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Responsorial Psalm

 Psalm 79:1-2, 3-5, 8, 9

R: For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us. 

1 O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. 2 They have given the corpses of your servants as food to the birds of heaven, the flesh of your faithful ones to the beasts of the earth. (R) 3 They have poured out their blood like water round about Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury them. 4 We have become the reproach of our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us. 5 O Lord, how long? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire? (R) 8 Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low. (R) 9 Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; deliver us and pardon our sins for your name’s sake. (R) 

Historical Background:

The psalm was written during or after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian armies. This event was a significant and traumatic moment in Jewish history, marking the beginning of the Babylonian exile. The psalm vividly describes the desecration of the temple, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the disgrace of the people, whose bodies were left unburied.

Psalm 79 is a lament attributed to Asaph, reflecting on the devastation of Jerusalem, likely after the Babylonian invasion in 586 B.C.12. Although attributed to Asaph, it is likely that a later Asaph or a descendant of the original Asaph, who served during King David and Solomon’s reigns, wrote this psalm.

Theological Context

The psalmist pleads with God for mercy, forgiveness, and deliverance from their enemies. He laments the invasion of Jerusalem, the defilement of the temple, and the desecration of the holy city. He describes the bloodshed and the humiliation of the people, expressing a deep sense of abandonment and reproach. There is a call for God to remember His people and to repay their enemies for the atrocities committed.

This psalm is a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin, the importance of repentance, and the hope for God’s mercy and restoration.

Learning Lessons:

Devastation and suffering is a direct result of the people’s disobedience and sin. This serves as a reminder for us of the serious consequences of turning away from God and the need for repentance and seeking God’s grace in times of distress. 

We should plea for God’s mercy and forgiveness and trust in God’s unchanging nature and His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. Let us acknowledge God’s sovereignty, even in difficult and painful circumstances seeking His comfort and healing.

These lessons remind us of the importance of recognizing God’s sovereignty, understanding the consequences of sin, empathizing with those who suffer, seeking God’s mercy, and holding onto hope in His faithfulness.

In times of sorrow, pain, and strife,

When darkness clouds the path of life,

We see the fruits of sin’s cruel hand,

A broken, weary, suffering land.

Disobedience brings its toll,

A heavy burden on the soul,

Yet in this anguish, we must see,

A call to turn, repent, and plea.

For God’s grace in times of need,

His mercy, like a gentle seed,

Can bloom within our hearts anew,

And guide us with a love so true.

Though circumstances may seem bleak,

His promises we still must seek,

For God is constant, never changing,

His love and care, ever arranging.

In sovereignty, He holds us tight,

Through darkest days and longest night,

So let us seek His comfort, healing,

In every prayer, in every feeling.

Devastation and suffering, a heavy toll,

From disobedience, sin takes its role.

A reminder stark, of consequences dire,

When we turn from God, and quench His fire.

In times of distress, we must repent,

Seek His grace, our hearts lament.

Plea for mercy, forgiveness true,

Trust in His promises, ever new.

Though circumstances may seem bleak,

God’s unchanging nature we seek.

His sovereignty, in pain and strife,

Comfort and healing, in every life.

Let us acknowledge His mighty hand,

In every trial, understand.

His love endures, His grace prevails,

In every storm, His peace entails.

Heavenly Father,

In times of devastation and suffering, we come before You, acknowledging that these trials are often the result of our disobedience and sin. We are reminded of the serious consequences of turning away from You, and we humbly seek Your grace in these moments of distress.

Lord, we plea for Your mercy and forgiveness. Cleanse our hearts and renew our spirits. Help us to trust in Your unchanging nature and Your promises, even when our circumstances seem bleak and overwhelming.

We acknowledge Your sovereignty, O God, even in the midst of difficult and painful situations. We seek Your comfort and healing, knowing that You are always with us, guiding and sustaining us.

Grant us the strength to repent sincerely and to turn back to You with all our hearts. May Your love and grace fill our lives, bringing peace and restoration.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

Third Book of Psalms 73-89

A PRAYER FOR JERUSALEM

Psalm 79:1-13

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

June 27, 2024, 7:40 AM

Bill of Divorce

 They replied, “Moses permitted him to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. (Mark 10:4-5)

While divorce is not part of God's original plan, He understands human weakness and frailty. Let us strive for God's ideals to value and honor our marital commitments while acknowledging our human limitations.

The Philippine House of Representatives has recently passed the Absolute Divorce Bill on its third and final reading². This bill, House Bill (HB) 9349, also known as the proposed Absolute Divorce Act, was passed with 126 affirmative votes, 109 negative votes, and 20 abstentions².

The bill signifies a significant shift in societal attitudes towards marriage and relationships in the Philippines². It provides options for individuals trapped in "unhappy and irreparable marriages"². The bill does not recognize "no-fault, quickie drive-thru, email or notarial divorces" as there are limited and reasonable grounds for divorce and a petition will have to undergo judicial scrutiny to prevent abuse and collusion of the parties².

The grounds for absolute divorce include psychological incapacity, irreconcilable differences, domestic or marital abuse, when one of the spouses undergoes a sex reassignment surgery or transitions from one sex to another, and separation of the spouses for at least five years². The grounds for legal separation under the Family Code of the Philippines can also be considered grounds for absolute divorce².

This is a significant development as the Philippines remains one of the only two countries in the world, along with the Vatican, where divorce does not legally exist¹. However, it's important to note that this bill has only been passed in the House of Representatives and still needs to be approved by the Senate⁴. (Conversation with Copilot)

DEATH AND FUNERAL OF CORAZON COJUANGCO AQUINO

You are my shelter; from distress you will preserve me; with glad cries of freedom you will ring me round. 

Psalm 32:7

Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino, the eleventh President of the Philippines, died at the age of 76 on August 1, 2009 at 03:18 PH at the Makati Medical Center in Makati of cardiorespiratory arrest after being in hospital since June 2009, and was first diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2008.

The Aquino family declined an invitation by government to grant the former president a state funeral. Her funeral was held on August 5, 2009, and her body was buried at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque. She is the first woman and the second President and layman after Carlos P. García to have their wake at the Manila Cathedral.

In December 2007, Aquino experienced periodic fluctuations of blood pressure, difficulty in breathing, hair loss, loss of appetite and a remarkable drop in weight. Some days after, her physician informed the Aquino family that she had vaginal cancer, and by mid-March 2008, she confided the nature of her disease to a close friend, Rev Catalino Arévalo.

On March 24, 2008, her youngest daughter, television presenter and actress Kris Aquino, disclosed that her mother began to experience cancer symptoms before 2008, difficulty in breathing, persistent cough and loss of appetite. Her only brother, then-senator Benigno Aquino III, was at her side as she made the announcement. Kris also said that the March 19 result of her mother's ultrasound revealed the disease was primarily due to gonorrhea, where the cancer started on colon glands. Her spokesperson, Deedee Sytangco, said that her colon cancer was at stage four prior to discovery. While she had initially been informed by physicians that she had only three months to live, Mme. Aquino pursued chemotherapy.

Citizens were shocked because some days before, Aquino had made a public appearance at protests against the Arroyo government. She was known before her confinement to be an avid supporter of NBN-ZTE scandal primary witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr., and actively attended Masses and rallies for him.

Aquino's casket initially lay in state at the St. Benilde Gymnasium of La Salle Green Hills in Mandaluyong, before it was transferred to Manila Cathedral on August 3. A crowd estimated at 120,000 witnessed the transfer of her remains from La Salle Green Hills to Manila Cathedral. Most mourners were concentrated at the Benigno Aquino Jr. memorial along Ayala Avenue, Makati, where the funeral procession paused briefly while the crowds sang "Bayan Ko.

The Church in the Philippines permitted Aquino to lie in state under the Cathedral's crossing, making her the first woman and only the second layman after former President Carlos P. García to be given the honour, which is often reserved for a deceased Archbishop of Manila.

In a surprising gesture of civility, Bongbong and Imee Marcos (the children of the Aquinos' bitter political rival, former President Ferdinand Marcos) paid their last respects at the Cathedral on August 4. President Arroyo cut short her visit to the United States, and attended the wake in the early hours of Wednesday, August 5, where she spoke with Senator Aquino for about seven minutes. The Requiem Mass and interment were scheduled for later that day, which was declared as a special, non-working holiday by President Arroyo.

The Requiem Mass for Aquino was held on August 5, and was officiated by then-Balanga Bishop Socrates Villegas with then-Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, along with more than a dozen other bishops and priests. Jesuit priest Fr. Catalino Arevalo, Aquino's personal friend and spiritual adviser delivered the homily.

Aquino's casket arrived at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque, eight hours after leaving the Cathedral. Her immediate family and close associates rode in a caravan of 13 coaches, while mourners and supporters in black and yellow marched beside the hearse and lined the route, chanting her name and flashing the Laban sign ("fight" made by holding the thumb and forefinger at right angles to form an "L"). The crowd that lined the funeral route that passed through Manila, Makati, Pasay, and Parañaque was estimated to be between 1 and 5 people.


Source:
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_funeral_of_Corazon_Aquino

BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

“If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”
Mark 9:35

KAYO ANG BOSS 

The Inauguration of Benigno S. Aquino III as the fifteenth President of the Philippines took place on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. The oath of office was administered by Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Conchita Carpio-Morales. The theme of the inauguration was "Tagumpay ng Taumbayan, Panata sa Pagbabago" (English: The People's Victory, An Oath for Change). The Inauguration was organized jointly by the Presidential Transition Cooperation Team of outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Transition Team of incoming President Aquino. The inauguration formally ended the Presidential transition of Benigno Aquino III that began when Aquino won the 2010 Philippine presidential election On June 9, 2010, the Congress of the Philippines in joint session proclaimed Aquino as the President-elect of the Philippines at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. Upon his accession, Aquino subsequently resigned his seat in Senate, which remained vacant until the following election in 2013. The inaugural ceremony was hosted by Jim Paredes from APO Hiking Society and Mae Paner, a comedian and political satirist known for her character, Juana Change. The inaugural started at around 11:00 PST with Charice (now Jake Zyrus) singing the Lupang Hinirang. A musical ensemble followed featuring the APO Hiking Society, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Noel Cabangon, Gary Valenciano, Nina, Christian Bautista and other musicians. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile then read the proclamation of the election results. Later on, the assembled crowds were led in the recitation of the "Panata sa Pagbabago" (Oath for Change).


Source:
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inauguration_of_Benigno_Aquino_III

PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE

All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change. 

 James 1:17

CHANGE IS COMING

The inauguration of Rodrigo Duterte as the 16th President of the Philippines took place at around noon (PHT) on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañang Palace in Manila. The oath of office was administered by the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, Bienvenido L. Reyes. Veronica Duterte, Duterte's daughter with Honeylet Avanceña, held the Bible of the president's mother Soledad for her father. Veronica was joined by her three siblings, namely Sara, Paolo and Sebastian.

It was the fourth Philippine presidential inauguration that was held in Malacañang, the second scheduled since the fourth inauguration of Ferdinand Marcos, held in the midst of the 1986 People Power Revolution. The Inauguration was organized jointly by the Presidential Transition Cooperation Team of outgoing President Benigno Aquino III and the Transition Team of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte.

The rites started with a departure honors for outgoing president Benigno Aquino III in the Malacañang Palace grounds, a 21 gun-salute was given to Aquino by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in honor for the former commander-in-chief. After the arrival of Duterte in the Rizal Hall, Lupang Hinirang, the Philippine National Anthem was played, followed by an interfaith prayer, and a musical performance by Freddie Aguilar who sang "Para sa Tunay na Pagbabago", the official campaign song of Duterte to the tune of one of Aguilar's songs, Ipaglalaban Ko. Senate President Franklin Drilon read the joint resolution by both Houses to congratulate Duterte and Robredo for their victory in the 2016 elections. At exactly 12:00  noonPHT, Duterte took oath as president by Ascociate Justice Reyes administered the oath of office.

The inaugural speech was delivered mostly in English with a little mix of Filipino and Cebuano. He vowed for the next six years to restore the people's trust and confidence in the government. He also said that the campaign against drugs and criminality would be relentless and sustained within the bounds of the law. Duterte also promised to secure peace agreements with the Moro separatists and the New People's Army, in accordance with the constitutional and legal reforms. He also vowed to eliminate red tape in government agencies by instructing his incoming cabinet members and agency heads to reduce requirements and processing time of applications. He also directed them to avoid changing the rules on any government contracts and transactions.



Source:
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inauguration_of_Rodrigo_Duterte

TAAL VOLCANO ERUPTION

When the Lord washes away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purges Jerusalem’s blood from her midst with a blast of searing judgment, then will the Lord create, over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her place of assembly, a smoking cloud by day and a light of flaming fire by night. 

Isaiah 4:4-5

The eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas, Philippines on January 12, 2020,  43 years after its previous eruption in 1977, was a phreatic eruption from its main crater that spewed ashes across Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and some parts of Central Luzon and Ilocos Region, resulting to the suspension of classes, work schedules, and flights in the area. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) subsequently issued an Alert Level 4, indicating "that a hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days."

Ashfall from the volcano were also experienced in Cavite and Laguna, and reached as far as Metro Manila and Pampanga. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources presented a study that the air quality index of cities in Metro Manila had worsened; Mandaluyong had the highest amount of inhalable coarse particulate matter (PM10) with 118, followed by Las Piñas (108) and Taguig (104), all of which were "considered unhealthy for sensitive groups" with respiratory issues.

Demand for N95 masks increased rapidly, with some stores inflating its prices to ₱200 a piece from the standard ₱25–40 The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) dispatched teams to monitor and observe the movement of retail prices in the market and warned businesses against raising the prices for higher profit margins. After DTI inspection, it was found out that some medical establishments were selling 'fake' N95 masks, some of which are not medical-grade, and could still let in large foreign air particulates.

The Department of Health advised the public to remain indoors and minimize outdoor activities. They also advised the public to refrain from purchasing and consuming freshwater fish from the Taal Lake, such as tilapia and Sardinella tawilis, as these may have been affected by the sulfur from the eruption.

A total of 39 people perished in the eruption. According to the Manila Bulletin, people either perished in their homes because they refused to follow the evacuation order, or died in the evacuation centers of heart attacks caused by anxiety.




Source:
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Taal_Volcano_eruption

CORONA VIRUS DISEASE

He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins, upon Him was the chastisement that makes  us whole, by His stripes we were healed. 

Isaiah 53:5

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.  Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.

The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).

At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings become available.

On 30 January 2020, the Philippine Department of Health reported the first case of COVID-19 in the country with a 38-year-old female Chinese national. On 7 March, the first local transmission of COVID-19 was confirmed. WHO is working closely with the Department of Health in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.