IF I CAN

If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, if I can show somebody he's traveling wrong, then my living will not be in vain.

If I can do my duty as a Christian ought, if I can bring salvation to a world once wrought, if I can spread the message as the master taught, then my living will not be in vain.

- Martin Luther King, Jr. in The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.

ULTIMATE MEASURE

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where the stands in moments of convenience, but where he stands in moments of challenge, moments of great crisis and controversy."

- Martin Luther King, Jr. in The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.

GUSTO MO, GUSTO KO RIN

Nung bata ako natatandaan ko pag ang ulam namin sa bahay ay may mainit na sabaw, halimbawa sinigang o nilaga, laging may tutong na kanin sa lamesa. Nung pumasok ako sa seminaryo, ni minsan hindi sila naghanda ng tutong na kanin, kahit gaano kainit ang sabaw ng sinigang o ng nilaga [madalang naman maghain ng sinigang at nilaga sa seminaryo, laging adobo, o kaya prito hehe]. Minsan tinanong ko ang nanay ko kung bakit may nakahaing tutong pag may mainit na sabaw ang ulam. Sabi niya, "Anak yan kasi ang gusto ng tatay mo."

"Anak yan kasi ang gusto ng tatay mo." Ito ang katunayan na mahal ng nanay ko ang tatay ko. Hindi ba pagmahal mo ang isang tao, aalamin mo ang gusto niya, para subukan mo ring gustuhin? Aalamin mo ang ayaw niya, para susubukang ayawin din? Aalamin mo ang mahal niya, para subukang mahalin din? Ito ang isang hamon ng pagmamahal natin sa isa't isa. Ito rin ang hamon ng pagmamahal natin sa Diyos. Kung talagang mahal natin ang Diyos, hindi ba't tama lamang na alamin natin ang gusto niya at sikaping gustuhin din natin? Alamain ang ayaw niya at sikaping ayawan din natin? Alamin ang mahal niya at sikaping mahalin din natin? Kung tunay ang pagmamahal natin sa Diyos aalamin natin ang kanyang kalooban, at sisikaping ang kalooban niya ay maging kalooban din natin.

Ngayon katulad ako ng aking tatay, dahil pagmainit na sabaw ang ulam, nilaga o sinigang, naghahanap ako ng tutong [kaya lang lagi wala kasi hindi nagtututong sa rice cooker, automatic na eh hehe]. Ang masarap sa tatay ko masarap din sa akin. Yung gusto niya gusto ko rin. Sana maging katulad din tayo ni Jesus, yung gusto niya gusto rin natin; yung kalooban niya ay kalooban din natin.

ITALAGA

Italaga ang sarili sa Diyos. "Walang kahati. Walang kaagaw. Walang kapalit."

- mula sa Homily ni Bishop Nes sa ordination ni Fr. Dodot, ang pinakabagong pari ng diocese ng Cubao, Sept 28, 2007.

SAN LORENZO NG MAYNILA

The first and only canonized Filipino saint is not a bishop, nor a priest, nor a deacon, nor a seminarian, nor a nun, but a simple and ordinary parishioner. Lorenzo lived in the vicinity of Binondo and had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and the rosary. He was a catechist and a father of two children. Circumstances led him to leave for Japan and there was demanded to manifest the depth of his faith. Wala nang atrasan.

Lorenzo was an ordinary parishioner, like many of those who go to church every sunday, or even every day. He was an ordinary member of a parish confraternity. He did not attend a religious school, much less a theological insitute. He was not an expert in sacred scriptures, nor a master of doctrine. Lorenzo was a catechist.

He was ordinary, but his faith was in place, a great love for the Lord and for Mary his mother; a concern for the nourishment of other's faith. He was ordinary, but he was faithful even in the face of death.

Uso pa ba ang pagiging banal? Uso pa ba ang pagiging tapat? Holiness in not something out of this world. Fidelity is not something totally impossible. Sainthood is not an unreachable star. Rather, sainthood is a seed that has been planted in our hearts that needs care, nourishment and growth. Holiness is not something we look at from a distance. Rather, holiness is like fire that consumes all of our being that transforms all of our life into something Godly. Fidelity is not a mission impossible. Rather, fidelity is the true test of genuine love.

Nakaya ni Lorenzo. Kaya din natin. Hindi nga lang uso, pero kaya. Kaya, sa awa ng Diyos. Amen.

STS. COSMAS AND DAMIAN

We are all called to share the good news of Jesus to others; to make known Jesus to the world. Preaching, or catechesis, has been a usual tactic to achieve this. Sts. Cosmas and Damian offers another way, not through words, but through works of mercy.

Cosmas and Damian are twin brothers. They both finished their medical studies. They became skillfull physicians. They practiced their profession with great success, but they did not get any fee for their services. It was said that because of this many were led to God.

Help without counting the cost. Give without expecting anything in return. Offer time without compensation. Share your talent even without appreciation. Let our works of mercy bring Jesus to others. Let our actions lead others to Him.

KALOOBAN

Sabi ni Jesus, "Ang mga nakikinig ng salita ng Diyos at tumutupad nito ang siya kong ina at mga kapatid.

Kay Jesus hindi importante kung Kapamilya o Kapuso, kung kamag-anak o kaibigan. Ang importante KALOOBAN. Ang makinig at tumupad sa kalooban ng Ama.

Kung araw-araw inaalam natin ang nangyari kay Anghelita o kay Kokey, kay Jumong o sa Jewel Sisters. Hindi ba dapat inaalam araw-araw ng isang mabuting anak ng Diyos ang kalooban ng Ama?

Sa binyag tayo ay naging mga anak ng Diyos. Ito ay unti-unting natutupad kung isinasa-loob ang Kalooban ng Ama, kung inaalam, pinakikinggan at ginagawa ang Kanyang kalooban.

CLARIFICATION ON SUMMORUM

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines

Episcopal Commission on Liturgy

Clarifications on Summorum Pontificum

Pope Benedict XVI published the Apostolic Letter Summorum Pontificum on July 7, 2007 with effectivity on September 14, 2007. The Episcopal Commission on Liturgy received several requests to clarify certain issues regarding its contents and implementation.

1. What is the aim of the Apostolic Letter?

The Apostolic Letter was published to seek “interior reconciliation in the heart of the Church”, that is, with those who still adhere to the Missal of Pius V. It is also a reaction to what is perceived as “abuses” in the celebration of the Mass after Vatican II.

2. Are there now two rites of the Roman Missal?

Summorum Pontificum distinguishes two forms of celebrating the one and the same Roman Rite, namely, “forma ordinaria” and “forma extraordinaria”. The ordinary form is the 1970 Missal of Pope Paul VI revised by authority of Vatican II. The extraordinary form is the Tridentine Missal published in 1962 by Pope John XXIII.

3. What would be an implication of the “forma extraordinaria” of the Roman Missal?

The hermeneutics of continuity means that the 1970 Missal is a Vatican II revision of the Tridentine, while the hermeneutics of legitimate progress could justify the inclusion of inculturated liturgies as other extraordinary forms of the same Roman Rite.

4. What are some of the important conditions for celebrating according to the 1962 Missal?

Those who wish to celebrate it should possess “a certain degree of liturgical formation and some knowledge of the Latin language”. Furthermore, the Missal to be used should be the 1962 edition. It is important to remember that the 1962 Missal requires the use of the Latin language (except for the readings and the homily), particular liturgical furnishings, vestments, books, and liturgical calendar. Lastly, in order to be in full communion with the Church, priests who celebrate according to the 1962 Missal must, as a matter of principle, accept the validity of the 1970 Missal.

5. What other liturgical rites are included in the permission?

Besides the 1962 Roman Missal, permission is granted to use the other Tridentine Rituals of baptism, confirmation, marriage, penance, anointing of the sick, funerals, and the Roman Breviary. The Apostolic Letter excludes the Easter Triduum and is silent about holy orders.

6. How about the seminaries?

Summorum Pontificum does not directly address the question of celebrating the Tridentine Missal in seminaries.

7. What is the responsibility of parish priests?

In parishes, where a stable group of the faithful adheres to the 1962 Missal, the parish priest should willingly accept their request. Such Mass maybe celebrated on weekdays, and once on Sundays and feast days. The Ordinary shall determine what a “stable group” consists of.

8. What is the responsibility of bishops?

If a parish priest fails to satisfy the request for Tridentine Mass, the faithful that request it should inform the Ordinary. If he himself cannot satisfy the request, he should refer the matter to the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei. Furthermore the Ordinary may establish a personal parish where the Tridentine rituals may be used, or he may appoint a chaplain for such group of faithful.

9. What happens to active participation?

While the liturgical reform of the Vatican II aims principally to promote active participation, the Tridentine Missal encourages prayerful meditation during the Eucharistic celebration.

10. What happens to the 1970 Missal of Paul VI?

It is useful to note that the Vatican II Missal of Paul VI can always be celebrated in Latin and in Gregorian chant.

Summorum Pontificum gives the assurance that the Missal of Paul VI will certainly remain the ordinary form of the Eucharistic liturgy, given the actual pastoral circumstances of local Churches and the need for more adequate liturgical formation and knowledge of Latin among the faithful.

Conclusion

It is our fervent hope that the implementation of Summorum Pontificum will not, as Pope Benedict XVI desires, divide the heart of the Church, but rather foster mutual respect and understanding within the one Church of Jesus Christ. Let pastors be mindful that the ordinary form of the Holy Eucharist for the Church today is contained in the Missal of Paul VI whether this is celebrated in Latin or in the vernacular. As one Church, may we be united in one faith through a diversity of liturgical forms.

That in all things God may be glorified!

KANDILA

Sa tuwing magsisindi ng kandila - sa pruisisyon, o pagnag-aanak sa binyag, o sa ordinaryong altar sa bahay - ito ay ala-ala ng kandilang sinindihan nung tayo'y bininyagan. Sa binyag, tayo ay pinanganak sa KALIWANAGAN. Tayo ay naging mga anak ng LIWANAG. Hindi na tayo nabubuhay sa dilim. 'Di na tayo kapit ng dilim. Ginapi na ni Jesus, ang Liwanag, ang dilim ng kasalanan at kamatayan.

Sa tuwing nagsisindi tayo ng kandila, pinapaalala sa atin na ang liwanag na ito, kailangang ilabas, kailangan ipakita, kailangang makapagbigay ng liwanag. "Walang nagsisindi ng ilaw at pagkatapos ay tatakluban ng banga o ilalagay sa ilalaim ng higaan. Sa halip, inilalagay ito sa talagang patungan upang makita ng mga pumapasok ang liwanag." Makapagbigay ng liwanag sa buhay natin, at sa buhay ng iba.

Uso ang kandila ngayon, pamapa-relax daw, pampa ganda daw ng mood, pampa ganda daw ng ambience, nakaka alis daw ng stress. Sa isang Kristiyano, laging mahalaga ang pagsisindi ng kandila, hindi dahil uso, kundi dahil ikaw at ako ay tila mga kandilang inaasahang magbigay ng liwanag sa mundong nangangailangan nito.

STATEMENT OF THE 22ND NMDDL

STATEMENT

National Meeting of the Diocesan Directors of Liturgy

From September 17 to 20, 2007 over 200 delegates to the 22^nd NMDDL held in the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro discussed the topic “The Death and Funeral of Christians”. The meeting was made possible through the generosity of Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J., DD, assisted by his clergy and people.

We are pleased to share the conclusions of our meeting:

1. There is a need to deepen our Christian understanding of death as the completion of our paschal pilgrimage that started at baptism. However, this paschal character of death should be balanced by the Church’s ministry of compassion toward those who mourn.
2. We recommend that pastors and liturgists avail themselves of the various options offered by the Order of Christian Funerals (1969). Special attention should be given to the rite for children.
3. We call on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines to institute studies on the inculturation of the funeral rites, taking into account the local traditions, customs, and symbols used in connection with death and funerals.
4. We encourage the incorporation of funeral rites within the celebration of the Eucharist as desired by Vatican II, in order to show more clearly the paschal character of Christian death.
5. The Episcopal Commission on Liturgy has published “Liturgical Guidelines on Cremation”. We exhort all to observe the said guidelines, especially as regards the final disposition of the cremated remains.
6. Great respect should be given to the remains of the faithful as they had been temples of the Holy Spirit. We urge that cemeteries, columbaries and ossuaries be kept with dignity and reverence.
7. There should be more cooperation and collaboration among the bereaved family, the parish, and the funeral home or columbary, in order to ensure the proper handling of the funeral rites and the remains of the dead

“Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God, the author of life and the hope of the just.” Likewise “the celebration of the Christian funeral brings hope and consolation to the living … the funeral rites also recall to all who take part in them, God’s mercy and judgment and meet the human need to turn always to God in times of crisis” (OCF, General Introduction, nos. 5 and 7).

“That in all things God may be glorified!”

PANGATAWANAN ANG SALITA

Ngayon po ay Catechetical Sunday. Nagpapaalala sa atin na tayo pong lahat ay katekista. Hindi lang po yung mga nagtuturo ng religion sa mga eskuwelahan. Yung mga magulang dito, katekista kayo sa mga anak ninyo. Yung mga ate at kuya dito, katekista kayo sa mga kapatid ninyo. Ang mga nakatatanda ay katekista sa mga nakakabata. Tayong lahat ay katekista sa isa’t isa.

Ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng “katekista”? Ito ay galing sa salitang Griyego na “katechizein” na ang ibig sabihin ay “to teach through words,” ang magturo sa pamamagitan ng salita. Sa Matandang Tipan ang Salita ay kaisa ng gawa. “Dabar” ang salitang Hebreo para sa salita na ang ibig sabihin ang salita ay gawa at ang gawa ay salita. Halimbawa, ang salita ng Diyos “Let ther be light” kasabay ng salita ang pagkakaroon ng liwanag. Salita ni Jesus “pinatawad na ang iyong kasalanan” kasama nito ang tunay na pagpapatawad. Ang salita ay gawa. Ang gawa ay salita. Yan ang “Dabar.”

Maiuugnay natin dito ang sinabi ni San Pablo sa ikalawang pagbasa na siya ay tagapagturo ng katotohanan at pananampalataya. Siya ay tagapgturo ng katotohanan dahil si Jesus ang katotohanan at ng pananampalataya dahil ang itinuturo niya ay nakikita sa gawaing may pananampalataya.

Ayaw natin sa mga taong dada lang ng dada pero walang gawa. Ayaw natin sa mga taong maganda ang salita kapag kaharap subalit iba ang ginagawa pagtalikod. Ayaw natin sa mga taong plastic. Pero kung titingnan natin ang ating sarili, ito ang katotohanan ng ating karanasan. May mga salita tayong hindi natin ginagawa.

Ang hamon sa atin, pangatawanan ang ating salita. Sa bawat misa na pinagdirwang natin sinasabi natin “Sumasampalatay ako sa Diyos” pero pagnasaktan tayo at kailangang magpatawad sumasampalataya pa rin ba tayo sa Diyos? Kapag kailangan ng magsakripisyo, sumasampalataya pa rin ba tayo sa Diyos? Kapag wala pa ring trabaho, o pag-asenso, o pera kaya, sumasampalataya pa rin ba tayo sa Diyos? O nagpapasya tayo na parang walang Diyos? Nabubuhay tayo na parang walang Diyos?

Ilang pangako na ang napako? Ilang “I love you” na ang ating tinalikuran? Ilang beses na tayong nawalan ng isang salita? Ilang beses nang nakalimutan ang pananampalataya? Ilang beses nang ‘di napangatawanan ang ating mga salita?

Lahat po tayo ay katekista, tinatawag na magturo, hindi lamang sa salita, kundi lalung higit sa gawa. Sikaping sa ating buhay na ang ating salita ay gawa at ang ating gawa ay salita.

NAWALA

Hindi ko ito natatandaan, pero kinuwento ng tita ko sa akin.

Nung mga 4 years old daw ako, nawala ako. Hinanap nila ako sa lahat ng sulok ng bahay. Lahat naghahanap: si Tita (dahil siya ang yaya ko noon, working mom kasi si nanay), si mama, mga kapitbahay namin, pati mga driver ng jeep (nakatira kasi kami malapit sa terminal ng jeep). Hindi nila ako makita. Nag-aalala na raw sila.

Hanggang nakita daw ako ng isang driver malayo na sa bahay. Isinakay ako ng driver at ihinatid sa bahay. Pagkakitang pagkakita pa lang daw sa akin sinalubong na ako ng Tita ko at niyakap at pinaghahalikan. Ganun din si mama ko. Niyakap ako at pinaghahalikan. Tinanong ko sila kung pinagalitan nila ako. Hindi daw. Sa sobrang saya dahil nakita ako nakalimutan na nila akong pagalitan. Hindi ko talaga ito matandaan, pero nung kinukuwento nila ito sa akin, sobra din ang saya ko at natagpuan nila ako.

Sabi sa ebanghelyo, "Gayon din ang kagalakan ng mga anghel ng Diyos dahil sa isang makasalanang nagsisisi’t tumalikod sa kanyang kasalanan.” Sa pagbabalik loob natin sa Diyos hindi pala galit o parusa ang sasalubong, kundi isang maalab na pagyakap at masayang pagdiriwang dahil nakita ang matagal nang hinahanap. Sinong ayaw yakapin ng Diyos? Sinong ayaw sa halik ng mga anghel? Sinong tatangging magbalik loob sa Diyos?

A JOY-GIVING CONVERSION

The joy of the shepherd in finding the lost sheep and the joy of the woman in finding the lost coin is the joy that heaven has in the conversion of a sinner.

Conversion is a call for all of us. It is not easy, but conversion brings joy to the heart of God. It brings joy to our hearts. It brings joy to the heart of those who love us.

TRIUMPH OF THE CROSS OF JESUS CHRIST

"so must the Son of Man be lifted up."

These were the words of the gospel of John in describing how the Son of Man shall bring eternal life to those who believe in him.

A wholistic view of the Johannine gospel reveals to us that “to be lifted up” means two things: crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus the Christ was “lifted up” when he was mounted on the cross, nailed to it and left to die. He was lifted from the earth and hunged on the cross. The Son of Man was lifted up on the cross. Also, Jesus the Christ was “lifted up” when three days later, he rose from the dead. He was lifted from the bondage of death, to the glory of the Father’s love. The Son of Man was lifted up to heaven [although this statement may be taken as referring to Ascension alone, the mystery of Ascension forms part of the wider mystery of the glory of Jesus that begins in his Resurrection]. For the gospel of John, to be lifted up is to be crucified and to rise again. The death and the new life of Jesus, this is the act of being “lifted up.” This union we find in the cross. On the cross Jesus died. Through the cross he rose again.

The cross which was a sign of death, shame and injustice, was transformed into a sign of life, hope and salvation. Death and life become one in the triumph of the cross of Jesus Christ. As formerly the Jews are afraid of the cross, today, we Christians, embrace the cross, for in the cross we find new life, strength and courage. In the cross we find freedom, victory and triumph. For united in every cross of this world, in every trial, pain, suffering and poverty, is the promise of hope, “inheritance of the land,” life eternal and salvation.

The cross calls us to face squarely the hurts and challenges of this life. But we do not face them with eyes closed, or with trepid hearts. We face them with faith and love for we know we shall overcome; we shall be “lifted up.”

Thoughts and Feelings on Erap

September 12, 2007 will go down in history as the day when for the first time an ex-president was convicted of a crime.

It was a Wednesday and was all over the television networks. I had a meeting at 9:30 AM and the reading of the verdict was scheduled to start at 9:00 AM. I planned to catch the initial proceedings and then go on to my meeting. But even before the meeting started the decision was read. Erap was guilty of plunder on two counts beyond reasonable doubts. There were mixed emotions.

There was a sense of victory for I was there in EDSA Shrine for EDSA Dos. I followed closely the impeachment trial of the former president. I am personally convinced that he has enriched himself and his family when he was in office. And I didn’t feel comfortable the way he handled the office of the president when he was in Malacanang. There was a sense of victory for the fact that finally it was time for the “big fish.”

But there were also doubts. Our government has a very bad record in implementing laws and executing directives. Our society continues to give privileges and concessions to people of power and riches. The Philippines may be governed by law in paper but not exactly in reality. What shall become of this guilty verdict?

But a detail of the decision has really caught my attention. According to reports, mainly from newscasts on television, a banker testified to have witnessed Mr. Estrada to have signed as Jose Velarde, and Mr. Estrada himself admitted that he did sign as Jose Velarde. Whatever reason one has, whether for oneself or for a friend, why would one sign a name other than one’s own? Such an action casts doubt in the intention of an ordinary person, so much more for a seating president of a republic. Such an action casts doubt on the character of the person. If the perpetrator is an elementary student who forged the signature of his parent in order to avoid a reprimand, I know there will be more compassion and the urge to teach and correct the child. But for an adult, honest and principled, signing a name other than one’s own is just unthinkable without a sinister intention. It is dishonest.

GOD'S POWERFUL WORD

Memorial of St. John Chrysostom

St. John was known for his eloquence. He was known for the power of his words. Chrysostom in Greek means “golden tongue.” This quotation from his writings reveal to us the origin of his powerful words: “I have his promise; I am surely not going to rely on my own strength? I have what he has written: that is my staff, my security, my peaceful harbor.” St. John was referring to God’s word.

The power of St. John’s word is rooted in the power of God’s word. He knew the power of God’s word and knew how to share it with those entrusted to him. His words were powerful because they were empowered by God’s word. His words wielded power because they were echoes of God’s.

Do we believe in the power of God’s word?
How important is His word for us?
Have you experienced its power?

PAGPASAN NG KRUS

Sinumang hindi magpapasan ng kanyang krus at sumunod sa akin ay hindi maaring maging alagad ko.

Malinaw ang sinabi ni Jesus sa ebanghelyo. Ang pagpasan ng krus ay bahagi ng buhay ng bawat Kristiyano. At naniniwala akong ang katotohanang ito ay kailangang ulit-ulitin, dahil hindi ito ang tawag ng buhay dito sa mundo. Kailangan ito laging ipaalala, kung tinig ng mundo ang papakinggan wala lugat ang krus sa mundo.

Para sa buhay natin sa daigdig na ito, mas madali mas okey, mas maikli mas okey, mas maginhawa mas okey.

Bakit may mga estudyanteng nandaraya sa exam para pumasa? Bakit may mga estudyanteng bumibili ng leakage, gumagawa ng kodigo para pumasa sa board? Dahil mas maikling panahon sa pag-aaral pero pagpasa din ang resulta. Mas madali, mas maganda.

Bakit may mga dalaga, maganda ang career, maganda ang kinabukasan, matalino, pero pagnabuntis ng hindi kasal, naiisipang ipalaglag ang bata? Kasi mas madaling ipalaglag ang bata kesa magbuntis ng siyam na buwan, mapurnada ang mga plano sa buhay, at mag-alaga ng sanggol. Mas madali mas maganda.

Bakit may mga taong gagawin ang lahat guminhawa lang ang buhay? Mga taong magnanakaw, mandaraya, kukuha ng hindi kanila, mangungurakot para guminhawa lang ang buhay. Dahil mas maginhawa mas maganda.

Walang krus dito. Dahil ang krus kailanman hindi madali, hindi maikli, hindi maginhawa. Ang krus kailangan ng sakripisyo. Subalit tandaan natin, sa krus ni Kristo dito tayo nakatagpo ng buhay, dito tayo naktanggap ng kalayaan, ng yakap ng Diyos na pumawi sa anumang paglaugmok natin sa kasalanan, sa kamatayan, sa pag-iisa. Ang krus ni Kristo ang ating buhay.

We are not afraid of the cross because in the cross is our life. Jesus showed us that in suffering there is redemption, there is meaning, there is light. If we want a satisfaction that is temporary, a satisfaction that the world gives and also takes away, then listen to the voice of this world. But if you yearn for a joy that lasts, a joy that no suffering and pain can take away, then listen to Jesus, take up your cross daily and follow him.

Ganyan ba talaga ang buhay Kristiyano? Puno ng krus? Super-hirap? Alam naman nating lahat na “walang ligaya dito sa lupa na hindi dinilig ng luha.” Hindi tayo takot na magpasan ng krus dahil alam natin ito ang daan sa tunay na kaginhawahan. Ito ang ipinakita ni Jesus, at ito ang ating pinananaligan. Amen.

SAKRIPISYO

Kilala nating lahat si Manny Pacquiao. Kahit naririnig nating siya ay sabungero, malakas pumusta sa bilyar, at sabi ng iba babaero – ang isang kahanga-hangang bagay sa kanya ay ang dedikasyon niya sa pag-iinsayo. At hindi niya ito magagawa kung hindi siya marunong magsakripisyo. Sakripisyo muna sa ibang bagay, ang ibuhos ang lahat ng atensyon sa paghahanda para sa laban. Dahil ang daan sa tagumpay ay pagsasakripisyo.

Kilala ba natin sa Rex Barnardo? Siya ay disabled; naka-wheelchair. Dahil sa kanyang kapansanan hindi siya pinapasok ng kanyang mga magulang sa elementarya at sa high school. Subalit siya’y tinuruan ng kanyang mga tiyahin ng pagbabasa at pagsusulat. Sabi sa artikulo ng Inquirer [www.inquirer.net] hinihiram niya ang mga libro ng kanyang mga kapatid para basahin at madalas mas nauuna siyang makatapos kaysa kanila. Sa bandang huli siya ay nakatapos ng Kolehiyo, Psychology. At nakatapos ng masters in development management. Kahit may kapansanan, ang daan tungo sa tagumpay ay ang pagtahak sa landas ng pagsasakripisyo.

Ito rin ang paalala ni Jesus sa ebanghelyo: walang sinumang makasusunod sa akin ng hindi pinapasan ang kanyang krus. Walang sinumang makakasunod kay Jesus ng hindi marunong magsakripisyo.

Ang daan ng Krus ay taliwas sa daan ng mundo, dahil ang daan ng mundo ay kung ano ang madali, magaan, at maginhawa. Hindi ito ang daan ni Jesus. Hindi ito ang daan ng Krus. Kung nais nating makamit ang tagumpay ni Jesus, kailangang pasanin ang krus, kailangang matutong magsakrispisyo.

You Make Me Want To be the Best

As I am accustomed to do, I went to solitude on Sept. 3 to 5 in Laguna. It was a time for prayer, reflection and relaxation in preparation for the anniversary of my priestly ordination. This poem is an expression of gratituded to God for the gift of this wonderful vocation and to all who continue to encourage me whether through words or action in this awe-inspiring life and ministry. Salamat po sa lahat!

You
make me want to be the best
the best priest God wants me to be.

Every time you take my hand
and choose to be blessed
you make me want to be a priest of God’s blessings.

Every time you offer your time
and choose community over privacy
you make me want to be a priest of solidarity.

Every time you volunteer what you can do
and choose service over apathy
you make me want to be a priest of charity.

Every time you share what you have
and choose giving over keeping for yourself
you make me want to be a priest of generosity. .

Every time you kneel in adoration
and choose to pray than be astray
you make me want to be a priest of prayer.

Every time you fall in line
and choose to receive communion
you make me want to be a priest of compassion.

Every time you say yes to Jesus
and choose to be faithful
you make want to be a priest forever.

Every time you say sorry
and go to confession in humility
you make me want to be a priest of honesty.

Every time you open your ears
and choose to listen over indifference
you make me want to be a priest of clarity.

Every time you follow Jesus
and carry your cross
you make me want to be a priest of resurrection.

Every time you say Amen
and trust in the Lord
you make me want to be a priest of faith.

Every time you move on
and not tied down by trials
you make me want to be a priest of hope.

Every time you consult me
and ask questions
you make me want to be a priest of the Spirit.

You
make me want to be the best
the best priest that God wants me to be.

GROWTH

Jesus asked Simon,

First, “Put out a short distance from the shore.”

Then, “Put out into the deep.”

Jesus asks us to grow in our obedience to him. This is possible only if we grow in our trust in him. Jesus’ call to us grows from easy round to difficult round. Our yes to his call should grow from I-oblige “Yes” to I-offer-my-life “Yes.”

Our “Yes” to Jesus last year should not be the same with our “Yes” to him this year. It should grow deeper and more total. Our faith in God now should be different from our faith in Him yesterday, or last month, or last year. It should grow in knowledge and conviction. In taking the “short distance” of following Jesus should make us ready to “put out into the deep.”

SINO ANG TUNAY NA HUMBLE?

Sabi ng unang pagbasa, “Maging mapagpakumbaba ka sa pagtupad ng tungkulin, at mamahalin ka ng mga malapit sa Diyos.” Sabi ng ating ebanghelyo, “Sapagkat ang nagpapakataas ay ibaba, at ang nagpapakababa ay itataas.”

Kalugud-lugod sa Diyos ang may mababang loob. Paano ba magpakumbaba? Sino ang taong mapagpakumbaba? Sino ang tunay na humble? Yung taong walang imik, sa isang tabi lang? Yung taong hindi marunong makipagtalo, mahinahon lagi ang boses? Yung taong hindi marunong magalit, laging nagbibigay? Yung taong mahiyain, walang dating?

Maaring isipin na ang pagpapakumbaba ay isang kahinaan, kaysa mabuting katangian na kailangan nating lahat. Ano ba ang tunay na pagpapakumbaba? Sino ang tunay na humble? Dalawang bagay po.

Una, ang tunay na kababaang loob ay alam kung anong kaya niya at handang ibahagi ito sa iba. Ang taong may kababaang loob ay kilala ang sarili at alam ang kanyang kakayahan, at sa pagkakataong kakailanganin ang kanyang kakayahan ay handang ibahagi ito sa nangangailangan. May mga pagkakataong sa isang grupo alam kung sino ang may kakayahang mamuno, subalit paghinilingan siyang mamuno, tumtatanggi at sinasabing, “Huwag ako. Hindi ko kaya yan.” Kahit alam ng lahat na kaya niya. Hindi po iyan humility. Yan po ay false humility. Dahil hindi tinatanggap kung ano ang kaya, at hindi ibinabahagi sa iba. Genuine humility is to know who we are, what we can do, and how to share.

Pangalawa, ang tunay na kababaang loob ay alam kung ano ang hindi kaya at handang humingi ng tulong sa iba. Dahil alam niya ang kanyang kakayahan, alam din niya ang kanyang kahinaan, at marunong humingi ng tulong kung kinakailangan. Sino ba ang mayabang? Hindi ba iyong nagmamarunong at hindi naman pala kaya; hindi ba iyong nagmamagaling na wala naman palang alam. Dahil hindi tinatanggap ang hindi niya kaya, hindi alam kung kailan dapat humingi ng tulong sa iba. Genuine humility is to accept who we are not, what we cannot do and how much help we need.

Ang tunay pong kabaang loob ay hindi nakikita sa pagiging tahimik, o mahiyain, o walang kibo. Ang tunay na kababaang loob ay nakikita sa makatotohanang pagkilala sa sarili, ano ang kaya mo, ano kaya mong ibahagi, ano ang hindi mo kaya, at kailan mo kailangan ang tulong ng iba.

Kung malinaw po sa atin ito, walang dahilan para magyabang, dahil tayong lahat may kanya-kanyang kaya, may kanya-kanyang hindi kaya. Kaya nga inaasahang magtutulungan. Walang taong kaya ang lahat. Walang taong walang maibabahagi. Walang taong walang kailangang tulong. Walang taong maaring mabuhay mag-isa.

Kung ikay ay may mababang loob, sabi ng unang pagbasa, ikaw ay tunay na mamahalin. Bakit? Dahil kung ikaw ay may tunay na kababaang loob, ikaw ay totoo sa iyong sarili: alam kung anong kaya mo at handang ibahagi sa iba, tinatanggap kung anong hindi mo kaya at handang humingi ng tulong kung kinakailangan. Ang taong mapagpakumbaba minamahal. Ang taong mayabang iniiwasan. Mamili ka.

Inspired by Evan Almighty

When we ask for patience God does not give us patience exactly, but the opportunity to be patient. When we ask for courage God does not make our hearts courageous instantly, but he gives us the opportunity to be courageous. When we ask for love God does not make our hearts full of love, but the opportunity to fill our hearts with love. God is a God of opportunities; opportunities to grow, to bloom, and to bear much fruit. When we ask for a fruit, God gives us the seed, to bury in the ground, to protect from weeds, to water, to take care, only then do we get the fruit we ask for.