The God Of Serendipity

Posted on April 2, 2016 by Spirit Moments

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Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples
that are not written in this book.
But these are written that you may come to believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
~ John 20:28-31

Among of the joys of hiking are the many surprises of exquisite beauty and magnificence splendor I find along the way. Peering through the thick overgrowth along the hiking trail, I see this dainty little flower. Making a turn around the bend and I am greeted by a breath-taking vista. Looking up in the sky while taking a breather, I see a majestic eagle in flight. Life indeed is full of surprises, a reflection of the God of surprises who created it all.

In the beginning, there are chaos and the void. “Let there be light!” He said. And there was. A burst of energy so mighty, everything else that there is simply followed after. Then, there was matter, and stars, and galaxies, and planets. And then there was water, and tress, and living things, and finally man himself. And then there clans, and then town, and then tribes, and then cities, and then nations. Surprises at every turn.

Mary was surprised by the man dressed in white at the tomb who turned out to be Jesus. Peter and the other disciples were surprised at the shore where a man had prepared a breakfast for them. Thomas was surprised when the Risen Lord appeared once again to the twelve just for Thomas to see His wounds. And the two disciples were surprised how their hearts were burning as a stranger walked with them on the rod to Emmaus.

Last Monday, I was with my former classmates, two of who are now priests, and I was surprised how the Risen Lord joined us around the altar table as we celebrated the Eucharist. I felt His presence and I broke down in tears.

Last night, some of the former students of Anabelle organized a heart-warming, memories-laden get together of their class – 7Xavier, Class 1999 from the Ateneo Grade School. It is amazingly surprising how Xavier has played a major role in our lives. Anabelle and I met while we were both teaching in Xavier School. Among our happiest years together were those we spent in Xavierville, living in a condo in Xavier Row. And today, we will be spending the day and go on a road trip with our former neighbors there, now life-long friends. And then end the day with a dinner with our former colleagues, now also lifelong friends, from Xavier School. How can you beat that surprising serendipity.

God appears when least expected. He comes when least anticipated. But when He does, it is too obvious not to see it. Thomas doubted as I often do. But the Risen Lord had a special surprise in store for him. As He does for me – always, often.

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Easter In the Heart

Posted on April 1, 2016 by Spirit Moments

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Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.”
And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?”
because they realized it was the Lord.
Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them,
and in like manner the fish.
~ John 21:12-13

 Joy is catching the sunshine and saving it for when the skies turn gray
And happiness is choosing when to use that sunshine to drive the blues away
Nothing can warm the heart better than having someone to love and share
Even when times seem dreary, they brighten up when there’s a dear one to care
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Father And Son ~ An Easter Musing

Posted on March 31, 2016 by Spirit Moments

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While they were still speaking about this,
he stood in their midst and said to them,
“Peace be with you.”
~ Luke 24:36

Just a little boy, quietly walking with his father on the beach
Oblivious to the world but for the waves lapping at their feet
Now the boy is turning twelve, his teens he’s about to reach
And soon he will be leaving, his own destiny to meet.
The years will pass by swiftly and the boy will become a man
He’ll always remember when he held onto his father’s hand
And when it is his turn to do the walking with his own
Nicely, tenderly, he’ll tell his kid “I know you understand.”

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The Transforming Power of Easter

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Spirit Moments

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That very day, the first day of the week,
two of Jesus’ disciples were going
to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus,
and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.
And it happened that while they were conversing and debating,
Jesus himself drew near and walked with them,
but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.

But they urged him, “Stay with us,
for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.”

Then they said to each other,
“Were not our hearts burning within us
while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”
~ Luke 13-35

Science and secular society often fault faith and religion for having failed to solve the problems of human misery and suffering, of violence and poverty, even for having caused these things often in history. But even now, with the amazing advances made by science and technology, human misery,suffering, poverty and violence still seem intractable. The Christian message to me is NOT that Christ came to take away pain and suffering, or poverty and violence BUT that we recognize the transformative powers of these human experiences: pain and suffering transforming us into persons of courage, integrity and strength, poverty and violence transforming us into more caring and loving persons, and death transforming our temporal life into life everlasting, where indeed there will be no more tears.
~ March 29, 2012

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Living Fancy at Eastertime

Posted on March 28, 2016 by Spirit Moments

Easter Breakfast 2016

Mary went and announced to the disciples,
“I have seen the Lord,”
and then reported what he had told her.
~ John 20:18

Easter morning, Lani and Macky took us out for brunch at some fancy breakfast place in Makati. When our orders were brought out, they really looked fancy and very appetizing. Just looking at the presentation of the food, I could tell the prices were going to be fancy as well. I ordered spicy tuyo, usually the poor man’s fare, and it cost more than half of the minimum daily wage.

I remember growing up, there was this really fancy place in Angeles called Spic N’ Span. In my whole life I was never able to step in it. Not even once. Not even for a look see. We were not exactly poor. But our finances were limited and I realized early on that poverty or lack of resources shut certain doors for me. Eating at fancy places is one. Shopping is another. Ima did her shopping in the big city either at Divisoria or Avenida and never at the Escolta. In school, there were extracurricular activities I couldn’t join (but would have loved to) because we didn’t have the money. We were never in want in our basic needs but I was aware there were certain doors I could not enter because of our lack of wherewithal.

In spite of that, as I grew up; I slowly realized how doors kept on opening up for me – at the right moments and in the right places. Because of my simple beginnings, I defined my happiness in very simple terms: a beautiful and loving wife, two smart kids, inspiring books to read, delicious food to enjoy and uplifting music to listen to. By God’s grace, I had these and more. Anabelle had been my angel on earth. I was given not two but three talented and accomplished sons. And now the grandchildren are coming, all well beyond my fondest dreams. Beyond the books, the music and the food, I now also enjoy hiking and traveling, going to live concerts, traveling to fancy places and enjoying very fancy dining.

God has been opening doors for me all my life. And I realize I am living an Easter kind of life for Easter is all about opening doors. And it is not all about the material comforts. Doors have opened for me as well for deep and inspiring relationships with friends and family. I have gone through many doors that have enabled me to serve others and make a difference in their lives. In my own way, I have opened doors for others to come to a better and fuller life.

And even now, as I advance in age, there is the undying affirmation deep inside me that the best is yet to come. I also realize that at this stage, I have probably gone though my greatest victories and biggest accomplishments. What is left are most probably just the smaller ones like the weak tremblings of an earthquake’s aftershocks. Still, I look forward to going through them all. There is still that one embrace to give, one more rollicking laughter to enjoy, one more fine meal to relish and share with friends, one more trip to make with Anabelle, one more celebration to organize and pull through.

That is why these days, when I give friends and family a hug, I do it a little bit tighter just in case it would be our last. When I kiss someone, I do it with more tenderness just in case it would be our last. Every meal I share with loved ones is one I would truly relish just in case it would not happen again. And each goodbye is like the opening of a door that will bring the love and friendship we share into the light of Easter and the Resurrection.

“I have seen the Lord.” There is just no other possible explanation for all the doors that have been opened in my life.
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Doors And Easter

Posted on March 27, 2016 by Spirit Moments

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So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’
And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him.
~ Matthew 28:8-9

There is something abut doors that remind me a lot about Easter and the Resurrection. Doors are meant to lock away and keep things away from view. For the most part they are meant to be closed to ensure safety and privacy. When people are fearful, they lock their doors. And when they want to truly relish their joys, they close the doors to enjoy themselves in privacy.

But opening doors often is a very liberating and thrilling experience. When want to share our joys and we invite our friends and families to come, we throw open our doors in exuberant welcome. When we want to share our pains and sorrow, it is comforting to see them at our doorsteps.

The greatest fear of men is that of the door of life closing in on them. Death can seem so final, there is no more reopening of doors after. Christ’s resurrection opened the door of death and took away the sting that death inflicts on men. Death is no longer the fearsome event that it was after Jesus opened the door to eternal life. There are other doors He opened as well: the door to love and service, the door to mercy and compassion, the door to joy and the fullness of life.

I love the images that the other words for door also evoke. Portal is the where we pass through to transition into a better and fuller life. Threshold is where we go through to come into a new level of existence in Christ. Gateway is the place where new vistas and pathways open us for us.

Therefore, throw open the gateways, the portals, the thresholds and the doors and let the fullness of life that Christ brings to us on Easter come in!

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The Empty Tomb

Posted on March 26, 2016 by Spirit Moments

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Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead.
~ John 20:8-9

The tomb was empty when they first saw it. The disciples saw and they believed.
Can I look at the emptiness of my life and still believe?

I am missing Jonathan and Jane. And that creates a big empty space in my life. And yet they are here with me life I could almost hug them and have a conversation with them or replay one that we used to have in the past. I know I cannot touch them with my hands but I know how they have touched and changed my life. I know I have also touched their lives in ways they will carry forever.

Of late, I have been experiencing some empty tombs in my life. I am missing my physical strength so that now I am more aware of the difference between being tired and being without energy. I suffer every now and then from ‘productivity anxiety’. I do not earn a salary anymore. Am I still of any use to anyone? And this feeling would then trigger some ‘love anxiety’. Am I still loved and needed?  Yet in that very same emptiness, I know I have been blessed with a full and meaningful life. Friends and families would go out of their way to come and see me. And we have good times together – yet again. I know they occupy a special part of my heart which shall never be emptied of their love and memories. And I know I occupy a special part in their hearts which they shall cherish forever.

The darkness of the night is gone, replace by the light of a new day. The dreariness of winter is passing as the blossoming of spring is steadily and certainly unfolding. The soil is now again tilled and seeds are planted anew. Vines and branches are pruned. Everywhere, there is new and better life a-borning.

The magic and mystery of Easter is that life will never be denied. Life will always find a way to express itself. It may take billions of years but life will eventually emerge victorious. And the beauty and ultimate meaning of the irrepressible nature of life is the love that prompted the Creator to speak those primordial words, “Let there be life!” And on Easter morning, as He raises His Son from the dead, He speaks the life-giving words, “Let there be love!”

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What To Make of Good Friday

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Spirit Moments

After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews.
~ John 19:38-42

The story of Christ’s passion and death is a very surreal one for me. It keeps on shifting between the human and the divine, between the mundane and the mystical, between the realistic and the mythical, between the tragic and the ecstatic.

He twitted the powers-that-be. So, it was natural to expect they would want to eliminate Him and they did. His followers expected Him to work His miracles to save himself; that His angels will come for His final victory. They did not and He suffered an ignominious death. He was crucified like a common criminal. And only a few days before that, the city of Jerusalem came out in droves to welcome Him with songs and branches. He had the city then at His feet. And now even his disciples have scurried away and some even betrayed and denied Him.

And today, we commemorate these events as salvific events. That Christ went through them to save us. Men long for a fullness of life but because of their imperfections (sins), they often end up disappointed, disappointments, or even wretched. Christ showed us that there is a better and fuller life in store for us. There is the promise of the Resurrection after the agony of Calvary. That is the ending I would want to stay around and see.

But sometimes I imagine that the story is more important than the ending. I think of Jesus going through all His agony and sufferings and ask what if the ending was not the Resurrection? Could I still face up to the challenges, the pain and the sufferings of life even if there were no heaven to follow? It seems Christ would have. Would I?

What if there is no reward for loving unconditional except for the fact that loving id its won reward? Would I still love my enemies even if my loving them would not at all change their anger and hatred towards me? Christ did. He asked forgiveness for those who tortured and murdered Him. Would I?

What if heaven is just a myth and we are forever condemn to a mundane earthly existence? Would I still strive to do good and make this place a better place to live in? Would I still care for others and share with them the goodness and beauty I am capable of doing? Christ did. Would I?

Between the human and the divine elements of the Passion Story, I cannot miss the hand of God at work here. What Christ bore was beyond what is human; it could only be the work of the Divine.

Between the mundane and the mystical in Christ’s Passion, I keep on sensing the Presence of God who speaks to us in the ordinariness of our lives but also through the many things about life that we do not fully understand.

Between the realistic and the mythical in Christ’s dying on the cross, I can see the senselessness of it all and yet in that very senselessness I can understand why God even bothered to create the universe.

Between the tragic and the ecstatic of Christ being laid in the tomb, I can catch a glimpse of the helplessness of the baby lying in the manger being help in the palms of the Creator and showing us a path to our eventual coming home to Him.

 

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I Will Stay To See the End of This Story

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Spirit Moments

So when he had washed their feet
and put his garments back on and reclined at table again,
he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?
You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet,
you ought to wash one another’s feet.
I have given you a model to follow,
so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
~ John 13:12-15

Jesus knew he was going to suffer and die an ignominious death. He knew he will be betrayed by Judas. He knew Peter will deny him and the rest of his disciples will scurry away in fear.

I imagine Jesus as just being human, how would he have handled all of these stress and anxieties? As I went through my heart operation half a year ago, I tried to steel myself against the pain of the experience. I imagined the most excruciating pain I can remember. I said I’d offer it all up to the Lord so I will find the pain bearable. I even imagined the Lord taking the pain away.

When it finally came, it was nothing I imagined. It was totally unbearable. I tried offering it up to the Lord. It did not help. I prayed for the Lord to take away the pain but the pain would not go away. It even got more agonizing. I even felt so all alone and abandoned.

I now dare say that this is what Christ is trying to teach us this Holy Week. Pain and suffering are part and parcel of the human lot. But they are not the end nor even the reason for the story of our lives. They are portals or signposts towards the denouement of our life-story. There is still the Resurrection and Pentecost that will come after.

Judas stopped at the pain and the disappointment. And his was a tragic end. Peter kept of believing. He might have tripped and stayed away for a while; but he came back and saw the eventual unfolding of the rest of the story. He saw Christ’s Resurrection and was there on the first Pentecost. And that has made all the difference.

I guess I will also stay a while and see the story through to its great ending.

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Betrayals

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Spirit Moments

When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve.
And while they were eating, he said,
“Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
~ Matthew 26:20-21

There is so much betrayal in the world today. I think of the bombings in Brussels and I can feel there have been betrayals in some backrooms to enable the perpetrators to pull that off. At the very least, the act of terrorism is a betrayal of the ingrained belief in every human being that life is most precious.

It is the election season both in the US and the Philippines. With all the mud-slinging goin on, I am certain that there have been betrayals on many wheeling and dealing among politicians and power brokers.

In the face of all the hunger and deprivation in the world, existing alongside plenty and abundance in some places; I can imagine how the poor and deprived have been betrayed over and over again.

Sometimes, the betrayals can be avoided. There are times the effects of betrayals can be mitigated and remedied. But there are time, we just have to face up to and bear up with the consequences of the betrayal. Christ did. He died on the cross for it.

Yet, in the face of all the betrayals, can I still believe in the Resurrection? Do I truly see the possibility, even the inevitability of Easter?

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