Saturday, March 29, 2008

PEACE / KAPAYAPAAN

Sumainyo ang Kapayapaan!

Yan ang bati ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad. Kapayapaan ang pagpapalang dulot ng muling pagkabuhay ni Kristo.

Kung mapapansin ninyo lagi-lagi, halos taun-taon, sa mensahe ng Santo Papa para sa Easter Sunday lagi binabanggit ang mga lugar na nangangailangan ng kapayapaan. Noon lagi nababanggit ang Russia, o ang Haiti, o Afghanistan. Ngayong taung ito sa Easter message ni Pope Benedict XVI, pinaalala niya ang mga lugar na nangangailangan ng kapayapaan, tulad ng Darfur, na nasa Sudan, Africa [civil war], sa Holy Land, sa Iraq, at sa Lebanon, at lalung higit sa Tibet, [fight for independence].

Para sa mga Hudyo ang Kapayapaan o Shalom ay nangangahulugan ng dalawang mahahalagang bagay – maayos na relasyon sa kapwa at maayos na relasyon sa Diyos.

Kaya sa ebanghelyo natin ngayon pagkatapos bumati ni Jesus ng Kapayapaan, kanyang sinabi, “Ang kasalanang patawarin ninyo ay pinatawad na nga.” Pagpapatawad sa mga nagkasala sa atin, pakikipagkasundo sa pamilya, mga kapatid, kaibigan, kapitbahay, katrabaho, pagmamahal sa kaaway – ito ang daan sa tunay na kapayapaan. Hindi paghihiganti, pakikipag-away, pananakit. Ang kapayapaan ay uusbong sa maayos na relasyon sa kapwa.

Sa ebanghelyo din, pagkatapos anyayahan ni Jesus na huwag nang magduda si Tomas bagkus manalig sa kanyang muling pagkabuhay, nagpakumbaba si Tomas at sinabi, “Panginoon ko at Diyos ko.” Ang ilan sa atin ay may pagtatampo sa Diyos, may mga tanong, may mga pagdududa. Subalit ang tunay na kapayapaan ay uusbong sa maayos na relasyon sa Diyos na naka-ugat sa matibay at malalim na pananalig at pagtitiwala sa kanya.

We all want peace. Everybody, every nation, want peace. But without genuine reconciliation there can never be genuine peace.

Sa ikalawang linggo ng muling pagkabuhay ni Kristo, Kapayapaan ang pagpapalang handog sa atin. Kapayapaang naka-ugat sa maayos na relasyon sa isa’t isa at maayos na relasyon sa Diyos.

PHOTOG TIP: PRACTICE

Sa mga interesado basahin are:

http://nicholevan.typepad.com/nicholev_photography_life/2008/03/my-tips-for-any.html

Practical tips for photog newbies like me. Read and be hooked in photography! Yehey may kasama na ko!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!

In the celebration of the Easter Vigil, four signs of the risen Lord are given to us: the Paschal Candle, the Word of God, the Waters of Baptism and the Holy Eucharist.

The light from the Paschal Candle reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the coming of light that dispels darkness. The Word of God reminds us that the Lord continues to be part of our everyday life. The waters of Baptism reveals to us that the resurrection of Jesus has made us sons and daughters of the Father. And the holy Eucharist offers us the abiding presence of Jesus as the bread of life.

We are not alone. We are never alone for our God is alive and he is with us always and forever! Alleluia!

Friday, March 21, 2008

THIS IS A GOOD READ

Cardinal Sin's 'visit'

By Denis Murphy
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:34:00 03/19/2008

CARDINAL Jaime Sin came around the corner of my home and across the small garden to where I was sitting under the shade. His white soutana and blood-red cincture gleamed in the morning sun. I hadn't heard the gate open; neither had there been a peep from the neighbor's young dog, which barks at anything, even at small birds in the trees. The cardinal looked as fit as he did in 1974 when he took over the Archdiocese of Manila.

"Denis, I'm glad I caught you in. How are you?" He offered no big embrace as was his wont.

What do you say to such a wonderful ghost? Nothing for a while, then I managed, full of Irish foreboding about the dead.

"Eminence, it's better I ask how are you?"

"Ho, ho, I'm fine, never better, Denis. I'm here about that obituary," he said suddenly. He usually didn't get to business so quickly. "I heard about it from Sister C who joined us the other day." When he said this, he looked up to the clouds and then sat down.

The cardinal's obituary. It was years ago. I had been asked some months before his death to write his obituary for UCAN News Service, so they'd have something on file whenever he died. I agreed to do it, but delayed for one reason or another, till the Cardinal took a bad turn, and I realized I better get busy. When I called Villa San Miguel for an appointment, Sister C wanted to know what my business was. I told her it was about the Cardinal's obituary.

She gasped in horror. "Dear God, you can't do that. What's wrong with you anyway? He's a very sick man. No, No, No! You can't see him."

The cardinal was dead within two weeks.

"We can do it now, the interview," the cardinal told me. "What did you want to ask?"

I was not six feet from him, closer than when I saw him last in his casket in the cathedral, with that wisp of a smile still on his face, a smile that told the mourners, "Don't be so sad. I'm still around."

Why not do the interview?

"All right, Eminence." I turned on a small tape recorder that was on the table between us.

"It was said recently that Rome asked you not to get involved in Edsa I. Is that so?" I began.

He looked at his watch and gestured to my dog to come closer. The poor dog had never seen anything in the garden like the cardinal, dead or alive.

"Not just me, Denis; the other bishops also, all of us. We had written a letter after the "snap election" saying (President Ferdinand) Marcos had lost the moral authority to rule, you remember."

"But you went ahead despite Rome's advice, didn't you?"

"It wasn't the Holy Father's. If it were, we would have stopped. We wouldn't fight him ever. Yes, there was a message from the Vatican, but not from the Holy Father. You know, Denis, I don't hear any criticism of Edsa I where I am now."

"What about Edsa II?"

"I prefer we don't talk about that."

There was a story there and I waited, but that was all he'd say about Edsa II.

"Eminence, what advice do you have for your brother bishops of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines today?"

"Sometimes it's best not to say anything."

"Is that all, Eminence? Many people are criticizing the bishops."

"You know, up above where I am now, there's little talk of presidents and the rich and powerful. Perhaps surprisingly to some, there's also little talk of bishops. The concern up above is for the poor. They talk about the poor, they worry about the poor. Poor people are at the center of their thinking. They have a poor person's point of view. This is how it works."

The cardinal paused for a few moments, then continued, "I was in the Sto. NiƱo Church in Tondo last week at a Mass for Truth. I'm permitted to do things like that. The quietly inspiring Bishop Broderick Pabillo said the Mass. He talked about truth and corruption. I listened, but my attention focused on the small children of the poor going around the Church barefoot, asking the congregation for a few coins. A little girl passed right in front of me. She was four or five years old, barefoot and wearing a ragged little dress that was gray with dirt. I worried about her. What will happen to her in the years to come? It was nine o'clock at night, so I wondered where she would sleep? I felt bad that in our country there are still little children who are so poor because of corruption."

He stopped. He was winded. "Sorry, I got off the subject, didn't I?"

"Maybe not, Eminence."

"Anyway I wasn't to stress that up above attention is on the poor. We must focus on the poor. That's the main thing. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Eminence, you are. I have my notes and its being recorded. I'll write it up and show it to you."

When I tried to replay the cardinal's words later to write this, I found the tape was empty. There were no words from the cardinal.

The reader will have to take my word that this story is all true.

Denis Murphy works with the Urban Poor Associates. His email address is upa@pldtdsl.net.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

GAYAHIN ANG GINAWA NI HESUS [Huwebes Santo]

Minsang araw ng Linggo, pagkatapos kong magmisa ng tatalong beses, pagkatapos ng ilang mga meeting na halos magkasabay-sabay, umakyat ako ng kumbento pagod at gutom. Sa aming la mesa may adobo at yema. Kumain ako. At sabi ko sa sarili ko, “Ito ang adobo. Kasing lasa ng luto ng adobo nanay ko.” Tapos, kumain ako ng yema. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, “Ito ang yema. Kasing lasa ng yema na tinitinda ng nanay ko.” Tapos biglang kong naisip, nandito ba ang nanay ko. Tinanong ang mga kasama ko kung dumating ang nanay ko. Oo daw. Dumating at dumeretso sa kuwarto ko. Pag-akyat ko sa kwarto nandun nga ang nanay ko. Hindi pa raw siya kumakain dahil hinihintay niya ako. At tama ang iniisip ninyo, siya nga ang may dala ng adobo at ng yema.

Kung tatanungin ko kayo: ano ang ala-ala ninyo ng isang masayang pamilya? Di ba may kasamang kainan? Kung tatanungin ko kayo: ano ang ala-ala ninyo ng isang masayang pagkakaibigan? Di ba may kasamang kainan? Kung tatanungin ko kayo: ano ang ala-ala ninyo ng isang masayang komunidad o parokya? Di ba may kasamang kainan?

Anumang ala-alang masaya, maging sa pamilya man, o sa pagkakaibigan o sa pamayanan, laging may kasamang kainan. Ganyan din ang Huling Hapunan – isang ala-alang masaya. Sabi sa ebanghelyo ni Mateo at Marcos, bago nila lisanin ang Huling Hapunan sila ay nag-awitan ng mga awitin ng pasasalamat.

Subalit ang Huling Hapunan ay hindi lamang ala-alang masaya, para sa mga alagad, ito rin ay ala-ala ng isang mabigat na hamon. Sa ebanghelyo natin ngayon ayon kay San Juan, isang paanyaya ang iniwan ni Jesus. Pagkatapos hugasan ni Jesus ang mga paa ng kanyang mga alagad, sabi niya: Kung anung ginawa ko, gawin din ninyo! Kung paano si Jesus nagpakumbaba, magpakumbaba din kayo. Kung paano si Jesus hindi nagpakamataas, huwag din kayong magpakamataas. Kung paano si Jesus naglingkod, maglingkod din kayo. Kung paano si Jesus hindi inisip ang sasabihin ng iba, huwag nyo ring isipin ang sasabihin ng iba. Kung paano ibinigay ni Jesus ang kanya sarili sa pagmamahal, ibigay din ninyo ang inyong sarili sa pagmamahal.

Ngayong gabi gagayahin ko ang ginawa ni Jesus sa huling hapunan – huhugasan ko ang mga paa nitong labing apat na kinatawan ng pitong area ng ating parokya. Hindi po kailangang labing dalawa, dahil hindi naman sila kinatawan ng mga apostol. Kaya nga hindi kailangan mag-costume. Hindi kailangang magmukha silang mga apostol. Sila ay mga kinatawan ninyo.

May mga pari na pagkatapos maghugas ng paa ay pinapahugas din ng mga paa ang mga nagsisimba. Hindi ko po yan gagawin ngayon dahil naniniwala ako na ang paggaya ninyo sa ginawa ni Jesus ay wala dito sa loob ng misa, o sa loob ng simbahan. Pagkatapos kong gayahin ang ginawa ni Jesus, tungkulin ninyong paglabas ninyo ng simbahan, pagbalik ninyo sa inyong mga tahanan, sa inyong mga kapitbahayan, gayahin ang ginawa ni Jesus. Sa inyong tahanan at sa inyong kapitbahay nandoon ang tunay na hamon na gayahin ang ginawa ni Jesus. Doon gayahin ang pagpapakumbaba ni Jesus. Doon gayahin ang hindi pagmamataas ni Jesus. Doon gayahin ang paglilingkod ni Jesus. Doon gayahin ang hindi pakikinig sa sasabihin ng iba. Doon gayahin ang pagbibigay ni Jesus ng kanyang sarili sa diwa ng pagmamahal.

Ang Huling Hapunan, oo , isang masayang ala-ala, pero isang ala-alang patuloy tayong hahamuning gayahin ang ginawa ni Jesus - magpakumbaba, huwag magmataas, maglingkod, magbigay ng sarili sa diwa ng pagmamahal.

Si Jesus hinugasan ang paa ng kanyang mga alagad. Ako, huhugasan ko ang paa ng inyong mga kinatawan. Kayo, ganun din ang gawin ninyo paglabas ninyo ng simbahang ito.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Sunday, March 16, 2008

THE LANTANA SUNSET

I stayed in Lantana for almost a year when the diocese of Cubao was still in its first year of establishment. I stayed on the 7th floor. When I was there, I had always admired the magnificent sunset as seen from the fire exit of the ten storey building, which is the diocesan center. When I got Nika [nikkon D40x], I always longed to capture the Lantana Sunset. I had the opportunity on March 13, 2008. It was a Thursday. That day I had to be at Lantana around 8 PM to hand out certificates for a liturgical conference. I went there around 5:30 PM, stayed at the fire exit of the 7th floor and tried to capture even a fraction of the majestic sunset that day.

I think I took more than 200 shots that afternoon. This is one of my favorite. For other pictures see my photos..

[I have adjusted the contrast and had to crop some parts.]

Saturday, March 15, 2008

KNOWLEDGE IS GRACE

A message to the students of Saint Gabriel Academy in Caloocan City on the occassion of their day of recognition on March 17, 2008. My only hesitation is that there will be grade school students there, some of the points here may not be apt to their young minds.

It has been 22 years since I left Saint Gabriel Academy. At that time, I was in your place. I was seating somewhere there, wishing excitedly that my name be called. Now, I am here in front, wishing earlier, that my name will not be called. I am not sure if I have something interesting to tell you.

I remember that times like these are happy times for students. Recognition and graduation are special times for students like you. This is the time to demand and haggle with your parents.

When I was your age, every time I would receive an award from school – first honorable mention, best in conduct, best in P.E., etc. – it was the time for me to demand more confidently from my parents. Oftentimes I would demand a little extra money to be spent for my Voltes V, Voltron and GI Joe, or sometimes I would demand a little leeway to come home late to go to Ever Gotesco Mall [sarado na yata ngayon] or more excitingly to SM City, North EDSA, or in another time, I would demand for a little more concession on my use of the telephone [PLDT landline yun, wala pang celfone noon at wala pang text, uso pa noon ang phone pal]. Every year I would strive to receive an academic award, so that I can demand from my parents my reward.

Why do we study? Is it only to get high grades? Why do we aim to get high grades? Is it only for recognition? And so, get rewards for them? Do we study only to get what we want?

I guess, you have heard the story of Marianet Amper. Sino si Marianet Amper? Siya ay isang estudyante sa grade 6, 12 years old. Taga-Mindanao. Noong November 2, 2007, si Marianet Amper ay nagpakamatay.

When we hear of stories of people committing suicide, wether we know them or not, we ask why, we feel sorry for them. So much more when a 12 year old takes her own life. We do not only feel sorry for the child or for the parents, but there is indignation, there is anger. Why would a child commit suicide? A child whom we expect to be playful, jolly, enthusiastic and full of life. How can a 12 year old be so full of despair and take her own life.?

The story says that the family of Marianet was really poor; that she was not able to go to school because she had no money for her project, that she had to stay at home because she had no money for transportation, that she had to help her mother do the laundry, that her parents had no means to provide for their daily meals, much more for her schooling. For Marianet there was no room for play or textbooks, there was only poverty and frustration, and so Marianet ended her despair by ending her life.

You are far more blessed than Marianet. You do not need to stay at home in order to help your mother do the laundry, or help your father harvest the fields. You do not need to work in order to have your allowance. You have your parents to provide for you. You have your parents or your school bus to bring you to and from the school. You have your teachers who care for you. You have your friends to uplift you. You are so much blessed. Do not waste this blessing.

Do not use this knowledge to cheat or to take what is not yours. Do not use this knowledge to make fun of the poor or to put down the dignity of another person. Do not use this knowledge to advance merely your personal or familial circumstance but for the good of all as much as possible. Knowledge is a blessing from the Lord, it can only bear much fruit, if this blessing is shared to others.

And so we go back to our original question: why do we study? We study because knowledge is a a gift from God. And he wants us to grow in knowledge, to develop it, to sharpen it, to discover the truth, to make it grow and share the fruits to others. We study because knowledge reveals to us who we are for each other. It enlightens us about our definitive place in this ever-changing world. We study because knowledge discloses our authentic dignity as sons and daughters of God.

There is an adage that says, “Knowledge is power.” In the light of faith, I believe, it is more appropriate to say that, “Knowledge is grace.” If we have knowledge we are blessed. If we have knowledge we are able to understand. If we have knowledge we are able to help. If we have knowledge we are able to serve. Do not forget that being here today is being blessed. And that blessing will bear so much fruit if shared.

Congratulations to all the parents, may your love for your children be a mirror of God’s blessings for them. Congratulations to all the students, may you never forget how blessed you are. Maraming Salamat po inyong lahat.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

SCHEDULE OF MASSES FOR TRUTH

2008 SUNDAY MASSES (10:00 A.M.)

For TRUTH and ACCOUNTABILITY

WATCH, PRAY and ACT MOVEMENT
As of February 28, 2008
DAY SPONSOR / VENUE ADDRESS
1st

2

24-Feb

Adamson University

900 San Marcelino St., Ermita

3

2-Mar

University of Sto.Tomas

EspaƱa St., Sampaloc

4

9-Mar

De La Salle University - Manila

2401 Taft Ave., Malate

5

16-Mar

Miriam College
Katipunan Rd., Loyola Heights

6

23-Mar

St. Joseph College – Q.C.
295 E. Rodriguez Sr. Blvd.

7

30-Mar

Manila Cathedral School
287 Tayuman St., Tondo Manila

8

6-Apr

Holy Trinity Academy
Calabash Road, Balic-Balic, Samploc

9

13-Apr

Holy Child Catholic School - Tondo
Plaza A. V. Hernandez, Tondo Manila

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

WE FAILED...

I feel sad that the diocese of Cubao has not used all the possible means to prevent this ordinance from being signed. There were no rallies. There were no appeals to the media. There were no public pressures to the mayor to veto. We failed. The bishop failed.

Belmonte OKs new QC population policy

Tuesday, March 4, 2008, Philstar.com, Philippine Star, p. 13

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. announced yesterday that he has approved a controversial ordinance that sets the city’s population and reproductive health policy.

“The final choice on (the size of) their family is for couples. The government just provides guides and the necessary support,” Belmonte told city hall employees during yesterday’s flag-raising ceremony.

Council Majority Leader Ariel Inton said the proposed ordinance was approved by the city council after a series of consultations, including meetings with church officials, who initially opposed the measure.

He said the ordinance “provides no penal provision but will guarantee access to safe, affordable and quality reproductive health care” and relevant information.

Under the new ordinance, the city government shall promote natural and artificial methods of family planning and provide couples and individuals access to relevant information and resources to enable them to make sound and responsible family planning decisions.

The new measure also provides mandatory training of city health workers and barangay officials on delivering the family planning services. – Perseus Echeminada