Tiwala Lang!

     As single young professional, people around me are thinking as I am living in abundance. I have work, no responsibilities to look into. They are thinking that when salary day comes, I have bundles of money for my wants. My friends and family members are thinking the same way.

     They don’t know that as single professional like me working outside from my local place, my salary is allocated to the following expenditures:

• House rent
• Water bill
• Electric bill
• Load expenses (Call, Text, Cable & Internet)
• Food Allowance (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and unlimited snacks)
• Transportation Expenses (monthly amortization, fuel & maintenance as if may car, motorcycle only)
• Sanitary Supplies and Groceries (including toiletries and dishwashing liquid among others)
• Support Allowance (As eldest of the family, I need to support a loving mother, 2 beautiful sisters in college who patiently waiting for their allowance every salary time and 3 sisters with their adorable children.)
• Debt Reduction (Credit Cards)
• Tithings (Still crossing my fingers that I can give 10% of my net salary. Yet to come. )
• Savings (It ended up spending for emergency. Every month there is an emergency. No explanation follows. )

     Sad to say, I don’t have a budget for:

• Clothing
• Insurance
•  Vacation

     This is the reality of my daily living. Sometimes, I ask myself if “I work to live or I live to work”. Either of the two I choose to live. Live simply or simply live. Whatever is right, I will just live with God in me.

     

This is the actual contents of
my coin purse

At times or most of the time, I faced financial problems, yet not really a problem to me. If I open my coin purse (I don’t use wallet since it seemed useless if don’t have something to put in there.), I am always reminded that “God will provide.” written in a certain of paper. (The only treasure I cannot change into something because its everything to me. It might not be financial but more so of spiritual in times of dryness.)

     Really, the Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways. It is always a reminder to us that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… – Galatians 5:22-23. We need to be sensitive and listen to God’s Spirit to flow from our heart. When we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us, His fruit begin to gradually grow in us. We cannot help but share them to others. We are not the only one blessed with them, but also the people we encounter in our daily lives. Let us always allow the Divine Spirit to work in us and through us. 

Relationship Goal

       Relationship comes with trust. It is when partners usually consider this as the foundation of commitment. However, in the journey together, there might be times one will fall from sin and able to regain trust and save relationship through reconciliation. The broken jar is not the same jar when you assemble it, also to the trust one has established.

            My friend had his girlfriend who seemed to be so critical of his schedules and company that she needs to know it in details, every detail we should say (harsh!). If my friend went to go out with us, he usually took photos of each of us (so we took a pose as if it was candid), what food he ate, the status for every five minutes and even having a video call during our night out (Prior to that she allowed him to come with us, we don't what happened after that). I really adored the patience of that brother. But on the other side, I felt disturbed on how he reacts when he did that with us around. According to him, there were times he needs to take photos with electric fan, rice cooker and even his wet clothes while he had the laundry (really fantastic!). Still at times, she's not convinced. OMG! He said that he is doing that for his girlfriend to really believe what he is doing. Seeing is believing, he added. He is amenable that he fell from darkness before but he is convinced that he is true and in the right at the present. Also, he believes that his past will not totally define who he is in the present. Out of pure love, he wanted to prove to his girlfriend that no matter what, he wants to pursue her. Though at times, he underlines that his girlfriend is historical and hysterical in nature (probably true).

       From that story of a friend, I used to really think of how believing comes to an end with trust and so with faith. Is it truly to say that to see is to believe? How this works in reality? And how about those cannot see or perceive by our senses? Can we question that of their existence? Or can we consider as part of whole reality? Whatever personal belief it is, it can form a strong foundation of what to believe and why to believe. Knowing on what to believe really matters. It is difficult to convince ourselves without knowing such. Knowing requires us to understand not just giving superficial description of perceived reality but more so on relating ourselves to it.

       Looking backward when I took up my Philosophy, I encountered this one of the most interesting people in the history of the church, St. Augustine of Hippo. Seemingly, his writings and works on faith and reason contribute to Christianity as what it is today. In his “The City of God”, I found it very hard to fathom but still amazed the grandiose view of the eternal struggle between good and evil. The most interesting part I have learned from him is his dictum that "Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe". This struck me every time I am in doubt and in uncertainties. In Hebrews 11:1, it was supported this proposition saying that "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith here is not just a mere faith to anything but the Faith with respect, reverence and awe to Jesus Christ.

       As of now, my friend and his girlfriend took a break and prayerfully tried to work on their trust issues. Before going further, they wanted to settle concerning their trust, commitment and faith.  They look forward to hold on that trust not by mere perception but of believing things beyond the eyes can see for the reward would be strong foundation of their relationship. In the same way, the reward of faith is to see what you believe, and we believe in eternal life in Jesus Christ.

The Goodness Within

   

The Buzz Group (Begonia 14) wearing
their goody smile. 

 It is two days after RLTC. I cannot contain the happiness I felt when I experienced and sensed the sharing of my brothers and sisters during the event. It was spirit filled gathering of the faithful. I renewed commitment and revivified experience with the Lord. I felt joyful and fulfilled serving the Lord with people who understand you with common track in the light of the Holy Spirit.

     The same with the teaching of our readings today brothers, (Galatians 5:1-6 – First Reading) Paul realizes that salvation depends on grace and not merely on following the Law. As disciples of Jesus, we must learn to surrender our lives to this grace and allow the Holy Spirit to show us how to live. The Law is still a guide, but the Spirit will help us understand the Law based on our individual situations. This is what Paul means when he says that we live by the Spirit and not the flesh.

     Our Gospel (Luke 11:37-41) talks about the kind of Servant He is. Jesus serves. Full of humility

despite the Divinity He has, Jesus gives Himself to us for our own sustenance, healing and growth especially during the celebration of sacraments. He has come to serve, not to be served, and this is how He lived His life. Jesus does not demand that His divinity be acknowledged — He does what His Father asks Him to do.  We should follow His lead and serve whether we are recognized or not for our service.

     Like in the Gospel brothers, we are like that Pharisee. We observe much of the conventional rules. Men might focus on the external but God definitely looks at the heart, at what’s within. In the first reading we may quote, “but only faith working through love.”

    Today, the Lord reminds us to look at what’s invisible to the eye. And there’s more to it than just empty external rituals. Let us pray to the Lord brothers to purify our thoughts and motivations.

Second Chance

"It may bear fruit in the future". This is the thought of positive outlook that God gives us all an extension!

Life on earth has ups and downs. You fall and get up. There is another round, a second chance. In God’s Kingdom, we have the chance to try again and live life for His Glory. It is an extension. To fulfill that option and chance, we need to nourish our life with prayer, mass and doing good deeds to one another for us to bear fruits.

Aim high. Believe in yourself. Choose well. These are the ABCs that can guide us in our life living for this second chance.

Aim high. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Living your life in a so-so is a sin. We have all the gifts necessary for our goals. Use it. Bear fruit out of it. I have this mind-set that I need to spire for the universe. For an instance that I can’t get it, I have the clouds. It is still big and wide. It pushes me beyond my limitations.

Believe in yourself. The most important tool you can bring with in achieving your goals is yourself. The way you believe in yourself matters a lot. We have been taught that man is made in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26-27), and therefore, capable of doing great things.

Choose well. We have lot of choices. We have the will to choose. We need to choose God wants us to be. Choosing Him over the other things and pleasures of the world is an opportunity. It is not easy to follow Him but for sure, great things are yet to come, in His Kingdom. It’s your choice. Be the best you can be.

With humility, we need to re-examine our judgments. Apparently, we are called to set aside our arrogance and tendency to judge the worth of others, or their need to feel right or more righteous – and, for their own good, to embrace an abundance of spirit, a generosity towards other people, that shows the fruit of being a disciple.

Am I fruitless fig tree seemed to be dead? Am I generous that others deserved and expected to have?

Lord help me believe that you never give up on anyone. May I be the same!

A Loving Father

I am fond of reading novels. But not that much that it consumed most of my time. In my leisure time, probably, I inclined to open every pages of each chapter full of excitement.  John Grisham is one of the authors I really salute for the suspense of litigation process, play inside the courtroom, the business law, the triumph and joy of winning the case, the fight and strategic ways of victorious defense. He has the meticulous presentation of the details, well research subject matter, as if I am reading a case study written in interesting narrative story. With the wit, satires, distinct characters and creative plot, it made me to love his works. 

In the same story, our Gospel reading yesterday spoke to a very beautiful story of kindness, repentance and forgiveness. It contains elements which held such a persistent and wide popular appeal. It has a compelling way that captures an important aspect of life. This idea meant to be striking with strong convictions of how to live life which is misguided to be difficult.

Personally, I don’t have that father and son close relationship with my father. It seemed that we had that discomfort to be with. I presumed we were still in a patriarchal paradigm of family. He was the boss, the decision maker, the sole provider and rule. He is firm, has strong personality and dedicated to his service. I had the struggle to meet all his expectations from me, from all of us. But still, I feel very fortunate that despite the gap we have had before he passed away, he filled it with full of inspiration. He will be my forever hero next to God.

The story of a prodigal son always inspires me of genuine love and commitment. It is a story of a family. It compels to hold one another in journeying life together. It describes each role of family members. It is a story of a forgiving and loving father which all attributed to God. It is the most wonderful commentaries on the relationship of God to his people.

In our imperfections, the Father will always welcome us in His Heavenly Kingdom.  He is not blind for our needs. He waits for our return. God’s love is so great, His forgiveness is unbelievable. It defeats all human calculations. God wants to reclaim every prodigal son and rejoice over him at his return. But do we ever take the risk and pain of going to the other side of the track when we falter? Can we, like the prodigal son, make a return to the Father?

Brothers and sister, “We had to celebrate… This brother of yours was dead, and has come back to life.”

Stand Tall

Everything in us has something. That something reveals in us the divine purpose we are destined to be with Him. Part of this gift of life and destiny is the commission to be stewards of all His creation. We will be judged according to the works we are doing here, today, now. To follow Him and be His faithful disciple is tremendous task and way of life we aspire to go through.

Our Gospel today speaks of another parable. In the parable, God is the landowner. It was presented how God sent several people, the judges, prophets, kings and even to the point that He sent His only Son. But the people seized them, some beat them, another killed them, and others stoned them.

Upon reflecting on today’s passage, I have three assumptions. These I have proved to be true to me but I do not generalize it to be applicable also in you.

If you fight for the truth, you will be condemned. It is a challenge for us Christians to be firm in our beliefs and in our faith. Despite the influences of the many, of the world, we need to stand and face head-on to what we believe is true and right. It seems that evil things are good to the eyes. It is like a gift wrapped in very beautiful linen, taming our eyes to open and grab it. This entity whatever we can call it knew our weaknesses. And it tried to win us to do the opposite of what a true faithful wanted us to be. Personal conviction to what you believe and be active witness is always at stake.

If you pursue goodness, you might have taken advantage. I had an experience where if you show goodness, goodness will always be good no matter what instance it may be. I know someone who always as for favor. In response, I always attend whatever it takes even to sacrifice mine. I believe that it is my social responsibility to help others. If I can, I will. If can’t, I will try. At times, I was taken advantage and used. But I do not care for what I do as good will always be good whether to whom I will give this goodness.

If you speak for your right, you might persecute sometimes. If you share what you think is right and good, most of the times, people will say you are not in, not in trend, out of context. Right will always be right even nobody is doing it. Wrong is always wrong even everybody is doing it. Others might not like it if it’s true and right, as Christians, be firm and stand for it.

“God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son; so that everyone who believes in Him might have eternal life” (John 3:16).

We will make sure that we are listening to the right people who have the message of truth, love and justice. Jesus is the true One. We must follow Him and aspire and do to be like Him. Stand tall.

At Your Service

I remembered one morning when I took my breakfast in a fast food chain; the crew introduced herself and offered service with a smile. I cannot spell out the passion and the genuineness in carrying out her task saying, “At your service sir”. She might be the representation of the many other crews, working individuals, business people and any other fields of work which surely define and make their being into existence full of meaning.

In our Gospel today, Jesus taught service and sacrifice. This is to sacrifice one’s life for the sake of another. Service without it is futile. It makes one a whole. This is to avoid brutish and selfish serving. Jesus makes an analogy of service and sacrifice to drink with His cup which entails following Him to any pain and struggles of life, of martyrdom. Also it signifies daily temptations, sacrifices and disappointments of Christian life.

For this instance, I realize how significant service in making our life fulfilled. With this, I have three points to consider: know your field, know your direction and know your purpose.

Know your field. It is a need to know where you have been planted for you to know how to grow and be a better person. Learn to love it. Focus on your strengths and improve your weaknesses. This is where you need to know our limitations and the challenges of the world around us. Establish connections and strengthen your linkages. Social investment is at stake in a way. You are not moving forward alone but you are working with people alongside with you.  Relationship building is of significant and relevant to what direction and aspiration you would like to achieve.

Know your direction. You cannot move without looking where you want to go or else you will be lost along the way. It involves strategies on how to take challenges in your way forward. It upholds as well in appreciating small achievements along the way. It motivates you to exert more effort, do more service and enjoy each moment you step on.

Know your purpose. You need to answer the very reason why you serve and why you do what you do today. It is the end of the decision you make, plan you formulate, and risk you take. It requires total submission to the One you served for. The bottom line of everything and the common denominator of working, of service and of sacrifice are for the greater glory of God. The destiny is to be with Him for the best is yet to come, to be in His Kingdom.  

As community of the faithful, we are called to serve. Our service is accompanied with sacrifice. It may be in financial, time, effort or even provoke to many temptations of today’s world. It is indeed a demand for us to know our field, our direction and our purpose to fully understand and appreciate our essence as active Christian witnesses. 

"Lord Jesus, make me a servant of love for your kingdom that I may seek to serve rather than be served.    Inflame my heart with love that I may give generously and serve joyfully for your sake."

Set Things Right

Do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example for they preach but they do not practice. 

This is what God wanted us to do. Like Pharisees in the scripture, they tend to tell the faithful how pious they are. But their words are just mere words of giving reverence to God for it lacks of actions. Their goal is to step on pedestal of fame. They have disposed to political rhetoric and trash-talk.

This is the context where Jesus had the confrontation with the religious leaders in Jerusalem. It emphasized the Pharisees' desire for prestige and honor. They act solely in order to win praise from others. They acted like hypocrites. Jesus is mocking when He corrects the attitudes of the religious leaders. It was shown that they are not really genuine in their service to the poor. He reminded us to be not like them. We are called to serve for those who need us, for the poor in any aspect of life and marginalized.

An old tree is hard to bend. It is not easy to set things right. It entails changes which accompanied big challenges.

In our mission, we are challenge to walk our talk. We do preach of the Gospel and the doctrines of our church. But this does not end there. The best and most effective way of preaching and evangelizing God’s word is the way we live our daily lives. It will surely influence others to do the same.

For this season of Lent, we are called to perpetual conversion. This, too, is what Isaiah now rouses us to: “Come now, let us set things right!” We will ask His providence to work with His will and purpose for us. 

Come now. Let us set things right. The greatest among you must be your servant.  Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

More Than Something

Something makes it to be something not of nothing because of the essence of being something. How do we define essence in itself? The chair exists for its essence as a chair and its ”chairness” for that fact, metaphysically.

In our Gospel today, Jesus gives authority to Peter to build God’s church. In the same way, we are called by God to be part and active witness of His Holy Church which refers to us, the faithful, not the structure per se. We are one in the salvific mission of the Church. We are salt of the earth. We are called to listen to the Holy Spirit in leading and guiding the Church in its mission.

Like the chair, we are who we are called to serve the Lord because of our role, mission and commitment of service. This makes us special. It was meant for us to be pastor, to be a shepherd of the faithful, to be steward of everything, of many things, of all God’s creation including humanity.

Like the chair, it is not a mere object. With its essence and its capacity to exist then and there, it is more than something, something that cannot be fathomed with our naked perceptions. It is more than to what we expect it to be as it is. In our dire struggles of making essence and meaning for our lives, we can find ourselves that our service and commitment in proclaiming the Good News is of great significant.   

Like the chair, it becomes the subject. It is not a mere combination of materials like wood, concrete nails and others to form a chair but in its essence of being such. Subject is of significant value. It is as it is in form, whole, complete, existed. In our mission, it may define who we are, what and why we live. But the way we everyday live, gives the real meaning of our being “the subject” – that exists, fulfilled, truly human, servant of God. Being the subject, the challenge to put God first is at hand. This is to be firmed in our belief, in our faith, in our aspiration to be with Him as our goal.

Like the chair, it is beyond chair. It uses is not merely to serve as chair, but can be used in many other ways. Still, its “chairness” continues to overflow as an act, being there, inert and no other can bereft and take away from it. In our journey as Lingkod, we are not just a community of the faithful, of servants of the Lord, of missionaries of goodness, for we are tangible manifestations of God’s greatness fighting, pursuing, imitating Christ in the midst of darkness. We are true witness of His goodness, mercy and compassion. We are active doers of our faith and commitment.

This is another day after a day of meeting and sharing life with brothers and sisters in Lingkod ng Panginoon. Truly indeed, a prolific encounter with God had happened which manifested in the presence and act of love, kindness, faithfulness and humility.

Today, I presented not about a lousy chair but full of supercilious meaning. This upholds the great responsibility as servants expected from us and even more than something. In our mission, let be together believe, work it out and celebrate.

Kudos Lingkod ng Panginoon.