Why Young Children Love to Say NO

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Spirit Moments

To a new-born baby, it and its mother are one. From the womb till the first years of its life, a baby sees itself as part of its mother. And then from the ‘Terrible Two’ phase and onward, a baby begins to assert its identity and its favorite word is NO! By saying NO! a child starts the process of individuating and differentiating himself/herself from the mother and the other persons around him/her. Thus, slowly his own personality is shaped, formed and gradually emerges. But even when her children leave her nest, a mother’s heart will always beat for them. And all of us will always long for home, which is not really a place but the bosom of our mothers.

And so it is in my relationship with God. It starts with a deep appreciation of life. I did not ask nor deserve to be here and yet here I am. Through Ima and Tatang, Someone called me out to existence. And in my sacred moments, this truth is as stark to me as daylight. I am unique and one of a kind. I am special, not better than but definitely different from others. I am a value unto myself. And this value is something no one can nor should take away. I have something of great value that is worth sharing with others. And in the same manner, others are also of great value I should respect and be grateful for if they should choose to share that value with me.

This Someone, who is my Source, invites me and calls me into a relationship. While I had no choice coming into this life, I have been given the choice how to live out. I can say No! to the call and the invitation from God. But like a mother, God is always there for me: “I have written your name in the palm of my hand. Should a mother forget her child, I will never forget you.” And every time I stray or get lost, I always comes back to the bosom where I am most myself.

“Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:28-34

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My God is the God of the Living

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Spirit Moments

I find great consolation in the Resurrection. I find deep inspiration in the reality of life after death; that death is but a portal to the next level; that life goes on beyond my present reality. For many, life after death is a stumbling block. Given that everything eventually ends and dies, they find it hard to believe that life goes on after death. It is for them a mystery for which there is no answer but the final snuffing out of life.

Yet life itself is another deep mystery. I am here alive, a reality which I neither asked for nor did anything to deserve. Life itself is a tremendous gift. Of the many lives that have been, are and will be, mine is unique and one of a kind. Because I am unique, I am special. I bring into the world a story like no other. I draw a picture of life and bring colors to this existence like no other has, does or will ever. There has never been one like me and when I am gone there will never be another one like me. My uniqueness in my guarantee that I shall live forever.

Because I am not repeatable I am not an object that can be the subject of scientific study, which is premised on the repeatable and the predictable, neither of which I am. I can only be encountered and experienced in my uniqueness and for what and who I am. I may sometimes pattern my actions, thoughts and behavior after people I love and admire. Still, I do this in a manner that is uniquely and entirely me.

How many more of unique persons like me can there be before God says: “That’s it. I am done with creation.”? I wake up every morning with hope and excitement – there is another glorious sunrise. I end the end in joy and gratitude – there is another awesome sunset. I look at the heavens and see the numberless stars and endless galaxies with awe and wonder – there is Someone out there who just ceaselessly creates so much goodness and life that I partake and share in. He is the God not of endings but of beginnings, not of the dead but of the living.

And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the story about the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is God not of the dead, but of the living.”
Mark 12:18-27

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A Good Christian Is A Good Citizen

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Spirit Moments

It is amazing that Jesus also had to deal with taxes during his time. One of the twelve (Matthew) used to be a tax collector. Taxes are an essential element when people agree to live together in community. They are the cost of being a party to the social contract. At their very core, taxes reflect the Christian value of sharing. And Jesus encouraged his followers to pay them. “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

It is an inspiring moment when government conscientiously spend tax money for the good of the community. This is seen in the level of education, health and social services done for the people, specially for the vulnerable and the underprivileged. It is not always easy to collect nor to pay taxes. There are always loopholes in tax codes, often created or put in place by those in power themselves to protect their own pocket from the tax man. Or, these same people in power raid the public coffers for their own benefit. Some societies have abolished taxes but these started by declaring everything belonged to the State. In some societies, where the Church used to wield much power, the Church have been able to legislate tax exemptions for itself.

Just as laws are needed to provide a safe and equitable environment for people to live in, so taxes are necessary to pay for common and vital services, specially those services and projects that are too big for any one individual to undertake or that are too risky or unrewarding for any person to do. Taxes thus enable an environment where the poor and the needed, the vulnerable and the underprivileged can be served and protected.

Then they sent to Jesus some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with tthey came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no ruth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?”
Mark 12:13-17

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Small Thoughts On A Monday Morning

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Spirit Moments

Man is always awed by what is big and grand: the vastness of the universe, the lavish abundance of nature, massive structures, epic stories. Thus, man often aspires to be big and bigger. But there is power in what is small too. There is lot in human wisdom that tells us so. Like, for want of a nail . . . . a kingdom was lost. Or, sow a thought . . . . reap a destiny. Or, a ripple of kindness creates a tsunami of love. Or, the fluttering of a butterfly’s wings triggers a storm.

Thus, when faced with the mysteries of life, I often come face to face with the realization that things are often what they seem to be and that the most obvious answer is often the wrong answer to my deepest questions. All the great teachers have taught us that to attain the fullness of life one must first be empty, that to win big one must first lose big, that to be first one must be the last, that to lead and be a master one must serve and be a slave. Life is so beautiful and has a lot to offer. But it is not all about the getting and the taking of these earthy pleasures and joys but it is about giving and sharing these with others.

Lord, may I glorify you before the universe in the small things that I will be doing today.

‘Have you not read this scripture: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes”?’
Mark 12:1-12

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Blessed, Broken and Given

Posted on June 2, 2013 by Spirit Moments

ImageYesterday, Anabelle and I went for a hike at the Muir Woods in Mill Valley, Marin County. I lucked on this shot of the giant redwoods standing tall and straining up to the sky, soaking up energy and sustenance from the sun to get. These enormous trees are experts in survival. They were already around when dinosaurs roamed the earth millions of years ago. They were around when the saber toothed tigers and the mammoth elephants were struggling for survival during the Ice Age thousands of years ago. They saw the birth of man on this earth and will probably be around long after man is gone. Unless, of course, man cuts all of the remaining redwoods down for his personal gain. These magnificent trees are a great monument to the tremendous blessing that is life.

They stand tall in the face of the elements: wind, water, fire and even the shifting of the ground. They may be broken but they remain standing tall. All the buffeting by the elements only serves to make them stronger – to give shade and shelter to various life forms under their shade; to provide homes and a resting place to various birds and insects in their canopy; to give wood and fuel to man when they are taken down.

They survive standing tall together, closely interwoven with one another though their wide and complex root systems. They are very thirsty organisms, taking in as much as 500 gallons of water each day. No tree ever hoards all the water just for itself. This resource is shared through the complex root system that hold them together. Fitfully, a stand of several majestic redwoods in the park has been called the Redwoods Cathedral: quiet, solemn, a perfect place to celebrate and appreciate the blessing that is life, all raising a silent prayer of thanksgiving.

This is the Gospel written and proclaimed by nature. We have been blessed and continue being blessed with the gift of life. For this we give thanks. Then we are broken to be made stronger and to be given to others – in love, in service, in communion – as we share the same roots that hold us together.

Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied.And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.
Luke 9:11-17

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My Guides To Daily Living

Posted on June 1, 2013 by Spirit Moments

What or who guides me in doing the things that I do? By what authority do I do these things?

In my moments of prayer and solitude, I would say it is my faith in God and his son Jesus that guide me in my daily life. I pray each day that I become more aware of God’s will for me and try to do this in my life. I ask for strength and courage to fulfill it even as my habits prompt me to do otherwise.

Indeed, as the day unfolds and I get swept from one activity to another, I often forget what I promised to do in my prayer and often just go with the flow of what I have been accustomed to – my habits. And even when I pause to think, it is my reason and rationality that takes over. ‘What is the reasonable thing to do’ becomes my guide in doing things. At other times, also often, I rely on my feelings and emotions. If it feels good, do it. If it makes me glad, I do it. Sometimes, when I am too tired to think or to even feel, I fall back on what is permissible by society or allowed by rules or not punishable by the law.

I make an effort to be with God first thing in the morning because more often than not, I soon forget about him as I get caught up in the business of daily living. I wonder how holy people managed to be constantly aware of God’s presence in every moment of their life. Oh, there are moments during the day, I think of God and what he wants me to be doing. But sooner than I am aware, my flighty self is off to another thought, another emotion or another activity. Life goes on and another day is over.

Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?’
Mark 11:27-33

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Hail Mary, Full of Grace

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Spirit Moments

The great Filipino theologian, Fr. Catalino Arevalo, once wrote that to appreciate and understand the Faith of the Filipino one must look seriously at their devotion to Mary. Every province and region in the the Philippines has a special name and devotion to Mary, each one venerated with great devotion by people who have considered themselves her adopted children. In my home province of Pampanga, she is the Virgen de los Remedios, the source of remedies and consolation. We, Kapampangans, have always turned to her intercession in moments of crises; be it during the social unrest between landlords and their tenants, or during the devastation of Mount Pinatubo or when families are separated due to the OFW diaspora. In the US, several Kapampangan communities have brought this beautiful devotion to this diaspora.

Mary’s Fiat is the supreme expression to total faith and surrender to God’s will. When she fervently said “Be it done unto me according to thy word.”, Mary experienced a liberation that truly made her heart sing. And the song that came forth from her mouth, the Magnificat, has been one of the most beautiful and most often quoted through the ages.

I will be as faith-full as Mary and say my own Fiat to everything that comes into my life: the events, the persons, the blessings and the trials trusting that the Mighty One will do great things for me.

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor son the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
Luke 1:46-56

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“What do you want me to do for you?”

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Spirit Moments

I love watching how Jonathan and Martin, Kathleen and Jane relate and interact with one another. Jonathan thinks the world of his Dad. He believes Daddy knows everything and can do anything. And he does all of these things for him. Jane simply adores Mommy. First things she does every morning is to be at Mommy’s side. Whether when she hurts herself or she just wants some warm cuddles, she always looks for and runs to Mommy.

It is a comforting feeling to have someone you can rely on or depend on. One of my most rewarding experiences as a father has been to be able to provide whenever my sons asked for something. This has been a great blessing for me. It has been a great blessing for them as well, for now I see them also willing and able to give when depended upon. To have some who cares deeply to provide for my needs is a great affirmation. For to receive is to be grateful. To be depended upon to provide for someone is a greater affirmation. For to give is to be humble.

Jesus speaks the language of love when he asks me: “What do you want me to do for you?” In my prayers, I often imagine him asking me this question. He knows what I need and even what I want without me telling him. But answering him that question makes for a great conversation between him and myself. Today, I will ask this question of as many people as I can.

Throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
Mark 10:46-52

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“Outside the Church, there is no salvation.” This is a very harsh and hard to accept doctrine. It came from a time when the Church was beset by people leaving its fold. I do not believe that the Church was meant to be exclusive. I believe that the Gospel message is all inclusive. When Christ performed the miracle of the loaves, he fed everyone. The apostles, in distributing the loaves, did not first ask whether a person believed in Jesus or not. They simply gave everyone what they needed.

The original meaning of Church refers to the community of those who have been called. Just as God called out to Abraham and made him a great nation, each one of us is called and invited into the community of love. This call and invitation is both personal and communal. We all have intrinsic value as individual persons but our person-hood is always defined within a community. From the very beginning, God has said that it is not good for man to be alone.

And outside this community of love (the Church), there is no real meaning and happiness (salvation). It is only in communion and unity (community) that we will find our happiness and salvation. Lacking communion and unity, there can only be hatred, anger, greed, selfishness and lust. And all of these lead only to misery and pain. We know that things do not work out well when it is every man to himself.

Now, it is not us for us to say who is going to be saved or not. Only God, on the last day, will do the judging. How will I be judged? The question I will be asked will not be “Was I a bona fide member of the Church?”; but rather “Did I fill the world with love? Did I feed the hungry? Did I clothe the naked? Did I visit the lonely? Did I welcome the stranger? What did you do with and in your community?”

And I can imagine an non-believer coming before the Lord. And the Lord will ask not the questions he would have asked a believer but rather this one: “Did you hear about Jesus Christ?” And the non-believer would answer: “I did but I thought he was but a myth.” And Jesus would say: “I am he.” And then the non-believer would say: “My Lord and my God.” Or the non-believer would say: “No, I never heard about you.” or “No, no one ever told me about you.” or worse “I heard of people talking about you. But if you saw how they were leading their lives in your name, I thought it was all a bad joke.” And then, it would have been our fault and shortcoming as Christians not to have preached and witnessed to the the Gospel as Jesus has told us.

I pray that I will do my share in preaching and witnessing to the Gospel of Christ. I call to mind the words of St. Francis of Assisi, who said with humility and simplicity: “Always preach the Gospel and when necessary, use words.”

Then Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.’
Mark 10:32-45

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Spirit Moments | Comments Off on “Outside the Church, there is no salvation.”

To Be a Christian is To Be Contrarian

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Spirit Moments

I know that life is meant for the giving; that being in this world means being with and for others in this world. The greatest difficulty in giving is that it often means giving up. What I give, I give up to be able to give it away. And because I am a finite being with finite resources, the greatest fear I have in giving is that I would run out of these resources for myself.

Versus this common sense wisdom, Jesus says that when you give it away, it all comes back to you. When I give, I grow and I grow better and become more. Many of the teachings of Jesus went against the grain. He was contrarian and walked the road less traveled. His sayings and his life were a paradox. When the common attitude was ‘a tooth for a tooth’, he preached love and forgiveness. When the disciples asked him who will be first in his kingdom, he said the last will be first. For anyone who would be a master and a leader, he asked them to be humble and serve. And in the end, he showed us that death is not the end but actually but the beginning.

I have often been contrarian myself. In my younger years, one of the seminary fathers told me rather exasperatedly that my motto in life should have been ‘Ego autem contra.’ But I loved being contrarian just for the heck of it, just to be different and sometimes just to rile others. Jesus was contrarain out of a deep understanding and an even deeper love for us. And when one is moved consistently by love, it does not matter anymore what the rewards are. One does not count the cost anymore. And one gives and serves without asking for any rewards. Then all these things will be added unto me, even without me asking.

Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age–houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields with persecutions–and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Mark 10:28-31

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