Dear Former Colleagues:
God is good! It was evident when He gave us our beloved Fr. Giuseppe Aveni, who is known to many of us as a “living saint”. Now that Fr. Aveni is gone, it is not only your religious family that mourns... we are with you!.. we, who left your religious community for a reason or another, yet having in our hearts the ROGATE even beyond the walls of FHFC! You and I know that Fr. Aveni is a big loss not only to the Rogationists but to the entire Church as well!
Despite all these, Fr. Aveni’s death was also used by God for us (ex-rogationist seminarians) to get reunited with the seminary where we had too many unforgettable moments. As we were sharing thoughts among ourselves, we affirm that it is a lot different now to set foot to the ground that we once swept, to the Chapel where we bid many of our prayers, to the corridor where we usually ran to go to confession with Fr. Aveni right after dinner. It’s undeniable! Fr. Aveni’s death made the difference!
While we are sad, we are all challenged by Fr.Aveni’s life and death to likewise live out holiness having himself as our new model (along with St. Hannibal) and ROGATE remains as our moving force! The challenge to be “holy apostles” is for all... priests and unordained, Rogationists and non-RCJs alike. It is forever valid!
In prayer, I remain!
Julius
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Dawn of Change... The Advent of Hope (Witnessing the Oath-taking of Pres. Benigno C. Aquino III)
Today comes the moment that nobody thought would come. The duly elected President of the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, is sworn into office. The voices of the Filipino people which were unheard by the past regime are now in its advent of being heard and considered. The event really calls for a celebration, isn’t it? “The day conquered the night”, as a hopeful catholic would put it.
I was a first hand witness of the event. Early in the morning of June 30, I headed straight to the Manila Cathedral for the Eucharistic Celebration and press conference organized by Radio Veritas and CBCP. During the mass, Cardinal Rosales stressed that Pres. Aquino must see the situation of the common people not by statistical reports but by sight. True enough! I had a chance to visit a number of provinces in the Philippines. In the urban areas, one will know that the current TV commercial on infrastructures funded by Former President GMA was at all true. However, many places are still backward in terms of industrial development. In the far flung areas, behind the cities (call it “rural” if you like), one will get disappointed with the roads not even touched by asphalt in a backhoe, without forgetting the situation of the people living therein. In this matter alone, we will realize that statistics is at times partial. That point, however, is the same point that Cardinal Rosales requested the new president to consider.
Luneta Park was my next stop on that day. Some blocks away from the venue of the oath-taking, people could hardly find a space to walk in or even to park a vehicle. It was chock-full of people from all walks of life. Politicians, celebrities, church men, media teams, and common people walk together toward the venue. It was surprising to see!
The best part was the arrival of the incoming and outgoing Presidents to the venue riding on a single vehicle. I take it as a sign of hope for the opposites parties to unite although many explains that those were all for formality. Songs that express nationalism were rendered by chosen popular singers. The most touching song was that of Noel Cabangon that depicts the qualities of a “Mabuting Pilipino”. Cabangon made all the people, including the VIPs, stood up with their right hand raised as though swearing that they will do what the song’s lyrics state.
The oath-taking was all the more startling! Many people shouted for joy after President Aquino took the highest post in the government as expressed by his swearing in. He’s speech was mordantly delivered for the enemies of the Republic but would enliven any heart that longs for hope! I became a little emotional when I saw the new president took his first march as the president of the Republic. In my heart, I say that the long time of slavery is over! The voiceless will now be heard. It’s the moment of freedom for me and for all the Filipino people... I hope!
On one hand, I am hoping and praying that Pres. Aquino will not turn down the 15 Million people who placed him into office. On the other hand, the Filipino people (including myself) must support him not just at heart but by deeds and simple efforts to meet what we hope for.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Pangulong Noynoy!
I was a first hand witness of the event. Early in the morning of June 30, I headed straight to the Manila Cathedral for the Eucharistic Celebration and press conference organized by Radio Veritas and CBCP. During the mass, Cardinal Rosales stressed that Pres. Aquino must see the situation of the common people not by statistical reports but by sight. True enough! I had a chance to visit a number of provinces in the Philippines. In the urban areas, one will know that the current TV commercial on infrastructures funded by Former President GMA was at all true. However, many places are still backward in terms of industrial development. In the far flung areas, behind the cities (call it “rural” if you like), one will get disappointed with the roads not even touched by asphalt in a backhoe, without forgetting the situation of the people living therein. In this matter alone, we will realize that statistics is at times partial. That point, however, is the same point that Cardinal Rosales requested the new president to consider.
Luneta Park was my next stop on that day. Some blocks away from the venue of the oath-taking, people could hardly find a space to walk in or even to park a vehicle. It was chock-full of people from all walks of life. Politicians, celebrities, church men, media teams, and common people walk together toward the venue. It was surprising to see!
The best part was the arrival of the incoming and outgoing Presidents to the venue riding on a single vehicle. I take it as a sign of hope for the opposites parties to unite although many explains that those were all for formality. Songs that express nationalism were rendered by chosen popular singers. The most touching song was that of Noel Cabangon that depicts the qualities of a “Mabuting Pilipino”. Cabangon made all the people, including the VIPs, stood up with their right hand raised as though swearing that they will do what the song’s lyrics state.
The oath-taking was all the more startling! Many people shouted for joy after President Aquino took the highest post in the government as expressed by his swearing in. He’s speech was mordantly delivered for the enemies of the Republic but would enliven any heart that longs for hope! I became a little emotional when I saw the new president took his first march as the president of the Republic. In my heart, I say that the long time of slavery is over! The voiceless will now be heard. It’s the moment of freedom for me and for all the Filipino people... I hope!
On one hand, I am hoping and praying that Pres. Aquino will not turn down the 15 Million people who placed him into office. On the other hand, the Filipino people (including myself) must support him not just at heart but by deeds and simple efforts to meet what we hope for.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Pangulong Noynoy!
“Wikang Filipino: Dangal ng Bawat Pilipino…”
Mayroon bang puwang sa Mundo para sa wikang Filipino? O mayroon bang puwang sa mundo para man lang sa mga Pilipino?
Sa mga pagkakataon na ang Pilipino ay nangingibang-bansa, sinisikap natin na pag-aralan at matutunan ang wika ng bansang ating pinuntahan. Marahil ito ang ating paraan ng pagpapakita ng pag-galang sa wikang banyaga sa panahon na tayo ay maituturing na mga dayuhan sa kanilang bansa. Ganyan ang Pinoy… magalang! Pero bakit kaya dito sa Pilipinas, kapag mayroong mga dayuhan sinisikap pa rin ng mga Pilipino ang mag-salita ng Ingles o anumang wika na kaya nating bigkasin batay sa kung saan mang bansa nagmula ang dayuhan? Paraan ba ito ng ating mainit na pagtanggap sa mga dayuhan? Sino ba ang dapat na makibagay sa wika ng kinaroroonang bansa?
Sa totoo lang, sa ganitong pagkakataon napapatunayan ng mga Pilipino ang ating galing sa pagkatuto at pagsasalita ng iba’t ibang wika. Sa pamamagitang ng pagsasalita ng wikang banyaga, tumataas ang ating estadong panlipunan sapagkat tanging mga edukado lamang ang nakapagsasalita ng wikang banyaga. Ngunit dapat din nating ipagmakapuri ang ating sariling wika sa mga banyaga sa loob ng ating bansa. Dapat natin nsilang hayaan na matuto ng ating wika at gamitin ito habang sila ay nakiki-panuluyan sa ating bansa. Katulad ng ating tiwala sa kakayahan ng lahing Pilipino, dapat din tayong magtiwala na mayroong dangal ang wikang Filipino. Ngunit, paano nga ba ang magtiwala?
Sa kasalukuyan, kung kailan dama ng bawat isa ang pagkakaiba-iba sa estado, kultura, at maging sa wika… marahil, hindi nga madali ang magtiwala! Marami ang nagsasabi na langit at lupa ang pagitan ng mahirap at mayaman, may pinag-aralan at mangmang, o may kapangyarihan at ordinaryong mamamayan. Marahil tama nga sila! Kung ikukumpara lamang natin ang ating pansariling estado, kultura, at wika sa ating kapwa… magkakaiba-iba nga tayo! At sa pagkakaiba-iba, napakahirap nang magtiwala pa!
Subalit hindi dito nagtatapos ang lahat. May pag-asa pa! Sa halip na malungkot tayo dahil sa pagkakaiba-iba, mas mabuting tingnan natin ang bawat isa sa aspeto na nagbubuklod sa atin bilang isang lahing Pilipino… ang ating wika… Filipino.
Kung tutuusin, parang marami na sa atin ang tumatalikod sa ating wika. Sa dami ng mga Pilipino na mas pinipiling manirahan sa ibang bansa dahil sa hirap ng buhay sa Pilipinas, mistulang tumatalikod sila sa ating kultura at wika. Siguro nga! Ngunit ang katotohanang ito ay hindi dapat tingnan lamang sa negatibong paraan. Ang pangingibang-bansa ay hindi laging nangangahulugan ng pagtalikod sa sariling bansa. Sa katunayan, maaring ito ang paraan ng maraming Pilipino sa pagsakop sa mundo. Habang ang ibang lahi ay walang humpay sa pagbabawas ng populasyon, ang lahing Pilipino ay dumadami upang magsilbing lakas pag-gawa sa ibang bansa. Wala nga tayong pera kumpara sa ibang bansa! Pero marami ang mga Pilipino na siyang pag-asa ng lakas pag-gawa sa Mundo. Sa bandang huli, anumang layo ang narrating ay uuwi parin sa Pilipinas upang muling yakapin ang kultura at wikang nakatatak na sa ating puso at nagsisilbing hininga ng ating damdamin. Kaya’t walang pagtalikod na naganap. Nananatili tayong Pilipino na nagtitiwala sa ating lahi at wika.
Ngunit, hindi natin maitatanggi na may pagkakataon na pilit na nasisira ang ating pagtitiwala sa bansa at sa wika dahil sa iilang tao na nagpapakalunod sa kanilang kataksilan. Kung saan ang bawat isa ay walang iniisip kundi ang makalamang sa kapwa, wala roon ang pagtitiwala. Sa pagkakataon na nakakaupo ang mga pinuno sa puwesto dahil sa pandaraya, nasisira ang pagtitiwala. Kung tayo ay tumatalikod sa wikang Filipino para magsalita ng wikang banyaga upang mapatunayan na angat tayo sa iba, bumabagsak ang pagtitiwala. Ngunit, tulad ng dati, may pag-asa pa! Kapag sa kabila ng laganap na paghihirap ay wala nang nanganagamba dahil mayroong handang dumamay at magbahagi sa kapwa, nabubuhay ang pagtitiwala. Kung ang bawat pinuno ay magiging tapat sa tungkulin sa bayan, uusbong muli ang pagtitiwala. Kung ang lahing Pilipino ay taas-noong ipagmamakapuri ang sariling wika at magsisikap na iangat ang bansa, dapat tayong magtiwala… aangat ang ating bansa na binubuklod ng iisang wika.
Marahil ito na ang panahon upang muli natin ipagmalaki ang wikang Filipino. Panahon na upang patunayan sa mga banyaga na mayroon din tayong dangal bilang isang bansa. Panahon na upang tayo’y magkaisa at ipakita na kahit ang ating bansa ay dukha, mayroon tayong pagsisikap at pangarap na umangat. Lahat ito ay makakamit sa ngalan ng Diyos at kung lalapit tayo sa Kanya bilang isang bansa, kalakip an gating walang humpay na… pagtitiwala.
Sa mga pagkakataon na ang Pilipino ay nangingibang-bansa, sinisikap natin na pag-aralan at matutunan ang wika ng bansang ating pinuntahan. Marahil ito ang ating paraan ng pagpapakita ng pag-galang sa wikang banyaga sa panahon na tayo ay maituturing na mga dayuhan sa kanilang bansa. Ganyan ang Pinoy… magalang! Pero bakit kaya dito sa Pilipinas, kapag mayroong mga dayuhan sinisikap pa rin ng mga Pilipino ang mag-salita ng Ingles o anumang wika na kaya nating bigkasin batay sa kung saan mang bansa nagmula ang dayuhan? Paraan ba ito ng ating mainit na pagtanggap sa mga dayuhan? Sino ba ang dapat na makibagay sa wika ng kinaroroonang bansa?
Sa totoo lang, sa ganitong pagkakataon napapatunayan ng mga Pilipino ang ating galing sa pagkatuto at pagsasalita ng iba’t ibang wika. Sa pamamagitang ng pagsasalita ng wikang banyaga, tumataas ang ating estadong panlipunan sapagkat tanging mga edukado lamang ang nakapagsasalita ng wikang banyaga. Ngunit dapat din nating ipagmakapuri ang ating sariling wika sa mga banyaga sa loob ng ating bansa. Dapat natin nsilang hayaan na matuto ng ating wika at gamitin ito habang sila ay nakiki-panuluyan sa ating bansa. Katulad ng ating tiwala sa kakayahan ng lahing Pilipino, dapat din tayong magtiwala na mayroong dangal ang wikang Filipino. Ngunit, paano nga ba ang magtiwala?
Sa kasalukuyan, kung kailan dama ng bawat isa ang pagkakaiba-iba sa estado, kultura, at maging sa wika… marahil, hindi nga madali ang magtiwala! Marami ang nagsasabi na langit at lupa ang pagitan ng mahirap at mayaman, may pinag-aralan at mangmang, o may kapangyarihan at ordinaryong mamamayan. Marahil tama nga sila! Kung ikukumpara lamang natin ang ating pansariling estado, kultura, at wika sa ating kapwa… magkakaiba-iba nga tayo! At sa pagkakaiba-iba, napakahirap nang magtiwala pa!
Subalit hindi dito nagtatapos ang lahat. May pag-asa pa! Sa halip na malungkot tayo dahil sa pagkakaiba-iba, mas mabuting tingnan natin ang bawat isa sa aspeto na nagbubuklod sa atin bilang isang lahing Pilipino… ang ating wika… Filipino.
Kung tutuusin, parang marami na sa atin ang tumatalikod sa ating wika. Sa dami ng mga Pilipino na mas pinipiling manirahan sa ibang bansa dahil sa hirap ng buhay sa Pilipinas, mistulang tumatalikod sila sa ating kultura at wika. Siguro nga! Ngunit ang katotohanang ito ay hindi dapat tingnan lamang sa negatibong paraan. Ang pangingibang-bansa ay hindi laging nangangahulugan ng pagtalikod sa sariling bansa. Sa katunayan, maaring ito ang paraan ng maraming Pilipino sa pagsakop sa mundo. Habang ang ibang lahi ay walang humpay sa pagbabawas ng populasyon, ang lahing Pilipino ay dumadami upang magsilbing lakas pag-gawa sa ibang bansa. Wala nga tayong pera kumpara sa ibang bansa! Pero marami ang mga Pilipino na siyang pag-asa ng lakas pag-gawa sa Mundo. Sa bandang huli, anumang layo ang narrating ay uuwi parin sa Pilipinas upang muling yakapin ang kultura at wikang nakatatak na sa ating puso at nagsisilbing hininga ng ating damdamin. Kaya’t walang pagtalikod na naganap. Nananatili tayong Pilipino na nagtitiwala sa ating lahi at wika.
Ngunit, hindi natin maitatanggi na may pagkakataon na pilit na nasisira ang ating pagtitiwala sa bansa at sa wika dahil sa iilang tao na nagpapakalunod sa kanilang kataksilan. Kung saan ang bawat isa ay walang iniisip kundi ang makalamang sa kapwa, wala roon ang pagtitiwala. Sa pagkakataon na nakakaupo ang mga pinuno sa puwesto dahil sa pandaraya, nasisira ang pagtitiwala. Kung tayo ay tumatalikod sa wikang Filipino para magsalita ng wikang banyaga upang mapatunayan na angat tayo sa iba, bumabagsak ang pagtitiwala. Ngunit, tulad ng dati, may pag-asa pa! Kapag sa kabila ng laganap na paghihirap ay wala nang nanganagamba dahil mayroong handang dumamay at magbahagi sa kapwa, nabubuhay ang pagtitiwala. Kung ang bawat pinuno ay magiging tapat sa tungkulin sa bayan, uusbong muli ang pagtitiwala. Kung ang lahing Pilipino ay taas-noong ipagmamakapuri ang sariling wika at magsisikap na iangat ang bansa, dapat tayong magtiwala… aangat ang ating bansa na binubuklod ng iisang wika.
Marahil ito na ang panahon upang muli natin ipagmalaki ang wikang Filipino. Panahon na upang patunayan sa mga banyaga na mayroon din tayong dangal bilang isang bansa. Panahon na upang tayo’y magkaisa at ipakita na kahit ang ating bansa ay dukha, mayroon tayong pagsisikap at pangarap na umangat. Lahat ito ay makakamit sa ngalan ng Diyos at kung lalapit tayo sa Kanya bilang isang bansa, kalakip an gating walang humpay na… pagtitiwala.
Pagninilay sa Ikapitong Huling Wika: “Ama, Sa Mga Kamay Mo, Inihahabilin Ko Ang Buhay Ko.” (Lukas 23: 44-46)
Hindi na po ako magtataka kung marami ang magsasabi sa atin na sila ay dumaranas ng matitinding pagsubok sa Buhay… mga pagsubok na siya ring nagpapatatag sa ating mga pananaw. Marahil ang nagsisilbing lakas natin sa likod ng mga pagsubok na ito ay ang malaman na hindi tayo nag-iisa at may mga karamay tayo sa ating pagdurusa.
Si Hesus bagama’t Diyos ay nagdanas din ng mga pagdurusa. Jesus is never alien to suffering. He embraced full humanity even human suffering. Niyakap niya ang mga hilahil sa buhay na gaya ng mga ordinaryong tao ngunit hindi sa ordinaryong dahilan, kundi nang dahil sa pag-ibig.
Mga kapatid, ang huling mga katagang binigkas ni Hesus habang siya’y nakabayubay sa krus ang kahuli-hulihan niyang pag-asa. Matapos ang matagal na panahon ng pakikiisa sa mga tao, pagpapagaling sa may sakit, pagdamay sa mga api, at pangangaral sa kanyang mga disipulo, marahil pagod na din si Hesus. Sinamahan niya ang mga taong nagdurusa, ngunit ngayong siya naman ang nagdurusa sa krus ng dahil sa pag-ibig, halos walang dumamay sa kanya. Iniwan siya ng mga taong kanyang pinagaling, pinakain, tinuruan, dinamayan, binuhay, at binigyan ng pag-asa. Iniwan din siya ng marami sa kanyang mga apostoles na tinawag niyang “kaibigan”. Wala na silang lahat! Iniwan nila si Hesus habang nagdurusa sa krus! Kahit ang kanyang kaibigang si Pedro na ilang ulit nagkumpisal ng pagmamahal sa kanya ay umalis din at tumalikod sa kanya. Ang hungkag niyang pangako ang tanging naiwan kay Hesus. Samantalang silang mga tahimik na nakilakbay kay Hesus tulad nina Maria na kanyang ina, ni Mariang maybahay ni Cleofas, kasama si Maria Magdalena na itinakwil ng lipunan, at ni Juan na pinakabata sa mga apostol… sila pa ang naiwan sa paanan ni Hesus habang pinapanood ang unti-unti niyang kamatayan. Kapwa sila walang magawa kundi ang tumangis sa nakakawang kalagayan ni Hesus.
Mga kapatid, ang pagkamatay ni Hesus marahil ay tigib ng kalungkutan hindi lamang dahil sa pagod sa paglalakbay habang pasan ang krus o dahil sa pagkaubos ng dugo sa pagkasibat sa kanyang katawan. Hindi rin sa latay na sanhi ng paghampas sa kanya o ng dahil sa kahihiyan ng kahubaran sa harapan ng madla. Mas masakit ang kamatayan ni Hesus dahil sa pagtalikod ng mga kaibigan niya na dapat sana’y nagtanggol sa kanya. Marahil ito na ang pinakamasakit na kamatayan, ang mamatay nang walang laban, ang mamatay habang dala ang sakit na dulot ng pagtalikod sa iyo ng iyong mga minamahal matapos mo silang paglingkuran ng sobra sobra… kamatayan dahil sa labis na kalungkutan dala ng pag-iisa. Hindi ba tayo rin, minsan ay pinapangakuan din tayo na: “mahal kita”, “hindi kita iiwan”, o “huwag kang mag-alala, ako ang bahala sa iyo” pero sa oras ng pangangailangan ay wala naman sila. Mas madalas na mag-isa ka lang. Mas maskit pa kung silang nangako pa ang nakasakit sa atin. Hungkag din ang kanilang pangako, empty words at broken promises ang tanging naiiwan sa atin. Mga kapatid, masdan natin ang ating Panginoon na nakabayubay sa krus at mag-isang nagdurusa… wala siyang karamay. Sino pa ang magsasalba sa kanya? Sa kanyang pagdurusa kanino pa niya itatagubilin ang kanyang sarili kung halos wala nang naiwan sa kanya… wala siyang pag-asa kayat nasabi niyang: “Ama sa iyong mga kamay inihahabilin ko ang aking buhay.” Ang Ama na ang kanyang tanggulan sa panahon ng kagipitan. Ang Ama ang siya niyang inasahan.
Gayundin, habang patuloy na hindi tayo kumakalinga at dumadamay sa pagdurusa ng ating kapwa, patuloy nating niyuyurakan sa kalungkutan at pag-iisa ang ating Panginoon. Sana sa pamamagitan ng ating pagdadamayan ay maipakita natin sa Diyos ang ating pakikiisa hindi lamang sa kaluwalhatian kundi pati sa kalungkutan. Samahan natin si Heus na ang inaasahan ay ang Ama. Katulad ni Hesus, kahit namatay sa krus ay binuhay muli ng pag-asa sa Ama.
Banal na Diyos, banal na puspos ng kapangyarihan, banal na walang hanggan…
Maawa po kayo sa amin at sa buong mundo.
O Hesus, hari ng awa… kami ay nanalig sa iyo.
______________________________
Ang akdang ito ay ginamit sa pagtatanghal ng “Pitong Huling Wika” noong Biyernes Santo, Abril 10, 2009 sa Parokya ng Birhen ng Asuncion, Maragondon, Cavite kasabay ng kanyang Holy Week Apostolate
Si Hesus bagama’t Diyos ay nagdanas din ng mga pagdurusa. Jesus is never alien to suffering. He embraced full humanity even human suffering. Niyakap niya ang mga hilahil sa buhay na gaya ng mga ordinaryong tao ngunit hindi sa ordinaryong dahilan, kundi nang dahil sa pag-ibig.
Mga kapatid, ang huling mga katagang binigkas ni Hesus habang siya’y nakabayubay sa krus ang kahuli-hulihan niyang pag-asa. Matapos ang matagal na panahon ng pakikiisa sa mga tao, pagpapagaling sa may sakit, pagdamay sa mga api, at pangangaral sa kanyang mga disipulo, marahil pagod na din si Hesus. Sinamahan niya ang mga taong nagdurusa, ngunit ngayong siya naman ang nagdurusa sa krus ng dahil sa pag-ibig, halos walang dumamay sa kanya. Iniwan siya ng mga taong kanyang pinagaling, pinakain, tinuruan, dinamayan, binuhay, at binigyan ng pag-asa. Iniwan din siya ng marami sa kanyang mga apostoles na tinawag niyang “kaibigan”. Wala na silang lahat! Iniwan nila si Hesus habang nagdurusa sa krus! Kahit ang kanyang kaibigang si Pedro na ilang ulit nagkumpisal ng pagmamahal sa kanya ay umalis din at tumalikod sa kanya. Ang hungkag niyang pangako ang tanging naiwan kay Hesus. Samantalang silang mga tahimik na nakilakbay kay Hesus tulad nina Maria na kanyang ina, ni Mariang maybahay ni Cleofas, kasama si Maria Magdalena na itinakwil ng lipunan, at ni Juan na pinakabata sa mga apostol… sila pa ang naiwan sa paanan ni Hesus habang pinapanood ang unti-unti niyang kamatayan. Kapwa sila walang magawa kundi ang tumangis sa nakakawang kalagayan ni Hesus.
Mga kapatid, ang pagkamatay ni Hesus marahil ay tigib ng kalungkutan hindi lamang dahil sa pagod sa paglalakbay habang pasan ang krus o dahil sa pagkaubos ng dugo sa pagkasibat sa kanyang katawan. Hindi rin sa latay na sanhi ng paghampas sa kanya o ng dahil sa kahihiyan ng kahubaran sa harapan ng madla. Mas masakit ang kamatayan ni Hesus dahil sa pagtalikod ng mga kaibigan niya na dapat sana’y nagtanggol sa kanya. Marahil ito na ang pinakamasakit na kamatayan, ang mamatay nang walang laban, ang mamatay habang dala ang sakit na dulot ng pagtalikod sa iyo ng iyong mga minamahal matapos mo silang paglingkuran ng sobra sobra… kamatayan dahil sa labis na kalungkutan dala ng pag-iisa. Hindi ba tayo rin, minsan ay pinapangakuan din tayo na: “mahal kita”, “hindi kita iiwan”, o “huwag kang mag-alala, ako ang bahala sa iyo” pero sa oras ng pangangailangan ay wala naman sila. Mas madalas na mag-isa ka lang. Mas maskit pa kung silang nangako pa ang nakasakit sa atin. Hungkag din ang kanilang pangako, empty words at broken promises ang tanging naiiwan sa atin. Mga kapatid, masdan natin ang ating Panginoon na nakabayubay sa krus at mag-isang nagdurusa… wala siyang karamay. Sino pa ang magsasalba sa kanya? Sa kanyang pagdurusa kanino pa niya itatagubilin ang kanyang sarili kung halos wala nang naiwan sa kanya… wala siyang pag-asa kayat nasabi niyang: “Ama sa iyong mga kamay inihahabilin ko ang aking buhay.” Ang Ama na ang kanyang tanggulan sa panahon ng kagipitan. Ang Ama ang siya niyang inasahan.
Gayundin, habang patuloy na hindi tayo kumakalinga at dumadamay sa pagdurusa ng ating kapwa, patuloy nating niyuyurakan sa kalungkutan at pag-iisa ang ating Panginoon. Sana sa pamamagitan ng ating pagdadamayan ay maipakita natin sa Diyos ang ating pakikiisa hindi lamang sa kaluwalhatian kundi pati sa kalungkutan. Samahan natin si Heus na ang inaasahan ay ang Ama. Katulad ni Hesus, kahit namatay sa krus ay binuhay muli ng pag-asa sa Ama.
Banal na Diyos, banal na puspos ng kapangyarihan, banal na walang hanggan…
Maawa po kayo sa amin at sa buong mundo.
O Hesus, hari ng awa… kami ay nanalig sa iyo.
______________________________
Ang akdang ito ay ginamit sa pagtatanghal ng “Pitong Huling Wika” noong Biyernes Santo, Abril 10, 2009 sa Parokya ng Birhen ng Asuncion, Maragondon, Cavite kasabay ng kanyang Holy Week Apostolate
THANK YOU and GOODBYE, PRESIDENT CORY!
“Roses and crosses make my life more meaningful. I cannot complain.”
– Pres. Cory
President Ma. Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, fondly called as Cory, is known for her simplicity and Godly attitude fostered in her whole life. Prior to her presidency, Cory was the widow of a brilliant senator and a rumored (then) presidentiable, Ninoy Aquino who was brutal assassinated on August 21, 1983. Through a People Power Revolution, Cory was pushed by the Filipinos to carry on the visions left by her husband to oust the tyrant Ferdinand Marcos from Malacañang. Cory accepted her fate and became first woman president of the Philippines by landslide victory and tenured from 1986 t0 1992. Pres. Cory faced various civil crises on the account of her office, but she remained steadfast until the last day of her term. Even after her presidency, Cory remained as an active advocate of democracy and transparency in the government. She challenged her successors to lead the country with honesty especially in times when issues of fraud and corruption come into play.
Pres. Cory was a committed Catholic and a devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom she entrusted all her life. However, more challenges come her way connected to her personal life until last February 2008, when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. For more than a year, after her illness was diagnosed, Pres. Cory fought so hard against cancer while many individuals, sectoral organizations, and religious institutes unceasingly prayed for her immediate recovery.
The icon of democracy passed away…
The news that welcomed the dawn of August 1, 2009 about the death of Pres. Cory Aquino saddened most of the Filipino people. From the first day of her wake at the De La Salle University - Greenhills until her last night at the Manila Cathedral, numerous people from different walks of life came to pay their last respect to the icon of democracy. Many testimonies about the goodness of Pres. Cory resounded on those days of mourning. The long lines of many people flocking to see the remains of Pres. Cory in wee hours of the night spoke for itself. One will see just how much Pres. Cory had been loved and cared for by the numerous people, even by those whom she did not know personally.
We were there too…
The Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol Community was also given the chance to pay its last respect to the late president. Together with the clergy of Imus, the community headed to the Manila Cathedral to attend the mid-day requiem mass presided over by Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle on August 4. In his homily, Bishop Tagle delivered a well-crafted sharing on how Pres. Cory lived her life for God, for the country, and for her family. After which, the TMP community rendered a song inspired by the People Power Revolution entitled “Diyos ay Sumasayo”.
On the date of Pres. Cory’s funeral, the Seminarians’ Network of the Philippines was invited by the Aquino family to cordon the hearse of the late president at the Manila Memorial Park. In response to the invitation, the TMP Community was given another chance to express its final respect to Pres. Cory. Almost 700 seminarians from different seminaries in NCR and nearby provinces responded to the invitation. The funeral march lasted for 10 hours (around 10:30 am to 8:30 pm) and the seminarians remained at the cemetery until the cortege arrived. The seminarians offered their valuable time to serve as choir, marshals, and errands in cemetery in the final service to Pres. Cory.
Indeed, if there is one thing that would remain forever, it is none other than the memory of how a person fully lived his or her life for the wellbeing of others. Our beloved President Cory is the model par excellence of such a life well spent for others. She is gone but her legacy remains… democracy!
– Pres. Cory
President Ma. Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, fondly called as Cory, is known for her simplicity and Godly attitude fostered in her whole life. Prior to her presidency, Cory was the widow of a brilliant senator and a rumored (then) presidentiable, Ninoy Aquino who was brutal assassinated on August 21, 1983. Through a People Power Revolution, Cory was pushed by the Filipinos to carry on the visions left by her husband to oust the tyrant Ferdinand Marcos from Malacañang. Cory accepted her fate and became first woman president of the Philippines by landslide victory and tenured from 1986 t0 1992. Pres. Cory faced various civil crises on the account of her office, but she remained steadfast until the last day of her term. Even after her presidency, Cory remained as an active advocate of democracy and transparency in the government. She challenged her successors to lead the country with honesty especially in times when issues of fraud and corruption come into play.
Pres. Cory was a committed Catholic and a devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom she entrusted all her life. However, more challenges come her way connected to her personal life until last February 2008, when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. For more than a year, after her illness was diagnosed, Pres. Cory fought so hard against cancer while many individuals, sectoral organizations, and religious institutes unceasingly prayed for her immediate recovery.
The icon of democracy passed away…
The news that welcomed the dawn of August 1, 2009 about the death of Pres. Cory Aquino saddened most of the Filipino people. From the first day of her wake at the De La Salle University - Greenhills until her last night at the Manila Cathedral, numerous people from different walks of life came to pay their last respect to the icon of democracy. Many testimonies about the goodness of Pres. Cory resounded on those days of mourning. The long lines of many people flocking to see the remains of Pres. Cory in wee hours of the night spoke for itself. One will see just how much Pres. Cory had been loved and cared for by the numerous people, even by those whom she did not know personally.
We were there too…
The Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol Community was also given the chance to pay its last respect to the late president. Together with the clergy of Imus, the community headed to the Manila Cathedral to attend the mid-day requiem mass presided over by Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle on August 4. In his homily, Bishop Tagle delivered a well-crafted sharing on how Pres. Cory lived her life for God, for the country, and for her family. After which, the TMP community rendered a song inspired by the People Power Revolution entitled “Diyos ay Sumasayo”.
On the date of Pres. Cory’s funeral, the Seminarians’ Network of the Philippines was invited by the Aquino family to cordon the hearse of the late president at the Manila Memorial Park. In response to the invitation, the TMP Community was given another chance to express its final respect to Pres. Cory. Almost 700 seminarians from different seminaries in NCR and nearby provinces responded to the invitation. The funeral march lasted for 10 hours (around 10:30 am to 8:30 pm) and the seminarians remained at the cemetery until the cortege arrived. The seminarians offered their valuable time to serve as choir, marshals, and errands in cemetery in the final service to Pres. Cory.
Indeed, if there is one thing that would remain forever, it is none other than the memory of how a person fully lived his or her life for the wellbeing of others. Our beloved President Cory is the model par excellence of such a life well spent for others. She is gone but her legacy remains… democracy!
Here We Are... to the Rescue!
The Philippines is one of the Asian countries that are always visited by typhoons. To date, it has experienced typhoons that affected not only the livelihood of the people but their very lives too. Many lives have been pawned because of these grave disasters. In moments like this, the rest of the Filipinos, who are less affected by the calamities, are extending their hands to those who are less fortunate by giving the victims the necessary things to mitigate the misery. This shows the culture of the Filipinos called “bayanihan”.
Last September 27 and 28, 2009, part of Luzon and a big number of the National Capital Region were bombarded by Super Typhoon “Ondoy” (Philippine name) which caused numerous houses to get drowned into the immense flood. As before, many people died. Their livelihood and properties were affected too, if not wasted at all. Nobody… nothing was spared - rich and poor, young and old, subdivisions and squatters’ areas alike. Indeed, they needed assistance from other people.
Hence, to respond to the needs of the victims, Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol heeded the invitation of the Seminarians’ Network of the Philippines (Sem Net) to go to Ateneo De Manila University to help out the Task Force Undoy. The group was organized to extend assistance to the victims through massive relief and clearing operations on the sites gravely affected by Undoy. Through the task force, TMP community was given the chance to visit some areas in Marikina and Pasig to distribute relief goods. More so, the power of the youth was intensely highlighted I his moment which had proven that the future of the Philippines remains in the hands of the youth.
This experience of volunteering on this noble mission of aiding the needy is God’s way of uniting the apparently divided Filipino people. Of course, the experience of loss is painful. But in the long run, we will realize that there is a reason behind all this. The first is to teach us to value the environment; the second is to make us realize that despite the development of science and technology, we still do not have full control over everything and thus, we still need God. The third is to let us relive the spirit that binds us as Filipinos… bayanihan!
___________________________
This is written for the newsletter of TAHANAN NG MABUTING PASTOL
Last September 27 and 28, 2009, part of Luzon and a big number of the National Capital Region were bombarded by Super Typhoon “Ondoy” (Philippine name) which caused numerous houses to get drowned into the immense flood. As before, many people died. Their livelihood and properties were affected too, if not wasted at all. Nobody… nothing was spared - rich and poor, young and old, subdivisions and squatters’ areas alike. Indeed, they needed assistance from other people.
Hence, to respond to the needs of the victims, Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol heeded the invitation of the Seminarians’ Network of the Philippines (Sem Net) to go to Ateneo De Manila University to help out the Task Force Undoy. The group was organized to extend assistance to the victims through massive relief and clearing operations on the sites gravely affected by Undoy. Through the task force, TMP community was given the chance to visit some areas in Marikina and Pasig to distribute relief goods. More so, the power of the youth was intensely highlighted I his moment which had proven that the future of the Philippines remains in the hands of the youth.
This experience of volunteering on this noble mission of aiding the needy is God’s way of uniting the apparently divided Filipino people. Of course, the experience of loss is painful. But in the long run, we will realize that there is a reason behind all this. The first is to teach us to value the environment; the second is to make us realize that despite the development of science and technology, we still do not have full control over everything and thus, we still need God. The third is to let us relive the spirit that binds us as Filipinos… bayanihan!
___________________________
This is written for the newsletter of TAHANAN NG MABUTING PASTOL
Reunion of Separated Missions...
Christmas is once again in the air.
I have heard many times from different people of different background that celebrating Christmas will never be as happy as when you are with your family. In fact, many are coming together to have a sort of “reunion” every time Christmas season is coming. This is true even to the many Filipinos who have been out of the country for some time and are finding time to go back home to celebrate Christmas with those whom they love.
As a seminarian, I have encountered many people who are celebrating big events, such as Christmas afar from their respective families. I am referring to the prisoners, OFW, the religious people, and all who celebrate holidays in their particular duties.
Likewise, this idea of “family reunion” on Christmas is not realized in my own family at least in the past 10 years. Aside from the absence of my father who passed away couple of years back, my brother who is now in Papua New Guinea for a religious missionary duty will not be around as well on holidays. His name is Bro. Christian (whom we fondly called as “kuya boy” at home), a religious brother in the congregation of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus.
Turning back the history, kuya boy entered the seminary in 1997. I was 11 then and was in dire need of a brother with whom I can share my frustrations in my maturing years, especially those matters which I cannot just speak of with my mother. Yes, I have other siblings but my relationship with kuya boy is deeper than with the rest of my siblings who happened to be girls. From that moment on, we were celebrating holidays, birthdays, and other occasions without kuya boy’s presence. We just remember him through greeting cards and letters because religious life rules out their candidates’ idea of going home on especial occasions. For them, the religious community is enough to celebrate with.
I remember the moment when I decided to enter the religious seminary just to be with kuya boy in 2003. Unfortunately, he was transferred to another assignment upon my admission. At first, I was downhearted but as time passed by I realized that such is the reality of religious life –nothing is permanent- everything and everybody just come and go in no time.
Just last year, I finished my formation as postulant and was expected to transfer to a community nearer to the community of kuya boy. Again, kuya boy was transferred to farther community. He was commissioned to continue the mission in Alutao Island, Papua New Guinea. There, he is expected to spend at least three years with the tribe of people without anything to wear, leaving in a community without electricity, in an island in the middle of the sea. On the other hand, I decided to live a life in diocesan way and transferred to the local diocese where I am now in.
Now, we are not just a town away but earth’s equator separates us from each other. I do not know yet how will my dear kuya celebrate Christmas in Papua. I do not even know how he gets along with the life out there because of the lack of communication. However, one thing is for sure, even if we are worlds apart, for as long us we remember each other in our prayers alongside the efforts to accomplish our mission, Christmas will always be a reunion... a reunion of hearts... the hearts that are dedicated to the service of God’s people.
________________________________
This article is written for the newsletter of the Holy trinity Parish published in December2007 during his parish immersion in the Diocese of Imus.
I have heard many times from different people of different background that celebrating Christmas will never be as happy as when you are with your family. In fact, many are coming together to have a sort of “reunion” every time Christmas season is coming. This is true even to the many Filipinos who have been out of the country for some time and are finding time to go back home to celebrate Christmas with those whom they love.
As a seminarian, I have encountered many people who are celebrating big events, such as Christmas afar from their respective families. I am referring to the prisoners, OFW, the religious people, and all who celebrate holidays in their particular duties.
Likewise, this idea of “family reunion” on Christmas is not realized in my own family at least in the past 10 years. Aside from the absence of my father who passed away couple of years back, my brother who is now in Papua New Guinea for a religious missionary duty will not be around as well on holidays. His name is Bro. Christian (whom we fondly called as “kuya boy” at home), a religious brother in the congregation of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus.
Turning back the history, kuya boy entered the seminary in 1997. I was 11 then and was in dire need of a brother with whom I can share my frustrations in my maturing years, especially those matters which I cannot just speak of with my mother. Yes, I have other siblings but my relationship with kuya boy is deeper than with the rest of my siblings who happened to be girls. From that moment on, we were celebrating holidays, birthdays, and other occasions without kuya boy’s presence. We just remember him through greeting cards and letters because religious life rules out their candidates’ idea of going home on especial occasions. For them, the religious community is enough to celebrate with.
I remember the moment when I decided to enter the religious seminary just to be with kuya boy in 2003. Unfortunately, he was transferred to another assignment upon my admission. At first, I was downhearted but as time passed by I realized that such is the reality of religious life –nothing is permanent- everything and everybody just come and go in no time.
Just last year, I finished my formation as postulant and was expected to transfer to a community nearer to the community of kuya boy. Again, kuya boy was transferred to farther community. He was commissioned to continue the mission in Alutao Island, Papua New Guinea. There, he is expected to spend at least three years with the tribe of people without anything to wear, leaving in a community without electricity, in an island in the middle of the sea. On the other hand, I decided to live a life in diocesan way and transferred to the local diocese where I am now in.
Now, we are not just a town away but earth’s equator separates us from each other. I do not know yet how will my dear kuya celebrate Christmas in Papua. I do not even know how he gets along with the life out there because of the lack of communication. However, one thing is for sure, even if we are worlds apart, for as long us we remember each other in our prayers alongside the efforts to accomplish our mission, Christmas will always be a reunion... a reunion of hearts... the hearts that are dedicated to the service of God’s people.
________________________________
This article is written for the newsletter of the Holy trinity Parish published in December2007 during his parish immersion in the Diocese of Imus.
Believe! (A Faith Experience)
This story may not mean anything to other people but I took it as a personal “faith experience”.
Time passes so quickly that I have not noticed the many years that have passed since I underwent my first ever surgical operation. (I hope nothing will follow after that one!) Undergoing any medical procedure is one of my greatest fears. Aside from the fact that I do not want to know that I acquire any kind of illness, medical procedures are costly and may be unaffordable for me. Unfortunately, in daylight of the first day of September in 2005, I was awakened by an excruciating abdominal pain. Thinking that it was just a simple pain that will pass after a moment, I just went back to bed and forced myself to take a longer sleep. I was wrong. However, I got up at the scheduled time and did my routine. I even attended our classes as if nothing got wrong with me. Meanwhile, I decided to go to a hospital when I noticed that the pain became unbearable. I was advised to stay in the hospital for further observations. I took hours before the diagnosis of the doctor finally came out which recommended me to undergo a surgery called “appendectomy”. Appendectomy is a procedure where the appendix is removed to avoid causing internal infection due to unrestrained rupture. I asked my family to accompany me and my seminary community to pray for me.
The surgery was a minor one but I could not control my fear when I heard the advice. The surgery was scheduled in the morning of the following day. Therefore, I had to endure the pain overnight. I was not able to calm myself so I just held my rosary and repeatedly prayed all the prayers that I know.
Early in the morning of September 2, I was brought to the operating room. I was asked to take away all the metallic objects attached to me because those were inadmissible in the operating room. They took away everything including my rosary, my source of spiritual strength on that moment. With that, I bid a prayer asking Jesus and Mary to accompany me during the surgery. To my awe, a certain woman introduced herself to me as Dr. de Jesus. While touching my face, she told me: “Julius, do not be afraid. I will take care of you. I am your Mother here.” That simple statement of that doctor took away all my fears. In faith, I believe that it was Mary who spoke to me. But, I was pondering why Mary had to introduce herself as Dr. “de Jesus”? Could it be true that people could get to Jesus through Mary, as pronounced in Latin: Ad Jesus per Mariam? Honestly, I do not know. All that I could understand was I underwent the operation safely and with much calmness because of the assurance of the presence of “my Mother”.
After the operation, all my other doctors and nurses visited me in my room except from Dr. de Jesus. However, upon my discharge from the hospital, I was informed that Dr. de Jesus did not ask for her professional fee.
Many people may find this story trivial but for me it just proves that even in the tough moments of our existence, Jesus and Mary are always there manifesting their love through the goodness of the people around us. Thus, for as long as there are good people who are willing to extend their hands to their fellowmen, the presence of Jesus and Mary among us will last.
_______________________
This poem is written in Rogationist Seminary – Manila in 2006 as one of the special course requirements in Practical Approach in Speech and Communication under Mr. Benjamin los Banos offered to the Rogationist Postulants Batch ‘06-‘07.
Time passes so quickly that I have not noticed the many years that have passed since I underwent my first ever surgical operation. (I hope nothing will follow after that one!) Undergoing any medical procedure is one of my greatest fears. Aside from the fact that I do not want to know that I acquire any kind of illness, medical procedures are costly and may be unaffordable for me. Unfortunately, in daylight of the first day of September in 2005, I was awakened by an excruciating abdominal pain. Thinking that it was just a simple pain that will pass after a moment, I just went back to bed and forced myself to take a longer sleep. I was wrong. However, I got up at the scheduled time and did my routine. I even attended our classes as if nothing got wrong with me. Meanwhile, I decided to go to a hospital when I noticed that the pain became unbearable. I was advised to stay in the hospital for further observations. I took hours before the diagnosis of the doctor finally came out which recommended me to undergo a surgery called “appendectomy”. Appendectomy is a procedure where the appendix is removed to avoid causing internal infection due to unrestrained rupture. I asked my family to accompany me and my seminary community to pray for me.
The surgery was a minor one but I could not control my fear when I heard the advice. The surgery was scheduled in the morning of the following day. Therefore, I had to endure the pain overnight. I was not able to calm myself so I just held my rosary and repeatedly prayed all the prayers that I know.
Early in the morning of September 2, I was brought to the operating room. I was asked to take away all the metallic objects attached to me because those were inadmissible in the operating room. They took away everything including my rosary, my source of spiritual strength on that moment. With that, I bid a prayer asking Jesus and Mary to accompany me during the surgery. To my awe, a certain woman introduced herself to me as Dr. de Jesus. While touching my face, she told me: “Julius, do not be afraid. I will take care of you. I am your Mother here.” That simple statement of that doctor took away all my fears. In faith, I believe that it was Mary who spoke to me. But, I was pondering why Mary had to introduce herself as Dr. “de Jesus”? Could it be true that people could get to Jesus through Mary, as pronounced in Latin: Ad Jesus per Mariam? Honestly, I do not know. All that I could understand was I underwent the operation safely and with much calmness because of the assurance of the presence of “my Mother”.
After the operation, all my other doctors and nurses visited me in my room except from Dr. de Jesus. However, upon my discharge from the hospital, I was informed that Dr. de Jesus did not ask for her professional fee.
Many people may find this story trivial but for me it just proves that even in the tough moments of our existence, Jesus and Mary are always there manifesting their love through the goodness of the people around us. Thus, for as long as there are good people who are willing to extend their hands to their fellowmen, the presence of Jesus and Mary among us will last.
_______________________
This poem is written in Rogationist Seminary – Manila in 2006 as one of the special course requirements in Practical Approach in Speech and Communication under Mr. Benjamin los Banos offered to the Rogationist Postulants Batch ‘06-‘07.
The Face of Jesus
Lucky are the ones given the opportunity to study, those who take complete meals each day, and those capable of acquiring goods for living. Lucky are those who do not experience much the massive poverty around the globe. Sadly, many people around us are experiencing too much poverty in different forms. Hence, we must realize that many among our fellowmen are in need of our help. They deserve our help.
However, how many times have we neglected the poor – beggars, street children, and the less fortunate ones? How many times have we shunned away from the dirty people that call in our doorway for help? We may all be guilty of these in many circumstances. But, don’t get me wrong! I am just stating some matters that I am also guilty of committing. However, these are realities; all true.
When you give alms do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites… but when you give alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Mt 6:2-3
When we look around, we can see many people suffering from hunger, unemployment, slavery in the hands of their lords, etc. They are materially poor. Many of us are paranoid whenever we see poor people asking for our aid. Some shout at them and feel unsecured with their presence. We say so many words but gives so little. Sometimes, we say so many things but give them nothing but hurt.
There are also those who abuse the lowliness of the poor people. For instance, some politicians are extending their help in forms of gift packages but distribute such in front of the camera. Some are helping the poor but with vested interest behind their minds.
Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God. Mt 5:3
Meanwhile, the beatitudes remind us that the poor are the heirs of God’s kingdom. They are very lucky then! However, poor here pertains to those who are not blessed with material things yet put their fate in the hands of God. The poor are those whose hope, strength, and satisfaction is in God alone. In return, God is in their side.
Jesus himself is no stranger to poverty. He lived out a poor life on his earthy days. He was born to a borrowed manger and was placed on a borrowed tomb on his death. He also experienced being rejected, persecuted, and was even brutally killed. Though God, he let himself suffer in the hand of ordinary people. No wonder why he loves the poor and the suffering so much so that he promised heaven to them. The poor signifies the image of Jesus: simple, humble, and trusts only in the Father.
Indeed, the poor are lucky. But lucky too are those who are willing to lend their hands to help the poor in their misery. Their goodness will surely be meritorious in heaven.
___________
This article is written in Rogationist Seminary – Manila in November 29, 2004 during their Monthly Community Recollection.
However, how many times have we neglected the poor – beggars, street children, and the less fortunate ones? How many times have we shunned away from the dirty people that call in our doorway for help? We may all be guilty of these in many circumstances. But, don’t get me wrong! I am just stating some matters that I am also guilty of committing. However, these are realities; all true.
When you give alms do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites… but when you give alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Mt 6:2-3
When we look around, we can see many people suffering from hunger, unemployment, slavery in the hands of their lords, etc. They are materially poor. Many of us are paranoid whenever we see poor people asking for our aid. Some shout at them and feel unsecured with their presence. We say so many words but gives so little. Sometimes, we say so many things but give them nothing but hurt.
There are also those who abuse the lowliness of the poor people. For instance, some politicians are extending their help in forms of gift packages but distribute such in front of the camera. Some are helping the poor but with vested interest behind their minds.
Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God. Mt 5:3
Meanwhile, the beatitudes remind us that the poor are the heirs of God’s kingdom. They are very lucky then! However, poor here pertains to those who are not blessed with material things yet put their fate in the hands of God. The poor are those whose hope, strength, and satisfaction is in God alone. In return, God is in their side.
Jesus himself is no stranger to poverty. He lived out a poor life on his earthy days. He was born to a borrowed manger and was placed on a borrowed tomb on his death. He also experienced being rejected, persecuted, and was even brutally killed. Though God, he let himself suffer in the hand of ordinary people. No wonder why he loves the poor and the suffering so much so that he promised heaven to them. The poor signifies the image of Jesus: simple, humble, and trusts only in the Father.
Indeed, the poor are lucky. But lucky too are those who are willing to lend their hands to help the poor in their misery. Their goodness will surely be meritorious in heaven.
___________
This article is written in Rogationist Seminary – Manila in November 29, 2004 during their Monthly Community Recollection.
"Going Back Home"
Love, when I die…
See that no one will cry.
Make all things simple;
So that none of you may tremble.
Tie bright, let dolor be out;
Put prayers in your mouth.
Remember God calls me for heaven,
Pray that I may dwell with the ones chosen.
Love, when I die…
See that no one will cry.
Remember all that I have done;
Let your salute be my crown.
Offer flowers to the sky he made.
He will send more when you serenade.
Let all men pass over me,
And all your works be all for thee.
Love, when I die…
See that no one will cry.
Sing no sad hymns for me,
Let all songs be for God’s glory.
Bring me in His altar…
Clothe me with Our Lady’s scapular.
Bury me under green lawn;
In darkness, never will I live you alone.
This poem is written in Rogationist Seminary – Manila in 2003
See that no one will cry.
Make all things simple;
So that none of you may tremble.
Tie bright, let dolor be out;
Put prayers in your mouth.
Remember God calls me for heaven,
Pray that I may dwell with the ones chosen.
Love, when I die…
See that no one will cry.
Remember all that I have done;
Let your salute be my crown.
Offer flowers to the sky he made.
He will send more when you serenade.
Let all men pass over me,
And all your works be all for thee.
Love, when I die…
See that no one will cry.
Sing no sad hymns for me,
Let all songs be for God’s glory.
Bring me in His altar…
Clothe me with Our Lady’s scapular.
Bury me under green lawn;
In darkness, never will I live you alone.
This poem is written in Rogationist Seminary – Manila in 2003
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