In Need of Redemption

All of us need redemption in one-way or another. Part and parcel of ourselves needs an outside help in order to be redeemed. It is just a fact of life that there are things that we cannot do without external help. We need God other than us, in order to better ourselves in this journey because we cannot be our own God. 

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Heart For The Mission

I was sharing last night to our mission volunteers that when we answered this call, there will not only be joy but challenges as well. We will be trained more not so much about what we can know but what we can endure for. Mission is a training of the heart. Heart for the mission not so much about brain for the mission. Not what we know and what we can give but what we love and what we can sacrifice. Are you ready? Or, will you accept the challenge?

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In The Details

Last weekend we were conducting a conference for couple coordinators of our youth group. I found myself immersing into the stories shared by our coordinators. Real lives shared with the eyes of faith. I actually was able to picture out what they were sharing in between talks, probably because they shared generously in details about there joys and struggles in life and service. Without those details, I would probably not be able to understand. It is in details that we find the hands of God working. The sharings becomes more beautiful because of the details.

Beauty is in the details. Sometimes when we hear a sharing in conferences or prayers meetings, we sometimes hear sharings that are focused so much on the big picture that we end up wondering what, why and how did it happened. Without details, the story becomes tasteless.  It is in details that the big picture can find life. Let’s look at the details and find the little things that makes the big things beautiful.

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What Do You Want Me To Do For You?

Today’s gospel from Mark 10:46–52, tells the story of a blind man named Bartimaeus begging on the roadside shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” As the story goes, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” To which the man replied, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Jesus said, “Go, your faith has healed you.” And immediately the man received his sight and followed Jesus.

It is interesting to note that Jesus upon seeing the blind man still asks what he wants to do for him. Isn’t it obvious that the man was blind and so it should follow that he wants his sight to be healed so he can see again. Jesus is teaching us that not everything we see in the persons needs is actually what he needs. It can be possible that the blind man might ask something else other than his sight.  How many times do we give because we assume that that’s what the other person is asking? How many times that out of arrogance or sheer ignorance, we think that money is what everything the poor needs and so we go there and give. Their need might be training, work or maybe just a company and not necessarily money per se. What actually Jesus is teaching us is that, we just don’t go there to give money because of what we perceived as their need for it. Instead He is inviting us to start a conversation and build a relationship so that beyond the “blind”, the “poor” that we see in them, we will actually realize there deeper needs.

Giving for the sake of giving will not go far. Giving should tear down walls, open up communication and build relationship. Start a conversation and then you will know the real need. 

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The Government

The government is the embodiment of the aspirations of the people. It is the government that leads the people in the fulfillment of their collective hopes and dreams. Dream for a caring and loving society, responsive and pro-active institutions and life and hope giving community.

The government that the people elected must be able to articulate the aspirations of the people and come up with creative strategies to fulfill it. Failure to do so defeats the purpose of having a government in the first place. Vision translated into concrete strategies will provide a road map that the people can picture out. If the people can picture out the vision, support for its implementation will be more attainable. The government must have the will, focus and unbending resolve in implementing and finishing it.  They are not just good starter but excellent finisher as well. They see it to the end!

Vision, creativity and integrity, these are what is needed in a government. Vision to give hope to the people, creativity to think out of the box solutions to fulfill their dreams and unquestionable integrity to lead them to a prosperous future. 

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My Presence

Healing is my presence

Long to be with me

I am your hiding place

Acceptance is my presence

You will not be judge

By grace I will embrace you

Peace is my presence

I am your assurance

You are secured in me

Love is my presence

Intently look into my eyes

Mercy and compassion it speaks

Healing and acceptance am I

Peace and love assured you are

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Fear

No wonder why the Lord repeated many times over, “Do not fear” because fear has such a crippling effect to a person. It disorients our mind thereby crippling us from doing our everyday work. Fear has a way of consuming us alive. Jesus antidote to fear is Himself. He said in Matthew 14:27, “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.” He is offering Himself as the right antidote to fear. He is a sure foundation, a rock that cannot be shaken. He is not just someone blown by the wind. Meaning, He can be trusted. 

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Waiting Is Scary

Days ago I found myself in the walk in clinic waiting for the result of some examination from my Doctor, that was like the longest 40 minutes of my life. Waiting is terrible, the fact that the result can be anything. My mind was playing already with different scenarios and it is scary. Praise God the result turns out to be good. It’s also the same with other “waiting” in life. That is why maybe most people want everything quick. (Ganun din sa lahat ng paghihintay sa buhay, kaya siguro lahat gusto madali.) Waiting is scary, but God is faithful. (Nakakatakot ang maghintay, subalit tapat ang Diyos.)

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Saint Pedro Calungsod

Today the Catholic Church canonized the second Filipino Saint at the Vatican. So much had been written about the 17 year-old teenage catechists from the Visayas. His youthful “Yes” to the mission has led to his death and yet hundred years after, his inspiring story did not die. His courageous witness to his faith is something to be modeled upon by today’s generation of young Catholics.  

Saint Pedro’s witnessing compels us to re-examine how we live out our faith and not just talk about it. This year of faith, his life’s example excites us young people to witness to other young people, Christ whose love never fails. Young evangelizing young! May his seeds be planted in our hearts so we can carry on the mission of Christ.

Saint Pedro Calungsod, pray for us. Amen.

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Healing

Healing should lead the person to generosity. It should be taken as a second chance to live life with gratefulness. After all, life is not just about receiving but giving. Be a healing presence to others.  

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Fulfilling the Mission

Todays gospel from Luke in 10:1-9, narrates the send off message of Jesus to the 72 disciples, telling them what to do and how to respond as they go on mission. He said, “I am sending you like lambs among the wolves.” He was aware of the possibility of harm that proclaiming the message will do. What is interesting though is that, he continued by saying, “Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, ‘Peace to this house!’” He was aware of the danger and yet it seems like the instruction is even making the disciples more helpless if dangers come. There are wolves out there and yet don’t bring anything with you. What does Jesus trying to say?

Jesus is trying to tell us that when you go on mission, He wants to be accountable. When He is accountable, He means it. He will be responsible for your welfare even to the smallest details as purse, haversack and sandals. Even though wolves will be lurking around, He who sends you protects you. Going on mission requires trust and confidence in God more than your own. When we have nothing, He becomes everything to us. Having nothing, we have no more distractions along the road. God wants focus when we go on mission because mission cannot afford distractions. There are people out there waiting for the message and in need of healing presence. That is why He further instruct, “Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, ‘The kingdom of God is very near to you.’” So when we go on mission we are actually becoming:

1.  An example of gratitude. We eat what is set before us because we are grateful to the generosity of God manifested through others. A grateful heart open wide the door to more blessings.

2. A healing presence. We pray over them, give them practical tips on healthy living and if equip with some medical knowledge perform medical procedures that may be of help to them. Above all, we intercede for them, because there is more who are actually spiritually ill more than physically ill and God who is the ultimate Doctor will provide a cure.

3.  An affirmation of the presence of God. We say, “The Kingdom of God is very near you.” We affirm them that God is not far but in fact with them in carrying the burdens of life. We can connect and start a personal relationship with Him.

Without distractions mission achieves its purpose of us becoming an example of gratitude, a healing presence and an affirmation of the presence of God.

Lord, grant us the grace of focus so we can fulfill the mission You entrusted to us. Amen.

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I Know Where My Heart Is

 

 

I remember attending one of those many sessions at the Arvisu House, the Jesuit house that welcomes young men who are discerning for vocations. They have an open house every Monday evening and they invite young people to listen to some sharings or talks about vocations. It was during one of those Mondays that they showed a video about the life of a young Jesuit who was sent to Cambodia for mission.

Richie Fernando, SJ was assigned in the Jesuit Refugee Service technical school for the handicapped. In the school, the disabled and handicapped mostly because of landmines learn skills in order to earn a living. Many victims of landmines were actually young people, and the school actually provided a hope for these victims. One of the students named Sarom, a sixteen year-old victim of landmine was disruptive and was asked to leave by the school authorities. On October 17, 1996, he came into the school for a meeting. Angered, he swiftly pulled a grenade inside his bag and begun to move towards the classroom filled with students. Richie, knowing that the windows are barred and that students has no escape, he came behind Sarom and grabbed him trying to protect Sarom and the rest of the students from the bomb. Sarom tried to let go but along the way he accidentally dropped the grenade and killed Richie, he was 26 years old.  He died protecting the people whom God entrusted to Him. Deep in his heart, he has this deep capacity to love beyond himself. He said in his retreat diary dated January 3, 1996, “I wish, when I die, people remember not how great, powerful, or talented I was, but that I served and spoke for the truth, I gave witness to what is right, I was sincere in all my works and actions, in other words, I loved and I followed Christ."

It is inspiring that, centuries after Blessed Pedro Calungsod, the 17 year-old Filipino, was martyred in Guam, today, 4 days before he will be canonized we also celebrate the memory of another martyred Filipino who shed his blood in Cambodia. Brother Richie is a shining example to the capacity of young people to live out there faith and shed their blood for others.

In a letter to a friend 4 days before he got killed he wrote, “I know where my heart is. It is with Jesus Christ, who gave his all for the poor, the sick, the orphan ... I am confident that God never forgets his people: our disabled brothers and sisters. And I am glad that God has been using me to make sure that our brothers and sisters know this fact. I am convinced that this is my vocation/mission. I am a Jesuit. I know where my heart is.”

Do you know where your heart is?

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Were Manuals End

I had been asked many times, what is FTPW? Is it just a terminology invented by Couples For Christ? Well, on the technical level it is. But there is in fact more than what the name says working fulltime. It is mission work that takes care of the young and makes it grow; it is called Fulltime Pastoral Worker abbreviated as FTPW.

Being in fulltime work for 8 years now, I have seen how the Lord had been using these young, somehow inexperienced yet full of passion and conviction FTPWs, to answer the call of the Lord and actually inspire other young people to go the extra mile and do the mission. I have seen and been affirmed by FTPW. It has become a vocation in itself. A vocation that prepares a fertile ground for the young, so the seeds planted can grow and bear fruit that will remain. This young people planted in YFC will be able to live out Christ and make a difference in the lives of others. FTPW also brings young people to a road were they can decide on the things that God intend for them. The fertile ground that allows the young not just to grow and bloom were they are planted but actually bear fruit that will remain.

Sometimes, FTPWs are known to be expert in manuals and strict in implementing them. Yet actually FTPWs goes beyond what is written in the manual. The manuals become alive because somehow an FTPW gives life to it. An FTPW carries the spirit of the important unwritten words that manuals cannot articulate. Were manuals end, FTPW begins. There are things that cannot be manualized. Spirit, passion, conviction, these cannot be contained in a manual. This is also true in any other organizations. Manuals, systems, mechanics, guidelines and memos can only go so far but it’s the people handling and implementing it that makes it excellently done. You cannot manualize leadership you have to experience it.

FTPW is an extraordinary vocation answered by ordinary people with extraordinary passion for the mission of Christ. We are the starter of excitement, vessel and guardian of vision, igniter of passion, innovator of ideas, grounder of conviction, trailblazer of something new and believer of unshakable Christian values. We are the preparer of fertile grounds and guide in the crossroads of decisions. We are FTPW.

(In the context of CFC Youth For Christ FTPW, a fulltime lay missionary for the youth ministry of Couples For Christ, an international association of lay faithful with Pontifical Rights.)

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Great is Thy Faithfulness

 

 

I was randomly looking for Christian songs in Youtube when I found a song that speaks so much about the consistency and trustworthiness of God. From beginning to present and to the end, He is the same God who keeps His promises. He is a faithful God. Apparently this song was quite old already. Published in 1923, the song was written by Thomas Chisolm, a Christian who had a very difficult adult life because of his failing health. At age 27, he was able to find comfort in the scriptures that God is in fact faithful and that He provides all his needs and that He will be the strength in times of illness and weakness. One of his favorite scriptures is from Lamentations 3:22-23: “It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.”

God was indeed faithful to him, he passed away at the age of 94, writing more than 1,200 poems and hymns during his lifetime. Let me share with you the song:

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Your faithfulness O Lord God Almighty. Keep us well and good with the blessing of a ripe old age. Amen.

(With facts from http://www.sharefaith.com, Great is Thy Faithfulness, The Song and the Story)

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God is Faithful

Lately I had been into this series of medical examinations and I am that type of person who is not actually that comfortable with anything medical, to put it bluntly I’m scared of it. I feel something is not right inside and I am afraid of diagnosis. The worst is you have to wait for few days to a week before the results will be out and the doctor will read it to you. That span of days is like eternity of torture for me. Waiting is scary; my mind is playing already with so many things terrible. On the other hand, this situation actually allows me to pray and reflect more on what is of value to God and His purpose for me. It gives me a chance to reflect also on what area in life should I improved on and more importantly asking for forgiveness for any shortcomings done.

Every situation indeed is a blessing if only we can open our eyes of faith. I am still in this process of medical examinations and what keeps me sane enough from my paranoia is God whose comforting presence is ever true. Like the psalmist in Psalm 17:6-8 I pray, “I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.  Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” Amen.

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Do Not Be Afraid

Everyday we are faced with different challenges and fears in life; may it be for us or for our love ones. Life in all its goodness will always have its mysteries that only God can reveal. Encountered with pains, fears and anxiety, the psalmist reaffirms his faith in God in Psalm 77:14, “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” God is a promise keeper. He said in Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” When others seem to fail us, we can always cling on to God because He never fails. The bible tells us that even all the hairs of our head is counted and stressing further, Jesus said that we have nothing to be afraid of because we are worth more than many sparrows, Luke 12:6-7.

In our fears O Lord we trust in You, in our doubts we believe in You and in our anxieties we cling to You. Amen.  

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