Pen Teves Notes

LOVE HIM MORE

The more we love something, the less difficult it becomes. St. Josemaría once said that if we find the Holy Mass boring, it is because our love for God is lacking.

I remember early in my career the saying, "to love my work" and discovered the wisdom of every word. Once you truly love what you do, it no longer feels like work but a passion and a source of joy and not so much for anything else.

The same is true of our spiritual life: the deeper our love for God, the greater our delight in spending time with Him, especially in prayer and the Holy Mass.

A REAL CHANGE OF HEART

Eighty years ago, one nation stood as a regional leader—economically, politically, and militarily. Today, it has been surpassed by many of its former competitors. While experts may debate the political, economic, and social factors behind this decline, one deeper truth remains: lasting national renewal is impossible without a genuine transformation of the human heart.

Too often, people lack the discipline to align their lives with God's teachings. In times of hardship, they cry out for justice and reform. Yet when prosperity returns and the pressure subsides, many drift back to the same permissive habits and moral compromises, as though nothing had happened.

Throughout history, countries have been governed by every kind of leader—the good, the bad, and those somewhere in-between. Some administrations have brought temporary progress, while others have caused lasting damage. But the more important question is this: Have our institutions consistently safeguarded the welfare and well-being of society over the long term? At best, they have done so only temporarily. In many cases, the long-term trajectory reveals stagnation or decline.

History teaches that no political, economic, or social system can guarantee permanent societal renewal. A visionary leader may establish wise reforms and noble institutions, but if those who follow are weak, corrupt, or self-serving, those achievements can quickly be undone. This cycle continues because every system, regardless of how well designed, is ultimately administered by imperfect human beings.

For this reason, true and lasting change begins not merely with better policies or stronger institutions, but with transformed hearts. Each person must strive to live with integrity—not simply to earn the respect of others, but, more importantly, to be pleasing in the sight of God. Faith is demonstrated not by words alone but by the way we live. One cannot be devout on Sunday yet dishonest, unjust, or corrupt throughout the rest of the week, as though God could be deceived or bribed by outward displays of religion.

Many profess noble ideals while living in ways that contradict them. They justify their compromises with the cynical question, "Can you eat your principles?" Such reasoning may persuade other people, but it cannot deceive God. As our Lord Jesus Christ solemnly warns:

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven."
— Matthew 7:21

A nation's future is ultimately shaped by the character of its people. Laws, institutions, and leaders all have their place, but they cannot substitute for personal virtue. When hearts are transformed by truth, justice, humility, and obedience to God, families become stronger, communities become healthier, and nations become more just and prosperous. Lasting renewal begins not in the halls of government but in the conscience of every individual.

EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES

Every time we receive Holy Communion, we truly receive the real Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. For Catholics, the Eucharist is not merely a symbol or a memorial of His sacrifice on Calvary. Through its mystery, He becomes truly present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—under the appearances of bread and wine.

Throughout centuries, God has permitted numerous Eucharistic miracles to strengthen our faith. These extraordinary events occurred in different parts of the world and often examined by scientific experts and Church authorities. In several well-known cases, investigators reported findings such as the presence of human blood, heart tissue, and blood type AB. While these observations may not by themselves prove the mystery of the Eucharist, they have inspired many people to deepen their faith in our Lord’s Real Presence.

One of the most recent Eucharistic miracles officially recognized by the Vatican was the event at Christ the King Church in Vilakkannur, Kerala, India. During the celebration of Mass in 2013, the celebrant and faithful witnessed what appeared to be the image of Jesus on the consecrated Host. The Host was carefully preserved and underwent years of examination by Church authorities before being submitted to the Holy See. After a thorough review lasting twelve years, the Vatican authorized its recognition as an authentic Eucharistic miracle on May 31, 2025.

It is just fitting that this miracle took place in India, a land traditionally associated with the mission of St. Thomas the Apostle believed to have arrived on the Malabar Coast, present-day Kerala, around AD 52 to proclaim the Gospel.

Another important Eucharistic miracle occurred in Lanciano, Italy, around 8th century. According to tradition, during Mass, the consecrated Host and wine visibly became human flesh and blood. This miracle has inspired countless believers and continues to be one of the best-known Eucharistic miracles in the history of the Church.

In modern time, these miracles connect in the life of St. Carlo Acutis canonized in 2025. During his short but holy life, he devoted himself to documenting more than 150 reported Eucharistic miracles from around the world. His online exhibition has introduced countless people to these remarkable events and encouraged a deeper love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. His well-known words, "The Eucharist is my highway to heaven," beautifully express the central place of the Eucharist in our Christian life.

We, too, are greatly privileged to receive our Lord whenever we participate in Holy Communion and are properly disposed to receive Him. Through the Eucharist, He comes to dwell within us, making our hearts His holy temple. As we strive to remain in His grace by turning away from sin and seeking His mercy in Confession, we allow His presence to transform our lives.

May we always approach the Holy Eucharist with reverence, gratitude, and deep faith, recognizing this priceless gift that our Lord lovingly gives to us each day.

NEVER A DULL MOMENT WITH GOD

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." — Proverbs 9:10

We struggle to keep our minds focused when we pray, recite the Rosary, or participate in the Holy Mass. Distractions easily creep in, even when we try our best. We are just humans, living in a world filled with noise, countless demands, and endless diversions.

But the key to overcoming distractions is to grow in our love for God. St. Josemaria, in a 2010 interview about people being bored attending Mass, said: “You say the Mass is long, because your love is short.”

Think of the time when we’re deeply in love with the woman we hope to spend our life forever. We long to spend time with her, listens attentively, and delights in doing things that will make her happy. We gladly offer our time, effort, and even sacrifices because our love gives meaning to everything we do.

Our relationship with God should be even more profound. The more we love Him, the more we desire to be in His presence. Prayer then becomes less of an obligation and more of a heartfelt conversation. The Rosary becomes a meditation on Christ's life, and the Holy Mass becomes a joyful encounter with the Lord rather than a routine to be endured. As the saying goes, “there should never be a dull moment” with God. Strive to establish a personal relationship with Him.

Therefore, make a conscious effort each day to love God more deeply with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. As our love for Him grows, so will our ability to focus on Him in prayer. We come before God not to be entertained, but to worship, listen, give thanks, and deepen our communion with Him.

SOCRATES' TRIPLE FILTER TEST

Too many conflict, hatred, and division in our world today. If, before speaking, we apply Socrates' Triple Filter Test, misunderstandings and conflicts could be reduced, if not, prevented altogether.

By choosing our words wisely, we can help build the peace and harmony that our Lord Jesus desires for all people.

1. IS IT TRUE? – Before speaking, make sure what you are about to say is true, not merely rumor or gossip.

2. IS IT KIND? – Consider whether your words will encourage, uplift, or help others rather than cause unnecessary hurt.

3. IS IT USEFUL? – Even if something is true, ask whether sharing it serves a good purpose or brings benefit.

If it does not, it may be better left unsaid.

THAT WE MAY BE ONE

Lord, we are troubled by Your words that You came not to bring peace but division when You said, “Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division” (Luke 12:49–53).

Yet depth in our hearts, we know that Your words are not a rejection of peace, but a warning that the division You speak of arises when we insist that we alone own the truth and refuse to surrender fully to Your holy will.

Yes, we confess that our weaknesses are many. Too often we misunderstood Your words through the limits of our understanding and letting our pride get the better of us, which often lead to disagreement, infighting, and division. This is even though we profess that we are serving the same God.

We recognize that this cannot be overcome unless we humble ourselves before You, lay aside our pride, and earnestly seek the guidance of Your Holy Spirit.

Therefore, teach us humility. Grant us the grace to embrace Your truth in love, to understand one another in charity, and to live in the unity for which You so wished: “That they may be one, even as We are one… I in them and You in Me, that they may become perfectly one…” (John 17:22-23).

Whatever happen, always pray for the unity of the Church, that we may be One as He wish.

WRISTS, NOT PALMS

Extraordinary events occurred that seem to defy human explanation: dancing sun at Fatima, tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe, image of Jesus on the Shroud of Turin, miraculous healings by saints, and many more. Whether accepted as miracles or not, these have inspired countless people to deepen their faith in God.

Yet, beyond these extraordinary signs, we possess the greatest source of truth—the Bible. The Old and New Testaments have been before us, but we often overlook details plainly said. One example is the crucifixion. Many people assume that Jesus was nailed through His palms. But archaeological, anatomical, and historical studies indicate that the nails were more likely driven through the wrists. This was portrayed by Mel Gibson in “The Passion of the Christ”, where the nails are shown passing through the wrists rather than the center of the palms.

Although we commonly refer to the entire area as the "hand," the wrist is anatomically distinct. It connects the hand to the forearm and contains strong bones and ligaments capable of supporting the weight of a suspended body. The palms, by contrast, consist primarily of soft tissue. Nails driven through the center of the palms alone would likely tear through the flesh under the weight of the body.

What ‘s the significance? The Bible itself provides an important clue. After the Resurrection, Thomas was absent when Jesus first appeared to the other disciples. When they told him that they had seen the Lord, Thomas replied that unless he saw the marks of the nails in Jesus' hands and touched them himself, he would not believe (John 20:24–27). Notice that the Gospel says "hands," not "palms." Later, Jesus invited Thomas to examine His hands, again using the broader term "hands," which naturally includes the wrist.

As we read the Sacred Scripture, we should do so carefully and attentively, allowing the text to speak for itself. Sometimes, familiar assumptions can cause us to miss important details. Above all, may we heed the words of our risen Lord: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:28-29). Faith ultimately rests not on visible proof alone, but on trust in the One who conquered death.

Read the Bible regularly and read it carefully with discernment. You will be surprised to discover many wondrous things that will increase your faith in Him.

LUKEWARM NO MORE

Many people today profess beliefs that drift from what our Lord taught. Rather than submitting to His will, we reshape it to accommodate our personal desires, excuse wrongdoing, or ease the pain of guilt. We claim to belong to Him, yet our lives fail to reflect genuine transformation. We are neither fully committed nor openly opposed to Him. We are, in a way, lukewarm!

He gives a sobering warning against this condition. "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! Because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of My mouth" (Revelation 3:15–16).

To be lukewarm is to be spiritually indifferent. It is a state where faith is for comfort but not consuming, where God is acknowledged but not truly followed. It is a state of being self-satisfied, a condition that masks a deep spiritual emptiness.

But His warning is not without mercy. His rebuke is an expression of genuine love intended to lead us back to Him. He extends a loving call for us to repent. “Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline, to be earnest and repent” (Revelation 3:19).

The call is very clear: wholehearted devotion and not divided loyalty. We are not called to reshape God’s Word in order to fit our lives caused by the changing wind of culture but to surrender totally to His Word. True faith is marked by repentance, humility, and obedience—an ongoing pursuit of alignment with His truth.

God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Therefore, our response must not be compromise, but steadfast faithfulness.

EARTHQUAKES

Not only the frequency but the intensity! From June 1 to 29 –one month–, here’s the major earthquakes that occurred this year 2026, fact-checked. Pray for the victims.

Date Magnitude Location
June 1 6.2 San Lucido, Italy
June 7 6.1 Severo-Kurilsk, Russia
June 7 7.8 Near Kablalan, Philippines
June 8 6.1 Off the west coast of Cuba
June 15 6.2 Pondaguitan, Philippines
June 16 6.7 Palu, Indonesia
June 16 6.3 Dunhuang, China
June 17 6.6 Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge
June 19 6.6 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
June 19 6.0 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia (aftershock)
June 24 5.6 Northern California, USA (widely felt)
June 24 7.2 San Felipe, Venezuela
June 24 7.5 Yumare, Venezuela
June 25 7.2 Offshore Kuji, Japan
June 27 6.1 Hindu Kush, Afghanistan
June 28 6.1 Offshore Iwate Prefecture, Japan
June 29 5.1 Offshore Central America (eastern Pacific)

The highest was in Kablanan, Philippines with 7.8. The most destructive, two earthquakes in a span of less than a minute, that happened in San Felipe and Yumare, Venezuela in Latin America.