Spirit Moments | From minutes to moments . . . .

I Am Not Alone

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Spirit Moments

My phone and my computer are important to me for it is through them that I can stay connected with my family, my friends and the world. But I can live without them. I need my car to be able to move around and to bring Jonathan and Jane to school. But I can have a life even without my car. I cannot live without food but I can do without rich and expensive gourmet foods. I cannot live without clothes but I do not need an awful lot of clothes nor fancy name-brand apparel. I cannot live without shelter but I do not need a mansion to have a happy and meaningful life.

I can do without all of these things but I cannot have a life without others in my life. I came into the world because of other people and other people will come into this world because of me. Daily, I depend on so many others, both those that I personally know and those that I do not even know but touch my life very profoundly. And daily too, there are many who depend on me, both those I know and care for very deeply and many others whom I touch through what I do or say. I was never meant to live alone but always to be with others in this world. My life has been rich in blessings, joys and happiness. I have seen these multiplied and added on when shared with others. I have had my share of difficulties, pain and sorrow. These have been lessened and divided when others came to share in my pain.

I can live life without prayers but I choose to make prayer an important part of my day. Why live a life in the shadows when I can bask in the sunshine? Why live a sheltered life when I can be refreshed and nourished by the rain? Why let my spirit go hungry when I can nourish and nurture it by connecting to its Source. It is in prayer that learn the truths about what I really need and want in my life. It is in prayer that I learn about the truth there in nature, the truth there is on others, the truth that life is not meant to be lived alone.

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah . . . . Matthew 1:1-17

Posted in Life, Spirituality | Tagged Jane, Jonathan, Prayer | Comments Off

With evil staring at us stark in the face, what should we do?

When evil strikes, sometimes with such gut-wrenching and heart-rending intensity as what happened in Newtown, we fold down over in utter helplessness. This is the mystery of evil. Evil is real; it exists but it is impossible for us to fully fathom why. Life is likewise a mystery. It is great to be alive – a present we did not ask for nor truly deserve. In life, we have both good times and bad times but still in all it remains a wonderful experience to be grateful for. We are here and alive instead of being not here and non-existent. Goodness likewise exists and, like evil and life itself, it is a mystery. Life can sometimes be very difficult and challenging and even precarious. But people everywhere still strive to be good, to care for others and to give up personal comforts to share with others.

I know that evil is real. I may not fully understand why it exists but I will not give in to its blandishments nor cower in fear and hopelessness before its brutishness. I know that goodness is for real. I may sometime feel that goodness is no match for the evil in this world but I will always choose to do good and spend my life in love and service to others. I am grateful for the gift of life. I still seeking the answer to why I am here but even as I search for meaning I will cherish every moment of life I can share with people I care for. In the face of such mysteries, I believe that goodness is stronger that evil and that life is stronger than death. And armed with that faith, I will always choose goodness over evil and life over death.

Newtown is evil visited upon us. I do not know the victims but I will make room for them in my mind and my heart, grateful for the lives they lived and celebrating the good deeds they have left behind. I pray for everyone of them:

Charlotte Bacon, 2/22/06, female (age 6)

Daniel Barden, 9/25/05, male (age 7)

Olivia Engel, 7/18/06, female (age 6)

Josephine Gay, 12/11/05, female (age 7)

Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 04/04/06, female (age 6)

Dylan Hockley, 03/08/06, male (age 6)

Madeleine F. Hsu, 07/10/06, female (age 6)

Catherine V. Hubbard, 06/08/06, female (age 6)

Chase Kowalski, 10/31/05, male (age 7)

Jesse Lewis, 06/30/06, male (age 6)

James Mattioli, 03/22/06, male (age 6)

Grace McDonnell, 11/04/05, female (age 7)

Emilie Parker, 05/12/06, female (age 6)

Jack Pinto, 05/06/06, male (age 6)

Noah Pozner, 11/20/06, male (age 6)

Caroline Previdi, 09/07/06, female (age 6)

Jessica Rekos, 05/10/06, female (age 6)

Avielle Richman, 10/17/06, female (age 6)

Benjamin Wheeler, 9/12/06, male (age 6)

Allison N. Wyatt, 07/03/06, female (age 6)

Rachel Davino, 7/17/83, female (age 29)

Dawn Hochsprung, 06/28/65, female (age 47)

Anne Marie Murphy, 07/25/60, female (age 52)

Lauren Russeau, 1982, female (age 29)

Mary Sherlach, 02/11/56, female (age 56)

Victoria Soto, 11/04/85, female (age 27)

And the crowds asked John the Baptist, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.” Luke 3:10-18

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Spirit Moments | Comments Off

Evil Is Real

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Spirit Moments

The massacre of innocents in Newtown Conn. has snuffed out young lives, broken the hearts of those they have left behind and shocked a whole nation into anguished cries of “Why? How could such things be happening with such unnerving regularity? Where and when will we ever be safe?” There are no easy answers but one thing certain is that evil is real and the evil spirits have scored again. Some people will say that this was bound to happen for there are people who are evil to the core.

There is inevitability and even predictability in our life and existence. The stars will keep on burning, the sun will keep on shining and the earth will keep on revolving around the sun. And in the predictable movement of the stars and the planets, we live our lives very much influenced by the seasons and the tides. We live out of the bounty of the earth and struggle with other creatures to stay alive, engaging in sex to ensure the continuation of our species. Greed, selfishness and pride seem necessary to ensure our survival.So, should we be surprised by all the violence and hate around us?

But there is more in man than just this inevitable predictability. He looks at nature hears the wind and other sounds and he starts singing the melodies that he hears. He looks at the colors in the trees, among the flowers, in the sky and at the movement of the sun and he paints the glory that he sees. He is overwhelmed by the beauty and order and apparent meaning around him and he invents words and language to express what and how he feels. He realizes he has a choice.

Self-preservation is the primary law of nature. But man has learned that he can choose. He can give up his own life for the sake of others he cares for. Nature has set natural boundaries so that fish swim, birds fly and four-legged beasts run. But man has learned how to do all three and more. He walks, yes; but he has learned how to swim, fly and go at great speeds.

Evil is real. It may sometimes be unpredictable but it is not inevitable. We can choose goodness over evil. But we need to learn the hard and painful lessons of love and forgiveness, of dialogue and confidence, of trust and hope, of believing and caring. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, will mean less ground for evil to grow elsewhere. Every act of forgiveness will mean another flame of anger and hatred snuffed out somewhere. Every act of humble service will mean another gust of pride and selfishness dissipated. I have the freedom to choose goodness over evil.

He replied, “Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.” Matthew 17:10-13

Posted in Evil, Faith, Life, Nature | Tagged Choice, Fidelity, Humility, Love, Suffering | 2 Comments

Question Me an Answer

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Spirit Moments

There are probably some people who’d wish they had lived during the time of Christ. Then. faith and believing would be easier if they were in direct contact with Christ himself. I think they would be disappointed. Believing and faith would be as easy or as difficult today as it would have been then. Many did not believe what Christ was saying or doing then. In fact, he was put to death by crucifixion for his words and deeds. Man sees what he wants to see and he finds what he seeks. If I seek love and forgiveness, I will find love and forgiveness. If I seek hatred and revenge I will have hatred and revenge. If I seek blessings, I will see them everywhere in my life, even in the most ordinary things. If I seek answers, the very questions I ask will become my answers. Faith is a gift from God but I have to make it my own by choice. The life of the Spirit is comes to those who seek it and choose it.

Jesus spoke to the crowds, “But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” Matthew 11:16-19

Posted in Faith, Spirituality | Tagged Choice, Fidelity, Love, Miracles | Comments Off

Our Greatest Battle

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Spirit Moments

The greatest tragedy in human history is how our history has always been punctuated by wars and violence. The US, as a nation, has fought a major war in every generation since its founding. War and violence happens when we inflict our weaknesses on others in the guise of strength; when we impose our pride and selfishness on others in the name of righteousness or self-preservation; when we exploit others and call it development. But the greatest battle we must wage is the battle against our own self. When we shall have vanquished our pride, selfishness, greed, rapacity; only then will we be able to banish wars and violence. Whenever I choose to give and do give, whenever I chose to trust and do trust, whenever I chose to love and forgive and do love and forgive; I am proclaiming the possibility that we can all live in love and peace. My efforts may look puny and miniscule in the face of the enormity of our problems but even tiny droplets of water eventually can crack the mightiest of rocks.

I recall the wise advice of Saint Ignatius of Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises: Agere contra – to do against. My natural tendency is just to give in to what comes naturally, to take the easy way, to avoid hardships and difficulties. But it is precisely in denying ourselves that we realize we have a lot lot to give others; that in denying ourselves fleeting pleasures that we are freed to love and forgive others; that it is the straining and doing violence to our muscles in exercise that we strengthen them.

Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen!’ Matthew 11:11-15

Posted in Life | Tagged Change, Fidelity, Forgiveness, Love | Comments Off

Joy and Happiness Trump Sorrow and Pain

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Spirit Moments

Life is difficult and daily living is a constant struggle. I would want to lead a life that is easy, relaxed and comfortable but things do not always work out the way I would want them to. There are some whose lives are so difficult that they see no reason for living. There are others for whom life had been a big disappointment that they would sooner destroy it than go on living.

And yet, man has always had utopian visions of the future, where there will be no more tears, where the lion will live in peace with the lamb, where there are verdant pastures to spend days in sublime happiness. These visions are deeply ingrained in man’s spirit. Whoever created me must have imprinted these visions in my spirit to encourage me when I feel like giving up, to refresh me when I am weary from all the struggling.

The man who died on the cross to conquer death has promised that those visions are not pipe dreams but the reality of the future.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Posted in Faith, Spirituality | Tagged Hope, Suffering | Comments Off

God’s Unconditional Love

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Spirit Moments

I am a finite being, with a lot of limitations. Thus, when I love, I often love with limits and with a lot of conditions. God is an infinite being and therefore he loves with no limits and no conditions. I can see a glimpse of who and what God is by immersing myself in nature. Nature is so prodigious in its resources almost to the point of being prodigal. Imagine a swarm of flamingos or even just locusts darkening the sky by their sheer numbers; or a horde of buffaloes thundering across the prairies or zebras across the Serengeti. Such generous outpouring of life. And nothing ever gets wasted. Everything eventually ends up being used up in some life cycle. Everything from the biggest to the smallest is caught up in the wonderful cycle of life and existence. And because he is infinite, God loves everyone and everything in his creation with the same infinite, limitless, unconditional love.

This thought fills me with a great sense of humility, gratitude and love. But it can be a thin line separating this great insight from hubris. Yes, I mean the world to God but let not that thought make me act like I were all-important and meant to always have my way. Or, that nothing of consequence would happen unless I am involved. Or, that the world needs my permission before it can proceed. Let me instead relish in humble gratitude that I am loved in an infinite, unconditional way. Like everyone else and everything else in creation.

Jesus said to his disciples: “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:12-14

Posted in Faith, Nature | Tagged Generosity, Humility, Love | Comments Off

Forgiveness Heals

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Spirit Moments

The spirit needs healing very much like the body does. There are medicines for physical illnesses. There are love and forgiveness for the ills of the spirit. Often, it is easier for me to love than to forgive. There are many people who have hurt me and caused me pain. Many I have forgiven. Others I have simply chosen to forget. But there are some whom I find difficult and hard to forgive or to forget the pain they have brought into my life. And the hurt keeps on festering, like a necrotic, smelly wound that wouldn’t heal. Some of these may not even be aware of the pain and suffering they have caused in me.

I also need to be forgiven. I know there are also many people whom I have hurt. In many instances, I do say sorry and ask to be forgiven. But there are persons and instances where I am too proud to ask for forgiveness. There are other instances where in my callousness I may not even be aware that I have caused pain and heartaches. How can I know whom to say sorry to.

I know forgiveness heals. It takes courage, strength and generosity to forgive. It takes humility and faith to ask for forgiveness. If I don’t forgive I get caught in a downward spiral of bitterness, anger, hatred and the desire to even the score. This is one of the very obvious truths that I am struggling with to truly learn and live in my life. I seek the healing grace and grace-full healing to forgive. I seek with humility and faith, the forgiveness my spirit longs for.

One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting nearby (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Luke 5:17-26

Posted in Faith, Spirituality | Tagged Fidelity, Forgiveness, Love | Comments Off

Make Straight the Path to Eternity

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Spirit Moments

Life is a beautiful gift. I did not ask for it but here I am today anyway. From the simple atoms of the Big Bang to the present complex, complicated and conscious person that I am is some fifteen billion years of time and space. Imagine someone who is outside of that time and space continuum, e.g. God, and things would be much clearer and even more beautiful. That is eternity. But when I go through pain and suffering, it seems like an eternity. And my joys and happiness seem but just fleeting moments.

Faith is believing that I am part of this inexorable spiral to eternity. Just as the universe has evolved from simple atoms to the complex galactic systems, I am on my own journey to greatness. In his time, God will dispel the darkness in my life with his perfect light. He will fill the valleys of emptiness in me with the fullness of his life. He will straighten the crookedness in me with the righteousness of his ways. He will still the noise and tempest in me with his holy calm and presence. In the meantime, I have to live in the wilderness to be purified, forged and strengthened just as our beautiful earth was forged and formed in the furnace of a star, our sun. The earth is a delightful and marvelous temporary home for us until we are taken out of time and space and live in eternity.

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'” Luke 3:1-6

Posted in Faith, Science, Spirituality | Tagged Beginnings, Eternity, Fidelity | Comments Off

Saying YES to Life!

Posted on December 8, 2012 by Spirit Moments

Life is such a wonderful experience, so thrilling and exhilarating, that I often wish for more and wishing for it never to end. But life is also punctuated by moments of emptiness and boredom. Life is meant to be lived in the sunshine and the fresh air but there will always be the darkness and the shadows as well. I have lived my life with a beautiful soundtrack always playing in the background, be it the rustling of the wind, the singing of the birds, a well-loved and favorite song or a sweet lilting melody made up just for me by Jane. But I also look for moments of silence and solitude. Thus, is the rhythm of life: light and shadows, fullness and emptiness, sounds and silence. Often, I seek only the light and fullness of life, not wanting the shadows, the emptiness and the silence. I succumb to addictions to cheap substitutes. There are many things that I do not understand. But one thing I have consistently experienced is a Presence that leads me into life and all its fullness. He has not promised to take away the shadows, or the empty moments or the noisy distractions. He has guaranteed to bring me to my final destination.

Today is the Feast of the Mary’s Immaculate Conception. This events in her life were difficult to understand. We hail her as a great woman but she had her share of darkness, shadows and tumultuous noise. I am sure there were many things she did not comprehend. She just kept these things in her heart and, in faith and full trust, she simply gave her Fiat.

Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38

Posted in Life, Spirituality | Tagged Faith, Fidelity | Comments Off