FREE Songs for the Mass

Hi, I am giving a Christmas gift to those who are interested.  Actually, this is my gift to the Church.  It is a songbook composed of 12 songs for the mass, a mix of English, Tagalog and Cebuano.  If you have a friend/s who are choir members, trainers or simply would like to sing songs to the Lord, email me at randytudy@gmail.com and I will send you an electronic copy. This is a FREE Songbook.

To God be the glory.

How can we make the world a better place to live in?

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I remember one world economist who once commented, "80% of the world's resources are only enjoyed by 20% of the world's population."  In other words, 80% of the world's population only enjoys 20% of the world's resources.

There's so much inequality in the world today.  I happened to read a story in the internet and I would like to share it to you.  For me, as we celebrate Holy Week,  this story is the message of Christ's dying on the cross for us. Read the story below

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"We enter a little coffeehouse with a friend of mine and give our order. While we’re approaching our table two people come in and they go to the counter:

‘Five coffees, please. Two of them for us and three suspended’ They pay for their order, take the two and leave.

I ask my friend: “What are those ‘suspended’ coffees?”

My friend: “Wait for it and you will see.”

Some more people enter. Two girls ask for one coffee each, pay and go. The next order was for seven coffees and it was made by three lawyers - three for them and four ‘suspended’. While I still wonder what’s the deal with those ‘suspended’ coffees I enjoy the sunny weather and the beautiful view towards the square in front of the café. Suddenly a man dressed in shabby clothes who looks like a beggar comes in through the door and kindly asks

‘Do you have a suspended coffee ?’

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It’s simple - people pay in advance for a coffee meant for someone who can not afford a warm beverage  The tradition with the suspended coffees started in Naples, but it has spread all over the world and in some places you can order not only a suspended coffee, but also a sandwich or a whole meal.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have such cafés or even grocery stores in every town where the less fortunate will find hope and support ? If you own a business why don’t you offer it to your clients… I am sure many of them will like it."

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What makes Good Friday good?

by Randy Tudy

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Did you ever wonder why the day when the whole Christendom commemorates the death of Jesus it is called Good Friday?  What makes it good?

Because it is birthday celebration.  What?

Before I proceed, let me tell you something about today.  At 5:00 this morning (March 29), I was awakened by a call.  The first words I heard from the phone were “Happy birthday, sir!”  Yes, it’s my birthday today.  I was thankful for that call because it pushed me to wake up, go to the bathroom, change clothes and get ready for the 6 am Via Crucis (Way of the Cross).

So, today is a (good) Friday for me.

 

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Now going back to  the question, What makes Good Friday good?  There are several explanations to this but allow me to share a few, which are related to my personal celebration today.

There are two theological reflections to explain why the day of Jesus’ death is called Good Friday.

1. Birth of the Church.  Good Friday is the birth of the church.  This is how the Bible narrates in John 19:32-34:

32	So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him;
33	but when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.
34	But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.

Water is symbolic in this passage.  It refers to the Sacraments or the Church.  Thus, the death of Jesus marks the birth of the Church. 

 

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2. The Church is entrusted to her mother.  Jesus knew that his physical presence would affect in the short-term towards the apostles and disciples.  Though He promised that the Holy Spirit will guide them, he also made it sure that they were under the care of a human hands and heart.  This is the role of Mother Mary.  This is how the Bible explain in Jn. 19: 26-27.

26	When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!"
27	Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

 

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In this passage, the beloved disciple represented the Church.  Jesus, in this episode, entrusted the Church to her mother.

Thus, Good Friday is indeed a good day because it is a celebration of the Church’s birth and the commemoration on the official role of Mary as the mother of the Church. 

 

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On the personal note, it is a (good) Friday because I am with the church in celebrating her birth while I also celebrate mine.  I am one with the Church in honoring her mother while I also thank my own mother for delivering me into this world.

May the celebration of Good Friday inspire us to follow Jesus and at the same time encourage us to be faithful in serving Him through the Church with Mary as our guide and protector.

Celebrating Palm Sunday religiously

by Randy Tudy

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I still remember as a young kid how excited I was during Palm Sunday.  Of course, it was fun seeing new things during this particular Sunday.  First, I really liked the palms with different designs.  One time I even made one, a cross, and I was so happy doing it.

In the Church, another something new was the way the gospel was read.  It was no only the priest but many people.

Today?  The same.  I still witness same practices.  

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Question?  With this routine and almost the same experience, do we still see meaning in the celebration?  In almost all homilies, the priest would always highlight the meaning of symbols and how these would inspire people to get closer to God.

The challenge for each Christian is to see the relevance of the celebration and all the symbols associated with it.  That is why Lent  is a time for prayer and reflection.

In order to deepen my point, watch this VIDEO and reflect on the seriousness and religiosity of Palm Sunday.

CLICK HERE.   

Do you believe you will be rewarded for your sacrifices?

by Randy Tudy

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This afternoon I attended a graduation party of the eldest daughter of my childhood friend, Anelyn. Actually, all her sisters and brother were my childhood friends because were were neighbors.  When their family transferred residence we never saw it each other again for may be 30 years already.  I recently had contact with Anelyn through Facebook.  She and her family lived in Davao City, around 5 hours of travel from our hometown, Mapawa, Maragusan, Comval Province.

The celebration was festive. The room was filled with family members, relatives and friends.  Moreover, the celebration became more meaningful because the center of the celebration, Queenie, graduated as a Cum Laude at Ateneo de Davao University, one of the prestigious schools in the Philippines.

I came to the celebration upon the invitation Analyn and learning of her mother’s attendance.  I also wanted to see my childhood friends.  Erlinda, the mother , was a former teacher in our barrio’s only elementary school.  Although I was not under her I knew their family.

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What I could remember most was how Maam Erlinda struggled to meet the needs of the family because she raised them alone. It was may be one big reason why they have transferred residence to look for better pasture.

To make the long story short, Maam Erlinda went to Canada and last Monday came home for the big celebration.

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The moment I saw her I immediately recognized.  I was surprised.  She seemed not getting older.  Her face was glowing and really showed happiness and contentment.  Then I met my childhood friends with their children.

They were a still a happy family.  They remained simple. But I could see that Maam Erlinda was happier.  She is a very successful mother.  I saw it in her eyes.  Her happiness was contagious which led me to reflect on the goodness of God to her and the whole family.

Indeed, God rewards people who are committed to make their dreams come true.  He blesses those who trust in Him. He never loses sight those who struggle but find ways to maximize His blessings.

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I even imagine myself in the person of Ma'am Erlina.  I look forward to the day when I just look back and smile at the struggles I went through but most importantly enjoy  on the blessings of God. 

Reflecting on the life of Ma'am Erlinda  I learn about patience.  Raising her children alone was not a joke.  She did everything she could and I’m sure there were so many down moments in her life.

I learn about perseverance.  She never quit.  Her children were her inspiration.  Going to Canada, she said, was a blessing because she was able to extend help to her children. 

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I learn about love of God.  Just seeing her happy and watching her children and grandchildren gathered together, I believe she is blessed.

This week is graduation week in the Philippines.  This is one of the happiest weeks for parents whose children are graduating.  Graduation is a testament of God’s unconditional love for His people.  The diploma symbolizes His grace and blessings.

Friends, whatever situation you are in now, whatever struggles you are encountering now, be strong.  In the end, you will just look back and smile.  Your reward is ready because you have a compassionate, caring, loving and compassionate God.

How to live a genuine life as a Christian professional

by Randy Tudy

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In my article entitled “What makes Christian professional truly Christian”, I posted the views of my online friends.

This time I would like to share the views of my other online friends on being a genuine Christian professional.  I am very happy and proud to post them here.

"For me it’s turning the other cheek when others don't...going the extra mile....giving twice more than someone expects or asks....not tormenting your fellow coworkers like others sometimes do...loving people when others do not....not bullying....accepting others as they are and then telling them how or why your life is different...ie your belief in Jesus."
  

"To be a Christian is a title/position we hold and not a service that we perform. Whether be it in the office, home, or at the beach. It is who we are, based on our relationship with Christ. We are called to demonstrate Christ-like behavior in all areas of our lives. So we are by definition, exhibitors of Godly behavior. We don't have to "act with integrity" because "WE ARE PEOPLE OF INTEGRITY", so there is no other way to be. Neither do we have act with character, we are people of character. Our relationship defines who we are, not our acts, our services, or our profession."

"When he or she keeps in mind that the audience of heaven, GOD & HIS angels are listening & viewing all that we do & we still do what is right by HIS standards not our worldly learned ones no matter what the circumstances, situations, obstacles or behaviors being demonstrated, exhibited or exemplified because it pleases GOD and it is the right thing to do...."

"Even as Christian Professionals we are to maintain the standards GOD has put up & set in place for us to follow & abide by doing all things by & through L.O.V.E. (Living Omnipotently Victoriously Eternally-everlasting) embracing HIS kingdom mentality & identity HE has given us in the mind of CHRIST which we must allow & put on letting HIS mind permeate are entire being. It is the mind of CHRIST that is the catalyst of change in our life which that alters our identity into HIS as we trust, believe & depend on GOD for all things by being in expectation HE will give us the best of the best in all things..."

"I'm in Law School but I realize the challenges of maintaining a Christlike nature in during working life, education and beyond. To say law school's competitive is an understatement- it's like the Hunger Games. During lectures and tutorials, hardly anyone talks to each other out of competition. Our Christian lawyer small group has been trying to show Christ's love and concern to non-Christian lawyers but it can be hard- think "Turn the other cheek" and how Jesus was rejected."

"I think to truly be a Christian in a professional setting would be to realize the privilege of having an income stream and challenging (though at times tedious) work to do, and pray for the Lord's strength while on the job. It is through these things that the Lord encourages us to put our trust in Him and rely not on our own strength." 

Let us know also of your own view.  Write it on the comments  box below.

Who is your real boss?

by Randy Tudy

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Our president, Benigno Aquino, delivered a very strong message during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA). “Kayo ang boss ko” (You are my boss).  Sure enough, he worked hard to listen and act on the sentiments of the people, at least on his own capacity.  These words were also used by activists to remind the president of his words noting the inconsistencies that are happening in the country.

One time  I accompanied my wife to her hometown.  She was the commencement speaker of her alma matter.  I happened to sit at table with a couple, Neneng and Nonong. Neneng is the principal of the school where my wife was to deliver her speech.  Nonong is a district supervisor.

In our conversation at table, there was something that they shared that caught my attention.  They said their boss is not the people they serve.  I began to wonder what kind of leadership philosophy they have knowing that they are working in the government under the Aquino administration.  They explained that their boss is not the people but God.

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Boom!  Gotcha!  They further explained that if you put God as your boss all your actions will be for the good of the people under you.  You lead by example.  You guide them to become better, if not excellent. 

This prompted me to think of how other leaders practice genuine leadership.  If God is your boss, you will surely not allow corruption in your organization. If God is your boss, you will surely preach love, unity and peace. 

How I wish leaders of nations and even small organizations, or school for that matter, live up to this philosophy or we may call it principle of leadership.  God is our boss.  Everything follows according to His will. 

freechristimages.org

It doesn't mean you will not follow the vision, mission and values of your organization.  God’s values are universal.  These can be applied in any organization.  Why?  Because the center of any kind of leadership is LOVE. 

If you lead with love, your boss is God.