cooperation

• Secretary of State Clinton, Secretary of Foreign Affairs del Rosario, and Secretary of Defense Gazmin signed the Manila Declaration on November 16, 2011, aboard the USS Fitzgerald; the Declaration reaffirms both countries’ shared obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty and charts a vision for a multi-faceted alliance for the 21st century.

• The United States transferred the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Hamilton, now the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, to the Philippine Navy, supporting Philippine maritime domain awareness.  The transfer of a second cutter is pending U.S. congressional review;

Removal of 360k Pounds of Leftover Ordnance

• The Philippine Government streamlined the diplomatic clearance process for U.S. military aircraft and ships, enhancing opportunities for training and interoperability;

• The United States provided advanced officer training and communications equipment to the Philippine Coast Guard;

• The governments signed a statement of intent to allow joint missions to recover remains of American military personnel deployed in the Philippines during World War II;

• At the request of President Aquino, the U.S. and Philippine Governments collaborated in removing more than 360,000 pounds of leftover WWII naval ordnance from Caballo Island in February 2011.

Prosperity and Governance

• Secretary Clinton and Secretary del Rosario signed a Joint Statement of Principles on November 16, 2011, for the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Growth (PFG) and established a Joint Action Plan to guide its implementation;

• Also in November, the two countries' senior trade officials signed a Trade and Customs Facilitation agreement on the sidelines of the APEC conference in Honolulu, continued discussions on a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, and further discussed the Philippines’ interest in eventually joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership;

$26-Million Megaports Initiative System

• The governments oversaw the entry-into-force of the US's $434 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact in May 2011, ahead of schedule.  The three compact projects are underway, and;

•  Presidents Obama and Aquino, together with six other founding countries, launched the Open Government Partnership in September 2011 and welcomed the commitment of over 40 governments to improve transparency, accountability, and civic participation in 21st century governance.

Rule of Law and Law Enforcement

• The governments commissioned a $26-million Megaports Initiative system at the Port of Manila to help deter, detect, and interdict illicit shipments of nuclear and other radioactive materials;

• The Philippines formed an interagency airport task force with support from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency to interdict trafficking and help enforce anti-narcotics laws at Ninoy Aquino International Airport;

• Following successful cooperation between our law enforcement agencies, the United States returned to the Philippines ill-gotten wealth from former military comptroller Jacinto Ligot and the sons of former military comptroller Carlos Garcia;

• Several U.S. agencies helped enhance police and forensics capabilities in Mindanao, and;

• The U.S. assisted Philippine anti-corruption institutions in increasing their ability to gather and analyze evidence.

Regional and Global Cooperation

• As the country coordinator for the U.S.-ASEAN dialogue, the Philippines worked closely with the United States on a number of issues and facilitated President Obama's participation in the Third U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Meeting in Bali.  Areas of Philippine cooperation included successful consultations with nuclear weapons states (NWS), including the United States, that resolved outstanding issues and should ultimately enable the NWS to sign the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty;

• The United States and the Philippines cooperated closely in the region’s multilateral bodies, including the ASEAN Regional Forum and East Asia Summit (EAS).  At the EAS in Bali, Presidents Obama and Aquino made strong statements on the region’s pressing political and strategic issues, including maritime security, nonproliferation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and;

The Philippines and the United States, working with Australia, co-chaired a workshop on disease detection and surveillance for ASEAN Regional Forum participants, the third in an on-going series of annual biosecurity workshops held in Manila. # # #

Editor’s Note: To contact the author, please e-mail him at: (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)

JGL Eye Column

By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA

(© 2012 Journal Group Link International)

{xtypo_quote} Kung sino ang malapit sa kalan ang siyang nauulingan. (Whoever is near the stove gets the stove’s black coating (soot).) – Filipino proverb {/xtypo_quote}

C HICAGO (jGLi) -- With the attention of the Filipino people riveted on the impeachment of Philippine Chief Justice Renato Corona, I am going to digress for now from it by discussing a graft case that was lost from the radar of the fickle-minded Filipinos.


The Blue Ribbon committee investigation conducted by the Philippine Senate last year did not really attract my attention until someone (a Chicago community activist, MJ Singson) forwarded me the 160-page result of the investigation.

I thought it was just one of the run-of-the-mill investigations conducted by the Philippine Senate that should be treated as a spam.

But in reading the report chaired by Sen. Teopisto “TG” Guingona, III, I noticed how Rosario Uriarte, former vice chair and general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, painted herself as stupid and moronic in stealing millions of pesos from the Filipino taxpayers and how the gullible former President and now detained Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) approved such fund requisitions in brazen fashions.

If the court (Sandiganbayan) will convict GMA and Uriarte of unbailable plunder that calls for maximum penalty of a life in prison, it will not be surprising. They are also facing technical malversation charges before the Ombudsman.

If GMA denies ever pocketing those millions, she would still be liable under the principle of command responsibility for losing those millions under her watch.

Uriarte and GMA are believed to have pocketed 244-million pesos (US$5.8-million) from PCSO.

If GMA feels that she is being “persecuted” by the Aquino administration, she should think again. If GMA were smart, she should have fired and sent Uriarte to jail after a few times that Uriarte presented her carbon copy memoranda, seeking authorizations to withdraw money from the PCSO.

GMA COULD NOT DENY “SMOKING GUNS”

B ut by affixing her signatures to the requisitions, GMA just provided the “smoking guns” to the conspiracy.

Even granting that Uriarte faked GMA’s signatures on those memoranda, if GMA were on top of the situation, she should be able to stop cold the unwarranted raids of the PCSO treasury by getting feedback or intelligence from the people she trusted in the PCSO.

If GMA could not even put a trusted person in such graft-ridden agency as the PCSO that was entirely her undoing.

GMA should not have waited three years for Uriarte to bleed the PCSO dry with 325-million pesos (US$7.7-million).

After learning some ideas from PCSO predecessor in 2000 under the term of my friend, former President Joseph Estrada, Uriarte perfected the art of securing monies from the PCSO and never got tired doing so.

The template letter from the Feb. 21, 2000 PCSO Chair Rosario Lopez first secured 5-million pesos (US$11,94.00) citing the need for “confidential/intelligence funds” (CIF’s) to conduct “current investigation of medicines with Botika ng Masa labels of the PCSO” when they ended up for sale in the commercial market. “Since investigation on the matter had to be done in utmost secrecy lest the image and credibility of the project and the participating government hospitals be put in question by the media,” there was a need for the multi-million-peso funding.

Lopez also cited “instances where PCSO ambulances were used for commercial purposes, and even as 'getaway vehicle and in transporting prohibited drugs;'” and syndicates, pretending to be from PCSO and talking to some unwitting victims into depositing certain amounts to a bank account after being assured that they won the lottery.

“For essentially the same purposes,” the Senate report said, “it is, however, mind-numbingly shocking that for the years 2008 to 2010, the pot for PCSO’s CIF contained 325-million pesos (US$7.7-Million).”

URIARTE HAD NOTHING TO SHOW FOR 325-M PESOS

W hat was galling was that after withdrawing these millions, Uriarte could not even show any accomplishment for the expenses. Not even a liquidation receipt, nor a court case that would indicate that PCSO broke up or caught the syndicates involving “Botika ng Masa,” PCSO ambulance drug traffickers, and PCSO’s alleged bank scammers.

Uriarte might have released the 17-million pesos (US$404,000.00) as “blood money” for an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker). But such release was “contrary to the purposes for which these funds were requested and approved.”

The PCSO even outspent Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines “3.5 times larger” in confidential and intelligence funds although ISAFP's main task was to conduct intelligence work while PCSO’s principal mandate was to spend for charitable causes. In 2010, PCSO spent 160-million (US$3.8-M) in CIF’s while ISAFP budget was 63-million pesos (US$1.5-M) for intelligence.

But in 2009, Uriarte’s idiotic letters requested 70-million pesos (US$1.6-M) and 37-million pesos (US$880,000) for “bomb threat, kidnapping, terrorism and destabilization” and “bilateral and security relation.” But Uriarte could not even explain to the Senators what the payments were for.

Uriarte used the same excuses when she requested during the 2010 election year 47-million pesos (US$1.1-million) and 90-million pesos (US$2.1-million).
Checks to these “Special Funds” released “By Special Authority of the President” were made out in the name of Uriarte as “Special Disbursing Officer,” not the treasurer of PCSO.

Aside from intelligence funds, the Senate also found PCSO liable for excessive public relations/advertising spending (7.3-billion pesos or US$173-million from 2001 to 2010) as a case was filed before the Ombudsman against PCSO’s PR manager Manuel C. Garcia, for extorting 40% commissions from ad solicitors and Garcia could have amassed 1.5-billion (US$35-million); for leasing equipment for US$148-million, instead of buying the equipment for US$25-million; questionable STL (small town lottery) remittances, ambulance donations and co-mingling of funds; questionable P42-B (US$1-B) investment of PCSO and TMA’s (an Australian company) P4.4-B (US$104-M) Contractual Joint Venture Agreement that will give PCSO ROI (return-of-investment) of 20% while TMA gets 80% in 50 years rubber-stamped by Uriarte, PCSO Directors Jose Taruc V, Ma. Fatima A.S. Valdes, Raymundo Roquero and Manuel Morato; P6.940-M (US$165,238.00) donations of vehicles to members of the Catholic Church (in violation of separation of church and state); possible conflicts of interests in relation to the properties of former PCSO chair and concurrent board member, Manuel Morato after receiving 70-million pesos (US$1.6-million) as majority stock holder of TF ventures; and possible election offenses committed by Manuel Morato for PCSO’s sponsorship of P27-M (US$653, 260.00) “Dial M” TV program. # # #

Editor’s Note: To contact the author, please e-mail him at: (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)

JGL Eye Column

By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA

(© 2011 Journal Group Link International)

C HICAGO (jGLi) – The provisions of the Philippine Constitution on impeachment are near carbon copies of the United States Constitution so it will be safe to assume that the Philippine senators trying Philippine Chief Justice Renato Corona can look up to precedents on impeachment proceedings in the U.S. Senate for indirect guidance.

In both Constitutions, the use of standard of proof to be used is silent; leaving no doubt that the Senators-jurors would have to use their conscience to decide the fate of the Chief Justice.

On Day 5 of the impeachment trial last Tuesday (Jan. 24), there were bickerings among the Senator-jurors, the Congressmen-prosecutors and the defense as to what standard of proof the Senators-jurors is going to adopt: preponderance of evidence required in civil cases or proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal trials?

Of course, if you ask the contending parties, it is very easy to tell which proof the jurors would like them to take.

If you ask the defense led by former Supreme Court Associate Justice Serafin Cuevas, he will tell you the “quantum” of proof should be the higher and harder  standard – “proof beyond reasonable doubt.”

But if you ask the Congressmen-prosecutors led by Rep. Niel C. Tupas, Jr., he wants lower standard of proof of preponderance of evidence.

But in the middle of the debate, former court judge and now Senator and legal luminary Miriam Santiago gave her piece of mind by suggesting a middle ground  – “I humbly submit that the standard of proof be overwhelming preponderance of evidence.”

Mr. Tupas insisted by saying “substantial evidence” is good enough for him. While Justice Cuevas stood his ground by insisting, it must be “beyond reasonable doubt.”

Mr. Cuevas explained that in simple libel or malicious mischief cases that penalize offender with less than six months, the standard of proof needed to convict is proof beyond reasonable. While the removal from public office and perpetual disqualification from public office are “practically death sentence! It is not temporary.”

Unable to reach agreement, Senator Santiago suggested that the “polar differences can only be resolved in caucus.”

“PROOF BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT”?

D uring the impending impeachment of President Richard Nixon, the Minority Views in the Report of the House Judiciary Committee on Impeachment supported adoption of “proof-beyond reasonable-doubt standard” because certain words such as “try,” “convicted” and “conviction” suggest that impeachment might be likened to a criminal proceeding, where standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt is required of the Senate.

And during the Senate trial of the impeachment of Judge Harry E. Claiborne in 1986, Claiborne’s lawyers filed a motion to designate beyond reasonable doubt as the applicable standard for the Senate to reach determination.

Like Corona’s lawyers, Claiborne’s lawyers argued that the constitutional language made it clear that an impeachment trial was in the nature of criminal proceeding. The consequences for the defendant were grave, requiring the prosecutors to be held to the highest standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

In opposing the Claiborne motion, House Managers noted that the reasonable doubt standard was designed to protect criminal defendants, who risked “forfeitures of life, liberty and property.” (Quoting Brinegar v. United States, 338 U.S. 160, 174 (1949).

When put to a vote, the Judge Claiborne’s motion for reasonable doubt was soundly defeated with 75 nays votes against 17 yeas, sending a message that the standard to apply was up to each Senator to decide individually.

In explaining his vote, Senator Orrin Hatch relied on the criminal conviction standard as required in the House Articles of Impeachment that required the Senate to ascertain whether beyond a reasonable doubt Judge Claiborne intentionally filed a false tax return.

NO MIDDLE GROUND

In one of the reports of the National Commission on Judicial Discipline and Removal, it was suggested that the appropriate standard of proof was the middle-ground --  “clear and convincing evidence” -- that the respondent has committed an impeachable offense. It gives force to the purpose of remedying judicial abuse of power, while recognizing the competing interests of avoiding unjustified removals and protecting judicial independence.

This issue of standard of proof was later revisited during the impeachment of District Judge Alcee L. Hastings by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, who asked the Trial Impeachment Committee, what standard to use. Sen. Warren Rudman told him, “I don’t think you are going to find one, Joe. I think it is going to be whatever you apply to it. We looked through that last time, and you are not going to find it. It is what is in the mind of every Senator. If you want to use clear and convincing, preponderance, if you want to use beyond a reasonable doubt—I think it is what everybody decides for themselves.”

But in the end, the Commission recognizes that each Senator is both judge and juror. As Senate Legal Counsel Michael Davidson explained, “it is the sum of Senators’ separate judgments that amount to either conviction or acquittal: any member is entitled to establish the highest, the medium, or a lower standard to govern his or her analysis of the evidence.”

District Judge Harry E. Claiborne, who was impeached and tried for filing a false tax return (had already been convicted in federal court) was convicted in 1986. While District Judge Alcee L. Hastings, who was impeached for perjury and bribery (although acquitted by a jury on the charges) was impeached and convicted by the Senate in 1989.

If you ask me, I would support the fourth alternative – the use of the conscience of each Senator – that is adopted by jurors in common-law trials. It has worked that way since the first impeachment of William Blount, a senator from Tennessee, in 1797 up to 2010 that resulted in the removal from office of Federal Judge Thomas Porteous. # # #

Editor’s Note: To contact the author, please e-mail him at: (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)

Diehard Nazareno Nation, 2012

                                     by Roberto M. Bernardo, author of Rizal vs Catholicism

                                                     rbernardo2@yahoo.com

F aith-besotted, swarming in want and benighted still

This Nazareno Nation inclines to theocratic ways of old.

It bristles as then with Mom Mary & her Babe’s icons,

While used to making its praised Wielder of the Bolo

 Cut down to size its unread Pride of the Malay Race.

Unknown is this freethinker's anti-Catholic anti-arms stance,

If it knew clamors would have put the arms-wielder on Top,

Of the new colonizers' preference for the radical reformist.

These knew him for Enlightenist Church-State separatist,

While Nazarenos viewed him as rebel Catholic deep down.

Church-fought freethought Noli asked in its epigraph:

"How can such wastrels & rats to greatness ever rise?".

None yet know that work as such, none care to reread.

Knowledge-Morals tests rank low this Nazareno Nation,

Custom-made butt for First Worlders in scorn to kick. # # #