Self-Evident Truths

Posted on July 6, 2013 by Spirit Moments

There are some truths that are self evident, as the Declaration of Independence declares – that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; among these rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The truth and wisdom in common sayings and proverbs are also often self-evident. What goes up must come down. What goes around comes around. Blood is thicker than water. A fool and his money are soon parted. A clean conscience makes a soft pillow.

Jesus’ sayings are also often self evident. Like, No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old coat. Or, Do not put new wine into old wine skins. Or, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. But many of his words are also hard and difficult to accept. Like, Turn the other cheek. Or, Take up your cross daily. Or, the first shall be last and the last shall be first. And the most difficult one of them all, Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you.

Given some serious thought, we indeed realize that love is the only way we can live our lives fully and meaningfully. Anything devoid of love is destructive of our humanity and of the life we treasure. Love is among the self-evident truths of life. But people find it difficult to practice because of the hardness and the selfishness in our hearts. Left to our own devices, we would destroy everything and everyone precious to us. Just take a good look at what is happening in the world today. This is the reason why we need a Redeemer, a Savior who would show us the way.

“No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wine skins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wine skins, and so both are preserved.”
Matthew 9:14-17

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The Spirit Moves

Posted on July 5, 2013 by Spirit Moments

The strength and greatness of the USA lies in its open and welcoming nature. Throughout her history, she has always been a haven and a refuge for people who are persecuted, rejected and ostracized by their own people and society. She has provided opportunities to those deprived, the needy and the wanting from other shores. And these dregs and refuse of other societies, instead of being burdens, have contributed greatly to making this nation the greatest one on earth.

The quotation at the foot of the Statue of Liberty in New York aptly captures this welcoming and open spirit:
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

This welcoming spirit is a sure sign for me of the deep Christian roots of American society and the national psyche that nurtures it. When Christ came he chose for his apostles and disciples those who were poor, ordinary folks from the masses and not some powerful princes and nobles to do his work on earth. He served and ministered not to those who could afford to pay for his service and ministrations but instead he healed the wretched wracked with disease whom nobody else would touch; he welcomed the homeless whom nobody else would welcome; he fed thousands who could never pay him back; he gave hope to the hopeless, sight to the blind, love to the forlorn and abandoned.

There are those in the US today who would blot out God from public discourse and banish his Christ from all government offices. But one only has to look at all the good things that this country has accomplished, all the good that is being shared not only within this country but with other nations as well to realize the movings of the Spirit among the American people. Despite the many things people complain about the US, it still by far is the most successful nation the world has ever seen, This has been made possible by the vision on which the Founding Fathers built this nation. And one reading the documents they have left behind, one cannot miss the deep faith they had in the Almighty.

But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”
Matthew 9:9-13

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We Are What We Celebrate

Posted on July 4, 2013 by Spirit Moments

Image

The dawning of the 4th of July over the Silicon Valley.

Today, the greatest nation on earth celebrates its birthday as a nation. This is one birth that was conceived by choice. The Founding Fathers of this nation consciously and purposefully declared what kind of nation they wanted to see born on this earth. They built it with Faith (“In God, we trust) and based on unchanging principles (such as equality, life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness). They have handed down this faith and these principles to the next generations in the stirring and ennobling “Declaration of Independence” which over the years have inspired other revolutions for equality and struggles for liberty.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Throughout her history, the US has always lived by and championed this equality of men. As a nation, the US has always striven to do away with discrimination and inequalities based on age, race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, and socioeconomic status. From the time of the original colonists, fleeing religious persecution in the Old World till today, Americans have been waging one battle after another for equality, whether this be in the arena of public discourse or, when necessary, in the battlefield: the abolition of slavery, the suffragette movement, gender equality, and the current debate on same-sex marriage.

Whenever life is threatened anywhere in this planet, whether by natural calamities or man-made catastrophes, Americans are always the first and the most generous in extending a helping hand. Americans are by far the most generous people on earth.

Whenever anyone’s liberty is threatened, America has always been ready to stand up to all kinds of oppressors. The US has always been the asylum and haven for those persecuted and discriminated against in their home countries. A sign of the strength of this nation is its willingness to give asylum even to those who proclaim and would love to see its downfall and destruction.

The American Dream has become the embodiment of what happiness is for many. Rightly and wrongly, people around the world look to the US for what the good life is and can be. American culture is pervasive almost everywhere.

The US is not without its faults. Many rightly criticize the US for excesses and indiscretions. But for as long as the US celebrates its Faith in God and its unstinting commitment to unchanging principles, as it does every 4th of July; it will always be in the process of becoming what it celebrates.

Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – he then said to the paralytic – “Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.
Matthew 9:1-8

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Making Sense of it All

Posted on July 3, 2013 by Spirit Moments

There are many things I do not understand. There are many things that do not make sense to me. Over the years, I have found answers to some on my questions. But there are many more left unanswered. I guess part of being human is living with mystery and unanswered questions. Over the years too, some things eventually make sense for me, often only after a lot of struggles and a big dose of faith. The world is too big for me to fully comprehend. But my God is bigger than the world. Through my faith in Him and His Word, I can make sense of pretty much what I go through.

In a little corner in the Indian sub-continent, in the region of Kerala, there thrives a community of Christians that trace their faith all the way back to St. Thomas the Apostle. These Saint Thomas Christians lived the Gospel message cut from the mainstream Christian communities in the West and the Eastern Churches. The story of  their faith is truly moving and inspiring.

The expression ‘Doubting Thomas’ derives from St. Thomas he Apostle. For him, the resurrection did not make sense. “Unless I see, I will not believe.” he declared after the other disciples told him that Christ has risen from the dead. Today, many still think like him – to see is to believe. I am sure he also had a lot of questions to ask Jesus. But when he encountered the Risen Christ, he forgot about all his questions and simply knelt down in humble prayer and exclaimed “My Lord and my God.” With his faith bolstered by this encounter, he realized that to believe is to see.

Today, I read the story of a mother who had a gay son. For the longest time, she lived her life out of fear for her son, wishing him to be somebody else other than who he is, wishing for him to become straight, for him not to have a boyfriend, for him not to tell people about his sexual orientation, for him to choose between God (and be lonely and alone) and his sexuality (and live in sin). She eventually learned to learn to live her life in faith and to accept her son for who he is, only to lose him prematurely to drugs. In faith, she learned what it meant to love unconditionally. She still has no answer why her son turned out gay but she definitely now knows how to love more deeply. Despite the fact that there are still many questions in her life, her faith has helped her make sense of what has happened to her.

Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
John 20:24-29

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Bridge Over Troubled Water

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Spirit Moments

And when Jesus got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A windstorm arose on the sea, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm.
Matthew 8:23-27

This Gospel episode must have been the inspiration for Simon and Garfunkel’s song “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, one of my all-time favorites. There have been many instances in my life when storms raged and I was very afraid like the apostles were. And I have prayed as they had: “Lord, save me. I am perishing. Calm the tempests in my life and still the turmoil in my heart.” The fact that I am still around, hale and whole, is proof enough for me that prayers work. “Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down.”

There have also been people in my life who have been God’s instruments in helping calm these storms in my life. I am grateful for their presence in my life at such critical junctures. A smile, a comforting word, a reassuring touch, a warm embrace, a tender kiss – that is all it takes to still the waters. “When you’re weary Feeling small When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all.”

I have also been blessed to have brought some peace and calm into the lives of some who are dear to me. I am grateful for and humbled by the privilege for being at the scene at such critical junctures in their lives. Some times by design and decision, some times by accident of the occasion. And all I could really offer was my presence. Some times an offer of money or food or clothes or just plain physical assistance as well. “When you’re down and out When you’re on the street When evening falls so hard I will comfort you.”

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The Pursuit of Happiness

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Spirit Moments

This week’s issue of Time magazine is devoted to the American ‘inalienable right’ to the Pursuit of Happiness. Three thoughts have kept on lingering in my mind after reading the lead article.

First, the American Founding Fathers based the new country that they were then forging on the principle “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” These rights were given by God and they rightfully acknowledged that these rights can never be taken away from men nor by any man because these have been endowed on them by the Creator. Alas, the Source of these rights, which all Americans still hold dear, has been taken out of the public discourse, often deliberately so. Take away the source, the rights and the endowments will also eventually be taken away too. That would seem to be the logical consequence.

Second, the early Americans seemed focused on the pursuit while today people are more focused on the happiness. In the beginning, Americans were busy engaged in creating a New World, making this country the greatest one on earth, building things like nothing ever built before anywhere, producing the best, the biggest, the brightest of anything the world had ever invented, including many things the world had never seen before. Today, Americans seem more preoccupied in enjoying the fruits of those labors by buying happiness in leisure, entertainment and, of late, the social media. The Founding Fathers’ ideal is not happiness itself but its pursuit. The journey, not the destination, is what they enshrined in their declaration.

Third, The greatest democracy on earth and in all of history has also democratized the tools and the trappings of happiness: homes, cars, clothes, TVs, phones, travel, leisure, good food, etc. These things are there for everyone to enjoy. In the old societies, some of these things were reserved only for the very wealthy or for some classes of people or for some castes. And since everyone can have these things, it strikes me that happiness is not in having or possessing them. Happiness is rather defined by the people we share or experience these things with. A home can be very lonely unless shared with people I love. A vacation to some fabulous place can be very boring unless I experience it with friends and loved ones. And it is no fun going to a concert or a ball game all by myself.

These thoughts cannot make me fail to realize the deep Christian roots of American society: that all of these blessings are gifts from God; that we are called to a journey to go back to our Source, the ultimate Happiness; that we are called and blessed individually but also as a community. And with these thoughts, it is quite easy to see how Jesus could be so detached from material possessions and eschew worldly power and glory.

A scribe then approached and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
Matthew 8:18-22

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The Sacredness of the Now

Posted on June 30, 2013 by Spirit Moments

ImageThe other day, I was clearing my bookshelves of old magazines to make room for new books I recently bought. As I was going through the piles, I would set aside one magazine with an interesting article I would read for later; then another one for a beautiful picture I wanted to keep or make a copy of later; then yet another with a factoid I would want to remember. Soon, it seemed I was keeping more old magazines than I was disposing of. It was then I decided to just throw away everything, assuring myself that I will find in the Internet any article I wanted to read or any picture I wanted to save or any factoid I wanted to remember.

It is amazing but in a way expected how easily I can get attached to things, keep them and be encumbered by them as I journey through the portals of my life. Initial attraction becomes a lingering attachment which can eventually become a crippling enslavement. And following Jesus means being able to get up and go at a moment’s notice.I cannot be encumbered by the baggage of the past when Jesus comes calling.

The call can come through the most unexpected manner or at a most inconvenient time. Wait but just for a moment and the super moon has faded away. Blink for just a second and Jonathan and Jane are grown up and gone. I cannot wait to the opportune time to help, love and serve others. That moment is now. I cannot wait for the right time and place to pray. That moment is now and that place is here.

“Earth’s crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God,
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit round and pluck blackberries.”
~ Elizabeth Barret Browning

“The world is charged with the grandeur of God.
    It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;
    It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil
Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?
Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;
    And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil;
    And wears man’s smudge and shares man’s smell: the soil
Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.”
~ Gerard Manley Hopkins

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’
Luke 9:51-62

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Peter, Paul and Mary

Posted on June 29, 2013 by Spirit Moments

Today is the feast of Saints Peter and Paul. These two apostles are recognized as the prime movers in the spread of the early Christianity, leading missionary efforts, resolving conflicts, clearing confusions, admonishing, teaching and serving the early Christian communites. We might add Mary. These three were the reference persons and the guiding lights of the early Christians in their bold new undertaking of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They were simple folks and they probably had no inkling that in following the mission given them by Christ, they would be changing the world.

Peter and Paul went forth into the world and proclaimed the Gospel with force and main. They did wondrous acts, healing many and preaching the good news of salvation and baptizing all who responded to their call and invitation to follow Christ. They also unsettled many, specially those in authority who saw them as rabble-rousers. But they were not afraid of conflict and confrontation, finding strength and consolation in the words of and their faith in Jesus. Mary, in contrast, led a quiet life. Tradition has it that she spent the rest of her life around Ephesus with the Beloved Disciple, to whom Jesus entrusted her at the crucifixion. I can imagine her living a simple and quiet life away from the ferment being caused by the other apostles in their preachings and proclamations. She must have touched people though through her examples, her prayers and the stories and memories she had of her son, Jesus.

In my younger days, I loved and sought conflict and confrontation. I loved to show others that they were wrong and I was right. Today, I have totally lost my appetite for conflict and confrontation. I prefer to life a simple and quiet life. Often, I would rather keep my peace than speak my mind in fear of hurting others. For I know my words can often be sharp and hurting. I would rather keep quiet than utter words that might hurt, even to the extent of suffering hurt myself in silence. I cannot be Peter or Paul anymore with their bold and challenging proclamations.

I would love to be like Mary – silent, simple, prayerful, working behind the scenes. A  calming presence when storms are raging. A comfort in times of sorrow and pain. Keeping alive the message and life of Jesus through the stories she must have shared with the early Christian communities.

And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Matthew 16: 13-19

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A Call, A Response, A Mission

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Spirit Moments

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
John 21:15-19

There are always three phases or stages in our relationship with God: first is the call or the invitation, then comes our response and finally the mission.

Christ’s favorite words in the Gospels were “Come” and “Follow me”. It is a very sincere invitation into a relationship. The call can come in a variety of ways. For many, it comes when they are surmounted by problems and beset by great difficulties. For me, it often comes during moments of great joy and happiness, when I realize how greatly I have been blessed way beyond what I truly deserve. The call may be a voice urging us from within or it can be the plea of someone in need. For me, I am usually aware of the call during times of prayer and reflection. The call may be an invitation. Sometimes it is a question. We do not get just one call in our lifetimes. Christ asked Peter several times if he loved him. I have had several calls in my lifetime. Sometimes, I stray and I need to go back. At other times, I had moved to new place or a new job and the Lord would ask of me something different. At still other times, I come to a new realization and awareness and the Lord brings our relationship to a higher level.

After each call, the Lord awaits for my response. He leaves me with my freedom and it is totally up to me to answer YES or to say NO. And he lays it down clearly: if you would follow me, be ready to take up the cross; if you would be my disciple, sell what you have and give to the poor; if you would be first, then you should be willing to be last. What a stark contrast to the blandishments of the world that promises an easy life, wealth, power and glory. Downward mobility (the way of Christ) versus upward mobility (the way of the world). When I say NO, I could still feel Him lingering around in the off chance that I would change my mind. If I say YES, then he replies “I have something I want you to do for me.”

That “something to do” that Christ asks of me is my mission. The mission is pretty much simple. he summarized it in one word through his great commandment: Love! But that love takes various forms and is expressed in various ways. And Christ spelled that out too for us: feed my lambs, feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger and the homeless, visit those in prisons and the lonely. He asked nothing for himself but asked that we do everything we want done for ourselves to our neighbors. I have done a whole range of things in living out what I felt was my mission: from doing significant things for people and organizations to simple things like being a cook and a driver for my grandchildren.

This is the dynamics of my relationship with God. He gave me ears to hear his call and eyes to see my neighbors in need. When I respond to his invitation, he fills my heart with love. In mission, he sends me forth to give my hands and my heart to help and serve others.

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There Are People I Remember . . . . In My Life

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Spirit Moments

The other day, someone posted an old picture from Xavier School on Facebook. It elicited a lot of comments and exchanges from former students and colleagues from the past. Some of the people I could easily recall for I have kept contact with them through the years. Others I vaguely remembered when I saw their faces again. And still others I have totally forgotten. I am sure it was the same for them as well. Some would still know me; for others I would be but a vague memory; and for a few I would have been just a passing ship now long forgotten. I thought then, when I was teaching, I was making a impact on their young lives as I shared my knowledge and faith with them. I realize now that, important and fulfilling though my work in Xavier was, it was just a stop in my life journey to pick up an important package, the love of my life.

Yesterday, I got news of Jack Garcia passing away. He was one of the closest and dearest persons for me when I was with Boehringer Ingelheim. We were comrades in many projects and adventures. We shared many year together, much joy and many victories as well as moments of sadness and defeat. We were partners in crimes but also colleagues for goodness. I am sad that he is gone but happy for him that he has moved on to the next level. Boehringer Ingelheim was a happy place to work in and the people I met were among the best I have known. It was the most benign and empowering environment I had worked in.

I am thinking now how these people have enriched my life without me fully realizing it. If I had a new car today, would that make me happier? I would be excited probably for a few days but that soon wears off and after a while it really makes no difference to my happiness index if I were driving a new car or an old one. But every person I meet somehow leaves an indelible mark on me which I carry the rest of my life. I am who I am because of all the people I have met. Some have stayed; others were just passing through. Some were a season; others were a reason. Some came to help; others were there to be helped. Some were there to give; others came to receive. We shared lives and our stories. We shared activities and events. We shared words of encouragement and endearment. And most importantly, we shared ourselves with one another.

Some of these people I sought out to meet. Many just came into my life. And looking back, I am amazed how I even came to meet all the people I have known. And how truly they have enriched my life. It may have all been serendipity. A deeper appreciation is the realization that there is Someone who wills for us nothing but the good and the best. I thank God for the gifts of people in my life and I pray for all of them in gratitude.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”
Matthew 7:21-29

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