A small man with a big heart. That is what best describes Zacchaeus after he encountered Jesus. Before he is a small man with a big amount of money and people dislikes him. What can we learn from this man and from the other readings? To find out, we must reflect again on the three readings for this Sunday.
First Reading Wisdom 11: 22 – 26 ;12: 1 - 2
22 Because the whole world before thee is like a speck that tips the scales, and like a drop of morning dew that falls upon the ground.
23 But thou art merciful to all, for thou canst do all things, and thou dost overlook men's sins, that they may repent.
24 For thou lovest all things that exist, and hast loathing for none of the things which thou hast made, for thou wouldst not have made anything if thou hadst hated it.
25 How would anything have endured if thou hadst not willed it? Or how would anything not called forth by thee have been preserved?
26 Thou sparest all things, for they are thine, O Lord who lovest the living.
1 For thy immortal spirit is in all things.
2 Therefore thou dost correct little by little those who trespass, and dost remind and warn them of the things wherein they sin, that they may be freed from wickedness and put their trust in thee, O Lord.
Second Reading 2 Thessalonian 1: 11 – 12 ; 2: 1 – 2
11 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his call, and may fulfil every good resolve and work of faith by his power,
12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to meet him, we beg you, brethren,
2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word, or by letter purporting to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
Gospel Reading Luke 19: 1 – 10
1 He entered Jericho and was passing through.
2 And there was a man named Zacchae'us; he was a chief tax collector, and rich.
3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature.
4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way.
5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchae'us, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today."
6 So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully.
7 And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." 8 And Zacchae'us stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold."
9 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost."
Commentary
The good thing with the three readings is that they all encircle one encompassing theme and today the theme is on God’s big love for mankind specially to those who had gone astray.
The first reading is a great testimony to that love. The book of Wisdom describes the relationship of the universe to God. There is a comparison given; God is so great while the universe is so tiny and seem to be worthless. The reading differentiated God and the universe as Creator and creation. The Creator is a necessary being while the creation is very much a contingent being. It shows how contingent are everything in this world and everyone except for God. Despite all these, God is giving so much love and mercy for the creation. Simply for the reason that He is the Creator and He cannot abandon those He owns. God cares about the creation because they are desirable for him. There is innate goodness in every creature, in every man. God know how we are created. That is why even sinners are given chances to change and God is making room for their mistakes. God is obviously waiting for sinners to repent.
The second reading is always for the bishops and cardinals [also for ministers of the word and missionaries] so it is more of an encouragement. That these people may remain true to their calling as ministers and missionaries of the Kingdom is what Saint Paul wants to convey. It is also an opportunity for us to see if the people ministering to us are truly cardinals and bishops of the Catholic Church. Saint Paul may be referring here to ministers who lack encouragements and who are getting weaker in their mission to evangelize. They have to remember their calling and that is to glorify God in every way they can. They must also remember that only God in return can glorify them and not themselves alone. That without the grace of God they are nothing. They are contingent beings dependent on the creator. In this way, people of the Catholic Church should pray for them.
The Gospel is the summit of the two readings. Here we see on the one hand a concrete story of how God was described in the first reading. On the other hand we also see in this story how the Catholic Church elders should conduct themselves to glorify God. Zacchaeus, an example of a worthless person in the sight of the Jews was given relevance by Jesus himself. While Jesus is on His way to Jericho He made room for the repentance of a sinner. That is a character of a minister of God. One who is willing to go out of his way to attend to a person who needs to encounter the greatness and clemency of God. Zacchaeus is an example of a person outside of the Church or maybe he is inside but never really there spiritually. There are hindrances on his way to enter the Church, to commune with God. He longs to see the face of Jesus but cannot because of the two hindrances. One is internal or personal and the other is external factor or environment. First, he is short in stature and second there is a multitude of crowd who blocks his way to Jesus. The first one maybe a representation of the persons personal shortage or lack. It may not always be lack of height but lack of prayer life. The crowd may represent some external blocks that delays his enter to the Church. However, he made a choice to rise above the hindrances. That’s what pilots do when there are weather disturbances—they rise above the storms. He climbed the three to see Jesus. He Repositioned himself. He did not give up in finding a way. That is something good in him. There he was able to see Jesus and not only that, Jesus saw him. In raising above the storm he found Jesus and Jesus met with him there. Jesus called him by name. Something that gives us a proof of the first reading’s thesis. God cares about His creation, He knows their names. After his encounter with the Lord, Zacchaeus made a bold decision to give up all his wealth. That is not an easy thing to do. I remember there was a rich man who asked Jesus how to have eternal life. Jesus told him that he must go sell all his belongings and give them to the poor. The young man went away sad because he cannot do that. But here is a taxcollector who is willing to give up all he has. There must be something in that meal with Jesus. Jesus invited himself to dine with Zacchaeus. There must be something. Here we see the deep longing of the Divine to be with us and by Zacchaeus act of climbing the tree we see also the deep longing of humanity to be with the Divine. We can meet the Lord by changing our point of view. What is left with Zacchaeus? If he will give half of his possessions to the poor and return fourfold what he extorted from the innocent tax payers, then what is left? Nothing! That is why Jesus posited him saying, “Salvation has come to this house” because Zacchaeus at last realized that he is nothing in front of God and yet Jesus dined with him and made time to call him by name. This is what the second reading is warning the bishops of. Maybe they thought of glorifying only themselves and not the God who graced them with that ministry.
Something always happens when a person encounter the Lord in a sincere and humble way. That is why Zacchaeus can be called a small man with a huge heart. But greater still is the heart of God.
Application
Tomorrow is November 1. What supposed to be a day of celebrating the saints became a day of paganism, superficiality, and consumerism. The feast itself became a distraction for Catholic Christians to pray because of the crowd. When there are so many people around we are distracted in our prayer life. Never let this occasion hinder you to see the face of Jesus. Climb the tree, it is in anew point of view that you can Jesus.
Second, the Letter of Saint Paul to Thessalonians reminds us to pray for the ministers of the Church, those who are called to evangelize. Pray that in their actions they may glorify God.
Now that we learned God's undying love for humanity and how He gives special preference to those who have sinned. It is high time to renew our lives like what the tax collector did. All Saints Day reminds us that we can rise from those stumbling blocks on our way. Saints are not sinless but sinned less during their life time. May it be our goal to sin less and less everyday and become more and more like Jesus.
Jesus ministered to those repentant people. As a mirror of Jesus, the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church is mandated to do likewise. It is the call of everyone of us not just bishops and priests to attend to the needy.Have some time to visit the prisoners, those in the rehabilitation centers. Reflect on the kind of treatment you are giving to those who are ex convict and those who are despised by the community. Are we like the crowd who after seeing Jesus entered the house of Zacchaeus gossiped and questioned His dealing with the tax collector? We should not be like them. We have to be like Jesus who after all of what a publican did, opened His heart for him.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Indissoluble Correspondence
This will be my first time to write for an October 27 entry. I want to post something very sacred to me. And since it is also that day when I wrote Dianne a letter seven years ago. It is hightime to do the same thing.
__________________________________________
Dianne,
I guess I'll have to write you again. But this time I won't be able to send it to you and you can't read it. I have lots of things to say to you.... I miss you to death. My heart aches whenever I think that we graduated without even understanding the reasons why. We were almost the best of friends. We're classmates but more than that we were seatmates And just to let everyone know, we were buddies. We are and will always be best pair of cadets. Every time I see Naruto and Sakura I can't help but see the picture of us back then. We were like ninja pair. I was clumsy like Naruto and you were as gorgeous as Sakura.
I was attracted the first time I saw you when we were first years. I never thought of you being a friend. For me you are high class. I tried resisting the infatuation but just when I was becoming successful, we became team. That's when the feelings transformed into care, admiration, and respect. I began treating you like a family. At those times for me, you are the female counterpart of Dan Carlo. Its the same way. Everything. My admiration to Dan. My courtesy to him. My complete loyalty. Yes I replicated them all to you. Its different however because you are a girl and there seem to be a little confusion especially I am beginning to search for the one. It was when Lara Faye came that I understood how I feel about you. You are my buddy. You have a special place in my life. Without you that void will always be empty. Its different from a lover. Different too from a best friend. You are not even a twin sister. I don't think there is already a word invented to describe the relationship we had. It was too special but we were never lovers. I am in rapture.
Now i know you have a child already. We never had a chance to see and chat with each other even virtually. Probably we never will have. But if ever, just one single chance, I'll seize it. I will not talk to you when that happens. I will only embrace you and let the warmth of my body and tears tell you the stories. They will let you know how I longed every night just to see you again and zip a cup of coffee with you while it rains. The grief becomes unbearable as days go by. If it is ok with you I will kiss you on the forehead. Just to let you know I missed you. Without even saying a word, I want you to know just how much you mean to me. Just how happy I ma that you existed. that you are [or if you want, you were] my friend. I will never forget your laughter. I will never forget the way you hold my hand; your penmanship; you corny attacks when you want to tease me; your thoughtfulness; your shallow dramas; your flirtatious looks; your gossips; and yes just to be more accurate... your front teeth. I miss you Dianne, God knows I do.
But I warn you. The next time I see you, I'll be as naughty as ever. I will still be Caleb. I will still be cheesy and noisy. I can even be reckless just the way I was. I'll mention everything just like before. If you give me a chance to be with you I may not want to go far anymore. I will want to see you more everyday. And that is the danger. Perhaps I may even have the same perplexity. That which I went through before Lara Faye came in. I am at a hold. I know, because there can never be another you. Just the sarcastic and prolific you.
You are solely you. It is you alone who will understand when I tell you. I want to tell you about life and how I feel. I want to tell you my fears. I want to tell you the heartaches and bleedings caused by Ronel. I want to tell you that for the first time, I felt beaten when Lara Faye chose him over me. I want to kill him! I want to tell you just everything I cannot tell my Mom nor my peers. And if you wish, I will lend you my ears also. I will listen to you. I want to hear all you need me to hear. I want to know more about your baby. I want to know all your aspirations and ideals just like the old times.
All these I hope can come to pass. I wish eternity is enough for us to share the stories we have in minds and hearts. Yeah because our experiences, though limited by time, are boundless because they are constantly pondered by us. Every single second we are away are like decades from of old hitherto. That's how extremely I miss you.
Yet for the mean time we cannot see each other. No matter how much I am eager, I still have to prepare for that wonderful reunion. I want to be ready the day I see you. Physically, I have to be strong and huge. I want to study more and be intellectually equipped as you are. More so financially, I want to bring you to places you want to be; where we can enjoy each others company. I want to please you the next time. So that is why I need to wait.
Our relationship is based on trust. You trusted me despite the worst in me. Despite the fact that you know I may fall for you sexually anytime. You never doubted my respect. You are confident of the good that is in me. Only three in the world do. Aside from you, Rizzel and JS.
I don't know what to say anymore. Perhaps I will recall the words when I see you. I can't wait for that. I know I will never have you the way I had you back then. But if we continue to trust, we can make it far greater than it was. I want you to take care of yourself. Forgive me for things I may never knew brought hurt to you. Just see me when I see you. Until then I will miss you more and more every minute.
Your Buddy,
03-CC-04
__________________________________________
Dianne,
I guess I'll have to write you again. But this time I won't be able to send it to you and you can't read it. I have lots of things to say to you.... I miss you to death. My heart aches whenever I think that we graduated without even understanding the reasons why. We were almost the best of friends. We're classmates but more than that we were seatmates And just to let everyone know, we were buddies. We are and will always be best pair of cadets. Every time I see Naruto and Sakura I can't help but see the picture of us back then. We were like ninja pair. I was clumsy like Naruto and you were as gorgeous as Sakura.
I was attracted the first time I saw you when we were first years. I never thought of you being a friend. For me you are high class. I tried resisting the infatuation but just when I was becoming successful, we became team. That's when the feelings transformed into care, admiration, and respect. I began treating you like a family. At those times for me, you are the female counterpart of Dan Carlo. Its the same way. Everything. My admiration to Dan. My courtesy to him. My complete loyalty. Yes I replicated them all to you. Its different however because you are a girl and there seem to be a little confusion especially I am beginning to search for the one. It was when Lara Faye came that I understood how I feel about you. You are my buddy. You have a special place in my life. Without you that void will always be empty. Its different from a lover. Different too from a best friend. You are not even a twin sister. I don't think there is already a word invented to describe the relationship we had. It was too special but we were never lovers. I am in rapture.
Now i know you have a child already. We never had a chance to see and chat with each other even virtually. Probably we never will have. But if ever, just one single chance, I'll seize it. I will not talk to you when that happens. I will only embrace you and let the warmth of my body and tears tell you the stories. They will let you know how I longed every night just to see you again and zip a cup of coffee with you while it rains. The grief becomes unbearable as days go by. If it is ok with you I will kiss you on the forehead. Just to let you know I missed you. Without even saying a word, I want you to know just how much you mean to me. Just how happy I ma that you existed. that you are [or if you want, you were] my friend. I will never forget your laughter. I will never forget the way you hold my hand; your penmanship; you corny attacks when you want to tease me; your thoughtfulness; your shallow dramas; your flirtatious looks; your gossips; and yes just to be more accurate... your front teeth. I miss you Dianne, God knows I do.
But I warn you. The next time I see you, I'll be as naughty as ever. I will still be Caleb. I will still be cheesy and noisy. I can even be reckless just the way I was. I'll mention everything just like before. If you give me a chance to be with you I may not want to go far anymore. I will want to see you more everyday. And that is the danger. Perhaps I may even have the same perplexity. That which I went through before Lara Faye came in. I am at a hold. I know, because there can never be another you. Just the sarcastic and prolific you.
You are solely you. It is you alone who will understand when I tell you. I want to tell you about life and how I feel. I want to tell you my fears. I want to tell you the heartaches and bleedings caused by Ronel. I want to tell you that for the first time, I felt beaten when Lara Faye chose him over me. I want to kill him! I want to tell you just everything I cannot tell my Mom nor my peers. And if you wish, I will lend you my ears also. I will listen to you. I want to hear all you need me to hear. I want to know more about your baby. I want to know all your aspirations and ideals just like the old times.
All these I hope can come to pass. I wish eternity is enough for us to share the stories we have in minds and hearts. Yeah because our experiences, though limited by time, are boundless because they are constantly pondered by us. Every single second we are away are like decades from of old hitherto. That's how extremely I miss you.
Yet for the mean time we cannot see each other. No matter how much I am eager, I still have to prepare for that wonderful reunion. I want to be ready the day I see you. Physically, I have to be strong and huge. I want to study more and be intellectually equipped as you are. More so financially, I want to bring you to places you want to be; where we can enjoy each others company. I want to please you the next time. So that is why I need to wait.
Our relationship is based on trust. You trusted me despite the worst in me. Despite the fact that you know I may fall for you sexually anytime. You never doubted my respect. You are confident of the good that is in me. Only three in the world do. Aside from you, Rizzel and JS.
I don't know what to say anymore. Perhaps I will recall the words when I see you. I can't wait for that. I know I will never have you the way I had you back then. But if we continue to trust, we can make it far greater than it was. I want you to take care of yourself. Forgive me for things I may never knew brought hurt to you. Just see me when I see you. Until then I will miss you more and more every minute.
Your Buddy,
03-CC-04
Monday, October 25, 2010
Retroactive Catalysts
It all started with wishful thinking. I was staying in the house for semestral break. Bored? Yes bored. October 25 2005 and I have nothing to do but stay home. Mom came back afternoon of the same day and I believe that signaled the shift of ambience. That started the event of day when in fact I am already loosing hope that there is more to that day. And yes my life is full of serendipities and meritocracies. I am the last minute guy. How can I not be? I formed Afraelay seconds before the deadline.
Hindi naman sobrang lungkot ng umaga at tanghali. Kung tutuusin maganda ang weather noong Martes na iyon. Actually, the whole day I was just enjoying the music of 2005. Talaga lang nabago noong hapon. I accompanied my Mom to the wet market, doon na nga. Yung princess na gustong gusto ko nang makita noon for six months siguro ay naabutan ko kasama ng mga kaklase niya sa bilihan ng ice cream. Actually, nakain nga ng ice cream. Hindi naman kami nagkausap pero sobrang saya ko pa rin. Alam naman ng lahat kung sino yun. Third year siya noon, taga Liliw, mahal na mahal from 2003 up to now. Siya nga!
Ok na ako dun eh pero that day gifted me more than I can expect. For the first time, nabuo ang isang emergency group for bonding. Si Isaac, si Regin, si Rufino, at si Dacles, nagkataon na lahat nagpunta noon sa bahay. Kaya accidentally without any plans at all nagkaroon ng inuman sa bahay. Kantahan kami ni Dacles. Yosi naman sila Je. Tawanan dahil sa mga kuwento ni Isaac at inspirasyon sa panliligaw naman ang diniliver ni Regin. Si Mama nagluto lang egg para sa pulutan pero solve naman sila. Though this time hindi ko na matandaan ang ininom namin.
Doon nagsimula lahat. Sa gabing iyon, nasundan na taon taon at masaya ako. Nadagdagan kami ng mga kaibigan as years go by. At dahil sa matibay na anming pagkakaibigan nagcecelebrate na kami ng Xmas party every December 28. Institusyon na ngang maituturing ang barkada namin kaso walang pangalan. Faye inaugurated that day talaga.
October 25 2008 as I remember we had a walk for a cause. I remember part yun ng class namin sa Community Communication. Masaya na naman! Pero siguro mas masaya yung isang celebration na anniversary di ba? Kasi parang tine-treasure niyo yung unang taon eh. At yun yung nangyari last year. Siguro dahil bakante ang schedule namin nakapagswimming pa kami sa tuong. Kasama ko sila Dacles, Isaac at Daryl noon. Masaya kasi noong gabi after the swimming sa bahay naman naginuman kasama si Jopeth at Ric Jayson na kapwa di nakasama sa swimming. This year, binawi na namin ang swimming noong August 25 kaya wala ngayong swimming at eleksiyon rin kasi ngayon eh.
Siguro nga yung last year ang pinakamasaya so far. So far kasi may mga net year pa and I know we can still outshine what happened October 25 2009. Mas mapaghahandaan at mapagpaplanuhan. I want to see Lara Faye more often every 25th of October. I want her to be by my side as we celebrate this day na nakita ko siyang nakain ng ice cream.
Twice akong bumoto for this year. Pangalawa kaninang umaga at alam ko panalo ang ibinoto ko. Kanina naisa-ere na ang mga bagong palabas sa mga networks. Ang Juanita Banana which starred Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2009 Pamela Bianca Manalo; Little Star starring Jenelyn Mercado and Mark Fernandez; Mara Clara {the repeat} starring Kathryn Bernardo and mamaya pa after Wow Meganon ang first kiligserye ng 5 na "My Driver Sweet Lover starring Danita Paner and JC de Vera directed by Soxy Topacio.
Ok talaga ang araw na ito! I know that next year more serendipities are coming. I am so thankful that I have these friends with me. Sila kasi yung naging tanggulan ko noong college kapag umuuwi ako ng Laguna eh. I wish them all the best for pur 5th anniversary.
Just all the best for all of us! By the way ang voter number ko pala kanina is 25.
Hindi naman sobrang lungkot ng umaga at tanghali. Kung tutuusin maganda ang weather noong Martes na iyon. Actually, the whole day I was just enjoying the music of 2005. Talaga lang nabago noong hapon. I accompanied my Mom to the wet market, doon na nga. Yung princess na gustong gusto ko nang makita noon for six months siguro ay naabutan ko kasama ng mga kaklase niya sa bilihan ng ice cream. Actually, nakain nga ng ice cream. Hindi naman kami nagkausap pero sobrang saya ko pa rin. Alam naman ng lahat kung sino yun. Third year siya noon, taga Liliw, mahal na mahal from 2003 up to now. Siya nga!
Ok na ako dun eh pero that day gifted me more than I can expect. For the first time, nabuo ang isang emergency group for bonding. Si Isaac, si Regin, si Rufino, at si Dacles, nagkataon na lahat nagpunta noon sa bahay. Kaya accidentally without any plans at all nagkaroon ng inuman sa bahay. Kantahan kami ni Dacles. Yosi naman sila Je. Tawanan dahil sa mga kuwento ni Isaac at inspirasyon sa panliligaw naman ang diniliver ni Regin. Si Mama nagluto lang egg para sa pulutan pero solve naman sila. Though this time hindi ko na matandaan ang ininom namin.
Doon nagsimula lahat. Sa gabing iyon, nasundan na taon taon at masaya ako. Nadagdagan kami ng mga kaibigan as years go by. At dahil sa matibay na anming pagkakaibigan nagcecelebrate na kami ng Xmas party every December 28. Institusyon na ngang maituturing ang barkada namin kaso walang pangalan. Faye inaugurated that day talaga.
October 25 2008 as I remember we had a walk for a cause. I remember part yun ng class namin sa Community Communication. Masaya na naman! Pero siguro mas masaya yung isang celebration na anniversary di ba? Kasi parang tine-treasure niyo yung unang taon eh. At yun yung nangyari last year. Siguro dahil bakante ang schedule namin nakapagswimming pa kami sa tuong. Kasama ko sila Dacles, Isaac at Daryl noon. Masaya kasi noong gabi after the swimming sa bahay naman naginuman kasama si Jopeth at Ric Jayson na kapwa di nakasama sa swimming. This year, binawi na namin ang swimming noong August 25 kaya wala ngayong swimming at eleksiyon rin kasi ngayon eh.
Siguro nga yung last year ang pinakamasaya so far. So far kasi may mga net year pa and I know we can still outshine what happened October 25 2009. Mas mapaghahandaan at mapagpaplanuhan. I want to see Lara Faye more often every 25th of October. I want her to be by my side as we celebrate this day na nakita ko siyang nakain ng ice cream.
Twice akong bumoto for this year. Pangalawa kaninang umaga at alam ko panalo ang ibinoto ko. Kanina naisa-ere na ang mga bagong palabas sa mga networks. Ang Juanita Banana which starred Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2009 Pamela Bianca Manalo; Little Star starring Jenelyn Mercado and Mark Fernandez; Mara Clara {the repeat} starring Kathryn Bernardo and mamaya pa after Wow Meganon ang first kiligserye ng 5 na "My Driver Sweet Lover starring Danita Paner and JC de Vera directed by Soxy Topacio.
Ok talaga ang araw na ito! I know that next year more serendipities are coming. I am so thankful that I have these friends with me. Sila kasi yung naging tanggulan ko noong college kapag umuuwi ako ng Laguna eh. I wish them all the best for pur 5th anniversary.
Just all the best for all of us! By the way ang voter number ko pala kanina is 25.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Celestial Propinquity
There is an old saying that to be near the one you love you have to go the other way. It means that if you want to stay happy, solve problems; to be a leader you have to not aspire for it, be always a follower; to be in the top be at the lowest speck. I had a hard time capturing this thought but after a while I have learned that life is really like a wheel and the two ends are the nearest to each other. It means that if you want to be near heaven, you have to keep your feet below the ground. Let us ponder on the three readings for this Sunday to understand it more deeply.
First Reading Sirach 35: 12 - 14, 16 – 18
12 Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it; and do not trust to an unrighteous sacrifice; for the Lord is the judge, and with him is no partiality.
13 He will not show partiality in the case of a poor man; and he will listen to the prayer of one who is wronged.
14 He will not ignore the supplication of the fatherless, nor the widow when she pours out her story.
16 He whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted, and his prayer will reach to the clouds.
17 The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and he will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord; he will not desist until the Most High visits him, and does justice for the righteous, and executes judgment.
18 And the Lord will not delay, neither will he be patient with them, till he crushes the loins of the unmerciful and repays vengeance on the nations; till he takes away the multitude of the insolent, and breaks the scepters of the unrighteous;
Second Reading 2 Timothy 4: 6 - 8, 16 – 18
6 For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
16 At my first defense no one took my part; all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!
17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength to proclaim the message fully, that all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading Luke 18: 9 – 14
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others:
10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.'
13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!'
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Commentary
A Humble Man Waiting and Hoping for God’s Justice
I think this is the very core lesson of the liturgy today. When in fact the first reading gives a very clear detail of a humble yet just man waiting for God to grant his prayer. Soon Sirach assures us that God never delays. God’s eyes are totally in focus to those who are poor. When we say poor here they are the people of miserable situation--the Anawim. We know that their prayers reached God and eventually an answer will be given.
Saint Paul is an example of a just and humble servant who is now at the edge of his trial and soon will be receiving God’s reward for him. He is telling Timothy and generally us, that when a person is very much dependent on the grace of God and is only boasting of God’s power and not of himself, then the crown of rewards await him in glory when it is time.
Now let us concentrate on the Gospel reading according to Saint Luke. Juts this month, we celebrate the feast of Saint Luke as evangelist. I am so thankful for Saint Luke. From the start of the Ordinary Times up to the last Sunday before Christ the King, the readings for Gospel are all taken from Saint Luke. We come close to close with the ideology of Saint Luke and how he presents Christ as a person for the masses.
The Lucan strategy presents a very definite character distinguishable from the Matthean, Mark, and Johannine traditions. The availability of God's forgiveness as locus of Christianity is paramount to most of the chapters in Luke's Gospel. Second to Luke's presentation is the Reveal of God's Kingdom. The urgency to prepare for the Second Coming of Christ is also prevalent in Luke's Gospel. However, the most striking feature of this Gospel which we are reflecting on for the entire year is Jesus' proclamation of redemption and heaven to the poor. As I've said, the poor are represented in this gospel by the publicans, prostitutes, sinners and those outcasts who were rejected by the scribes and pharisees. This Lucan character made even vivid the battle between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time. Thus, the kingdom of God belongs also to those marginalized people.
We have seen also that there are several parables where Jesus gives two oppositional characters. One is of them externally good but internally rotten while the other is superficially condemned but later on justified. Remember the story of two sons who received order from their father. The first one said yes but did not go while the other said no but pursued. There is also a parable told to Simon a pharisee who invited Jesus in a meal. Jesus said that there are two servants who owe their masters the other one is fifty while the other one is five hundred. Which of the two will love him more? We also have the story of two prodigal sons. The first one sinned but repented while the other one never knew he is sinning. There is also a parable of the rich man and Lazarus who are both contrary in character. There are many allegories of Jesus which represents the sinners and the religious leaders. He wants to present that these people who are externally righteous are also sinning against God but never repents.
This Sunday is the apex of this thesis. It is the most obvious of all because Jesus already named directly the characters. One is a pharisee and the other is a tax collector. It would seem that for Jesus those stories mentioned above were not enough to arrest the attention of the religious leaders who are only meticulous with the rituals but do not deal with God in a personal manner. While these people who are rejected by the community are the ones who, because of their nothingness, sincerely talks to god and presents themselves as they are. Jesus is raging war against hypocrisy.
It is the heart and soul of the person that tells if he is just and righteous not the outward appearance. The sacrifices and offerings and obedience to the law are all in vain if it is tainted with selfish motives. Thus Saint Paul only boast of the Lord not of himself. The three readings only gives a very concise teaching--that we can only merit righteousness if we accept that we have nothing to boast in front of our God. It is the only prayer acceptable to heaven. Being on the ground makes us closer to heaven.
Application
Humility in Prayer
The Gospel of Saint Luke gives us practical teachings on how we must pray. Our life must be a prayer. By living a humble and simple life Jesus modeled to us the way a Christian should live. His claim of being equal to the Father while being obedient up to death on the cross. His trials and persecutions, all of them points us to a humble lifestyle of Jesus. We must also pray with all humility. It is very polite that a faithful presents oneself with contrition to God before uttering prayers of requests. Jesus is absolutely a model of a prayerful life and a modest prayer in front of His Father.
The Catholic Church is also represented by the tax collector. We are a community of sinners in need of a God. A community of ill and sick people in need of a doctor. The Church always bow as a dependent entity, so dependent upon God. No other act makes this truth crystal clear than the celebration of Most Holy Eucharist. We recall our sins in the beginning and ask the Lord for pardon and strength. While singing the "Glory to God" we plea again to the Son saying "You who takes away the sins of the world have mercy on us". Then we come us one after the Apostle's Creed and lift our prayers as Prayers of the Faithful where we mention again the forgiveness of our sins. And lastly we sing "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" before receiving the communion. We beat our hearts while kneeling saying "I am not worthy to receive You but only say the word and I shall be healed". The Catholic Church is absolutely a model of humility in prayer.
First Reading Sirach 35: 12 - 14, 16 – 18
12 Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it; and do not trust to an unrighteous sacrifice; for the Lord is the judge, and with him is no partiality.
13 He will not show partiality in the case of a poor man; and he will listen to the prayer of one who is wronged.
14 He will not ignore the supplication of the fatherless, nor the widow when she pours out her story.
16 He whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted, and his prayer will reach to the clouds.
17 The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and he will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord; he will not desist until the Most High visits him, and does justice for the righteous, and executes judgment.
18 And the Lord will not delay, neither will he be patient with them, till he crushes the loins of the unmerciful and repays vengeance on the nations; till he takes away the multitude of the insolent, and breaks the scepters of the unrighteous;
Second Reading 2 Timothy 4: 6 - 8, 16 – 18
6 For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
16 At my first defense no one took my part; all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!
17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength to proclaim the message fully, that all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading Luke 18: 9 – 14
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others:
10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.'
13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!'
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Commentary
A Humble Man Waiting and Hoping for God’s Justice
I think this is the very core lesson of the liturgy today. When in fact the first reading gives a very clear detail of a humble yet just man waiting for God to grant his prayer. Soon Sirach assures us that God never delays. God’s eyes are totally in focus to those who are poor. When we say poor here they are the people of miserable situation--the Anawim. We know that their prayers reached God and eventually an answer will be given.
Saint Paul is an example of a just and humble servant who is now at the edge of his trial and soon will be receiving God’s reward for him. He is telling Timothy and generally us, that when a person is very much dependent on the grace of God and is only boasting of God’s power and not of himself, then the crown of rewards await him in glory when it is time.
Now let us concentrate on the Gospel reading according to Saint Luke. Juts this month, we celebrate the feast of Saint Luke as evangelist. I am so thankful for Saint Luke. From the start of the Ordinary Times up to the last Sunday before Christ the King, the readings for Gospel are all taken from Saint Luke. We come close to close with the ideology of Saint Luke and how he presents Christ as a person for the masses.
The Lucan strategy presents a very definite character distinguishable from the Matthean, Mark, and Johannine traditions. The availability of God's forgiveness as locus of Christianity is paramount to most of the chapters in Luke's Gospel. Second to Luke's presentation is the Reveal of God's Kingdom. The urgency to prepare for the Second Coming of Christ is also prevalent in Luke's Gospel. However, the most striking feature of this Gospel which we are reflecting on for the entire year is Jesus' proclamation of redemption and heaven to the poor. As I've said, the poor are represented in this gospel by the publicans, prostitutes, sinners and those outcasts who were rejected by the scribes and pharisees. This Lucan character made even vivid the battle between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time. Thus, the kingdom of God belongs also to those marginalized people.
We have seen also that there are several parables where Jesus gives two oppositional characters. One is of them externally good but internally rotten while the other is superficially condemned but later on justified. Remember the story of two sons who received order from their father. The first one said yes but did not go while the other said no but pursued. There is also a parable told to Simon a pharisee who invited Jesus in a meal. Jesus said that there are two servants who owe their masters the other one is fifty while the other one is five hundred. Which of the two will love him more? We also have the story of two prodigal sons. The first one sinned but repented while the other one never knew he is sinning. There is also a parable of the rich man and Lazarus who are both contrary in character. There are many allegories of Jesus which represents the sinners and the religious leaders. He wants to present that these people who are externally righteous are also sinning against God but never repents.
This Sunday is the apex of this thesis. It is the most obvious of all because Jesus already named directly the characters. One is a pharisee and the other is a tax collector. It would seem that for Jesus those stories mentioned above were not enough to arrest the attention of the religious leaders who are only meticulous with the rituals but do not deal with God in a personal manner. While these people who are rejected by the community are the ones who, because of their nothingness, sincerely talks to god and presents themselves as they are. Jesus is raging war against hypocrisy.
It is the heart and soul of the person that tells if he is just and righteous not the outward appearance. The sacrifices and offerings and obedience to the law are all in vain if it is tainted with selfish motives. Thus Saint Paul only boast of the Lord not of himself. The three readings only gives a very concise teaching--that we can only merit righteousness if we accept that we have nothing to boast in front of our God. It is the only prayer acceptable to heaven. Being on the ground makes us closer to heaven.
Application
Humility in Prayer
The Gospel of Saint Luke gives us practical teachings on how we must pray. Our life must be a prayer. By living a humble and simple life Jesus modeled to us the way a Christian should live. His claim of being equal to the Father while being obedient up to death on the cross. His trials and persecutions, all of them points us to a humble lifestyle of Jesus. We must also pray with all humility. It is very polite that a faithful presents oneself with contrition to God before uttering prayers of requests. Jesus is absolutely a model of a prayerful life and a modest prayer in front of His Father.
The Catholic Church is also represented by the tax collector. We are a community of sinners in need of a God. A community of ill and sick people in need of a doctor. The Church always bow as a dependent entity, so dependent upon God. No other act makes this truth crystal clear than the celebration of Most Holy Eucharist. We recall our sins in the beginning and ask the Lord for pardon and strength. While singing the "Glory to God" we plea again to the Son saying "You who takes away the sins of the world have mercy on us". Then we come us one after the Apostle's Creed and lift our prayers as Prayers of the Faithful where we mention again the forgiveness of our sins. And lastly we sing "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" before receiving the communion. We beat our hearts while kneeling saying "I am not worthy to receive You but only say the word and I shall be healed". The Catholic Church is absolutely a model of humility in prayer.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Sociological Fermentation
"Don't know how many years it would take for us to solve a problem that was there even before I was born"
Sa mga nakaraang araw, ang daming current events ang nag trigger sa akin para magsulat na muli. Ang sociology, sa hinaba ng panahon ay pinagdudahan ng marami na hindi nakagawa ng solusyon sa isang problemang dapat ay sinasagot ng Economics. Napgbintangan itong [sociology] isang espekulasyon imbis na isang agham. Ang RH bill na patuloy na pinagdedebatihan sa ilang sektor ng pamayanan. Ang pagkakaroon ng dalawang taon pa sa high school dahil nahuhuli na tayo sa ibang bansa pagdating sa Edukasyon at ang pangwakas na paglalahat ng The Correspondents kagabi.
Oo, matapos ang 12 taon na pamamayagpag sa ere, natapos na ang The Correspondents. Nakakpagtaka na hindi man lamang ito nagbigyan ng wastong pagsasahimpapawid gaya nga ng naganap sa Wowowee. Bakit nga kaya. Isinadula nila ang temang Dose; Ang Huling yugto kung saan nagbalik tanaw sila Karen Davilla at Abner Mercado sa 12 kasaysayan ng mga taong nabago ang buhay dahil sa The Correspondents. Una na ang ang Yellow Babies na istorya ni Nikolai. Isang bata na naninilaw at nagkaroon ng liver transplant sa Taiwan. Ngayon ay isa na siyang masiglang bata. Sinundan ito ng Batang Kalansay na ngayon ay magaling na rin at nagaaral. Marami pang iba ang sumunod. Labindalawa lahat ang istorya. Umaga na nga ako natulog.
Lahat ito tukoy lang sa isang problemang socio economic--ang kahirapan. Dahil dito'y samut saring problema ang kinakaharap natin pati na ang unemployment at ang pangaabuso sa mga kababayan natin sa ibang bansa. Kung mayaman sana ang bansa eh di wala lahat yan. Unang una sa lahat ay ang pagpapayaman sa estado.Ang laking pproblema nga ng jueteng pero ang higit na dapat tutukan ay ang kahirapan.
Kapag nakikita ko ang mga nasa kalye sa Maynila, iniisip ko kung nasaan ba ang mga taong dapat nangunguna para mawala sila doon. At habang wala pang nagagawang formula ang sociology para sagupain ang baluktot na sistema kung bakit tayo mahirap, dapat tumulong tayo sa abot ng makakaya. Ang mga taong tumulong sa mga nai-feature ng The Correspondents, alam ko naniniwala sila rito.
Sa mga nakaraang araw, ang daming current events ang nag trigger sa akin para magsulat na muli. Ang sociology, sa hinaba ng panahon ay pinagdudahan ng marami na hindi nakagawa ng solusyon sa isang problemang dapat ay sinasagot ng Economics. Napgbintangan itong [sociology] isang espekulasyon imbis na isang agham. Ang RH bill na patuloy na pinagdedebatihan sa ilang sektor ng pamayanan. Ang pagkakaroon ng dalawang taon pa sa high school dahil nahuhuli na tayo sa ibang bansa pagdating sa Edukasyon at ang pangwakas na paglalahat ng The Correspondents kagabi.
Oo, matapos ang 12 taon na pamamayagpag sa ere, natapos na ang The Correspondents. Nakakpagtaka na hindi man lamang ito nagbigyan ng wastong pagsasahimpapawid gaya nga ng naganap sa Wowowee. Bakit nga kaya. Isinadula nila ang temang Dose; Ang Huling yugto kung saan nagbalik tanaw sila Karen Davilla at Abner Mercado sa 12 kasaysayan ng mga taong nabago ang buhay dahil sa The Correspondents. Una na ang ang Yellow Babies na istorya ni Nikolai. Isang bata na naninilaw at nagkaroon ng liver transplant sa Taiwan. Ngayon ay isa na siyang masiglang bata. Sinundan ito ng Batang Kalansay na ngayon ay magaling na rin at nagaaral. Marami pang iba ang sumunod. Labindalawa lahat ang istorya. Umaga na nga ako natulog.
Lahat ito tukoy lang sa isang problemang socio economic--ang kahirapan. Dahil dito'y samut saring problema ang kinakaharap natin pati na ang unemployment at ang pangaabuso sa mga kababayan natin sa ibang bansa. Kung mayaman sana ang bansa eh di wala lahat yan. Unang una sa lahat ay ang pagpapayaman sa estado.Ang laking pproblema nga ng jueteng pero ang higit na dapat tutukan ay ang kahirapan.
Kapag nakikita ko ang mga nasa kalye sa Maynila, iniisip ko kung nasaan ba ang mga taong dapat nangunguna para mawala sila doon. At habang wala pang nagagawang formula ang sociology para sagupain ang baluktot na sistema kung bakit tayo mahirap, dapat tumulong tayo sa abot ng makakaya. Ang mga taong tumulong sa mga nai-feature ng The Correspondents, alam ko naniniwala sila rito.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Tropical Absorption
Just what I expect of a stormy day. Lucky the super typhoon did not hit us. Mahirap kapag may bagyo kaya sobrang thankful ako na hindi sa Laguna dumaan ang bagyo. Ganunpaman, naging laman ng balita ang bagyong si Juan at nagdulot ng pangamba sa marami. Nakmonitor din naman kami sa weather update. Malakas ang hangin and all I can think of is sana nasa ligtas na luagr si Lara Faye. Kung puwede nga lang na napoprotektahan ko siya sa lahat ng sandali. Kung puwede lang sana na nasa iisang lugar lang siya kung saan ako naroon.
Kanina lang hapon habang nagpipiyesta ang mga bata sa labasan dahil sa napatay na ahas, nakita ko si L.E. papunta sa bahay nila Judith. Nagkamustahan kami at maya maya pa magkasama na ang dalawa sa tricycle. Hindi ko maipaliwanag yung naramdaman ko. Masaya ako para sa dalawa kong pinsan pero may inggit, kasi ako na kuya nila hanggang ngayon wala pa ring kasama sa buhay. Ah ang sweet nga nilang dalawa. Naaalala ko noon, grade six sila nang ligawan no Lloyd si Judith. Siyempre todo suporta ako sa kanila kasi pareho ko silang pinsan. Si Judith anak ni Tita Mercy na pinsan ni Mama at si Lloyd anak ni Ate Rosaly. Kahit hindi sila totoong magpinsan ni Daddy, parang tunay naman kaming magpinsan ni L.E. at ang buong pamilya namin. Maalala ko noong bata pa kami pinakakanta kami ng mga magulang namin sa videoke nung mga kantang 60s habang nagiinuman ang mga magulang namin. Noon pa lang naka preview na lahat. Si L.E. naging band vocalist at ako naging vocal coach at choral theorist. Pero sana huwag umabot sa point na kasal na sila ng pinsan ko at single pa rin ako.
Bihira ang single na masaya. Karamihan sa mga naging single ay dahil sa sobrang pagkabusy. Habang nanonood nga kami ng Naruto Shippuden sa DVD kanina, pinaguusapan namin kung tatanda din bang single si Sakura gaya ni Tsaunade. Ang pagmamahal nila sa isang taong hindi na babalik sanhi ng pagasa nilang magbabgo ang iniibig. Lahat ng mga Sannin tumanda na walang asawa. Mapalad pa nga si Naruto kasi magkakaroon siya di gaya ng master niyang si Jiraiya. I wonder kung saan ba nauwi ang love story ni Kakashi at ni Rin. Sobrang ganda ng Naruto, kasi nga para ka na ring nanood ng isang buong mundo. Bawat isa kanya kanyang istorya, kanya kanyang pinaglalaban, kanya kanya rin ng pagtingin sa buhay.
Tuwing gabi, habang binabalikan ko lahat ng naganap sa araw, hindi ko mapigilang i-rewind sa isisp ko ang mga eksena at dialogue sa Naruto. Minsan nagiging tanong ko rin ang mga tanong nila. Si Gaara, puno ng tanong tungkol sa sarili niya. Lahat tayo gustong maging mahalaga sa buhay ng iba. Minsan, mas marami akong natututunan sa mga episodes ng Naruto. Iniinvite ako ng mga ito upang palalimin ang iniisip ko at ang pagkukuro kuro sa mga bagay. Gaya ng Tahanan na isyu ni Yukimaru, ang Pagmamahal sa kaibigan na isyu mismo ni Naruto. Ang Tuntunin ng Medisina na isyu ni Sakura, ang paghahanap sa Destiny na isyu ni Jiraiya, ang sining na isyu nila Sasori at Deidera,at ang Dalamhati/Sakit na isyu ni Pain. Actually tautology nga ang paggamit ng Pain as name of character. Busog na busog talaga ang Naruto sa detalye, simbolismo, parellelismo, at pagbubulay bulay kaya para sa akin complete packaging ito. Mayroon siyang sense of nationalism dahil marami sa characters ay hango sa mga matatandang mito at epiko ng Hapon. May mga discussions about War and Peace at ganoon rin sa pamamalakad ng estado. Ang estado ay itinatag upang maproteksiyunan ang interes ng mga mamamayan gaya ng pagtatatag ng mga ninja hidden villages.
Malakas pa rin ang hangin. Parang abot na abot kami ng buntot ng bagyo kahit palabas na ito ng bansa. Ang pamahalaan ng estado, patuloy pa rin sa paghahanda upang maproteksiyunan ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipino na ngayo'y nasa gitna ng pananalanta ni Bagyong Juan. Ako naghihintay ng messages. Kanina kasi bandang hapon, ka-text ko si Kristine. Isa sa mga youth volunteers na nakilala ko noon sa Batangas. Malapit na daw ang birthday niya. Nakakatuwa, isang taon na pala ang lumipas matapos akong magbigay ng workshop sa kanila. Kasing edad niya si Faye noong ma-inlove ako sa huli. Ang sabi ko bibigyan ko ulit siya ng regalo pero nag insist siya na huwag na lang. I-greet ko na lang daw via phone. Sige siya ang bahala. Tawag nalang ako sa kanya. Ang birthday niya kasi pumatak sa isang special date. Ang araw na nabuo ang barkada ko sa Nagcarlan.
Hay... sana bukas hindi naulan. Pero malabo ata ang wish ko kasi bumagal ang bagyo. Until then I'll be waiting kung kelan ko mapapanuod ang latest season ng Shippuden.
Though alam ko si Faye pa rin ang laman ng puso. I will try search for that lady na naksakay namin noong Thursday! Gudluk sa akin. Gudluk kila Lloyd at Judith. Gudluk sa mga nasa area of Juan's direction.
Kanina lang hapon habang nagpipiyesta ang mga bata sa labasan dahil sa napatay na ahas, nakita ko si L.E. papunta sa bahay nila Judith. Nagkamustahan kami at maya maya pa magkasama na ang dalawa sa tricycle. Hindi ko maipaliwanag yung naramdaman ko. Masaya ako para sa dalawa kong pinsan pero may inggit, kasi ako na kuya nila hanggang ngayon wala pa ring kasama sa buhay. Ah ang sweet nga nilang dalawa. Naaalala ko noon, grade six sila nang ligawan no Lloyd si Judith. Siyempre todo suporta ako sa kanila kasi pareho ko silang pinsan. Si Judith anak ni Tita Mercy na pinsan ni Mama at si Lloyd anak ni Ate Rosaly. Kahit hindi sila totoong magpinsan ni Daddy, parang tunay naman kaming magpinsan ni L.E. at ang buong pamilya namin. Maalala ko noong bata pa kami pinakakanta kami ng mga magulang namin sa videoke nung mga kantang 60s habang nagiinuman ang mga magulang namin. Noon pa lang naka preview na lahat. Si L.E. naging band vocalist at ako naging vocal coach at choral theorist. Pero sana huwag umabot sa point na kasal na sila ng pinsan ko at single pa rin ako.
Bihira ang single na masaya. Karamihan sa mga naging single ay dahil sa sobrang pagkabusy. Habang nanonood nga kami ng Naruto Shippuden sa DVD kanina, pinaguusapan namin kung tatanda din bang single si Sakura gaya ni Tsaunade. Ang pagmamahal nila sa isang taong hindi na babalik sanhi ng pagasa nilang magbabgo ang iniibig. Lahat ng mga Sannin tumanda na walang asawa. Mapalad pa nga si Naruto kasi magkakaroon siya di gaya ng master niyang si Jiraiya. I wonder kung saan ba nauwi ang love story ni Kakashi at ni Rin. Sobrang ganda ng Naruto, kasi nga para ka na ring nanood ng isang buong mundo. Bawat isa kanya kanyang istorya, kanya kanyang pinaglalaban, kanya kanya rin ng pagtingin sa buhay.
Tuwing gabi, habang binabalikan ko lahat ng naganap sa araw, hindi ko mapigilang i-rewind sa isisp ko ang mga eksena at dialogue sa Naruto. Minsan nagiging tanong ko rin ang mga tanong nila. Si Gaara, puno ng tanong tungkol sa sarili niya. Lahat tayo gustong maging mahalaga sa buhay ng iba. Minsan, mas marami akong natututunan sa mga episodes ng Naruto. Iniinvite ako ng mga ito upang palalimin ang iniisip ko at ang pagkukuro kuro sa mga bagay. Gaya ng Tahanan na isyu ni Yukimaru, ang Pagmamahal sa kaibigan na isyu mismo ni Naruto. Ang Tuntunin ng Medisina na isyu ni Sakura, ang paghahanap sa Destiny na isyu ni Jiraiya, ang sining na isyu nila Sasori at Deidera,at ang Dalamhati/Sakit na isyu ni Pain. Actually tautology nga ang paggamit ng Pain as name of character. Busog na busog talaga ang Naruto sa detalye, simbolismo, parellelismo, at pagbubulay bulay kaya para sa akin complete packaging ito. Mayroon siyang sense of nationalism dahil marami sa characters ay hango sa mga matatandang mito at epiko ng Hapon. May mga discussions about War and Peace at ganoon rin sa pamamalakad ng estado. Ang estado ay itinatag upang maproteksiyunan ang interes ng mga mamamayan gaya ng pagtatatag ng mga ninja hidden villages.
Malakas pa rin ang hangin. Parang abot na abot kami ng buntot ng bagyo kahit palabas na ito ng bansa. Ang pamahalaan ng estado, patuloy pa rin sa paghahanda upang maproteksiyunan ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipino na ngayo'y nasa gitna ng pananalanta ni Bagyong Juan. Ako naghihintay ng messages. Kanina kasi bandang hapon, ka-text ko si Kristine. Isa sa mga youth volunteers na nakilala ko noon sa Batangas. Malapit na daw ang birthday niya. Nakakatuwa, isang taon na pala ang lumipas matapos akong magbigay ng workshop sa kanila. Kasing edad niya si Faye noong ma-inlove ako sa huli. Ang sabi ko bibigyan ko ulit siya ng regalo pero nag insist siya na huwag na lang. I-greet ko na lang daw via phone. Sige siya ang bahala. Tawag nalang ako sa kanya. Ang birthday niya kasi pumatak sa isang special date. Ang araw na nabuo ang barkada ko sa Nagcarlan.
Hay... sana bukas hindi naulan. Pero malabo ata ang wish ko kasi bumagal ang bagyo. Until then I'll be waiting kung kelan ko mapapanuod ang latest season ng Shippuden.
Though alam ko si Faye pa rin ang laman ng puso. I will try search for that lady na naksakay namin noong Thursday! Gudluk sa akin. Gudluk kila Lloyd at Judith. Gudluk sa mga nasa area of Juan's direction.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Unconditional Persistence
Non stop prayer. I think that is the best way I can describe the theme of this Sunday’s readings for the Eucharistic Celebration. Our prayer should be an ongoing activity. Whether we stopped doing our prayer routine and contemplation we have to constantly attune ourselves to God by doing our activities for His glory and thinking about His love and influence on life all the time. It is not that hard. If you are totally in loved with someone, you think about that person all the time. You do every thing 100% for that person. God is a person worthy of our love so we can do it. It is just a matter of discipline.
First Reading Exodus 17: 8 – 13
8 Then came Am'alek and fought with Israel at Reph'idim.
9 And Moses said to Joshua, "Choose for us men, and go out, fight with Am'alek; tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand."
10 So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Am'alek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
11 Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and whenever he lowered his hand, Am'alek prevailed.
12 But Moses' hands grew weary; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat upon it, and Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; so his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
13 And Joshua mowed down Am'alek and his people with the edge of the sword.
Second Reading 2 Timothy 3: 14 – 17 ,4: 1 – 2
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it
15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
2 preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching.
Gospel Reading Luke 18: 1 – 8
1 And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
2 He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man;
3 and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.'
4 For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man,
5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.'"
6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says.
7 And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
8 I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Commentary
Well, I can say that the First Reading talks of the prayer that never cease in spite of fatigue and exhaustion. When the Israelites assaulted the Amelicites, it is the staff of Moses which became their signal for victory. When Moses lifted up the staff, they continued winning but he got tired so the assistants used the stone to maintain the standing. The walking stick here symbolizes prayer. A prayer of a believer. It can be a prayer of the people being mentioned together while a man of God presides. Even when we are tired of praying about something we can always be sure that continuing it will still make a difference.
Very direct is the second reading where in we get to know Saint Paul speaking of Persistence to Timothy. To continue in what he learned to be right is to persist. To be persistent in teaching the word in season or out of season. Actually, the second reading is particularly meant for the priest and the bishops. All first readings from Pentecost to Christ the King are meant for individual Christians and believers who want to grow in holiness. The second readings from Pentecost to Christ the King, if you will notice, are all meant for bishops and cardinals and other ministers of the Word of God. Mostly they are taken from letters of Saint Paul to the head of the local churches like Titus, Timothy and Philemon. The second readings give us the signs of true Christian Catholic bishops, cardinals and ministers of God’s Word. So this Sunday, both an individual Christian who wants to grow in holiness and a bishop, cardinal and minister of God’s Word is being taught to be persistent. The latter by proclaiming the word and the former by praying incessantly.
The Gospel Reading, as we all know is always the summit of the two readings. It is where the two early readings are reconciled or expounded or dramatized. Jesus gives us here a drama of a person who is practically persistent. A widow who begs for justice before a judge who fear and respect no one. The widow woman is the symbol of the Catholic Church. Even when she is conscious of the judge’s character, she persisted in asking for justice. She is totally reliant on nobody because she doesn’t have a husband anymore. She solely dependent upon God and perhaps on the mercy of the judge. The judge they say is the symbol of God but I don’t think so. The judge is very much different from God. It is a symbol of human authority which sometimes is relative and twisted. This judge is a judge who can be bribed and does not intend to give justice but only willing to receive money. It may be a symbol of a worldly economic and social system or a corrupt government. What Jesus wants us to understand is; if a government and political system which is corrupt and non objective can be softened by pleas of a persistent widow who cannot give anything how much more can God who is very merciful and gracious not give in to the prayer of a persistent faithful. The idea is very much similar to the teaching of Jesus after the Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11; 5 to 13
5 And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7 and he will answer from within, `Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Yes, if we humans are willing to grant someone a hand just so that person may go and we can sleep, then God even more can give us anything we ask because He is kinder, actually the kindest. So again, the lesson is… non stop prayer life.
Application
How about you? How is your prayer life? There may be times you may feel that it is worthless to pray about an intention but on the other hand, we can always ask God’s guidance as we pray about it. A real Christian does not give a yes or no answer immediately. Rather, a real Christian prays about the decision and consult the Word of God. If you are not very familiar with the Word of God then consult the men of God. There is actually lessons we can learn on the way. While waiting there may be better things that we can find. Rushing is not the rule. Waiting is a process necessary for growth. As we wait, God is filling our lives with surprises.
Let us Pray,
"Heavenly Father, you are merciful, gracious and kind. May I never doubt your love nor hesitate to seek you with confidence in order to obtain the gifts, graces, and daily provision I need to live as your disciple and child."
First Reading Exodus 17: 8 – 13
8 Then came Am'alek and fought with Israel at Reph'idim.
9 And Moses said to Joshua, "Choose for us men, and go out, fight with Am'alek; tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand."
10 So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Am'alek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
11 Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and whenever he lowered his hand, Am'alek prevailed.
12 But Moses' hands grew weary; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat upon it, and Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; so his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
13 And Joshua mowed down Am'alek and his people with the edge of the sword.
Second Reading 2 Timothy 3: 14 – 17 ,4: 1 – 2
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it
15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
2 preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching.
Gospel Reading Luke 18: 1 – 8
1 And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
2 He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man;
3 and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.'
4 For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man,
5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.'"
6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says.
7 And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
8 I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Commentary
Well, I can say that the First Reading talks of the prayer that never cease in spite of fatigue and exhaustion. When the Israelites assaulted the Amelicites, it is the staff of Moses which became their signal for victory. When Moses lifted up the staff, they continued winning but he got tired so the assistants used the stone to maintain the standing. The walking stick here symbolizes prayer. A prayer of a believer. It can be a prayer of the people being mentioned together while a man of God presides. Even when we are tired of praying about something we can always be sure that continuing it will still make a difference.
Very direct is the second reading where in we get to know Saint Paul speaking of Persistence to Timothy. To continue in what he learned to be right is to persist. To be persistent in teaching the word in season or out of season. Actually, the second reading is particularly meant for the priest and the bishops. All first readings from Pentecost to Christ the King are meant for individual Christians and believers who want to grow in holiness. The second readings from Pentecost to Christ the King, if you will notice, are all meant for bishops and cardinals and other ministers of the Word of God. Mostly they are taken from letters of Saint Paul to the head of the local churches like Titus, Timothy and Philemon. The second readings give us the signs of true Christian Catholic bishops, cardinals and ministers of God’s Word. So this Sunday, both an individual Christian who wants to grow in holiness and a bishop, cardinal and minister of God’s Word is being taught to be persistent. The latter by proclaiming the word and the former by praying incessantly.
The Gospel Reading, as we all know is always the summit of the two readings. It is where the two early readings are reconciled or expounded or dramatized. Jesus gives us here a drama of a person who is practically persistent. A widow who begs for justice before a judge who fear and respect no one. The widow woman is the symbol of the Catholic Church. Even when she is conscious of the judge’s character, she persisted in asking for justice. She is totally reliant on nobody because she doesn’t have a husband anymore. She solely dependent upon God and perhaps on the mercy of the judge. The judge they say is the symbol of God but I don’t think so. The judge is very much different from God. It is a symbol of human authority which sometimes is relative and twisted. This judge is a judge who can be bribed and does not intend to give justice but only willing to receive money. It may be a symbol of a worldly economic and social system or a corrupt government. What Jesus wants us to understand is; if a government and political system which is corrupt and non objective can be softened by pleas of a persistent widow who cannot give anything how much more can God who is very merciful and gracious not give in to the prayer of a persistent faithful. The idea is very much similar to the teaching of Jesus after the Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11; 5 to 13
5 And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7 and he will answer from within, `Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Yes, if we humans are willing to grant someone a hand just so that person may go and we can sleep, then God even more can give us anything we ask because He is kinder, actually the kindest. So again, the lesson is… non stop prayer life.
Application
How about you? How is your prayer life? There may be times you may feel that it is worthless to pray about an intention but on the other hand, we can always ask God’s guidance as we pray about it. A real Christian does not give a yes or no answer immediately. Rather, a real Christian prays about the decision and consult the Word of God. If you are not very familiar with the Word of God then consult the men of God. There is actually lessons we can learn on the way. While waiting there may be better things that we can find. Rushing is not the rule. Waiting is a process necessary for growth. As we wait, God is filling our lives with surprises.
Let us Pray,
"Heavenly Father, you are merciful, gracious and kind. May I never doubt your love nor hesitate to seek you with confidence in order to obtain the gifts, graces, and daily provision I need to live as your disciple and child."
Friday, October 15, 2010
Ridiculous Concoctions
Too much good news? Its been months since I stopped giving status in my facebook account. I am twisted at medyo naninibago. Hay... but I guess its just the way it is.
October 12 is actually a very happy day. I got my burned CD that day and noong afternoon kilig sa He's Beautiful. Kahit baduy ang love story, the same impact lang din gaya ng class. Minsan nga yung mas corny yun pa ang mas chessy di ba? Paano ba naman, napanuod ko ulit yung I'm Fallin For You nila Gerald at Kim. Maka Kim naman talaga ako. Now it has a different meaning iba noong una. Napnuod ko kasi yun sa sinehan ng SM Manila noong first day screening nito September 17, 2007.
October 13, Sobrang saya, birthday ni Sir Arwin. I saved that day to be very special. Hindi lang dahil special kay Sir Arwin kung hindi kasi special siya sa akin 4 years ago. Parang kahapon lang, tanda ko pa lahat. Simula sa paghihintay ko sa kanto ng Palayan hanggang sa pagtake ko ng exam sa Phil Literature. Nakita ko kasi siya [Empress ko] that day. 6:48 in the morning before she ride the jeepney for school. Friday noon at may exam ako in the afternoon. I have to be in Cavite by 2pm.
And then we have October 14. Siguro after 6 years mula noong 2004, ito na ang pinaka engrandeng pagalala sa araw na iyon kasi ngayong taon pumatak muli sa araw ng Huwebes ang October 14. Ito kasi ang araw na nakita ko ulit si Faye after Highschool graduation. Yes after 6 months noong 2004. Ibibigay ko lang ang mga sulat ko sa mga retreatants for that year pero siyempre one reason talaga dun yung makita siya. Napakaganda niya noon. If you can only imagine yung nangyari at naramdaman ko noon. I can't put it in words.
I spent that day in SM San Pablo. Actually half of the day lang naman. Ang saya kahit si Genesis lang ang kasama ko as back up. Sobra ganun pala ang SM sa San Pablo. Hindi naman napakaganda pero ok na. At least may SM na. Bakit nga kasi ngayon lang nagkaroon ng SM dun. Sana noon pang 2006. Sana noon pa nang nasa high school pa si Lara Faye. Talagang mahal ko pa rin siya. Ang saya ng Thursday na iyon kasi sa pagsakay pa lang jeepney ok na. Sakto yung jeep papunta ng SM San Pablo. Sa jeep na iyon nakasakay ko yung isang dalaga na taga-Bambang. Shit! As in parang rpemonition siya na on that same day pinapalipat na yung feelings ko sa ibang babae. Pero sana magkita pa kami ulit para maconfirm ko kung siya na nga yung puwede kong ipalit kay Faye. Ni hindi ko nga alam ang pangalan niya. Kilig pa rin yung afternoon. Mas maganda na ang He's Beautiful noon. At napanuod ko pa ang latest episodes in DVD ng Naruto Shippuden. What else is so lucky? Nabuksan ko yung isang pseudo account ko sa facebook and a lot of surprises on virtual world. pero walang tatalo sa isang masayang gabi with the household.
Hay... Ang dami ngang may birthday pero dahil ito ang palaging sem break noon, ang dami ring nice memories. Ngayong taon, dinagdagan ko pa. Truly, our lives are about making moments!
Faye I miss you!!!!! :-)
October 12 is actually a very happy day. I got my burned CD that day and noong afternoon kilig sa He's Beautiful. Kahit baduy ang love story, the same impact lang din gaya ng class. Minsan nga yung mas corny yun pa ang mas chessy di ba? Paano ba naman, napanuod ko ulit yung I'm Fallin For You nila Gerald at Kim. Maka Kim naman talaga ako. Now it has a different meaning iba noong una. Napnuod ko kasi yun sa sinehan ng SM Manila noong first day screening nito September 17, 2007.
October 13, Sobrang saya, birthday ni Sir Arwin. I saved that day to be very special. Hindi lang dahil special kay Sir Arwin kung hindi kasi special siya sa akin 4 years ago. Parang kahapon lang, tanda ko pa lahat. Simula sa paghihintay ko sa kanto ng Palayan hanggang sa pagtake ko ng exam sa Phil Literature. Nakita ko kasi siya [Empress ko] that day. 6:48 in the morning before she ride the jeepney for school. Friday noon at may exam ako in the afternoon. I have to be in Cavite by 2pm.
And then we have October 14. Siguro after 6 years mula noong 2004, ito na ang pinaka engrandeng pagalala sa araw na iyon kasi ngayong taon pumatak muli sa araw ng Huwebes ang October 14. Ito kasi ang araw na nakita ko ulit si Faye after Highschool graduation. Yes after 6 months noong 2004. Ibibigay ko lang ang mga sulat ko sa mga retreatants for that year pero siyempre one reason talaga dun yung makita siya. Napakaganda niya noon. If you can only imagine yung nangyari at naramdaman ko noon. I can't put it in words.
I spent that day in SM San Pablo. Actually half of the day lang naman. Ang saya kahit si Genesis lang ang kasama ko as back up. Sobra ganun pala ang SM sa San Pablo. Hindi naman napakaganda pero ok na. At least may SM na. Bakit nga kasi ngayon lang nagkaroon ng SM dun. Sana noon pang 2006. Sana noon pa nang nasa high school pa si Lara Faye. Talagang mahal ko pa rin siya. Ang saya ng Thursday na iyon kasi sa pagsakay pa lang jeepney ok na. Sakto yung jeep papunta ng SM San Pablo. Sa jeep na iyon nakasakay ko yung isang dalaga na taga-Bambang. Shit! As in parang rpemonition siya na on that same day pinapalipat na yung feelings ko sa ibang babae. Pero sana magkita pa kami ulit para maconfirm ko kung siya na nga yung puwede kong ipalit kay Faye. Ni hindi ko nga alam ang pangalan niya. Kilig pa rin yung afternoon. Mas maganda na ang He's Beautiful noon. At napanuod ko pa ang latest episodes in DVD ng Naruto Shippuden. What else is so lucky? Nabuksan ko yung isang pseudo account ko sa facebook and a lot of surprises on virtual world. pero walang tatalo sa isang masayang gabi with the household.
Hay... Ang dami ngang may birthday pero dahil ito ang palaging sem break noon, ang dami ring nice memories. Ngayong taon, dinagdagan ko pa. Truly, our lives are about making moments!
Faye I miss you!!!!! :-)
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Someone Grateful
Before I begin the sharing for this 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Let me give the readings first...
First Reading 2 Kings 5: 14 - 17
4 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
15 Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him; and he said, "Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant."
16 But he said, "As the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will receive none." And he urged him to take it, but he refused.
17 Then Na'aman said, "If not, I pray you, let there be given to your servant two mules' burden of earth; for henceforth your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the LORD.
Second Reading 2 Timothy 2: 8 - 13
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel,
9 the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not fettered.
10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory.
11 The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him;
12 if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful -- for he cannot deny himself.
Gospel Reading Luke 17: 11 - 19
11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Sama'ria and Galilee.
12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance
13 and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."
14 When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed.
15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice;
16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.
17 Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?
18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"
19 And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."
Commentary
God is naturally a giver. Ever wonder why He created the universe? Because He wants to give. To share his love to persons He loves and owns. We are all dependent to God. His providence is the only source of our life. The oxygen, water and sunlight do not come from any factory or enterprises, they are given freely by God. God is generous.
Every good things we experience in life is an initiative of God. Foremost is our redemption. Every good things we do are all responses to the goodness of God. The readings for this Sunday is a testimony to this graciousness and initiative of God.
God cares for everybody, even to those outside the Church. If they are repentant and they are believing in God's capacity to forgive their sins, they will be listened to. To make it clear, only their prayer for forgiveness can be heard. That is the first step. That is a response to God's redemptive initiative. Naaman who was outside the Kingdom of Israel was healed. The ten lepers who were outcasts of society were healed by Jesus also. Healing is equivalent to God's forgiveness. The physical sickness of the lepers is only an imagery of the spiritual sickness which is sinfulness. Naaman and the ten lepers are examples and imageries of people outside God's Church.
Here we can see a clear model of God's plan and economy of redemption. God will initiate the process for redemption by sending a man of God. Elisha to Naaman and His Son to the ten lepers. But before they get cured, they need to respond to God's preliminary act. Naaman traveled from Syria to Jerusalem just to meet the prophet. Likewise, the lepers need to shout so they could be heard by Jesus [they are outside the Church]. People inside the Church don't need to shout because the have access to the Lord. Sometimes they don't even have to say their prayer.
But you see, in the readings, healing does not end with physical recovery. The healing is fulfilled when there is emotional, personal and spiritual wellness and transformation. Naaman aware of God's work of graciousness returned to Elisha and offered something out of his gratitude. In the Gospel, one of the lepers returned to Jesus and answered generosity with gratitude. Jesus looked for the other nine but found no one but the Samaritan who was get cured on the way. Vividly, we know that he is the only one who is healed completely. The other nine may cured physically but still as numb as lepers in heart and spirit. Maybe they never really knew they were healed.
So this Sunday, we don't have to center immediately and solely to gratitude as a good act of a Christian but more that that, reflect on the goodness, graciousness, and initiative if our God. Healing starts with God's generosity and clemency. Then comes the charity and mission of the Church... to make tactile [through the sacraments] the act of God which is spiritual and heavenly. It is the recipient who will complete the process. How? By celebrating the triumph of God with testimony to prove the healing. When a person express one's gratitude through the lips, the works, and worship then the healing is done.
Application
Gratitude is a virtue. As we discussed, it is the response of the believers to the generosity and clemency of God. Our lives should be lives manifesting this gratefulness to God. I always thank God for the gift of life, the gift of new mornings. I thank God for giving me trustworthy and true friends though they are not that great in numbers. I thank God for giving me a loving and supportive family. I thank God that he made himself known to me, that at early age I learned about Him. I thank God for constantly loving me even in my failures and shortcomings. I thank God for forgiving me. I thank God for the heaven that awaits me.
There are so many things we can thank God. To borrow from David Foster "There's so much to be thankful for." What do you want to thank God? Each of us should be grateful for the things God has given us. Thank Him now.
First Reading 2 Kings 5: 14 - 17
4 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
15 Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him; and he said, "Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant."
16 But he said, "As the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will receive none." And he urged him to take it, but he refused.
17 Then Na'aman said, "If not, I pray you, let there be given to your servant two mules' burden of earth; for henceforth your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the LORD.
Second Reading 2 Timothy 2: 8 - 13
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel,
9 the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not fettered.
10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory.
11 The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him;
12 if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful -- for he cannot deny himself.
Gospel Reading Luke 17: 11 - 19
11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Sama'ria and Galilee.
12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance
13 and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."
14 When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed.
15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice;
16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.
17 Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?
18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"
19 And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."
Commentary
God is naturally a giver. Ever wonder why He created the universe? Because He wants to give. To share his love to persons He loves and owns. We are all dependent to God. His providence is the only source of our life. The oxygen, water and sunlight do not come from any factory or enterprises, they are given freely by God. God is generous.
Every good things we experience in life is an initiative of God. Foremost is our redemption. Every good things we do are all responses to the goodness of God. The readings for this Sunday is a testimony to this graciousness and initiative of God.
God cares for everybody, even to those outside the Church. If they are repentant and they are believing in God's capacity to forgive their sins, they will be listened to. To make it clear, only their prayer for forgiveness can be heard. That is the first step. That is a response to God's redemptive initiative. Naaman who was outside the Kingdom of Israel was healed. The ten lepers who were outcasts of society were healed by Jesus also. Healing is equivalent to God's forgiveness. The physical sickness of the lepers is only an imagery of the spiritual sickness which is sinfulness. Naaman and the ten lepers are examples and imageries of people outside God's Church.
Here we can see a clear model of God's plan and economy of redemption. God will initiate the process for redemption by sending a man of God. Elisha to Naaman and His Son to the ten lepers. But before they get cured, they need to respond to God's preliminary act. Naaman traveled from Syria to Jerusalem just to meet the prophet. Likewise, the lepers need to shout so they could be heard by Jesus [they are outside the Church]. People inside the Church don't need to shout because the have access to the Lord. Sometimes they don't even have to say their prayer.
But you see, in the readings, healing does not end with physical recovery. The healing is fulfilled when there is emotional, personal and spiritual wellness and transformation. Naaman aware of God's work of graciousness returned to Elisha and offered something out of his gratitude. In the Gospel, one of the lepers returned to Jesus and answered generosity with gratitude. Jesus looked for the other nine but found no one but the Samaritan who was get cured on the way. Vividly, we know that he is the only one who is healed completely. The other nine may cured physically but still as numb as lepers in heart and spirit. Maybe they never really knew they were healed.
So this Sunday, we don't have to center immediately and solely to gratitude as a good act of a Christian but more that that, reflect on the goodness, graciousness, and initiative if our God. Healing starts with God's generosity and clemency. Then comes the charity and mission of the Church... to make tactile [through the sacraments] the act of God which is spiritual and heavenly. It is the recipient who will complete the process. How? By celebrating the triumph of God with testimony to prove the healing. When a person express one's gratitude through the lips, the works, and worship then the healing is done.
Application
Gratitude is a virtue. As we discussed, it is the response of the believers to the generosity and clemency of God. Our lives should be lives manifesting this gratefulness to God. I always thank God for the gift of life, the gift of new mornings. I thank God for giving me trustworthy and true friends though they are not that great in numbers. I thank God for giving me a loving and supportive family. I thank God that he made himself known to me, that at early age I learned about Him. I thank God for constantly loving me even in my failures and shortcomings. I thank God for forgiving me. I thank God for the heaven that awaits me.
There are so many things we can thank God. To borrow from David Foster "There's so much to be thankful for." What do you want to thank God? Each of us should be grateful for the things God has given us. Thank Him now.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Progressive Flux
Last Monday and Tuesday I was in Manila. My very first time to enter Christ the King chapel of SVDs in Quezon City. I had my confession last Monday and still attended the 6:00 evening mass the following day. I spent half hour in the Adoration Chapel also.
That experience is quite satisfying. It is very liberating to have reconciliation with the Lord. To see that something is happening with my faith. We will try, through the aid of the three readings, to look at how the Christian faith is productive and evolving.
First Reading Habakkuk 1: 2 - 3
2 O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and thou wilt not hear? Or cry to thee "Violence!" and thou wilt not save?
3 Why dost thou make me see wrongs and look upon trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.
Second Reading 2 Timothy 1: 6 - 8, 13 - 14
6 Hence I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands;
7 for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.
8 Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God,
13 Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus;
14 guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.
Gospel Reading Luke 17: 5 - 10
5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"
6 And the Lord said, "If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, `Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.
7 "Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, `Come at once and sit down at table'?
8 Will he not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink'?
9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?
10 So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"
Commentary
How do you like the prayer, increase our faith. Do you still pray this? We need to be recharged everyday. I know that the disciples asked this because they need to be refilled with faith. Not only do we need to ask for increase of faith but so too for increase of knowledge, self control, wisdom, hope, and most of all love.
Always remember this, IT IS NOT THE SIZE OF OUR FAITH THAT MATTERS BUT THE SIZE OF THE GOD WE BELIEVE IN.
Application
Here are ways on how we can apply a little faith but a large God with us.
1. be confident after prayer. While it is good that we are self reliant we have to be prayerful before facing all the challenges of life everyday. It is our connection to God that should be trusted and not our own selves.
2. perform duties without expecting merits. If you believe that God will reward you, then you will not wait for something in return. God will provide for you if you are diligently working and toiling. People may not notice you but the attention of God is enough for a faithful who trust.
3. love God when it seems like there is nothing happening. Remember that God appointed right time to everything. You might feel like nothing is happening but every second, our large God is at work in your life.
That experience is quite satisfying. It is very liberating to have reconciliation with the Lord. To see that something is happening with my faith. We will try, through the aid of the three readings, to look at how the Christian faith is productive and evolving.
First Reading Habakkuk 1: 2 - 3
2 O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and thou wilt not hear? Or cry to thee "Violence!" and thou wilt not save?
3 Why dost thou make me see wrongs and look upon trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.
Second Reading 2 Timothy 1: 6 - 8, 13 - 14
6 Hence I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands;
7 for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.
8 Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God,
13 Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus;
14 guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.
Gospel Reading Luke 17: 5 - 10
5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"
6 And the Lord said, "If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, `Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.
7 "Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, `Come at once and sit down at table'?
8 Will he not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink'?
9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?
10 So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"
Commentary
How do you like the prayer, increase our faith. Do you still pray this? We need to be recharged everyday. I know that the disciples asked this because they need to be refilled with faith. Not only do we need to ask for increase of faith but so too for increase of knowledge, self control, wisdom, hope, and most of all love.
Always remember this, IT IS NOT THE SIZE OF OUR FAITH THAT MATTERS BUT THE SIZE OF THE GOD WE BELIEVE IN.
Application
Here are ways on how we can apply a little faith but a large God with us.
1. be confident after prayer. While it is good that we are self reliant we have to be prayerful before facing all the challenges of life everyday. It is our connection to God that should be trusted and not our own selves.
2. perform duties without expecting merits. If you believe that God will reward you, then you will not wait for something in return. God will provide for you if you are diligently working and toiling. People may not notice you but the attention of God is enough for a faithful who trust.
3. love God when it seems like there is nothing happening. Remember that God appointed right time to everything. You might feel like nothing is happening but every second, our large God is at work in your life.
Legislative Pressure
It is the conscience still which is foundation of all enacted laws and legislation
Narito ang ilan sa maiinit na usapin at ang mga official statements ko hinggil sa mga ito;
On SK and Barangay Election
Marapat lamang na ito ay matuloy. Isang magandang training ground ng kabataan sa pamamahala ang Sangguniang Kabataan. Mainam kung sa maagang panahon pa lamang ay mulat na sa kalakarang pampulitika ang mga bata. Bukod pa rito ang mga inihalal noong 2007 para sa pamunuang Barangay ay inaasahang magtatapos ang panunungkulan ngayong taon.
On Reproductive Health Bill
Sa malinaw at malalim na pagiisip, tinututulan ko ang hakbang na ito ng Kongreso. Ito ay magiging panimula ng sunod-sunod na pagpapasa ng mga batas na lalabag sa kaugaliang malinis ng mga Pilipino. Ang ating kultura ay nagpapahalaga mismo sa buhay at disiplina. Ang pagkakaroon ng opsiyon upang hindi magkaanak ang nagtatalik ay pagpapakawala rin ng disiplina.
On Divorce
Lalo ko namang tinututulan ang panukalang ito. Hindi ugali ng sinaunang Pilipino at ng kulturang Asyano ang diborsiyo. Ang pagpapahalaga natin sa katatagan ng pamilya ay isang bagay na hindi dapat ipagtabuyan ng ating batas.
Ano't ano pa man, nakasalalay sa marunong na pagiisip ng mga mambabatas ang kahihinatnan ng ating bukas. Isa ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit kailangang ang mga tao ay bumoto ng tama.
Narito ang ilan sa maiinit na usapin at ang mga official statements ko hinggil sa mga ito;
On SK and Barangay Election
Marapat lamang na ito ay matuloy. Isang magandang training ground ng kabataan sa pamamahala ang Sangguniang Kabataan. Mainam kung sa maagang panahon pa lamang ay mulat na sa kalakarang pampulitika ang mga bata. Bukod pa rito ang mga inihalal noong 2007 para sa pamunuang Barangay ay inaasahang magtatapos ang panunungkulan ngayong taon.
On Reproductive Health Bill
Sa malinaw at malalim na pagiisip, tinututulan ko ang hakbang na ito ng Kongreso. Ito ay magiging panimula ng sunod-sunod na pagpapasa ng mga batas na lalabag sa kaugaliang malinis ng mga Pilipino. Ang ating kultura ay nagpapahalaga mismo sa buhay at disiplina. Ang pagkakaroon ng opsiyon upang hindi magkaanak ang nagtatalik ay pagpapakawala rin ng disiplina.
On Divorce
Lalo ko namang tinututulan ang panukalang ito. Hindi ugali ng sinaunang Pilipino at ng kulturang Asyano ang diborsiyo. Ang pagpapahalaga natin sa katatagan ng pamilya ay isang bagay na hindi dapat ipagtabuyan ng ating batas.
Ano't ano pa man, nakasalalay sa marunong na pagiisip ng mga mambabatas ang kahihinatnan ng ating bukas. Isa ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit kailangang ang mga tao ay bumoto ng tama.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Additional Souvenirs
These are the other photos called as pahabol to my entry entitled "Souvenirs"
Talagang enjoy ang mga araw na ito...
Hay kelan kaya ang ulitan ng mga ito
ang saya naman ng videoke dito...
I am wishing for more barkada moments in the near future.
Talagang enjoy ang mga araw na ito...
Hay kelan kaya ang ulitan ng mga ito
ang saya naman ng videoke dito...
I am wishing for more barkada moments in the near future.
September Rediscovery
As we enter the new month of October which I guess will be another successful month, maganda siguro if we pause and recollect the learnings and experiences we have had last month.
September is a busy month. Ito yata ang may pinakamarami akong nabalitaang symposium at lectures and seminar na ginanap. September 5 nag birthday si Kuya Anthony and the following day, September 6, nakita ko si Lara on national TV sa Showtime. Audience sila sa set.
Ganoon pa rin, Aprile's birthday fell on a Wednesday followed by Joy Arnuco's. Si Fegz, na-greet ko naman siya sa facebook.
Nagbigay ng talk si Sir Alvin sa Ateneo de Manila noong September 11 Saturday about Technology. The following day, birthday ni Bryan, nagpunta ako ng Manila to attend a seminar too.
Naganap din ngayong September ang pinakamalaking event sa PR world dito. Ang Philippine PR Congress with key note speaker, Sec. Sonny Coloma. Grabe, September 25 yun. Nanalo ang Ateneo Blue Eagles against FEU Tamaraws last Thursday sa UAAP Finals.
Noong 25, isinilang na ang pangatlo kong pamangkin sa magkakapatid nila Lizzeth, si Lian. Nag celebrate nanaman ako magisa ng September 25 success and memories. As always.
Lumuwas rin ako noong 27-28 for some business and nagbukas na ang SM San Pablo, one we waited for so long now coming to reality.
Kahapon is the birthday of Ma'am Nikki. Sobrang saya siyempre kahit na may gulo nanaman dahil sa nangyari sa La Salle noong Sunday.
Ang dami ng mga experience ko this month. We are still after some reflections, siguro later this week I can be able to post some. Ang masasabi ko lang lahat yun, I kept in my heart para mas mag grow bilang isang mabuting tao.
September is a busy month. Ito yata ang may pinakamarami akong nabalitaang symposium at lectures and seminar na ginanap. September 5 nag birthday si Kuya Anthony and the following day, September 6, nakita ko si Lara on national TV sa Showtime. Audience sila sa set.
Ganoon pa rin, Aprile's birthday fell on a Wednesday followed by Joy Arnuco's. Si Fegz, na-greet ko naman siya sa facebook.
Nagbigay ng talk si Sir Alvin sa Ateneo de Manila noong September 11 Saturday about Technology. The following day, birthday ni Bryan, nagpunta ako ng Manila to attend a seminar too.
Naganap din ngayong September ang pinakamalaking event sa PR world dito. Ang Philippine PR Congress with key note speaker, Sec. Sonny Coloma. Grabe, September 25 yun. Nanalo ang Ateneo Blue Eagles against FEU Tamaraws last Thursday sa UAAP Finals.
Noong 25, isinilang na ang pangatlo kong pamangkin sa magkakapatid nila Lizzeth, si Lian. Nag celebrate nanaman ako magisa ng September 25 success and memories. As always.
Lumuwas rin ako noong 27-28 for some business and nagbukas na ang SM San Pablo, one we waited for so long now coming to reality.
Kahapon is the birthday of Ma'am Nikki. Sobrang saya siyempre kahit na may gulo nanaman dahil sa nangyari sa La Salle noong Sunday.
Ang dami ng mga experience ko this month. We are still after some reflections, siguro later this week I can be able to post some. Ang masasabi ko lang lahat yun, I kept in my heart para mas mag grow bilang isang mabuting tao.
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