They say that there are three ways to catch a tiger

They say that there are three ways to catch a tiger. The first way, the Army way, is to pursue the tiger till it gets tired, and catch it. The second way, the Navy way, is to lure the tiger, then trap it. The third way, the police way, is to catch a cat, beat it up until it admits it is a tiger.

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In today’s Gospel (Matthew 13:1-23) we hear of the parable of the sower and the many ways of receiving the seed, the Word of God. And so it is that there are those who receive it without depth (the seed on the path). There are those who receive it without fruits (the seed sown on rocky ground and among thorns). And finally, there are those who receive it and bear fruits (the seed on good soil).

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FEATURED STORIES

OPINION

OPINION

OPINION

Why does the Word of God not grow and does not bear fruit in you? Maybe it is because you are mababaw (shallow), malayaw (pampered), and matakaw (selfish). God provides but we must abide. God operates but we must cooperate.

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There are many beautiful things deep inside us which this world will never understand, or listen to, but we must hold on to our peace, as long as we have done our best. Before a tree bears fruit, it has undergone a lot of patience, pruning, and perseverance. The tree bears fruit because it stayed put. Yes, we must stay rooted in the Lord. In order to bear fruit, we must not forget these three Ps: Prayer, Patience, and Perseverance.

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The Word of God cannot take root in a person who is always busy and who is constantly focused on his own emotions and moods. Furthermore, the Word of God can take root but cannot bear fruit in a person who is materialistic. Finally, the Word of God can take root and can bear fruit in a person who has commitment, but the yield will vary according to the degree of commitment of every person. May the Word of God bear fruit abundantly in each one of us.

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The biggest burden of our country is our heartless politicians who work for the next elections, but not for the good of this nation. In this seemingly hopeless situation, we must continue to sow the seed of goodness, and believe, and keep on believing that crime does not pay, and that goodness will triumph in the end. Keep on dreaming. Keep on believing. Keep on working. Take heed, you men and women of goodwill, and remember God’s word in Isaiah 55:11 “My Word shall do My will, achieving the end for which I sent It.” Question: Which side are you working for? Are you working for goodness, or are you working for evil?

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Think about this: Are people suffering because of you? You and your family are comfortable while others are suffering because you cheated them. I sow this seed in your conscience today and pray that you will be enlightened to repent and make amends. Remember that whatever you did to others, you did it to Christ. Remember, too, that Divine justice, though often delayed, will catch up with you sooner or later. Finally, remember that it profits you nothing if you gain the whole world and, in the end, you lose your soul!

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The Word of God has to bear fruit in our concrete lives. Let us not just be hearers or preachers of the Word. We must be doers of what we hear or preach. There are people who claim to be spiritual and talk spiritual, but are so carnal and material in their daily lives and dealings. In other words, there is a disparity between what they say and who they are. Jesus did not mince His words about such people whom He called hypocrites, a brood of vipers, wolves in sheep clothing, and empty tombs.

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SAD. MAD. GLAD. Sad. I’m sad that because of politics in our country, our economy is not really growing, and our people are suffering. Mad. I’m mad to see many so-called public servants who are involved in self-service, and not in public service. Glad. Yes, I’m glad that there is hope, that no matter how slow, goodness will still triumph in our land.

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, may Your Word grow and bear fruit in us. Amen.

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