"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." How does one loves one's enemies? How do we love those who persecute us? How do we love those who hurt us?
Do we love them the way we love our friends? Do we love them the way we love our family? Do we love them with a romantic love?
We love our friends because there is a sharing of common interests. The Greeks call this philia. We love our family because there is consanguinal connection, a connection by blood. The Greeks call this storge. You love your spouses or partners because there is romance. The Greeks call this eros. In all of these there is mutuality; there is an expectation of love being returned.
But how do you love an enemy? We can only love those who hurt us if we decide to love without expecting anything in return. Not even a thank you. Not even an acknowledgement of that love. The Greeks call this agape.
A love that is not based on feeling, on likes, on romance, on mutuality; but a love that is based on a decision to love no matter what. A love defined by Pope Benedict XVI in his encyclical Deus Caritas Est, a “communion of will.”
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Love and Prayer
“Lord, teach us to pray?” This is the request of the disciple to Jesus. And so, Jesus taught them to call God, Father. The Lord’s prayer teaches us not only what to pray, but how to pray. Praying the Lord’s Prayer presupposes a disposition, an attitude. Our Father will only be meaningful if we consider ourselves children of God, and as such if we find in our hearts love for the Father. Without this love, Our Father will remain empty words, meaningless and dead. Prayer is not a word that we offer to God to communicate with him. No. Prayer is relationship. Nagdarasal tayo hindi dahil meron tayong kailangan sa Diyos, hindi dahil me reklamo tayo sa Diyos, hindi dahil obligasyon, o nakasanayan, o natatakot tayo sa anung puedeng mangyari pag hindi tayo nagdasal. Bagkus, nagdarasal tayo dahil mga anak tayo ng Diyos, at sa ating puso’y matatagpuan ang pagmamahal ng isang anak sa kanyang Ama.
Madalas ang sarap ng kuwentuhan hindi naman dahil sa pinag-uusapan [madalas nga paulit ulit naman ang kuwento], kundi sa kung sino ang kakuwentuhan. Ganyan din ang panalangin, higit sa hinihiling natin sa panalangin, ang halaga ng pagdarasal ay sa pinatutungkulan ng ating dasal. Sa pagdarasal kasama natin ang Diyos at kasama tayo ng Diyos, kaya tayo nagdarasal.
Let our prayers be rooted in a heart that longs to be with the Father. Let our prayers be expressions of our desire to embrace the Father. Let our prayers be signs of how much love we have for the Father. Without these, “Our Father” means nothing.
Madalas ang sarap ng kuwentuhan hindi naman dahil sa pinag-uusapan [madalas nga paulit ulit naman ang kuwento], kundi sa kung sino ang kakuwentuhan. Ganyan din ang panalangin, higit sa hinihiling natin sa panalangin, ang halaga ng pagdarasal ay sa pinatutungkulan ng ating dasal. Sa pagdarasal kasama natin ang Diyos at kasama tayo ng Diyos, kaya tayo nagdarasal.
Let our prayers be rooted in a heart that longs to be with the Father. Let our prayers be expressions of our desire to embrace the Father. Let our prayers be signs of how much love we have for the Father. Without these, “Our Father” means nothing.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Choose to listen
We hear a lot of things everyday. First thing in the morning alarm wakes us up. If we turn on the t.v. we hear Unang Hirit or Umagang Kay Ganda [depends whether you are a Kapuso or a Kapamilya]. On the way to work or to school, we hear the radio. At work we hear bosses. In school we hear teachers. At recess we hear classmates and friends. Over lunch we hear officemates. From earphones we hear R'nB, rock, ballad, pop, bossa, classical. From the cellfone we hear ringtones and message alerts. We hear rumors. We hear fights. We hear sweet nothings. We hear words. We hear the world. We hear.
Ask someone towards the end of the day, what he or she heard that day, I'm pretty sure no one can enumerate everything one heard. Some, but not everything. Ears hear everything that comes its way, but the heart does not listen to everything. We may hear everything, but we do not listen to all. We choose what we want to listen to.
The world makes sure that we listen to it by bombarding us with advertisements, with invitations to go here or there, to buy this or that, to take this or that, to do this or that, to use this or that; voices that are so attractive, exciting, and interesting that it seemed impossible not to listen. But in reality we can choose what we want to listen to.
The word of God oftentimes is presented to us in an ordinary and simple way, particularly in the Liturgy of the Word, sometimes at the edge of boredom. But we choose to listen to the word of God not because it is exciting, or exuberant, or attractive. No. We choose to listen to the word of God because it is life-giving, because it is the nourishment that we cannot do without.
The world demands to be heard by over-the-top packaging. The Word demands hearing by significance. The words of the world may be exciting but the word of the Lord is life-giving. The word of the world may be attractive but the word of the Lord is effective. The word of the world may be intoxicating but the word of the Lord is inspiring. In the midst of so much distractions may we discover in the simplicity of God's word the strength to choose to listen to it.
Ask someone towards the end of the day, what he or she heard that day, I'm pretty sure no one can enumerate everything one heard. Some, but not everything. Ears hear everything that comes its way, but the heart does not listen to everything. We may hear everything, but we do not listen to all. We choose what we want to listen to.
The world makes sure that we listen to it by bombarding us with advertisements, with invitations to go here or there, to buy this or that, to take this or that, to do this or that, to use this or that; voices that are so attractive, exciting, and interesting that it seemed impossible not to listen. But in reality we can choose what we want to listen to.
The word of God oftentimes is presented to us in an ordinary and simple way, particularly in the Liturgy of the Word, sometimes at the edge of boredom. But we choose to listen to the word of God not because it is exciting, or exuberant, or attractive. No. We choose to listen to the word of God because it is life-giving, because it is the nourishment that we cannot do without.
The world demands to be heard by over-the-top packaging. The Word demands hearing by significance. The words of the world may be exciting but the word of the Lord is life-giving. The word of the world may be attractive but the word of the Lord is effective. The word of the world may be intoxicating but the word of the Lord is inspiring. In the midst of so much distractions may we discover in the simplicity of God's word the strength to choose to listen to it.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Genuine Greatness
Feast of St. James the Apostle
The gospel reminds us that the measure of genuine greatness is not found in power but in being a servant, in genuine service.
During the time of Jesus, James is not a powerful person. Who is the most powerful person at that time? The Emperor of Rome is the most powerful person at that time. Who is the Emperor of Rome then? What is his name? Who remembers? Who cares?
Tiberius Ceasar Augustus was the Emperor of Rome during the time of Jesus, from 42 BC to 37 AD. He was the most powerful man at that time. Today, practically nobody cares who he is. No one calls to him for help. No parish is named after him. No feast is assigned to celebrate his life.
Unlike St. James, an ordinary fisherman, from a less known town, living a simple life. Parishes are named after him. His name is called for help. And every year millions celebrate his feast day. He is considered to be patron of Spain, Guatemala and Nicaragua. He is truly great, for he has served. He has served Jesus: James was one of the firsts who followed the Lord. He has served the church: James led the Christian community in Jerusalem. He served in fidelity: James died a martyr’s death, beheaded for the faith.
What is the true measure of genuine greatness? “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.” Great is he who serves.
The gospel reminds us that the measure of genuine greatness is not found in power but in being a servant, in genuine service.
During the time of Jesus, James is not a powerful person. Who is the most powerful person at that time? The Emperor of Rome is the most powerful person at that time. Who is the Emperor of Rome then? What is his name? Who remembers? Who cares?
Tiberius Ceasar Augustus was the Emperor of Rome during the time of Jesus, from 42 BC to 37 AD. He was the most powerful man at that time. Today, practically nobody cares who he is. No one calls to him for help. No parish is named after him. No feast is assigned to celebrate his life.
Unlike St. James, an ordinary fisherman, from a less known town, living a simple life. Parishes are named after him. His name is called for help. And every year millions celebrate his feast day. He is considered to be patron of Spain, Guatemala and Nicaragua. He is truly great, for he has served. He has served Jesus: James was one of the firsts who followed the Lord. He has served the church: James led the Christian community in Jerusalem. He served in fidelity: James died a martyr’s death, beheaded for the faith.
What is the true measure of genuine greatness? “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.” Great is he who serves.
No Dead End
Before them is the mighty sea, impossible to cross. Chasing them are the chariots and soldiers of Egypt, their former masters. After leaving their homes in Egypt, after taking only what is essential and leaving the rest, after enduring the pangs of hunger, the insecurity of the wilderness, the heat of the dessert, sustained only by the hope of the promised land, a land "of milk and honey", they come to what seemed to be a dead end. "Were there no burial places in Egypt that you had to bring us here to die in the dessert?"
Then, Moses raised his staff and with hand outstretched over the sea, the waters split in two, there was dry land, there was a way through the sea. It was never a dead end. God showed the way.
With God there can never be a dead end. There may be obstacles, blocks, detours, challenges and stops, but never a dead end. There will always be a way. God will always make a way.
Then, Moses raised his staff and with hand outstretched over the sea, the waters split in two, there was dry land, there was a way through the sea. It was never a dead end. God showed the way.
With God there can never be a dead end. There may be obstacles, blocks, detours, challenges and stops, but never a dead end. There will always be a way. God will always make a way.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Take the next step
Tuesday, 16th Week, Ordinary Time
The parting of the Red Sea is an image of the freedom that God gives us in the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God shows us the way, but we have to take the step. If the Hebrew people continued in their rumblings before Yahweh even after the Red sea was parted by God through Moses, and hasitatied to take the step in the middle of the parted sea, they would have remained slaves to the Egyptians. Even with complains the Hebrew people took the step of passing through the Red sea and so arrived at freedom at the other side.
God shows us the way - through creation, through his word, through his commandments, through Jesus his son. We have to take the step. We have to take the way God has prepared for us. Even with trials and doubts, we cannot arrive at the promised freedom without risking our discomfort.
God has shown us the way of love, self-denial, service, commitment, fidelity, compassion, forgiveness, communion and genuine joy. Are you willing to take the next step?
The parting of the Red Sea is an image of the freedom that God gives us in the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God shows us the way, but we have to take the step. If the Hebrew people continued in their rumblings before Yahweh even after the Red sea was parted by God through Moses, and hasitatied to take the step in the middle of the parted sea, they would have remained slaves to the Egyptians. Even with complains the Hebrew people took the step of passing through the Red sea and so arrived at freedom at the other side.
God shows us the way - through creation, through his word, through his commandments, through Jesus his son. We have to take the step. We have to take the way God has prepared for us. Even with trials and doubts, we cannot arrive at the promised freedom without risking our discomfort.
God has shown us the way of love, self-denial, service, commitment, fidelity, compassion, forgiveness, communion and genuine joy. Are you willing to take the next step?
Most basic yet most powerful sign
Monday, 16th Week, Ordinary Time
There is nothing wrong in asking for signs from the Lord. But there is a need to be watchful. When asking for a sign becomes a permanent part of our relationship with God, it could mean a weakening of trust or confidence in the enduring goodnes of God. Wala namang problema kung hihinga tayo ng palatandaan mula sa Diyos, pero sa kahit anong relasyon kung sa bawat ugnayan ay kailangan me palatandaan, puedeng maging sintomas ng kawalan ng tiwala o pananalig.
The gospel today explicitly points to the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the sign par excellence of God's goodness and love. It should be enough. There shouldn't be any necessity for other signs. Asking for signs should ultimately lead us back to the most basic and yet most powerful sign of salvation - the Paschal Mystery [the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ].
Let us pray that we may be confident enough in the resurrection of Jesus, as not to seek any other signs beside. May the sign of the Paschal Mystery be enough for us.
There is nothing wrong in asking for signs from the Lord. But there is a need to be watchful. When asking for a sign becomes a permanent part of our relationship with God, it could mean a weakening of trust or confidence in the enduring goodnes of God. Wala namang problema kung hihinga tayo ng palatandaan mula sa Diyos, pero sa kahit anong relasyon kung sa bawat ugnayan ay kailangan me palatandaan, puedeng maging sintomas ng kawalan ng tiwala o pananalig.
The gospel today explicitly points to the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the sign par excellence of God's goodness and love. It should be enough. There shouldn't be any necessity for other signs. Asking for signs should ultimately lead us back to the most basic and yet most powerful sign of salvation - the Paschal Mystery [the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ].
Let us pray that we may be confident enough in the resurrection of Jesus, as not to seek any other signs beside. May the sign of the Paschal Mystery be enough for us.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
1-4-3
I pity you; I pity you
who were chosen to be on top
yet know not how to lead
who are looked upon for direction
yet know not where to go
who try to hear everyone
yet know not who to listen to
who desire to please everyone
yet know not how to say no
who can tell good stories
yet know not the important ones
who fear what others say
yet know not what the heart says
who believe to be a listener
yet know not how to be sincere
who attempt to be friendly
yet know not how to be a friend
who shout ‘love’ with all of your lungs
yet know not what it truly demands
who excel in ‘the talk’
yet know not how to walk [the talk]
who are not aware
who know not how to turn around
I pity you; I pity you
who were chosen to be on top
yet know not how to lead
who are looked upon for direction
yet know not where to go
who try to hear everyone
yet know not who to listen to
who desire to please everyone
yet know not how to say no
who can tell good stories
yet know not the important ones
who fear what others say
yet know not what the heart says
who believe to be a listener
yet know not how to be sincere
who attempt to be friendly
yet know not how to be a friend
who shout ‘love’ with all of your lungs
yet know not what it truly demands
who excel in ‘the talk’
yet know not how to walk [the talk]
who are not aware
who know not how to turn around
I pity you; I pity you
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Abraham, Martha and Mary
The priests of Cubao were in Cebu for an on-going formation. We talked about EQ [Emotional Qoutient]. Bukod daw sa pagbibigay halaga sa IQ kailangan ding bigyan halaga ang EQ. Living life to the full is not only about acquiring important knowledge but necessarily includes managing our emotions and feelings. Many of our relational problems are because we do not know how to manage [not control; not supress] our feelings.
One important ability that a person that manages intelligently one's emotions has is the capacity for initiative. Initiative is defined as the "readiness to act on opportunities." Because an emotionally intelligent person is in touch with one's emotions and understands them, at the same time is sensitive to the emotions of others and in one way or another tries to understand them, the person is able to recognize opportunities and act on them in ways that will bring good to oneself and to others. May pagkukusa - dahil nauunawaan ang sarili at ramdam ang pangangailangan ng iba, hindi na kailangang sabihan, o utusan, o pilitin, may pagkukusang tumulong, maglingkod, at piliin o gawin ang mabuti.
The story of Abraham offering refreshment and rest to three travellers out of his own initiative is a good example. Also the story of Martha and Mary is a story that can be looked at in the perspective of initiative. Jesus visited the house of Martha and Mary. Without saying any word Martha knew that Jesus was tired and needed to be waited on. Without saying any word Mary knew that Jesus needed somebody who would listen to him. Abraham felt the need of the three travellers and served them. Martha and Mary felt the needs of Jesus and offered a hand that served and an ear that listened.
Initiative requires a sensitive heart. Hindi po kayang magkusa ng isang taong manhid. Hindi po kayang magkusa ng isang taong walang pakialam. Paano ka magkukusang tumulong kung hindi mo nararamdaman o nakikita ng pangangailangan ng iba? Paano ka magkukusang maglingkod kung wala kang pakialam sa mga taong nakapaligid sa iyo.
Tulad ni Abraham, Marta at Maria, matuto nawa tayong magkusa sa pagtulong at paglilingkod sa kapwa dahil sabi ni Jesus, "Anuman ang iyong ginagawa sa iyong kapatid, ginawa mo sa akin."
One important ability that a person that manages intelligently one's emotions has is the capacity for initiative. Initiative is defined as the "readiness to act on opportunities." Because an emotionally intelligent person is in touch with one's emotions and understands them, at the same time is sensitive to the emotions of others and in one way or another tries to understand them, the person is able to recognize opportunities and act on them in ways that will bring good to oneself and to others. May pagkukusa - dahil nauunawaan ang sarili at ramdam ang pangangailangan ng iba, hindi na kailangang sabihan, o utusan, o pilitin, may pagkukusang tumulong, maglingkod, at piliin o gawin ang mabuti.
The story of Abraham offering refreshment and rest to three travellers out of his own initiative is a good example. Also the story of Martha and Mary is a story that can be looked at in the perspective of initiative. Jesus visited the house of Martha and Mary. Without saying any word Martha knew that Jesus was tired and needed to be waited on. Without saying any word Mary knew that Jesus needed somebody who would listen to him. Abraham felt the need of the three travellers and served them. Martha and Mary felt the needs of Jesus and offered a hand that served and an ear that listened.
Initiative requires a sensitive heart. Hindi po kayang magkusa ng isang taong manhid. Hindi po kayang magkusa ng isang taong walang pakialam. Paano ka magkukusang tumulong kung hindi mo nararamdaman o nakikita ng pangangailangan ng iba? Paano ka magkukusang maglingkod kung wala kang pakialam sa mga taong nakapaligid sa iyo.
Tulad ni Abraham, Marta at Maria, matuto nawa tayong magkusa sa pagtulong at paglilingkod sa kapwa dahil sabi ni Jesus, "Anuman ang iyong ginagawa sa iyong kapatid, ginawa mo sa akin."
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Cubao Clergy Renewal in Cebu
The clergy of Cubao will be in Cebu starting Monday, July 16, until Friday, July 20, for a five day renewal program. Taun-taon ito para sa aming on-going formation. Hindi dahil pari na hindi na kailangan ng formation. Hindi darating ang araw na puede naming sabihing hindi na namin kailangan ng formation. This year's topic is EQ [Emotional Qoutient; matataas na daw ang mga IQ namin pero super baba ang EQ; kulang sa affection hehehe].
Please include us in your prayers. Pray for a safe trip. Pray for a meaningful renewal for your priests. Thanks and God bless you always!
Please include us in your prayers. Pray for a safe trip. Pray for a meaningful renewal for your priests. Thanks and God bless you always!
Saan Makikita ang Pag-ibig?
Saan daw nakikita ang tunay na pag-ibig? sa isip? sa puso? Hindi daw sa isip. Hindi daw sa puso. Kundi sa kamay. Ang tunay na pag-ibig ay nakikita sa ginagawa ng kamay: sa pagyakap sa asawa, sa pag-aalaga sa mga anak, sa pagbibigay sa nangangailanga, sa pagtulong sa mga dukha, sa pagkapit ng mahigpit sa Diyos.
Sa kahuli-hulihan ang sukatan ng tunay na pag-ibig, hindi ang pagpapaliwanag ng isip, o masidhing silakbo ng puso, bagkus ang bawat haplos, yakap at tulong na ginagawa ng ating mga kamay. Nasa ating mga kamay makikita ang tunay na pag-ibig.
Sa kahuli-hulihan ang sukatan ng tunay na pag-ibig, hindi ang pagpapaliwanag ng isip, o masidhing silakbo ng puso, bagkus ang bawat haplos, yakap at tulong na ginagawa ng ating mga kamay. Nasa ating mga kamay makikita ang tunay na pag-ibig.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Lubus-lubusin mo na
Meron tayong kasabihan sa Tagalog, "Kung tutulong ka, lubus-lubusin mo na." Ito ang isa sa mga aral na itinuturo sa atin ng kuwento ng Mabuting Samaritano. Paano ba tumulong ang Samaritano?
Ang Samaritano hindi lamang nagbigay ng pera at sinabi, "O magpagamot ka." Hindi lang siya naghanap ng doktor para tulungan ang nakahandusay sa daan. Ano ang kanyang ginawa? Binuhusan ng Samaritano ng langis at alak ang sugat ng nakahandusay at tinalian. Isinakay sa sinasakyang hayop. Dinala sa bahay-panuluyan at inalagaan doon. Sinamahan magdamag. Kinabukasan binayaran ang bahay-panuluyan. Ibinilin ang sugatan at nangakong babalik para bayaran ang anu pang gagastusin para sa pag-aalaga sa sugatan. Kung hindi lubusang pagtulong ang tawag dito hindi ko na alam kung ano.
Kaya hindi ako naniniwala sa dole-out na pagtulong. Iyung pagbibigay ng bigas, lucky me at delata pag pasko at pag hindi na pasko wala na. Hindi lubusang pagtulong yan. May pagtulong na minsanan lamang, may pagtulong na lubusan. Mahirap na nga ang tumulong ng minsanan, lubusan pa kaya.
Kaya bilib ako sa Gawad Kalinga. Hindi lang sila nagbibigay ng pera para ipangpagawaw ng bahay, sila mismo kasamang gumagawa ng bahay. Tinutulungan pa nila ang mag-asawa sa kanilang pagsasama, sa tamang pagpapalaki ng mga anak, at inoorganisa ang komunidad para makapamuhay ng maayos. Yan ang lubos na pagtulong.
Kaya ako bilib din ako sa feeding program ng Pondo ng Pinoy. Iyung iba nagfee-feeding program once a month, o pag may okasyon lang. Pero sa Pondo ng Pinoy, anim na buwan, Lunes hanggang Biyernes, papakainin ang mga bata at may katesismo pa ang mga magulang.
Bilib ako sa scholarship natin dito sa parokya, dahil hindi lang nagbibigay ng baun sa mga bata, may pagtututor pa, may mid-year evaluation ang mga bata, may house visitation pa para kamustahin ang mga bata at ang kanyang pamilya.
Mag kapatid, mabuti ang tumulong ng minsanan pero mas mabuti ang tumulong ng lubusan. Ipinapaalala sa atin ng Panginoon sa kuwento ng Mabuting Samaritano na kung tutulong ka lubus-lubusin mo na. Dahil lulubusin din naman ng Diyos ang biyaya niya.
Greater than the pain of illness
Today is the feast of St. Camillus de Lellis, patron of hospitals, of the sick and of those who take care of the sick. By the grace of providence the gospel for today, Saturday of the 14th week of Ordinary time, exhorts us not to be afraid of those that kill only the body, rather be afraid of those that destroy both the soul and the body.
Sickness kills the body. If we allow it, it can also affect the soul. But in faith we can decide not to. Oftentimes we are helpless in the face of the fact that sickness weakens our body. But we can decide not to let sickness weaken our soul. Be not afraid of sickness. But be afraid of sin.
Sickness is part of the natural course of the material world. It can be very freigthening. But St. Camillus reminds us today that we should not let the fear of sickness paralyze us, for the pain of illness can never be greater than the comfort of the love of God. Like St. Camillus we are called to be ministers to the sick.
We pray to St. Camillus that through our concern and care for the sick - our family, our friends and neighbours - that they may never give in to fear and despair; through us may they experience the consolation of the gentle mercy of the Lord.
Let us not be afraid of sickness, for it can only destroy our bodies. Let us be afraid of sin, for it destroys not only our body but also our soul. Sickness separates us from the rest of the world, while sin separates us from God. What can be sicker than that?
Sickness kills the body. If we allow it, it can also affect the soul. But in faith we can decide not to. Oftentimes we are helpless in the face of the fact that sickness weakens our body. But we can decide not to let sickness weaken our soul. Be not afraid of sickness. But be afraid of sin.
Sickness is part of the natural course of the material world. It can be very freigthening. But St. Camillus reminds us today that we should not let the fear of sickness paralyze us, for the pain of illness can never be greater than the comfort of the love of God. Like St. Camillus we are called to be ministers to the sick.
We pray to St. Camillus that through our concern and care for the sick - our family, our friends and neighbours - that they may never give in to fear and despair; through us may they experience the consolation of the gentle mercy of the Lord.
Let us not be afraid of sickness, for it can only destroy our bodies. Let us be afraid of sin, for it destroys not only our body but also our soul. Sickness separates us from the rest of the world, while sin separates us from God. What can be sicker than that?
Friday, July 13, 2007
Where does your faith live?
Here's a crass but accurate way of putting the real challenge of love from D. Berrigan.
"Where does your faith live? In the head? In the heart? Your faith is rarely where your head is at, just as it is rarely where your heart is at. Your faith is where your ass is at! Where are you living? What are you doing? These things - our actions, our charity, our morality - are what determine whether we belive or not."
True love is not measured by the amount of knowledge stored in our minds, or by the passion contained in our hearts. It is in the doing, relating, trying, helping, communicating and sharing. What use is the knowledge of faith if they are not shared? What use is passion if not translated into action? Genuine loving is in the doing.
"Where does your faith live? In the head? In the heart? Your faith is rarely where your head is at, just as it is rarely where your heart is at. Your faith is where your ass is at! Where are you living? What are you doing? These things - our actions, our charity, our morality - are what determine whether we belive or not."
True love is not measured by the amount of knowledge stored in our minds, or by the passion contained in our hearts. It is in the doing, relating, trying, helping, communicating and sharing. What use is the knowledge of faith if they are not shared? What use is passion if not translated into action? Genuine loving is in the doing.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Reach out and hold his hand
We arrived at the monastery aroung 12 noon. We had our lunch, simple but filling. Then, we all went to our rooms for siesta. My room was still locked so I went around. I investigated the image that welcomed us when we entered the gates of the monastery.
In front of the Carmelite Monastery is the statue of Our Lady with two angels guarding her. Mary was holding Jesus at her side while giving the scapular. I tried to meditate on the image by standing in front of it. My attention focused on the hand of the boy Jesus.
This is the hand that Mary caressed while in Bethlehem. This is the hand that tried to help Joseph in putting pieces of wood together This is the hand that waded on the river Jordan during the baptism by John. This is the hand that healed a leper, touched the tounge of a mute, gave life to the dead, stopped a coming storm, encouraged children, and forgave sins. This is the hand that carried the cross; the hand that was wounded; the hand that was nailed on the cross. This is the hand that showed the scar of crucifixion even after the resurrection. This is the hand that bore the proof that he is Jesus, and he is alive.
I reached out and held Jesus' hand.
Monday, July 9, 2007
KAILANGAN MABUNTIS AT MANGANAK
[A homily delivered on July 10, 2007, during the Novena Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Tambacan, Burgos, Pangasinan, with the theme Mary: the Perfect Model of Christian Life and the scriptural passage, “And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”]
The scripture passage talks about Christmas, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ by his mother Mary. If Mary is the perfect model of Christian life, how can we imitate Mary in the Lord’s Nativity?
Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, in his book “Against an Infinite Horizon” asserts that “God still enters the world in the same way as Christ did.” The Incarnation of the Son of God through the blessed Virgin Mary is the same pattern that God continues to come to the word today. Mary’s birth of our Lord provides a model for us to follow in order to ensure the incarnation of God in our lives today. Like Mary, we have to give birth to Jesus Christ. How?
1. Impregnation by the Holy Spirit.
The message of the angel to Mary: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”
Sa binyag tinaggap natin ang Espiritu Santo na siyang nagdulot sa atin ng biyayang maging mga anak ng Diyos. Sa Kumpil tinanggap natin ang Espiritu Santo na siyang nagdulot sa atin ng lakas upang maging saksi ni Kristo. Pero kailangang maging totoo ito sa pang-araw araw nating buhay. Kailangang mapuno tayo ng Espiritu ni Kristo upang maipanganak natin sa Kristo. We have to be filled with Jesus in order to give birth to Jesus.
Ang mata natin kailangang maging mata ni Kristo nakikita hindi lamang ang kahinaan kundi ang mga katangiang kayang ibigay ng Diyos. Ang bibig natin kailangang maging bibig ni Kristo na pinagmumulan ng mga salitang nagpapagaan ng loob at hindi nananakit. Ang mga kamay natin ay kailangang maging mga kamay ni Kristo na umaakay sa kabutihan at hindi tumutulak sa mali. Ang mga paa natin ay kailangang maging mga paa ni Kristo na naghahanap sa nawawala at hindi lumalayo sa Diyos.
Meron daw isang nagdarasal na galit na galit sa Diyos, sabi niya, “Panginoon akala ko mabait ka. Bakit mo hinahayaan magpatayan ang mga tao sa giyera? Bakit mo hinahayaang mamatay ang mga batang walang kamuwangmuwang? Bakit mo hinahayaang mabuhay sa hirap at pagdurusa ang mga dukha? Bakit wala kang ginagawa?” Bigla daw sumagot ang Diyos, “Kaya nga ginawa kita.” We have to be overshadowed by the Spirit of Jesus so that with St. Paul we can sincerely say “It is not I who live, but it is Jesus who lives in me.”
2. Accepting the pangs of birth.
A matter of fact rendering of Christ’s birth: “And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
Wala tayong karansan ng panganganak. Pero sa kuwento ng mga nanay na kakilala natin hindi madali ang manganak. Meron pang nagsasabi na sa sobrang hirap sinusumpa nila ang kanilang mga asawa. Pero limot ang lahat ng hirap paglumabas na ang bata, kapagnakita na ang sanggol, kapag kinarga na ang munting anghel na biyaya ng Diyos.
Hindi madali ang maging saksi ni Kristo. Kailangan ng pagtiyatiyaga, pagsasakripisyo, disiplina sa sarili, pagmamahal ng hindi naghihintay ng kapalit, pagbabahagi ng mabuting balita. Pero sa kabila ng pagbubuhat ng ating krus may naghihintay na kaligayahang walang kapantay na tanging si Kristo lamang ang makapagbibigay.
Merong kuwento ng dalawang magkaibigan na binigyan ng tigisang krus para buhatin papunta sa langit. Parehas mabigat ang krus. Iyung isa tiniis ang bigat ng krus at nagtiyaga sa pagbubuhat nito hanggang makaakyat ng bundok. Iyung isa naman unti unti pinuputol ang paanan ng krus, upang unti unting gumaan ang kanyang pagbubuhat hanggang makaakyat ng bundok. Pagdating sa bundok kailangan nilang tumawid sa isang bangin para makarating sa pintuan ng langit. Kailangan nilang gawing tulay ang kanilang mga krus. Madaling nakatawid ang unang nagbuhat. Paglapat niya ng krus sakto sa laki ng bangin. Nakatawid siya agad. Ung Ikalawa, paglapat niya ng krus kapos ang kanyang krus, hindi umabot sa kabilang ibayo ng bangin dahil pinutulan niya ito.
If we want to imitate Mary in giving birth to Jesus today, we have to be ready to accept the pangs of giving birth. We must be ready to carry our crosses everyday. For it is in sharing in the pain of the cross of Jesus that we also share in the glory of his resurrection.
Mary is the perfect model of Christian life. To imitate her is to follow her in giving birth to Jesus today. But in order to that we have to be filled with the Holy Spirit, the spirit of Jesus and we have to be ready to face the pangs of giving birth, to carry our crosses everyday. Tulad ni Maria kailangan nating mabuntis at manganak. Kailangan nating mapuno ng Espiritu Santo at maging Kristo sa isa’t isa.
The scripture passage talks about Christmas, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ by his mother Mary. If Mary is the perfect model of Christian life, how can we imitate Mary in the Lord’s Nativity?
Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, in his book “Against an Infinite Horizon” asserts that “God still enters the world in the same way as Christ did.” The Incarnation of the Son of God through the blessed Virgin Mary is the same pattern that God continues to come to the word today. Mary’s birth of our Lord provides a model for us to follow in order to ensure the incarnation of God in our lives today. Like Mary, we have to give birth to Jesus Christ. How?
1. Impregnation by the Holy Spirit.
The message of the angel to Mary: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”
Sa binyag tinaggap natin ang Espiritu Santo na siyang nagdulot sa atin ng biyayang maging mga anak ng Diyos. Sa Kumpil tinanggap natin ang Espiritu Santo na siyang nagdulot sa atin ng lakas upang maging saksi ni Kristo. Pero kailangang maging totoo ito sa pang-araw araw nating buhay. Kailangang mapuno tayo ng Espiritu ni Kristo upang maipanganak natin sa Kristo. We have to be filled with Jesus in order to give birth to Jesus.
Ang mata natin kailangang maging mata ni Kristo nakikita hindi lamang ang kahinaan kundi ang mga katangiang kayang ibigay ng Diyos. Ang bibig natin kailangang maging bibig ni Kristo na pinagmumulan ng mga salitang nagpapagaan ng loob at hindi nananakit. Ang mga kamay natin ay kailangang maging mga kamay ni Kristo na umaakay sa kabutihan at hindi tumutulak sa mali. Ang mga paa natin ay kailangang maging mga paa ni Kristo na naghahanap sa nawawala at hindi lumalayo sa Diyos.
Meron daw isang nagdarasal na galit na galit sa Diyos, sabi niya, “Panginoon akala ko mabait ka. Bakit mo hinahayaan magpatayan ang mga tao sa giyera? Bakit mo hinahayaang mamatay ang mga batang walang kamuwangmuwang? Bakit mo hinahayaang mabuhay sa hirap at pagdurusa ang mga dukha? Bakit wala kang ginagawa?” Bigla daw sumagot ang Diyos, “Kaya nga ginawa kita.” We have to be overshadowed by the Spirit of Jesus so that with St. Paul we can sincerely say “It is not I who live, but it is Jesus who lives in me.”
2. Accepting the pangs of birth.
A matter of fact rendering of Christ’s birth: “And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
Wala tayong karansan ng panganganak. Pero sa kuwento ng mga nanay na kakilala natin hindi madali ang manganak. Meron pang nagsasabi na sa sobrang hirap sinusumpa nila ang kanilang mga asawa. Pero limot ang lahat ng hirap paglumabas na ang bata, kapagnakita na ang sanggol, kapag kinarga na ang munting anghel na biyaya ng Diyos.
Hindi madali ang maging saksi ni Kristo. Kailangan ng pagtiyatiyaga, pagsasakripisyo, disiplina sa sarili, pagmamahal ng hindi naghihintay ng kapalit, pagbabahagi ng mabuting balita. Pero sa kabila ng pagbubuhat ng ating krus may naghihintay na kaligayahang walang kapantay na tanging si Kristo lamang ang makapagbibigay.
Merong kuwento ng dalawang magkaibigan na binigyan ng tigisang krus para buhatin papunta sa langit. Parehas mabigat ang krus. Iyung isa tiniis ang bigat ng krus at nagtiyaga sa pagbubuhat nito hanggang makaakyat ng bundok. Iyung isa naman unti unti pinuputol ang paanan ng krus, upang unti unting gumaan ang kanyang pagbubuhat hanggang makaakyat ng bundok. Pagdating sa bundok kailangan nilang tumawid sa isang bangin para makarating sa pintuan ng langit. Kailangan nilang gawing tulay ang kanilang mga krus. Madaling nakatawid ang unang nagbuhat. Paglapat niya ng krus sakto sa laki ng bangin. Nakatawid siya agad. Ung Ikalawa, paglapat niya ng krus kapos ang kanyang krus, hindi umabot sa kabilang ibayo ng bangin dahil pinutulan niya ito.
If we want to imitate Mary in giving birth to Jesus today, we have to be ready to accept the pangs of giving birth. We must be ready to carry our crosses everyday. For it is in sharing in the pain of the cross of Jesus that we also share in the glory of his resurrection.
Mary is the perfect model of Christian life. To imitate her is to follow her in giving birth to Jesus today. But in order to that we have to be filled with the Holy Spirit, the spirit of Jesus and we have to be ready to face the pangs of giving birth, to carry our crosses everyday. Tulad ni Maria kailangan nating mabuntis at manganak. Kailangan nating mapuno ng Espiritu Santo at maging Kristo sa isa’t isa.
What is a poet?
“What is a poet?” Kierkegaard once asked. His answer, “A poet is an unhappy person who conceals deep torments in his or her heart, but whose lips are so formed that when a groan or shriek streams over them it sounds like beautiful music.”
What a wonderful image of poetry - a groan or a shriek that streams over as beautiful music. But is poetry mere groans and shrieks of deep torments? Are all poets unhappy persons? Hmmm... Hindi yata totoo.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
MASAYA!
Sabi ng ebanghelyo isinugo ni Jesus na dala-dalawa ang pitungpu’t dalawang mga alagad. At nagbalik silang tuwang tuwa. Nagblik silang masayang masaya. Nagbalik silang galak na galak.
Sa iba’t ibang tao, iba’t ibang bagay ang nakapagbibigay ng saya at tuwa. May malalim na kasiyahan. Merong mababaw na kasiyahan. Ano po ba ang nagpapasaya sa atin? Ano ba ang nagpapaligaya sa iyo?
Sa ebanghelyo masayang masaya ang mga alagad ni Jesus dahil isinugo sila; dahil nakapagpalayas sila ng masasamang espiritu; dahil nakapagpagaling sila; dahil nakapagpahayag sila ng turo ni Kristo. Sa madaling salita, masayang masaya ang mga alagad dahil sumunod sila kay Kristo.
Minsan pagpinag-usapan ang pagsunod kay Kristo ang naiisip natin ay ang hirap ng pagsundo sa kanya; ang hirap ng pagsasakripisyo, ng pagsubok, ng pagtitiis at pagtiyaityaga, ang sakit ng matanggihan, maayawan, at pangungutya. Nakakaligtaan ng marami ang tuwa at saya ng pagsunod sa Panginoon; ang saya ng paglilingkod at pagbibigay.
Hindi po madali ang sumunod kay Jesus. Pero kung dahil sa inis kaya tayo tutulong, kung dahil sa inis kaya tayo magbibigay at maglilingkod, hindi pa po natin natatagpuan ang isang malalim na kagalakan na tanging si Jesus lamang ang kayang magbigay – ang ligayang dulot ng paggawa ng mabuti, ang tuwang dala ng paggawa ng tama, ang galak na bigay ng pagtulong sa kapwa.
Why does following Jesus bring joy to our hearts? Because in Jesus we become the best of who we are. The world can make us somebody. Our achievements and success can make us somebody. But that does not necessarily mean the best for us. But Jesus can make us the best that we can be. And being happy with Jesus is the best expression of our faith.
Minsan may isang batang lumapit sa akin (mga 10 years old) sabi niya, “Father, gusto ko pong maging pari.” Natuwa naman ako. Sabi ko, “Bakit naman?” Sagot ng bata, “Kasi po mukhang ang saya-saya niyo.” [Sa loob-loob ko, “Yun ang akala mo.” Hehehe.]
Kay Jesus makakatagpo tayo ng tunay na saya. At ang sayang ito ang makapag-aanyaya sa ating kapwa upang sumunod din kay Kristo at makatagpo din ng saya sa pagsunod sa kanya. Amen.
Sa iba’t ibang tao, iba’t ibang bagay ang nakapagbibigay ng saya at tuwa. May malalim na kasiyahan. Merong mababaw na kasiyahan. Ano po ba ang nagpapasaya sa atin? Ano ba ang nagpapaligaya sa iyo?
Sa ebanghelyo masayang masaya ang mga alagad ni Jesus dahil isinugo sila; dahil nakapagpalayas sila ng masasamang espiritu; dahil nakapagpagaling sila; dahil nakapagpahayag sila ng turo ni Kristo. Sa madaling salita, masayang masaya ang mga alagad dahil sumunod sila kay Kristo.
Minsan pagpinag-usapan ang pagsunod kay Kristo ang naiisip natin ay ang hirap ng pagsundo sa kanya; ang hirap ng pagsasakripisyo, ng pagsubok, ng pagtitiis at pagtiyaityaga, ang sakit ng matanggihan, maayawan, at pangungutya. Nakakaligtaan ng marami ang tuwa at saya ng pagsunod sa Panginoon; ang saya ng paglilingkod at pagbibigay.
Hindi po madali ang sumunod kay Jesus. Pero kung dahil sa inis kaya tayo tutulong, kung dahil sa inis kaya tayo magbibigay at maglilingkod, hindi pa po natin natatagpuan ang isang malalim na kagalakan na tanging si Jesus lamang ang kayang magbigay – ang ligayang dulot ng paggawa ng mabuti, ang tuwang dala ng paggawa ng tama, ang galak na bigay ng pagtulong sa kapwa.
Why does following Jesus bring joy to our hearts? Because in Jesus we become the best of who we are. The world can make us somebody. Our achievements and success can make us somebody. But that does not necessarily mean the best for us. But Jesus can make us the best that we can be. And being happy with Jesus is the best expression of our faith.
Minsan may isang batang lumapit sa akin (mga 10 years old) sabi niya, “Father, gusto ko pong maging pari.” Natuwa naman ako. Sabi ko, “Bakit naman?” Sagot ng bata, “Kasi po mukhang ang saya-saya niyo.” [Sa loob-loob ko, “Yun ang akala mo.” Hehehe.]
Kay Jesus makakatagpo tayo ng tunay na saya. At ang sayang ito ang makapag-aanyaya sa ating kapwa upang sumunod din kay Kristo at makatagpo din ng saya sa pagsunod sa kanya. Amen.
Friday, July 6, 2007
I Want to be a Saint
As a newcomer in the seminary the first book that was given to us for spiritual reading was "The Lives of Saints." I remember reading about St. Dominic Savio, St. Tarcisius, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, St. Augustine, St. Thomas, and St. John Bosco. Formators gave us the book with the admonition, "Imitate them."If there is one thing I learned from that book is that saints are human. Saints are not aliens from far far away, totally different from us. They were like us; weak, with hearts full of questions, confused, struggling, misunderstood, sinners. I remember formators point out that when asked what our ambitions are, rather than say "I want to be a priest" it is more right to say "I want to be a saint."
Can anyone really dream of becoming a saint? Would it not be boastful to dream so? Is it realy possible to aspire for sainthood and not come as a show off?
I want to be a saint! Who can say this with all honesty and humility? I know I can't. But on second thought why not. Why can't we? For in its simplicity is found the will of God for all his children. We are called to be holy. And so, we are all called to be saints.
A Cardinal was once asked, "What are saints?" The Cardinal candidly answered, "Saints are normal Christians. The problem with us is that we are not normal."
Get in front of the mirror and say, "I want to be a saint." Then, get in front of the Blessed Sacrament and say, "Only you can make me a saint."
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Seeing Goodness
Looking at a white paper with a single black dot at the center, people often see the dot more than the paper. When people look at each other people often see what is not so beautiful. People remember mistakes. People recognize imperfections. People talk about weaknesses.
This is exactly the opposite of how God looks at us. Yes, God sees imperfections. God sees weaknesses. But he sees so much more. God sees beauty in his creation and in humanity because he has created us in his image and likeness.
It is not easy to look at suffering and see goodness. It is not easy to look at poverty and see goodness. It is not easy to look at crime and see goodness. It is not easy to look at destructions and see goodness. But that is how God looks at his creation.
And so when we look at the world and at one another, let us not look only with our physical eyes. Let us look with the eyes of faith. For with the eyes of faith when we look at weaknesses and imperfections we also see what the grace of God can do in the world and in our lives.
This is exactly the opposite of how God looks at us. Yes, God sees imperfections. God sees weaknesses. But he sees so much more. God sees beauty in his creation and in humanity because he has created us in his image and likeness.
It is not easy to look at suffering and see goodness. It is not easy to look at poverty and see goodness. It is not easy to look at crime and see goodness. It is not easy to look at destructions and see goodness. But that is how God looks at his creation.
And so when we look at the world and at one another, let us not look only with our physical eyes. Let us look with the eyes of faith. For with the eyes of faith when we look at weaknesses and imperfections we also see what the grace of God can do in the world and in our lives.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
The Curious Incident
I just finished reading an interesting and unique novel by Mark Haddon, with a curious title "the curious incident of the dog in the night-time". It's unique because the story is told by a 14 year old gifted child who loves numbers and dreams of becoming an astronaut. It's a touching story of love and logic, of patience and patterns, of moving on and mathematics. Read this:
"And when you look at the sky you know you are looking at stars which are hundreds and thousands of light-years away from you. And some of the stars don't even exist anymore because their light has taken so long to get to us that they are already dead, or they have exploded and collapsed into red dwarfs. And that makes you seem very small, and if you have difficult things in your life it is nice to think that they are what is called "negligible", which means that they are so small you don't have to take them into account when you are calculating something."
When you have your own difficulty and you begin to listen to the difficulties of others, it's like looking at the stars and realizing how "negligible" your difficulties are compared to those of others. It doesn't make the difficulties go away, but they become easier to face. So, always look at the stars.
"And when you look at the sky you know you are looking at stars which are hundreds and thousands of light-years away from you. And some of the stars don't even exist anymore because their light has taken so long to get to us that they are already dead, or they have exploded and collapsed into red dwarfs. And that makes you seem very small, and if you have difficult things in your life it is nice to think that they are what is called "negligible", which means that they are so small you don't have to take them into account when you are calculating something."
When you have your own difficulty and you begin to listen to the difficulties of others, it's like looking at the stars and realizing how "negligible" your difficulties are compared to those of others. It doesn't make the difficulties go away, but they become easier to face. So, always look at the stars.
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