God Provides

Jesus says to the crowd: "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?  And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.  Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day." (Matthew 6:25-34)

I remember when the first day I came to work in Metro Manila. A typical probinsiyano who, although already came here many times, not yet familiar with the place. I am on adventure.  I just rely on my friends and companions whom I met for the first time when the bus loaded with new hires were promised to have a good job in Mandaluyong and Makati. I just have P1200 in my wallet. Being the oldest in our family and my father just passed away, our family has a very little support. My mother was sick and I was the breadwinner.  P700 was already spent for my fare and P100 was spent for my food while I was on the ride. We were promised to have a good job and will be getting our salary soon. But since our ATM cards were still on the process, we will be getting our salaries by the 30th, that is, a month from that time. 


As I recall those days, I cannot help but thank God how I managed to survive with just P1200 for more than a month. Without me asking, some of my relatives here in Manila will give me money which is actually more than my basic needs. The company provided us a good place to stay complete with facilities like laundry area, pantry, and a place to sleep including beddings. We also have free food for two weeks (although it was discontinued due to high expense of the company) and our fare on our way here was reimbursed. God has been so good to me since just few days after I decided to look for job, He gave me one which is better than what I have expected. 


Unfortunately, because of too much stress on my first job, I have my contract ended. It is sad since I will be missing my friends and I was thinking of my family's source of income. Two of my siblings were currently in college and I was eager to look for a better and more fulfilling job.  It was only three weeks when a close relative referred me to work in another call center. And the account and line of business there is not difficult because we are not troubleshooting nor dealing with billing nor making product sales. We are just handling customers' request for a field technician and I enjoyed that work for two years.


But due to an offence, I was endorsed to Human Resources who after the case deliberation, transferred me to a new account. I feel sad and worried again. But I never knew it was on God's plan. There I was able to meet new friends who helped me revive my spiritual life and my love for parish work. In my new account, I met a friend who introduced me into the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish Youth Council. 


I still have my ongoing strifes and struggles. In my present account, I am able to survive even though sometimes, there may be several problems with my work performance. I feel strength at times when I feel lazy to go to work. I feel inspired at times when I feel like quiting my job. Those things I see as miracles God performs everyday.


We all know that without God, we are nothing. Of course, it is us or in the case of younger ones, our parents who provide our basic needs. But, it is God who gives them strength to work and to have money for food and basic needs. It is God who gives us health and the one who nourishes our relationships with other people. And it is God who wills whether He suspends the laws of nature for us. We may be the one who directs the course of our lives, but if in case He does not wills it, it will not happen.


Thinking about this, why is it that I lack faith in most circumstances of my life? I easily forget that God provides. God gives me the best as long as I put my faith in Him. Sometimes, he even uses my lack of faith to prove to me that He is guiding me in the midst of my doubts. Most of the time I can only complain regarding lots of problems and difficulties, but seeing God's hand at work in my life, I feel ashamed. There are a lot of things that I forget to thank God for. 


Sometimes I am anxious. I usually say, "How can I do this?" or "What if I fail?" But I have learned that as long as I do what is good, God does the rest. 


I remember last Youth Formation Seminar, I was anxious and discouraged since it has been an hour late but it we were only five in the venue. We are just five among the twenty expected participants. I feel discouraged at that time thinking that we have already prepared a lot for that day. But, as we continue our activities,  some attended although late and we have successfully formulated our Parish Youth Council Vision, Mission and Core grace. Plus, we have received the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist with the deeper knowledge and appreciation of these two. We have seen how God works in the midst of our limitations, granting success in what we do as long as we remain faithful to our duties.


"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well."(Matthew 6:33) Do not be anxious except of doing what is right, then God will give you much more than you expect. 

"Take delight in the Lord and He will give you your hearts desire. Commit your life to the Lord and trust in Him...." (Psalm 37:4-5)

Ang Dalawang Mukha ng Pagpapatawad

Sinabi ni Hesus sa mga tao: "Narinig ninyong sinabi: Ibigin mo ang iyong kapwa at kapootan mo ang iyong kaaway. Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: Ibigin ninyo ang inyong mga kaaway. Pagpalain ninyo ang mga napopoot sa inyo. Gawan ninyo ng mabuti ang mga nagagalit sa inyo. Ipanalangin ninyo ang mga umaalipusta sa inyo at ang mga umuusig sa inyo. Ito ay upang kayo ay magiging mga anak ng inyong Ama na nasa langit sapagkat pinasisikat niya ang kaniyang araw sa mga masama at sa mga mabuti. At binibigyan niya ng ulan ang mga matuwid at ang mga hindi matuwid. Ito ay sapagkat kung ang iibigin lamang ninyo ay ang mga umiibig sa inyo, anong gantimpala ang inyong makakamit? Hindi ba ganyan din ang ginagawa ng mga maniningil ng buwis? Kapag ang mga kapatid lamang ninyo ang inyong babatiin, ano ang kahigitan ninyo sa iba? Hindi ba ganyan din ang ginagawa ng mga maniningil ng buwis? Kaya nga, kayo ay magpakasakdal tulad ng inyong Ama na nasa langit ay sakdal." (Mateo 5:43-48)

Sa Ebanghelyo, pinapakita ni Hesus ang dalawang mukha ng pagpatawad: ang mukha ng katarungan at ang mukha ng pag-ibig. Ang dalawang ito ay di dapat paghiwalayin sapagkat, walang pagpatawad kung puro katarungan lang ang ating minimithi. Ito ay nauuwi sa poot at paghihiganti. Hindi rin maaari na puro pag-ibig lang na walang katarungan, sapagkat ito ay nauuwi sa pagkunsinti sa mga maling gawa.

Ano ang justice o katarungan? Ito ay ang pagbibigay ng nararapat sa isang tao. Kailangan nating tingnan kung ano nga ba talaga ang kailangan niya. Kung siya ay nagkamali dahil sa kakulangan niya sa kaalaman o pagkalimot sa dapat niyang gawin, ano ang  nararapat ibigay sa kanya? Pang-iinsulto ba o paalala? Sa taong galit sa mundo dahil sa kawalan ng pagmamahal? Pagkamuhi ba o pagkikipagkaibigan? Kailangan nating alamin kung ano talaga ang dapat nating ibigay. Sabi ni Plato, isa sa mga dakilang Griyegong pilosopo, ang katarungan ay may tatlong bahagi: karunungan o wisdom, katapangan o courage at pagwawasto o moderation.  Kailangang mag-isip kung ano ang dapat gawin, kailangang maging matapang sa pag-execute o paggawa kung ano ang naiisip nating tama at kailangan din ang pag-let go ng mga bagay na di nakakatulong sa sitwasyon kagaya ng emosyon.

Sa Ebanghelyo, bakit nasabi ni Hesus na ibigay mo ang kanang pisngi kapag sinampal ka sa kaliwa? Ito ay upang matanto ng nanampal saiyo na nagkamali siya. Dahil noong panahong iyon, sa kultura ng mga Hudyo.  ang dalawang kamay ay may mga gawaing nakaatas sa kanila. Di maaaring manampal ang kaliwang kamay. Ito ay maituturing kalupitan sa kapwa. Kapag ibinigay mo ang iyong kaliwang pisngi, siyempre ipananampal niya ang kaliwang kamay din at maaalala ng nanampal saiyo na mali siya. Samakatwid, sinasabi ni Hesus na huwag gumanti subalit kailangang nandun ang tunay na katarungan para sa nagkamali--- ipaalala mo na mali ang kanyang ginawa at itama mo ito. 

Ang ikalawa ay ang pag-ibig. Siguro, sa lahat ng mga salita ni Hesus, ang ebanghelyo sa linggong ito ang pinakakinaayawan. Ito ang mukha ng pagpapatawad na ayaw nating harapin kung minsan. Natural na kasi sa tao ang magalit at magkaroon ng hangaring gumanti. Natural na sa tao ang hindi magmahal sa nagkasala sa kanya. Natural ang magalit, kahit si Hesus mismo ay nagalit sa  maraming pagkakataon. Hindi nagkasala si Hesus dahil kailanaman ay di siya napoot. At kung sa mga pagkakataon naman na nagalit siya--- iyon ay ang mga pagkakataong ang tunay na kalooban ng kanyang Ama ay hindi pinahahalagahan at tinatalikuran. 

Kailanman ay hindi sinasabi ni Hesus na "bawal magalit". Sapagkat may mga galit na healthy o kinakailangan. Halimbawa, dapat lang na magalit ang ating mga magulang kung tayo ay nalululong sa masasamang barkada at bisyo. Kung kinakailangan, dapat bawasan ang ating allowance o pagsabihan ng masasakit upang matuto. Isa pang halimbawa sa ating pakikitungo sa kaibigan. Dapat tayong magalit kung ang ating kaibigan ay lumalayo na sa gawang mabuti at di pinakikinggan ang mabubuting payo sa kanya.

Nagiging mali ang pagakagalit kung sobra-sobra tayo magreact tungkol dito. O kung isinasapuso natin ang galit sa ating kapwa na nagiging unhealthy o nakapipinsala. Halimbawa, nakasasama na ang ating pagkagalit sa ating kaibigan kung paulit-ulit tayong nagbibitiw ng masasakit na salita sa kanila kahit alam na nila ang punto natin. O kung sinisiraaan na natin sila sa ibang tao at nasisira ang kanilang reputasyon. 

Alalahanin natin na pag-ibig lamang ang sagot upang sila magkaroon ng pagbabago sa mundo. Siguro ay alam natin ang kuwento ni Aesop tungkol sa isang lalaki na nakabalabal. Nagpustahan ang araw at ang hangin na kung sino ang makapag-aalis ng balabal ng lalaki ang siyang mas dakila. Ginawa ng hangin ang lahat, umihip siya ng umihip hanggang magkaroon ng buhawi at bumagyo. Subalit, mas hinigpitan ng lalaki ang hawak sa kanyang balabal at di kailanman inalis sa kanayang katawan. Nang sumikat ang araw at uminit muli ang kapaligiran, saka inalis ng lalaki ang balabal dahil sa sobrang init. Sa ating mundo, hindi tayo makapagbabago ng tao kung puro puwersa lang ang ating ginagawa. Kung tayo ay patuloy na nagmamahal, hindi nga madali subalit ito ang mas mabisang paraan upang mabago ang tao at ang ating sambayanan. 


Dapat unahin natin ang pagmamahal dahil ang katarungan ay susunod na lang kapag may tunay na pagmamahal. Halimbawa, may pagkakataon na siniraan ako ng aking kaibigan at nalaman ang mga bagay na sinabi ko lang sa kanya. Nagalit ako sa kanya subalit, dahil ayokong masira ang aming pagkakaibigan, pinilit kong kausapin na lang siya tungkol dito. Sinabi ko na hindi ko gusto ang kanyang ginawa at ipinaliwanag ko ang mga maling naidulot nito sa akin. Hindi madali sa kanya ang pagsabihan ng ganoon. Kinabukasan ay napagtanto niya ang mali niyang nagawa at humingi siya ng tawad. Natutunan ko na kung mas pinili ko ang katarungan at ang gumanti sa kanya, siguro ay nasira na ang pagkakaibigan namin ngayon.

Kung tayo ay hindi magpapatawad, tayo ang mahihirapan. Katulad iyan sa pagsaksak natin sa ating kapwa habang hawak ang talim ng kutsilyo. Maaring masaktan nga ang ating kapwa habang patuloy na dinidiin natin ang handle ng kutsilyo subalit tayo namn ang patuloy naman na nasusugatan. Kung tayo ay magpapatawad, nagiging malaya  tayo sa masasamang dulot ng pagkakapoot at mas naibibigay natin sa nagkasala sa atin ang mas nararapat sa kanila. Hindi poot o pagkamuhi kundi kaliwangan na dulot ng tunay na pagmamahal.

Sa Pebrero 25 sa taong ito, ipagdiriwang natin ang ikadalawampu't-limang taon ng EDSA People Power Revolution noong 1986. Ipinakita natin sa buong mundo na ang mga tangke ng sundalo, mga baril at anumang karahasan ay hindi kailanman magtatagumpay sa harap ng pag-ibig, pagkakaisa, katarungan at pagpapatawad. Nawa'y ang aral na ito di maalis sa lahat ng pagkakataon--- katangi-tangi man o ordinaryo--- sa ating buhay.

At magmagandang-loob kayo sa isa't isa, mga mahabagin, na mangagpatawaran kayo sa isa't isa, gaya naman ng pagpapatawad sa inyo ng Diyos kay Cristo. (Efeso 4:32)

Four Kinds of Love

One of my favorite books is The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis, an Irish Christian writer. Here he explained the four kinds of love based on four Greek words for love: storge, phileo, eros and agape. As we celebrate Valentine's day, let me share you these reflections about love.

Love seems to be the most abused word in the English language. We say ' I love you' to our friends, girlfriends/ boyfriends, members of our family and to our companions. But the question is: do we really mean what we are saying?

C.S. Lewis says that just as Lucifer, a former archangel who became proud and defied God and became Satan, so will love be whom we consider as the greatest emotion or the greatest virtue if we presume it to be when it is not. These are the kinds of love.

Storge (affection). This is the first Greek word for love. It is the kind of love that is very common. It is fondness due to familliarity. It is the common love that we have for our parents and members of our family. We love them because we grew up with them. It is also the love we have for our classmates or officemates. We love them because we are always with them and we share common activities. In Tagalog we call this as kapalagayang-loob. It is the love that is not formed by choice but by chance. It is also the love that does not pay attention to the factors that seems to be unworthy of love. For example, even if we do not like our brother's behavior but since you have been always together, it is very difficult to not to give him what he wants. C.S. Lewis calls it as a "ready made love" that sometimes we expect that it should be there even if we are unaware of our behavior. For example, we expect our family to love us even if we do wrong. We expect our parents to give us what we want simply because we are their children.

Phileo (friendship). It is the strong bond existing because of affection. It is the stronger version of storge. It begins with sharing common interest and activity. It is different from companionship. Companionship is just affection because you are always together but friendship remains even if you are away or even if you your friend has done you wrong. Loyalty is what differentiates phileo from simple companionship. And the sharing of joy is the characteristic in phileo that defines it as a virtue. People want friends because of the joy and that is more than the benefits that they get from them.

Eros (romance). It is the common love in mass media and in literature. It is the concept of 'falling in love'. It has two aspects: sexuality and emotional connection. Eros is a love essential for our sexuality, that is, how we relate as human persons.  It is what makes us appreciate the looks as well as the attitude of the one whom we fall in love with. The psychological aspect is the emotional connection. Eros in Greek mythology is also the name of the son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Eros shoots an arrow in the heart of a person in order for him to feel a necessity to connect himself to someone. He is called as Cupid in Latin and is very popular even in our modern literature. As in the mythology, it is the love that makes us connect ourselves to a person and makes us committed to him or her.

Agape (charity). It is the highest form of love in the sense that it is divine. It is the love that allows us to extend it even to the unlovable. It is brings forth care, faithfulness and trust regardless of circumstances. It is the love Jesus requires of his disciples. (c.f. John 13:34-35) It is the love that Jesus showed to us as a man 'who lays his life for his friends' (John 15:13). It is the Greek word St. Paul used in his discourse about love in his letter to the Corinthians as he explains what Christian love must be. (1 Corinthians 13) The first three loves going beyond what they normally used to be becomes agape, also known as unconditional love.

Happy Valentines day. May this day lead you more deeply to the love of your family, friends, God and everyone who needs and gives you love! And I pray that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith and may charity be the root and the foundation of your life. Thus you may be able to grasp with all the holy ones, the length, breadth and height of Christ's love and experience this love that surpasses all knowledge that you may attain the fullness of God himself. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

The Fifth and Sixth Commandment Explained

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.  Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-20)

Jesus was heavily criticized by the Pharisees as 'a conceited man who preaches that a person does not need the Law to be saved'. He was persecuted for being 'unfaithful to Jewish traditions'. But they failed to understand that Jesus does not abolish the Law rather he brought it's fulfillment.

Jesus brought a twist on the law. The fifth commandement says, "Thou shalt not kill." But Jesus says, "Anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell'" (Matthew 5:21-22)  We can say that all of us are guilty of it. Jesus says that it is not enough not to kill. But the real meaning of the commandemnt is, " Have you loved? Have you been the cause of your brother or sister's sadness?

Jesus also says, "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24) Our service to God as youth leaders will be useless if we do not love our brothers and sisters. God is displeased with the time and effort we give to our small ministries when at the same time, we easily hate others. God actually does not need our offerings since he has everything.  God says in the Old Testament, "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledging  Me rather than burnt offerings." (Hosea 6:6) What He wants from us is our love. And the love that we will give Him is inseparable from the love we should have for our brothers and sisters. St. John says in his letter, "If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. (1 John 4:20) What is the use of our vocal prayers, our ministries and our apostolate if others does not see in us our will to forgive others or if we are easily overcome by our pride and anger? I have reflected that in the end of our lives, God will not ask us how many church organizations have we joined, how many masses or processions have we participated nor how much money have we donated to the Church. The last question is: if we  loved. As St. John of the Cross says, "In the twilight of life, it is in love that we will be examined."

The sixth commandemnt forbids adultery. But Jesus is very particular that he prohibits not only adultery but most importantly, he upholds the chastity of both body and mind. As we observe, we young people are exposed on the bad influences of the world defining promiscuity as "freedom" and immodesty as "self-expression",defining pornography as an "art", homosexuality as "alternative lifestyle". The world that we have now is far from the Gospel of Christ. As we can see, many of our fellow youth are enagaging in premarital sex, pornography, sodomy and lots of promiscuities and immoralities. Love has been defined merely as physical attraction and sex has been robbed of its dignity, different from what God designs it to be. Marriage is not anymore seen as sacred but just an option. It is very rare to see a young person living in chastity. And they are even mocked and treated as "weird" by some people.

As young people, we must be an example in living according to the will of God. We must be simple but be radical in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ in our lives. We must be catalysts in upholding respect for human sexuality. It is also a sad thing to mention that many young people are not anymore joining church orgs since they do not see good examples in us. I believe that as normal persons, we are different from St. Aloysius Gonzaga or St. Maria Goretti who truly lived exemplary lives of purity and innocence. But we must strive for perfection like them although we may fall several times. True, I can also say that it is very difficult for me to live a chaste life as long as I live in this mortal body and in this world corrupted of godly values. It is very difficult at times to control my urges. I bet all of us have similar issues as we mature. But, God's grace is at work in us! You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world! (1 John 4:4)

These are several tips in order to live in chastity. First, avoid pornography. Since the eyes are the windows of the soul. The more malicious data that enter through our senses, the more malicious data generated by our mind. Don't willfully browse websites that will lead us to sin. Turn your gaze from pictures that create in you a feeling of lust. Do not buy magazines or tabloids that teaches inordinate sex which is different from the will of God. In the Gospel, Jesus says, " If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.' ( Matthew 5:29) It means, we must tame our eyes that it may not be the cause of sin--- although it is difficult. In case we see a provocative picture immediately or if we suddenly remember a lustful things that we have done in the past, we should tame our mind to erase it. How? Through good thoughts. Since, evil thoughts can only be repalced by good ones. Second, we must avoid companions leading us to sin. "And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell." (Matthew 5:30) It is difficult to turn away from companions who lead us to sin. Sometimes, based on the Gospel, it is painful like having a part of our body cut off. But it is necessary. But, it is not judging them. It is not removing them from our list of friends nor avoiding being with them. But, if being with them at certain times causes us to sin, it is better to stay away.

Chist is always in the Sacraments of Confession and Eucharist. Let us make use of his presence. A priest can be a good adviser for he never tells secrets through the seal of confession. It is his vow from God. He also undertands us since he once became a youth. He hears our confessions only through the authority from God. I suggest we should confess as much as possible as soon as we commit a mortal sin so we may never be enslaved by them. Because the more we hide our sins, the more we suffer the guilt. That is why St. John Bosco promised the young people that he will hear their confessions even if they come to him at midnight.

The small piece of Bread we receive at mass is Christ himself! Therefore by accepting him in our bodies and souls, we gain greater strength as we fight the enemies of our souls and we work for our salvation.

Let us be guided by the words of St. Paul. "Brothers and sisters, I beg you through the mercy of God to offer your bodies as a holy and pleasing sacrifice to God your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may judge according to the will of God--- what is good, pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2)

Maging Asin at Ilaw!

“Kayo ang asin ng sangkatauhan. Ngunit kung ang asin ay mawalan na ng alat, paano pa ito mapapaalat muli? Hindi ba wala na itong kabuluhan kundi ang itapon at tapakan ng mga tao? “Kayo ang ilaw ng sanlibutan. Ang isang lunsod na nakatayo sa ibabaw ng burol ay hindi maitatago.  Wala din namang taong nagsisindi ng ilaw at pagkatapos ay inilalagay iyon sa ilalim ng malaking takalan. Sa halip, inilalagay iyon sa talagang patungan upang matanglawan ang lahat ng nasa bahay. Gayundin naman, dapat ninyong paliwanagin ang inyong ilaw sa harap ng mga tao upang makita nila ang inyong mabubuting gawa at papurihan ang inyong Ama na nasa langit.” (Mateo 3:13-16)

Sinabi ni Hesus, kayo ang asin... kayo ang ilaw. Hindi niya sinabing ikaw ang asin... ikaw ang ilaw. Ano kaya ang silbi ng isang butil ng asin sa isang kaserolang sabaw? O ano kaya ang silbi ng isang kandilang maliit sa loob ng napakalaking kuweba?

Tayo ay tinatawag sa isang sambayanang Kristiyano-- ang Simbahan. Sama-sama tayong magbibigay lasa sa sambayanan at magbigay liwanag sa mundo. Pagkat ang tunay na pagbabago ay nakukuha lamang sa pagkakaisa.

Si Kristo ang nagbibigay alat sa asin at nagbibigay liwanag. Kung wala siya, walang silbi ang ating paglilingkod. Siya ang nagbibigay kaliwanagan sa ating isip, lakas sa ating dibdib at pagmamahal sa ating puso sapagkat siya ang unang naparito at nagturo, nagpalakas ng loob sa mga mahihina at nagpakita ng tunay ng pagmamahal. Ang isang binyagang hindi namumuhay ayon sa kanyang grasya ay inihahalintulad niya sa Ebanghelyo bilang isang asin na tinatapon na lamang dahil walang alat at ilawan na itinatago at di nakapagbibigay liwanag. Sa isang ebanghelyo naman, siya ay inihahalintulad sa isang sangang humiwalay sa puno ng ubas at natuyo kung kaya pinuputol na lamang at ginagawang panggatong. (cf. Juan 15:5)

Paano pala nawawala ang alat ng asin? Subukan mong maglagay ng asin sa isang malinis na garapon. Itago mo ito at pagkatapos ng isang taon ay subukan mong lasahan. May alat pa iyan. Hindi kailanman nawawala ang alat ng asin maliban na lamang kung mahaluan ng ibang elemento o dumi. Gayundin ang ilaw. Ayon sa mga siyentipiko, naglalakbay ang ilaw ng 299,792,458 m/s. Kung kaya, kahit saan ay maaring makarating ang liwanag. Tumitigil lamang ito sa isang opaque object o isang bagay na humaharang sa liwanag. Kung kaya't kahit sa malayo ay maari mong makita ang alitaptap, maliban na lamang kung may humarang sa iyong paningin.

Maganda ang paghahalintulad ni Hesus. Mawawala siya sa ating buhay kung sa patuloy nating paglaki bilang mga kabataan ay nadudumihan tayo ng mga maling kaisipan at impluwensiya ng mundo. Mawawala siya kung ang ating yaman, talino, kahit na ang ating mga itinuturing mahalaga sa buhay ay itinuturing nating mas mahalaga sa kanya. Humaharang sila kanyang pagbibigay liwanag sa atin.

Paano maiaalis ang masasamang elemento na siyang dumudumi sa atin? Paano natin maiiwasan ang mga bagay na makakaharang sa kanyang liwanag? Habang tayo ay nasa mundo, napakahirap. Subalit, si Hesus ay nasa kapwa nating mga asin at ilaw. Mapapaalat lang ang isang wala nang alat na butil ng asin sa pagsama niya sa iba pang butil na may alat. Maiilawan lamang ang isang kandila sa pamamagitan ng isang kandilang may liwanag. Tinatawagan tayo ni Hesus pagkatapos na matamo natin ang alat at liwanag, na ibahagi natin ito sa ating kapwang nanghihina, nanlalamig sa pananampalataya at tila ba nawawalan ng kahulugan ang buhay. 

Ang isang supot ng asin ay nagsisimula sa pagtitipon ng maraming butil ng asin. Ang isang maliwanag na daan ay nagsisimula sa isang sinindihang ilaw. Ang lahat ng ito ay nagsisimula kung sa ating personal na buhay, kung patuloy tayong mamumuhay ayon sa buhay at turo ni Hesus--- ang alat ng asin at liwanag ng sanlibutan.

Mapapansin natin sa ating mundo na maraming mga butil ng asin ang walang alat at maraming ilawan ang walang ilaw. Hihintayin pa ba nating magkaalat sila o magkailaw upang magsimula ang pagbabago?

Naniniwala ako na sa binyag ay nagkaroon tayo ng ganitong pangako: Patuloy kong paaalatin ang asin sa aking buhay. Patuloy kong  paalabin ang liwanag ni Hesus sa aking puso. Wala nang ibang magsisimula ng pagbabago sa mundo kundi AKO MISMO! 

The Way of Happiness

 When Jesus saw the crowd, he taught them with these words: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people persecute you and tell evil lies about you for being my followers. Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven! The prophets who went before you were persecuted in the same way." (Matthew 3: 5-13)

Let me begin this blog by giving you an alarming fact. According to World Health Organization suicide is the leading cause of death among those aged 15- 24. Nearly a million commit suicide each year more than to those murdered or killed in war. Worldwide, a suicide is completed every 40 seconds. Most of the reasons are financial difficulties, relationship problems, drug abuse and severe depression. Global annual teenage suicide statistics, reported for these fatalities could rise to 1.5 million by 2020.

Most notes and letters indicate that those who committed suicide doesn't see any reason for them to live. They feel uselessness and despair in the emptiness of their lives. They feel happiness is already out of reach and the sole choice for them is to die.

In the Gospel, Jesus proclaims how wonderful life is. He began his ministry by allowing the people to see the beauty of life when they become his disciples. True happiness according to Christ is different from the way the world sees it. Happiness according to Christ is not for the rich, the famous and powerful nor for the scribes and Pharisees at that time who feel their close relationship to God based on obeying the Law.  Instead,  Jesus calls as blessed those who are poor who relied solely on God for help and to those who obtained the attitude of  the true children of God.

This Gospel is also read on All Saint's Day since these words of  Jesus clearly describe how saints and the  heroes of our faith lived. They were ordinary citizens, some of them were obscure and become famous only after their death. Some of them haven't done what the world considers as great deeds. They simply lived according to their duties and achieved happiness in this life and in life after.  There is no saint reported who felt despair nor has any complains about life. They understand pain, sorrow and problems but they see the beautiful side of  them. Some of them may not have intelligence like the philosophers or theologians but they gain wisdom by their simple attitude like an evangelical child.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Jesus proclaims as blessed those who accept that they are nothing without God's grace. They are the persons devoid of pride--- those who rely solely in their own thinking and abilities. Jesus says that unless we become humble, we hinder God's grace to work in us. For example, the person who believes that he knows a lot and begins to belittle persons around him. He doesn't open himself to new ideas and lessons that he can learn from other people. Having the feeling of "richness in spirit", he has the attitude of a Pharisee in the Gospel of  Luke (18:9-14). He feels superior in the eyes of God and despises everyone else. But in the end, God favors more the persons he despises than him. He that is humble allows God's richness to supply him and thus lead him to true conversion which then leads to the reign of God in his life.

"Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Jesus does not call as blessed those who mourn because of despair, rather those who mourn because of their misery and sins. They also mourn for the misery of others. These "mourning" leads them to ask God for forgiveness and rely on God to help him change his life, as well as the life of others.


"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." The meek is actually one of the attitude of an evangelical child. (If you have read my second post "Unless You Acquire the Heart of a Child..."). The meek is happy even in the face of difficulties and hardships. It is because he feels that everything he has is owned by God. So, he believes that even if something happens in his work, studies, money or relationships, it is always for the better. He relies on God's will in his life thus he obtains peace.

 "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Those who have a deep desire for holiness are the only ones who will obtain it. It is true for all virtues. We often say that we want to be an example to our friends at work or school but oftentimes, we do not have that great desire to change our ways that is why we do not become what we wish to be. Jesus describes it as "hunger and thirst" meaning, it must be our continuous desire as if we cannot live without doing what is right. It must be our ultimate goal in life. St. Paul also clearly states it: "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12)


"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." This was also taught by Christ in the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive as our sins as we forgive those who sins against us." It also refers in how should we treat our brothers and sisters especially those who need help whether materially or spiritually. Since we feel the love of God as we also love the people he loves. And it is whether they are related to us or not, whether they are our friends or enemies.


"Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God." I remember the story of an elementary student in a Values Education class. They were asked to draw in a sheet of paper a description of their life in the present. Then, they will explain their drawings in front. The student then went in front of the class holding a blank sheet of paper. The teacher was angry since the student haven't done anything. But the student replied, "I am like this sheet of paper, malinis ang pagkatao." We obtain happiness if we have hearts pure of any evil and selfish desires. Because the Holy Spirit, the Cause of our Joy doesn't dwell in the hearts who desire riches, honor and fame to the expense of others.


"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." Living a peaceful life, they share it to others. Peace doesn't mean the mere absence of conflicts and war, rather, it is a life of order, unity and friendship. They are the persons who spread God's message to others by their example and through words if necessary. Thus they imitate God who creates friendship between man and Himself. They are rightly be called his children.


"Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Being a follower of Christ doesn't always guarantee an instant happiness. It also entails difficulties. St. Teresa of  Avila said that Jesus has only few friends since it entails being nailed to the cross like him. We might hear false accusations or bad words as we follow and serve Christ. Sometimes it may even be from our families or the persons we love. But Jesus assures us that we will be rewarded the kingdom of heaven! That means God reigns in us and we are happy after all.


Jesus shows us the way to happiness. It is not elusive. It is in the attitude that we have towards God, towards others and towards life. The Beatitudes that Christ proclaims leads us to genuine freedom, knowledge of our worth, loving relationships with others and the sense of meaning in life. It is true happiness, not just a passing pleasure, but the joy giving us faith and hope in this life as we await the Perfect Happiness which is far more than we can ever imagine. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him!" (1 Corinthians 2:9)

God Directs Me to Where He Calls Me

When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”  (Matthew 4:12-17)

When Jesus was thirty, he left Mary his mother and the carpenter's shop in order to fulfill the mission entrusted to him by his Father. I imagine it may be hard for him to leave his family and hometown and go to a far and unfamiliar place. I remembered when I first go to Metro Manila in search for work. Although I have relatives and friends here, it is difficult at first to familiarize with the place, with its people and culture. I think that must be what Jesus felt. Jesus had never been in Capernaum before.  He left his small town to settle in a commercial town in order to begin his public ministry. 


Why did Jesus began his ministry in Capernaum? Being a town of fishermen and merchants, hence a commercial town, it must have a lot of people who will listen and follow him. Later,  he will meet there his first disciples including Andrew and his brother Simon Peter. I reflected my life in parallel to Jesus'.  I am actually wondering why I am working as a technical support representative for an internet service provider when I am not too technical! As I see, God's hand is at work. He directs me to where he calls me. It is not an accident where I worked or why I met the persons there. I believe, God wants me to be a model to my co-workers and to be a good friend to them.


It is not an accident why I was transferred to a new account by Human Resources Management due to a major offense.  I committed an invalid outbound call due to negligence to call them on time. It is when I was transferred in my new account that I met  Kuya Khing who introduced me into the Faith and Light Community here in Pasig. At that time, I missed serving the parish for about three years. I was a head sacristan in my hometown for  years.  But when I finished college and started to work, I missed belonging in a community. And in Faith and Light, I met some of my fellow youth who later, appointed me as a core group member of  the Parish Youth Council. I believe that it is not an accident as well why I serve in a parish far from my hometown. God wants me to meet a lot of people whom I can share my life with and to be an instrument of inspiration to them. God wants me to share what i have learned in my own parish and in my Religious Education by performing my role as a Worship and Liturgy team head. Here I learned to develop my leadership and management skills. And before I am shy and reserved but here I learned how to build healthy relationships with others. In this parish, I felt the revival of my commitment to serve God  especially in my fellow youth. It is God who uses certain circumstances in my life in order for me to see, to understand and to fulfill my calling.


The ministry of Jesus began with success--- many followed him and believed in him, many came to him to listen to his word and to be healed from their illnesses. He began his preaching by proclaiming the coming of the reign of God in this world and the forgiveness of sins. It is because he doesn't just do the will of his Father, he hungers for it as a food that nourishes him (John 4:34). If we do the will of God, everything will be successful. We will fail if we do not fulfill what he wills from us. In my job, I got markdowns and low score from a Quality Assurance Specialist if I am not doing what is asked of me. In the same way, if we are not faithful to God's call and we continue to rely on our personal desires, we will not experience true success in life. 


As you sleep and as you wake up, I invite you to pray that God in his infinite wisdom may lead you to the knowledge and understanding of his will for your life. Pray for the courage to do his will although it far surpasses our way of thinking. Pray also to Mary our Mother that we may obtain the light of Christ that you may be faithful in doing God's will at all cost and at all times like her. 

Live according to God's gift to you and to where God has called you. (1 Cor 7:17) Because in him alone is our hope, our strength, are we justified and saved!