We are the Aroma of Christ

This birdbath is of the St. Pio Chapel in Libis. It's interesting to know that birds do "take-a-bath." They take the time to cleanse and refresh themselves. Since the birdbath is located within the chapel compound, I can't help but make a connection about it to our own spiritual lives. We too get a "spiritual bathing" to cleanse and refresh ourselves when we visit Church. Yes, we are able to pray anywhere and at anytime -- but within the hallowed walls of the Church, we are powerfully pointed to the God.  More so, in Church we receive God's grace through the Sacraments.

When a person literally does not take a bath for a considerably long time, he starts to reek and feels itchiness all over the body.  More so, others are repelled from him and come to highly question the person's hygiene habits. In the same way, if we don't approach Jesus through the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation for a really long time, there's a good tendency that the sinfulness in us – the stench of the evil one – will reek; through our words, actions, and especially our thoughts -- from subtle to obvious to devastating.  We need the grace of forgiveness, for our conversion, to be brought back to wearing the heavenly scent of Christ. Forgiveness cannot be earned, we need to humbly ask of it as a purifying gift; to cleanse us, heal us, and refresh us. 

"This endeavor of conversion is not just a human work. It is the movement of a "contrite heart," drawn and moved by grace to respond to the merciful love of God who loved us first (CCC 1428)."

By the act of confessing our sins and through the absolution of the priest, we are granted that undeserved grace. Like the birdbath, it's open and it's free.  One of the reasons why many of us find it hard to confess our sins is that our hearts have become calloused with pride; we justify every wrongdoing; we have the fear of the humiliation of admitting our faults and failures. In a very deceiving way of the devil, we have found comfort and "getting-used-to" in the state of "itchiness and filth." Just like the complaint of the Israelites when they were grumbling of hunger in the desert: "Would that we had died at the LORD'S hand in the land of Egypt, as we sat by our fleshpots and ate our fill of bread! But you had to lead us into this desert to make the whole community die of famine!" (Exodus 16:3).  Despite of them knowing the Lord's promise of a land of freedom for their own people, even "flowing with milk and honey," they looked back and would have rather suffered slavery; eating "comfortably" a slave's food ration instead of the abundant life ahead.

The devil's goal is to make us "insane with sin." In the Philippines, we have the "taong grasa" or street vagrants who are oily and dirty; mentally affected by the harshness of the experiences of their own lives or may be inborn -- may God heal and restore them. Our hearts can become "pusong grasa," emotionally feeding off from the filth of sin and mentally affected by the whispers of pride and insatiable ambition by the evil one. Yet, Romans 5:20 powerfully reveals the truth that "where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more."  There is hope for a "spiritual bathing" and a restoration of our dignity in Christ! No matter how filthy our souls have become, there is a time for cleansing! Go ahead, take a spiritual bath, and smell like Christ!

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ and manifests through us the odor of the knowledge of him in every place. For we are the aroma of Christ for God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to the latter an odor of death that leads to death, to the former an odor of life that leads to life..." (2 Corinthians 2: 14-16)

On Talking to Others About Jesus Christ

My 7-year old son Sev, from time to time, talks to Siri (an iPhone feature). One day he asked, "Siri, 'you know Jesus Christ?"  Siri replied, "I eschew theological disquisition." I was surprised by the answer.  I was expecting Siri to at least point to Google for results. But the question really was directed to Siri -- which is a computer software and without a soul.

If we were asked the same thing, what would be our answer?  How would we answer? Are we simply going to say "yes?" How are we going to present Jesus? Are we going to be like Siri; eschewing the question?

St. Paul, in order to preach about Jesus Christ to the Gentiles had to take off from Philosophy and their culture:

“Athenians,” he said, “I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, 'To an unknown god'. What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:22-23). From this starting-point, Saint Paul speaks of God as Creator, as the One who transcends all things and gives life to all. (John Paul II, Fides et Ratio 24)

  Unlike the Jews who had the background of all the books of what we now call the Old Testament, the Greek speaking world did not. He had to speak in terms that were relevant and easily understood:

"After preaching in a number of places, St. Paul arrived in Athens, where he went to the Areopagus and proclaimed the Gospel in language appropriate to and understandable in those surroundings (cf. Acts 17:22-31). At that time the Areopagus represented the cultural center of the learned people of Athens, and today it can be taken as a symbol of the new sectors in which the Gospel must be proclaimed." (Redemptoris Missio 37)

To find the appropriate and effective answer to the question, "Do you know Jesus Christ?", it may be best to first attempt in asking possible relevant questions:

1. As a jump-off point to present Jesus, what are the current philosophical or popular thinking today that are not contrary to the Gospel? (e.g. trending movies, news, books, etc.)

2. In what "language" can we be understood? How do we talk to the youth, the academe, the government, the masses, and the other sectors?

3. How are we bearing witness to the reality of Jesus in our lives?

The answers vary from person to person; from situation to situation; and from generation to generation -- but one thing is clear: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8)." 

Great Love Unleashes True Potential

"It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants." (Mt.13:32) Every small work done with great love unleashes true potential!

Hidden in every task, even in the mundane, is an opportunity for love to be uncovered; for God who is Love, is in all things. Our negative attitude towards work may come from a belittling view of the world around us and an enlargement of the ego within. We belittle things or people who/that don't challenge us; tasks that demean our position; and efforts that move us out from our comforts. 

On the flip side, many of us also belittle ourselves, and rely much on how others criticize us. We may become too overwhelmed by the task at hand to the point of fear and paralysis. We find ourselves constantly faced by a "Goliath"; not realizing the "David" within.

Jesus, sees something big in us, even if others belittle us; he beholds something great in others even if we belittle them. There is no servant's task too small for Him not to merit His love. He washes our feet. He takes notice of a mustard seed and tells us that the biggest thing unimaginable, the Kingdom of Heaven, is such. Are we not more than a mustard seed? 

Can Pain Be Avoided in Life?

"A tree filled with thorns" Taken on March 28, 2011 during the CFC "Pearlgrimage" to the Holy Land

The thorns that were crowned on Jesus were highly likely to come from this type of tree. Abundant in Jerusalem, one can easily fashion a ring of spikes.  How great was Jesus' suffering! Each were as big as nails!

A particular saint who shared in Christ's passion of the crowning of thorns was Saint Rita of Cascia. When Saint Rita's family died, she became an Augustinian nun and devoted her life to Jesus. She was miraculously given a thorn on the forehead, just as St. Francis had a stigmata on his hands. 

"In contemplation before an image of Jesus that was very dear to her, the Jesus of Holy Saturday or, as it is also known, the Resurgent Christ, she was moved by a deeper awareness of the physical and spiritual burden of pain which Christ so freely and willingly embraced for love of her and of all humanity.  With the tender, compassionate heart of a person fully motivated by grateful love, she spoke her willingness to relieve Christ’s suffering by sharing even the smallest part of his pain.  Her offer was accepted, her prayer was answered, and Rita was united with Jesus in a profound experience of spiritual intimacy, a thorn from his crown penetrating her forehead.  The wound it caused remained open and visible until the day of her death." saintritashrine.org


St. John Paul II in his address to the pilgrims of Saint Rita reflected on this extraordinary physical mark of suffering: "The mark which shines on her forehead is the verification of her Christian maturity. On the Cross with Jesus, she is crowned in a certain way with the love that she knew and heroically expressed within her home and by her participation in the events of her town." (St. John Paul II)

Our minds and even our hearts would naturally reject the idea of pain and suffering when following Jesus, but Saint Rita expressed her willingness to share in the pain of Christ.

I once asked brethren in community: "Can pain be avoided in this life?" Further I detailed, "Can pain be avoided in a Christian Community life?" Outright their answer was "no."

We are actually aware that even in the most special and Christ-centered relationships, there can be pain.  Misunderstandings, difficult decisions, corrections, unintentional hurtful words and difference in views will always happen and may cause pain.  Similar to the story of Job, there is much pain in the loss of life of a loved one; an illness; an accident; and loss of property and resources.  There are situations also as a result of our sinfulness, would cause pain to others: gossip, slander, irresponsibility, prejudgement, and others.

If we go through pain, especially if unjustly caused, we too get a thorn on our crowns (head).  If we cause the pain because of our sins, we inflict the thorns on others affected, and on Christ – and on other victim souls like Saint Rita! Repentance, faith, healing, and forgiveness should too be a part of a Christian's response to pain.

For a Christian, the path of suffering as a way to heaven is not "sugar-coated." The symbol of our salvation is the Christ crucified. As we experience some prosperity and the purest of joys, we too share in Jesus' Paschal mystery -- his life, passion, death, and resurrection!  Yes, pain is unavoidable, but when offered in unity with Christ can work for the salvation of souls and purify us more to be like Jesus:"By his passion and death on the cross Christ has given a new meaning to suffering: it can henceforth configure us to him and unite us with his redemptive Passion." (CCC 1505) After every pain, when shared in Jesus, is the promise of resurrection!

The Gift of Self

Although we espouse the ideal of loving other people as an act of sacrifice and selflessness, many actually come to abuse themselves -- in an extreme form of a lack of self-regard for the sake of others. They don't take care of themselves: abusive of health; unreasonable loss of property or resources; and even willing to "go to hell" as long as their loved ones go to heaven. 

To find the right motivation in loving one's self is to contemplate on how God loves us, as reference. A response to this love is to honor it by being grateful and responsible stewards of our bodies, minds, and souls. From a certain viewpoint, a self-sacrificing love for others---not the twisted notion--- is also a form of loving self; for in agape we experience profound joy. 

We tend to think man is hopelessly pleasure-centered. The truth is, when we uncover our dignity as God's children, we really are service-centered; honoring as well the gift of one's self, the gift of life from the creative love of God.

The Restorative Power of Creation

This photo was taken in one of the public beaches in Mauritius just last April. I took some time off from the day-to-day activities of the mission trip and recollected in prayer and reflection.

Many of those who read this blog are city dwellers and know that it's a treat---a wonderful getaway---to be one with nature; to be united with God in creation. Just by breathing in fresh air is enough to refresh our weary soul.  The breeze against our cheeks even tell us that God wants to be felt and desires to be personal in our prayer.

At least once a week, I so believe, we have to commune with God through nature. That's probably why parks are built -- to give us a breather from the toxicities of work and city pollution.

Perhaps we can deepen our reflection by this quote: "...the aesthetic value of creation cannot be overlooked. Our very contact with nature has a deep restorative power; contemplation of its magnificence imparts peace and serenity." (St. John Paul II, World Day of Peace, January 1, 1990)

We can derive 3 ponder points.

1. Creation is made beautiful for the delight of our souls

I don't think anyone will disagree that God's creation is amazing and beautiful. It is for us to behold and especially to preserve. Our souls well up with inspiration at the sight of a dramatic sunset or an encounter with a centuries-old tree.

2. God restores our strength through the breath of the Holy Spirit

The person of the Holy Spirit is often referred as "breath." By praying intimately to God, especially when surrounded with nature, we feel a restorative power -- as if new life was breathed into us. We are embraced by God's creation like a mother embracing and comforting her child -- even appeasing us of our wounds by blowing gentle heaps of air that soothes and heals.

3. There is peace and serenity in the magnificence of God in creation

Our hearts and minds, when enveloped in nature, are enlightened into discovering---or rediscovering---our purpose. A spiritual perspective is gained by the calmness and stillness of the setting.   When we realize the perfection of the Creator, we are reminded that we are in the loving hands of God -- the best security we can ever have; bringing us peace and serenity by being led to decide on what is right in His eyes.

We often remember St. Francis of Assisi when reflecting about God in nature. So I end with something written about him: "The whole of nature was a sacrament, where Francis would find himself in an ecstasy of prayer with eyes raised to heaven while holding a waterfowl in his hands. The world and all of its beauty was considered a gift from God." (thefranciscanfriars.org)

Created with Divine Reason

If one does not learn more about his faith, his faith will not stand strong. Reason---our desire for truth---is needed to enrich our spiritual life; as much as our reasoning (secular, that is) is enlivened---given purpose---by the spirituality of our faith. In perspective, Benedict XVI mentions: “If man were merely a random product of evolution in some place on the margins of the universe, then his life would make no sense or might even be a chance of nature. But no, Reason is there at the beginning: creative, divine Reason.” God made us with his creative love: for a purpose, for a reason; to be in Love, to be in God. Our Creator perfectly desires for us to believe in Him and gradually deepen our divine love relationship with Him through Christ in the Holy Spirit. John 15:9 says, "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love." We have to stay in love, "stay in God." One who has not God's inexhaustible love, will be exhausted with life. Love will propel us to understand our reason for being. Our continuos understanding of our faith will make us excellent people; for now we can work, serve, and relate beyond the motivation of incentives but from a realization of our God-given role in this world. 

There is Good in Every Thing and Every One

All that God created was good. (Cf. Genesis 1) It's so good, that all creation in this world---of which are temporary and changing---are meant to direct us to the permanent and unchanging heavenly reality. There is a spirituality behind the materiality in all creation. (Cf. Augustine) That's why we "find God in all things." (Ignatius) When one sees a tree, using a spiritual lens, it is a glimpse of the beauty, complexity, and wondrousness of the Creator -- to preserve and to behold. Man's wounded nature---inclined to sin---would perverse this and would look at a tree, cut as many of these for personal gain, regardless of the consequences like flash flood or global warming. When a man sees a woman, in the truest sense of God's intended creation, it should point to its true heavenly purpose: a helpmate, a nurturer, an inspiration for life -- to be loved, honored, and respected. Man's concupiscence would dictate to view a woman as an object of sexual utility; even worse is for a woman to regard herself as such. The case would be applicable vice-versa. To see Christ in others implies our being "sons in the Son" (John Paul II); adopted children of God the Father by virtue of our salvation in Christ -- redeemed from the sin of Adam. Now when we look at a person, there is good in Him -- there is God in him; the promised Holy Spirit within man. Through the Holy Spirit in baptism we are capacitated---empowered---for goodness. Sin blocks the Holy Spirit in our lives. But "where sin increases, grace overflowed all the more" (Romans 5:20) -- and the Father's love and forgiveness cannot be outdone. We have to start having a transcending view of every thing and every one -- pointing all to a Godly purpose. Then only can we intrinsically enjoy the beauty of the gift of life. 

Writing in Truth of the Inspiration

In my opinion, the best writers are those who can apply the most apt words that express and describe---with full integrity---an idea, a situation, a feeling, a sentiment or an experience; creating a "a proximity to the senses." (Augustine) The intent therefore is to communicate in the truth of one's inspiration -- not about using fancy synonyms. There is no "one writing that fits all". There are different writers for different types of readers. The questions we may ask ourselves are: "Who are my target readers? What words can they relate with and what written expressions can satisfy their hunger for knowledge and meaning? Am I writing without pretense?". 

Gifts: Visible Signs of True Feelings

Why do people give gifts? Because gifts are visible signs---tangible expressions---of the reality of our true feelings and intentions. Sure, we love our loved ones, but it is also in the material and perceptible signs of love---touchable gifts---that clues about how we sincerely feel for the other is hinted, is initially understood. Not that we value more the material expressions; but that we find means to show the truth of our inner dispositions; regardless the monetary cost of the gift. God sent his only begotten Son, Jesus, a sacrificial and redeeming gift---tangible in human history---to show how much He loves us and that He is with us. That same Gift of God Himself is offered to us in the Eucharist, not merely as a sign pointing to Christ but the reality of Christ Himself received as bread and wine -- nourishing and sustaining us in the Divine Truth of God's Love.

Praying for Strength and Faithfulness

Witnessing the strong typhoon (Glenda) raging from the 8th floor was quite an intimidating experience. I saw loose metal roofs being violently blown away and torrents of rain just pouring sideways; then the loss of electricity and water that lasted for many hours.

While we were safe inside our home; I can't help but pray for those living without even a roof over their heads to shield them; families of those who lost loved ones; and homes totally devastated.

Let us pray for the Philippines -- a constant recipient of typhoons and earthquakes. May we Lord, as a people, draw strength from You and remain faithful despite the many blows and punches we take. Endow us with the power to rise up -- ever resilient, more heroic, and with higher hopes.  

"...storms that rage may blow the day, but let your hearts rest in our God. He will shield us all the way" (from the song: Strong and Faithful)

A "Burj Eyeview" of What is Big and Small

My wife and I had the chance to go up the tallest man-made structure in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai -- 828 meters and 163 floors high. It took us just exactly 1-minute to go all the way up the view deck at the 124th floor. That was really fast! Though we barely felt the speed and pressure.  The view from the top was amazing!  We could see the whole breadth of the city: the sea and the sunset, the modern infrastructure, the systematic highways, and the wide desert. Everything below was so miniature.  There was something about seeing the world from the "Burj Eyeview".  It made me feel big and small at the same time. Big, because I was the one beholding from above. Small, since I knew that if I was the one below, from the standpoint of 828 meters high, I looked smaller than an ant.

We always have to reminded of both our "bigness" and "smallness". First, God is our biggest

fan; we are big in God's eyes!  The psalmist exclaims: "What are humans that you are mindful of them, mere mortals that you care for them?" (Psalm 8:4) We're such a big deal with God, that He sent His own begotten Son, to liberate us from the dominion of sin.  Yes, God loves in a very big way!

Second, we too, have to be small before God; "He must increase; I must decrease." (John 3:30) Man, through the sin of Adam and Eve, has a tendency in wanting to be god or be bigger than God -- rationalizing that the Maker does not exist. We sometimes do not notice it, but the moment we allow pride to take over -- we want ourselves to increase, and God to decrease from our lives; a total opposite of what St. John was conveying.

We---at the same time---realize that we are big with God's love and genuinely have an inner disposition of being small before the Creator.  In acknowledging God's greatness and through our humility alone can we be granted by the Holy Spirit the gift of faith to decipher how to apply---in our own lives---Jesus' teachings: that the "first shall be last and the last shall be first" or to "love your enemies" or that "if anyone wishes to be great, he must be the servant of all." The paradoxical wisdom of Jesus is the key to life, a revelation, that requires of us to follow Him in faith with absolute freedom for our salvation. 

Of Malls and Evangelization

There's a Mega Mall in Sharjah, UAE! This is of course, not a branch of Shoe Mart (SM) from the Philippines -- which too has its own Mega Mall.  Every time Filipinos in the vicinity point at the establishment, it reminds them of home.

Speaking of malls, Dubai had recently announced to build the "Mall of the World"; aimed to be the biggest mall---you guessed it---in the world! I surmise that if any country wants to build the next big thing it will then be the 'Mall of the Universe'.

 Malls accommodate interested businesses who are willing to rent space to sell merchandise or render services to the droves of people that it attracts.  More people come if the malls have something interesting to offer -- like a free concert or a big sale, creating "buzz".

Dubai's Mall of the World. Photo from businessinsider.com

Connecting this to the work of evangelization: are we still aiming for a "mega" evangelization and relentlessly pursuing a "world" evangelization? Are we innovating---using new expressions, new methods, and new ardor---to "attract" people to our evangelization programs or activities? Are they "interesting" enough? Are we witnessing enough? Does our evangelization approach create "buzz"?

We learn to evangelize by the example of Jesus' first disciples who could not stop talking about the Resurrection: "It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20) What is this fact---that they have seen and heard--- that emboldened the first Christian community? Benedict XVI gives us a powerful perspective in his book, The God of Jesus Christ: "The Resurrection teaches us something that now possesses eternal validity: he (Jesus Christ) is man. He remains man forever ... This is the hope of man, the Christian joy, the Good News: even to this day, he is man." Further, Benedict XVI stresses: "God loves us in such a way that his Word became flesh and remains flesh. This joy ought to be the strongest impulse and the strongest force in us, leading us to communicate it to others...".  Through the Resurrection---the Good News---we can now enter Heaven and partake in the life of love exchange of the Holy Trinity!

We can formulate many "evangelization strategies", but if we miss the point of the Resurrection -- and how it is truly Good News, then the initial hype will die down.  The exciting message of the Resurrection---that He is risen---should be felt in our speech and in our deeds.  The effective "evangelization package" so to speak, then naturally flows and realized.

We continue to depend and surrender to the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit to lead us to share about the resurrection in a "new evangelizing way" that attracts droves of people to the Lord.  Then, can we genuinely have "mega" and "world" evangelization happening; through the confidence of our obedience to Christ's great commission: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit ...  And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (Matthew 28: 19-20)

Passion and Strength

Passion is when your body is trying to cope with the demands of your heart, mind, and soul. To rest and fortify the physical -- so the mental, emotional, and spiritual can carry through the mission. Philippians 4:13: "I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me."

In Christ, We Thirst No More

I was surprised to find these engraved verses inside a hospital in Al Ain, UAE: "Everyone who drinks of the water shall thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst." John 4:13-14.  It was very apt since we were in the desert, and we did get thirsty often.  Thirst is a human phenomenon that we can all relate. 

One of my favorite psalms is Psalm 42:2-3 "As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God. My being thirsts for God, the living God. When can I go and see the face of God?".

It amazes me how this Psalm connects to Jesus -- the face of God; and that Jesus, who is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, fulfills the thirst of the psalmist.  The face of God in Jesus quenches our thirst: he is the Living Water (cf. John 4:10). John Paul II, in Tertio Millenio Adveniente said: “Christ is thus the fulfilment of the yearning of all the world's religions and, as such, he is their sole and definitive completion." All our yearnings---our thirst in this world---in Christ alone can it be satisfied!

In our thirst, it is important that we drink from the well of Christ. Christ’s well makes us well. In getting water from a well, we need to: lower down the bucket; draw water; and pull the bucket back. Applying this to our Christian life, we are to:

1. Lower down your pride. Pride is a major hindrance to fulfillment -- it never satisfies. Pride seeks recognition and self-righteousness. In lowering our pride, we give way for the Spirit to work in us. Humility is always the way to Jesus.

2. Draw from the Living Water of Christ. Through sincere prayer and utmost faith, we are refreshed by the Holy Spirit -- like water flowing to cleanse and fill us.  No longer should we draw from the pleasures that our weakened nature, by original sin, incline us to -- all by God's grace.

3. Pull Yourself Back from Temptations.  The lures of the world will always be there; but if we have genuinely drank from the living water of Christ, all these temptations fade in comparison with the true joy in living as a Christian.

Now that Jesus has revealed the Father through himself; our deepest and truest longings have a face. It never ceases to leave me in awe how God became man, so we may realize that God wants to make himself known -- to be in solidarity with us and to show us the wayback to Him, whom our soul ultimately longs and thirsts.

Grow Well Where Others Will Not

When in the Middle East, eating dates comes into mind. Two interesting facts about dates:

(1) "The date palm is a very salt tolerant tree and will grow well in alkaline soils where other plants will not. They are sometimes irrigated with ocean water ... (2) Date palms are like giant solar collectors. They require at least 100 sunny days of 100 degrees for best fruit production. Over the 7 month growing season, which includes Summer, they store the intense energy of the desert in their fruit." (datepeople.net)

We can learn some lessons from dates. We can learn to "grow well where others will not" and we can "store intense energy".

Many of us are exposed to an environment where our Christianity is persecuted and mocked: places where corruption is a norm -- using words like "S.O.P (It's Standard Operating Procedure)" as a "gentle and justified way" to practice corruption; where cheating (especially amongst classmates) is considered being a true friend; where pre-marital sex is "okay" and those practicing chastity are ridiculed; where keeping your job means doing the illegal; and many more instances where many just succumb to the temptations of "practicality." In these situations, we are reminded by Mark 8:36: "What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?". Let us decided to uphold our Christianity even when difficult; to bear fruit where we are planted by God by spreading His Gospel. Grow well where others will not.  How do we thrive in a "non-Christian" environment? We must absorb and store the intense energy of the Holy Spirit.  Through prayer and God's grace in the power of the of the Holy Spirit -- we can "collect energy" to be able to ward off temptations and have the strength to be true witnesses in word and in deed.

1. Describe your work/school environment. What are situations where you are "forced' to compromise your Christianity?

2. How can you improve your time of prayer to have the spiritual energy to battle these situations?

Taking the Heat!

We decided to have a picture taken at the Al Ain Desert in the UAE. The sight was breathtaking -- a sea of sand: ever changing, ever beautiful. Yet, I don't think I could even stand for 40 minutes in the blazing heat of the desert! I suddenly remembered the 40 years in the desert of the Israelites.  It is in this context that the Chosen people of God were molded -- without air-conditioning! What kept them going was the promise of a new land of their own; although in the journey they have been complaining (which I could now relate), and even unfaithful to God by fashioning a golden calf while Moses was us up in the mountain conversing with God. Despite their unfaithfulness, God remained faithful; and indeed through Joshua they entered the Land of Promise.

In life, we sometimes take the heat.  Some would say (in Filipino), "Napag-initan ako" or translated to : "Someone doesn't like me and is purposely putting me down -- I'm taking the heat from this person."  St. Paul would encourage us through his experience, "We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed..." (2 Cor. 4: 8-9).

Let the example of  endurance that the Israelites and St. Paul showed while "taking the heat" inspire us to move forward; for there is a promise of a new land -- "flowing with milk and honey".  Let His will be done, for what God wants is to mold us into like Christ; and the heat we are taking may be the very Cross that would lead us to the Father.

It is God Himself Who Makes Us Understand

It is not that we understand God's Word; rather it is that God has allowed---by the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit---His Word to be intelligible and even applicable to our lives today. The Bible is not to be read only at the intellectual level, but with our whole being (body, mind, and soul) that is open and fully surrendered; then can we truly hear, see, and act upon His will. Christ---the Divine Word, the fulfillment of the Old Testament---reveals to us the Father and we are led to understand Him through the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit. Sin separates us from the Holy Spirit, and blocks our capacity for knowledge. Holiness is therefore the gateway to authentically understand God's Word.

A Spirit of Joy and Humor

What I love about being with my wife---especially on mission---is that we laugh a lot! Sure, we have problems and challenges; bills to pay, work to finish, daily errands ... an unending list; but the joy of telling each other stories and getting amused by on our own quirks are what keeps the marriage interesting, merry -- fun! 

Benedict XVI wrote in one of his books: “One of the basic rules for the discernment of spirits could be formulated as follows: Where joylessness rules and humor dies, we may be certain that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, is not present” 

May our marriages be filled with belly-laughter; moments of unforgettable fun; and true happiness in each other's hearts; for surely there the Holy Spirit is truly present! Make peace right away and let the joy of the Lord fill your home.

Staying "On-line" With God

  

I chanced upon this interesting "challenge" from McDonalds. The stickers on the tables say: "Challenge your friends to see who can keep off their phones the longest." Clearly technology has become an extension of ourselves in this day and age. We can say that we are very "attached" to our gadgets that we have grown a certain dependence on them. We always have to be "connected," "on-line," " get "notifications," "liked," "shared," "go viral,"and many of these new tech words that contribute to the new vocabulary of this generation.

Turning to our spirituality: How long have we been "off-line" from God? When are we getting back on-line with Him? Have we grown a dependence on God? How attached are we to God? May technology not become a form of idolatry replaces God! 

Let us use some these new social media tech-words for our reflection today. What are we to do grow and make permanent our attachment and dependence on God?

1. Stay Connected with God: Pray! He was the first ever to have a "wireless on-line connection" to mankind -- and its free and unlimited!

2. Don't just "like" God -- love Him!

3. Set your "notifications" to remind yourself to avail of the Sacraments and attend your prayer group.

4. "Share" God's love and let it "go viral."

Let us deepen our reflection from hearing what Pope Francis has to share: "It is not enough to be passersby on the digital highways, simply “connected”; connections need to grow into true encounters."  As we stay on-line, may we enrich our relationship with God and neighbor -- by being a "good Samaritan" and not just "passersby" to those who are in need of spiritual and emotional support.  May we use the increasing connectivity of this era of social communication to even proclaim the Good News of our salvation in Christ.

  

Natural or Artificial?

I was trying out organic coffee. Why are people attracted to the word "organic"? What is Organic Coffee anyway? It is: "coffee produced without the aid of artificial chemical substances, such as certain additives or some pesticides and herbicides." (Wikipedia) It would seem that we aren't comfortable with the words "artificial", "chemical", "additives", "pesticides and herbicides". We like it natural.

When considering our own Christian lifestyle, what can we consider "natural" and "artificial"? Some would say, "Just be who you are". But who are we really? "Naturally" we are God's sons and daughters through Christ.  Therefore, when we act otherwise or in the opposite, we become "artificial".  Many think that "being ourselves" is to indulge to sinful pleasures for it is what we feel naturally. But this is not so. By virtue of original sin, we are inclined to sin, we have our own concupiscence -- our wounded nature.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 418 describes this: "As a result of original sin, human nature is weakened in its powers, subject to ignorance, suffering and the domination of death, and inclined to sin."  We can say every time we sin, we are becoming more and more artificial; with "sinful additives"; farther from our natural self -- as ones created in the image and likeness of God. But in Christ, we are redeemed; we are restored and justified in Christ.

Whoever accepts Christ through Baptism have become adopted children of God through the begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Therefore in "Baptism, by imparting the life of Christ's grace, erases original sin and turns a man back towards God, but the consequences for nature, weakened and inclined to evil, persist in man and summon him to spiritual battle." (CCC 405)

Let us not allow the artificiality of sin to deceive us. We are called to be who we naturally are: God's children! May we call upon the Holy Spirit to convict us that we can truly follow Jesus. 
  

Too Many Books, Too Little Time

Truth is, we can't learn all the knowledge that the world has to offer. Just step into a library or a bookstore and one can sigh, "Too many books, too little time." Since this is the case, it is important to understand that we ought to learn things that is in line with our personal calling and mission. Yet, few even bother to realize the importance of their own vocation that will help realize one's mission. Our vocation comes in three-fold: our calling as Baptized Christians; then our vocation whether single-blessed, holy orders, religious, and marriage; then what we are called to do in that state of life whether engineer, doctor, lawyer, employee, businessman, teacher, administrator, volunteer worker, etc. So, how do we proceed to choose what we ought to learn with the few years we have on earth?

1. Choose books that will help you become excellent in your field. This is quite obvious, but often we settle for "cheap knowledge". Invest in the books that matter, even if expensive at times. At the end of the day, you don't want to accumulate books that you "trust less."

2. Take delight in your daily reading time. I spend 30-45 minutes to read in the morning before work and about 30-45 minutes before I sleep -- and I enjoy it! Reading is not punishment, it is pleasurable and enlightening. Oh okay, many won't agree with me, especially those who say, "Reading isn't just for me." You may try to read the books you really like, then advance to the "hard core" books.  Often, it takes a certain foundation building to appreciate the more difficult ones.

3. Remember that your knowledge ought to help spread the Gospel. As you strive for excellence in respective fields, you become a good model and a credible witness. Always permeate the Gospel in your decisions, in your dealings, in your relationships, and especially in your attitude. The Gospel is compatible with any field, even in Science and Technology; since all knowledge and wisdom come from God, there is no conflict -- but there should be continuous dialogue towards the truth. As history would tell as, at first there was a seeming conflict between faith and reason or faith and science; but since these all come from God they all find their way back to God.

Just remember that: "For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength." (1 Cor. 1: 25). Choose your books wisely and gain the specific knowledge aligned to your vocation; for we have a limited time on earth to do the mission God has set for us: to reveal to others the Good News of Salvation in Christ Jesus.

Avoid The Rush

For the first time, I tried making a video with my phone today; capturing myself rushing to an 8:00am appointment, while being hopelessly stuck in traffic (click video). Well, I was almost late, praise God I made it in the nick of time.

Most of us live a busy lifestyle. There's almost no time for anything; we keep on rushing. We rush to meet a deadline; we rush to work; we ask a supplier to do a rush order; we rush to the airport; and etc. Before we know it, we are stressed, and our health and family are affected.  Why do we rush?  Here are some culprits:

1. We like to be "Kings and Queens of Procrastination". A lot of us do things on the eleventh hour! We're adrenalin junkies doing the "Last 2 minutes", buzzer beater effort.  We often choose to enjoy first -- knowing that we'll suffer with the pressure. "I want to enjoy 30 more minutes of sleep" very well knowing that traffic will be terrible or "I want to go out with friends first" aware that the deadline's just around the corner.

2. We have this notion that we are more "Creative under Pressure." Well it took 6 days for God to create everything, and on the 7th day He rested -- and enjoyed the beauty of creation. God took His time. Beauty takes some time: the beauty of a well-detailed report; the beauty of a scholarly and well-researched thesis; the beauty of a well integrated graphic design; and many more works of art, beautiful art with ample time to create.

3. We think we have "The Ability to transform into Nocturnal Creatures". On the night before the deadline, we mutate into owls; as if sleeping is for the day (this is not in the context of those in the BPO business). We think, "I can do it all in just one sleepless night." Of course, when dawn comes and the hour of submission nears, we wished there was more time.

Let us take time and avoid the rush. Take time to pray -- and ask for strength and discipline to do the needed work, even if you don't feel like it yet. Prayer also helps you to meditate on what important stuffs to do first. Just do it! Start with the small and easy tasks. Before you know it you're on a roll and your momentum is unstoppable. Develop the "Now" habit. If you can do it now, why wait for later. Many of our problems can be solved in the next 5 minutes with a simple text, call or email.

"Complete it now, so that your eager willingness may be matched by your completion
of it out of what you have". (2 Cor. 8:11)

Christ is NOT Less Present Today

Christ is NOT less present today as He walked on earth 2,000 years ago. He is not less present in the Sacraments; He is fully alive! Through the Holy Spirit working in us, He inspires us to respond in faith. Even at the time of the Apostles, many heard Him, saw Him, ate with Him, and was healed by Him; yet did not believe -- even more, they shouted: crucify Him! Today, we hear Christ in the Liturgy of the Word; we see Christ through the priest and the community; we dine with Him through the Eucharist and becomes food for us; we are healed by prayers -- yet we fail to recognize that he is even ever more present and real today by sending the Holy Spirit! What is then required to recognize this truth? Faith.

A Constant Dialogue

If we choose, and so desire, using our freedom -- our lives can be a constant dialogue with the Father, through Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit. St. Therese of Lisieux said, "I will spend my heaven doing good on earth". What could have led her to these words, if not for the realization of a communion with the Trinity, through a grace-filled life which allows man to "partake in the life of God" (cf. CCC 1997)?

A Marriage Lived in the Holy Spirit

The agape love of a husband and wife saturates the home -- it blesses the children and those who enter it. A Marriage lived in the Holy Spirit emits an aroma of Christ; reveals a vision of hope; reaches out to heal; and satisfies body and soul. "How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord...". (Psalm 84:2)

So I Send You

No matter how far we travel for mission or how difficult our tasks, no one can surpass how far Jesus---the Eternal Logos, the Word---"traveled" to accomplish his mission, out of pure love, to save us. He who condescended from heaven; incarnated into human history; chose to be poor; obedient even in suffering and death; rose to raise us up with Him -- is unsurpassed, and is unsurpassable, as a missionary. "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21), implies that we too, are all called to mission -- to go the distance, according to the talents and abilities God has uniquely endowed us; to endure in faith despite the odds: all for the glory of God Who wills to save His children in love and freedom!