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.

Serving God in 2011

2010 was rough and tough, but abundant in grace.  A year of great challenges, fulfilled dreams, and wonderful friendships. I thank the KFC family, who showed me how it is to Dream Big and to make big dreams real.  Yes, we are out to change the world for Christ, and with Him nothing is impossible.  The Island Kids Villages and the 13th IKV in Singapore will forever be testimonies of the great faith we share in the Lord and how our brotherhood can conquer impossible feats.  To the KFC fulltimers, thank you for sharing your love with my wife and kids. Sev never fails to include your names in his prayers. We will, forever be, FAMILY! Thank you for 3 Spirit-filled years in the service with the Lord.

My 2010 journey has taught me a lot. Allow me to share a summary of lessons I learned from the year that was:
Value your faith, family, and friends.  Many things may change in our lives, but these 3 F's, we have to treasure and guard well.  For if we lose them, we may have lost our whole life.
Do not be afraid to dream. Our goals do not hold meaning if they are not faith goals.  Our goals, offered to God, is one of the best ways to honor Him.  At the end of the day, we only hope that our dreams will coincide with God's dreams for us.  But He always, always has a better plan for our lives.
Peace will be given to those who seek it. The path to peace, specially in discernment, is a rough road.  Prayer, patience, persistence, and sacrifice will help us along the way.

2011 for me will be about "serving God with humility, passion, and excellence." Taking on a new service in the International Missions, meeting new people, and learning new ways will once again bring me to a point of "nothingness." Once more I will be a student, learning from my predecessors, making some mistakes, and challenging myself to do better at each time.  Once again, I am brought on my knees in prayer, submitting to God in full dependence. For I yet not know what lies ahead and it is up to Him to bless me with His wisdom.

Have a blessed new year everyone.  May God reign in all our plans and actions.


So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come (2 Cor. 5:17)

Build With Excellence

Today I was in St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, Austria. I can't help but be awed by it's size and beauty. The details of the artwork on every corner is very impressive. The church was consecrated in 1147 and it is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Vienna.

The people in the 12th Century really put much value in the construction of the churches. You could feel the level of excellence they put in the building of the cathedral. I observed that there are so many sculptures all over the church; in the ceiling, the walls, the pulpits, the posts, the doors and many more. After 900 years, this structure has survived wars and fires, and is continually nourishing its parishioners with the Eucharist and the other sacraments.

Reflecting on this, how excellent are we when it comes to our work and service? How much value are we putting into them? Are we building our work and service to last? What I learned from witnessing this marvelous church is that, if we put much value and excellence in what we do, our work will survive even beyond our own lifetime. Our desire is that whatever we started will continue for years to come. In the case of the St. Stephen Cathedreal, this excellent structure has lasted for 900 years already.

In World War II, It was even saved from intentional destruction when a Captain Gerhard Klinkicht of the German forces disregarded orders from the city commandant, Sepp Dietrich, to "fire a hundred shells and leave it in just debris and ashes (wikipedia)." I think that the Captain couldn't take it upon himself to destroy such magnificent structure and place of worship. People will help preserve and protect work that is done with much excellence. Presently, the cathedral is undergoing some preservation work and cleaning up, so it can last for centuries to come.

There were so many tourists that went to see the Cathedral. They took pictures and many of them went to Mass as well. As for me, I didn't understand a word since it was in German. But despite that, I couldn't deny the holy presence of God within the walls of this hallowed Cathedral during mass. It was as if I was transported through time, imagining that 900 years ago, people went to Holy Mass, and shared in the Body of Christ just as I did today. A work that is built excellently will benefit not only the maker but hundreds and thousands other people who are touched of its beauty and purpose.

May we devote ourselves to work and service wherein we can build great value and excellence. If you are in a business, may you work with excellence so it may last for many years. If you are in the service of the Lord, may you shepherd people and communities excellently towards God for generations to come. "The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock (Matthew 7:28)."

Honoring God through Excellence

We give honor to God by striving to be excellent through the talents, opportunities, work, and service He gives us. If we have to be God's servants, we need to desire to be God's excellent servants, giving 100% for Him. Excellence requires focus, conviction and commitment.

Focus by learning to prioritize. Even giving up other responsibilities to be able to devote more time and attention to the main goal. Without the right focus, there is a great possibility of being mediocre to all your supposed engagements. We might disappoint some people by turning down some offers of service, work, or business, but the return to your main priority will be great. By focusing, we can give full strength to the very thing we hope to achieve. When we focus, we learn to sort the clutter in our lives and realize the most important things we should do first. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. (Philippians 3:13)

We have to be convicted in what we do. Being convicted is preceded by a journey towards clarity of purpose and arriving at the point of having inner peace. When we are convinced that what we do is part of a greater purpose that God wants for our lives, then we are able to brave all kinds of trials and challenges. When convicted, we are held "prisoners" to our beliefs. We are captured to the idea of our mission. I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received (Ephisians 4:1).

Commitment will sustain us through the rough times. At the point of giving up and even losing heart, commitment will allow us to persevere and move forward. When the excitement is lost, the commitment should stay. A commitment is a bond, a promise. To be a committed person is to be a person of character and integrity. Promises made, promises kept. Excellence resides in people who can truly stick through the difficult times and stay true to their word. You will honor God through this genuine act of service because of your commitment to spread the Good News of Christ and because of your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else (2 Corinthians 9:13).

It is not easy to gain focus, conviction, and commitment. We have to come to a point of humility and surrender, so the Holy Spirit may give us the strength and guidance to achieve these three. Let us continue to honor Him by desiring to be excellent servants of God and letting His love shine in what we do.