Kailangan Din Nating Makatagpo si Hesus sa Balon!

Ika-3 Linggo ng Kuwaresma:

Hindi pangkaraniwan sa isang babae noong panahon ni Hesus ang sumalok ng tubig sa isang balon sa katanghaliang tapat. Para sa mga babae noong pananahong iyon, ang pagsalok ng tubig ay sa umaga at sa hapon lang. Marahil ay may itinatago ang babaeng ito kaya’t di niya inalintana ang init ng katanghaliang tapat para maiwasan ang bulung-bulungan ng mga kapitbahay tungkol sa kanya. Sa pag-aakalang nag-iisa siya, malamang na nabigla siya nang makita niyang may isang lalaki sa may balon na hindi niya kilala at hindi tagaroon sa kanila.

Noong panahong iyon at sa kultura ng kanyang lipunan, maituturing na isang malaking kapahangasan ang ginawang pakikipag-usap ng babae kay Hesus. Ayon sa kanilang batas at kaugalian, hindi maaaring makipag-usap ang isang babae sa isang lalaking hindi niya kilala lalo pa nga’t siya’y nag-iisa. Maaari sanang tumakbong paalis ang babae upang maiwasan niya si Hesus. Sa kabutihang palad nagkalakas siya ng loob at naging bukas siya sa pakikipag-usap sa Panginoon. At dahil sa lakas ng loob na ito, natagpuan niya ang Mesiyas. Kung nagpatali siya sa batas at umiwas kay Hesus hindi sana niya makikilala ang Panginoon at Tagapagaligtas na maaaring magbigay sa kanay ng tubig na walang hanggan.

Pinagpala ang Samaritana dahil sa kanyang kapahangasan. Binigyan niya ng puwang si Hesus sa kanyang buhay at hindi niya inalintana kung madadagdagan man ang bulung-bulungan ng iba tungkol sa kanya o kung ano man ang ‘di magandang kahihinatnan ng ginawa niyang iyon. Bunga nito, natagpuan niya ang Mesiyas at nabago ang kanyang buhay.

Gusto rin nating mabago ang ating buhay-gusto nating magpakabuti, gusto nating maging iba, gusto nating maging banal, gusto nating maging mabuting Kristiyano, kapitbahay o kapwa tao. Subalit bakit kaya hindi natin magawa o nahihirapan tayong gawin iyon? Hindi kaya dahil sa tinatakbuhan natin si Kristo-taliwas sa ginawa ng Samaritana na lumapit kay Kristo? Hindi kaya ayaw nating lumapit sa “balon” kung saan maaari nating matagpuan ang Panginoon—sa balon ng kanyang Salita, sa balon ng pananalangin, sa balon ng pagninilay. Handa ba tayong ibigay sa Panginoon ang mga “balde” ng ating mga kahinaan at kakulangan upang punuin niya ang mga ito ng tubig ng kalakasan at kakayahan? O baka naman punung-puno ang ating mga “balde” ng pagmamalaki at pagmamayabang kaya’t hindi niya ito mapalitan ng tubig na papawi sa mas malalim nating mga pagkauhaw magpakailanman.

Madalas na hinahanap natin ang Diyos upang pasunurin siya sa ating gusto sa halip na tayo ang sumunod sa kanyang kalooban. Dahil dito nagiging hilaw ang ating pananampalataya at nagkakasya na lang tayo sa balon ng pansamantalang kaginhawahan na idinudulot ng mundong ating ginagalawan-ang mundo ng materyal na kasiyahan kung saan ang “ako” (sarili) lang ang mahalaga, ang sentro at ang una.

Ang panahon ng Kuwaresma ay nag-aanyaya sa atin na mas lalo pang pagtuunan ng pansin at pagnilayan ang mga simulain ni Kristo. Inaanyayahan tayong pag-ibayuhin pa ang pagsisikap nating matagpuan si Hesus sa mga balon ng buhay-kung saan gusto niyang punuin at pag-apawin ang ating mga sisidlan ng “tubig” na tutugon sa pagka-uhaw natin sa tunay na kahulugan ng buhay sa mundong ito at sa kabila.

~ P. Lordencio D. Honrada ~

What Is ‘Speaking in Tongues’? (Series LXXVII)

“Speaking in tongues” is a special grace (or charism) given by the Holy Spirit that allows a believer to speak in a language not learned by natural means. Jesus speaks of this gift as one of the “signs” that “will accompany those who believe” (Mk 16:17). On the day of Pentecost, the apostles speak in tongues, as do other new believers on several occasions (see Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6). St. Paul lists “varieties of tongues” among the “manifestation[s] of the Spirit,” along with the “interpretation of tongues” (see 1 Cor 12:4-11, 28).

Other scriptural passages may also refer to tongues, though the connection is uncertain. For example, Romans tells how, when “we do not know how to pray as we ought, ...the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings” (8:26).

St. Paul is the biblical writer with the most to say about tongues. He notes that not everyone speaks in tongues (see 1 Cor 12:30), and that tongues will one day cease (see 1 Cor 13:8). They are a gift less valuable than the gift of prophecy, and they have no value at all unless grounded in the virtue of love (see 1 Cor 14:5; 13:1). Yet the apostle thanks God that he speaks in tongues more than others, and he values the gift enough to wish that everyone had it (see 1 Cor 14:5, 18).

Several kinds of related phenomena seem to fall into the category of speaking in tongues. The tongues spoken by the apostles on Pentecost, for example, appear to have been common human languages they had not learned, which were understood by listeners who were familiar with these languages through natural experience (see Acts 2:5-12). On the other hand, in the church at Corinth believers spoke in utterances unintelligible to both speaker and listeners. The words spoken did not “build up” the listeners spiritually unless someone prayed for a gift of interpretation so that their meaning could be understood and announced (see 1 Cor 14:6-19).
Yet even interpreted tongues, St. Paul notes, have value for the one speaking.

They are a form of prayer, an uttering of “mysteries in spirit,” that build up the one praying (see 1 Cor 14:2).

The Catholic Church affirms that the Spirit still bestows the grace of tongues as he wills. Some of her most illustrious saints, such as St. Anthony of Padua, are reported to have practiced the gift when preaching.
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RELATED SCRIPTURE — Texts cited: Mk 16:17; Acts 2:4-12; 10:46; 19:6; Rom 8:26; 1 Cor 12:4-11, 28, 30; 13:1, 8; 14:2, 5, 6-19. General: Lk 11:13; Rom 12:3-8; Eph 4:7-16; Heb 2:4. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH — 688; 731; 797-801; 809; 951; 1287; 2003; 2024.

Return From the Gates of Hell (8th of a Series)

Colombia, South America Interview of Dr. Gloria Polo by Radio Maria

When my mom was giving me a hard time, I would say, Mom, if I’m lying to you, let a lightning bolt strike me!? And although the words faded in time, it is through the mercy of God that I’m here, because in reality lightning hit me, practically cutting me in half and burning me. They would show me how I, who called myself a Catholic, never kept my word and would always, use the Lord’s Holy Name in vain. It shocked me how the Lord passed by and all those horrible creatures would throw themselves on the ground in adoration. I saw the Blessed Virgin Mary prostrated at the Lord’s feet, praying for me in supplication, while I, a sinner deep in filth, kept my exchange with the Lord going. I thought myself so righteous! Complaining and cursing against the Lord. On keeping holy the Lord’s day, it was horrible and I felt intense pain; the voice would tell me how I would dedicate four or five hours to my body every day, but not even ten minutes of deep love to my Lord in thanksgiving or a simple prayer. I would start the rosary very quickly and I would say to myself ? I can finish the rosary while the commercials are on for my soap opera.? They showed me how I was never grateful toward the Lord. They also showed me what I used to say when I didn’t feel like going to Mass. ?But mom, God is everywhere, why do I need to go there?? Of course it was very convenient for me to say that. The voice would remind me how the Lord was watching over me 24 hours a day but I never prayed a little, or on Sunday to thank him, to show him any gratefulness or love; that going to church was the feeding of my soul. But I took care of my body instead. I was enslaved to my body and I forgot a tiny detail: I had a soul and I never took care of it. I never fed it with the word of God because I would rationalize that whoever read the word of God would go crazy. On the Sacraments, I had nothing. I used to say that I would never go to Confession with those old men who were far worse than me. I did it because it was very comfortable for me to do so in the midst of my filth. The evil one drove me away from Confession and that is how he took away cleanliness and healing from my soul, because every time I sinned, there was a price to pay: within the white purity of my soul, Satan would place his blemish, a blemish of darkness. Never, with the exception of my First Communion, did I make a good Confession. From that point on, I received my Lord unworthily. The lack of coherence of my life reached such a stage that I would blaspheme and challenge? Why? Blessed Sacrament?

...To be continued

LANDAS NG PAGPAPAKABANAL

125. Sa maraming mga paraan at pagkakataon, sinasamahan Niya tayo bilang isang hindi-nakikilalang kapwa manlalakbay. Sa Kanya natin ihinga at ipagkatiwala ang ating mga kabiguan at kalungkutan. At sa sandaling buksan Niya sa atin ang Banal na Kasulatan, buksan din natin ang ating mga kalooban, upang kanyang pag-alabing muli ang mga ito sa bagong paliwanag na Kanyang ibibigay. Sa pagsapit ng dilim, yakagin natin Siyang makipanuluyan at makisalo sa atin. Doo’y hayaan nating mabuksan naman ang ating mga mata sa pagpipiraso ng tinapay. Sa pagbibigay Niya ng sarili sa atin bilang pagkain, pag-aralan natin ang landas Niya; ang landas ng pag-aalay ng buhay alang-alang sa kaibigan. At kapag napawi na ang takot sa ating mga puso at kalungkutan sa ating kalooban, kapag napalitan na ito ng lakas ng loob at ng di-mawaring kapayapaan, bumalik tayo sa isang bagong Jerusalem kung saan naghihintay ang ating mga kapatid at ang Mahal Niyang Ina, ang Mahal nating Ina.

Gabay sa Pagninilay at Diskusyon:
1. Sa papaanong paraan nagiging sanhi ng pagbaba o pagtaas ng kalidad ng ating buhay pampulitika, pang-ekonomiya at pangkultura ang buhay-kabanalan?

2. Papaano natin magagawang isang “lebadura” ang buhay-kabanalan sa ating buhay at kasaysayan bilang isang bansa sa simula ng ikatlong milenyo?

MAYBE IT'S YOU

By: Ed J. Titular (021908)

In a mob where nobody cares,
this lad is crying for help
In a busy street where neon light strikes,
someone is running to save his life.
To their screaming and agonies,
whom they could turn to?
……………..maybe it’s you.

Under the bridge a woman is weeping,
she’s hungry and ailing.
Far across, someone is shouting,
but nobody cares and hears.
They are all alone and hopeless
Is there anybody willing to give his heart?
…………..maybe it’s you.

Back home this young kids quit schooling,
all of them are now starving.
A million miles away, their father was taken,
and now their hopes and dreams were broken.
They are God’s creation of perfection.
Who push them to sleep in a garbage den?
………….maybe it’s you.

Maybe it’s you who could give green to our mountains
Maybe it’s you who could give blue to our oceans
Maybe it’s you who can make the sick and a needy happy
Maybe it’s you who can make this family whole and complete
Maybe it’s you who could shape up one’s virtue and morality
Maybe it’s you who could set free the oppress and the hopeless
Yes, the world needs someone like you and…… maybe it’s YOU.

KUNG ALAM MO LANG SANA

By: Michael B. Balba

Kung alam mo lang sana hirap kong pinasan,
Hindi mo gagawing ako ay sumbatan,
Ibigin ka nga ba isang kasalanan?
Kaya nagawa mo akong kamuhian.

Kung alam mo lang sana hindi ko ginusto,
Tuluyang mahulog at umibig sa'yo,
Anong magagawa ng puso kong ito,
Kung bawat sandali laging alipin mo.

Kung alam mo lang sana aking paghihirap,
Kung alam mo lang sanang puso ay may sugat,
Mula ng iwan mo't kamuhian liyag,
Luha at pighati ang laging kayakap.

Kung alam mo lang sana kung alam mo lang sana,
Baka ang galit mo maglalaho sinta,
Kung kasalanan man ang ibigan kita,
Iyong pang-unawa sana'y makamit na...

Songs of Journey of a Migrant Wife (3)

by Ediza Pumarada
...continuation

Separate lives
The axiom absence makes the heart grows fonder might be true only if it will only last for a while. But prolonged separate living of couples due to migration had brought about some inadvertent alienations to both of us. In the whole duration of separation, I learned that my husband had his own share of concerns. He was working hard to cope with homesickness within the estranged neighborhood and co-workers, new language and culture, and new-found friends. Likewise, he was adjusting to the new set-up of tending for himself from dusk till dawn. On the other hand, back home was the life who was concerned with her role as mother and father to the daughter left behind. The challenge was to ensure that our relationship will become much stronger. With the separation, updating and sharing of each others activities, concerns and problems were always important so that the both of our worlds meet.

I kept myself busy with my work (NGO for Consumers Empowerment), and with my involvement in our parish during that time as one of the BEC volunteer coordinators, and eventually to the migrant ministry in the parish.

Awakening
In the middle part of 1997, my daughter and I had the occasion to visit my husband in Singapore for the first time. I got to know my husband’s world… the places he frequented during his off days, the eateries where he would munch some favorite meals when cooking was usually impossible, and even the friends he goes with once in a while. The short visit was an exciting reunion for our family. But as short as it was, saying goodbye was the most difficult. Comparing in to the time when we sent him off, leaving him behind at the airport alone was even more painful to me.

On board the plane my attention was caught by the unusual loud conversation of some women passengers. From what I could gather, they were Filipina domestic workers in Singapore. They seemed to have met only for the first time, but they were so outspoken to relate their miserable stories to each other. What a struck me were their common sad and tragic work experiences. I learned that some were going home that day without prior notice to their employer. I was so moved hearing them weep, sigh an expression of anger, frustrations and hurts. Earlier on I was so concerned with my own hurts and pains but now I realized that there were other Filipino migrants who were suffering even more, and women migrants at that.

When everyone was settled, I noticed one Filipina in her mid 20’s two seats on my right side. From the time she sat in there I never saw her interacting with anybody. She was very quiet with a blank stare. I cannot help but glance towards her direction every now and then, and notice that she never touched the meal served to us on board. Moved by curiosity, I sat beside her and started talking to her. At first, she just stared at me blankly. But as kept on asking question, with hesitation she started answer some of my questions. I found out that she was allegedly allowed to go home by her employer through the help of a neighbor after six months of locking her up inside the house. That very day was the completion of her six month with the Singaporean employer, receiving not a single cent from her supposed six-month salary. Her long hair was cut short without her consent, worked till dawn, and deprived of a decent meal.

Despite what happened to her…

….to be continued

The Philippine Embassy wishes to announce that the Consular Section will be implementing revised schedule of consular fees effective 01 February 2008.

Pang-unawa sa gitna ng Liwanag

Ika-2 Linggo ng Kuwaresma:

Noong ikatlong siglo bago dumating si Kristo, pinaniniwalaan ng maraming dalubhasa sa agham na ang mundo ay patag. Ngunit ang paniniwalang ito ay hinamon ni Eratosthenes, ang director ng pinakamalaking aklatan noon sa buong daigdig. Bagaman siya ang tagapangasiwa ng Aklatan ng Alexandria sa Ehipto, binansagan siyang “beta” ng mga kapwa niya intelektwal bilang kantyaw na ang kanyang talino ay pumapangalawa lamang.

Ngunit si Eratosthenes ay may malaking pananaw sa buhay o hinaharap. Nakita niya at naunawaan ang mga kahulugan ng mga ordinaryong pangyayari sa kanyang paligid. Pinatunayan niya na ang mundo ay bilog sa pamamagitan ng pagmamasid sa mga aninong bunga ng liwanag ng araw. Kilala siya bilang pangalawa lamang sa katalinuhan, subalit mas higit ang kanyang pang-unawa sa buhay.

Hinahamon tayo ng mga pagbasa natin ngayon na palalimin natin ang ating pang-unawa sapagkat una sa lahat, ang Diyos ang unang kumilos upang hikayatin tayo na palalimin ang relasyon natin sa Kanya. Mula pa kay Abraham, ipinakita na ng Diyos ang kanyang mapagligtas na pangarap sa atin, ang plano ng kaligtasan na naisakatuparan kay Hesus: “Gagawin kitang isang malaking bayan, Pagpapalain kita at gagawin kong dakila ang iyong pangalan” (Gen 12:2).

Sa kasaysayan ng Matandang Tipan, patuloy at unti-unting inihayag ng Diyos ang kanyang sarili. Nangusap siya sa pamamagitan ng mga propeta, at laging pinatunayang kapiling Siya ng bayang Israel. Sa gitna ng shekinah, ang ulap na bumabalot sa Lugar ng Kapatawaran na nasa Templo (bas. Lev.16:2) inihayag ng Diyos ang kanyang presensya. Ang mahiwagang pagpapahayag na ito ay nagkaroon ng mukha nang nagkatawang-tao ang Diyos kay Hesus.

Ang Pagbabagong anyo ni Hesus sa bundok ay sumasagisag sa katotohanang hindi nagkukubli ang Diyos sa hiwaga, at sa gusto niyang magpakilala at magpakita sa atin. Ito ay isang pangitain o vision ayon sa Ebanghelyo ni Mateo (bas. 17:9). Sa pangitaing iyon, nagliwanag si Hesus sa gitna ni Moises at ni Elias. Ayon sa ilang dalubhasa sa Banal na Kasulatan, ang pagbabagong-anyong ito ay hudyat din ng pagliliwanag ng pang-unawa ni Pedro, Santiago, at Juan tungkol sa tunay na katauhan (o pagka-Diyos) ni Hesus. “Natakot” ang tatlong alagad na ito sa katotohanang kapiling nila ang Anak ng Diyos, ang kaganapan ng Batas at Propesiya, kaya’t ninais nilang manatili sa lugar na iyon. Subalit hinipo sila ni Hesus–isang paghipong pumapawi sa lahat ng takot at pangamba –at sinabi ng Panginoon sa kanila: “Tumayo kayo, huwag matakot!” (Mt 17:7)

Ayon kay Papa Benito XVI, ang pagtayo ay nangangahulugan ng pagiging handa. Ang pang-unawa ng tatlong apostol –na pinalalim ng pagbabagong anyo ni Hesus-ay panawagan na maging handa upang magpatotooo sa liwanag ng hindi mapapantayan ng agham at pangangatwiran: si Hesu-Kristo, ang Anak ng Diyos. “Siya ang nagligtas sa atin, at hinirang niya tayo sa banal na pagtawag, hindi sa bisa ng ating mga gawa kundi sa kanyang sariling balak at kagandahang-loob” (2 Tim 1:9).

~ Rdo. David O.Reyes, Jr. ~

Why Are Sacraments necessary? (Series LXXVI)

In the Gospel according to John, Jesus teaches at length about the greatest of the sacraments, the Eucharist (see 6:22-59). In this discourse, he lays out what we might call the “sacramental principle” that lies at the heart of the Christian faith: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world” (6:51).
“The Word became flesh, / and made his dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14). In Jesus Christ, God - who is Spirit (see Jn 4:24) - came down from heaven and entered into his own creation, this physical universe. He joined to his own divine nature a human nature of soul and body; he took up into himself the matter and energy of this world.
In this “Incarnation” (literally, “becoming flesh”), as Christians call it, God made it possible for the everyday elements of our lives to convey the transforming power of his grace. This is the sacramental principle: God, in his remarkable humility, doesn’t hesitate to make use of bread and wine, oil and water, human hands and human words, even the nuptial act. The Creator doesn’t despise anything he has made (see Wis 11:24); he calls it all good (see Gn 1:31). So it’s not beneath him to come to us in the form of a small, white wafer, and to be consumed by us so that we might become one with him.
Of course, the Eucharist is only one of seven sacraments - seven unique signs instituted by Christ that give to us the grace they signify. The others are Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick (see “Are the Seven Sacraments in the Bible?”). In each of these, Christ himself meets us and ministers to us through the ministry of his body, the Church (see 1 Cor 12:12-13, 27).
Why are sacraments necessary, then? Because we desperately need God’s grace, and He’s chosen to give us certain kinds of grace through the sacraments.
........................................

RELATED SCRIPTURE — Texts cited: Gn 1:31; Wis 11:24; Jn 1:14; 4:24; 6:22-59; 1 Cor 12:12-13, 27. General: Mt 5:31-32; 26:26-28; 28:19; Jn 20:23; Acts 6:6; 8:14-19; Jas 5:14-15. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH — 6; 698; 738-740; 774; 798; 815; 947; 950; 1076; 1084; 1088; 1114-1115; 1118; 1121-1134; 1150; 1210; 1420; 1533-; 2030.

Return From the Gates of Hell (7th of a Series)

Colombia, South America Interview of Dr. Gloria Polo by Radio Maria

I even felt ashamed of my mom, because of her simplicity, humility, and poverty. And they showed me as wife. Who was I? I would complain day in and day out, from the break of day. My husband would say? Good morning? And I would respond? What do you mean? Good?? Look, it’s raining outside!? I would complain about my children too. They showed me that I never had love or compassion for my fellowmen, for my brothers and sisters out there. And the Lord told me? You never had any consideration for the sick, never kept them company in their loneliness. Never once compassionate for children without a mother, for all those suffering children? I had a heart of stone. In a nutshell, I didn’t get half an answer right on my Ten Commandments test. It was terrible, devastating. I was in total chaos. Surely they couldn’t blame me for having killed anyone? For example, I bought groceries for many people in need, but I didn’t do it out of love but rather to look good, because it was cool for everyone to see how good I was and it was great to manipulate people in need. I would tell them? Take these groceries, but please take my place at the parent-teacher conference because I don’t have time to attend. And that’s how I would give people things but I would manipulate them. Besides, I liked being followed by a lot of people singing my praises. I made an image for myself. I was told? You had a god, and that god was money! You have been condemned because of money! Because of it you have sunk into the abyss and you distanced yourself from your Lord. We had been wealthy, but we were broke at that point, full of debt, having run out of money. Therefore, when they told me money was my god I cried out: What money? Back on earth I left many debts!? And that’s all I said? When they talked to me about the second commandment, I saw full of sadness that, as a little girl, I learned that lies were excellent ways of avoiding my mom’s severe punishments. I started walking with the father of lies (Satan) and I became a liar. As my sins grew, my lies also grew I noticed my mom’s respect for the Lord and how his name was Holy to her, so I took that as a weapon and I started swearing in vain. I would say? Mom, I swear to God? And that’s how I would avoid punishments. Imagine my lies, placing the Most Holy name of the Lord in my rottenness, because at that point I was full of dirt and sin. And look, brothers and sisters, I learned that words do not go away empty. When my mom was giving me a hard time, I would say… ...to be continued

LANDAS NG PAGPAPAKABANAL

Bagong Jerusalem
121. Di ba ganoon din ang kalagayan ng dalawang alagad na naglalakbay mula sa Jerusalem papuntang Emmaus ayong sa salaysay ni San Lukas? (Lukas 24:13-35) Batbat daw ng kalungkutan ang kanilang mga puso, dahil sa kabiguang naranasan nila sa Jerusalem: lugar ng pagdurusa at kamatayan. Ito ang iniiwan nila, o marahil tinatakasan nila. Sila’y patungong Emmaus, subalit hindi rin ito ang tunay nilang layunin. Ang Jerusalem ang dati nilang layunin - na ngayon ay kanilang tinatalikuran. Kaya sila naglalakbay—tulad ng marami—na parang walang direksyon.. Naghahanap ng bagong layunin, bagong landas.

122. Kung pagsunod sa isang landas ang buhay-Kristiyano, nagsisimula pa lamang ito sa pakikitagpo kay Hesukristo bilang isang di-kilalang kapwa-manlalakbay sa daan. Siya daw, ayon sa kuwento ni San Lukas, ay masiglang sumabay sa dalawa at nakipagkuwentuhan. At isang bagay ang naganap habang sila’y nagkukuwentuhan: unti-unti nilang napagdugtong-dugtong at napagwari ang lahat ng mga pangyayari sa nakaraan at nabigyan ng bagong kahulugan. Unti-unting luminaw sa kanila ang saysay ng mga pangyayari, sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang salaysay.

123. Hindi naman talaga ang Emmaus ang layunin ng dalawang manlalakbay. Isang pahingahan lamang ito o panuluyan sa gitna ng isang walang-direksyong paglalakbay. Ang kuwentuhan ay humantong sa pagsasalo sa hapag-kainan, at sa sandali ng pagkilala sa tunay nilang kausap at kasalo. “Nakilala siya sa paghahati ng tinapay at siya’y naglaho.” Naglaho man Siya, may bago nang apoy sa kanilang mga puso. Nasabi daw nila sa isa’t isa: “Kaya pala parang nag-aapoy ang ating mga puso nang kausap natin siya.” Ang apoy na ito ay nagningas at nagsilbing liwanag na tumanglaw upang muli nilang matuklasan ang landas: pabalik sa Jerusalem. Noon pa lamang magsisimula ang paglalakbay patungo sa bagong Jerusalem. Subalit sa kalooban nila, hindi na lungkot kundi kaligayahan, hindi na takot kundi lakas-ng-loob ang nagliliyab. Simula pa lamang ito ng paglalakbay patungo sa bagong Jerusalem ng tagumpay, bagong Jerusalem ng muling pagkabuhay.

124. Hindi kaya tulad ng dalawang alagad, tayo ring mga Pilipino ay patungong Emmaus? Hindi kaya tulad nila, tayo rin ay batbat ng kalungkutan dahil sa ating mga kabiguan sa Jerusalem ng pagdurusa at kamatayan? Hindi kaya tayo rin ay madalas natutuksong tumakas at tumalikod sa landas na dapat nating tahakin dahil kaakibat nito ang maraming dusa at sakit?

Itutuloy…

BULAG, PIPI, BINGI

Ni: Micahel B. Balba

Kung malalaman mo na mas mahal mo s'ya.
Sa aki'y sabihin ng walang pangamba,
Nakahanda akong unawain kita,
Di ko pipigilan ang iyong ligaya.

Anong magagawa ng puso kong ito,
Kung sadyang siya pa tibok ng puso mo,
Kahit anong sakit ay makakaya ko.
Handang magparaya alang-alang sa 'yo.

Siguro nga'y ganyan ang magmahal,
Minsan ang pasakit ay di maiwasan,
Kahit ang puso ko maiwang luhaan,
Hindi ko gagawin ang ika'y sumbatan.

Sabihin man nila na ako ay baliw,
Pagkat di gagawin ang ika'y pigilan,
Hindi papansinin ang mga paratang,
Pagkat ikaw sinta ay nauunawaan.

Ituring man nila na ako ay bulag,
Kahit pa nga pipi sa aki'y itawag,
Handang maging bingi para sa'yo liyag,
At di magdaramdam, puso man may sugat.

ANTETISIMO

By L. V. L.

Tahimik ang mundo mo,
Ngunit may tunog kang di mo matanto.
Sa kaguluhan nang paligid mo,
Patuloy ka sa iyong pagtatago.
Di ka nag-iisa, at may mga nagmamahal
sa ’yo,
Ngunit may pangungulilang, binubulong ang iyong puso.

Tila sa iyong utak, ay walang dumadaloy,
Ngunit may mga idelohiyang,
Patuloy sa pagtaghoy.
Sumisigaw nang tahimik,
Ang mga piniwalang para sa iyo ay wala.
Naghihintay lang gisingin sa ‘yong gunita,

Malimit may ngiting, bumubukal sa ‘yong mukha,
Na handang ialay sa bawat tao sa madla.
Ngunit kaibigan napansin mo na ba,
Na ang mga tingin sa ‘yong mga mata,
Ang emosyon ay wala.

Gumigising ka sa pagtago ni Pebo,
Sa kabilang mundo na alam mo.
Kaibigan, tanggapin mo na,
Ngayon, sa mundong ito andito ka.
Na oo nga at malayo ka man sa kanila,
Malapit ka pa rin tumingin ka lang sa mga tala.

Songs of Journey of a Migrant Wife

By Ediza Pumarada
...continuation

I persuaded him to call us twice to thrice a month if that will help him eased up homesickness. I told him not to think about the expenses of long distance calls because at that time we were still in the adjustment period and I felt the great need for us to communicate. As experienced couples would tell us that in the husband-wife relationship, communication in any form is so important. I realized too, that communication in this kind of situation was a real challenge. I had to learn to get the message not only the words he uttered, but the tone of voice too, and the messages between the lines. On my part, I had to admit that there were instances when I have to choose what words to use, and to avoid telling him the not-so-good stories or circumstances that may cause him to worry. Likewise quality communication has to be maintained at all times to establish openness despite the absence. One or more hellos were needed to keep our relationship honest and open.

Superwoman

As the wife left behind I needed to be creative in all aspects of my life. I had to play several roles simultaneously and effectively. Foremost was my role as a mother and father to our daughter. I was new mother then, left with two-year old daughter. The presence of other relatives helped to some extent, but at the end of the day all the concerns and responsibilities were on my shoulders. I had to take care of feeding my daughter right, and on time, changing her nappies in the evening, giving her vitamins, and taking care and worrying about her every time she got sick or hospitalized. When the schooling years started, the role of a tutor and mentor commenced.

Another important task I had to do was being the budget manager. Every penny earned need to be spent wisely, and accounted for. I had to make sure that both ends meet, especially if the budget is just enough for all the expenses. We developed a system where all basic household expenses are itemized, and calculated so that we came up with an agreed amount for our monthly budget. It had proven to be effective because there were not much argument over financial matters. But I would say that discipline in spending had to be practiced at all times with savings as foremost on the budget list.

At times I had to be a carpenter, gardener, and electrician. Name them and there are more roles that once in a while challenged me as the wife left behind. I remember an instance when I had to do basic carpentry repair because the wood window in one of the rooms was being ripped down by the strong wind during the height of the typhoon. There were instances that I really need to learn about paints, about the best water pump brand, and even the kinds of water pipes and fittings because I needed to attend to the repair works in the household.. At other times I saw myself climbing up the Kamias tree to cut some of its branches in front of our house, or up on the roof to clean the roof gutter and downspout.

No, I am not complaining about these odd roles I had to play, but I guess as the wife of an OFW I suddenly became a superwoman striving hard in the absence of my husband to keep a stable home and a happy family.

Separate lives ...to be continued

Siya Lamang

Unang Linggo ng Kuwaresma:

Siya Lamang
Ang pelikulang “My Only Love” na pinagtambalan nina Gabby Concepcion at Sharon Cuneta ay ipinalabas noong dekada 80. Sa isang eksena sa isang mamahaling restawran, sinabi ni Billy (Gabby) kay Cindy (Sharon): “You are my number one.” Sagot ni Cindy, “Ayoko ngang maging number one, may number two, may number three, I won’t settle for number one.” Nagtatakang nagtanong si Billy, “So ano ang gusto mo?” Sagot ni Cindy: “Your only one.”

Totoong gusto natin ng kasiguruhan sa buhay kaya nga kung baga sa sasakyan, kailangang lagi tayong may “reserbang gulong.” Nakatutukso ngang “magsigurado” sa ating kinabukasan. Sa Ebanghelyo ngayon malinaw na ipinakita ni Mateo kung anu-ano ang mga “reserba” natin sa buhay.

Sa unang pagtukso kay Hesus, nahahayag na ang unang “reserba” ng tao ay ang kasiyahan ng katawan. Isa sa pinaka-karaniwang hangad ng katawan ay seks. Ayon sa ilang pag-aaral,70% ng mga kabataang nasa gulang na 12-24 ay aktibo nasa seks. Karaniwang sinasabi ng mga kabataang ito na ginagawa nila ito dahil sa sarap o kasiyahang dulot nito.

Sa ikalawang pagtukso, ang matatawag naming “reserba” ay kayabangan o sobrang taas na pagtingin sa sarili (pride). Sakit din ito ng maraming tao. May mga pulitiko at mga lider na masyadong mataas ang pagpapahalaga sa sarili kaya kaya naman bingi sila sa mungkahi o opinion ng iba. Maraming pamilya rin ang nagkawatak-watak dahil sa pride ng bawat isa.

Sa huling pagtukso, masasabing “reserba” rin ang materyal na bagay at ang kapangyarihan. May mga taong gagawin ang lahat para yumaman lamang at magkaroon ng puwesto sa lipunan kahit na sa tiwali o di-makatarungang paraan. Mayroong walang kahihiyang nandaraya sa eleksyon, basta manalo lang dahil sa kayamanan at kapangyarihan lang nila nakikita ang katiyakan at kasiyahan sa buhay.

Ngunit baligtad sa inaasahan ng mundo ang naging tugon ni Hesus. Nang tuksuhin siya ni Satanas na ilagay ang kanyang kaligayahan sa nakapagpapaligaya sa makalupang katawan, sinabi niyang hindi lamang sa tinapay nabubuhay ang tao. Nang tuksuhin siya na ipakitang siya ay Diyos, hindi siya nagpadala kay Satanas at tahasang sinabi niya ritong wala itong karapatang tuksuhin ang Panginoon. At nang alukin siya ni Satanas ng kayamanan at kapangyarihan, matigas niyang sinabi na iisa lamang ang Diyos na Panginoon. Panginoon. Hindi siya paalipin sa kayamanan at kapangyarihan.

Sa madaling salita, hindi makukuntento si Hesus sa “reserba” lang. Malinaw kay Hesus na ang kaligayahan niya ay nasa pagtupad sa kalooban ng Ama– nasa Ama mismo. Ang pagtupad sa kalooban ng Ama ang kanyang pagkain, ang kanyang buhay. At ito ang ipinakita sa naging tugon ni Hesus sa huling pagsubok: Tanging ang Panginoon lamang ang sasambahin mong Diyos, at siya lamang ang iyong paglilingkuran. Tanging SIYA LAMANG (the only one!) ang papawi ng ating pagkagutom at pagkauhaw at pupuno sa malalim na paghahanap natin ng pagmamahal.

Sa mga huling araw sa buhay ni Morrie-isang propesor sa isang pamantasan sa Estadod Unidos-napag-usapan nila ng kanyang estudyanteng si Mitch Albom ang tungkol sa pera. Sabi ni Morrie: “Saan man ako magpunta, may nakikilala akong mga tao na laging nagnanais na magkaroon ng bago. Magkaroon ng bagong kotse; bagong mga ari-arian; bagong laruan...Alam mo kung ano ang tingin ko diyan? Sila’y mga taong gutom sa pag-ibig kaya naman hinahanap nila ito sa anumang puwedeng pamalit. Minamahal nila ang mga materyal na bagay at umaasa silang mamahalin din sila nito. Pero hindi ito sapat. Hindi mo maaaring ipalit ang mga materyal na bagay sa pag-ibig o sa kabutihan o sa malasakit o sa pakikipagkaibigan. Hindi mo makikita sa dami ng pera o laki ng kapangyarihan ang hinahanap mong pagmamahal.” Totoo, nakatutuksong hanapin ang ating kaligayahan sa mga bagay o maging sa mga tao sa mundong ito. Mahirap gawing “our only One” ang Panginoon, lalo na’t nahihirapan tayo. Subalit sa ebanghelyo ngayon, ipinakikita ni Hesus kung paano natin matatagpuan ang ganap na kaligayahan. Una, hanapin natin ang kalooban ng Ama sa Banal na Kasulatan; ika-2, sumasampalataya tayo sa plano ng Diyos-na ang lahat ay para sa ating kabutihan; ika-3, patuloy tayong manalangin lamang natin matagtagpuan at makakapiling ang ating NAG-IISANG DIYOS na siyang laging dumaramay sa atin at nagmamahal sa atin ng lubos.

~Atty Arnold R. Martinez ~

Who Was Mary Magdalene? (Series LXXV)

The gospels tell us very little about “Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out” (Lk 8:2). We know that she was among the holy women who accompanied Jesus in his ministry (see Lk 8:1-3). She was also among those who looked on from a distance as Jesus hung from the cross (see Mt 27:55-56). Her passionate devotion to our Lord compelled her to linger at the tomb on Good Friday after it was sealed (see Mt 27:61), and again to bring spices on the first Easter Sunday morning to finish preparing his body for burial (see Mt 28:1).

Believing the angel’s announcement that Jesus had risen, Mary went to tell the apostles (see Mt 28:5:8). She also encountered the risen Lord personally that morning, though the details of that meeting are not fully clear in the scriptural account (see Mt 28:9-10; Jn 20:11-18).

Over the centuries, speculation about Mary Magdalene led some to identify her with both the notorious “sinner” (prostitute) who washed Jesus’ feet (see Lk 7:36-50) and with Mary the sister of Lazarus and Martha (see Jn 11:1-2; 12:1-8). Nevertheless, these three gospel women were most likely different people.

Where, then, did the startling notion originate that Mary Magdalene was Jesus’ wife, by whom he had children? Certainly not from sacred Scripture, sacred Tradition, or the Church’s magisterium. These traditional authorities are firm and unanimous that Jesus never married nor had children.

In the late second and early third centuries, however, heretical (Gnostic) cults emerged that sought, for whatever reasons, to create for Mary Magdalene a more prominent role in the gospel story. In certain texts they produced, which falsely claimed to be authentic “gospels” (see “Were Other ‘Gospels’ Banned From the Bible?”), several passages suggested a physical intimacy between Mary and Jesus. But these passages had no elements that can be traced back to the time of Christ, and they actually contradict one another in their claims. The books containing them were soundly condemned as spurious by contemporary Christians adhering to the genuine apostolic Tradition.

In more recent times, those who oppose the Church’s insistence that Holy Orders are reserved for men (see “Why Won’t the Church Ordain Women?”) have found the old Gnostic speculations attractive. But their use of discredited heretical texts only serves to obscure the reasons for the Church unchanging position on this matter.

RELATED SCRIPTURE — Texts cited: Mt 27:55-56, 61; 28:1, 5-10; Lk 7:36-50; 8:1-3; Jn 11:1-2; 12:1-8; 20:11-18. General: Mk 15:40-41, 47; 16:1-11; Lk 24:1-11; Jn 19:25; 20:1-2. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH — 76; 83; 124-127; 515; 638; 1577-1578.

Return From the Gates of Hell (6th of a Series)

Colombia, South America Interview of Dr. Gloria Polo by Radio Maria

Back then you prayed on a daily basis and you would prostrate long periods of time, whole hours, begging of your Lord, praying and asking him to pull you out of poverty and allow you to get a degree and become someone. Whenever you were in need and wanted money, you would say a rosary. Lord, please send me some money! That was your relationship with your Lord!? I had an ATM? Relationship with the Lord, I have to admit. I grabbed the rosary, and expected money in return, that was my relationship with him. I was shown how, as soon as I got my degree and made a name for myself, the Lord became too small for me and I started thinking myself better. Not even the smallest expression of love with my Lord. Being thankful? Never! Not even while opening my eyes in the morning, never ah ,thank you, Lord, for this new day you’ve given me, thanks for my health, for the life of my children, because I have a roof over my head, I pity those with no roof over their heads or food to eat!? Nothing! Very ungrateful! And besides, you placed your Lord so low that even Mercury and Venus you entrusted more with your luck. You were blindsided by astrology, claiming the stars ran your life! You started walking in all the doctrines of the world. You started to believe that you would die and would start again! And you forgot grace! You forgot that you had been ransomed by your Lord’s blood!? They gave me a test on the Ten Commandments. They showed me that I claimed I adored and loved God with my words, but in reality, I adored Satan. A woman would come to my dentist’s office to offer her services as a sorcerer and I would say? I don’t believe in that, but put those charms right there, just in case, for good luck?. I had set in a corner, where patients did not know, a horseshoe and a cactus plant, supposedly to scare away bad energies. How shameful all of this was! They made an analysis of all my life based on the Ten Commandments. They showed me who I had been with my fellowman. They showed me how I would tell God I loved him when I wasn’t far from him yet, when I wasn’t involved yet in atheism, but with the same tongue with which I blessed the Lord, I would lash out against all of mankind. I used to criticize everyone I used to point a finger at everyone, the ever-saintly Gloria. And they showed me how I was full of envy and always ungrateful. . I never recognized all my parents love and selfless effort, to see me through college, to raise me. As soon as I got a college degree, even they became too little

...to be continued

LANDAS NG PAGPAPAKABANAL

117. Ano ang lulutas sa ating mga sakit-panlipunan? Saan pa tayo unang hahanap ng lunas bilang mga Kristiyano kundi sa ating pananampalataya? Isinasabuhay ang pananampalataya, hindi lang isinasaisip . Isang landas ito ng pagpapakabanal at pagpapahalaga na dapat manghimasok sa ating kasaysayan upang mapabago ito. Masasabi nga kaya natin na ang pananampalatayang isinasabuhay - ang ating sinusundang landas ng pagpapakabanal - ang siyang nagdudulot sa atin ng panloob na lakas upang mapag-ibayo ang ating mga samahan? Natutulungan ba tayo ng ating mga debosyon sa Mahal na Birhen at sa mga Mahal na Patron upang magpakatotoo at magkaroon ng pananagutan sa ating buhay-pampulitika? Nagagabayan ba tayo ng ating mga panatang pang-Mahal-na-Araw upang manindigan para sa katarungan sa ating pakikitungo sa ating mga manggagawa? Nabibigyan ba tayo ng bagong diwa upang ang ating buhay-pangkultura ay matigib ng pag-ibig at patawad sa pamamagitan ng pagsapi sa mga charismatic renewal movements? Sa madaling sabi, ito bang landas ng pagpapakabanal na ating nakagisnan ay nakakalampas na sa ating kanya-kanyang mga bakuran, upang maging isang lakas na palaban at mapagbago sa ating lipunan?

118. Kailangan nating aminin nang buong kababaang-loob na malayo pa ang ating lalakbayin, na marami pa tayong bigas na kakainin sa usapin ng pagsunod sa Kristiyanong landas ng pagpapakabanal. Kailangan ding dalisayin ang mga ritwal at panata na ating minana sa ating mga ninuno. Kailangang malakma ang mga ito sa tamang landas, sa tamang kalooban, na walang iba kundi ang landas at kalooban ng Panginoong Hesukristo. Inilalarawan natin ito sa ikatlong bahagi na pinamagatang Pamantayan ng Pagpapakabanal: Ang Landas ni Kristo.

119. Sa huling bahaging ito ng aming sulat, nais naming mag-iwan ng ilang mga panawagan sa inyo, mga minamahal naming mga anak, sa aming kakayahan bilang inyong mga magulang sa pananampalataya. Hindi birong hiyas ang minana nating landas na ito bilang mga mananampalatayang Katolikong Pilipino. Pag-aralan natin nang masusi kung paano pa natin ito mapagyayamang mabuti, upang sa atin bilang mga pamayanan ay ganap na kumislap ang ningning ng Manunubos; upang sa ating mga pamayanan ay walang ibang maaninag kundi si Kristo at ang kanyang Landas patungo sa Kaharian ng Diyos.

Landas sa Manlalakbay
120. Ang buhay ay paglalakbay patungo sa isang layuning hindi maaabot kung walang landas na sinusundan. Ni hindi malinaw sa atin ang mismong layunin sa simula - saan tayo tutungo? - kung paanong hindi rin kaagad naging malinaw sa mga alagad ng Panginoon. Tulad ni Tomas, natutukso tayong magtanong: “Panginoon, hindi naming alam kung saan kayo patungo. Paano naming malalaman ang daan?” (Juan 14:5-6).

Itutuloy…

Driver safety: Tips to keep you on the road
Driver safety tips to help you keep the keys as you get older. (From MayoClinic.com)

Driver safety requires more than an understanding of road signs. Your health can affect your ability to drive safely. As you get older, you'll likely notice changes to your body that can make actions such as turning your head to look for oncoming traffic or driving at night more of a challenge.

Getting older doesn't mean your driving days are numbered. Take control and understand how your body's limitations can affect your driving. Follow these driver safety tips to help you maintain your independence.
Stay physically fit

As you age, your muscles generally become weaker, your joints stiffen and your flexibility decreases. Your reflexes begin to slow as well. The accumulation of these effects makes certain elements of driver safety more difficult. Physical fitness helps counter these changes. Staying physically active improves your strength and flexibility, which may help with such actions as turning the steering wheel and looking over your shoulder.

Consider activities such as walking, riding your bike or playing tennis to help you stay fit and improve your driver safety. Combine these with stretching and strengthening exercises. If you aren't currently active, talk to your doctor about ways to get started.

Know your medications
Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness or a slow reaction time, reducing driver safety. As you get older, you become more sensitive to these effects.
Read the labels of your medications so that you know what to expect from each one. Medications that might cause drowsiness include antihistamines, sedatives, drugs that treat depression and diabetes, and strong painkillers. Don't drive if you've taken medications that cause drowsiness. Ask your doctor if another medication that doesn't have this side effect is available.

Have your vision and hearing tested regularly
Your hearing and vision, particularly your night vision, tend to decline as you age. Impaired hearing may impede your ability to hear an approaching emergency vehicle or train. Common vision problems that can interfere with driving include:
· Cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of your eye. Cataracts cause your vision to become blurred or hazy. Cataracts may also make you more sensitive to light and glare, making it more difficult to drive at night.
· Glaucoma. This group of conditions — characterized by abnormally high pressure inside your eyeball — causes diminished peripheral vision, which makes it more ….To be continued

Songs of Journey of a Migrant Wife (2)

By Ediza Pumarada
...continuation

The year 1995 was very much instrumental in my awakening consciousness to the issues of migration. It was the year when a letter-reply from an agency addressed to my husband arrived with a job offer as an Assistant Engineer in a manufacturing company in Singapore. It came as a surprise because we did not remember sending any application for overseas employment. It was only after responding to it had we found out that one of the positions he applied for earlier on was a work overseas. We felt happy because it was one rare opportunity that came in unexpectedly and at the right time. But there was also doubts and fears especially since the employment will be in Singapore. I remembered the execution of Flor Contemplacion a few months earlier. She was the Filipina domestic worker in Singapore who was criminally charged, and sentenced to death by the Singapore court. The whole nation including myself prayed, mourned and was saddened by that tragic fate of Flor in a foreign land. That was the reason why we doubted and feared that employment offer in Singapore which was a real gamble during that period.

We were torn between fears and anxieties of a job in Singapore and the tempting offer for overseas work. We had to choose between local jobs that offered bleak future due to short stint of employment with a meager wage, and an overseas employment that offered better and longer employment contract with a much higher salary. We felt that there were no other options for us but to accept the offer.

I love you, Goodbye.

Difficult as it was, a decision had to be made, but not without hesitations. What about the family? What about the ideals of building a family and home together? How about the Sundays when we used to attend and hear Mass together, stroll with the kid, and enjoy simple family meals? On the other hand, what about the husband who will be leaving behind his family, friends, and community? Can we cope cup with the homesickness? What kind of life is awaiting him in Singapore? These were some concerns which occupied my mind from the start. In the end with our fervent prayers for guidance, we came up with a firm decision. We realized that our love for each other and for the family will withstand all the odds of an employment abroad.

One Hello!

The following days and months have the toughest experience because as a wife left behind, I had to deal with my husband’s homesickness, and worry about his situation in Singapore. I wanted to hear his voice, to be assured that he was fine, hear his good stories about his job, and to know that he was healthy. During the first few months he would starve himself for a once-a-month long distance call to us. He said that he was so homesick but he would not call us often because he wanted to save. I could sense homesickness in his voice which I fully understood. I felt the same even if my situation compared to his was better off being left in my own community, living with our daughter, surrounded with other relatives and friends. I persuaded him to call us twice to thrice a month if that will….

...to be continued

Humble Tribute

1. Your wits, humor and inspiring words enliven the spirit in me.
2. You're truly a Servant Leader of the Lord .
3. There has never been a dull moment with you.
4. Keep up, be blessed to be a blessing to others!

Cordilove2001

Mapapalad sa Mata ng Langit

Ika-4 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon:

Mapapalad sa Mata ng LangitMarami silang nangangako ng kaginhawahan o kaligayahan sa buhay. Kagandahan, katanyagan, kapangyarihan, kayamanan ang kanilang batayan ng galak at ginhawa. Ngunit ang pangako nilang ligaya, hindi man likas na masama, ay lumilipas at panandalian lamang.

Malinaw na ipinahahayag ni Hesus sa ebanghelyo ngayon kung sino ang magtataglay ng galak at ginhawang walang katapusan. Tinawag sila ni Hesus na mga “Mapapalad” o “Pinagpala”: may mga diwa ng dukha, nagdadalamhati, pinag-uusig...Kapansin-pansin na ang mga tinaguriang “Mapapalad” ni Hesus ay itinuturing naming ng mundo na mga malas at sawimpalad. Nagpapatunay lang ito na ang pamantayan ng Kaharian ng Diyos ukol sa mga bagay na mahalaga o dakila ay taliwas sa pamantayan ng mundo.

Paano nga ba uunawain ang “mapapalad” ni Hesus sa kasalukuyanng lipunang nag-aalok ng salungat na pagpapala?

Una, ang diskursong ito tungkol sa “Mapapalad” ay isang balita o pagpapahayag ng pagdating ng Kaharian ng Diyos. Ang panahong ipinahayag ng mga propeta at pinakahihintay ng bayang Israel ay dumating na sa katauhan ni Hesus. “Nagbibigay ng katarungan sa mga api, nagpapakain sa mga nagugutom, binibigyang-paningin ang bulag, pinasisigla ang mga ulila at balo…” (Salmo 146). Ang propesiyang ito mismo ang binigyang kaganapan ni Hesus. Ganito ang ibig sabihin ni Hesus: “Mapapalad na kayo ngayon! Kinahahabagan kayo ng Diyos sa inyo! Magalak kayo sapagkat may higit pang gantimpalang naghihintay sa inyo sa langit!”

Ikalawa, mapalad tayo sapagkat ang Kaharian ng Diyos ay para sa ating lahat. Wala nang taong babalewalain, hahamakin o itatakwil. Mahal tayong lahat ng Diyos. Sa mata ng Diyos, mahalaga ang bawat isa, hindi tulad ng mundong malupit na namimili ng taong marunong, malakas, o mayaman. Silang mga walang-halaga sa lipunan: mga mahihina, mabababa at hamak ang “pinili ng Diyos...upang hiyain ang marunong...ang malakas...at nang huwag nang makapagmalaki ang sinumang tao sa harapan ng Diyos” (1 Cor 1:27-28). Silang mga sawimpalad sa mata ng daigdig ay mapapalad sapagkat nangunguna sila sa Kaharian ng Langit.

Ikatlo, hindi lamang ipinangaral ni Hesus ang “Mapapalad” kundi isinabuhay din niya ito sa kanyang buong pagkatao. Si Hesus ang may diwa ng dukha na umaasa sa Ama, ang nagdadalamhati sa kasalanan ng tao, ang maawain o mahabagin sa mga nangangailangan, ang naghahanap ng katarungan para sa inaapi, ang may pusong busilak na buung buong nakalaan sa Ama. Si Hesus ang Mapalad o ang Pinagpala ng Diyos na dapat nating tularan.

Ikaapat, at panghuli, ibinubunyag sa atin ng “Mapapalad” kung sino talaga ang Diyos. Ang huling bahagi ng bawat kataga ng “Mapapalad” ay naglalarawan sa Diyos: mapagpala, mapagkalinga, maawain, mapagmahal. Ito ang mukha ng Diyos na Pag-ibig. At dahil iniibig at minamahal niya tayo, hindi niya hahayaaang mapahamak kahit isa man sa atin. Lagi natin siyang kasama sa paglalakbay natin sa mundong ito, sa hirap at sa ginhawa, hanggang sa magtamasa tayo ng walang-hanggang kapayapaan, kasaganahan at kaligayahan sa Kaharian ng Langit. Sa bandang huli, anuman ang tingin sa atin ng mundo, tayo pa rin ang tunay na “mapalad.”

~ Kris Emmanuel L. Llacer, SSP ~

Where Does the Rosary Come From? (Series LXXIV)

The angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary, when he came to announce the conception of Jesus, is familiar to most Catholics. It is echoed in one of the most popular Catholic prayers, the Hail Mary (in Latin, Ave Maria): “Hail, [Mary,] favored one [or ’full of grace’]! The Lord is with you” (Lk 1:28).

The words that follow in that prayer also come from Scripture, from Elizabeth’s greeting to our Lady soon afterward:”Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Lk 1:42). Then the “fruit” of her womb is identified as Jesus. Next, “holy [Saint] Mary, Mother of God” refers to her status as the woman who bore the divine Son of God (see Gal 4:4; see also “Why Is Mary Called ‘Mother of God’?”). Finally, the prayer asks for Mary’s intercession: “Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death” (see “Why Do Catholics Pray to Saints and Angels?”).

The Hail Mary is one of the chief prayers of the Catholic devotion known as the Rosary. This series of repetitive prayers (see “Why Do Catholics Pray Repetitious Prayers?”) is usually prayed in conjunction with a string of beads that help the person praying to keep track of his or her progress.

Two other prayers are also central to the Rosary. One is the Our Father (or the Lord’s Prayer), which comes to us from Christ as recorded in Scripture (see Mt 6:9-13). The other is the Glory Be, an ancient expression of praise to the Most Holy Trinity: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.” These words echo portions of various prayers and statements in Scripture (see Mt 28:19; Rom 16:27; Jude 25).

The Rosary also includes a recitation of the Apostles’ Creed, one of the earliest professions of faith produced by the Church. Finally, Catholics may add a variety of additional personal petitions when praying the Rosary.

The historical sources of the prayers in this devotion are relatively straightforward. How the Rosary came to us in its present form, however, is less clear. According to pious tradition, Mary gave the Rosary to St. Dominic, with instructions to popularize its use, though it had earlier historical precedents. The name “Rosary” (from the Latin word rosarium, “rose garden”) comes from the notion of offering a bouquet of prayers to our Lady.

RELATED SCRIPTURE — Texts cited: Mt 6:9-13; 28:19; Lk 1:28, 42; Rom 16:27; Gal 4:4; Jude 25. General: Rom 11:36; Gal 1:5; Eph 3:21. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH — 971; 2676-2678.

Return From the Gates of Hell (5th of a Series)

Colombia, South America Interview of Dr. Gloria Polo by Radio Maria

I started yelling daddy, mommy, please take me out of here, I beg you, take me out of When here!? When the lowered eyes and my dad saw me there, you should have seen the immense pain they felt. In that place, you feel people’s feelings, you can see pain. My dad started crying, holding his head with his two hands and shaking? My daughter, my daughter!? My mom was praying and noticed they could not take me out and that my pain was compounded noticing they were sharing that pain with me there.

So I started screaming again, please, take me out of here, I’m a Catholic! Who made this mistake? Please, take me out of here!? As I was shouting this second time, a voice was heard, a sweet voice, a voice that makes my soul shakes when I hear it. Everything was inundated with love and peace and all those creatures ran away in horror because they don’t stand love or peace. And there was peace for me when that precious voice called out to me? All right, if you are a Catholic, tell me the commandments of God’s law. What a failed attempt! I knew there were ten, but nothing beyond that. What was I going to do? My mom always talked to me about the first commandment of love.

Finally it paid out. Finally my mom’s chatter became useful. I had to repeat mom’s chatter? Here. I thought I could wing this one so the others wouldn’t show too much. I thought I could handle things here the way I used to on earth, always with a perfect excuse, always justifying and defending myself so no one would notice what I didn’t know. But this was the real thing, so I started to say? Love God above all and your neighbor as yourself. ? Very well claim I had an iron will, that nothing was too much for me. But that was useless now, because I wanted to climb up and I couldn’t. At that point I saw a huge mouth opening up on the floor and I felt immense emptiness in my body, a bottomless abyss. The most horrifying thing, I heard? Have you loved them? And I said? I have, I have, I have!? When I Heard? No!? For an answer, that’s when I really felt the shock of lightning run through me even though I hadn’t noticed where the bolt had hit me. No, you haven’t loved your Lord above all things, and much less your neighbor as yourself! You made a god that you adjusted to your life on when in moments of desperate need! You would prostrate yourself before him when you were poor, when your family was humble, when you wanted to go to college! Back then you prayed on a daily basis and you would prostrate long periods of time,

...To be continued

LANDAS NG PAGPAPAKABANAL

113. Sinikap ding sagutin ng tatlong nakaraang mga sulat pastoral ng CBCP ang mahalagang tanong “Nasaan na tayo ngayon?” Sa Sulat Pastoral noong 1997 ukol sa Pulitikang Pilipino, ipinahayag namin sa isang dako, na “Matindi ang pinsalang dulot sa atin ng kasalukuyang takbo ng pulitikang Pilipino. Ito’y mistulang isang tinik sa laman ng ating bayan…” Sa kabilang dako naman, binigyan din namin ng pansin ang ilang mga palatandaan ng pag-asa, katulad halimbawa ng ipinakikitang pagkakaiba ng pagboto ng mga mamamayan, ang mas matalinong pagpili ng mga kandidato, at ang mga bago at nakababatang mukha sa mga pamunuang nahahalal sa antas na pambarangay, pambayan, at panlalawigan. At mula pa noong sa EDSA, nasanay nang mabuti ang mga boluntaryong grupong galing sa mga NGO (non-government organizations) at PO (People’s organizations) na ipagtanggol ang balota nang buong sigasig at lakas ng loob.

114. Sa ikalawang Sulat Pastoral naman na aming inilathala noong 1998, tinalakay ang mga aspetong maliwanag at madilim sa isa pang mahalagang sangkap ng ating pang-araw-araw na buhay bilang mga mamamayan: ang ekonomya ng bansa. Aming tinutukoy doon ang pangangailangan para sa isang mas makataong pagpapaunlad sa ekonomya na may pangunahing pakundangan sa hangaring mapabuti ang kalagayan ng mga mahihirap, mabahaginan ang lahat ng pantay na pakinabang at maibsan ang malaking agwat sa pagitan ng mga mariwasa at maralita.

115. Sinundan pa ang Sulat Pastoral na ito noong 1999 ng isang malawakang pagninilay sa kulturang Pilipino. Doon tinalakay ang mga kaugalian at kagawiang ating pinahahalagahan tulad ng “utang-na-loob” at “pakikisama” pati na ang magkasamang positibo at negatibong aspeto ng mga ito. Positibo, kapag nalagay sa tamang hangganan, at negatibo kapag lumalabis o kumu-kulang.

116. Sinikap ilarawan ng tatlong nasabing mga sulat pastoral ang Pilipino sa kasalukuyan, sa ating pagpasok sa isang bagong milenyo. Hindi laging kaaya-ayang pagmasdan ang larawang ito, tulad ng madalas ipakita sa atin ng mass media araw-araw, sa mga balitang panggabi: mga balita tungkol sa mga Pilipinong pumapatay ng kapwa Pilipino, Pilipinong nagnanakaw sa kapwa Pilipino, libo-libong mga Pilipinong naninirahan sa mga barong-barong na hindi angkop kahit sa mga hayop, mga Pilipinong may mga anak na maliliit na gumagala sa mga lansangan upang magpalimos. Masasabi natin nang tahasan na ang balangkas ng pamumuhay na iginuguhit para sa atin ng mga sari-saring puwersang pampulitika, pang-ekonomya, at pang-kultura ay lihis, taliwas, o may malaking pagkukulang. Sa pinaka-kaibuturan ng ating buhay pampulitika, pang-ekonomya, at pang-kultura, may mga masasamang espiritung kailangang maiwaksi kung nais nating maging isang bayang marangal, matuwid, at mapagmalasakit.
Itutuloy…

What is Bronchopneumonia?

Bronchopneumonia is a type of pneumonia that is characterized by an inflammation of the lung generally associated with, and following a bout with bronchitis. This is really a specific type of pneumonia that is localized in the bronchioles and surrounding alveoli. This article provides a general overview of this condition, including symptoms and treatment options for those who have been diagnosed with bronchopneumonia. The most common pneumonia-causing bacterium in adults is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)

· Symptoms of bronchopneumonia:
¨ Cough with greenish or yellow mucus; Fever; chest pain; Rapid, shallow breathing; Shortness of breath; Headache; Loss of appetite; fatigue

· Treatment of bronchopneumonia:
If the cause is bacterial, the goal is to cure the infection with antibiotics. If the cause is viral, antibiotics will NOT be effective. In some cases it is difficult to distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia, so antibiotics may be prescribed. Pneumococcal vaccinations are recommended for individuals in high-risk groups and provide up to 80 percent effectiveness in staving off pneumococcal pneumonia. Influenza vaccinations are also frequently of use in decreasing one’s susceptibility to pneumonia, since the flu precedes pneumonia development in many cases.

Unlike lobar pneumonia, in which an entire section or subdivision of the lung may be inflamed; bronchopneumonia tends to appear in patches in and around the small airways and passages. Outward clinical symptoms will be similar to those of lobar pneumonia, however, and can include fever, coughing, chest pain, chest congestion, chills, difficulty with breathing and blood-streaked mucus that is coughed up. Bronchopneumonia is more common in elderly people, and in association with other viral respiratory illnesses (bronchitis), and as a complication of those who have asthma. Pneumonia, including bronchopneumonia is a fairly common illness and it affects millions of people annually in the United States. The severity of the illness will depend on the type of bacteria or infection causing the illness, as well as the overall health of the person who has bronchopneumonia.

In order to diagnosis this illness, a doctor may take a chest X-ray, may test a sample of the sputum, may do a CBC to get a count of the white blood cells in the blood, may take a CAT scan, and/or may take a pleural fluid culture of the fluid surrounding the lungs.

Upon diagnosis, most people will be treated at home with antibiotics. If the patient is suffering from dehydration or has a severe case of bronchopneumonia, he or she may be treated in the hospital where the illness can be more closely monitored. With appropriate treatment, most people recover fully within a couple weeks. Very infirm or elderly people who do not get appropriate treatment can die from bronchopneumonia.

Songs of Journey of a Migrant Wife

By Ediza Pumarada

Having a loved one working overseas, earning dollars is not really a rewarding and an ideal situation to me. Ten years of being a wife of an OFW has been a big challenge to me. It is a continuing journey of keeping the family intact despite the absence of a husband. My story is about my life as a wife of an OFW, my multiple roles in the family , the concerns of my OFW husband, and concerns for other migrant families as well.

What a Feeling!
I remember that day in October 1995, when we sent off my husband for Singapore. With me our daughter who had just turned two years old a few days back. At the airport, I saw sadness in my husband’s eye while cuddling and playing with our little girl some few minutes before he left. As if she understood that they will be separated for quite time, she cried out loud while trying to reach out for her father when it was time for him to check in. I felt a painful pinch in my heart for both of them. It was difficult but had to hide my own feelings and I tried hard to appear strong if only to lessen the heavy feeling that my husband has been carrying in the last few days.

I was silently crying as he entered the airport. Out of my sight, I feared for him in the outside world. Can he manage to cope up the homesickness? I knew he was hurting too. I sensed the same intensity of anguish as he walked away from us to live in a foreign land. I don’t know how I managed to leave the airport that afternoon with a heavy heart and empty feeling. That seemed to me the longest day in my life. My thoughts were full of “why’s, “what ifs”, and how’s”, yet these questions remained unanswered. I was in that state for several hours, until the phone rang and a familiar voice was on the other end. It was my husband’s! For the first on that day, tears flowed freely on my face. His voice was like magic that washed away the heavy feeling on my chest. I breathed out a sigh of relief knowing that he reached his destination safely, in the company of his Filipino co-workers.

Crossroads Blues
What were my fears and anxieties about my husband’s working abroad? We got married in December 1992, both of us were employed receiving enough for our monthly expenses. However, his employment would always end up after six months to one year of contract. He was so frustrated because his 5-year engineering course and skills that came with it, was not guarantee of work security. As a young couple who had just started to build a family of our own, this unsecured employment made us worry as to the kind of future we can offer to our children. At that time, we knew of some friends who left the country for work overseas because of the same situation. But my husband having the conviction of not leaving his family and the country, he still tried his luck for a permanent job locally. Years passed and he continued sending out application letters to different companies, but he didn't get lucky. Contractual job was always the offer.

The year 1995 was very…..
...to be continued