Convergence

Posted on August 2, 2014 by Spirit Moments

It takes a village to raise a child. I grew up in what was then the small town of Angeles. And now that I am advanced in years, I keep bumping into people from those days. Somehow, they are still a part of me and I have vivid memories of me growing up with them. Even more amazing is how the threads of our lives seem to be coming back together and being braided anew in a new twine of yet another story.

People have come and gone in my life. Some have gone and some remained. I have shared moments with all of them. Some moments were of utter joy and some of poignant sadness. Some have taught me and some I have taught. But the memories of our encounter are forever part of me, somehow etched into my DNA. And across time and space, I have been weaving threads and tapestries with all the people I have met. The yarns and fibers have not been a jumbled ball of strings. Somehow, even in the muddled hodgepodge of daily living, the threads may sometimes get all tangled up and yet in the end they get interwoven and intertwined into a trusty rope or a beautiful tapestry.

All life eventually converges into something meaningful and beautiful, even if it does not seem so as it daily unfolds. The great Teilhard de Chardin saw the grand unfolding and evolution of the universe as the ultimate convergence of all creation into Christogenesis. First, the universe came to be – cosmogenesis. Then, life appeared – biogenesis. Then, man came to be – anthropogenesis. Then, intelligence emerged – noogenesis. And on to Christogenesis – the convergence of all creation in Christ.

I will praise the name of God in song, and I will glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69

Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus
and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist.
He has been raised from the dead;
that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”
Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison
on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip,
for John had said to him,
“It is not lawful for you to have her.”
Matthew 14:1-4

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More Wonder In Ordinary Life Than In Miracles

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Spirit Moments

The sun comes up every new day without fail.
A great blessing that I am given another 24 hours to live.
Another full day to enjoy the blessings of life.
And often, I take the day for granted as though it were an entitlement.

As my life unfolds before me, I get so used to certain things:
the air that I breathe, the light that brings me energy,
the love of people around me, the community in which I live.
I often forget that it takes a whole community for me to live.

I may be gone tomorrow and a few people will miss me.
These are the people who have been part of my life, and I theirs.
I also often take them for granted.
There are times I even barely notice them

The greatest love is found not in epic stories
but in the ordinariness of everyday life.
People imagine all of the universe starting with the Big Bang.
The real miracle of creation is the everyday unfolding of life.

It took billions of years before man came into being.
Nature is never in a hurry but eventually everything gets done.
I do not know how many more years I have to live.
I live my life day by day and just marvel and watch
as the miracle of life gradually unfolds and unravels.

Lord, in your great love, answer me. Psalm 69

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue.
They were astonished and said,
“Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?
Is he not the carpenter’s son?
Is not his mother named Mary
and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?
Are not his sisters all with us?
Where did this man get all this?”
And they took offense at him.
But Jesus said to them,
“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place
and in his own house.”
And he did not work many mighty deeds there
because of their lack of faith.
Matthew 13:54-58

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An Alternative Life Choice

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Spirit Moments

The life of Sister Mary Cordis, aka Margarita, as a contemplative nun is a witnessing to the possibility of alternative lifestyles other than the all too obvious choices presented as desirable by the world. Her choice of a life of poverty, chastity and obedience has been made out of deep love and in trusting faith.

The world glorifies wealth and power. Greed and self-seeking ambition are acceptable norms of behavior in the quest for riches. Poverty is a curse to be avoided. At best, it is a social malady that begs for a solution. Can I live without any care for riches or material possessions? What kind of life would be in store for me if I had nothing to my name? Is it possible to have a happy and meaningful life even if I do not know where my next meal would be coming from? The life of poverty that Sr. Mary Cordis has chosen says it is possible.

The world glamorizes pleasure and fame. Hedonism and endless leisure are portrayed as the end and meaning in most people’s lives. Self-denial and sacrifices are seen as ridiculous practices. Is it possible in today’s environment to get away from the blandishments of an easy and pleasure-seeking lifestyle? Can I live without the eye candy and the ear candy that give so much pleasure to my senses? Can I even imagine a life without sex? The life of chastity that Sr. Mary Cordis has chosen says it is possible.

The world, in its quest for wealth and pleasure, extols competitiveness and aggressiveness. The meek and the humble end up being doormats. And those who try to be good and do good are seen as wimps and pussies. Can I really accept someone else making decisions for me and for me just to follow? Can I sacrifice what I consider good for myself just to be able to give and share to others? Can I imagine giving up my capacity to choose to another person in humility and obedience? The life of obedience that Sr. Mary Cordis has chosen says it is possible.

St. Ignatius, whose feast it is today, was willing to give up and surrender “my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess” and prayed to God instead, “Give me only your love and your grace. With this I am rich enough, and I have no more to ask.”

“Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand.” says the LORD.

“Do you understand all these things?”
They answered, “Yes.”
And he replied,
“Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven
is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom
both the new and the old.”
When Jesus finished these parables, he left that place.
Matthew 13:51–53

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The Pearl of Great Price

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Spirit Moments

“Pearl” often reminds me of ‘Margarita’, the Spanish word for it. Margarita is also the name of one of the dearest persons in my life. I remember her fresh out of college and ready to face the world. Things were coming up roses for her. Her future looked bright and the world was there for the asking. Life was so good and her heart was full of joy. In the midst of all that bright promise and untrammeled happiness, she turns her back to the world and joins the Pink Sisters.

She described her decision to me: “Life has been so good it can only be explained by God working in my life. Everything I have wished for has come true in my life. I have a few more and I am assured they will also come true if I spend my days in constant communion with the Lord.”

She found her pearl of great price. She ‘sold’ and left everything that she had so she could afford to buy her pearl of abiding joy and happiness.

God is my refuge on the day of distress.

Jesus said to his disciples:
“The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field,
which a person finds and hides again,
and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant
searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price,
he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”
Matthew 13:44-46

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Being, Having, Doing

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Spirit Moments

It was our date night yesterday and we watched the movie “Lucy”. The storyline is built around the fact that we use only about 10% of our brain’s capacity. What would happen if we were able to increase that to 20%, 30% or even 100%? Professor Norman in the movie cites the example of the dolphin which is able to use 20% of its brain’s capacity. Because of this, among other things, dolphins can echo-locate using their heightened senses. This ability is part of the dolphin’s being. Man can also echo-locate because he has the instruments like sonars to do so. This capability is part of man’s having. Using only 10% of our brains, men have been able to achieve and create civilization, mainly through the things that we have and the machines we have invented. If we use more of our brain’s capacity, we might be able to instill and incorporate into our being the things that we just have as tools and instruments today.

Today is the feast of St. Martha, the perpetual busybody. Both she and her sister Mary had a great love for the Lord. It was part of their being, alongside that of their brother Lazarus who was a very good friend to Jesus. They expressed that love in different ways of doing. Martha wanted the Lord to feel at home. So, Martha needed to have a feast ready for the Lord; she needed to have the house clean and in order; she needed to have everything in the dining room ready, in place and available. In contrast, Mary just spent time with the Lord. Never mind the food, she wanted to hear the words and stories of Jesus. Never mind if the house was not spotlessly clean, she just wanted to relish the presence of the Lord. And Jesus said Mary has chosen the better part.

How many times have I missed out on life because I was too busy with trivial things? I can sometimes spend time mooning or sulking that I miss out on time I could spend with my loved ones. I can sometimes get caught up in computer games when I could be outside enjoying more of nature. I would sometimes try to save some special chocolates for a special occasion only to find out later these have expired on me. I postpone saying words of endearments or giving tokens of appreciation, saying there would be time later for those. I put aside saying sorry and asking for forgiveness, or giving it, waiting for the opportune time. It is in the doing that I create my being so that in the end I can have the life I am dreaming of having.

For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

Jesus entered a village
where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.
She had a sister named Mary
who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,
“Lord, do you not care
that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?
Tell her to help me.”
The Lord said to her in reply,
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part
and it will not be taken from her.”
Luke 10:38-42

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The Mustard Seed

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Spirit Moments

The mustard seed – the smallest of seeds
Yet when full grown, it is the largest of plants.
The primeval particle – seemingly inconsequential
Yet with the Big Bang, it gives birth to the entire cosmos.

A humble maiden gives birth to a child in even humbler surroundings
Yet this child in the manger is the Savior of the universe.
He gathers ordinary folks like fishermen and tax-collectors
Yet this band of simple folks will work to change the world.

Christ did not go to magi or priests or kings to do his work
Yet He has accomplished more than any or all of these people have done.
He did not come as a conquering general to subdue people
Yet, more knees have bent before him than any or all generals before Him.

He taught those who would be first to be last.
He came seeking not fortune, power nor fame.
He sought our the least, the last and the lost.
He showed how death is not the end but indeed a new beginning.

I grew up an ordinary boy from a small town.
Yet he has brought me to places and positions I have never imagined.
I have no noble pedigree nor am I blue-blooded
Yet, He has my name written in the palm of His hand.

I need to signs to tell me how great things can come from something small.
I need no miracles to show me the inconsequential becoming substantial.
I only need to realize I am here – alive
And that someone great truly holds me dear.

You have forgotten God who gave you birth.

Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds.
“The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed
that a person took and sowed in a field.
It is the smallest of all the seeds,
yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants.
It becomes a large bush,
and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’”
Matthew 13:31–32

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Finding a Hidden Treasure

Posted on July 27, 2014 by Spirit Moments

P1090972We live in the Information Age, where information is the currency of business and the basis of economic value. It is amazing how information drives our lives today. Everyday, we see more and more applications of information in our lives.

It all starts with data. Everything I do generates data: my birthday, my name, my residence, what I eat, what I wear, what I do for a living. When data gets organized into systematic sets or according to meaningful categories, it becomes information. When information is used to achieve some specific purpose, it becomes knowledge. This knowledge can also be organized into systematic sets or meaningful categories that becomes science or technology or philosophy. When this knowledge is applied to our relationships – to other people, to nature and the world around us, to God – it becomes wisdom.

Information, specially when it has become knowledge, leads to the formation of new ideas and paradigms. This knowledge of new ideas and paradigms, specially when it has become wisdom, leads to the transformation of a person, or of a community, or of a country, indeed of all humanity.

A man comes upon an information of a treasure buried in a field. This leads to the formation of a new paradigm, a plan of action: the man sells all that all that he has and buys that field. His life is transformed and he is beside himself with joy.

On a deeper level, a man comes upon a bit of information that inspires him. This might be an idea he has read or a person he has heard speak. It leads to the formation of new paradigms, new possibilities in his life. He reorders his life, probably gives up his old paradigms and venture our into new uncharted territory. His life is transformed and the man finds true joy and happiness. Such is the journey I have taken in following Jesus. Such is the treasure that I have found.

The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple.

Jesus said to his disciples:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field,
which a person finds and hides again,
and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Matthew 13:44

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All Things Good and Wonderful

Posted on July 26, 2014 by Spirit Moments

In the economy of salvation, everything that exists is good and nothing is ever wasted. On the human level, anything that blows up ends up destroyed or obliterated. On the Divine and cosmic level, when the first big bang happened – that was the beginning of everything there is. In our daily experience, seeds die; they are buried in the ground and they give rise to new life. Leaves and branches fall to the ground; they rot and they fertilize and give sustenance to seeds sprouting to life. The clouds rain down water on the growing plants and the run off water vaporizes into clouds to come down again as snow or rain.

And so it is with men. Everyone who exists has the seeds of goodness in him and no one is ever really lost. People die and the stories they leave behind are lessons for the new generations to learn from and to lead and have better lives. We who live today literally stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. We enjoy life today because of all those who have come before us.

Mine is not to judge others for I do not know their full story. Until and unless I have seen and experienced the goodness, the beauty and the truth in a person’s life I cannot judge that person. And often getting to know another person is as difficult, nay as impossible, as getting to truly know God.

In the end, at harvest time, all these things will be made clear to me. Then, I will see and know the full and real story of every life that has come my way. And I will be revealed to all people who are dear to me as I really am. That for me is but a glimpse of what heaven is going to be.

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’
He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds
you might uproot the wheat along with them.
Let them grow together until harvest;
then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters,
“First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning;
but gather the wheat into my barn.”’
Matthew 13:27-30

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Fragility of Life

Posted on July 25, 2014 by Spirit Moments

Every parent has experienced it at one time or another: a mother spends her whole day cleaning up and fixing the house while the kids are in school and then sees her efforts thrown in total disarray after a few minutes of play by the children or a father spends hours and maybe a pretty sum to make a toy for a son and then sees the toy ruined after a few moments of mangling by an overly curious boy.

It took more than four billion years to prepare the earth to be a hospitable place and to receive man. And when man comes to the scene, he thrashes the planet in a matter of a few thousand years. In the cosmic scheme of things, it takes eons to make things happen and yet life seems to be a fragile thing. One extra strong storm can wipe out thousands of lives. An earthquake is all it takes to destroy what man has built. A missile fired in maniacal hatred at an airliner snuffs out the lives of more than 300 innocent people. An epidemic outbreak kills people even before they are aware they are infected.

Because life is fragile, we seek to secure our place in the sun. But what is true security? There is no security against death. We can try to live healthy lives but there is no real security against the aging process. And we can die any moment from a variety of causes. We can try to save for a rainy day but all it takes is a financial crisis to wipe out all our savings. We seek positions and careers as a safe guard against the future. But fame and fortune are fleeting like the morning dew.

The only prayers that make sense to me are prayers for courage that I may be brave to face up to whatever life deals out to me and for strength that I may be able to rise up every time life blows me down. I pray in gratitude for the blessings I am enjoying today for tomorrow they could be gone. I pray for wisdom that I might see the hand that guides me through the vicissitudes and fragility of life.

Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons
and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something.
He said to her, “What do you wish?”
She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit,
one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.”
Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking.
Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?”
They said to him, “We can.”
He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink,
but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give
but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
Matthew 20:20-23

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Lamentations

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Spirit Moments

Love is the noblest act that people are capable of: caring for others above one’s self, sharing with them all that one has, serving others and doing them good. Love brings out the best in people. All happiness emanates from acts of love. And yet, it seems to be the hardest thing for men to do. Instead, we see people harming and even killing one another; looking out just for themselves and let others be damned; amassing and hoarding limited resources even if others go hungry or naked; wishing evil upon others. Why don’t we seem to get it? Man for all his achievements seems to be so stupid that he does not realize he is on the road to self-destruction.

I also often do not get it. I miss the meaning of others. I only see things from my narrow point of view. Many times I have disappointed people I love because I was so dense I did not get what they were telling me or what it is they want from me. Many times I could have done better but I did not understand the instructions correctly.

I watched a documentary on planet Earth last night and saw its unfolding over four and a half billion years. Man’s presence on Earth, a few thousand years, is but a moment in that great expanse of time of billions of years our planet has been in existence. And now man has been thrashing and destroying a paradise in the last two hundred years (the times of man’s greatest scientific and technological exploits) what took billions of years to create. We are the apex of creation and of the evolutionary spiral. And yet, at the rate we are going, I wonder if we will last another thousand years, much less a million.

What irony! What hubris! We do not get it. Will we ever get it? When will we ever learn, if ever at all? We are on the verge to wiping out life here on Earth.

With you is the fountain of life, O Lord.

The disciples approached Jesus and said,
“Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?”
He said to them in reply,
“Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven
has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted.
To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich;
from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
This is why I speak to them in parables, because
they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.”
Matthew 13:10–13

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