Lent is definitely a journey to Easter just as Advent is to Christmas. We dispose ourselves several weeks before the coming of the Lord Jesus to life; first at his birth and second at his resurrection. The First Sunday of Lent introduced Jesus as a person who prepares for his mission that was after the Baptism at Jordan River. Knowing that his task requires strength of character and clarity of vision, Jesus struggled to control the human in him for forty days and nights. Yes, like us humans, he was also tempted by the devil and resisted it. The Second Week of Lent, Jesus prepared his friends for the mission. They need to understand and accept the suffering of Jesus but they also received the promise of his victory over sin and death. Also presented was the last temptation of the devil using Peter. Jesus was tempted to stay in the glory of Mount Tabor and Peter is ready to settle in there and thus forget the mission of Jesus. But once again Jesus succeeded in resisting the temptation for comfort. The story closed with Jesus going down the mountain to bring the Good News to the sinner, the sick and the poor. And so the remaining three Sundays of Lent are all about the encounter of Jesus with a sinner, with a ailing person and to the grieving poor loved ones of a dead person. Jesus will bring the Good News to all of them. For these three Sundays, Jesus will stand out as the Way, the Truth, and the Life of humanity waiting for redemption.
Meeting the Woman at the Well
That great mission starts today. The Gospel presents Jesus and a woman at the well. The Old Testament is full of stories about the well and in those stories; the characters [man and woman] end up in marriage. The servant of Abraham met Rebeka near the well and the latter married Abraham's son Isaac. Jacob met Rachel at the well. Moses met the Zephorah at the well. The well is the analogue of town plaza during those times. A place where women use to see and chat with each other. They get their water provision from the well and they come either early in the morning or before dusk. So it is very unusual that the woman in today’s Gospel, who is a Samaritan, went into the well to fetch water at the height of the sun. Perhaps the woman is afraid to socialize with other women. Jesus told us why; this woman is living a sinful lifestyle.
This is one of the most interesting stories in the Bible. In broad day light, we see two very opposite persons conversing with each other filling the entire chapter 4 of John. One is a man and the other a woman. One is a Jew and the other a Samaritan. One is purely holy and the other a sinner. The Samaritan woman was shocked by how Jesus talked to her. How can a man who is a Jew talk to a woman who is a Samaritan and a sinner at that? Jesus is breaking cultural stereotypes in here.
Jesus opened a way for the woman to be reconciled to herself and to God. She restored the dignity lost when she swam into sin. Jesus is not only offering forgiveness to the woman; he wants to convert the woman and turn her into an evangelizer. The woman drastically change 360® and left her jar announcing to the world that here is a man whom prophets long foretold, a man who converted her. Before she met Jesus she was ashamed of her life. She didn’t even want to be seen by the people in fear that they might talk about her lifestyle. Now, after she met Jesus, she shouted out to the world to know that she was changed suddenly by a man she met at the well. For an ordinary woman, the jar means everything and by leaving the jar of water, the woman walked the path that leads her to the water that lasts for eternity. She left everything in exchange of that water promised by Jesus. Jesus told her that there is a way to get that water and a better way to enjoy this life. The water that quenches her thirst is just the same as the desire for the man. It will satisfy her temporarily but after sometime she is wanting even more. The woman is not only looking for living water that takes away her thirst forever, she is looking for an eternal spouse, like you and me. The woman mistaken those men to be the groom of her life but none lasted. After talking to Jesus, she finally found who [not what] she is looking for and immediately ran to the isle that leads her to the groom. She became part of the Church which is the spouse of Christ. The story also ended up in marriage. She is now waiting for the bridegroom to come as written in the book of Revelation. She will take part to the Wedding of the Lamb, the most awaited wedding in human history. She tried so many ways and yet found no groom until she met Christ.
Jesus is the way to conversion. Jesus is the only way. Jesus is the right way. He not only shows us or points us the way but he himself is the way. Only when the woman talked to him that she understood how to change her ways. Through the intimacy developed between Jesus and you/me, we reform the way of living that once imprisoned us. Let us ask Jesus to show us the fountain of living water to keep us going. The way of Christ is here, it is up to us if we will take the path like what the Samaritan woman did.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
moment of shining sacrifice
The One Holy Catholic Church is journeying with Jesus for the whole Season of Lent. The itinerary is the Easter Triduum. We [the Catholic Church] are children of the Easter Morning. Last Sunday, Jesus journeyed in the wilderness and encounters the human in him being tempted by the devil. Jesus opens the voyage of Lent with a lesson of self introspection and recognition of our sins. Our selves first! Jesus began by administering to himself making sure he is ready to take his ministry to the second level.
The Metamorphosis of Jesus
Today, Jesus secluded himself again from the crowd but this time he has company. Three of his disciples are with him. At the top of the mountain, Jesus metamorphosed into a very different being with all glory and splendor. The Gospel for today was taken from Matthew 17:1-9; the transfiguration of Jesus and twice we are reading this periscope in the liturgical year. We read this Gospel during Second Sunday of Lent which is today and the other one is during August 6 which is the Feast of Transfiguration. The same reading but two different occasions of different approaches to the word. For August 6, we contemplate on the transfiguration as a triumphant episode of Jesus’ ministerial life. Yet today, we contemplate in a very dramatic sense. It used to be like that because we want to set the tone for Lent; but as Fr. Gil use to say during Lent, Christianity is a “religion of joy” and that gives colorful enthusiasm to me.
We can look at the transfiguration of Jesus both as preview of resurrection and a preview of crucifixion. Jesus was crucified on top of a mountain with two men beside him. One is looking at him in despair and the other one with hope for eternal life. Moses lost his trust in God and died in Moab but Elijah remained optimistic and reached eternal life without dying. Crucifixion is not just a dramatic episode, it is also a moment of victor—Jesus won over sin. Transfiguration is a foretaste of the Passion of Jesus but also a glimpse of humanity’s redemption. That is why Christianity is a religion of joy. We need not maintain the mellow of lent but stay attuned with the Spirit of recollection and repentance.
The Gospel Narrative also presents another instance of persisting temptation from the devil. The devil made use of Peter to tempt Jesus so he will stay on the mountain. This may be the fourth temptation to Jesus. Looking at it the other way, it is also Peter tempted by the devil to lay back and deny the passion and the ministry which Jesus has to attend down the mountain. This stresses that Lent is an invitation to look inwardly and acknowledge our sinfulness and in coming to our senses, we take the courage to be reconciled to God.
Only when a person braves the painful experience of contrition that transfiguration can took place. Yes, Jesus wants all of us to experience transfiguration and restore the image and likeness of God that was once lost in Eden when men fell into sin. He encouraged the apostles; he still encourages us today at the Mass during the consecration of the Holy Host to witness the transfiguration. The bread turns into the Body of Christ. Jesus will not turn stones into bread, only bread into his body.
Next week, we will continue reflecting on the journey of Christ as we also journey this Lent. The journey of Christ to the Cross as set by the Holy Mother Church this liturgical year. For the meantime, let us look at ourselves and ask if we are looking at the transfiguration in a purely victorious manner or are we also tempting Jesus by asking things that should not be asked anyway? Are we experiencing transfiguration in our lives as we grow in holiness?
The Metamorphosis of Jesus
Today, Jesus secluded himself again from the crowd but this time he has company. Three of his disciples are with him. At the top of the mountain, Jesus metamorphosed into a very different being with all glory and splendor. The Gospel for today was taken from Matthew 17:1-9; the transfiguration of Jesus and twice we are reading this periscope in the liturgical year. We read this Gospel during Second Sunday of Lent which is today and the other one is during August 6 which is the Feast of Transfiguration. The same reading but two different occasions of different approaches to the word. For August 6, we contemplate on the transfiguration as a triumphant episode of Jesus’ ministerial life. Yet today, we contemplate in a very dramatic sense. It used to be like that because we want to set the tone for Lent; but as Fr. Gil use to say during Lent, Christianity is a “religion of joy” and that gives colorful enthusiasm to me.
We can look at the transfiguration of Jesus both as preview of resurrection and a preview of crucifixion. Jesus was crucified on top of a mountain with two men beside him. One is looking at him in despair and the other one with hope for eternal life. Moses lost his trust in God and died in Moab but Elijah remained optimistic and reached eternal life without dying. Crucifixion is not just a dramatic episode, it is also a moment of victor—Jesus won over sin. Transfiguration is a foretaste of the Passion of Jesus but also a glimpse of humanity’s redemption. That is why Christianity is a religion of joy. We need not maintain the mellow of lent but stay attuned with the Spirit of recollection and repentance.
The Gospel Narrative also presents another instance of persisting temptation from the devil. The devil made use of Peter to tempt Jesus so he will stay on the mountain. This may be the fourth temptation to Jesus. Looking at it the other way, it is also Peter tempted by the devil to lay back and deny the passion and the ministry which Jesus has to attend down the mountain. This stresses that Lent is an invitation to look inwardly and acknowledge our sinfulness and in coming to our senses, we take the courage to be reconciled to God.
Only when a person braves the painful experience of contrition that transfiguration can took place. Yes, Jesus wants all of us to experience transfiguration and restore the image and likeness of God that was once lost in Eden when men fell into sin. He encouraged the apostles; he still encourages us today at the Mass during the consecration of the Holy Host to witness the transfiguration. The bread turns into the Body of Christ. Jesus will not turn stones into bread, only bread into his body.
Next week, we will continue reflecting on the journey of Christ as we also journey this Lent. The journey of Christ to the Cross as set by the Holy Mother Church this liturgical year. For the meantime, let us look at ourselves and ask if we are looking at the transfiguration in a purely victorious manner or are we also tempting Jesus by asking things that should not be asked anyway? Are we experiencing transfiguration in our lives as we grow in holiness?
Saturday, March 19, 2011
want to be late no more
Late ako ngayon. Nagbiyahe kasi ako from Manila to San Pablo. Alas siete na ako umalis ng Manila. Kumusta naman yun, alas siete rin ang time ng trabaho. So nagbibiyahe pa lang ako habang ang office bukas na.
Noong highschool pinakaayaw ko at malimit kong gawin ang ma-late. Natutunan ko sa isang prfoessor ang kahalagahang ng punctuality noong college kaya sinikap kong burahin sa bokabularyo ko ang salitang tardiness. Sa mga conferences at engagements hindi ako nale-late at minsan una pa akong dumarating. Nagaantay pa ako at nasasayang ang oras ko. Naalala ko noong C.A.T. officer pa ako, isa sa kasabihan namin patungkol sa pagiging late ay
"If you come late you waste other's time.
If you come early, you waste your time.
If you come on time, you waste nobody's time.
So come on time!"
And yes it rings true even up to now. Tunay nga namang kainis kapag may nalelate kaya ginawa kong personal na responsibilidad ang huwag ma late. Pero dahil talaga sa mga circumstances ng buhay, nale-late pa rin ako. Siguro minsan kailngan din natin ma late para maunawaan natin yung pinagdadaanan ng mga taong nale late palagi. Minsan sa sobrang pagiging perfect natin sa timing nawawala na yung sense of solidarity natin. Nagiging manhid tayo sa excuses ng iba napuwede naman talagang pakinggan. Ang tinitingnan lang kasi natin yung oras ng itinakda pero yung oras ba ng Pilipinas nakita natin? Grabe naman talaga ang traffic at minsan kahit sabihing wala sa traffic yan kundi nasa pag aadjust sa oras ng gising, sa tingin mo magigising kaya ng alas quatro ang isang pagod an tao na nakatulog lang ng ala-una?
Lagi na lang akong humahabol sa panahon. Kahit noong college, laging kailangan kong pumunta ng Manila at makarating on time para sa classes ko. Laging kulang ang oras sa mundo. Kulangtayo sa tulog. Masdan mo na lang kapag nasa van ka from Dasma going to Calamba, ang mga makakasakay mo tutulog sa biyahe. Walang mga tao na nananahi sa biyahe or gumagawa ng tula sa bus. Karamihan mga tulog. Kulang lagi ang oras natin para makipagkuwentuhan sa mga ulila, matatanda, lagi nating sasabihin na nagmamadali tayo. Pero sa maraming pagkakataon wala naman talaga tayong kausap dahil nagmamadali pa rin tayo.
Heto kahit tapos na ako sa college, nagtatrabaho na, humahabol pa rin ako from Manila to San Pablo. Ang tinatahak ko pa namang daan ay papunta sa south. Alam naman natin na iba ang traffic sa sa South Luzon compared sa pagbibiyahe ng mga taga North Luzon.
Kailangan ko lagi umabot sa time. Bakit kaya ganun? Buti na lang pagdating ko hindi pa naguumpisa ang talk ni Sir Aaron pero nag start na ang seminar at tapos na ang forum with Sir Angelo pero ok lang hindi naman ako nasabon.
Iniisip ko tuloy ngayon kung kelan puwedeng may mangyari ulit na gaya nito. Kasi kain na lahat ng oras ko at singit na oras na lang ang maibibigay ko sa maraming tao na pinahahalagahan ko.
Piyesta ngayon ng Sinipian, hindi ko alam kung kailan mauulit ang mga gaya nung naganap s aaraw na ito seven years ago. Ngayon, it seems like an ordinary day at isang day na parang di ko na kailangang tandaan kung ano ang nangyari. Basta alam ko, naghabol ako s aoras ngayon to make it special and yet still waiting for another day and work out everything to make that good. Bukas matatapos na ang birth week ni Lara Faye, sana lumipas yun na wala akong pnagsisihang hindi ko nagawa. As of now tama na muna dhail baka may hahabulin na naman akong panahon para pagkasiyahin lahat ng gusto kong gawin in just a very little time.
Noong highschool pinakaayaw ko at malimit kong gawin ang ma-late. Natutunan ko sa isang prfoessor ang kahalagahang ng punctuality noong college kaya sinikap kong burahin sa bokabularyo ko ang salitang tardiness. Sa mga conferences at engagements hindi ako nale-late at minsan una pa akong dumarating. Nagaantay pa ako at nasasayang ang oras ko. Naalala ko noong C.A.T. officer pa ako, isa sa kasabihan namin patungkol sa pagiging late ay
"If you come late you waste other's time.
If you come early, you waste your time.
If you come on time, you waste nobody's time.
So come on time!"
And yes it rings true even up to now. Tunay nga namang kainis kapag may nalelate kaya ginawa kong personal na responsibilidad ang huwag ma late. Pero dahil talaga sa mga circumstances ng buhay, nale-late pa rin ako. Siguro minsan kailngan din natin ma late para maunawaan natin yung pinagdadaanan ng mga taong nale late palagi. Minsan sa sobrang pagiging perfect natin sa timing nawawala na yung sense of solidarity natin. Nagiging manhid tayo sa excuses ng iba napuwede naman talagang pakinggan. Ang tinitingnan lang kasi natin yung oras ng itinakda pero yung oras ba ng Pilipinas nakita natin? Grabe naman talaga ang traffic at minsan kahit sabihing wala sa traffic yan kundi nasa pag aadjust sa oras ng gising, sa tingin mo magigising kaya ng alas quatro ang isang pagod an tao na nakatulog lang ng ala-una?
Lagi na lang akong humahabol sa panahon. Kahit noong college, laging kailangan kong pumunta ng Manila at makarating on time para sa classes ko. Laging kulang ang oras sa mundo. Kulangtayo sa tulog. Masdan mo na lang kapag nasa van ka from Dasma going to Calamba, ang mga makakasakay mo tutulog sa biyahe. Walang mga tao na nananahi sa biyahe or gumagawa ng tula sa bus. Karamihan mga tulog. Kulang lagi ang oras natin para makipagkuwentuhan sa mga ulila, matatanda, lagi nating sasabihin na nagmamadali tayo. Pero sa maraming pagkakataon wala naman talaga tayong kausap dahil nagmamadali pa rin tayo.
Heto kahit tapos na ako sa college, nagtatrabaho na, humahabol pa rin ako from Manila to San Pablo. Ang tinatahak ko pa namang daan ay papunta sa south. Alam naman natin na iba ang traffic sa sa South Luzon compared sa pagbibiyahe ng mga taga North Luzon.
Kailangan ko lagi umabot sa time. Bakit kaya ganun? Buti na lang pagdating ko hindi pa naguumpisa ang talk ni Sir Aaron pero nag start na ang seminar at tapos na ang forum with Sir Angelo pero ok lang hindi naman ako nasabon.
Iniisip ko tuloy ngayon kung kelan puwedeng may mangyari ulit na gaya nito. Kasi kain na lahat ng oras ko at singit na oras na lang ang maibibigay ko sa maraming tao na pinahahalagahan ko.
Piyesta ngayon ng Sinipian, hindi ko alam kung kailan mauulit ang mga gaya nung naganap s aaraw na ito seven years ago. Ngayon, it seems like an ordinary day at isang day na parang di ko na kailangang tandaan kung ano ang nangyari. Basta alam ko, naghabol ako s aoras ngayon to make it special and yet still waiting for another day and work out everything to make that good. Bukas matatapos na ang birth week ni Lara Faye, sana lumipas yun na wala akong pnagsisihang hindi ko nagawa. As of now tama na muna dhail baka may hahabulin na naman akong panahon para pagkasiyahin lahat ng gusto kong gawin in just a very little time.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
for a heart that never ceases to love
Can we just have some time to take a review (again) sa mga nangyari noon? Cge na pls.
Birthday ngayon ni Lara Faye. Heto nanaman. Yung dapat na sana'y pinakamasayang araw sa buhay ko, kulang nanaman.
Magkakaroon lang naman talaga ng ibig sabihin ang araw na ito kung kasama ko siya di ba? Ngayon, paano yan? Nagcecelebrate ako magisa ng mahalagang araw na hindi kasama ang taong pinaguukulan ng halaga. Parang wala ring saysay kung tutuusin.
Isinilang si Lara Faye Villanueva Conopio noong ika-labinlima ng Marso taong 1991. Pisces ang zodiac sign niya. Ewan ko ngayon kasi nabago na yata. Sa Liliw sila nanirahan mula pa noon at hanggang ngayon although nalipat lang ang bahay nila noong 2004 sa Brgy. Palayan. Masaya ang pamilyang kinalakihan niya. kahit hindi niya palagi nakakasama ang ama, pinuno pa rin siya ng pagmamahal at natagpuan niya ang pagmamahal ng mga kapatid sa katauhan nina Ley-Ley at Mey-Mey.
ALL ROADS LEAD TO LARA FAYE
Nakilala ko si Lara Faye noong 12 years old pa lang siya. Sa isang club organization sa high school. Sa Science Club. Nagkaroon ng first meeting ang mga clubs para mag elect ng mga officers for that school year. Isa si Lara Faye sa mga candidate para sa muse. Siya ang pinakabata sa tatlong kandidata at noon ko lang siya nakita. Si Kim kasi at si Paula pareho ko nang kilala matagal na. Fourth year na si Kim, ka- batch ko at third year naman si Dionglay. Siyempre hindi nanalo si Faye. Pero since that day hindi ko na nalimutan ang pagmumukha niya. Ang tindig niya ang kilos niya, ang mata niya, ang tenga niya, ang boo niya, ang labi niya. Lahat. Siya mismo, hindi ko malimutan.
Pagkatapos noon, sunod sunod na ang mga nangyari. Lagi ko siyang nakakasalubong at nare-recognize ko na siya yung natalong muse. Sa canteen. Sa cashier. Sa gate. Saan saan, wherever. Ang liit lang naman ng school by the way. Hanggang sa nagulat na lang ako na lagi ko na pala siyang inaabangan sa flag ceremnoy at sa tuwing labasan na ang IJP.
Naging aware lang ako na crush ko siya noong July 14 2003. Piankilala kasi sa akin ni Mariden si Mabelle na kapatid niya. Hiyang hiya akong pumasok sa room nila. Magka-klase sila Mabelle at Faye. At ang laki ng kasalanan ni Mabelle sa akin. Mantakin mo yun, siya ang nagbuko sa akin kay Lara Faye na may gusto ako sa kanya. BWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hanggang ngayon naaalala ko pa yun. Pero naging mabuti kaming magkaibigan ni Mabelle. Halos karamihan sa IJP 2003 girls naging kaibigan ko liban kay Faye kasi mula noong magusap kami noong July 14 hindi na siya nagka interes pa na kausapin ako sanhi ng nalaman niya. Kainis no. Sana nakadiskarte man lang. Nagpapasalamat ako kila Jenna at Rizzel sa all out support nila sa akin. Si Jenna ang nagbigay sa akin ng cell number ni Lara, since wala pa namang facebook noon. Siya rin ang nagbigay ng unang picture ni Lara Faye na na-receive ko. Si Anika Monfero ang pangalawa. Thank yo din talaga kay Anika. Si Rizzel naman ang best friend at considered sister ni Lara Faye. Grabe ang samahan ng dalawang ito. Buti na nga lang at kaibigan ko rin si Razzel (kuya ni RIzzel) from elementary at mabilis kong naging kaibigan si Rizzel. Pero ang mga pagtutulungan naming lahat ay nauwi lang sa wala.
Si Rizzel ang nagsasabi sa akin kung nasaan sila in a particular day na walang pasok. Nakakapunta ako sa mga lugar na kinaroroonan ni Faye nang dahil sa tulong ni Rizzel. si Rizzel din ang nagbibigay ng mga tula na ginagawa ko para kay Faye. Ang saya saya ng mga modus namin noon. At naging kaibigan ko nga si Rizzel. Nakalagay dun sa sulat ni Rizzel sa akin noong retreat namin, "Maid of Honor" kasi maid of honor daw siya kapag ikinasal kami. Well, maid of honor pa rin naman siya. Hindi nga lang ako yung magiging groom. Malay natin?!?
But more than that role, naging magkapatid na ang turingan namin. Kuya niya ako for life kahit di kami totoong magkapatid at siya ang bunso kong kapatid kahit di kami magkadugo. Siguro I've lost a potential lifetime partner noon, but I gained another sister. Nagkaroon ako ng totoong kaibigan at sandalan. Ang tagal na naming hindi nagkikita ni Rizzel but we maintained our friendship ang our hopes for one another. Ga-graduate na nga si Rizzel eh sa Marketing at si Faye din siyempre as a Nurse sa FEU. Naalala ko, yung mga chocolates na ipinalalagay ko kay Rizzel sa bag ni Lara Faye, galing talaga yun kay Jejomar. Sabi niya ibigay ko kay Rizzel kasi may gusto si Jejomar kay Rizzel. Iaabot ko kay Rizzel pero ipapabigay ko kay Faye. Basta lang makita ni Jejomar na inabot ko kay Rizzel, ok na siya. At sa huli ang mga nakinabang, nabusog at nanalo... ay sila Mey-Mey at Ley-ley.
Ang dami ng nangyari sa buhay ko dahil sa pagmamahal kay Lara Faye. Naging pursigido ako para makatapos para makaharap sa kanya sa tamang panahon. Naranasan ko ang mga hapdi at pait ng pakikipagsapalaran sa buhay dahil umaasang may makakamit s abandang huli. Naging napakasaya ng fourth year high school life ko dahil lagi akong maagang pumasok, hindi umaabsent at inspirado sa leksiyon (Well, hindi pa rin naman tumaas ang grades ko sa Math). HIndi na nga ako noon nakakapanood ng TV sa gabi. Akalain mo yun, di ko nasubaybayan ang Endless Love noong sumikat iyon at angfirst elimination ng Starstruck. Noong Christmas vacation ko na lang nalaman lahat yun. Late ako umuwi noon sa bahay kasi kasama ko lagi ang mga first years. Na minsan awkward pero alam ko hindi ako kinulang ng oras sa mga classmates ko.
Masaya talaga yung fourth year. Actually, hindi lang naman yun. Pati na rin yung mga sumunod na taon, anumang pagsubok ang naganap, si Lara Faye pa rin at ang mga alaala iya ang naging daan para lampasan ko iyon. Minsan, meron lang talagang akala mo iyon na pero sa huli, matutuklasan mong hindi pala para sa iyo. Masakit yun pero ano naman ang maitutulong ng sobrang pagmumukmok? Hindi pa naman huli ang lahat para sa akin. Maaaring huli na nga para sa amin, pero hindi huli para sa akin.
Ngayon, sa tulong ng bagong pagiisip, mga piling kaibigan at bagong environment, pautay-utay kong binabago at nile-let go ang lahat. Alam ko na masaya si Lara Faye sa piling ni Ronel. Alangan namang magpumilit pa ako sa kabila nito.
Nasaan kaya si Lara Faye ngayon?
Sino-sino kaya ang kasama niya ngayon?
Paano kaya niya sine-celebrate ang birthday niya?
Ito, ito ang mga tanong na dapat kong kalimtan kung nais ko talagang lumaya mula sa pagmamahal na ito. Otherwise, magiging isang bahagi siya ng isang nakatagong mundo sa puso ko at maging ang alaala niya, hindi kona rin mapapalaya. Hindi niya rin yun gugustuhin. Hindi ako makaka abante. Pero paano ko nga ba gagawin kung nakaugat na siya sa pagkatao ko? Good luck na lang sa akin, ganun?
Lahat tayo may karapatang magmahal ng kahit na sino. Kailangan lang hindi ito aabuso at sasagasa sa panahon na pinipilit nating gugulin ng tama. Kailangan hindi ito mapangalipin sa minamahal man o sa nagmamahal. Kailangan ito ay nakatutulong upang lalong sumaya at guminhawa ang isang nilalang. Nakatutulong ring masasabi dapat sa kanyang paglago bilang isang tao at mamayan ng sandaigdigan. Dapat ang pagmamahal ay marunong makiayon sa sistemang naghuhubog sa katalinuhan at pagkamaunawain ng tao at hindi hadlang upang siya ay malayang magpakasiya.
Ang pagmamhal ko kay Lara Faye, ay maaaring hindi na malusog. Gaano ko man kagusto na huwag siyang bitiwan dahil nangungunyapit pa ako sa pagasa, mali na ipagsapalaran ko ang isang taon pa ng buhay ko sa isang lumaong pangarap samantalang si Lara Faye ay patuloy na sa pagusad. Ang mangyayari sa huli ay walang masisisi kung hindi ako. Hindi maaaring sisihin si Faye sa lahat. Tanging ako. Kaya ang buhay ay magpapatuloy. Subalit hindi ko sinasabing hindi ko na rin siya mahal. Mabubuksan lamang ang puso ko para mahalin ang taong dapat kong makasama sa habang buhay na hindi naman siya. Si Faye? Nandiyanpa rin sa puso ko. Mahal bilang isang nakalipas na taong pinahalagahan, pero hindi na aasa sa pagiging kami.
Birthday ngayon ni Lara Faye. Heto nanaman. Yung dapat na sana'y pinakamasayang araw sa buhay ko, kulang nanaman.
Magkakaroon lang naman talaga ng ibig sabihin ang araw na ito kung kasama ko siya di ba? Ngayon, paano yan? Nagcecelebrate ako magisa ng mahalagang araw na hindi kasama ang taong pinaguukulan ng halaga. Parang wala ring saysay kung tutuusin.
Isinilang si Lara Faye Villanueva Conopio noong ika-labinlima ng Marso taong 1991. Pisces ang zodiac sign niya. Ewan ko ngayon kasi nabago na yata. Sa Liliw sila nanirahan mula pa noon at hanggang ngayon although nalipat lang ang bahay nila noong 2004 sa Brgy. Palayan. Masaya ang pamilyang kinalakihan niya. kahit hindi niya palagi nakakasama ang ama, pinuno pa rin siya ng pagmamahal at natagpuan niya ang pagmamahal ng mga kapatid sa katauhan nina Ley-Ley at Mey-Mey.
ALL ROADS LEAD TO LARA FAYE
Nakilala ko si Lara Faye noong 12 years old pa lang siya. Sa isang club organization sa high school. Sa Science Club. Nagkaroon ng first meeting ang mga clubs para mag elect ng mga officers for that school year. Isa si Lara Faye sa mga candidate para sa muse. Siya ang pinakabata sa tatlong kandidata at noon ko lang siya nakita. Si Kim kasi at si Paula pareho ko nang kilala matagal na. Fourth year na si Kim, ka- batch ko at third year naman si Dionglay. Siyempre hindi nanalo si Faye. Pero since that day hindi ko na nalimutan ang pagmumukha niya. Ang tindig niya ang kilos niya, ang mata niya, ang tenga niya, ang boo niya, ang labi niya. Lahat. Siya mismo, hindi ko malimutan.
Pagkatapos noon, sunod sunod na ang mga nangyari. Lagi ko siyang nakakasalubong at nare-recognize ko na siya yung natalong muse. Sa canteen. Sa cashier. Sa gate. Saan saan, wherever. Ang liit lang naman ng school by the way. Hanggang sa nagulat na lang ako na lagi ko na pala siyang inaabangan sa flag ceremnoy at sa tuwing labasan na ang IJP.
Naging aware lang ako na crush ko siya noong July 14 2003. Piankilala kasi sa akin ni Mariden si Mabelle na kapatid niya. Hiyang hiya akong pumasok sa room nila. Magka-klase sila Mabelle at Faye. At ang laki ng kasalanan ni Mabelle sa akin. Mantakin mo yun, siya ang nagbuko sa akin kay Lara Faye na may gusto ako sa kanya. BWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hanggang ngayon naaalala ko pa yun. Pero naging mabuti kaming magkaibigan ni Mabelle. Halos karamihan sa IJP 2003 girls naging kaibigan ko liban kay Faye kasi mula noong magusap kami noong July 14 hindi na siya nagka interes pa na kausapin ako sanhi ng nalaman niya. Kainis no. Sana nakadiskarte man lang. Nagpapasalamat ako kila Jenna at Rizzel sa all out support nila sa akin. Si Jenna ang nagbigay sa akin ng cell number ni Lara, since wala pa namang facebook noon. Siya rin ang nagbigay ng unang picture ni Lara Faye na na-receive ko. Si Anika Monfero ang pangalawa. Thank yo din talaga kay Anika. Si Rizzel naman ang best friend at considered sister ni Lara Faye. Grabe ang samahan ng dalawang ito. Buti na nga lang at kaibigan ko rin si Razzel (kuya ni RIzzel) from elementary at mabilis kong naging kaibigan si Rizzel. Pero ang mga pagtutulungan naming lahat ay nauwi lang sa wala.
Si Rizzel ang nagsasabi sa akin kung nasaan sila in a particular day na walang pasok. Nakakapunta ako sa mga lugar na kinaroroonan ni Faye nang dahil sa tulong ni Rizzel. si Rizzel din ang nagbibigay ng mga tula na ginagawa ko para kay Faye. Ang saya saya ng mga modus namin noon. At naging kaibigan ko nga si Rizzel. Nakalagay dun sa sulat ni Rizzel sa akin noong retreat namin, "Maid of Honor" kasi maid of honor daw siya kapag ikinasal kami. Well, maid of honor pa rin naman siya. Hindi nga lang ako yung magiging groom. Malay natin?!?
But more than that role, naging magkapatid na ang turingan namin. Kuya niya ako for life kahit di kami totoong magkapatid at siya ang bunso kong kapatid kahit di kami magkadugo. Siguro I've lost a potential lifetime partner noon, but I gained another sister. Nagkaroon ako ng totoong kaibigan at sandalan. Ang tagal na naming hindi nagkikita ni Rizzel but we maintained our friendship ang our hopes for one another. Ga-graduate na nga si Rizzel eh sa Marketing at si Faye din siyempre as a Nurse sa FEU. Naalala ko, yung mga chocolates na ipinalalagay ko kay Rizzel sa bag ni Lara Faye, galing talaga yun kay Jejomar. Sabi niya ibigay ko kay Rizzel kasi may gusto si Jejomar kay Rizzel. Iaabot ko kay Rizzel pero ipapabigay ko kay Faye. Basta lang makita ni Jejomar na inabot ko kay Rizzel, ok na siya. At sa huli ang mga nakinabang, nabusog at nanalo... ay sila Mey-Mey at Ley-ley.
Ang dami ng nangyari sa buhay ko dahil sa pagmamahal kay Lara Faye. Naging pursigido ako para makatapos para makaharap sa kanya sa tamang panahon. Naranasan ko ang mga hapdi at pait ng pakikipagsapalaran sa buhay dahil umaasang may makakamit s abandang huli. Naging napakasaya ng fourth year high school life ko dahil lagi akong maagang pumasok, hindi umaabsent at inspirado sa leksiyon (Well, hindi pa rin naman tumaas ang grades ko sa Math). HIndi na nga ako noon nakakapanood ng TV sa gabi. Akalain mo yun, di ko nasubaybayan ang Endless Love noong sumikat iyon at angfirst elimination ng Starstruck. Noong Christmas vacation ko na lang nalaman lahat yun. Late ako umuwi noon sa bahay kasi kasama ko lagi ang mga first years. Na minsan awkward pero alam ko hindi ako kinulang ng oras sa mga classmates ko.
Masaya talaga yung fourth year. Actually, hindi lang naman yun. Pati na rin yung mga sumunod na taon, anumang pagsubok ang naganap, si Lara Faye pa rin at ang mga alaala iya ang naging daan para lampasan ko iyon. Minsan, meron lang talagang akala mo iyon na pero sa huli, matutuklasan mong hindi pala para sa iyo. Masakit yun pero ano naman ang maitutulong ng sobrang pagmumukmok? Hindi pa naman huli ang lahat para sa akin. Maaaring huli na nga para sa amin, pero hindi huli para sa akin.
Ngayon, sa tulong ng bagong pagiisip, mga piling kaibigan at bagong environment, pautay-utay kong binabago at nile-let go ang lahat. Alam ko na masaya si Lara Faye sa piling ni Ronel. Alangan namang magpumilit pa ako sa kabila nito.
Nasaan kaya si Lara Faye ngayon?
Sino-sino kaya ang kasama niya ngayon?
Paano kaya niya sine-celebrate ang birthday niya?
Ito, ito ang mga tanong na dapat kong kalimtan kung nais ko talagang lumaya mula sa pagmamahal na ito. Otherwise, magiging isang bahagi siya ng isang nakatagong mundo sa puso ko at maging ang alaala niya, hindi kona rin mapapalaya. Hindi niya rin yun gugustuhin. Hindi ako makaka abante. Pero paano ko nga ba gagawin kung nakaugat na siya sa pagkatao ko? Good luck na lang sa akin, ganun?
Lahat tayo may karapatang magmahal ng kahit na sino. Kailangan lang hindi ito aabuso at sasagasa sa panahon na pinipilit nating gugulin ng tama. Kailangan hindi ito mapangalipin sa minamahal man o sa nagmamahal. Kailangan ito ay nakatutulong upang lalong sumaya at guminhawa ang isang nilalang. Nakatutulong ring masasabi dapat sa kanyang paglago bilang isang tao at mamayan ng sandaigdigan. Dapat ang pagmamahal ay marunong makiayon sa sistemang naghuhubog sa katalinuhan at pagkamaunawain ng tao at hindi hadlang upang siya ay malayang magpakasiya.
Ang pagmamhal ko kay Lara Faye, ay maaaring hindi na malusog. Gaano ko man kagusto na huwag siyang bitiwan dahil nangungunyapit pa ako sa pagasa, mali na ipagsapalaran ko ang isang taon pa ng buhay ko sa isang lumaong pangarap samantalang si Lara Faye ay patuloy na sa pagusad. Ang mangyayari sa huli ay walang masisisi kung hindi ako. Hindi maaaring sisihin si Faye sa lahat. Tanging ako. Kaya ang buhay ay magpapatuloy. Subalit hindi ko sinasabing hindi ko na rin siya mahal. Mabubuksan lamang ang puso ko para mahalin ang taong dapat kong makasama sa habang buhay na hindi naman siya. Si Faye? Nandiyanpa rin sa puso ko. Mahal bilang isang nakalipas na taong pinahalagahan, pero hindi na aasa sa pagiging kami.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Most Civil People Around This Planet
Kamakailan lamang, March 11 2011, sinalanta ng 8.9 Magnitude earthquake ang Japan. Matapos iyon, ilang sandali lamang ay sumagupa naman ang naguumalpas na tsunami mula sa karagatan na kasunod talaga palagi ng isang malakas na lindol.
Nalarma maging ang Pilipinas, matapos ipakita sa balit anag kalunus-lunos na sinapit ng naturang bansa. hanggang ngayon nagkakatakutan pa rin sanhi ng nangyari, dahil baka daw kumalat ang radiation mula sa isang plantang nuklear sa Fukushima. Ang PUP, isa sa mga pinakakilalang unibersidad sa Pilipinas ay nagsuspindi ng klase dahil sa kumalat na text message na uulan daw ng acid rain sa PIlipinas at may kasamang radiation. Nagkaubusan ng beta-dyne sa mga drug stores dahil nag panic buying ang mg ataga Manila.
Grabe ang pinsala at ang takot na idinulot ng nasabing paglindol. Natabunan nga ang mga balita tungkol kay Merciditas Gutierrez at sa mga sakim na heneral dahil sunod sunod ang mga nakakaalarmang balita hinggil sa sakuna.
Pero napansin niyo ba? Sobrang mag-panic ang Pinoy. Hindi pa man tayo nararating ng lindol ay sobra na agad ang reaction ng tao dito. Noong nakaranas ang Pilipinas ng Ondoy at Pepeng, kagulo agad ang Maynila. Noong nagkamali ang PAGASA sa forecast about bagyong Basyang, grabe ang sisihan. Pero sa Japan, kahit grabe ang pinagdaanan ng mga tao, nananatilihing mahinahon ang mga Hapones. Kapansin pansin ang kaayusan ng pila sa mga rsyon kahit walang sumisigaw na taga ayos ng hanay. Hindi nagsisisihan ang mga tao sa gobyerno at ang mga reporters sa media hindi nagbibigay ng maaanghang na commentaries. Ang galing di ba? Ito ang sinabi ni Dr. Joel Navarro sa facebook shoutout niya and I quote;
Mentioned in an e-group: "Despite the magnitude 8.9 quake in Japan, reportage was calm and logical, no hysterical reporters, no looting in supermarkets, no fault finding among politicians."
Nakuha niya ito mula sa isang discussion page sa internet na hind na napangalanan. Sumagot naman ang isa niyang kaibigan at sinabing [Pls. reflect on this quote, napakaganda kasi ng sinasabi] and I quote again;
From a grade school classmate who married a Japanese national, this shared observation (she lives in Tokyo):
"I've seen disasters in many countries where I've lived -- but here I find calmness, kindness and respect for each other. Winter chi...ll still lurks but no one complains about having to put off heaters and stoves due to rationing of electricity. Shops are running out of food and water but people line up without anyone giving orders. There's long queues for buses and trains without shoving or shouting. Even on top of the flotsam and debris, no one would dare touch anything they deem does not belong to them. No looting. No finger pointing even against the bungling national leadership. There's a great deal of patience, so unbelievable in the light of the depressing number of the dying and the missing. The first words of those who are rescued would be, 'I am sorry to have caused you all these troubles.' We all have a lot to learn from this small country and its people, despite its faults and the havoc it wreaked on all of us during WWII."
Sana nga may matutunan tayo sa ginagawang placid reaction ng Japan about this thing. manatiling mahinahon sa gitna ng lahat ng ito.
Sana ay mas maging makabuluhan ang mga araw na sussunod...
Nalarma maging ang Pilipinas, matapos ipakita sa balit anag kalunus-lunos na sinapit ng naturang bansa. hanggang ngayon nagkakatakutan pa rin sanhi ng nangyari, dahil baka daw kumalat ang radiation mula sa isang plantang nuklear sa Fukushima. Ang PUP, isa sa mga pinakakilalang unibersidad sa Pilipinas ay nagsuspindi ng klase dahil sa kumalat na text message na uulan daw ng acid rain sa PIlipinas at may kasamang radiation. Nagkaubusan ng beta-dyne sa mga drug stores dahil nag panic buying ang mg ataga Manila.
Grabe ang pinsala at ang takot na idinulot ng nasabing paglindol. Natabunan nga ang mga balita tungkol kay Merciditas Gutierrez at sa mga sakim na heneral dahil sunod sunod ang mga nakakaalarmang balita hinggil sa sakuna.
Pero napansin niyo ba? Sobrang mag-panic ang Pinoy. Hindi pa man tayo nararating ng lindol ay sobra na agad ang reaction ng tao dito. Noong nakaranas ang Pilipinas ng Ondoy at Pepeng, kagulo agad ang Maynila. Noong nagkamali ang PAGASA sa forecast about bagyong Basyang, grabe ang sisihan. Pero sa Japan, kahit grabe ang pinagdaanan ng mga tao, nananatilihing mahinahon ang mga Hapones. Kapansin pansin ang kaayusan ng pila sa mga rsyon kahit walang sumisigaw na taga ayos ng hanay. Hindi nagsisisihan ang mga tao sa gobyerno at ang mga reporters sa media hindi nagbibigay ng maaanghang na commentaries. Ang galing di ba? Ito ang sinabi ni Dr. Joel Navarro sa facebook shoutout niya and I quote;
Mentioned in an e-group: "Despite the magnitude 8.9 quake in Japan, reportage was calm and logical, no hysterical reporters, no looting in supermarkets, no fault finding among politicians."
Nakuha niya ito mula sa isang discussion page sa internet na hind na napangalanan. Sumagot naman ang isa niyang kaibigan at sinabing [Pls. reflect on this quote, napakaganda kasi ng sinasabi] and I quote again;
From a grade school classmate who married a Japanese national, this shared observation (she lives in Tokyo):
"I've seen disasters in many countries where I've lived -- but here I find calmness, kindness and respect for each other. Winter chi...ll still lurks but no one complains about having to put off heaters and stoves due to rationing of electricity. Shops are running out of food and water but people line up without anyone giving orders. There's long queues for buses and trains without shoving or shouting. Even on top of the flotsam and debris, no one would dare touch anything they deem does not belong to them. No looting. No finger pointing even against the bungling national leadership. There's a great deal of patience, so unbelievable in the light of the depressing number of the dying and the missing. The first words of those who are rescued would be, 'I am sorry to have caused you all these troubles.' We all have a lot to learn from this small country and its people, despite its faults and the havoc it wreaked on all of us during WWII."
Sana nga may matutunan tayo sa ginagawang placid reaction ng Japan about this thing. manatiling mahinahon sa gitna ng lahat ng ito.
Sana ay mas maging makabuluhan ang mga araw na sussunod...
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Looks Like Devils Cannot Have Any
Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday. That signals the start of Lenten Season for the One Holy Catholic Church. In today’s Mass, the priests are already wearing purple, the color of Lent. I am stunned by the Lenten spirit and how I come across the seasonal overtones in the series of Gospel Readings. Now I will give the reflection for the First Sunday of Lent with reference to the Liturgical Readings for today.
Christian Art of Resistance
I am not a perfect Christian. I have flaws. I am a sinner. It is only because of the salvation offered by Christ that I am given access to heaven. Accepting Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord means everything. However, my acceptance of Jesus as Savior and Lord does not mean I stopped sinning. Once in a while I fall into temptation and then repent, then I will fall again and thus I will realize how abundant the forgiveness of the Lord is. Still, this abundance of grace is not an excuse to sin again and again. That would imply that we are not maturing. Though Christians are not expected to be 100% holy, we must try our best to be one. We cannot be sinless but we can sin less as the cliché suggests.
Sins can be avoided when in the first place we avoid temptations and psychology can help us in doing so. Rechanneling our attention so we may not spend time premeditating sins. Temptations are always about planning in the mind and plunging to human emotions. That sin begins in the mind and heart is most often true. For example is assault to enemy or at the most, killing a foe. It will take time to plan an assault but in planning it, the person also becomes full of hatred and wrath. We must ask the Lord to purify our minds and hearts and also to deliver us from instanced when we can be tempted. A person must be given appropriate ministries. When one always thinks of God and rejoices in God, most likely is one remote from sinning.
Temptation is all around. Even when one is busy working for God’s kingdom. There are competitions among pastors and parishes. Temptation to withdrew and backslide. There can also be temptation to steal the money of a Christian organization or to cheat financial documents. One may get jealous of one another and get mad. Two persons in the ministry may quarrel because of personality differences.
Each one of us has a weakness. There is no Christian strong enough to resist temptation all by himself/herself. We need Jesus. We need the Word of God. Jesus quoted the Bible to throw out the devil. Even the persons closest to Jesus always give into temptation. In one instance, two brothers are requesting to sit at the right and left of Jesus in heaven. Peter always wants to safety himself and always avoids annoyance and challenging situations. Judas traded Jesus in exchange of 30 silver coins. We can see ourselves in anyone of them. We can also see our favorite temptations in today’s Gospel Reading. I did fell into those three temptations.
Sometimes in our hunger and thirst, we become insensitive to the needs of others. It is not about turning store into bread, we can’t do that, that we are tempted. It is about our fear of being left with no provision at all. We hoard our goods at the expense of leaving others empty handed. The first temptation is the “temptation of greed” rooted in human’s animalistic nature. Jesus was tempted to turn the stone into bread. A desperate act! And so the devil thinks Jesus will do that? That is so cheap! But Matthew is pointing to all of us. When we are in a rush, we lose our sense of dignity and do anything in exchange of body satisfaction. Remember Jesus’ words, we do not live to eat, rather we eat to live and living is not simply subsisting.
Have you dreamt of being in the television, in front of the camera? To someday be at the center stage? To be envied buy a generation? While there may be nothing wrong with that, we cannot discount the desire of one’s heart to be on top and if you are using people or stepping on people only to reach that dream of yours, then that is wrong. The second temptation to Jesus is another cheap proposition from the devil. It is the temptation to reach ambitions and to treat others as lesser beings. Jesus needs not to prove anything because he is God. My gosh! To jump from a tower and let the angels catch him, how cheap? Again, Matthew is pointing to us. We are the ones always tempted by pride and projection. We want to be famous. I remember when I still don’t know the Lord yet, I always want to be famous and to be known by others. Now I understand that I am a child of God and I need not prove anything to highlight my dignity and worthiness. I am special in the eyes of God.
The third temptation is the “temptation to supremacy” which is shown vividly in the attempt of the devil to deceive Jesus by the riches and grandeur of the world. It is an abusive type of kingship that the devil wants to ensnare us. Again, the temptations to Jesus are only allegories of how the devil is lurking over us. Those who are in power are always trapped to embrace this kind of leadership where the supreme has no recognition of limitations and no commitment to responsibility. This is a hallow promise . what can one benefit from having more than what is enough?
Self-containment? What is really behind this third temptation? Honestly, I do not know. I have no answer. I cannot guess. Maybe there is nothing at all. People are consumers we want to consume the world and to contain it in our hands. When market provides a need, we want to consume it and so the devil wants to lure us and fool us using these stuffs. Prosperous business, technological organization, accumulation of weapons, and politics… all are fake kingdoms. Only the kingdom of God is everlasting. The devil and even the fallen nature of man seduce us to the folly of worldly domination so that we forget we are only servants of the real Master. We call god our Lord, our Master. We are owned and we were bought in a huge price. Let us not think we are masters and reaffirm our servant hood.
And that is why it is called the Good News, because Jesus was able to overcome the temptations, all of them. We may fall into temptations, and God made room for our mistakes but Jesus showed us a way to deal with temptations. We are then challenged to grow. We are then challenged to grow. Jesus is here to help us.
Christian Art of Resistance
I am not a perfect Christian. I have flaws. I am a sinner. It is only because of the salvation offered by Christ that I am given access to heaven. Accepting Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord means everything. However, my acceptance of Jesus as Savior and Lord does not mean I stopped sinning. Once in a while I fall into temptation and then repent, then I will fall again and thus I will realize how abundant the forgiveness of the Lord is. Still, this abundance of grace is not an excuse to sin again and again. That would imply that we are not maturing. Though Christians are not expected to be 100% holy, we must try our best to be one. We cannot be sinless but we can sin less as the cliché suggests.
Sins can be avoided when in the first place we avoid temptations and psychology can help us in doing so. Rechanneling our attention so we may not spend time premeditating sins. Temptations are always about planning in the mind and plunging to human emotions. That sin begins in the mind and heart is most often true. For example is assault to enemy or at the most, killing a foe. It will take time to plan an assault but in planning it, the person also becomes full of hatred and wrath. We must ask the Lord to purify our minds and hearts and also to deliver us from instanced when we can be tempted. A person must be given appropriate ministries. When one always thinks of God and rejoices in God, most likely is one remote from sinning.
Temptation is all around. Even when one is busy working for God’s kingdom. There are competitions among pastors and parishes. Temptation to withdrew and backslide. There can also be temptation to steal the money of a Christian organization or to cheat financial documents. One may get jealous of one another and get mad. Two persons in the ministry may quarrel because of personality differences.
Each one of us has a weakness. There is no Christian strong enough to resist temptation all by himself/herself. We need Jesus. We need the Word of God. Jesus quoted the Bible to throw out the devil. Even the persons closest to Jesus always give into temptation. In one instance, two brothers are requesting to sit at the right and left of Jesus in heaven. Peter always wants to safety himself and always avoids annoyance and challenging situations. Judas traded Jesus in exchange of 30 silver coins. We can see ourselves in anyone of them. We can also see our favorite temptations in today’s Gospel Reading. I did fell into those three temptations.
Sometimes in our hunger and thirst, we become insensitive to the needs of others. It is not about turning store into bread, we can’t do that, that we are tempted. It is about our fear of being left with no provision at all. We hoard our goods at the expense of leaving others empty handed. The first temptation is the “temptation of greed” rooted in human’s animalistic nature. Jesus was tempted to turn the stone into bread. A desperate act! And so the devil thinks Jesus will do that? That is so cheap! But Matthew is pointing to all of us. When we are in a rush, we lose our sense of dignity and do anything in exchange of body satisfaction. Remember Jesus’ words, we do not live to eat, rather we eat to live and living is not simply subsisting.
Have you dreamt of being in the television, in front of the camera? To someday be at the center stage? To be envied buy a generation? While there may be nothing wrong with that, we cannot discount the desire of one’s heart to be on top and if you are using people or stepping on people only to reach that dream of yours, then that is wrong. The second temptation to Jesus is another cheap proposition from the devil. It is the temptation to reach ambitions and to treat others as lesser beings. Jesus needs not to prove anything because he is God. My gosh! To jump from a tower and let the angels catch him, how cheap? Again, Matthew is pointing to us. We are the ones always tempted by pride and projection. We want to be famous. I remember when I still don’t know the Lord yet, I always want to be famous and to be known by others. Now I understand that I am a child of God and I need not prove anything to highlight my dignity and worthiness. I am special in the eyes of God.
The third temptation is the “temptation to supremacy” which is shown vividly in the attempt of the devil to deceive Jesus by the riches and grandeur of the world. It is an abusive type of kingship that the devil wants to ensnare us. Again, the temptations to Jesus are only allegories of how the devil is lurking over us. Those who are in power are always trapped to embrace this kind of leadership where the supreme has no recognition of limitations and no commitment to responsibility. This is a hallow promise . what can one benefit from having more than what is enough?
Self-containment? What is really behind this third temptation? Honestly, I do not know. I have no answer. I cannot guess. Maybe there is nothing at all. People are consumers we want to consume the world and to contain it in our hands. When market provides a need, we want to consume it and so the devil wants to lure us and fool us using these stuffs. Prosperous business, technological organization, accumulation of weapons, and politics… all are fake kingdoms. Only the kingdom of God is everlasting. The devil and even the fallen nature of man seduce us to the folly of worldly domination so that we forget we are only servants of the real Master. We call god our Lord, our Master. We are owned and we were bought in a huge price. Let us not think we are masters and reaffirm our servant hood.
And that is why it is called the Good News, because Jesus was able to overcome the temptations, all of them. We may fall into temptations, and God made room for our mistakes but Jesus showed us a way to deal with temptations. We are then challenged to grow. We are then challenged to grow. Jesus is here to help us.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
All Get Ready For Riding Experience!!!
Ikatatlong araw ko na ngayon. Patatlong araw na ring maaga akong gumigising, as in super aga. At yun na nga... nag eexpect na ako na makasakay sa jeep yung mga nakasakay ko noong Lunes at Martes. Dalawang umaga ko na kasing naksakay yung isang nag aaral sa LC na taga Rizal. Noong una, sa left side kami nakaupo magkatabi at noong pangalawa sa righ side naman ng jeep, magkatabi pa rin. Kanina, hindi na. Pero sa dulo pa rin ako naupo.
Dalawang beses rin na nakasakay ko naman pauwi sa hapon ang isang mamang may katabaan na parang bakla sa unahan naman sa tabi ng driver. Tuwing umaga gusto ko sa dulo ng jeep at tuwing hapon sa unahan talaga. haha. Natutuwa ako sa experiences na yun kahit nababatid ko na kukulangin na talaga ako ng tulog this week. Hindi rin ako makakapunta ng PNU sa Saturday. Hay... ganun yata talaga.
Kung sa unahan ka ng jeep uupo. Huwag mong isipin na ang taas ng privilege mo at nakalamang ka sa iba. Tandaan mo may responsibilidad ka na i-warn ang driver anytime na may makita kang hindi niya nakikita. Dapat alerto ka sa rear view mirror at handa ka ring mag abot ng bayad niya sa tindera kung bibili siya ng sigarilyo. Huwag ring kakalimutang isara ang pinto sa side pag bababa na. Yung pinto lang s alikod ang hindi isinasara. Minsan, naiinip ang driver kaya ikaw angkukuwentuhan niya.
May makikita siyang banggaan o dahilan ng traffic, mga batang munting nang masagasaan at ale na hindi nagbabayad. Nanaisin niyangmaglabas ng hinaing at sasabihin yun sa'yo. Tungkulin mong makinig sa ganoong pagkakataon. Kapag hindi niya marinig yung boses ng gasoline boy, tungkulin mo ringisigaw kungmagkano ang presyo ng gasolina.
Kung taga Nagcarlan ka, huwag kang sasakay sa jeep na papuntang San Pablo tuwing alas-sais ng umaga. Malaki ang chance na may sasakay na tindera ng isda at sa ilalim ng upuan niya ilalagay ang batya na naglalaman ng sangkaterbang malansang isda. Itataas mo ang paa mo pero madidikitan mo pa rin ang batya. Pagdting mo sa opisina, para ka na ring lumangoy sa Celebes Sea. Wala ka nang pinagkaiba sa Tuna na hindi pa nailagay sa lata. Huwag kang papaabot ng hapon paguwi sa Liliw galing San Pablo lalo nakung may sabong dahil uupo sa tabi mo ang mga hindi pa naliligong sabungero at take note, humihithit pa ng yosi ang mga tinamaan ng magaling. Nakasando silang puti at bitbit ang mga kahon na may manok sa loob. Minsan dala nila ang natalong manok na tumutulo pa ang dugo. Gagawin kasi nilang adobo yun sa gata para may ulam ang pamilya niya mamayang hapunan dahil napatalo ang pera. Huwag kang sasakay sa umaga sa Rizal patungong Liliw dahil makakasabay mo ang sandamakmak na estudyante ng SMA na nagmamadali dahil male-late na sila. Yung iba magsusuklay pa sa loob ng jeep, matatalsikan ka ng tubig galing sa buhok nila. Ang mga lalaki naman, doon magsusuot ng polo at hahagilapin ang mga ID sa loob ng bag.
Dapat mo ring iwasang makasakay yung tulad ng nakasakay ko kanina. Sila yung mga celluphile. Sobrang mahal nila ang cell phones nila at nais nilang ipagyabang na maganda ang tunog nito kaya naman wala nang headset-headset, banat na lang sila ng patugtog. Tumutunog ng pagkalakaslakas at naghahanapan kayo kung may nag riring ba. Dapat silang iwasan kungnais mong makatulog sa biyahe, otehrwise, magugulat ka at di namakakatulog.
Tungkulin naman ng mga nasa loob ng jeep naibaba ang tarapal sa bintana kung naulan kung hindi lahat kayo mababasa ang likod. Ibaba naman ito kung sobrang init dahil kung hindi, baka mahimatay ka sa dehydration sa dami ng pawis na ilalabas ng katawan mo.
Ganito ang buhay ng walang sariling sasakyan at kailangang mag commute every day para sa trabaho. Ang sarap maging self employed para sa bahay ka lang. pero hindi doon makukuha ang tunay na buhay. Ang daming magagandang experiences pang naghihintay. Kaya nga sabi di'ba GRIND. Let's just G.R.I.N.D.= Get Ready It's a New Day!
Dalawang beses rin na nakasakay ko naman pauwi sa hapon ang isang mamang may katabaan na parang bakla sa unahan naman sa tabi ng driver. Tuwing umaga gusto ko sa dulo ng jeep at tuwing hapon sa unahan talaga. haha. Natutuwa ako sa experiences na yun kahit nababatid ko na kukulangin na talaga ako ng tulog this week. Hindi rin ako makakapunta ng PNU sa Saturday. Hay... ganun yata talaga.
Kung sa unahan ka ng jeep uupo. Huwag mong isipin na ang taas ng privilege mo at nakalamang ka sa iba. Tandaan mo may responsibilidad ka na i-warn ang driver anytime na may makita kang hindi niya nakikita. Dapat alerto ka sa rear view mirror at handa ka ring mag abot ng bayad niya sa tindera kung bibili siya ng sigarilyo. Huwag ring kakalimutang isara ang pinto sa side pag bababa na. Yung pinto lang s alikod ang hindi isinasara. Minsan, naiinip ang driver kaya ikaw angkukuwentuhan niya.
May makikita siyang banggaan o dahilan ng traffic, mga batang munting nang masagasaan at ale na hindi nagbabayad. Nanaisin niyangmaglabas ng hinaing at sasabihin yun sa'yo. Tungkulin mong makinig sa ganoong pagkakataon. Kapag hindi niya marinig yung boses ng gasoline boy, tungkulin mo ringisigaw kungmagkano ang presyo ng gasolina. Kung taga Nagcarlan ka, huwag kang sasakay sa jeep na papuntang San Pablo tuwing alas-sais ng umaga. Malaki ang chance na may sasakay na tindera ng isda at sa ilalim ng upuan niya ilalagay ang batya na naglalaman ng sangkaterbang malansang isda. Itataas mo ang paa mo pero madidikitan mo pa rin ang batya. Pagdting mo sa opisina, para ka na ring lumangoy sa Celebes Sea. Wala ka nang pinagkaiba sa Tuna na hindi pa nailagay sa lata. Huwag kang papaabot ng hapon paguwi sa Liliw galing San Pablo lalo nakung may sabong dahil uupo sa tabi mo ang mga hindi pa naliligong sabungero at take note, humihithit pa ng yosi ang mga tinamaan ng magaling. Nakasando silang puti at bitbit ang mga kahon na may manok sa loob. Minsan dala nila ang natalong manok na tumutulo pa ang dugo. Gagawin kasi nilang adobo yun sa gata para may ulam ang pamilya niya mamayang hapunan dahil napatalo ang pera. Huwag kang sasakay sa umaga sa Rizal patungong Liliw dahil makakasabay mo ang sandamakmak na estudyante ng SMA na nagmamadali dahil male-late na sila. Yung iba magsusuklay pa sa loob ng jeep, matatalsikan ka ng tubig galing sa buhok nila. Ang mga lalaki naman, doon magsusuot ng polo at hahagilapin ang mga ID sa loob ng bag.
Dapat mo ring iwasang makasakay yung tulad ng nakasakay ko kanina. Sila yung mga celluphile. Sobrang mahal nila ang cell phones nila at nais nilang ipagyabang na maganda ang tunog nito kaya naman wala nang headset-headset, banat na lang sila ng patugtog. Tumutunog ng pagkalakaslakas at naghahanapan kayo kung may nag riring ba. Dapat silang iwasan kungnais mong makatulog sa biyahe, otehrwise, magugulat ka at di namakakatulog.
Tungkulin naman ng mga nasa loob ng jeep naibaba ang tarapal sa bintana kung naulan kung hindi lahat kayo mababasa ang likod. Ibaba naman ito kung sobrang init dahil kung hindi, baka mahimatay ka sa dehydration sa dami ng pawis na ilalabas ng katawan mo.
Ganito ang buhay ng walang sariling sasakyan at kailangang mag commute every day para sa trabaho. Ang sarap maging self employed para sa bahay ka lang. pero hindi doon makukuha ang tunay na buhay. Ang daming magagandang experiences pang naghihintay. Kaya nga sabi di'ba GRIND. Let's just G.R.I.N.D.= Get Ready It's a New Day!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Dangerous Truth Against Nominal Believers
For the 9th Sunday in Ordinary Time
"Not everyone who say to me Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven"
There was 10 members of a team building workshop. One was blindfolded and put on an elevated area where the other nine are ready to catch him anytime. The first member below asked the blindfolded member,
"Do you believe that I am ready to catch you when you fall?"
he answered "Yes"
The second one asked the same question and so on and so forth. Until it was the last one who asked "Do you believe that we are all here behind you and we won't let you down?"
The man above answered "Yes" and so they told him "Now jump!"
But the man didn't jump.
The story tells us that believing is not enough. Believing is never a guarantee for something that needs action. We need to act according to what we believe. If you believe that it is wrong to litter anywhere then you should not litter. if you litter, that would be contrary to what you believe. If you believe that God loves you and yet act doubtful of his love then that is contrary to what you believe. So one can say "Lord Lord" and yet not enter the kingdom of God.
_________________________________________
" 'Did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name...' 'I never knew you. Depart from me you evil doers!'"
There was a Mom and a baby boy. The mother left the baby boy to somebody who can attend to him while she is away working as an overseas domestic helper. The boy grew up without seeing his mother. Only chocolates and toys. Only clothes and shoes. Only material objects that was sent by her. These are the only things that the boy recognized to be from his mother.
Then one day, it is time for the mother to go home so she could be with her son. The son is already 20 years old.
Arriving at the door of the house, the mother knocked and it was her son who opened the door. The man asked the mother, "Who are you? Who are you looking for? Anything I can do for help?"
______________________________________
"...the winds blew and buffeted the house, and it fell, great was its fall."
There was a wealthy family which was envied because of their glamor and richness. The father and mother worked so hard to provide all financial needs of the family. Suddenly they have forgotten the religious life of the family. They did not took care of their children with values and Christian virtues and they all were stubborn. One day a great famine struck their region and the businesses collapsed. They were left with nothing and so they remembered that they should have, in the first place built their family in a solid ground which is the relationship with God.
"Not everyone who say to me Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven"
There was 10 members of a team building workshop. One was blindfolded and put on an elevated area where the other nine are ready to catch him anytime. The first member below asked the blindfolded member,
"Do you believe that I am ready to catch you when you fall?"
he answered "Yes"
The second one asked the same question and so on and so forth. Until it was the last one who asked "Do you believe that we are all here behind you and we won't let you down?"
The man above answered "Yes" and so they told him "Now jump!"
But the man didn't jump.
The story tells us that believing is not enough. Believing is never a guarantee for something that needs action. We need to act according to what we believe. If you believe that it is wrong to litter anywhere then you should not litter. if you litter, that would be contrary to what you believe. If you believe that God loves you and yet act doubtful of his love then that is contrary to what you believe. So one can say "Lord Lord" and yet not enter the kingdom of God.
_________________________________________
" 'Did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name...' 'I never knew you. Depart from me you evil doers!'"
There was a Mom and a baby boy. The mother left the baby boy to somebody who can attend to him while she is away working as an overseas domestic helper. The boy grew up without seeing his mother. Only chocolates and toys. Only clothes and shoes. Only material objects that was sent by her. These are the only things that the boy recognized to be from his mother.
Then one day, it is time for the mother to go home so she could be with her son. The son is already 20 years old.
Arriving at the door of the house, the mother knocked and it was her son who opened the door. The man asked the mother, "Who are you? Who are you looking for? Anything I can do for help?"
______________________________________
"...the winds blew and buffeted the house, and it fell, great was its fall."
There was a wealthy family which was envied because of their glamor and richness. The father and mother worked so hard to provide all financial needs of the family. Suddenly they have forgotten the religious life of the family. They did not took care of their children with values and Christian virtues and they all were stubborn. One day a great famine struck their region and the businesses collapsed. They were left with nothing and so they remembered that they should have, in the first place built their family in a solid ground which is the relationship with God.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Welcome Mythical March 2011
Hey welcome March 2011!!!!!
I do not know how to plan everything for the greatest day na darating. Ilang araw na lang birthday na niya ulit at hindi lang basat birthday. 20 years old na siya.
Alam ko na hindi na magiging gaya pa ng dati pero hopefukl ako sa isang maganda at masayang Marso ng buhay ko.
Sa isang buwan na magiging busy ako sa araw araw at Linggo lang talaga ang magiging free day ko. Sa darating na play ng kaibigan kong si JS. lahat ng ito, pakiramdam ko magiging maganda para sa akin. Oh ang mga toga naka-ready na para sa mga graduates for this year.
Malamig ang simula ng Marso. Parnag tinatamad pa na mag summer.
Again, welcome to you March 2011!!!
I do not know how to plan everything for the greatest day na darating. Ilang araw na lang birthday na niya ulit at hindi lang basat birthday. 20 years old na siya.
Alam ko na hindi na magiging gaya pa ng dati pero hopefukl ako sa isang maganda at masayang Marso ng buhay ko.
Sa isang buwan na magiging busy ako sa araw araw at Linggo lang talaga ang magiging free day ko. Sa darating na play ng kaibigan kong si JS. lahat ng ito, pakiramdam ko magiging maganda para sa akin. Oh ang mga toga naka-ready na para sa mga graduates for this year.
Malamig ang simula ng Marso. Parnag tinatamad pa na mag summer.
Again, welcome to you March 2011!!!
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