Love-ly

Today’s Scripture reading is definitely one of my favorites.

Corinthians 13 is one of the most beautifully written, most heartwarming, most smile inducing, and most heartfelt readings in the Bible.

When I was organizing a lot of weddings, this was one of the favourite readings of couples and would request that it be read as the Gospel. They would often request this, and when the priest would oblige, the homily would be equally beautiful. No matter where the wedding was or who the priest was, each homily would be a joy to listen to.

This scripture reading never fails to uplift me. Which makes the last line even more relevant:

“Love never fails.”

Beautiful Song

One of the readings for tonight's anticipated Misa de Gallo is one of my all time favourites!

The reading from Song of Songs 2: 8-14 has been a personal fave since my high school days. As a writer, there's an instant and lasting appreciation for beautifully written readings and verses. And while the bible has a plethora of those, this one is very visual and elegantly written.

"I hear my lover's voice. He comes running over the mountains, racing across the hills to me.

My lover is like a gazelle, like a young stag. There he stands beside the wall.

He looks through the window and glances through the lattice.

My lover speaks to me. Come then, my love; my darling, come with me.

The winter is over; the rains have stopped; in the countryside the flowers are in bloom.

This is the time for singing; the song of doves is heard in the fields.

Figs are beginning to ripen; the air is fragrant and blossoming vines. 

Come then, my love; my darling come with me.

You are like a dove that hides in the crevice of a rock. 

Let me see your lovely face and hear your enchanting voice."

Reading through it, every line brings to live vivid images in my head. It's such a romantic story told with such simple eloquence.

No wonder this is one song I'll listen to again and again.

On the Rise

It's actually a funny thing. I get to watch more movies in flight than in movie houses.

Example, during the flight from MNL to ATL last July, I was able to watch the following films: Batman vs. Superman, Tangled, The Dressmaker and My Name is Doris. And that's just from one flight. There were 3 more that followed after.

This is the reason why a good entertainment system is one of my considerations when choosing an airline. After all, you'll be stuck in a plane for hours, so might as well use them productively.

During my last trip to Tokyo via PAL, they had an entertainment system called "My PAL." It's basically an iPad filled with music, movies and tv shows that you can watch at your own pace. Which was awesome!

It was during this flight that I caught this biblical epic film entitled "Risen." It was the story of a Roman soldier who was asked to investigate the disappearance of Christ from the tomb, and how this experience changed his faith.

It was a riveting film that kept me glued from start to finish! Now, it's a film that goes up there with my favorite Biblical films including "Jesus Christ Superstar," and "Jesus of Nazareth."

Of Biblical proportions

As a fan of Biblical stories, I'm always thrilled when they tell these stories in Hollywood.

And I'm doubly thrilled when I find out that one of my favorite stories - Moses and Ramses - will be retold by Ridley Scott!



I can't wait for this movie to come out.

Of Biblical proportions

One of the books that I liked reading as a child was the bible. The moment my Christian Living teacher told us the story of Adam and Eve, I knew I had to read more.

To date, it's one of the most fascinating books I've read. From the stories in Genesis, to the stories of women like Ruth and Esther, to the sometimes frightening stories in Revelations, everything was so vividly written. As I read them, I'd imagine the locales, the characters and the situations that occur.

Lately, I've noticed a lot of bible-themed films on screen. And it's great how Hollywood is taking notice of this wonderful source of stories.

First, there was "Son of God."



Then, there was "Noah."



Today, I found out that there's a movie that retells the story of Moses and Ramses that's coming out in December.



While I haven't seen the first 2 films (which means I have to buy a DVD or look for it on youtube), I'll make sure that I watch "Exodus." It's one of my favorite stories in the bible, and I even remember buying a book entitled "Ramses." And if that isn't reason enough, it's Ridley Scott who directed the film. They even have Sigourney Weaver there, too.

That's definitely something to look forward to.