What stops me from showing compassion? Rules, rules, rules. We are being run by them. A lot of them are unwritten. Some of them makes perfect sense. Some of them we just follow blindly.
Blindly...that’s the thing.
The Gospel for Today, October 31, 2008
And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception.
From the First Reading, Philippians 1: 1-11
How great are the works of the Lord!
Response to Psalm 111
Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would you not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?
From the Gospel, Luke 14: 1-6
Then we wonder why the world is “cold hearted” and “indifferent” to the sufferings of people around us.
We say, “what can we do?”
The Jews are not the only ones guilty of undoing the Sabbath. Christians too!
What rules do we follow blindly?
I did a lot of thinking on this question, but as of now, I couldn’t write about any of them without opening a “can of worms” in my psyche.
But let me gather some courage to write down at least three of these rules, which really create conflict inside me...
Rule #111
Do not give money to street beggar
The first time I heard this was in college. A friend told me not to give money to the street beggars, because they were in fact part of a syndicate. Money collected would eventually go into the pockets of the head of the syndicate.
That really turned me off.
Then I heard later that there was a law prohibiting people from helping people on the streets. At that point I said, well that made sense.
Now, I don’t give money to people begging on the streets, no matter how good they were in acting out their hunger, or ...
Gosh, have I become one of those cold-hearted urban people?
Rule #222
Do not work with pharmaceutical companies in your work for the poor
Some leaders say pharmaceutical companies only want their products to be sold in slum areas, that was why they wanted to help.
Oh, really? If so, then that would really turn me off.
But what if these pharmaceutical companies just wanted to help in building houses for the homeless, without conditions?
The leaders had decided. No to pharmaceutical companies in Gawad Kalinga.
Never mind that Caritas accepts donations from these companies, and that these companies donate to Habitat II, which an overly critical former CFC Director is now supporting.
Rule #333
Respect people’s opinions, even those about morality
I used to be indifferent to discussions about birth control, reproductive health, etc. because, after all, my wife and I was practicing what the Church was teaching and we were happy about it. After almost seven years of marriage, we had two children and one miscarriage, but everything was God’s grace!
Children are a blessing!
Then here were people who had other ideas about birth control, and I used to just let them be.
But then, Pope Benedict XVI started talking about the “dictatorship of relativism” and I woke up! Catholics, especially those who received instruction, could not possibly be blind to the moral implications of artificial birth control in the name of population control. All we had to do was look at this site...
Mary’s Comfort Ministries: A ministry for widows and orphans
http://www.maryscomfort.org/
One would think that’s a Catholic ministry. No, sir!
Even non-Catholics would agree that the bigger issue is man’s attitude towards sex and marriage! An unhealthy attitude, compounded by artificial birth control, would lead to only one destination...
SUFFERING, an unnecessary type of suffering.
I wonder what Jesus Himself had to say about these rules had he been here now.
But then perhaps we did not need to wonder, because institutions like the Catholic Church is being guided by the Holy Spirit to speak truth on matters of faith and morals.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Who Else Wants to Fill the Empty Space (In Your Heart)?
Empty space inside your heart: do you have that? Or have you experienced any kind of emptiness, despite having achieved what you have always wanted?
I guess anyone who has reached the age of 40 has experienced it somehow.
I experienced it since I was 14.
Jesus felt it too.
Oh how the Lord wanted to embrace us like a mother hen wanting to warm her brood under its wings.
What’s stopping God?
Even as God is an all-powerful God, He gave us FREE WILL to accept him or not.
Do we really have that many option outside of God?
It appears to me that there isn’t. We want to think there is, but has anyone found out a life outside of God lately?
We insist on a life outside of God. No wonder we feel empty inside. We fight this emptiness by doing more of the same, only to find that it gets worse.
If so, then why don’t we all just become monks?
Hmmm.
It appears to me that we do not have to be. God desires obedience from us. Sacrifice or suffering is corollary to obedience. In fact, God has a plan for each of us. Some of us indeed are destined to be monks. But not all of us!
Some of us are meant to produce offsprings.
Some of us are meant to be celibate.
Some of us are meant to find riches in non-material things.
Some of us are meant to be prosperous materially.
God is a great billiard player. With whatever shape we take in God’s billiard table, he can shoot any ball he wants to and win the game, in His time, and in His own way.
But He wants a personal response from us regarding His plan.
There is an inner voice that prods us to move and produce results, an inner voice that tells us, “go there, do not go there, move fast, slow down, stop, look, listen, go!”
Are we listening to this inner voice?
Or are we caught up in what’s in or what’s not, what’s hot or what’s cool, what’s big and what’s tiny, what’s cute and what’s appalling...fully ignorant of the inner voice that speaks to us right within us?
Most of us are not listening. No wonder we feel empty inside. We fight this emptiness by doing more of the same, only to find that it gets worse.
I truly believe that there is a space within us that only God can fill, and which God longs so much to fill. But we have to allow Him. I believe further that such empty space has something to do with our search for an ultimate meaning, an ultimate reason for existence, our ultimate purpose for being.
Yes, we all have gifts and opportunities to grow them, and grow them we should because it is an exercise of stewardship. We marvel at the abundance of our material harvest; but the party is almost always momentary. There is an annoying silence after the trophy is stuck on the wall. We ask, “ok, what’s next?”
We often fail to ask, “why and for whom?”
We don’t know what these things are really for. No wonder we feel empty inside. We fight this emptiness by doing more of the same, only to find that it gets worse.
Jesus has that empty space too, and oh how He longs to fill that space in His heart, which only human beings can fill.
There’s only one way to fill that empty space in Jesus’s heart. Paul said it quite clearly: “Draw your strength from the Lord”
By filling that empty space in Jesus’s heart, we fill the empty space inside us too. That, at least, has been my experience.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
I guess anyone who has reached the age of 40 has experienced it somehow.
I experienced it since I was 14.
Brothers and sisters: Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power.
From the First Reading, Ephesians 6: 10-20
Blessed be the Lord. My Rock!
Response to Psalm 144
Jerusalem, Jerusalem...how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling!
From the Gospel, Luke 13: 31-35
Jesus felt it too.
Oh how the Lord wanted to embrace us like a mother hen wanting to warm her brood under its wings.
What’s stopping God?
Even as God is an all-powerful God, He gave us FREE WILL to accept him or not.
Do we really have that many option outside of God?
It appears to me that there isn’t. We want to think there is, but has anyone found out a life outside of God lately?
We insist on a life outside of God. No wonder we feel empty inside. We fight this emptiness by doing more of the same, only to find that it gets worse.
If so, then why don’t we all just become monks?
Hmmm.
It appears to me that we do not have to be. God desires obedience from us. Sacrifice or suffering is corollary to obedience. In fact, God has a plan for each of us. Some of us indeed are destined to be monks. But not all of us!
Some of us are meant to produce offsprings.
Some of us are meant to be celibate.
Some of us are meant to find riches in non-material things.
Some of us are meant to be prosperous materially.
God is a great billiard player. With whatever shape we take in God’s billiard table, he can shoot any ball he wants to and win the game, in His time, and in His own way.
But He wants a personal response from us regarding His plan.
There is an inner voice that prods us to move and produce results, an inner voice that tells us, “go there, do not go there, move fast, slow down, stop, look, listen, go!”
Are we listening to this inner voice?
Or are we caught up in what’s in or what’s not, what’s hot or what’s cool, what’s big and what’s tiny, what’s cute and what’s appalling...fully ignorant of the inner voice that speaks to us right within us?
Most of us are not listening. No wonder we feel empty inside. We fight this emptiness by doing more of the same, only to find that it gets worse.
I truly believe that there is a space within us that only God can fill, and which God longs so much to fill. But we have to allow Him. I believe further that such empty space has something to do with our search for an ultimate meaning, an ultimate reason for existence, our ultimate purpose for being.
Yes, we all have gifts and opportunities to grow them, and grow them we should because it is an exercise of stewardship. We marvel at the abundance of our material harvest; but the party is almost always momentary. There is an annoying silence after the trophy is stuck on the wall. We ask, “ok, what’s next?”
We often fail to ask, “why and for whom?”
We don’t know what these things are really for. No wonder we feel empty inside. We fight this emptiness by doing more of the same, only to find that it gets worse.
Jesus has that empty space too, and oh how He longs to fill that space in His heart, which only human beings can fill.
There’s only one way to fill that empty space in Jesus’s heart. Paul said it quite clearly: “Draw your strength from the Lord”
By filling that empty space in Jesus’s heart, we fill the empty space inside us too. That, at least, has been my experience.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
86,400 Ways of Working for Christ
Who do I work for? I used to have a very simple answer to this question. But somehow, things got complicated and what was once a simple heart became a confused one.
At work we have our bosses (who give us our salary).
In business, we have clients (who let go of the money in exchange of the value we provide), the banks (who lend us money) and the government (who get some of the money).
At home, we have our family (to whom we give our love, passion, guidance, dreams, earnings, among many others).
Then, there’s the spiritual community we belong to and the ministry we have volunteered.
There’s Christ, who says, “obey.”
Things got clearer with the gospel today.
In all the things that we do, our whole object is to glorify God. It is more than praying to him, or attending Mass, paying tithes, though they’re all important.
It is working with Christ in all areas of our lives: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. There are 86,400 ways of working for Christ in just one single day. (The number is the number of seconds in a single day).
What does this mean? Let me illustrate...
We wake up in the morning...do we thank the Lord? Things were happening while we slept, and one of the best things that happened then was that our body repaired itself from the rigors of the previous day. It’s happening right inside our bodies but did we cause it? No.
We eat...do we thank the Lord? Yes, we worked to have the money to buy the food. But have we thought of the people who produced the food, packaged them and brought them to the market so that we would be able to buy them? Who did these people serve? Somehow I cannot help but think we’re privileged to have those army of people working so we can exchange our money with food on the table. Money is paper. We can’t eat it. We have to exchange it.
We work...do we thank the Lord? What would the Lord hear when we step into our work place? Does he hear gratitude? or complaint? What is our attitude to our officemates (this question is for me)? What is our attitude to our partners? What is our attitude to our subordinates? Do these glorify the Lord?
We think...do we thank the Lord? or do we get all the credit?
We influence people...do we thank the Lord? or we get all the credit?
We get results...do we thank the Lord? or do we get all the credit?
We get the money...do we thank the Lord? or do we get all the credit?
The list of things to thank for is endless.
The list of things to be responsible for is endless.
We go to the comfort room. We attend long management meetings. We attend brainstorming sessions. We face clients. We write reports.
Our brains are at work all day. Who gave us the brain?
Our hands and feet work all day. Who gave us our hands and feet?
What do we tell the God about how we used all these when our time is up?
Did we use them to glorify Him?
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
At work we have our bosses (who give us our salary).
In business, we have clients (who let go of the money in exchange of the value we provide), the banks (who lend us money) and the government (who get some of the money).
Servants, obey your masters of this world...with simplicity of heart, as if obeying Christ.
From the First Reading, Ephesians 6:1-9
The Lord is faithful in all his words.
Response to Psalm 145
Do your best to enter by the narrow door, for many...will try to enter and will not be able.
From the Gospel, Luke 13:22-30
At home, we have our family (to whom we give our love, passion, guidance, dreams, earnings, among many others).
Then, there’s the spiritual community we belong to and the ministry we have volunteered.
There’s Christ, who says, “obey.”
Things got clearer with the gospel today.
In all the things that we do, our whole object is to glorify God. It is more than praying to him, or attending Mass, paying tithes, though they’re all important.
It is working with Christ in all areas of our lives: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. There are 86,400 ways of working for Christ in just one single day. (The number is the number of seconds in a single day).
What does this mean? Let me illustrate...
We wake up in the morning...do we thank the Lord? Things were happening while we slept, and one of the best things that happened then was that our body repaired itself from the rigors of the previous day. It’s happening right inside our bodies but did we cause it? No.
We eat...do we thank the Lord? Yes, we worked to have the money to buy the food. But have we thought of the people who produced the food, packaged them and brought them to the market so that we would be able to buy them? Who did these people serve? Somehow I cannot help but think we’re privileged to have those army of people working so we can exchange our money with food on the table. Money is paper. We can’t eat it. We have to exchange it.
We work...do we thank the Lord? What would the Lord hear when we step into our work place? Does he hear gratitude? or complaint? What is our attitude to our officemates (this question is for me)? What is our attitude to our partners? What is our attitude to our subordinates? Do these glorify the Lord?
We think...do we thank the Lord? or do we get all the credit?
We influence people...do we thank the Lord? or we get all the credit?
We get results...do we thank the Lord? or do we get all the credit?
We get the money...do we thank the Lord? or do we get all the credit?
The list of things to thank for is endless.
The list of things to be responsible for is endless.
We go to the comfort room. We attend long management meetings. We attend brainstorming sessions. We face clients. We write reports.
Our brains are at work all day. Who gave us the brain?
Our hands and feet work all day. Who gave us our hands and feet?
What do we tell the God about how we used all these when our time is up?
Did we use them to glorify Him?
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Seven Healthy Ways of Looking at Priests and Bishops
How do I look at bishops and priests? I want a healthy way of looking at our bishops and priests. That is the positive way of saying, I do not want any quarrel with them. Now that sounds too strong a word, almost sacrilegious to some. That is exactly why I want a healthy way of looking at them.
Priests and bishops are our pastors in the Church. But then I happen to belong to a trans-parochial private and international association of the laity recognized by the Vatican. In some parishes we are welcome. But in some, we are not! There is unity in the content of the message, even on how the message will be carried out. But there are still disagreements with them on the nitty-gritty of things. It is sometimes frustrating.
But this is part of the growth process.
Let’s have a fresh look at our priests and bishops.
Perspective #1 - They are human beings, guided by the Holy Spirit
Sure they are. Just like you and me. What does that mean? They are unique in their own human ways. Yes indeed, just like you and me. They have likes and dislikes, whims and caprices, biases. They have strengths. They have weaknesses. Yes, indeed, yes. Just like you and me.
But the Catholic Church has survived for 2,000 years amidst upheavals in the world and amidst the many times the map has been redrawn.
What does this mean to you? Let us review our expectations. Some of us expect them to be saints right away. Put yourselves on their shoes and then, if you’re really worthy, cast the first stone for all I care. What I suggest is you turn around and ask for the Holy Spirit to descend on you too. Then perhaps you may finally see.
Perspective #2 - They are servant-leaders
Oh, really? How do you call someone who pastors 10,000 families in one parish, teach the people about Christ and the Church, administer the sacraments, day-in and day-out, with no salary and everything for the love of God and God’s creations? How do you call someone who speaks truth even if the truth is not popular? How do you call someone who influences lives purely on the strength of the Gospel he represents? I call that person a servant-leader.
If you think the priest around you is not acting like a servant-leader, review Perspective #1 and report that priest to the Bishop. If you think the Bishop around you misbehaves, again review Perspective #1 and report that Bishop to the Pope.
What does this mean to you? The more you want to break the spirit of Bishops and Priests, the more you will strengthen them. It’s either you help them spread the Word of God and God’s works, or get out of their way.
Perspective #3 - They are the foundations of the Church that Christ has established and continues to build.
No need to explain this. It’s what the gospel today is all about, underlined by no less than Saint Paul himself. Only the Catholic Church can trace its roots back to the apostles. This is a fact not just in spiritual terms but also in historical terms.
What does this mean to you? If you’re Catholic, realize what you have. In my experience, it is much harder to evangelize someone who “already knows” everything about the Church. I’m 39 and this far, there is always something new to learn about the Church. At the rate I’m going, I don’t think at 88 I am going to learn enough to argue with anybody.
If you’re not Catholic, ascertain your assumptions. To me, it’s either Christ came here and built a Church, or He didn’t come at all.
Perspective #4 - They are the salt of the earth
I have come this far to see that priests and bishops are indeed the salt of the earth. Of course, it is something Christians in general claim. But to me, the bishops and priests are “it.” Why? Gosh, I can write a whole post about this. Suffice it to say that had the bishops and priests not carry out their mandate since the beginning of time until the present, the world in general is going to be in a worse state than it already is in. Christianity would have been a mere mention in history.
What does this mean to you? Just because Christianity is here for a very long time does not mean we can take our bishops and priests for granted. Far from it! The responsibility of carrying out the mission of the Cross of Christ has never been heavier, never been more crucial to the survival of the world...and humanity. We either pray for our bishops and priests and actively support them, or we get out of their way. They are the salt of the earth.
Perspective #5 - They are instruments of love, not of judgement
This is where many Catholics and most non-Catholics are completely wrong about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They think going to confession is like appearing in front of a judge and saying, “I am guilty, your honor. Do with me as you see fit.”
Wrong!
I’m 39 years old and, this far, my confessions are always an experience of LOVE, LOVE and LOVE. Here’s more...the priest commits his life to holding your confessions a secret between you and him. Not even the CIA or the KGB or the MI5 can break down the will of a priest to hold your confessions secret.
What does this mean to you? Confession is one of the “secrets” of the strength of the Catholic Church. But that’s not what’s absolutely shocking. Confession is one of the “secrets” to your strength as a Christian. Christ is waiting for you at the confessional box, wanting to tell you how much He loves you. The bishops and priests are there, ready to take you by the hand, and help you walk towards Christ if you’re limping.
Perspective #6 - They are married to Christ and stewards of God’s household, the Church
You wonder why they’re celibate? It’s a tradition that is an object of constant attacks. But the Church is sticking to it. Bishops and priests are married to the Christ and they take care of God’s household, the Church. Everything they have and do are for Christ and the Church, nothing else.
What does this mean to you? If you think the Church is meddling in state affairs, know where the bishops and priests are coming from and what they are doing everything for. If you find your position on an issue to be contrary to what the Church stands for, then at least understand where the Church is coming from.
Bishop Fulton Sheen, during World War II, warned the USA about communism as something as evil as Hitler. His warnings were not heeded. USA allied itself with the Soviet Union to defeat Germany and Japan. What happened? Cold War. Germany was divided. Korea got divided. Soviet Union disintegrated. Germany reunited. But we still have North Korea threatening the rest of the world.
In recent history, the Church has been warning the west about the evils of unbridled capitalism. Some have listened. Some have not. Now we are in the verge of a worldwide economic recession that could have been avoided by a simple exercise of prudence. The root of all these is greed.
Today, the Church is in the forefront of the pro-life campaign and is under attack once again. Soon the world shall fully realize the impact of divorce, same sex marriages and contraceptives on society.
Perspective #7 - They are the stewards of the holy traditions initiated by Christ
This is a fact that I take for granted as true. The holy tradition is right there in the Apostle’s Creed, which every Catholic recites.
I believe in God
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ,
his only son, our Lord.
Who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
What does this mean to you? The Catholic Church has the formula for summarizing the entire gospel in one simple Apostle’s Creed. Are you reciting it with passion? or are you simply mouthing it? The Creed represents the entire catechism in a snap shot, which is being perpetuated by the priests and bishops across the world.
Reflect on each line and know that it has more to it than meets the eye.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
You are the house whose foundations are the apostles and prophets, and whose cornerstone is Christ Jesus.
From the First Reading, Ephesians 2:19-22
Their message goes out through all the earth.
Response to Psalm 19
Jesus...chose twelve of them whom he called apostles.
From the Gospel, Luke 6:12-16
Priests and bishops are our pastors in the Church. But then I happen to belong to a trans-parochial private and international association of the laity recognized by the Vatican. In some parishes we are welcome. But in some, we are not! There is unity in the content of the message, even on how the message will be carried out. But there are still disagreements with them on the nitty-gritty of things. It is sometimes frustrating.
But this is part of the growth process.
Let’s have a fresh look at our priests and bishops.
Perspective #1 - They are human beings, guided by the Holy Spirit
Sure they are. Just like you and me. What does that mean? They are unique in their own human ways. Yes indeed, just like you and me. They have likes and dislikes, whims and caprices, biases. They have strengths. They have weaknesses. Yes, indeed, yes. Just like you and me.
But the Catholic Church has survived for 2,000 years amidst upheavals in the world and amidst the many times the map has been redrawn.
What does this mean to you? Let us review our expectations. Some of us expect them to be saints right away. Put yourselves on their shoes and then, if you’re really worthy, cast the first stone for all I care. What I suggest is you turn around and ask for the Holy Spirit to descend on you too. Then perhaps you may finally see.
Perspective #2 - They are servant-leaders
Oh, really? How do you call someone who pastors 10,000 families in one parish, teach the people about Christ and the Church, administer the sacraments, day-in and day-out, with no salary and everything for the love of God and God’s creations? How do you call someone who speaks truth even if the truth is not popular? How do you call someone who influences lives purely on the strength of the Gospel he represents? I call that person a servant-leader.
If you think the priest around you is not acting like a servant-leader, review Perspective #1 and report that priest to the Bishop. If you think the Bishop around you misbehaves, again review Perspective #1 and report that Bishop to the Pope.
What does this mean to you? The more you want to break the spirit of Bishops and Priests, the more you will strengthen them. It’s either you help them spread the Word of God and God’s works, or get out of their way.
Perspective #3 - They are the foundations of the Church that Christ has established and continues to build.
No need to explain this. It’s what the gospel today is all about, underlined by no less than Saint Paul himself. Only the Catholic Church can trace its roots back to the apostles. This is a fact not just in spiritual terms but also in historical terms.
What does this mean to you? If you’re Catholic, realize what you have. In my experience, it is much harder to evangelize someone who “already knows” everything about the Church. I’m 39 and this far, there is always something new to learn about the Church. At the rate I’m going, I don’t think at 88 I am going to learn enough to argue with anybody.
If you’re not Catholic, ascertain your assumptions. To me, it’s either Christ came here and built a Church, or He didn’t come at all.
Perspective #4 - They are the salt of the earth
I have come this far to see that priests and bishops are indeed the salt of the earth. Of course, it is something Christians in general claim. But to me, the bishops and priests are “it.” Why? Gosh, I can write a whole post about this. Suffice it to say that had the bishops and priests not carry out their mandate since the beginning of time until the present, the world in general is going to be in a worse state than it already is in. Christianity would have been a mere mention in history.
What does this mean to you? Just because Christianity is here for a very long time does not mean we can take our bishops and priests for granted. Far from it! The responsibility of carrying out the mission of the Cross of Christ has never been heavier, never been more crucial to the survival of the world...and humanity. We either pray for our bishops and priests and actively support them, or we get out of their way. They are the salt of the earth.
Perspective #5 - They are instruments of love, not of judgement
This is where many Catholics and most non-Catholics are completely wrong about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They think going to confession is like appearing in front of a judge and saying, “I am guilty, your honor. Do with me as you see fit.”
Wrong!
I’m 39 years old and, this far, my confessions are always an experience of LOVE, LOVE and LOVE. Here’s more...the priest commits his life to holding your confessions a secret between you and him. Not even the CIA or the KGB or the MI5 can break down the will of a priest to hold your confessions secret.
What does this mean to you? Confession is one of the “secrets” of the strength of the Catholic Church. But that’s not what’s absolutely shocking. Confession is one of the “secrets” to your strength as a Christian. Christ is waiting for you at the confessional box, wanting to tell you how much He loves you. The bishops and priests are there, ready to take you by the hand, and help you walk towards Christ if you’re limping.
Perspective #6 - They are married to Christ and stewards of God’s household, the Church
You wonder why they’re celibate? It’s a tradition that is an object of constant attacks. But the Church is sticking to it. Bishops and priests are married to the Christ and they take care of God’s household, the Church. Everything they have and do are for Christ and the Church, nothing else.
What does this mean to you? If you think the Church is meddling in state affairs, know where the bishops and priests are coming from and what they are doing everything for. If you find your position on an issue to be contrary to what the Church stands for, then at least understand where the Church is coming from.
Bishop Fulton Sheen, during World War II, warned the USA about communism as something as evil as Hitler. His warnings were not heeded. USA allied itself with the Soviet Union to defeat Germany and Japan. What happened? Cold War. Germany was divided. Korea got divided. Soviet Union disintegrated. Germany reunited. But we still have North Korea threatening the rest of the world.
In recent history, the Church has been warning the west about the evils of unbridled capitalism. Some have listened. Some have not. Now we are in the verge of a worldwide economic recession that could have been avoided by a simple exercise of prudence. The root of all these is greed.
Today, the Church is in the forefront of the pro-life campaign and is under attack once again. Soon the world shall fully realize the impact of divorce, same sex marriages and contraceptives on society.
Perspective #7 - They are the stewards of the holy traditions initiated by Christ
This is a fact that I take for granted as true. The holy tradition is right there in the Apostle’s Creed, which every Catholic recites.
I believe in God
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ,
his only son, our Lord.
Who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
What does this mean to you? The Catholic Church has the formula for summarizing the entire gospel in one simple Apostle’s Creed. Are you reciting it with passion? or are you simply mouthing it? The Creed represents the entire catechism in a snap shot, which is being perpetuated by the priests and bishops across the world.
Reflect on each line and know that it has more to it than meets the eye.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Think and Live Like Christ
Reflection on Today’s Gospel (October 27, 2008)
Do I understand what laws are for? Are these laws made to enslave men? or to ensure liberty? How did Christ live out the laws of his times?
There’s an earlier reflection that somehow relates to this, entitled, “’There is no God. There is only the Law’” that made reference to the classic novel Le Miserables.
Do I understand what laws are for? Are these laws made to enslave men? or to ensure liberty? How did Christ live out the laws of his times?
Follow the way of love, the example of Christ.
From the First Reading, Ephesians 4:32-5:8
Behave like God as his very dear children.
Response to Psalm 1
But the ruler of the synagogue was indignant because Jesus had performed the healing on the Sabbath day.
From the Gospel, Luke 13:10-17
There’s an earlier reflection that somehow relates to this, entitled, “’There is no God. There is only the Law’” that made reference to the classic novel Le Miserables.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
God, Me and My Family. Who Else is Here?
Reflection on the Gospel for Today (October 26, 2008)
30th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Outside of God, me and my family, who else count in my life? I have a confession to make. I’m afraid my answer is...not much else counts.
Let me qualify my answer. If God wants us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, that makes them family, right?
The real question is...
Is that divine command acceptable to us?
We can understand loving God, or at least we think we do. Our minds are still programmed to think in terms of “vertical” relationships, which, more often than not, spells survival to us. We have parents in the family, teachers in school and bosses in our work places.
So indeed, we think we have a grasp of what loving God is.
But what if...
loving God is not about what a parent is to a child?
or not about what a teacher is to a student?
or not about what a boss is to a subordinate?
What if...loving God is to love our neighbor?
Are we to accept such understanding of “loving God”?
Love is “affection and concern for someone else.” What does loving God mean then? Is it “affection and concern” for God? That sounds like an oxymoron to me. How can the blade of grass have “affection and concern” for the sun that shines above it?
I do not intend to argue with anyone here. I am just expressing my take on this question.
To love God, in my current understanding, is to let the love of God flow to you, and then through you. To love God is to listen to Him, to let His Word sink into our hearts, and then to let our hearts convey God’s love for his creation.
There’s no need for years of Theology to get this. It is not rocket science.
We all understand the basic laws of physics, the laws in which a Supreme intelligence has created. (We have a name for this Supreme intelligence. We call him Yahweh, our God.)
We all understand that because of physics, the game of billiards has been made possible. We hit a ball, the ball rolls, the ball hits another ball, that second ball moves. Our minds determine the direction of the first ball and the intensity with which it rolls, so that the second ball goes to where we want it to. That’s Billiard. He who masters that craft makes millions!
God is a great billiard player, and we’re the balls on the table.
It is not difficult to understand.
But it can be difficult to accept.
To love God is to shape ourselves like perfect balls on the table, not for our sake, but so that God can use us well in moving others towards the direction He all wants us to take...to the Kingdom of God.
That makes everyone a family, to me, and to God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
30th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Outside of God, me and my family, who else count in my life? I have a confession to make. I’m afraid my answer is...not much else counts.
You shall not wrong or oppress a stranger.
From the First Reading, Exodus 22:20-26
I love you, Lord, my strength.
Response to Psalm 18
Others tell of how you responded to us...For you serve the living and true God.
From the Second Reading
You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind...You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
From the Gospel, Matthew 22:34-40
Let me qualify my answer. If God wants us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, that makes them family, right?
The real question is...
Is that divine command acceptable to us?
We can understand loving God, or at least we think we do. Our minds are still programmed to think in terms of “vertical” relationships, which, more often than not, spells survival to us. We have parents in the family, teachers in school and bosses in our work places.
So indeed, we think we have a grasp of what loving God is.
But what if...
loving God is not about what a parent is to a child?
or not about what a teacher is to a student?
or not about what a boss is to a subordinate?
What if...loving God is to love our neighbor?
Are we to accept such understanding of “loving God”?
Love is “affection and concern for someone else.” What does loving God mean then? Is it “affection and concern” for God? That sounds like an oxymoron to me. How can the blade of grass have “affection and concern” for the sun that shines above it?
I do not intend to argue with anyone here. I am just expressing my take on this question.
To love God, in my current understanding, is to let the love of God flow to you, and then through you. To love God is to listen to Him, to let His Word sink into our hearts, and then to let our hearts convey God’s love for his creation.
There’s no need for years of Theology to get this. It is not rocket science.
We all understand the basic laws of physics, the laws in which a Supreme intelligence has created. (We have a name for this Supreme intelligence. We call him Yahweh, our God.)
We all understand that because of physics, the game of billiards has been made possible. We hit a ball, the ball rolls, the ball hits another ball, that second ball moves. Our minds determine the direction of the first ball and the intensity with which it rolls, so that the second ball goes to where we want it to. That’s Billiard. He who masters that craft makes millions!
God is a great billiard player, and we’re the balls on the table.
It is not difficult to understand.
But it can be difficult to accept.
To love God is to shape ourselves like perfect balls on the table, not for our sake, but so that God can use us well in moving others towards the direction He all wants us to take...to the Kingdom of God.
That makes everyone a family, to me, and to God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
What Everybody Ought To Know About God's Business
Reflection on Today’s Gospel (October 25, 2008)
Am I rebuilding my life according to the standards of Christ? That question comes with a hidden fear: will Christ cut me down? To which another part of me says, so what? If Christ really thinks I’m valuable, then he won’t cut me down.
But if he does cut me down, then what does that mean?
So the body builds itself in love.
From the First Reading, Ephesians 4:7-16
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Response to Psalm 22
He came looking for fruit on it, but found none. Then he said to the gardener...cut it down.
From the Gospel, Luke 13:1-9
When Christ cuts me down, there’s no one else to blame.
How much “business capital” has God infused in me? Am I giving him a good return on investment? Am I a profit center? or a cost center?
By the way, what business is God in to?
He is the business of spreading LOVE among humanity.
Can’t waste more words on that, lest I muddle the meaning.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Am I rebuilding my life according to the standards of Christ? That question comes with a hidden fear: will Christ cut me down? To which another part of me says, so what? If Christ really thinks I’m valuable, then he won’t cut me down.
But if he does cut me down, then what does that mean?
So the body builds itself in love.
From the First Reading, Ephesians 4:7-16
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Response to Psalm 22
He came looking for fruit on it, but found none. Then he said to the gardener...cut it down.
From the Gospel, Luke 13:1-9
When Christ cuts me down, there’s no one else to blame.
How much “business capital” has God infused in me? Am I giving him a good return on investment? Am I a profit center? or a cost center?
By the way, what business is God in to?
He is the business of spreading LOVE among humanity.
Can’t waste more words on that, lest I muddle the meaning.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Ten Simple (I didn't say easy) Steps to Peaceful Living
Reflection on Today's Gospel (October 24, 2008)Do I address conflicts in a Christian way? I know at least ten steps to Christian peaceful living. I am striving to learn each step. This is where I am struggling a whole lot.
Keep among you the unity of Spirit through bonds of peace.
From the First Reading, Ephesians 4:1-6
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Response to Psalm 24
When you go with your accuser before the court, try to settle the case on the way.
From the Gospel, Luke 12:54-59
Step 1. Know your purpose
This your “judge” or the standard by which you could evaluate everything. When you know your purpose, you would know what is important and what’s not. A barking dog is not something a man with a purpose of reaching a destination would not pay attention to.
Step 2. Visualize Peace
Know what role peace plays in your purpose. Chances are, it is an essential part. It definitely plays a central role in operating with a team around you. Now, visualize peace. See it in your mind's visual faculties, and replay it again and again in your mind. We have a word for that...meditation. We experience something in advance, through the God-given power of our minds.
Step 3. Manage your Environment
Choose the place, people and circumstances very well. Move if you need to. Change friends if you need to. Influence your circumstances towards your purpose, with the path of peace in mind.
Step 4. Exercise Humility
This is huge. Yes, while you can manage places, people and circumstances, you influence them too. If everywhere you go the same problem crops up, chances are the problem lies with you. You need humility to establish and re-establish communication with people.
Step 5. Forgive and Let Go
The words “forgive and forget” do not tie up with recent understanding of forgiveness. People don’t forget. They let go. Wounds happen along the way, even after exercising humility. In some cases the intense feeling of resentment may be justified. But one thing is definitely true: you can move on only when you forgive and then let go. You cannot pursue peace, while holding on to hate. You cannot pursue success, while holding on to your failures.
Step 6. Forbear
This is when someone does the same thing again and again...to you, even when you have already forgiven that person in your heart. This is clearly the mark of a saint. This is clearly the mark of Christ. This is when, while someone is nailing you on the cross, you still manage to say, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”
Step 7. Appreciate Peace
When someone acts peace, respond accordingly. When someone acts in a nasty manner, do not react. Sometimes people just want attention. They need to earn it. Show them how by showing what you appreciate most. When you appreciate peace, really pour it on. When someone asks forgiveness, appreciate the act. When someone greets peace, return the greeting with a 100 times the passion.
Step 8. Talk Peace
Let your own speech testify to peace. The tongue is the most powerful muscle of man. It can build. It can also destroy, big time. Choose to build. Be an ambassador of peace.
Step 9. Act Peace
Walk your talk. Let your actions testify to peace. Smile sincerely. Shake hands firmly. Relax your body in the presence of others. Stiffness does not help.
Step 10. Choose your battles
There can be times when you may need to fight in order to attain your purpose. Choose your battles carefully. You can’t win every one of them, but you can still win the war. When I say “fight” this does not always mean “fight back.” There is a world of difference. Make sure you are on the righteous side; otherwise, go back to #1.
Lord, grant me
HUMILITY
to accept the things that I cannot change
COURAGE
to change the things that I can
and
WISDOM
to know the difference
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Keep among you the unity of Spirit through bonds of peace.
From the First Reading, Ephesians 4:1-6
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Response to Psalm 24
When you go with your accuser before the court, try to settle the case on the way.
From the Gospel, Luke 12:54-59
Step 1. Know your purpose
This your “judge” or the standard by which you could evaluate everything. When you know your purpose, you would know what is important and what’s not. A barking dog is not something a man with a purpose of reaching a destination would not pay attention to.
Step 2. Visualize Peace
Know what role peace plays in your purpose. Chances are, it is an essential part. It definitely plays a central role in operating with a team around you. Now, visualize peace. See it in your mind's visual faculties, and replay it again and again in your mind. We have a word for that...meditation. We experience something in advance, through the God-given power of our minds.
Step 3. Manage your Environment
Choose the place, people and circumstances very well. Move if you need to. Change friends if you need to. Influence your circumstances towards your purpose, with the path of peace in mind.
Step 4. Exercise Humility
This is huge. Yes, while you can manage places, people and circumstances, you influence them too. If everywhere you go the same problem crops up, chances are the problem lies with you. You need humility to establish and re-establish communication with people.
Step 5. Forgive and Let Go
The words “forgive and forget” do not tie up with recent understanding of forgiveness. People don’t forget. They let go. Wounds happen along the way, even after exercising humility. In some cases the intense feeling of resentment may be justified. But one thing is definitely true: you can move on only when you forgive and then let go. You cannot pursue peace, while holding on to hate. You cannot pursue success, while holding on to your failures.
Step 6. Forbear
This is when someone does the same thing again and again...to you, even when you have already forgiven that person in your heart. This is clearly the mark of a saint. This is clearly the mark of Christ. This is when, while someone is nailing you on the cross, you still manage to say, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”
Step 7. Appreciate Peace
When someone acts peace, respond accordingly. When someone acts in a nasty manner, do not react. Sometimes people just want attention. They need to earn it. Show them how by showing what you appreciate most. When you appreciate peace, really pour it on. When someone asks forgiveness, appreciate the act. When someone greets peace, return the greeting with a 100 times the passion.
Step 8. Talk Peace
Let your own speech testify to peace. The tongue is the most powerful muscle of man. It can build. It can also destroy, big time. Choose to build. Be an ambassador of peace.
Step 9. Act Peace
Walk your talk. Let your actions testify to peace. Smile sincerely. Shake hands firmly. Relax your body in the presence of others. Stiffness does not help.
Step 10. Choose your battles
There can be times when you may need to fight in order to attain your purpose. Choose your battles carefully. You can’t win every one of them, but you can still win the war. When I say “fight” this does not always mean “fight back.” There is a world of difference. Make sure you are on the righteous side; otherwise, go back to #1.
Lord, grant me
HUMILITY
to accept the things that I cannot change
COURAGE
to change the things that I can
and
WISDOM
to know the difference
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Five Questions About Love Everybody Ought to Ask Today
Reflection on Today's Gospel (October 23, 2008)
Five Questions:
1. How grounded am I in love?
2. Is love in my everyday language?
3. When was the last time I expressed love?
4. When was the last time I received love?
5. When was the last time I acknowledged love?
These questions may or may not be easy to answer. I would say that if your answer to the first question is tentative, your answer to the rest of the questions will help you clarify things in your heart.
May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith; may you be rooted and founded in love.
From the First Reading, Ephesians 3:14-21
The earth is full of goodness of the Lord
Response to Psalm 33
Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? No...rather division.
From the Gospel, Luke 12:49-53
Why are the questions important? It is because love will bring you into situations opposed to the very people you care for, or have lots of respect for, or have lots of gratitude to---your very own family. Love is a language of the heart. What language is being used in your own family today?
How many families relate with each other on the basis of rules, or unwritten expectations? That may be fine when we were kids, as we guide them in their growth. But do these rules flow from love? But do we still relate with each other on that basis all the way through adulthood?
Many "victim" teleserye--which I personally despise--are based on this theme. It's happening. Children want to relate with their parents in love, but the parents insist on carved-in-stone rules. What are these rules?
This happens to rich families. This happens to economically-challenged families. This has nothing to do with one's material wealth or educational attainment. This has everything to do on people's understanding of the word "love" as it relates to everyday life!
A great example in real life. I personally know at least one father who could have imposed those rules on his eldest child. But no. He loved this child all the more and supported her in what others would have already judged as "wayward" choice in life, given the family's stature in society. This child is doing well now. The father is happy. My salutes!
That father is a Christian. Are you surprised? I wish I can write his name and write more about him, but I do not have his permission at this point. So let me mention his example that way for now.
The Kingdom of God is at hand. Are we surprised that children of today are different from the children a generation ago? Perhaps God was not joking when He said that. The children of today demand love from their parents more fiercely than a generation ago. I do not know why that is, but most of the people I know agree with at least one point: the ways of a generation ago do not work in the generation of kids today.
The Kingdom of God is pitting members of families against each other, because the Kingdom of God shall run on the veins of children. Parents of today must catch up, and children of today must be guided on what it is that's pitting them against the conventions of society today.
It's the seed of the Kingdom growing in our society, exerting itself, like a seed that pushes the soil above it. Because of this seed, laws and rules will be reviewed and modified and those without meaning in the context of love will be revoked.
Christ is about love. Christ is also about rules. But love is the basis of all these rules.
How many families relate with each other on the basis of love?
May your family be one in love.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Five Questions:
1. How grounded am I in love?
2. Is love in my everyday language?
3. When was the last time I expressed love?
4. When was the last time I received love?
5. When was the last time I acknowledged love?
These questions may or may not be easy to answer. I would say that if your answer to the first question is tentative, your answer to the rest of the questions will help you clarify things in your heart.
May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith; may you be rooted and founded in love.
From the First Reading, Ephesians 3:14-21
The earth is full of goodness of the Lord
Response to Psalm 33
Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? No...rather division.
From the Gospel, Luke 12:49-53
Why are the questions important? It is because love will bring you into situations opposed to the very people you care for, or have lots of respect for, or have lots of gratitude to---your very own family. Love is a language of the heart. What language is being used in your own family today?
How many families relate with each other on the basis of rules, or unwritten expectations? That may be fine when we were kids, as we guide them in their growth. But do these rules flow from love? But do we still relate with each other on that basis all the way through adulthood?
Many "victim" teleserye--which I personally despise--are based on this theme. It's happening. Children want to relate with their parents in love, but the parents insist on carved-in-stone rules. What are these rules?
- Never argue with parents. Obey and do not complain. We teach that to kids sometimes, but some parents go overboard. At age 22, they expect kids to still act similarly.
- Let the elder one marry first. Gosh, I still hear some people observe such rules today. People in Biblical times did this. Haven't we learned?
- Don't marry that guy or girl. You deserve someone better. This is controversial. I know some will disagree with me on this point. Some insist they simply care. Fine. Do you impose your will? Is imposition about love? or about rules?
This happens to rich families. This happens to economically-challenged families. This has nothing to do with one's material wealth or educational attainment. This has everything to do on people's understanding of the word "love" as it relates to everyday life!
A great example in real life. I personally know at least one father who could have imposed those rules on his eldest child. But no. He loved this child all the more and supported her in what others would have already judged as "wayward" choice in life, given the family's stature in society. This child is doing well now. The father is happy. My salutes!
That father is a Christian. Are you surprised? I wish I can write his name and write more about him, but I do not have his permission at this point. So let me mention his example that way for now.
The Kingdom of God is at hand. Are we surprised that children of today are different from the children a generation ago? Perhaps God was not joking when He said that. The children of today demand love from their parents more fiercely than a generation ago. I do not know why that is, but most of the people I know agree with at least one point: the ways of a generation ago do not work in the generation of kids today.
The Kingdom of God is pitting members of families against each other, because the Kingdom of God shall run on the veins of children. Parents of today must catch up, and children of today must be guided on what it is that's pitting them against the conventions of society today.
It's the seed of the Kingdom growing in our society, exerting itself, like a seed that pushes the soil above it. Because of this seed, laws and rules will be reviewed and modified and those without meaning in the context of love will be revoked.
Christ is about love. Christ is also about rules. But love is the basis of all these rules.
How many families relate with each other on the basis of love?
May your family be one in love.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
If You Don't Answer These Two Questions Now, Go Back To Your Table and Stop Complaining
Reflection on Today's Gospel (22-Oct 2008)
What riches has God entrusted to you?
How have you been using these riches?
The gospel today obviously leads us to these questions. A table, a chair, a paper and a pen are all we need to start answering these questions.
This grace was given to me...to announce to the pagan nations the immeasurable riches of Christ.
From the First Reading, Ephesians 3:2-12
You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation
Response to Isaiah 12
More will be asked of the one entrusted with more.
From the Gospel, Luke 12:39-48
Paul's answer has been very clear. It has been the "grace" to "announce to the pagan nations the immeasurable riches of Christ." His gift has been the "grace" and then obviously now, he has really worked himself up to multiply the grace.
I wish I have the same clarity. I pray you have the same.
Immeasurable Riches. What is clear from the gospel is that there are "immeasurable riches" in the Kingdom of God. Some of these riches have been entrusted to us. Have we recognized what these riches are? and have we used them for the greater good of humanity?
We cannot separate riches from salvation, because all riches come from God! Salvation is about the greater good of humanity. Salvation gives meaning to our riches.
Without the greater good in mind, where do riches lead us?
Recent events in America today clearly illustrate that riches without the greater good in mind tend to destroy, and destroy really big time.
We have been shocked by the sinking of a corporate Titanic called Enron.
Recently, another Titanic has sank, the Lehman Brothers.
Is there a chance we are going to see the sinking of the Titanic of all Titanics, the United States of America?
Some things that we have thought can never happen have been happening recently. What happens when the USA sinks? People say there is going to be a new world order, and only God knows what kind of a world order that is going to be.
All these because, some people--so-called geniuses at that--have been put in key positions in the economic system without the greater good in mind. Recent events are symptoms of an even greater disease called "unbriddled capitalism" that can bankrupt countries and put in peril the economic ecosystem of the entire world.
If there is anything good that has come out of the on-going economic crisis, it is the greater understanding by the whole world of the words "unbridled capitalism" ... AND the iron will to come up with a better ideology.
The Catholic Church has always warned the world about "unbridled capitalism" and who has been listening?
We really need to stop, take a deep breath, close our eyes and revisit our thinking.
What's happening in the whole world right now are effects of actions by people, individual persons.
If you have been in their place, would you have done better?
That brings us back to the question, what are these riches entrusted to us right now? Have we made an inventory of these riches?
Then, what are we doing with these riches?
May the desire to serve the greater good engulf each of us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
What riches has God entrusted to you?
How have you been using these riches?
The gospel today obviously leads us to these questions. A table, a chair, a paper and a pen are all we need to start answering these questions.
This grace was given to me...to announce to the pagan nations the immeasurable riches of Christ.
From the First Reading, Ephesians 3:2-12
You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation
Response to Isaiah 12
More will be asked of the one entrusted with more.
From the Gospel, Luke 12:39-48
Paul's answer has been very clear. It has been the "grace" to "announce to the pagan nations the immeasurable riches of Christ." His gift has been the "grace" and then obviously now, he has really worked himself up to multiply the grace.
I wish I have the same clarity. I pray you have the same.
Immeasurable Riches. What is clear from the gospel is that there are "immeasurable riches" in the Kingdom of God. Some of these riches have been entrusted to us. Have we recognized what these riches are? and have we used them for the greater good of humanity?
We cannot separate riches from salvation, because all riches come from God! Salvation is about the greater good of humanity. Salvation gives meaning to our riches.
Without the greater good in mind, where do riches lead us?
Recent events in America today clearly illustrate that riches without the greater good in mind tend to destroy, and destroy really big time.
We have been shocked by the sinking of a corporate Titanic called Enron.
Accounting firm Arthur Andersen had already been found guilty in the court of public opinion, and paid a heavy penalty. Clients deserted; employees fled. In fact the Chicago firm was barely alive, but one question remained: What would its epitaph be, the lesson for others? An answer came last Saturday, when a Houston jury found Andersen guilty of obstructing justice. It provided a moment of vindication for investors who lost more than $60 billion in the spectacular collapse of Enron, whose books had been audited by Andersen. But the verdict held a twist: at first the case seemed to hinge on whether an Andersen employee ordered tons of Enron paperwork to be shredded before investigators arrived. Jurors said they based their decision instead on Andersen's alteration of an internal memo that was critical of an Enron earnings release.
In holding the accountants accountable, the jury in essence sanctioned the entire bean-counting industry for its failure to police rogue corporations.
(Thanks to www.time.com)
Recently, another Titanic has sank, the Lehman Brothers.
WASHINGTON — Richard S. Fuld Jr. blamed the news media. He blamed the short-sellers. He blamed the government, as well as what he characterized as an “extraordinary run on the bank.”
But the chief executive of Lehman Brothers Holdings, the bankrupt remnant of a once-great investment house, never really blamed himself.
Instead, in his first public appearance since Lehman’s collapse, Mr. Fuld said in sworn testimony before a Congressional panel on Monday that while he took full responsibility for the debacle, he believed all his decisions “were both prudent and appropriate” given the information he had at the time.
That stance did not sit well with angry members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, who peppered Mr. Fuld with hostile questions about the hundreds of millions he made over the last eight years.
(Thanks to www.nytimes.com)
Is there a chance we are going to see the sinking of the Titanic of all Titanics, the United States of America?
Some things that we have thought can never happen have been happening recently. What happens when the USA sinks? People say there is going to be a new world order, and only God knows what kind of a world order that is going to be.
All these because, some people--so-called geniuses at that--have been put in key positions in the economic system without the greater good in mind. Recent events are symptoms of an even greater disease called "unbriddled capitalism" that can bankrupt countries and put in peril the economic ecosystem of the entire world.
If there is anything good that has come out of the on-going economic crisis, it is the greater understanding by the whole world of the words "unbridled capitalism" ... AND the iron will to come up with a better ideology.
The Catholic Church has always warned the world about "unbridled capitalism" and who has been listening?
"Capitalism should not be considered the only valid model of economic organisation," the Pontiff said, citing the words of his predecessor Pope John Paul II. Catholic doctrine has always given priority to the fair distribution of resources, the Pope said, adding that it is not too late to rein in the excesses of capitalism. "When the logic of sharing and solidarity prevail, it is possible to correct our route and point it towards fair and sustainable development," he said.
(Thanks to www.radiovaticana.org)
We really need to stop, take a deep breath, close our eyes and revisit our thinking.
What's happening in the whole world right now are effects of actions by people, individual persons.
If you have been in their place, would you have done better?
That brings us back to the question, what are these riches entrusted to us right now? Have we made an inventory of these riches?
Then, what are we doing with these riches?
May the desire to serve the greater good engulf each of us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Get Rid of Hate Once And For All ... Call on God for Help
Reflection on Today's Gospel (21-Oct 2008)
What would you do if you know that Christ is coming back today? I remember that question in my religion class in high school. We discussed about the same gospel we have today.
What does Christ see me do today? Aha! That's a scary question...or a happy one...depending on how you are living your life.
He came to proclaim peace; peace to you who were far off, peace to the Jews who were near. From the First Reading, Ephesians 2:12-22
The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
Response to Psalm 85
Happy are those servants whom the master finds wide-awake when he comes.
From the Gospel, Luke 12:35-38
What would you do if you know that Christ is coming back today? I remember that question in my religion class in high school. We discussed about the same gospel we have today.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Three Points to Think About, Just for Today
Reflection on Today's Gospel (20-Oct 2008)
What motivates me to wake up in the morning? This question is where the rubber hits the road. We say, "Lord, Lord, Lord" and ... where is the Lord when we wake up in the morning? Is He the first thought that comes to our minds?
We say, yes, ideally, yes .... but {fill in the blanks}. The list of reasons include "realities of life,""pressures in the office,""pressures at home,""excitement for a project about to be finished,""someone who has been missing since the ice age was coming to see us," etcetera, etcetera.
Nothing wrong with that!
But, where is gratitude there for getting another day of life?
If gratitude is nowhere, what's replacing it? Think about it.
On the other hand, many think at the opposite extreme. They say, we should not strive for material possessions! These possessions make us bad. Possessions bar us from heaven. We should think only of the Lord!
Where's good stewardship in that?
Where will the Church itself be if it does not collect money from the faithfuls? Think about it.
Good stewardship under the Covenant has been what Christ and the Church has been teaching throughout the centuries!
It is difficult to understand how the Church looks at material possessions outside of the context of the Covenant between God and man.
Paul has said it all, "He (God) gave us life with Christ." Who has given us life? Who is Christ? Why is Christ in the picture?
The response to Psalm 100 is more direct, "The Lord made us, we belong to him." We belong to whom? How come?
1. Christians believe we are given talents and material possessions for the greater good.Where do all the riches come from? and what are these for? Someone who does not understand the Covenant says, my material possessions have been the product of my efforts! Not divine providence. Not fate. My efforts! Therefore MY rewards alone.
Granted! Who has given us the brain to do the things we do now? An "accident" in the cosmos? Is that who we are?
Fact is, our riches belong to God and they belong to everyone of us, His children. We are a family! Anyone who created himself into this earth may disagree.
Some of us have been appointed stewards on the basis of the talents we have been given. At an appointed day God is going to ask, where now are my talents, my good and faithful servant?
When Christ comes, blessed be the man whom Christ shall catch in action, using his material possessions for the greater good.
2. We are masters of the riches of this world, not the other way around.
This is where another fine line of difference lies. Since we do not belong to this world; therefore, we do not belong to these material riches. Instead, we are masters of these materials things, not their slaves.
He who profits from these riches and forgets his neighbors is as guilty as the person who does nothing with his talents to profit from these riches. They're both fig trees without fruits in the eyes of God, unproductive members of Christ's body.
He holds on to whatever he has put in his hands, unmindful of the Covenant, is exercising greed. That can be money, or power, or prestige ... or comfort. A greedy man is a slave of worldly things, whether the greedy man's rich or poor. He debases himself.
We can do better than being greedy! That has been Christ's message to us throughout the centuries.
Be a good steward, yes. But don't be greedy. There's a world of difference between the two.
3. What gives us life are not these things, but the life that God is giving us.
These material things are great, but they're score cards no less as to how we use the talents God has given us. They are not the source of our life. Someone else is the source of our life, and the life given to us is why we're able to make use of these talents and profit from them.
To say life comes from his talents is worshiping his own image in the mirror. If that's not idolatry, then what is that?
Any bad or good rich person that ever lives in this world have one thing in common. When they die, not one can bring those riches across to heaven. But they shall be judged differently.
God will ask, "What has been at the heart of your material riches on earth?"
He who is mindful of the Covenant shall give a different answer from the one who's not, and their destinations are going to be different.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
What motivates me to wake up in the morning? This question is where the rubber hits the road. We say, "Lord, Lord, Lord" and ... where is the Lord when we wake up in the morning? Is He the first thought that comes to our minds?
He gave us life with Christ.
From the First Reading, Ephesians 2:1-10
The Lord made us, we belong to him.
Response to Psalm 100
Be on your guard and avoid every kind of greed, for even though you have many possessions, it is not that which gives you life.
From the Gospel, Luke 12:13-21
We say, yes, ideally, yes .... but {fill in the blanks}. The list of reasons include "realities of life,""pressures in the office,""pressures at home,""excitement for a project about to be finished,""someone who has been missing since the ice age was coming to see us," etcetera, etcetera.
Nothing wrong with that!
But, where is gratitude there for getting another day of life?
If gratitude is nowhere, what's replacing it? Think about it.
On the other hand, many think at the opposite extreme. They say, we should not strive for material possessions! These possessions make us bad. Possessions bar us from heaven. We should think only of the Lord!
Where's good stewardship in that?
Where will the Church itself be if it does not collect money from the faithfuls? Think about it.
Good stewardship under the Covenant has been what Christ and the Church has been teaching throughout the centuries!
It is difficult to understand how the Church looks at material possessions outside of the context of the Covenant between God and man.
Paul has said it all, "He (God) gave us life with Christ." Who has given us life? Who is Christ? Why is Christ in the picture?
The response to Psalm 100 is more direct, "The Lord made us, we belong to him." We belong to whom? How come?
1. Christians believe we are given talents and material possessions for the greater good.Where do all the riches come from? and what are these for? Someone who does not understand the Covenant says, my material possessions have been the product of my efforts! Not divine providence. Not fate. My efforts! Therefore MY rewards alone.
Granted! Who has given us the brain to do the things we do now? An "accident" in the cosmos? Is that who we are?
Fact is, our riches belong to God and they belong to everyone of us, His children. We are a family! Anyone who created himself into this earth may disagree.
Some of us have been appointed stewards on the basis of the talents we have been given. At an appointed day God is going to ask, where now are my talents, my good and faithful servant?
When Christ comes, blessed be the man whom Christ shall catch in action, using his material possessions for the greater good.
2. We are masters of the riches of this world, not the other way around.
This is where another fine line of difference lies. Since we do not belong to this world; therefore, we do not belong to these material riches. Instead, we are masters of these materials things, not their slaves.
He who profits from these riches and forgets his neighbors is as guilty as the person who does nothing with his talents to profit from these riches. They're both fig trees without fruits in the eyes of God, unproductive members of Christ's body.
He holds on to whatever he has put in his hands, unmindful of the Covenant, is exercising greed. That can be money, or power, or prestige ... or comfort. A greedy man is a slave of worldly things, whether the greedy man's rich or poor. He debases himself.
We can do better than being greedy! That has been Christ's message to us throughout the centuries.
Be a good steward, yes. But don't be greedy. There's a world of difference between the two.
3. What gives us life are not these things, but the life that God is giving us.
These material things are great, but they're score cards no less as to how we use the talents God has given us. They are not the source of our life. Someone else is the source of our life, and the life given to us is why we're able to make use of these talents and profit from them.
To say life comes from his talents is worshiping his own image in the mirror. If that's not idolatry, then what is that?
Any bad or good rich person that ever lives in this world have one thing in common. When they die, not one can bring those riches across to heaven. But they shall be judged differently.
God will ask, "What has been at the heart of your material riches on earth?"
He who is mindful of the Covenant shall give a different answer from the one who's not, and their destinations are going to be different.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The One Question Everybody Ought to Ask Regarding Today's Gospel
Reflection on Today's Gospel (19-Oct 2008)
In today's gospel God pleads once again to recognize Him in our lives. We just usually say, "yeah, yeah, yeah nobody argues with God on that point."Yet, here's the question, do we look at God with highest esteem?
The truth is ... oftentimes something clouds our vision and leads us to think God is pleased with us when we do certain things.
We go to Holy Mass. That's good! Is God happy while we are seated in the Church?
We pray the Rosary. That's good! Is God happy while we recite all those prayers and say some of our own?
We go to work. That's great! Is God proud of you while you do those things on your table or deal with the clients or report to your boss?
We know the "what" in our lives this Sunday, right? The first reading says it..."I am Yahweh, and there is no other."Is God happy about the "how" and the "who" and the "when" and the "where" of our life today?
God knows we are not atheists. Yes. But is God happy about "how" we regard Him? "when" we express devotion to Him? "where" our hearts and passions lie? and "who" we credit everything?
These really get us thinking, don't they? And we haven't even touched the "why" of this thing.
What is the "why" behind our regard for God? "Why" do we treat God the way we do? "Why" do we spend only so much time in connecting with Him? "Why" do our hearts and passions lie elsewhere and not on God who has given us everything? "Why" isn't God the Person to whom we credit all our blessings?
Indeed Christ was clearly a wounded God when he said, "Return to Caesar what is Casear's, and to God what is God's."
Think about it. How did Christ sound when He said that? What was the look in His eyes? What was the shape of his body when He said those words?
Now here's the "why" question..."why" did Christ use the word "return"? Look at the words again and think about it.
"I am a work in progress." I often hear myself say that. Perhaps there is nothing wrong in saying that when talking about being a loving Christian.
But talk about allegiances cannot be a "work in progress." It is the starting point of that "work in progress" but it cannot be a "work in progress" by itself. Meaning, it's either you're in or you're out.
It's either we put God first in our lives, or we don't.
It's either we are grateful to God, or not.
It's either we wait for Christ, or not.
There is none in between.
The choice is ours.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
In today's gospel God pleads once again to recognize Him in our lives. We just usually say, "yeah, yeah, yeah nobody argues with God on that point."Yet, here's the question, do we look at God with highest esteem?
I am Yahweh, and there is no other; there is no God beside me.
From the First Reading, Isaiah 45:1,4-6
Give the Lord glory and honor.
Response to Psalm 96
We constantly recall before God our Father the work of your faith, the labors of your love and your endurance in waiting for Christ Jesus Our Lord.
From the Second Reading, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
Return to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.
From the Gospel, Matthew 22:15-21
The truth is ... oftentimes something clouds our vision and leads us to think God is pleased with us when we do certain things.
We go to Holy Mass. That's good! Is God happy while we are seated in the Church?
We pray the Rosary. That's good! Is God happy while we recite all those prayers and say some of our own?
We go to work. That's great! Is God proud of you while you do those things on your table or deal with the clients or report to your boss?
We know the "what" in our lives this Sunday, right? The first reading says it..."I am Yahweh, and there is no other."Is God happy about the "how" and the "who" and the "when" and the "where" of our life today?
God knows we are not atheists. Yes. But is God happy about "how" we regard Him? "when" we express devotion to Him? "where" our hearts and passions lie? and "who" we credit everything?
These really get us thinking, don't they? And we haven't even touched the "why" of this thing.
What is the "why" behind our regard for God? "Why" do we treat God the way we do? "Why" do we spend only so much time in connecting with Him? "Why" do our hearts and passions lie elsewhere and not on God who has given us everything? "Why" isn't God the Person to whom we credit all our blessings?
Indeed Christ was clearly a wounded God when he said, "Return to Caesar what is Casear's, and to God what is God's."
Think about it. How did Christ sound when He said that? What was the look in His eyes? What was the shape of his body when He said those words?
Now here's the "why" question..."why" did Christ use the word "return"? Look at the words again and think about it.
"I am a work in progress." I often hear myself say that. Perhaps there is nothing wrong in saying that when talking about being a loving Christian.
But talk about allegiances cannot be a "work in progress." It is the starting point of that "work in progress" but it cannot be a "work in progress" by itself. Meaning, it's either you're in or you're out.
It's either we put God first in our lives, or we don't.
It's either we are grateful to God, or not.
It's either we wait for Christ, or not.
There is none in between.
The choice is ours.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Five Ways God Strengthens His People
Reflection on Today's Gospel (October 18, 2008)
How does Christ strengthen His messengers? Christian messengers are like sheep in the midst of wolves indeed. They’re humans too. They could be the difficult people you have grown up with for all you know.
Yet here they are preaching the Word of God? Come on! How do they do it?
Some think that’s easy. It’s not. If you don’t walk the talk, you’re dead talking to the dead. If you walk the talk, you’re a dead man in the eyes of many. But then God says He will breath life in you. Isn’t that uncanny?
That’s uncanny to one who has no faith.
How does Christ strengthen His messengers? Christian messengers are like sheep in the midst of wolves indeed. They’re humans too. They could be the difficult people you have grown up with for all you know.
Yet here they are preaching the Word of God? Come on! How do they do it?
But the Lord was at my side, giving me strength to proclaim the Word fully.
From the First Reading, 2 Timothy 4:10-17
Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Response to Psalm 145
Courage! I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
From the Gospel, Luke 10:1-9
Some think that’s easy. It’s not. If you don’t walk the talk, you’re dead talking to the dead. If you walk the talk, you’re a dead man in the eyes of many. But then God says He will breath life in you. Isn’t that uncanny?
That’s uncanny to one who has no faith.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Give Christ Your Fear, and He will Give You Faith
Reflection on Today's Gospel (October 17, 2008)
What fear keeps me from Christ? Funny that we keep on praying to an all-powerful God, professing faith in him and declaring our loyalty to him. But we're afraid of moving forward. I have that fear too. But should we focus on fear? Or should we focus on faith? What keeps us from really following Christ?
Fact was even Elijah had that fear. After defeating the prophets of Baal and slaughtering them one by one, he was overwhelmed by fear when Queen Jezzebel vowed revenge for those deaths. What duplicity is that from one of the greatest prophets of Israel?
What fear keeps me from Christ? Funny that we keep on praying to an all-powerful God, professing faith in him and declaring our loyalty to him. But we're afraid of moving forward. I have that fear too. But should we focus on fear? Or should we focus on faith? What keeps us from really following Christ?
You were sealed with the Holy Spirit, the first pledge of what we shall receive.
From the First Reading, Ephesians 1:11-14
Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Response to Psalm 33
Do not fear those who put to death the body and after that can do no more.
From the Gospel, Luke 12:1-7
Fact was even Elijah had that fear. After defeating the prophets of Baal and slaughtering them one by one, he was overwhelmed by fear when Queen Jezzebel vowed revenge for those deaths. What duplicity is that from one of the greatest prophets of Israel?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Four Insights About Resentment
Reflection on Today's Gospel (October 16, 2008)
In the first reading, Paul spoke about freedom that was "sealed" by Christ's blood. Talk about "blood" always create a stir in us. After all, "blood" can mean life. It can also mean gallantry. In this gospel, "blood" means salvation. Why did blood have to be shed for salvation? I believe it's because man's resentment for God is keeping us from approaching Him.
Christ saves mankind as a whole from the bondage of sin, such that all that man had to do was to claim such freedom by accepting it. Christ did so without using an armed force. He did so by the sheer force of his word, which was (and is) the words of God the Father himself!
In the light of the gospel today, I couldn't help but ask, was I somehow responsible for shedding a prophet's blood?
In the first reading, Paul spoke about freedom that was "sealed" by Christ's blood. Talk about "blood" always create a stir in us. After all, "blood" can mean life. It can also mean gallantry. In this gospel, "blood" means salvation. Why did blood have to be shed for salvation? I believe it's because man's resentment for God is keeping us from approaching Him.
In Christ we obtain freedom, sealed by his blood.
From the First Reading, Ephesians 1:1-10
The Lord has made known his salvation.
Response to Psalm 90
The present generation will have to answer for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed.
From the Gospel, Luke 11:47-54
Christ saves mankind as a whole from the bondage of sin, such that all that man had to do was to claim such freedom by accepting it. Christ did so without using an armed force. He did so by the sheer force of his word, which was (and is) the words of God the Father himself!
In the light of the gospel today, I couldn't help but ask, was I somehow responsible for shedding a prophet's blood?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Secret of Successful Christian Living
Reflection on Today's Gospel (October 15, 2008)
The Gospel today speaks of the fruits of the Spirit. These are values that each person with the Holy Spirit exhibits after receiving God into one's life. As a Christian, do I live according to the Spirit?
Amazing what the Spirit can do to one's thinking, attitude and behavior. They go in one package. That is, if you let it. You are going to be nagged into being nice if you are a Christian. But what matters to God is your heart. What does your heart nag you to do? How does your heart nag you to relate with others? What does the Spirit nag you to be?
The Gospel today speaks of the fruits of the Spirit. These are values that each person with the Holy Spirit exhibits after receiving God into one's life. As a Christian, do I live according to the Spirit?
The fruit of the Spirit is charity, joy and peace, patience...self-control.
From the First Reading, Galatians 5:18-25
Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.
Response to Psalm 1
A curse is on you, Pharisees...you neglect justice and the love of God.
From the Gospel, Luke 11:42-46
Amazing what the Spirit can do to one's thinking, attitude and behavior. They go in one package. That is, if you let it. You are going to be nagged into being nice if you are a Christian. But what matters to God is your heart. What does your heart nag you to do? How does your heart nag you to relate with others? What does the Spirit nag you to be?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
What Everybody Ought to Know About Integrity
Reflection on Today's Gospel (October 14, 2008)
Who do I become when no one is looking? This is a question about integrity, which appears to be the center of the Gospel for us today. When I say I have faith, does it show in my love for God and my neighbors? Am I a cup that's clean outside yet "full of greed and and evil" inside?
I have been taught this definition of integrity: Do what you say, and say what you do. It is being true to yourself, wherever you are, whomever you are with and whatever situation you are in. This appears to be what the Gospel is saying in the context of God's Covenant with man.
God's message in salvation history has been about Covenants between God and man. In these Covenants, God has been faithful and man is not, and God is not giving up on us! A Covenant is a family bond wrapped by love, and God is love himself. Since God is our Creator, and we have been created in his image and likeness, then our true selves is about love.
Love is much more than just a virtue. It is God's essence, and ours too, manifesting in our thoughts, attitudes and behavior. Following this line of thought, therefore sin is about losing one's integrity in the eyes of God, and God wants us to restore our integrity when He calls us back.
Did I walk the talk? Last Sunday, I gave a one hour talk about "Loving God" to participants of the Christian Life Program of Couples for Christ, where my wife and I belonged since 2002, the year we got married. My wife talked about "Loving They Neighbor" in that same back-to-back session. I guess we did well, but was it all "talk"? Smart people could smell a fake from one mile away.
Before we made that talk, I couldn't help but reflect, "Do I really love God? Do I really love my neighbor?" My conclusion was I was a work in progress and that was exactly what I told the participants last Sunday. But I added that the seeds of God's Word was sown in me, and it was aggressively growing inside me, completely messing me up; and I really meant that. God's Word was messing me up. It was like catching a virus. You wanted to resist it, but you were technically infected.
I used to be a workaholic. I was someone who wouldn't stop at anything just to prove to anyone that I was the best. But ever since I signed the Covenant Card, which was in my wallet all the time, I was a messed up a guy. I became an absolute mediocre in the office and in business, even as everybody outside of the office and business seemed to be happy about me. Perhaps this was God's way of humbling me. But more than that, perhaps this was God's of installing His throne in my heart.
God had not stopped me from dreaming things though. But God's message for me was clear: "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." I realized I sang this hymn everytime I attended the Holy Mass. Integrity in the eyes of God in this fast paced world could be hard to attain. No, since time immemorial, integrity in the eyes of God was always hard to attain...when God was not the center of the things we did. We could choose the accept that now, or we could choose to accept it some other time. Either way, the truth would stare at us right in front of our noses and bug us until we would recognize it.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Who do I become when no one is looking? This is a question about integrity, which appears to be the center of the Gospel for us today. When I say I have faith, does it show in my love for God and my neighbors? Am I a cup that's clean outside yet "full of greed and and evil" inside?
What matters is faith working through love. From the First Reading, Galatians 5:1-6
Let your mercy come to me, O Lord. Response to Psalm 119
So then, you Pharisees, you clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside yourselves you are full of greed and evil. From the Gospel, Luke 11:37-41
I have been taught this definition of integrity: Do what you say, and say what you do. It is being true to yourself, wherever you are, whomever you are with and whatever situation you are in. This appears to be what the Gospel is saying in the context of God's Covenant with man.
God's message in salvation history has been about Covenants between God and man. In these Covenants, God has been faithful and man is not, and God is not giving up on us! A Covenant is a family bond wrapped by love, and God is love himself. Since God is our Creator, and we have been created in his image and likeness, then our true selves is about love.
Love is much more than just a virtue. It is God's essence, and ours too, manifesting in our thoughts, attitudes and behavior. Following this line of thought, therefore sin is about losing one's integrity in the eyes of God, and God wants us to restore our integrity when He calls us back.
Did I walk the talk? Last Sunday, I gave a one hour talk about "Loving God" to participants of the Christian Life Program of Couples for Christ, where my wife and I belonged since 2002, the year we got married. My wife talked about "Loving They Neighbor" in that same back-to-back session. I guess we did well, but was it all "talk"? Smart people could smell a fake from one mile away.
Before we made that talk, I couldn't help but reflect, "Do I really love God? Do I really love my neighbor?" My conclusion was I was a work in progress and that was exactly what I told the participants last Sunday. But I added that the seeds of God's Word was sown in me, and it was aggressively growing inside me, completely messing me up; and I really meant that. God's Word was messing me up. It was like catching a virus. You wanted to resist it, but you were technically infected.
I used to be a workaholic. I was someone who wouldn't stop at anything just to prove to anyone that I was the best. But ever since I signed the Covenant Card, which was in my wallet all the time, I was a messed up a guy. I became an absolute mediocre in the office and in business, even as everybody outside of the office and business seemed to be happy about me. Perhaps this was God's way of humbling me. But more than that, perhaps this was God's of installing His throne in my heart.
God had not stopped me from dreaming things though. But God's message for me was clear: "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." I realized I sang this hymn everytime I attended the Holy Mass. Integrity in the eyes of God in this fast paced world could be hard to attain. No, since time immemorial, integrity in the eyes of God was always hard to attain...when God was not the center of the things we did. We could choose the accept that now, or we could choose to accept it some other time. Either way, the truth would stare at us right in front of our noses and bug us until we would recognize it.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Here's a Quick Way to Understand Freedom
Reflection on Today's Gospel (October 13, 2008) Freedom is a word that has cast its spell on people for centuries: freedom from slavery, freedom from debt, freedom from vice, freedom from...you name it. But freedom always has a price. To be free from slavery, people had to start acting like free men and fight for their liberty. To be free from debt, one had to start acting like a smart steward and let go of old attitudes. To be free from vice, one had to start acting like a reformed person and let go of old habits.
What does freedom from sin mean?
First of all, do we know what sin means? We know what slavery and liberty mean. We know what prosperity and debt mean. We know what having a vice means. But do we know what sin means?
Sin is deliberate separation from God. We do not have a God who condones our every action, whether it is good for the relationship with him or not. He is a God of Love. In fact, he is Love himself. Anything that anyone does, which do not constitute love, is to separate one's self from God. That's sin. God's love is pure and impeccable. God does not condone anything impure.
Freedom from sin therefore is to be free from anything that constrains us from loving. Lack of understanding of this fact does constitute an excuse. It has been why the Israelites, who were slaves of Egyptians for 400 years and who were alien to the word "faith" at that time, have to be given the ten commandments to give room for love to flourish in their hearts. But then the Jews have overdone it. Jesus has observed it, and repudiated it; for in their zeal to follow the laws, they have lost the intent of the law. They have replaced love with law.
Does that mean we should let go of religion? That's what people in the protestant and "born again" streams would want us to believe. I have come to this conviction that it is not what Jesus has taught us, for Jesus has said that every letter of the law has to be fulfilled. He has further said to Peter than on this "rock" he (Jesus) shall build His Church. The Roman Catholic Church traces its origin to this verse and can defend such claims.
What does freedom from sin mean then?It is to look at Christ on the cross as Israelites looked at the bronze serpent in the deserts, to free themselves from the poison of the snakes that bit them. It is not enough to let go of the constraints to love, it means much more than that. It means letting love take hold of you and replace all those that used to occupy your house. It means letting Jesus be the strongman inside your heart. One can clean one's house; but having no strong man to protect it, the devil will come back with more of them such that one becomes worse than before.
When love becomes the pair of eyes through which we see the world, only then do we see the significance of the Eucharist that Christ has instituted and is being celebrated in Holy Masses all over the world through centuries.
It pains me to see fellow Catholics who come and go out of the Holy Masses, seemingly unchanged. I have been like that before. But now, each Mass is an act of communion with God, a communion with Jesus through the Eucharist, and an act of communion with the angels and the saints. It's like a grand celebration in there, Sunday after Sunday, and even everyday should you wish so. Each Catholic should be clapping his hands after every Mass with smiles from ear to ear, shouting praises to God, shouting praises to Jesus, praising everything that God has created. That's freedom!
But such freedom has a price. The price is repentance and faith. Everytime we go to confession, do we really really really repent for our sins? Maybe yes. Then we fall again. Then we confess again. But do you have the resolve to make a 180-degree turn from your sins? God knows what's in our heart.
There's an ear in the Church that reminds you of God's ever ready and unconditional forgiveness. There's an ear there without a mouth that speaks to others--outside of God--about your remorse. You can trust in that. There's love going on inside the confessional. When you believe that, you have faith. When you believe you can walk over the waves of your sins and approach Jesus who stretches out his hand to save you, you have faith. Then you shall live. Then you shall be free.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Christ freed us to make us really free. From the First Reading, Galatians 4:22-31,5:1
Blessed be the name of the Lord forever. Response to Psalm 113
As Jonah became a sign for the people of Niniveh, so will the Son of Man be a sign for this generation. From the Gospel, Luke 11:29-32
What does freedom from sin mean?
First of all, do we know what sin means? We know what slavery and liberty mean. We know what prosperity and debt mean. We know what having a vice means. But do we know what sin means?
Sin is deliberate separation from God. We do not have a God who condones our every action, whether it is good for the relationship with him or not. He is a God of Love. In fact, he is Love himself. Anything that anyone does, which do not constitute love, is to separate one's self from God. That's sin. God's love is pure and impeccable. God does not condone anything impure.
Freedom from sin therefore is to be free from anything that constrains us from loving. Lack of understanding of this fact does constitute an excuse. It has been why the Israelites, who were slaves of Egyptians for 400 years and who were alien to the word "faith" at that time, have to be given the ten commandments to give room for love to flourish in their hearts. But then the Jews have overdone it. Jesus has observed it, and repudiated it; for in their zeal to follow the laws, they have lost the intent of the law. They have replaced love with law.
Does that mean we should let go of religion? That's what people in the protestant and "born again" streams would want us to believe. I have come to this conviction that it is not what Jesus has taught us, for Jesus has said that every letter of the law has to be fulfilled. He has further said to Peter than on this "rock" he (Jesus) shall build His Church. The Roman Catholic Church traces its origin to this verse and can defend such claims.
What does freedom from sin mean then?It is to look at Christ on the cross as Israelites looked at the bronze serpent in the deserts, to free themselves from the poison of the snakes that bit them. It is not enough to let go of the constraints to love, it means much more than that. It means letting love take hold of you and replace all those that used to occupy your house. It means letting Jesus be the strongman inside your heart. One can clean one's house; but having no strong man to protect it, the devil will come back with more of them such that one becomes worse than before.
When love becomes the pair of eyes through which we see the world, only then do we see the significance of the Eucharist that Christ has instituted and is being celebrated in Holy Masses all over the world through centuries.
It pains me to see fellow Catholics who come and go out of the Holy Masses, seemingly unchanged. I have been like that before. But now, each Mass is an act of communion with God, a communion with Jesus through the Eucharist, and an act of communion with the angels and the saints. It's like a grand celebration in there, Sunday after Sunday, and even everyday should you wish so. Each Catholic should be clapping his hands after every Mass with smiles from ear to ear, shouting praises to God, shouting praises to Jesus, praising everything that God has created. That's freedom!
But such freedom has a price. The price is repentance and faith. Everytime we go to confession, do we really really really repent for our sins? Maybe yes. Then we fall again. Then we confess again. But do you have the resolve to make a 180-degree turn from your sins? God knows what's in our heart.
There's an ear in the Church that reminds you of God's ever ready and unconditional forgiveness. There's an ear there without a mouth that speaks to others--outside of God--about your remorse. You can trust in that. There's love going on inside the confessional. When you believe that, you have faith. When you believe you can walk over the waves of your sins and approach Jesus who stretches out his hand to save you, you have faith. Then you shall live. Then you shall be free.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Five Steps to Saying "Yes" to God's Abundance
Reflection on Today's Gospel (October 12, 2008)
The gospel today speaks about feasts, an allegory for abundance that characterized heaven. It talks about God himself preparing the feast and providing for our needs. All we need to do is say "Yes" to God's invitation. Now, do I respond to God's invitation? or do I hesitate?
I suggest five steps of accepting the invitation...
Step #1. Acknowledge God's Love. Say, "Yes I do."Step #2. Acknowledge Jesus Christ as Son of God. Say, "my Lord and my God."Step #3. Know what it means to be a ChristianStep #4. Profess your faith and make a 180-degree turn from everything that separates you from God.Step #5. Live in the Spirit
The steps are simple. But, one or two may or not be easy. Keep heart, you can do it. If all else fails, just stick to Step #2. Listen to Christ. Listen to his teachings. That will put you on your way.
There are many books and seminars that talk about these steps. My community Couples for Christ teaches these things in the Christian Life Program. Look for someone who can let you in. Even if you don't intend to join the community later on, I challenge you to just go there with a notebook and a pen and take notes. It can be the most important lesson of your life, or your greatest mistake, depending on which point of view you look at it.
Allow me to just dwell a bit more on Step #1 because it is the foundation of everything. What does acknowledging God's love mean?
1. First you acknowledge that the universe as science describes it was created, is being created and is continuously being created by a Supreme Being.
Nothing happens by chance up there and in here. Science has discovered entropy...the tendency of everything to fall into chaos. But is that what's happening up there? and in here? The sun rises and falls in fixed fashion, never falling into chaos. The earth revolves and we have 24 hours a day year in and year out, never falling into chaos. What's going on here? Something--or someone--is keeping the balance. We have a name for this someone, we call Him God! He is a Being, a Supreme Being, super super super Supreme Being. He created everything! including you, my friend, and everything around you, whether you like it or not.
This is the easy part. Wait til you read the next...
2. Second, you acknowledge that this super super super Supreme Being, all powerful, omnipresent, timeless, is...suprise...a loving God, not someone who delights in miseries, but someone who delights in peace and joy.
Yes, we have a God who is the maker of rules, rules that can be violated only at a price. But...he is a loving God. You say, "How come? Marvin, you don't know anything! You speak of a loving God, but why is my life a big mess? You #$%%&#!"
I will never know what you're going through my friend. But wait til you read the next line.
3. Acknowledge that God has created you in His own image and likeness.
If God is a Creator, an all-powerful Creator, then so are you; perhaps in a much smaller scale, but so are you! Just as God breath stars out of his mouth, what you think you create. If you passionately think life is a mess, then that's what you get. But if you passionately think life is a paradise, then that's what you get, my friend. God has given us what the angels in heaven envy us for: free will, the power of choice.
If you choose to be happy, and you stick to that choice everyday of your life, thankful for each and every little thing and being happy about getting them, then, maybe slowly at first and then with a loud bang, you'll be a happy person. Many books are written about this phenomenon. This piece of knowledge is like arithmetic nowadays. If you don't know it, ask yourself where you have been.
4. Acknowledge that God will not just sit down and watch you make bad decisions. He's a loving God, right?
God has been reaching out to man since time immemorial, and He is reaching out to you now. He has sent prophets. Finally, He has sent us His son, Jesus Christ, to guide us. That's why let us listen to Jesus Christ. This is not Step #2 yet. This is still Step #1. The very evidence of God's love for us is Jesus Christ who came here and offer his life, just to deliver God's message of love for us.
All we really need to do after believing in God is to acknowledge Jesus Christ and listen to him. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The gospel today speaks about feasts, an allegory for abundance that characterized heaven. It talks about God himself preparing the feast and providing for our needs. All we need to do is say "Yes" to God's invitation. Now, do I respond to God's invitation? or do I hesitate?
On this mountain Yahweh Sabaoth will prepare for all peoples a feast. From the First Reading, Isaiah 25:6-10
I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. Response to Psalm 23
You did right in sharing my trials. God himself will provide you with everything you need. From the Second Reading, Philippians 4:12-14,19-20
The wedding feast is prepared...Go, then, to the crossroads and invite everyone you find. From the Gospel, Matthew 22:1-14
I suggest five steps of accepting the invitation...
Step #1. Acknowledge God's Love. Say, "Yes I do."Step #2. Acknowledge Jesus Christ as Son of God. Say, "my Lord and my God."Step #3. Know what it means to be a ChristianStep #4. Profess your faith and make a 180-degree turn from everything that separates you from God.Step #5. Live in the Spirit
The steps are simple. But, one or two may or not be easy. Keep heart, you can do it. If all else fails, just stick to Step #2. Listen to Christ. Listen to his teachings. That will put you on your way.
There are many books and seminars that talk about these steps. My community Couples for Christ teaches these things in the Christian Life Program. Look for someone who can let you in. Even if you don't intend to join the community later on, I challenge you to just go there with a notebook and a pen and take notes. It can be the most important lesson of your life, or your greatest mistake, depending on which point of view you look at it.
Allow me to just dwell a bit more on Step #1 because it is the foundation of everything. What does acknowledging God's love mean?
1. First you acknowledge that the universe as science describes it was created, is being created and is continuously being created by a Supreme Being.
Nothing happens by chance up there and in here. Science has discovered entropy...the tendency of everything to fall into chaos. But is that what's happening up there? and in here? The sun rises and falls in fixed fashion, never falling into chaos. The earth revolves and we have 24 hours a day year in and year out, never falling into chaos. What's going on here? Something--or someone--is keeping the balance. We have a name for this someone, we call Him God! He is a Being, a Supreme Being, super super super Supreme Being. He created everything! including you, my friend, and everything around you, whether you like it or not.
This is the easy part. Wait til you read the next...
2. Second, you acknowledge that this super super super Supreme Being, all powerful, omnipresent, timeless, is...suprise...a loving God, not someone who delights in miseries, but someone who delights in peace and joy.
Yes, we have a God who is the maker of rules, rules that can be violated only at a price. But...he is a loving God. You say, "How come? Marvin, you don't know anything! You speak of a loving God, but why is my life a big mess? You #$%%&#!"
I will never know what you're going through my friend. But wait til you read the next line.
3. Acknowledge that God has created you in His own image and likeness.
If God is a Creator, an all-powerful Creator, then so are you; perhaps in a much smaller scale, but so are you! Just as God breath stars out of his mouth, what you think you create. If you passionately think life is a mess, then that's what you get. But if you passionately think life is a paradise, then that's what you get, my friend. God has given us what the angels in heaven envy us for: free will, the power of choice.
If you choose to be happy, and you stick to that choice everyday of your life, thankful for each and every little thing and being happy about getting them, then, maybe slowly at first and then with a loud bang, you'll be a happy person. Many books are written about this phenomenon. This piece of knowledge is like arithmetic nowadays. If you don't know it, ask yourself where you have been.
4. Acknowledge that God will not just sit down and watch you make bad decisions. He's a loving God, right?
God has been reaching out to man since time immemorial, and He is reaching out to you now. He has sent prophets. Finally, He has sent us His son, Jesus Christ, to guide us. That's why let us listen to Jesus Christ. This is not Step #2 yet. This is still Step #1. The very evidence of God's love for us is Jesus Christ who came here and offer his life, just to deliver God's message of love for us.
All we really need to do after believing in God is to acknowledge Jesus Christ and listen to him. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Secret of Life's "One Way" Streets
Reflection on Today's Gospel (October 11, 2008)
Hazy notions ruled my understanding about "Law" and "Faith." I had this rough notion that the "Law" was a set of "one way" streets where violators got apprehended. I must obey, or else... I also had this notion that "Faith" was like crossing the same "one way" streets, unmindful of the speeding cars in it. Somehow I would make it to the other side, unharmed. These notions obviously missed the whole point of the Covenant between God and man.
Do I keep God's Word in my heart? Yes, spiritual life has rules. But who makes these rules? In life's "one way" streets, do I believe that there is someone on top of the rules that care for me? Do I recognize that this "someone" is God? If so, do I keep God's Word in my heart?
Love makes these rules. Rules are burdensome when it is not clear what those rules are for. These "one way" streets in Makati are burdensome, only when you do not see how they ease up traffic flow and get you to your destination faster. Sometimes we do not always understand the rules, yet we are called to keep them anyway; because the consequences of violating it is heavy--separation from the Covenant with God, the Family bond with God. Separation is what sin is about.
Am I in God's family? Laws are Covenants, a Family bond, to those who accept Christ. The moment you know that rules are made for you, then these rules cease to be rules and become agreements between you and God--a covenant. Salvation history is a succession of covenants between God and man. If I listen to God's commandments to love God above all things and to love our neighbors as ourselves, keep these commandments in my heart and take them as my own, would these still be commandments? or would they now become agreements? a covenant? a family bond?
Where else can you go? If you choose not to build a personal covenant with God, through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, where can you go? Everything on earth passes. Yes, you may be a "made" man. Congratulations! Everyone strives to be "made" in one's pursuits. We all need that. But is that all we need? What happens when we die? Is that it? Christ is telling us there's more beyond and we ought to prepare for it too. What's worse, these things that got you "made" you can't bring with you. Shouldn't you care? Shouldn't you at least pause and think about it?
I was resisting some rules. In the Church, there was (and is) one grossly misunderstood "rule" -- the Sacrament of Reconciliation. According to this sacrament, we "should" confess our sins to the priest. At one point I was protesting. I was afraid to talk about my sins to the priest. To me at that time, I considered those sins too serious and too shameful to be discussed with anyone. I said, couldn't I just tell them directly to God, the all-powerful all-forgiving God? What business did the priest have over my life? Nonetheless, I succumbed to the pressure of being Catholic. Without full understanding, obedience took hold and I went to confession. I recounted my sins to the priest.
Physical Touch point with Christ. I was expecting a sermon, but what I heard were kind and understanding words. When the priest prayed with me and gave me the absolution; it was as if a back pack was removed from my back. I felt light. I felt absolutely forgiven. I walked out of the Church absolutely grateful for giving me the sacrament of reconciliation, a physical touch point with Christ.
A sacred touch point. Then I found out that priests were bound to keep all confessions secret, even to the point of offering their lives for it. I saw a movie where a priest was mauled and drugged by a gang to extract information about the confession that a gang's former member made. The priest never gave in and gave his life in the end to protect the confession and the centuries-old sacrament of reconciliation. In contrast, the "Da Vinci Code" novel and movie mentioned a Bishop who spilled out someone's confession. That was outrageous! That was a gross misrepresentation of one of the most sacred traditions of the Catholic Church! The Sacrament of Reconciliation was (and certainly is) a sacred touch point that priests and bishops upheld through centuries and will uphold until the end of time, no matter how bad or evil you are!
Now, think about it. Isn't the Sacrament of Reconciliation cool? Isn't it cool to have someone in the Church to express our remorse to, who is bound by his own commitment to the Church to pray for you, to verbally express to you the forgiveness of Christ that has always been waiting for you no matter how bad you have been, to provide you spiritual guidance according to the norms of the Church and to protect your confession as your best friend would, even to the point of offering his life for you? Wouldn't you want to talk to someone like that?
Understanding covenants. If you know that the Sacrament does that for you, would you still consider it a "rule" in the Church? or would you consider it this time as an act of love from someone--God--who knows your needs better than you know yourself? Indeed, the "law" has been placed by God to guide us. "Faith" leads us to the understanding of the "law" and how to put them in the context of God's covenant with man: I shall be your God, and you shall be my people.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Hazy notions ruled my understanding about "Law" and "Faith." I had this rough notion that the "Law" was a set of "one way" streets where violators got apprehended. I must obey, or else... I also had this notion that "Faith" was like crossing the same "one way" streets, unmindful of the speeding cars in it. Somehow I would make it to the other side, unharmed. These notions obviously missed the whole point of the Covenant between God and man.
The Law confined us and kept us in custody until the time in which faith would show up. From the First Reading, Galatians 3:22-29
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. Response to Psalm 105
Surely blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it as well. From the Gospel, Luke 11:27-28
Do I keep God's Word in my heart? Yes, spiritual life has rules. But who makes these rules? In life's "one way" streets, do I believe that there is someone on top of the rules that care for me? Do I recognize that this "someone" is God? If so, do I keep God's Word in my heart?
Love makes these rules. Rules are burdensome when it is not clear what those rules are for. These "one way" streets in Makati are burdensome, only when you do not see how they ease up traffic flow and get you to your destination faster. Sometimes we do not always understand the rules, yet we are called to keep them anyway; because the consequences of violating it is heavy--separation from the Covenant with God, the Family bond with God. Separation is what sin is about.
Am I in God's family? Laws are Covenants, a Family bond, to those who accept Christ. The moment you know that rules are made for you, then these rules cease to be rules and become agreements between you and God--a covenant. Salvation history is a succession of covenants between God and man. If I listen to God's commandments to love God above all things and to love our neighbors as ourselves, keep these commandments in my heart and take them as my own, would these still be commandments? or would they now become agreements? a covenant? a family bond?
Where else can you go? If you choose not to build a personal covenant with God, through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, where can you go? Everything on earth passes. Yes, you may be a "made" man. Congratulations! Everyone strives to be "made" in one's pursuits. We all need that. But is that all we need? What happens when we die? Is that it? Christ is telling us there's more beyond and we ought to prepare for it too. What's worse, these things that got you "made" you can't bring with you. Shouldn't you care? Shouldn't you at least pause and think about it?
I was resisting some rules. In the Church, there was (and is) one grossly misunderstood "rule" -- the Sacrament of Reconciliation. According to this sacrament, we "should" confess our sins to the priest. At one point I was protesting. I was afraid to talk about my sins to the priest. To me at that time, I considered those sins too serious and too shameful to be discussed with anyone. I said, couldn't I just tell them directly to God, the all-powerful all-forgiving God? What business did the priest have over my life? Nonetheless, I succumbed to the pressure of being Catholic. Without full understanding, obedience took hold and I went to confession. I recounted my sins to the priest.
Physical Touch point with Christ. I was expecting a sermon, but what I heard were kind and understanding words. When the priest prayed with me and gave me the absolution; it was as if a back pack was removed from my back. I felt light. I felt absolutely forgiven. I walked out of the Church absolutely grateful for giving me the sacrament of reconciliation, a physical touch point with Christ.
A sacred touch point. Then I found out that priests were bound to keep all confessions secret, even to the point of offering their lives for it. I saw a movie where a priest was mauled and drugged by a gang to extract information about the confession that a gang's former member made. The priest never gave in and gave his life in the end to protect the confession and the centuries-old sacrament of reconciliation. In contrast, the "Da Vinci Code" novel and movie mentioned a Bishop who spilled out someone's confession. That was outrageous! That was a gross misrepresentation of one of the most sacred traditions of the Catholic Church! The Sacrament of Reconciliation was (and certainly is) a sacred touch point that priests and bishops upheld through centuries and will uphold until the end of time, no matter how bad or evil you are!
Now, think about it. Isn't the Sacrament of Reconciliation cool? Isn't it cool to have someone in the Church to express our remorse to, who is bound by his own commitment to the Church to pray for you, to verbally express to you the forgiveness of Christ that has always been waiting for you no matter how bad you have been, to provide you spiritual guidance according to the norms of the Church and to protect your confession as your best friend would, even to the point of offering his life for you? Wouldn't you want to talk to someone like that?
Understanding covenants. If you know that the Sacrament does that for you, would you still consider it a "rule" in the Church? or would you consider it this time as an act of love from someone--God--who knows your needs better than you know yourself? Indeed, the "law" has been placed by God to guide us. "Faith" leads us to the understanding of the "law" and how to put them in the context of God's covenant with man: I shall be your God, and you shall be my people.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Walk With Faith Like Abraham
Reflection on Today's Gospel (October 10, 2008)
Paul described the relationship between God and Abraham as something rooted on faith. Obviously, when Abraham cultivated his relationship with God, there was yet no Law the way Jews of Paul's time bound themselves to (the "Law" came way after Abraham). Not only did Abraham have faith, he obeyed the Spirit of God that guided him (not that he did perfectly well in the obedience area). This was the relationship between God and man that Christ was teaching the Jews. Jesus repudiated the Jews for their strict adherence to the Law, but without having a relationship with the lawgiver. They also kept on asking for signs from Jesus, when in fact signs were all around them.
Do I follow Christ on faith? Or do I constantly look for signs?
If I have to look for any sign at all, I'll do what Christ has said...look at the fruits. When something lasts or endures despite persistent attacks on its character and despite the weaknesses it suffers, it can only come from God, rooted on the source, and built on a rock. I count among these things the planet Earth, the human race, Judaism and the Catholic Church. The list can be long, but I know yet of no other than those four. The words of Christ, "Whoever does not gather with me, scatters" is something to really ponder. What does it take to gather around Christ?
The Apostle's Creed, which has been and is continuously being recited in all the masses in the world for centuries, sum up my reflection today...
I have been reciting this since I was a child, but understanding the Creed came slowly. At this stage in my life, I cannot help but appreciate the following:
It pays to meditate on each line of the Creed, one at a time. At one point in my life, I meditated on the line "the forgiveness of sins." Then at another point in my life, I meditated on "the communion of saints." Each meditation always brings with it an additional sliver of truth.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
Paul described the relationship between God and Abraham as something rooted on faith. Obviously, when Abraham cultivated his relationship with God, there was yet no Law the way Jews of Paul's time bound themselves to (the "Law" came way after Abraham). Not only did Abraham have faith, he obeyed the Spirit of God that guided him (not that he did perfectly well in the obedience area). This was the relationship between God and man that Christ was teaching the Jews. Jesus repudiated the Jews for their strict adherence to the Law, but without having a relationship with the lawgiver. They also kept on asking for signs from Jesus, when in fact signs were all around them.
Do I follow Christ on faith? Or do I constantly look for signs?
Those who take the way of faith receive the same blessing as Abraham who believed.
From the First Reading, Galatians 3:7-14
The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
Response to Psalm 111
Whoever does not gather with me, scatters.
From the Gospel, Luke 11:15-26
If I have to look for any sign at all, I'll do what Christ has said...look at the fruits. When something lasts or endures despite persistent attacks on its character and despite the weaknesses it suffers, it can only come from God, rooted on the source, and built on a rock. I count among these things the planet Earth, the human race, Judaism and the Catholic Church. The list can be long, but I know yet of no other than those four. The words of Christ, "Whoever does not gather with me, scatters" is something to really ponder. What does it take to gather around Christ?
The Apostle's Creed, which has been and is continuously being recited in all the masses in the world for centuries, sum up my reflection today...
I believe in God,
the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ,
his only son our Lord,
who was conceived by the power
of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ,
his only son our Lord,
who was conceived by the power
of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
I have been reciting this since I was a child, but understanding the Creed came slowly. At this stage in my life, I cannot help but appreciate the following:
- The creed is about faith: "I believe..."
- The creed sums up the entire Gospel.
- The creed clearly recognizes the role of the Virgin Mary in the Gospel. Nobody denies it. The Blessed Virgin Mary has a special place in the Church because she has been the first one who believes, on faith and not on Law, after Abraham.
- The creed recognizes the Holy Trinity.
- The creed describes the passion of Christ.
- The creed states in present tense that Jesus "is seated at the right hand of the Father"
- The creed refers to the "Catholic Church" as "the holy Catholic Church" emphasizing singularity and definitiveness
- The creed talks about communion of saints, clearly implying the family bond that ties all who believe and obey Christ
- The creed talks about forgiveness of sins, a promise that God gives to anyone who repents
- The creed talks about the resurrection of the body, a clear promise Jesus said in the Gospel, and which he demonstrated time and again by raising the dead, and by raising himself!
- The creed talks about everlasting life, a universal belief, a promise of God, and the destiny that God wants us to enjoy
- The creed packages all these profound truths in a simple creed that a child can recite
It pays to meditate on each line of the Creed, one at a time. At one point in my life, I meditated on the line "the forgiveness of sins." Then at another point in my life, I meditated on "the communion of saints." Each meditation always brings with it an additional sliver of truth.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Secret to Understanding Spirit vs Law
Reflection on Today's Gospel (October 9, 2008)
Paul reminded us about the Spirit, in comparison to being subject to the Law. It was difficult for me to understand this in the beginning. I asked, does God play hide and seek? He has been faithful to the Jews, but he has not heard many of their prayers.
Gradually the meaning became clear. Being subject to the Law was being observant of the do's and don'ts of God, as conveyed through Moses. It was a life of punishment and reward. But being under the Spirit was living with the greater understanding of why the do's and don'ts were there in the first place. It was like, after having been given instructions on how to respond properly to the red, yellow and green traffic lights at the intersections, Christ would then tell us that the ultimate purpose of these "laws" was to protect human lives. A man bound by "law" would stop at the red light regardless of who his passenger was, even if this was a dying man. A man led by the Spirit would break all those "laws" to fulfill a higher calling of saving someone's life.
Jesus Christ emphasized that the laws conveyed through Moses were all about the love of God for men. The law was given because it was necessary for men at that time; but the law was given to prepare men for the greater message, the message of Christ about the loving father. It was why Jesus claimed he was the fulfillment of the Law. It was why Jesus said that every letter of these laws shall be fulfilled. It was why Jesus proclaimed that the laws were made for men, not the men for these laws.
Indeed, shall a loving father give his son a snake when the son asks for a fish? Isn't it a wonder why our prayers seem to go unheard? We complain about having followed every instruction God said in the scriptures, and yet our prayers go unheard. Have we prayed in the name of Christ? How can we pray in the name of Christ? There must be love in our hearts first, for Christ. Then the rest is simple. God either says, Yes, Later or...I have a better plan for you. All these God does for us in the name of love.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Paul reminded us about the Spirit, in comparison to being subject to the Law. It was difficult for me to understand this in the beginning. I asked, does God play hide and seek? He has been faithful to the Jews, but he has not heard many of their prayers.
Did you receive the Spirit by the practice of the Law, or by believing the message? From the First Reading, Galatians 3:1-5
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people. Response to Psalm 169
If your child asks for a fish, will you give a snake instead? From the Gospel, Luke 11:5-13
Gradually the meaning became clear. Being subject to the Law was being observant of the do's and don'ts of God, as conveyed through Moses. It was a life of punishment and reward. But being under the Spirit was living with the greater understanding of why the do's and don'ts were there in the first place. It was like, after having been given instructions on how to respond properly to the red, yellow and green traffic lights at the intersections, Christ would then tell us that the ultimate purpose of these "laws" was to protect human lives. A man bound by "law" would stop at the red light regardless of who his passenger was, even if this was a dying man. A man led by the Spirit would break all those "laws" to fulfill a higher calling of saving someone's life.
Jesus Christ emphasized that the laws conveyed through Moses were all about the love of God for men. The law was given because it was necessary for men at that time; but the law was given to prepare men for the greater message, the message of Christ about the loving father. It was why Jesus claimed he was the fulfillment of the Law. It was why Jesus said that every letter of these laws shall be fulfilled. It was why Jesus proclaimed that the laws were made for men, not the men for these laws.
Indeed, shall a loving father give his son a snake when the son asks for a fish? Isn't it a wonder why our prayers seem to go unheard? We complain about having followed every instruction God said in the scriptures, and yet our prayers go unheard. Have we prayed in the name of Christ? How can we pray in the name of Christ? There must be love in our hearts first, for Christ. Then the rest is simple. God either says, Yes, Later or...I have a better plan for you. All these God does for us in the name of love.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
You Don't Have to Be an Apostle to Share the Gospel Today
Reflection on Today's Gospel (October 8, 2008)
Christ taught us the Lord's prayer,"Father, hallowed be your name, may your kingdom come..." Christians prayed this since then, especially the Catholics. We owed Catholicism to Peter and Paul, who were mandated by Christ to teach the Gospel to the Gentiles, to the pagans. Paul never met the apostles until way after his conversion and immersion into his public ministry. But when this mandate to reach the pagans became clear to him, he immediately conferred with the apostles, the acknowledged leaders of the Church, before he went out to spread the Gospel to non-Jews.
The Catholic Church. Our Church owes its existence to the mandate given by Christ (the builder) to Peter (the rock), made manifest by the evangelization zeal of Paul among the non-Jews and the continuous work of the Holy Spirit starting from the Pentecost. The kingdom is for everyone who would listen to Christ. I just wonder, do I share the Gospel?
"Sarado Katoliko." It is frightening to realize how many Catholics in the neighborhood refer to themselves as "sarado Katoliko." The word "sarado" generally mean closed. But it can also mean in some contexts as solid. So, "sarado Katoliko" can mean "closed Catholics" or "solid Catholics." Either way, it is these people's rationale for downplaying invitations from "born again" movements. Incidentally, they use the same rationale for not joining Catholic charismatic movements, or more generically known as Christian renewal movements.
I am wary of the words "sarado Katoliko" because I do not know exactly what they mean. I can consider myself "sarado Katoliko" in the early stages of my life where I have focused on following Church instructions on how to worship. There were the Holy Mass, Catechism classes, summer Bible studies, and many more. But it has been when I opened up my heart and came up with my own personal response to the Gospel of Christ have I began to more clearly see the rationale behind the things that the Church does. To be "sarado" is dangerous. It can lead one to emptiness deep inside, into hunger in the middle of the banquet.
To be a "solid" Catholic is to have a heart that's open. I am in this struggle at the moment, but I can see this: to be Catholic is to have the evangelization zeal of Paul who has offered his life for the spread of the Gospel among the pagans, in cultures way different from that of Jews. Many priests, bishops and faithfuls have followed Paul's example: St Ignatius of Loyola, St Francis Xavier, our very own Lorenzo Ruiz, and many more who were responsible for the Christianization of Europe and the Americas, and the attempts to Christianize China and Japan. I count among these saints some in the modern times: Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II. Both went out of their way to spread the Gospel to other cultures.
The first attempt to bring Christianity to the Philippines has been through the sword. This was in March 16, 1521. It has been made part of a package of enjoying the protection of Spain (read subjugation to Spain). This is a historical fact. The departure of what remained of Magellan's crew would have been the end of it all. Several attempts to come back have failed, except that of Legazpi whose remains still lie in St Augustine's Cathedral in Intramuros.
The fact that Filipinos have resisted Spanish domination for centuries have not seemed to affect the spread of Christianity in the islands. The evangelization zeal of the different congregations that came here has been persistent: the Dominicans, the Augustinians, the Jesuits, and many others. Among them all, I am most endeared to the Jesuits because I have been exposed to them the most. They were the priests in the place where I grew up and the priests who ran the high school I graduated from. They have been part of my formative years.
But above all I credit everything to the Holy Spirit who has the genius of working with the strengths and weaknesses of men. I say thanks to the Holy Spirit who has ceaselessly worked in the Philippines through the waves of priests and bishops who have come here, despite the series of moral setbacks they have suffered, then and now. This is the same Spirit that's driving the renewal movements among the lay Catholics in the country today. It is the same Spirit that inspires us to invite people to recommit themselves to the Lord, and to the Gospel, thereby giving more meaning to our participation in the Church, the Body of Christ.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Christ taught us the Lord's prayer,"Father, hallowed be your name, may your kingdom come..." Christians prayed this since then, especially the Catholics. We owed Catholicism to Peter and Paul, who were mandated by Christ to teach the Gospel to the Gentiles, to the pagans. Paul never met the apostles until way after his conversion and immersion into his public ministry. But when this mandate to reach the pagans became clear to him, he immediately conferred with the apostles, the acknowledged leaders of the Church, before he went out to spread the Gospel to non-Jews.
I had a private meeting with the leaders--lest I should...have worked in a wrong way. From the First Reading, Galatians 2:1-2,7-14
Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News. Response to Psalm 117
When you pray, say this: Father, hallowed be your name, may your kingdom come... From the Gospel, Luke 11:1-4
The Catholic Church. Our Church owes its existence to the mandate given by Christ (the builder) to Peter (the rock), made manifest by the evangelization zeal of Paul among the non-Jews and the continuous work of the Holy Spirit starting from the Pentecost. The kingdom is for everyone who would listen to Christ. I just wonder, do I share the Gospel?
"Sarado Katoliko." It is frightening to realize how many Catholics in the neighborhood refer to themselves as "sarado Katoliko." The word "sarado" generally mean closed. But it can also mean in some contexts as solid. So, "sarado Katoliko" can mean "closed Catholics" or "solid Catholics." Either way, it is these people's rationale for downplaying invitations from "born again" movements. Incidentally, they use the same rationale for not joining Catholic charismatic movements, or more generically known as Christian renewal movements.
I am wary of the words "sarado Katoliko" because I do not know exactly what they mean. I can consider myself "sarado Katoliko" in the early stages of my life where I have focused on following Church instructions on how to worship. There were the Holy Mass, Catechism classes, summer Bible studies, and many more. But it has been when I opened up my heart and came up with my own personal response to the Gospel of Christ have I began to more clearly see the rationale behind the things that the Church does. To be "sarado" is dangerous. It can lead one to emptiness deep inside, into hunger in the middle of the banquet.
To be a "solid" Catholic is to have a heart that's open. I am in this struggle at the moment, but I can see this: to be Catholic is to have the evangelization zeal of Paul who has offered his life for the spread of the Gospel among the pagans, in cultures way different from that of Jews. Many priests, bishops and faithfuls have followed Paul's example: St Ignatius of Loyola, St Francis Xavier, our very own Lorenzo Ruiz, and many more who were responsible for the Christianization of Europe and the Americas, and the attempts to Christianize China and Japan. I count among these saints some in the modern times: Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II. Both went out of their way to spread the Gospel to other cultures.
The first attempt to bring Christianity to the Philippines has been through the sword. This was in March 16, 1521. It has been made part of a package of enjoying the protection of Spain (read subjugation to Spain). This is a historical fact. The departure of what remained of Magellan's crew would have been the end of it all. Several attempts to come back have failed, except that of Legazpi whose remains still lie in St Augustine's Cathedral in Intramuros.
The fact that Filipinos have resisted Spanish domination for centuries have not seemed to affect the spread of Christianity in the islands. The evangelization zeal of the different congregations that came here has been persistent: the Dominicans, the Augustinians, the Jesuits, and many others. Among them all, I am most endeared to the Jesuits because I have been exposed to them the most. They were the priests in the place where I grew up and the priests who ran the high school I graduated from. They have been part of my formative years.
But above all I credit everything to the Holy Spirit who has the genius of working with the strengths and weaknesses of men. I say thanks to the Holy Spirit who has ceaselessly worked in the Philippines through the waves of priests and bishops who have come here, despite the series of moral setbacks they have suffered, then and now. This is the same Spirit that's driving the renewal movements among the lay Catholics in the country today. It is the same Spirit that inspires us to invite people to recommit themselves to the Lord, and to the Gospel, thereby giving more meaning to our participation in the Church, the Body of Christ.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Do You Make the Mistake of Dichotomizing Faith and Works?
Reflection on Today's Gospel (October 7, 2008)
Jesus called people who were passionate about the Gospel. Paul, who was once known as the "Saul of Tarsus" slew Christians in the name of Judaism. He was passionate about God, but somehow he was blinded to God's message due to the dictates of the law. Then Christ opened his eyes in an uncanny manner and Paul's passion was redirected towards the spread of the Gospel he once suppressed. The interference of convention played in subtle way in the episode of Jesus's life with Mary and Martha. Martha wanted Jesus to chastise Mary for not helping out at home. But instead, Jesus commended Mary for choosing the "better part" which was to listen to Jesus.
In my life as a Filipino living in the homeland, a husband, father of two boys, a believer by choice, and a servant of Christ in the mission with the poor, it makes me wonder, what can be more important than the Gospel?
The obvious answer to the reflection question is ... none. THAT'S THE SIMPLE TRUTH! But it's not easy to take. It is as important as, or even more important than, the food we eat. It guides our decisions in business, family, physical health, etc. Plus, there is an uncompromising truth in the Gospel that stands whether you believe in it or not. Paul surrendered himself to this truth at a price--the ire of his fellow Pharisees. Mary wanted to hear about this truth also at a price--the ire of her sister Martha. Paul and Mary did one thing in common, which pleased Christ: they listened when Christ talked to them. Then, they did as they were told.
But the reflection question sometimes confuse the faithful. At whose point of view do we ask this question? from the point of view the disciple? or from the point of view of the person being evangelized? To my eyes, this has been the question that has caused a major rift between the former and the present leadership of my community, Couples for Christ. Bishop Claver has a reflection about the issue. His sentiments have been echoed by Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ, the President of the Ateneo de Manila University.
I do not wish to clutter this post with the arguments from both sides of the question. All I wish to illustrate is, the question is as relevant today as it has been to Paul, Mary and Martha. What is more important: the study and the teaching of the Gospel? or the expression of love through service, which is central to the message of the Gospel? Both are important, yes. But which one is more important than the other? Which one do we prioritize given a situation when we have to choose? This is exactly where the trick lies. Those questions crop up when we dichotomize faith and works. The entire Gospel is about faith and works. We preach what we practice, and we practice what we preach. Preaching and doing the will of God is preaching the Gospel.
What we preach and what we practice have to be consistent; otherwise, Christ would liken us to the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law whose yeast of hypocrisy Christ warned the apostles against. It is misleading to describe the Word and the Deed as two sides of the same coin. I would rather describe both in terms of coffee and cream, indistinguishable from each other in the scheme of things, but having distinct characteristics that play in harmony with the others.
It is critical that we constantly ask for guidance of the Holy Spirit as to how to spread the Gospel in any situation. There will be times when the Spirit tells us to use words, but people who listen to us should see us walk the talk through our Deeds. Then there will be times when the Spirit will nudge us to simply do something good around people. Seeing love radiate from a preacher's heart can sometimes work more wonders in us than simply hearing words from that preacher. But even so, that person who was touched by our Deeds should still hear the Word along the way coz that person would hunger for it.
The Holy Spirit, the paraclete, shall reveal to us everything we need to know. He's the third person in the Holy Trinity. He's the person Christ has mentioned several times to us. Let us seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit...always.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Jesus called people who were passionate about the Gospel. Paul, who was once known as the "Saul of Tarsus" slew Christians in the name of Judaism. He was passionate about God, but somehow he was blinded to God's message due to the dictates of the law. Then Christ opened his eyes in an uncanny manner and Paul's passion was redirected towards the spread of the Gospel he once suppressed. The interference of convention played in subtle way in the episode of Jesus's life with Mary and Martha. Martha wanted Jesus to chastise Mary for not helping out at home. But instead, Jesus commended Mary for choosing the "better part" which was to listen to Jesus.
God called me out of his great love...that I might make him known among the pagan nations. From the First Reading, Galatians 1:13-24
Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way. Response to Psalm 139
Martha...only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the better part. From the Gospel, Luke 10:38-42
In my life as a Filipino living in the homeland, a husband, father of two boys, a believer by choice, and a servant of Christ in the mission with the poor, it makes me wonder, what can be more important than the Gospel?
The obvious answer to the reflection question is ... none. THAT'S THE SIMPLE TRUTH! But it's not easy to take. It is as important as, or even more important than, the food we eat. It guides our decisions in business, family, physical health, etc. Plus, there is an uncompromising truth in the Gospel that stands whether you believe in it or not. Paul surrendered himself to this truth at a price--the ire of his fellow Pharisees. Mary wanted to hear about this truth also at a price--the ire of her sister Martha. Paul and Mary did one thing in common, which pleased Christ: they listened when Christ talked to them. Then, they did as they were told.
But the reflection question sometimes confuse the faithful. At whose point of view do we ask this question? from the point of view the disciple? or from the point of view of the person being evangelized? To my eyes, this has been the question that has caused a major rift between the former and the present leadership of my community, Couples for Christ. Bishop Claver has a reflection about the issue. His sentiments have been echoed by Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ, the President of the Ateneo de Manila University.
I do not wish to clutter this post with the arguments from both sides of the question. All I wish to illustrate is, the question is as relevant today as it has been to Paul, Mary and Martha. What is more important: the study and the teaching of the Gospel? or the expression of love through service, which is central to the message of the Gospel? Both are important, yes. But which one is more important than the other? Which one do we prioritize given a situation when we have to choose? This is exactly where the trick lies. Those questions crop up when we dichotomize faith and works. The entire Gospel is about faith and works. We preach what we practice, and we practice what we preach. Preaching and doing the will of God is preaching the Gospel.
What we preach and what we practice have to be consistent; otherwise, Christ would liken us to the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law whose yeast of hypocrisy Christ warned the apostles against. It is misleading to describe the Word and the Deed as two sides of the same coin. I would rather describe both in terms of coffee and cream, indistinguishable from each other in the scheme of things, but having distinct characteristics that play in harmony with the others.
It is critical that we constantly ask for guidance of the Holy Spirit as to how to spread the Gospel in any situation. There will be times when the Spirit tells us to use words, but people who listen to us should see us walk the talk through our Deeds. Then there will be times when the Spirit will nudge us to simply do something good around people. Seeing love radiate from a preacher's heart can sometimes work more wonders in us than simply hearing words from that preacher. But even so, that person who was touched by our Deeds should still hear the Word along the way coz that person would hunger for it.
The Holy Spirit, the paraclete, shall reveal to us everything we need to know. He's the third person in the Holy Trinity. He's the person Christ has mentioned several times to us. Let us seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit...always.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
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