Kapayapaan bunga ng ating pagbabalik-loob

Ika-2 Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay:

Matingkad na ang winika ni Hesus noon sa mga alagad niya at ngayon ay sinasabi rin niya ito sa iyo at sa akin: Sumaatin ang kapayapaan!

Ayon kay San Agustin, Obispo ng Hipona (354-430), ang kapayapaan ay katiwasayan ng kaayusan. Ngunit hindi ito nangangahulugan na ang kapayapaan ay mistulang kawalan ng kibo. Hindi ito ang katahimikan ng isang libingan sa tanghaling tapat. Hindi rin ito ang pagkahimlay ng taong natutulog. Sa halip, ang kapayapaan ay bunga ng tuluyang pagsisikap na maging kaisa ng iisang Diyos sa tatlong Persona, at ng ating kapwa, at ng atin mismong sarili. Si Kristo ang siyang ating kapayapaan! (Ef 2:11-22).

At sa puntong ito, alam nating may mga pagkakataong hindi tayo nakiisa o nagmahal sa Panginoon, sa ating kapwa at sa ating sarili (Rom 8:20,22). May mga iba’t ibang tindi ito: maaaring ito’y isang pagkukulang lamang, o maaaring ito’y talagang maituturing na kasalanan: kasalanang mabigat o nakamamatay ( o mortal sin) o kasalanang magaan o napapatawad (o venial sin). Kapwa sila mapapatawad ng Diyos kung tayo ay magkakaroon ng kapayakang aminin ang ating pagkukulang at pagkakasala. Minsan nga lamang, ang ating akala sa “kasalanan’ ay ang hal., pagpatay, pagnanakaw. At dahil ito lamang ang saklaw ng ating konsepto ng kasalanan, maaari tayong mapaniwala na waring wala tayong kasalanan (Ex 20; Mt 5; 1 Cor 13).

Ang paksa ng pagbabalik-loob sa Diyos ay maaaring pagnilayan sa anumang panahon at lugar (hal., sa tulong ng Salmo 51). Sa ating pagninilay—sa piling ng Panginoong laging nakakakita sa atin at nakikinig bilang ating pinakatotoo at pinakamatalik na Kaibigan, hindi kailanman bilang walang-pusong pulis!- tungkol sa kanyang muling pagkabuhay at pagdalaw sa mga alagad, ating hilingin nang may kapayakan at kapakumbabaan na buksan niya ang ating diwa at puso, upang ating mamalas na talagang sukdulan ang pagmamahal niya sa atin (Salmo 64). Hindi biro ang mamatay na nakapako sa krus. Ngunit “nang dahil sa pag-ibig” ayon sa isang awit, isinakatuparan ng Diyos ang misteryo ng pagliligtas. Ginawa niya ito upang iligtas tayo. Ngunit bukod doon, mula sa ibang anggulo, batid ng Diyos at batid natin na habang hindi tayo nagbabalik-loob sa Diyos, laging may kulang sa atin. At laging magiging kapos ang anumang pagsisikap nating abutin at mahalin ang Diyos kung hindi siya ang naunang nagmahal sa atin (1 Jn 4:10). Paano tayo magkakaroon ng tunay na kapayapaan, bilang lunas sa sugat na dulot ng ating pagkakasala? Si Hesus mismo ang nagbigay-daan dito, sa kanyang pagtatatag ng sakramento ng pagkukumpisal, o pagbabalik-loob sa Diyos (Jn 20:230; Santiago 5:16). Hindi ba tayo maaaring “dumeretso” sa Diyos? Kung si Hesus nga ang nagpasya na “patatawarin ang mga kasalanan ninuman na inyong patawarin”, may pag-aalinlangan pa ba kaya? Alam ni Hesus na may dulot na kagalingang espirituwal at sikolohikal ang marinig mismo natin sa pari, na nagpapatawad sa ating mga kasalanan sa persona o katauhan ni Kristo, ang ganito:“Ikaw ay pinatatawad ko sa iyong mga kasalanan sa ngalan ng Ama at ng Anak at ng Espiritu Santo.”

Mabalik tayo sa “kapayapaan”, na bunga ng pagbabalik-loob na dulot ng sakramento ng pagkukumpisal o pagbabalik-loob. Bukambibig ngayon kahit saan ang kapayapaan. Pati nga sa mga sulat ni San Pablo, laging nangunguna ang pagbati ng kapayapaan. Ngunit ito ba’y mistulang kawalan ng digmaan? Opo, hiling natin sa Panginoon na sana’y wala nang digmaan ng tao laban sa tao. Ngunit sa usaping pananampalataya, ang kapayapaa’y matatamo lamang, sa tulong ng grasya– na siyang ating relasyon sa Diyos na buhay–sa ating palagiang pakikipagdigma laban sa kasalanan at sa ating pagkamakasarili.

~ Fr. Emmanuel C. Marfori ~

Why Can’t Non-Catholics Partake (Series LXXXII)

St. Paul’s warning about receiving the Eucharist improperly should give all Christians cause for reflection: “Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself” (1 Cor 11:27-29).

In light of this and other scriptural passages, the Church obliges Catholics to make sure they are properly disposed to receive the Eucharist before approaching the altar. For example, they must not receive Holy Communion in a state of mortal sin (see “Does the Bible Distinguish Between Mortal and Venial Sins?”). But there are other dispositions necessary as well. Those who deny that the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Christ, believing it to be just a symbol, should also refrain from receiving Communion. To use the apostle’s words, they would be eating and drinking “without discerning the body” properly, placing themselves in danger of judgment.

This is the reason why non-Catholics, Protestants in particular, should not partake in the Eucharist in a Catholic church: They typically deny that it is truly Christ’s Body and Blood. But the Church insists that even Protestants who believe what the Catholic Church teaches about the Eucharist should not normally approach the Catholic altar for Communion. The reason for this restriction is suggested by other words from St. Paul:

The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation [or fellowship] in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation [fellowship] in the body of Christ? Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. [1 Cor 10:16-17].

The Eucharist thus signifies a oneness in faith, life, and worship among those who partake of it. So reception of the Eucharist by those separated from the Catholic Church is in a sense dishonest. It implies a unity that does not yet exist. (A few exceptions are allowed for pastoral reasons in extraordinary situations; see the Catechism 1401.)

In the meantime, the Church urges us to pray fervently that all Christians might finally “attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God” (Eph 4:13).

RELATED SCRIPTURE — Texts cited: 1 Cor 10:16-17; 11:27-29; Eph 4:13. General: Ps 133:1-3; Jn 18:20-23; 1 Cor 1:10; Eph 4:1-6; Phil 2:1-2. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH — 805; 838; 1396; 1398-1401

IF I GO AWAY

(Para mi amigo Arvin T. Ramos)

If I go away will you still care for me?
Will you be still my best friend till the end?
For all the happy and bad times we shared,
And to the "big heart" you've shown to me,
..........you are incomparable!

Arvin is Arvin in many ways,
Those times when I was hungry, you gave me food to eat,
Those times when I needed money, you gave me more than I need,
Those times where I longed for my family, you comforted me,
Those times where I was had no shelter; you gave me your room,
How lucky am I to have you as a friend.

Arvin, is a friend who picked me up in times I'm down,
Someone who is happy if I'm happy too,
Someone who is always there if you need a helping hand,
Someone whose values and morality never ends in a word,
Someone who could stir you up if you're frozen,
Someone who is always there for me no matter

How I wish someday you will still be the same,
Someone who is willing to share what he has,
Someone who gives but never expects in return,
Today is your birthday and I've nothing more to wish,
For I know GOD is always on your side,
Happy birthday......... I love you brother.

By: Ed J. Titular
10:50pm; 03.28.07; Chasan-ri, South Korea

Return From the Gates of Hell (13th of a Series)

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

...because at least I could have prohibitive inhibitions. I stole from my children the grace of having a mother at home, tender and loving, and not the mother out in the world leaving them with the TV, the computer, or the video games for baby sitters. To clean my conscience, I would buy them brand-name clothes. It horrified me even worse when I saw my mom questioning herself, even though she was a saintly woman who loved and corrected us. So I thought? What about me? I haven’t given my children anything! How frightening, what immense pain!? I felt ashamed because in the book of life you get to see everything like in a movie. And my children would say let’s hope mom doesn’t come home soon, hopefully there will be a traffic jam, because she’s really annoying and is always complaining? How sad it is for a three- year-old boy and a slightly older girl to say that. I stole their mother from them; I stole the peace I was supposed to give in my home. I didn’t teach them God through me; I didn’t teach them to love their fellowman. It’s very simple: if I don’t love my fellowman, I have nothing to do with the Lord. If I have no mercy, I have nothing to do with the Lord. Because God is love and? Well, I’ll tell you a little bit about not bearing false witness. Or lie, because I was an expert at it. Satan became my father, because you may have either God or Satan as father. If God is love, but I hate, who is my father? Not hard to answer. And if God speaks to me about forgiveness and about loving those who hurt me but I would say that I would repay any offense, then who is my father? And if He is the truth and Satan is the lies, who is my father? There are no white lies or anything like that. They are all lies and Satan is their father. My sins of the word were so terrible! I saw how much I had hurt with my tongue. Whenever I gossiped, whenever I made fun, whenever I gave anyone a nickname, how much did that person hurt? How much did that nickname hurt. I could give someone with a weight problem an inferiority complex by just calling her father. How much evil I did, because words always end up as actions. When they gave me the test on the Ten Commandments, all my evils came from covetousness, that mad desire. I always thought I would be happy if only I had lots of money. And it became an obsession. How sad! The worst moment for my soul was when I had the most money. I even thought of killing myself. With so much money and alone, empty! Sour. Frustrated. That greed for money was the path that led me astray and away from my Lord’s hand. After my test on the Ten Commandments they showed me the Book of Life. I wish I had words to describe it. My book of life started at conception, when my parents, cells united. Almost immediately there was a spark, a beautiful explosion and a soul ...

...To be continued

Why this guide?

IWAS PUSOY ! THE GUIDEBOOK
(Gabay sa OFW’S)

Q. Will the information that may be obtained from ERCOF be helpful to an overseas Filipino who does not have any intention of going into business or investing in the Philippines?
R. Yes, because ERCOF also features information which although not related to business or economic matters, may help one in avoiding or preventing a future or threatened legal or practical problem that could be a potential drain to finances. For instance, there is practical advice and information regarding the purchase of property, inheritance and tax matters, adoption, annulments of marriage, financial support, basic and practical matters relating to former Filipinos who are returning to or retiring in the Philippines such as on dual citizenship, visas and immigration matters, ownership of property, practice of profession, and many other matters which continue to be the frequent topics of inquiry by overseas Filipinos.

Q. Why do overseas Filipinos need business information or advice?
R. There are many overseas Filipinos, particularly the contract or temporary workers, who send money to their relatives that is intended to start a small business. Some studies have indicated that many of these small businesses fail due to the lack of business knowledge or discipline.

For Filipino workers who have stayed or worked overseas for many years, it is important to obtain prior information in order to update themselves with current regulations and conditions. It is also important to look forward and save in anticipation of investing in a source of livelihood upon return.

Q. What business information does ERCOF provide?
A. It provides the basic and practical information that one needs to know in choosing a particular business, the various permits and legal and government procedures in registering the business or guidance in claiming incentives or exemptions under existing laws, and in some cases, provide information on specific businesses or business conditions in a particular locality or province, as its data base or consultants may provide. Beyond this, ERCOF may also provide a linkage or referral to any of its Philippine based partners, in case more extensive advice or consultation is requested for a specific business or legal problem. For instance, ERCOF has a legal pool of practicing lawyers with experience in various areas of the law. ERCOF also hopes to finalize a proposed partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, in order to link Overseas Filipinos to legal assistance anywhere in the Philippines.
...To be continued

Schizophrenia (4th)

Signs and symptoms (Continuation)

· Social/occupational dysfunction: For a significant portion of the time since the onset of the disturbance, one or more major areas of functioning such as work, interpersonal relations, or self-care, are markedly below the level achieved prior to the onset.

· Duration: Continuous signs of the disturbance persist for at least six months. This six-month period must include at least one month of symptoms (or less, if successfully treated).

Additional criteria are also given that exclude the diagnosis; thus schizophrenia cannot be diagnosed if symptoms of mood disorder or pervasive developmental disorder are present, or the symptoms are the direct result of a substance (e.g., abuse of a drug/medication) or a general medical condition.

Subtypes: Historically, schizophrenia in the West was classified into simple, catatonic, hebephrenic (now known as disorganized), and paranoid. The DSM contains five sub-classifications of schizophrenia:

· paranoid type: where delusions and hallucinations are present but thought disorder, disorganized behavior, and affective flattening are absent (DSM code 295.3/ICD code F20.0)
· disorganized type: named 'hebephrenic schizophrenia' in the ICD. Where thought disorder and flat affect are present together (DSM code 295.1/ICD code F20.1)

· catatonic type: prominent psychomotor disturbances are evident. Symptoms can include catatonic stupor and waxy flexibility (DSM code 295.2/ICD code F20.2)
· undifferentiated type: psychotic symptoms are present but the criteria for paranoid, disorganized, or catatonic types have not been met (DSM code 295.9/ICD code F20.3)
· residual type: where positive symptoms are present at a low intensity only (DSM code 295.6/ICD code F20.5)

The ICD-10 recognizes a further two subtypes:
· post-schizophrenic depression: a depressive episode arising in the aftermath of a schizophrenic illness where some low-level schizophrenic symptoms may still be present (ICD code F20.4)
simple schizophrenia: insidious but progressive development of prominent negative symptoms with no history of psychotic episodes (ICD code F20.6)

Diagnostic issues and controversies
Schizophrenia as a diagnostic entity has been criticized as lacking in scientific validity or reliability,[19][20] part of a larger criticism of the validity of psychiatric diagnoses in general. One alternative suggests that the issues with the diagnosis would be better addressed as individual dimensions along which everyone varies, such that there is a spectrum or continuum rather than a cut-off between normal and ill. This approach appears consistent with research on schizotypy and of a relatively high prevalence of psychotic experiences[21][22] and often non-distressing delusional beliefs[23] amongst the general public.

...To be continued

Coping with Life with OFW Parents (4th & concluding part)

By Melane Manalo

As for now, they intend to pay off all our debts from relatives and financial institutions in the soonest possible time, while still sustaining our daily expenses, and then have that money to put up a business and stay in the country for good. But this may still take quite a long time.

Branch Out

Extensive networking and making friends, as I see it, sometimes also put a strain on our resources. Our parents would be sponsors in baptisms, matrimonies, among others, once in a while. This would also translate into more expenses during the holidays and other occasions.
But our family is more than thankful for such. We see these instance as recognition of our ability to reach out to others, help them and be models (especially for those who ask my mother and father to be their “parents” in weddings). As my father puts it: that you are chosen from among a hundred of other people they know is a blessing.

Being abroad obviously gave our parents opportunities to know more Filipinos than they would have done here in the Philippines, as I observed in a number of my visits to Italy since I was first left here to study. They are off from work on Thursdays and Sundays. On these days, they gather and spend the day socializing with relatives also working there, and even other Filipinos whom they met there. Through this, our parents grew closer to them, as they usually share the same experiences and are able to help each other. My mother especially has been working there for so long, they sometimes solicit her advice and / or help in dealing with matters relating to their work, travel documents and even families in the Philippines.

To Bloom and Finally Find Home

In the years to come, every one of us expects our parents will be staying home, finally. As we wait for such time, the thing left to do is simply make the most out of, That is, learn from, every challenge we face while we are apart from each other.

I am hopefully completing my Public Administration course by next year, and intend to enter the academe afterwards. My father asked me lately if I would like to work abroad, join the Foreign Service maybe. I have not actually though of it that much until now, especially since I have made some plans already. Besides, I want to stay near home (maybe a result of missing my parents and home at times even when I am here in the Philippines). I felt I will be needed here more than in any place in the world.

But nothing can be finally decided upon yet: I have many years on, and the rest are still coming. I may later be pressured by need to work overseas, as most of our fellow Filipinos now do. At least I already had some 20 years of experience of dealing with being away from family of my own, my parents’ way may also be the best to emulate.

Parents will be calling us again within the day, or these two days, to check on how we are going. From there, we move on to talk about our future plans of being together at home, each doing one’s stuff but not really alone. Then, our short-term plans, like thinking about what to do within the week. Then, a joke. It actually does not matter what we discuss. These short moments of talk and senseless talk make these days seem shorter. It cannot be long until we meet again.

THE END

Pag-asa at Pananampalataya

Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay:

Isang kilalang mangangaral at manunulat si george Mcdonald na tubong Eskosya. Isang araw, habang nakikipagkwentuhan siya sa kanyang mga anak na lalaki, napag-usapan nila ang tungkol sa langit at ang pananaw ng mga propeta tungkol sa katapusan ng lahat ng mga bagay. “Napakaganda naman yata niyan; parang hindi pa totoo,” ang sabi ng anak. Nakangiting sumagot si Mcdonald, “Talagang napakaganda kaya nga tiyak na totoo.”

Pag-asa at Pananampalataya. Dalawa sa pinakamahalagang salita sa Bibliya. Sa katunayan, sa pambungad na bahagi ng pinakahuli niyang ensiklikal na Spe Salvi, ipinaliwanag ni Papa Benito XVI ang matalik na kaugnayan ng “malaking pananalig” sa matibay nating “pag-ako sa ating pag-asa” na tinutukoy sa Unang Sulat ni San Pedro (10:22-23). Sinabi pa niya na ang “pag-asa ay katumbas ng pananampalataya” (blg.2)

Ang tunay na sumasampalataya ay umaasa at an tunay na umaasa ay sumasampalataya. Talagang hindi maaaring paghiwalayin ang “pag-asa at pananampalataya.” Ito ang diwa ng Muling Pagkabuhay ng Panginoon..

May dalawang paraan ng pagtingin sa kasaysayan ng tao at ng mundo. Una, maaari nating tanggapin na ang “karaniwang” mga pangyayari sa buhay ng tao ay karahasan, digmaan, sakit, pagkagutom, kalamidad, kamatayan at kung anu-ano pang kasamaan. Sa ganitong pananaw, magmumukha ngang isang kwentong pambata o isang alamat ang Muling Pagkabuhay. Isang “kakaiba” at talagang hindi karaniwang pangyayari na kahit papaano ay nakapagbibigay ng pag-asa sa atin sa gitna ng mga gamundong pagdurusa.

Pero maaari ding tingnan natin sa muling pagkabuhay na siyang “karaniwang” paraan ng pagkilos ng Diyos, ng pagpapakita niya sa atin ng kanyang pagmamahal. Sa ganitong pananaw, ang nagiging “kakaibang” mga pangyayari ay ang mga suliranin at pagdurusa ng mga tao at ang lahat ng kasamaan sa mundo. Kung ganun, ang Muling Pagkabuhay ang patotoo sa kung ano ang ganap na kahihinatnan ng kasaysayan ng tao. Kung totoong ang Diyos ay pag-ibig at tayo ay kanyang minamahal nang lubos, tiyak na hindi siya papayag na walang magandang pagbabagong mangyayari sa ating buhay. Talagang napakagandang balita nga ito! Sinumang mananampalataya ditto ay tiyak na magkakaroon ng pag-asa.

Nabuhay na ngang muli ang Panginoon. Pero totoong laganap pa rin ang kasamaan sa lipunan. Marami pa rin ang namamataya sa gutom, karahasan at digmaan. Sa ayaw man natin at sa gusto, mamamatay pa rin tayo—sa anong paraan, hindi natin alam. Pero dahil sa naniniwala tayo sa napakagandang katotohanan ng Muling Pagkabuhay ng Panginoon umaasa tayong magkatotoo rin ito sa ating personal na buhay. Naniniwala at umaasa tayo na ang Muling Pagkabuhay na nangyari “para” sa atin ay mangyayari din “sa” atin.

Kung napagtagumpayan ng Diyos ang kamatayan, walang anumang bagay o nangyayaring hindi niya mapagtatagumpayan. Buo ang ating pag-asa at pananampalataya sapagkat ang Panginoon mismo ang nagsalita at tumupad sa kanyang salita. Bago pa niya harapin ang kanyang kamatayan sa krus, nakapaninindig balahibong tiniyak na ng Panginoon sa kanyang mga alagad: “ Nagdadalamhati kayo sa mundo, pero lakasan ninyo ang loob, ako ay nagtagumpay sa mundo” (Jn 16:33).

~ Jean Rollin Marie I. Flores, SSP ~

Is the Eucharist Truly the Body and Blood? (Series LXXXI)

In his First Letter to the Corinthians (see 11:23-26), St. Paul echoes the words of Jesus over the bread and wine at the first Eucharist (the Last Supper): “This is my body… This is my blood” (Mt 26:26-28). Nothing in these passages suggests that our Lord was speaking only symbolically.

In fact, Jesus stated repeatedly that whoever would eat his flesh and drink his blood would have eternal life (see Jn 6:51-56). When some of his listeners had objected to this statement and had left him as a result (see Jn 6:52, 60, 66), he didn’t call them back, saying, “Wait a minute! You misunderstood! I was only speaking symbolically.” Instead, he let them go.
If they had in fact misunderstood Jesus - if he had been speaking only figuratively - would he have let them go, considering that their eternal destiny was at stake? Wouldn’t he instead have cleared up the confusion to spare them unnecessary scandal? No doubt. But Jesus was in fact speaking literally.

Luke’s account of the disciples’ encounter with the risen Lord on the road to Emmaus also points to this truth. There our Lord took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them - whereupon they recognized him, and he physically vanished from their midst (see Lk 24:30-31). Later, when they reported to the apostles what they had witnessed, they told “how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread” (Lk 24:35).

Of any doubts remain about the intent of Jesus’ words, we need only consult the words of St. Ignatius of Antioch, who learned his faith from and was consecrated as bishop by men who had been at that first Eucharist: Ignatius wrote: “The Eucharist is the flesh of our savior Jesus Christ, who suffered for our sins and who, in his goodness, the Father raised.”

The change of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ (called “transubstantiation”) is of course a mystery we will never fully understand. But even though we may find it difficult to imagine how this event takes place, we can be sure that the God who created the universe out of nothing has the power to accomplish this miracle as well.
.................................................................................................

RELATED SCRIPTURE — Texts cited: Mt 26:26-28; Lk 24:30-31, 35; Jn 6:51-56, 60, 66; 1 Cor 11:23-26. General: Mk 14:22-24; Lk 22:17-20; 1 Cor 10:16. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH — 611; 790; 1088; 1323; 1329; 1335-1340; 1373-1377; 1382; 1390-1394; 1406; 1413; 1416; 1846; 2120.

BORN ON THE 22nd DAY OF MARCH

By: Ed J. Titular
10:15pm; Chasan-ri, South Korea

T’was a moment when I look in your eyes and my cerebrum received your serene message that says “I must go down to the deepest sea I’ve never been, and climb the highest mountain I’ve never seen”. Then I replied, “go on for you’ll never be alone”.

With courage and strong conviction knitted with pride push you to be there for what you perceived is true. Some narrow roads where you pass by blow a dust of regret, but you just smile with your head up high….. Seems everything will be under your
control.

Now, you entered in a haven where all is so strange. Some unfamiliar faces whisper you to leave and some persuade you to stay. Different noises and electrifying music makes you dance until you drop. You heard those birds singing? They are the mitigator to the hotness you felt in your crowded room.

Breathless! Panic, this is you at this very moment. Then, vanities start to banish and teardrops of regret leads on its way. The will to survive gave you a thread to reminisce and little words to utter. With that flight of your mind, you remember everything in just a second. Yes, you remember everything especially the day and the month you were born the “22nd day of March”.

From then on, every ring of the bell of your life reminds you of your exultant victory. Congratulation, you win the battle. You are now a catalyst for a better change of every “homo sapien”. You are now a son, a man of the universe that the world is waiting for.

Return From the Gates of Hell (12th of a Series)

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

After those abortions, I had no more sense of sinfulness. For me, everything was okay. It was sad to see how all those debts I owed the devil included as well all those babies I had killed myself because I had a copper-T intrauterine device. I painfully saw how many little babies had been created and those suns had burst, with the cry of that baby being torn away from the hands of his Father God. No wonder I was always sour and ill-tempered, with a grim face, frustrated with everyone and very depressed. I had become a baby-killing machine! And that sank me deeper into the abyss. How could I say I hadn’t killed? How about every person I disliked, hated, or simply couldn’t put up with? I was being a murderer there too, because people don’t only die from a gunshot. It’s enough to hate them, to do bad things to them, to be envious of them. You kill with that. As far as the sixth commandment is concerned I thought? They can’t find any dirt here; I didn’t have any affairs and I’ve only had one man, my husband, my entire life? Then they showed me that each time my chest was showing and I was wearing leotards I was inciting other men to look at me and have impure thoughts and I would make them sin. That’s how I fell into adultery. I would advise women to be unfaithful to their husbands. I would advise against forgiveness and would encourage divorce. That was enough to commit a horrible adultery. And I realized the sins of the flesh are horrendous and condemning even if the world says they’re cool and that we should keep on behaving like animals. Sadly, I let go of the hand of the Lord, because we sin in thought, soul, and actions. It was painful to see how all that sin, for example the sin of my father’s adultery, damaged and tore apart his children. It made me resentful against men and it made my brothers into three identical copies of my dad, happy to be womanizers and drunkards? They didn’t realize how much they were harming their children. That’s why my dad would cry with so much hurt seeing how his sin had been inherited in them and in his daughter, damaging God’s work. On the seventh commandment, regarding not stealing, I considered myself very honest. The Lord showed me that while food was being wasted in my house, the rest of the world was going hungry. He told me? I was hungry and look what you did with what I gave you and how you would squander it. I was cold and see how you became enslaved to fashion and appearance, wasting lots of money in treatments to look thinner. In other words, you made a god out of your body. He showed me I was guilty of the misery of my country and that I did have a lot to do with it. He showed me how every time I gossiped about someone I stole his honor. It would have been easier to steal money from someone, because at least I could have…

...To be continued

IWAS PUSOY ! Why this guide?

THE GUIDEBOOK (Gabay sa OFW’S)

Q. Where does ERCOF obtain all this information?
R. ERCOF has compiled and continues to gather a database of business, economic, legal and practical information that are focused on topics and matters frequently encountered and asked by overseas Filipinos. The database includes programs and services for overseas Filipinos that are offered by government and private institutions but which are not normally known and therefore seldom utilized by overseas Filipinos. ERCOF has links with various Philippine based groups or professional who provide specialized information in their respective fields.

Q. What are these specialized fields where Overseas Filipinos may obtain information?
R. Family relations such as annulment, adoption, inheritance, purchase of land, other real property and management of such property through trust arrangements,
: Civil and criminal matters,
: Formation and registration of corporations, single proprietorships
: Investments, especially investments in rural areas;
: Banking and transacting with Philippine banks;
: Citizenship, visas and immigration, particularly for those returning to the Philippines,

Q. Where may an overseas Filipino obtain this information?
R. ERCOF conducts business orientation forums and legal clinics in various overseas Filipino communities in Europe, on a regular basis or upon request. ERCOF’s website also contains various sections that provide basic information on different areas of interest to Overseas Filipinos, where ideas or information are exchanged, or specific questions answered. (A discussion board is being planned for the future.) In due time, a newsletter and a comprehensive business and legal guide for overseas Filipinos will complement the onsite and online information service.

Q. Are ERCOF’s services limited only to overseas Filipino citizens? What about former native born Filipinos or children of native born Filipinos, who are now naturalized or are considered nationals of their present country of residence?

A. ERCOF’s services are actually available to anyone, whether Filipino or non Filipino, who may wish to obtain business, legal or practical information pertaining to the Philippines. However, by their design, the programs and services of ERCOF will be of primary importance and relevance to overseas Filipino citizens, as well as those who may have been naturalized citizens of their present countries of residence.
...To be continued

Schizophrenia (3)

Signs and symptoms (Continuation)

These include blood tests measuring TSH to exclude hypo- or hyperthyroidism, basic electrolytes and serum calcium to rule out a metabolic disturbance, full blood count including ESR to rule out a systemic infection or chronic disease, and serology to exclude syphilis or HIV infection; two commonly ordered investigations are EEG to exclude epilepsy, and a CT scan of the head to exclude brain lesions. It is important to rule out a delirium which can be distinguished by visual hallucinations, acute onset and fluctuating level of consciousness and indicates an underlying medical illness. There are several psychiatric illnesses which may present with psychotic symptoms other than schizophrenia. These include bipolar disorder,[16] borderline personality disorder,[17] drug intoxication, brief drug-induced psychosis, and schizophreniform disorder.

Investigations are not generally repeated for relapse unless there is a specific medical indication. These may include serum blood sugar level (BSL) if olanzapine has been prescribed previously, liver function tests if chlorpromazine, or creatine phosphokinase (CPK) to exclude neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Assessment and treatment are usually done on an outpatient basis; admission to an inpatient facility is considered if there is a risk to self or others.

The most widely used criteria for diagnosing schizophrenia are from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the current version being DSM-IV-TR, and the World Health Organization's International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, currently the ICD-10. The latter criteria are typically used in European countries while the DSM criteria are used in the USA or the rest of the world, as well as prevailing in research studies. The ICD-10 criteria put more emphasis on Schneiderian first rank symptoms although, in practice, agreement between the two systems is high.[18] The WHO has developed the tool SCAN (Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry) which can be used for diagnosing a number of psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia.[ DSM IV-TR CriteriaTo be diagnosed with schizophrenia, a person must display:[4]
· Characteristic symptoms: Two or more of the following, each present for a significant portion of time during a one-month period (or less, if successfully treated)
o delusions
o hallucinations
o disorganized speech (e.g., frequent derailment or incoherence; speaking in abstracts). See thought disorder.
o grossly disorganized behavior (e.g. dressing inappropriately, crying frequently) or catatonic
behavior
o negative symptoms, i.e., affective flattening (lack or decline in emotional response), alogia (lack or decline in speech), or avolition (lack or decline in motivation). Note: Only one of these symptoms is required if delusions are bizarre or hallucinations consist of hearing one voice participating in a running commentary of the patient's actions or of hearing two or more voices conversing with each other.

...To be continued

Coping with Life with OFW Parents (3)

By Melane Manalo

I am blessed on the other hand with parents who allowed me to achieve a greater sense of self by giving me the freedom to choose my ways and be responsible for such: from study and career track to take, to friends, down to such things as hobbies. As we in the family always refer to, one simply has to trust another. Trust now proves to be a good control mechanism for the self: nobody would like, as I do, to lose somebody’s trust, which has made your personal growth possible.

Our parents also consult us when they make significant decisions, such a whether to acquire / sell this property; when we had our house built, how we liked it to look like. Handling our finances while they are not here is also on us: my sister and I are the ones who account for the amounts that come in and out, for which we were already warned by my parents for “over-accounting.” Never was there a time when they checked on where all the money has gone (which is no excuse on the other hand for us to use them just for anything), as we on our own get the amounts we need for personal things, school expenses, clothes or other goods sometimes. We only “report” (actually, tell) to them if there is this much or that much, and whether there is some unusual or unexpected expenses or inflow.

With Sustenance
Some tell me I am also that free in apportioning and spending the money our parents send us because there is more than enough for the needs. I disagree; this actually stems from my parents’ notion that they work to make life more comfortable for all of us, and there is no point in keeping so much money in the bank and wondering what could have been if such amount is used for needs and some luxury.

My mother has spent more than half of her life working overseas (not accounting for vacations in the Philippines) while my father, who is older than her, has been there for a period shorter. Since they married, they were able to get for the family agricultural and residential lands, four-door apartment which we lease, a jeepney, a house for us, educational and pension plans and a condominium unit in Mandaluyong for which we are still paying). My parents’ way was to acquire this property and resell it later for some items, after 20 years) and profit from the appreciation of the price: sometimes, we borrow money to finance a new investment, so that we gain from the investment while we amortize the borrowed amount.

Yes we can get luxurious and / or extravagant at times, but my parents’ just say it is “ok.” I would have to admit that I myself am guilty of spending much for consumer goods, which studies show is the main class of expenditure of overseas workers’ families. I think that can be allowed once in a while: my parents also do. Everyone deserves a splurge: we are sometimes led by our parents into it as a reward.

I used to and still have this belief that my family spends the most in a year compared to all families in our barangay in Batangas, although I have not known their cases. More property means more maintenance expenses, and this applies to both earning and not earning items. We got to school, and make sure we get all resources and enhancements needed in studying. We have helpers at home, especially with my sister today. We have to pay taxes. The question of sustainability of course constantly bothers me. My parents cannot work abroad forever; they also do not think they would and should.

...to be continued

Mula sigaw ng pagkakasala hanggang sigaw ng pag-ibig

Linggo ng Palaspas

Ang klasikong pelikula na pinamagatang High Noon (1952) ay mas payak at salat sa aksyon kumpara sa mga katulad nitong pelikulang kanluranin o western films na puno ng sagupaan at bakbakan ng mga koboy (cowboys).

Ito ay tungkol sa isang matandang mariskal (marshall) na si Will Kane. Siya ay magbibitiw na sa tungkulin sa araw ng kanyang kasal nang mabalitaan niyamg magbabalik sa kanilang bayan sa araw ding iyon ang grupo ng mga bandido na dati na niyang naipakulong. Magbabalik sila upang maghiganti kay Will at maghasik ng kaguluhan sa bayan, kaya’t hiningi ni Will ang suporta ng buong bayan upang masugpo ang peligrong darating. Ngunit siya ay tinalikuran ng lahat dahil sa takot. Ang mga taong nakisaya sa kanya sa araw ng kanyang kasal, ay sila ring tumalikod sa kanya sa araw ng kagipitan. Buong tapang ng hinarap ni Will ang kanyang mga kalaban na humantong sa isang matinding barilan.

Sa pagdiriwang natin ng Linggo ng Palaspas, ipinapakita sa atin ng mga pagbasa ang kabalintunaan ng sangkatauhan sa harap ng Panginoon. Maririnig natin sa Ebanghelyo ni Mateo sa unang yugtong pagdiriwang ang sigaw ng Israel, “Hosana!” (bas.21:9), na ibig sabihin ay “iligtas mo kami, hiling namin!” Ang pagpupuring ito ay mapapalitan ng sigaw ng panlilibak sa Ebanghelyo sa ikalawang yugto: “Ipako siya sa krus!” (bas. 27:22). Ito ay dahil sa kabila ng pagiging matapat ng Diyos sa sangkatauhan, patuloy pa ring nakalilimot ang tao sa kabutihan ng Diyos. At ang kabutihang ito ay ipinagpapalit ng tao at binabahiran ng dugo ng pagkakasala; “Pananagutan namin at ng aming mga anak ang kanyang dugo.” (27:25).

Subalit ang dugo ay sumasagisag sa buhay at hindi sa kasalanan. Kung kaya ang pananagutanng Israel sa dugo ng Panginoon ay binigyan ni Hesus ng bagong pakahulugan nang o pinananagutan niya ng kanyang dugo ang sangkatauhan. Matatandaang winika ng Panginoon: ‘Sapagkat ito ang aking dugo...na nabubuhos dahil sa marami, sa ikapagpapatawad ng mga kasalanan’ (Mt 26:28). Kay Hesu-Kristo, ang dugo ay nagkaroon ng bagong pakahulugan na hinding-hindi dapat kalimutan ng lahat ng Kristiyano: ang pagbibigay ng sarili sa kapwa.

“ Ang daan ng matuwid ay patag, iyong pinakinis ang landas ng matuwid.” Ito ay awit ng pagtitiwala sa Panginoon ni Isaias (50:7). At ito rin ang awit natin sa Diyos na nananatiling tapat sa kabilang pagkalimot natin sa kanyang kabutihan. Tayong mga Kristiyano ay binigyan ng halimbawa ng pamumuhay ng tama upang matahak natin ang “daan...at landas na matuwid.” Ayon kay San Pablo, sa pagkakatawang-tao ni Kristo, ang Panginoon ay “nagpakababa sa kanyang sarili , at naging masunurin hanggang sa kamatayan” (Fil 2:8). Bago pa man ito banggitin ng Apostol sa kanyang liham sa mga taga-Filipos, pauna na niyang sinabi ang dahilan ng pagbibigay halimbawa ng Panginoon: “Huwag tingnan ng bawat isa sa inyo ang kanyang sariling kapakanan, kundi ang kapakanan ng iba” (2:4) Sa pagsisimula ng Semana Santa, ang sigaw ng pagkakasala ng mg ananlibak kay Hesu-Kristo ay mapalitan nawa ng ating sigaw ng pananagutan at pagmamahal sa kapwa. Sa gayon, tunay ngang magpakatotoo ang kahulugan ng “Hosana!” “Iligtas mo kami, hiling namin!”

~ Reb. David O. Reyes, Jr.~

Why Do Popes and Councils Define Doctrine? (Series LXXX)

Answers to the Questions of the Catholic Faith

As believers multiplied in the first Christian generation, sharp controversy soon followed. The new Church had expanded beyond the borders of the Jewish community, taking in Gentiles (non-Jews) as well. Some of the Jewish Christians who were Pharisees insisted that their new Gentile brothers in Christ could not be saved unless they submitted themselves first to circumcision (see Acts 15:1, 5).

Not surprisingly, “no little dissension and debate” resulted. Not only was this a costly demand, but leaders such as Sts. Paul and Barnabas were convinced that the theological reasoning behind it was flawed and even dangerous. St. Paul thundered that “in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything” (Gal 5:6). Christians, even Jewish Christians, he insisted, were no longer bound by the law of Moses (see Gal 3:23-27). But his opponents appealed to the ancient tradition of their people, in which God had required circumcision of Abraham and his descendants as a sign of their covenant with him (see Gn 17:1-14).

So how did the Church settle this doctrinal dispute? Did each Christian study the Scriptures individually and then come up with his own conclusion? Was each believer his own final interpreter and judge in the matter?
No. That would have led to the total fragmentation of the community. Instead, “the apostles and the presbyters [priests] met together to see about this matter” (Acts 15:6). Debate ensued, then St. Peter stood to sum up the case for no longer observing the law of Moses. St. Paul and Barnabas added their own testimony to his (see Acts 15:7-12).
Finally, the apostles James, bishop of Jerusalem (where the council was held), issued a concurring judgment. With that “the apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole church, decided to choose representatives” (Acts 15:22) to deliver their judgment to the believers in Antioch, where the debate was raging (see Acts 15:13-29). This judgment they referred to, not as a mere recommendation, but rather as a divinely authoritative “decision of the holy Spirit and of us” (Acts 15:28).

Why, then, do popes and councils resolve doctrinal and disciplinary disputes, rather than allow individual Catholics to decide these matters for themselves? Because this is the biblical way, the way St. Peter and the other apostles handled disagreements. Christ himself gave them and their successors - popes and bishops - the authority to speak for him: “Whoever listens to you,” he told them, “listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me” (Lk 10:16).
................................................................................................

RELATED SCRIPTURE — Texts cited: Gn 17:1-14; Lk 10:16; Acts 15:1, 5-29; Gal 3:23-27; 5:6. General: Mt 18:15-18; Jn 14:26; 16:13; Gal 2:1-10; 1 Tm 3:15. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH — 77; 85-88; 100; 888-896; 935-939; 2032-2040; 2049-2051.

WORDS OF LIFE

By: Ed J. Titular -
1; 25am - 031208;Chasan-ri, sk

Vague……………everyone must see
Stagnant…water in a deep blue sea must not be
Bright…………….sun shines in the sky
Free………………the way birds fly
All are just in your mind.

Screams…………but no one hears you
Rise……………like the wind, others may blow
Reason…………...let them understand
Dream…………the future should not be bend
Get out, for you are in the world.

Breath……………your room is crowded
Smile……………..the past has been buried
Rejoice…………..your time is at hand
Pray………………even the rain will not fall
Think always that life is wonderful.

Share…………….keep not your last cents
Love…………unconditionally give your heart
Forgive…………always smile to all whom you hate most
Embrace……face all trials that comes your way
Wholeheartedly, your life will not be aimlessly.

Return From the Gates of Hell (11th of a Series)

Colombia, South America Interview of Dr. Gloria Polo

by Radio Maria

I saw in the book of life and it hurt me deeply when I saw a fourteen-year old girl aborting because I had taught her. When one is poisoned nothing good remains. Everything that comes close to you is also spoiled. There were these girls, three of them my nieces and the other one, my nephew’s girlfriend. Their parents would let them come to my house because I had money and talked to them about fashion, glamour, how to show their bodies, and so on. My sister would send them to me. I corrupted them. I corrupted minors’ that was a horrible sin, compounding abortion. I would tell them not to be innocent. Your mothers talk to you about virginity and chastity because they’re outdated. They talk about a 2000 year old Bible but priests have refused to come to terms with the modern world. Your mothers talk about what the Pope says, but the Pope is outdated. Imagine how poisonous! I taught these girls they had to enjoy their bodies but that they had to do contraception. I taught them the perfect woman? method. That 14 year old, my nephew’s girlfriend, came to my office one day (I saw this in the book of life) and in tears told me Gloria, I’m just a baby and I’m pregnant!? I scolded her and told her didn’t I teach you about contraception?? She replied? Yes, but it didn’t, work!? Then I saw how the Lord had put that girl there so she wouldn’t sink in the abyss, so she wouldn’t abort. Abortion is a heavy chain that drags and tramples, it is a hurt that never ends. It’s the emptiness of being a murderer. It’s the worst thing one can do to a child. As to that girl, instead of talking to her about the Lord, I gave her money to have an abortion at a good place so she wouldn’t have any complications later on in life. Just like that one, I sponsored several abortions. Each time the blood of a baby is spilled, it’s like a holocaust to Satan. It is a holocaust which hurts and shakes the Lord. In the book of life I saw how our soul is formed the moment the sperm and the egg touch. A beautiful spark is formed, a light beaming from the sun of God the Father. As soon as the womb of a mother is impregnated, it lights up with the brightness of that soul. When there is an abortion, that soul screams and moans in pain even if it has no eyes or flesh. When it is being murdered that cry is heard and heaven shakes and an equally strong cry is heard in hell, but this time of joy . Immediately after that happens, some seals break loose in hell and larvae come out to continue prowling around humankind, keeping it enslaved to the flesh and to all those bad things we see and the worse that will come. Because, how many babies are killed on a daily basis? And it is a victory for him. The price of innocent blood releases one more demon each time. I got washed in that blood and my clean soul became absolutely dark. After those abortions,

...To be continued

IWAS PUSOY !

THE GUIDEBOOK (Gabay sa OFW’S)

Why this guide?
Iwas Pusoy is an updated format of the Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) found in the ERCOF website. Iwas Pusoy will be distributed during the roadshow that ERCOF will conduct in several specific European countries where it has members, partners, and focal persons or organizations. It is not intended to be a law reviewer but a simplified guide for the use of Overseas Filipinos who wish to obtain legal guidance on certain transactions they wish to enter, or incidents or events that have occurred, such as criminal, civil or other cases affecting them personally, their family members or their property rights, and which need decisive action. The Manual provides overseas based Filipinos with an overview of the current requirements in availing of legal remedies for certain situations (retention and reacquiring) Philippine citizenship, declaration of nullity of marriages, etc.) that ERCOF lawyers, in the course of their legal consultation work, have frequently been asked by Filipinos based abroad.

It likewise provides a list of website addresses of government agencies, as well as private non profit organizations and private institutions that may provide, via the internet, more information, services, as well as advice with regard the above concerns, including responding to complaints in relation to the delivery of services or sale of products even to Filipinos who are based abroad.

INFORMATION ABOUT ERCOF
Q. What is ERCOF and what does it do?
R. ERCOF stands for ECONOMIC RESOURCE CENTER FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINOS, and as its name suggests, it is an organization that offers programs and services designed to help overseas Filipinos in properly managing their economic resources.
S. What are Economic Resources and how does ERCOF help in their proper management?
T. Economic Resources include income earned abroad by overseas Filipinos, as well as other assets or possible sources of income or livelihood, such as acquired skills or technology which can be transferred or could be of benefit to the Philippines or that may be marketed or promoted in the international markets. ERCOF assists in their proper management by providing overseas Filipinos obtain important business, legal and practical information as well as linkages to various institutions, which they may use in making informed and responsible decisions about these resources.
...To be continued

Schizophrenia (2)

Signs and symptoms

Late adolescence and early adulthood are peak years for the onset of schizophrenia. These are critical periods in a young adult's social and vocational development, and they can be severely disrupted by disease onset. To minimize the effect of schizophrenia, much work has recently been done to identify and treat the prodromal (pre-onset) phase of the illness, which has been detected up to 30 months before the onset of symptoms, but may be present longer.[8] Those who go on to develop schizophrenia may experience the non-specific symptoms of social withdrawal, irritability and dysphoria in the prodromal period,[9] and transient or self-limiting psychotic symptoms in the prodromal phase before psychosis becomes apparent.[10]

Schneiderian classification -The psychiatrist Kurt Schneider (1887–1967) listed the forms of psychotic symptoms that he thought distinguished schizophrenia from other psychotic disorders. These are called first-rank symptoms or Schneider's first-rank symptoms, and they include delusions of being controlled by an external force; the belief that thoughts are being inserted into or withdrawn from one's conscious mind; the belief that one's thoughts are being broadcast to other people; and hearing hallucinatory voices that comment on one's thoughts or actions or that have a conversation with other hallucinated voices.[11] The reliability of first-rank symptoms has been questioned,[12] although they have contributed to the current diagnostic criteria.
Positive and negative symptoms -Schizophrenia is often described in terms of positive (or productive) and negative (or deficit) symptoms.[13] Positive symptoms include delusions, auditory hallucinations, and thought disorder, and are typically regarded as manifestations of psychosis. Negative symptoms are so-named because they are considered to be the loss or absence of normal traits or abilities, and include features such as flat or blunted affect and emotion, poverty of speech (alogia), anhedonia, and lack of motivation (avolition). Despite the appearance of blunted affect, recent studies indicate that there is often a normal or even heightened level of emotionality in Schizophrenia especially in response to stressful or negative events.[14] A third symptom grouping, the disorganization syndrome, is commonly described, and includes chaotic speech, thought, and behaviour. There is evidence for a number of other symptom classifications.[15]

Diagnosis -Diagnosis is based on the self-reported experiences of the person as well as abnormalities in behavior reported by family members, friends or co-workers, followed by secondary signs observed by a psychiatrist, social worker, clinical psychologist or other clinician in a clinical assessment. There is a list of criteria that must be met for someone to be so diagnosed. These depend on both the presence and duration of certain signs and symptoms.[4]
An initial assessment includes a comprehensive history and physical examination by a physician. Although there are no biological tests which confirm schizophrenia, tests are carried out to exclude medical illnesses which may rarely present with psychotic schizophrenia-like symptoms. These include blood tests measuring TSH to exclude ….

...To be continued

Coping with Life with OFW Parents (2)

by Melane Manalo

Really not easy for anybody, as I accounted for my experiences until my 18th birthday, I realized I have lived in five houses—ours and not. The relatives we had with us were not at all in the same wavelength. One would be permissive; one conservative; one simply too cautious, among others. They may be from my father’s or my mother’s side. I liked some, and disliked some of them (and about this, I used to talk about in the phone with my parents).

In the midst of this, I went on with my early grade school years well: I got good grades and still had time for play.

You may be getting the impression that my parents did not come home at all since they left me, as relatives might have appeared to be going weary of having me, and later my sister, with them. But, my parents actually return after some time, and at times, lived with us for long, before they leave again.

At one time, both of them would be here for three months, and then they both leave. There was also a time when my father and mother got here, then my mother left after three months, and my father after year. There was also an instance when my father arrived, and stayed here for three years straight, with my mother the one visiting us every year, for a month to three. In between this interchange of my parents’ base, my sister seems to have taken all the advantages. For most of her early school years, my father was here in the country looking after the two of us. Of course that would mean I was also with my father, but I was in my last grade school years and early high school.

Today, they are again both abroad. While I have grown and am now attending university in Manila, my sister stays at home in Batangas with somebody to be with her (not really a relative) as she goes to high school. I can say we have become fit to deserve only the least guidance and control (for some of them) of our relatives there.

Growing with It

One learns to simply live with it: that one day, I have my parents beside me, and in another, I don’t. The trick is in making those days of parting appear short-lived while consciously making the most out of them.

Almost daily calls from our parents overseas keep us together while being actually distant from each other. As my mother would reason, euros for our conversations on anything under the sun at any one time do not gain any weight against that our misunderstanding of each other or knowledge of one’s circumstances would cost. As we literally get to talk about anything, no one is too far from us, and everyday is shared. Thanks to modern means of communication, we get in touch more often today than we did ten years ago, and make months seem like days.
Surely, constant communication is not enough, but this does not equate to much loss. Each day my parents are not around becomes an opportunity for us, for me especially, to go on learning about the world more on my own. Spending my younger years with differing relatives already gave a sense of how to deal with a variety of people, and adjust to situations.

Today, as they are still abroad, I make mistakes and correct them, make others, and do not make these same mistakes again, as I learn right and wrong in the process.
...to be continued

FOR THE ONE I LOVE

By: Ed J. Titular 022908
10:42pm
Chasan-ri, sk
Dedicated to DR. JOYCE BAGAYAN-TITULAR,MD

First time I saw you, just only yesterday,
Then enchanted moments came down so suddenly.
It all started in a brain storming that was not taken seriously,
Unexpectedly, I fall in love with you unknowingly,
Until I end up marrying you one day.

Weeks, months and even years had passed by
With that love so strong that we can’t deny
Many trials had come that almost ruined us
And many dreams had been built and
realized
Thanks to God for He never leaves us.

For those times that I make your heart toxic,
But, still you resuscitate it for me.
For those times when I’m your ‘GER’
patient,
But, still you give time to dissect me,
Sweet, I’m really sorry for the wrong prognosis I lived with.

Now that I’m far away again, I remember you always,
That time, when you first fix my necktie,
That time, when I saw you shining my shoes.
That time when you wake up early to prepare my breakfast,
Sweetheart……. how lucky I am to have you in my life.

Since the day I know you until the end of time,
I always shout to the whole world that you are really mine.
And that you and our three angels are the reason of my existence.
With you, all my life is absolutely complete and wonderful.
Sweetheart, on our 12th year wedding anniversary,
I love you more……………’till my last breath ends.

LUMABAS KA

Ika-5 Linggo ng Kuwaresma:

May down syndrome si Philip sa isang Sunday school sa kanilang parokya, ang turing sa kanya ng mga kalaro niya at kaeskwela ay kakaiba, kaya naman hindi siya agad tanggap ng mga ito. Minsan pagkatapos ng pagdiriwang ng Linggo ng Muling Pagkabuhay, nagbigay ng takdang-aralin ang guro ng Sunday school sa siyam niyang mag-aaral, kasama si Philip. Binigyang niya sila ng isang laruang itlog na maaaring buksan at lagyan ng laman. Iniutos niya sa kanila na lumabas at maghanap ng bagay na maaaring maging simbolo ng bagong buhay, at ilagay ito sa loob ng itlog. Pagbalik ng mga mag-aaral, isa-isang binuksan ang itlog. Ang isang babae ay nagdala ng mga bulaklak; ang isa naman ay bato; subalit nang buksan ng guro ang isang itlog, nagulat ang lahat dahil wala itong laman. Sabi ng isang mag-aaral: “May mali yata rito. May hindi gumawa ng takdang-aralin!” Mula sa likod, kinalabit ni Philip ang kanilang guro at sinabi: “Sir, akin po ang itlog na ‘yan.” Lumapit ang nagagalit na kaeskwela at sinabi, “Bakit hindi mo ginawa ang iyong takdang-aralin? Wala ka talagang ginagawang tama!” Sumagot si Philip: “Tama ang ginawa ko! Tama ako! Walang laman ang libingan!” (mula sa Heartwarming Christian Stories).

Ngayon ang huling Linggo ng Kuwaresma at papasok na tayo sa maluwalhating panahon ng Muling Pagkabuhay ni Lazaro, pinasisilip ng Panginoon sa atin ang magaganap sa mga taong sumasampalataya sa Kanya-magkakamit sila ng buhay na walang hanggan. Subalit, hindi basta magaganap ang ating muling pagkabuhay. Kinakailangang lumakad sa ilalim ng araw-ng liwanag-ang sinumang nagnanais na magkamit ng buhay na walang hanggan (Jn 11:9-10).

Ngunit madalas, nangunguyapit tayo sa kadiliman at doon ay kuntento na tayo. Ayaw nating lumabas sa ating mga “libingan.” Nais nating mapuno ang libingan ng mga bagay na hindi natin mapakawalan. Naririyan ang mga masasama nating bisyo; naririyan ang ang tawag ng kayamanan at katanyagan; inaakit tayo ng panandaliang ligaya dala ng laman; binubusog natin ang ating mga sarili ng pagkaing nasisira rin at sumisira sa atin at marami pang iba…

“Lumabas ka!” Ito ang tawag ni Hesus kay Lazaro. Nais ni Hesus na maging hungkag na ang libingan. Wala nang laman ang libingan. Ginawa na niya ito para sa atin, at makahulugan niya itong ginawa nang tawagin niya si Lazaro na lumabas mula sa libingan. Makapangyarihan ang tinig ni Hesus, subalit ang pagkukusa ay nasa atin pa rin. Hindi niya hinugot si Lazaro mula sa libingan; sa halip TINAWAG niya ito at TUMUGON naman si Lazaro.

Ngayong Huling Linggo ng Kuwaresma, nais ng Inang Simbahan na maunawaan ng bawat Kristiyano na ang pag-aalay ng buhay ni Hesus ay hindi nagtatapos sa libingan. WALA NANG LAMAN ANG LIBINGAN! Tama si Philip sa ating kuwento-wala nang laman ang libingan. Walang dapat panguyapitan sa mundong ito. Lahat ay dapat nating isuko sa Diyos. Kailangan nating lumabas mula sa ating mga “libingan” upang matamasa natin ang sarap ng Muling Pagkabuhay.

Ngunit hindi magiging madali ang lahat, sapagkat sa paglabas natin mula sa libingan-naririyan ang maraming tukso at pagsubok. Subalit hindi tayo nag-iisa. Magsusugo ang Panginoon ng mga taong tutulong at magiging kabahagi ng ating paglalakbay tungo sa buhay na walang hanggan. Tulad ng ginawa niya kay Lazaro na kung saan iniutos niya sa mga naroroon na “Kalagan ninyo siya, at nang makalaya,”(Jn 11:44) magsusugo rin ang Panginoon ng mga taong magiging kaagapay natin sa pagharap sa hamon ng buhay pagkalabas natin sa ating mga “libingan.” Ang mahalaga lamang ay patuloy tayong “lumabas” mula sa libingan at huwag nang magbabalik pa rito.

~ Atty. Arnold R. Martinez ~

Why Does the Church Baptize Infants? (Series LXXIX)

The Catholic Church baptizes infants because that has been her consistent practice from the beginning. Scripture nowhere commands us nor forbids us to baptize little children. But the Book of Acts reports several occasions when the apostles baptized adults along with their entire households (16:15, 33 and 18:8 - compare 11:14). St. Paul also recalls baptizing an entire household in the city of Corinth (see 1 Cor 1:16). In all likelihood, these families and their servants would have included small children, so they too would have received Baptism.

The Clearest indicator that the Church has always baptized infants, however, is the witness of the early Church fathers who received their faith and practice from the hands of the apostles and their immediate successors. St. Irenaeus (c. 125-c. 203), for example, was a bishop trained by St. Polycarp, himself taught by St. John. In his work Against Heresies, Irenaeus wrote that Christ came to save those who are “born again in God” through Baptism, including “infants and children.”

The Church fathers were known for their vocal, stubborn opposition to any major innovations in Christian belief or practice. So we can be sure that many of them would have vehemently protested in their teaching and writing if the Church had begun infant Baptism as a novelty in their day. On the contrary, however, their testimony to this practice is universal.

Why would Christians baptize little children who have no clue what the sacrament is all about? Because Baptism, as with all the sacraments, accomplishes real, objective spiritual work. The effects of this particular sacrament are not dependent on the faith or understanding of a child being baptized. We receive Baptism, Scripture tells us, “for the forgiveness ...of sins” (Acts 2:38). The Catholic Church teaches that Baptism washes away both original sin and actual sins from our souls, takes away the punishment for these sins, and infuses in us a number of divine graces.

If the sacrament accomplishes all this, why delay Baptism until a child can understand it? Consider this parallel: Infants have no idea about what is accomplished by a bath. Should parents wait to bathe their children’s bodies, then, until they are old enough to understand? Of course not. Nor should they wait to have their children’s souls washed clean in Baptism.

Return From the Gates of Hell (10th of a Series)

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

And he could keep up with all of them. Besides, he was a smoker and a drinker. Those vices made him feel proud because he thought them virtues, not vices. I started to see how my mom would cover her face in tears when my dad started talking about other women. I became full of anger and resentment. That resentment led me to my spiritual death. I saw with terrible anger how my dad humiliated my mom in front of everyone. I rebelled and I told my mom I would never be like her. ? That’s why we women are worthless, because of women like you, with no dignity and no pride who let men trample all over them!? And when I grew up, I told my dad? Mind you, I’ll never, ever, let a man humiliate mle in the same way you humiliate my mom. If a man is ever unfaithful to me, I’ll repay him!? He hit me and challenged me? Don’t even think about it!? My dad was very chauvinistic. I told him even if you hit me or kill me, if I ever get married and my husband is unfaithful to I will pay him back so men will understand how women suffer when men trample over them.? So, full of that resentment and anger, once I had made enough money I started telling my mom she should separate from my dad despite the fact that I really loved my dad. ? You shouldn’t put up with a man like that! Be dignified; make him see your worth!? Can you imagine? I was trying to make my own parents divorce! And mom would tell me? No, honey, of course I hurt, but I’ve sacrificed myself because I have seven children and because, at the end of the day, your dad is a good father and I couldn’t possibly leave and take your father away from you. Besides, if I leave him, who is going to pray for his salvation? I’m the only one who can pray so he will be saved, because the hurt and suffering he causes me, I raise to unite to the pain of Christ on the Cross. Every day I tell the Lord, This pain is nothing compared to your Cross, so please save my husband and children!? I didn’t understand that. My anger swelled and changed my life. I became a rebel and started promulgating my desire to defend women. I began defending abortion, cohabitation, and divorce, speaking out in favor of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth?. I was never unfaithful but I harmed many people with my advice. When we came to the fifth commandment, the Lord showed me I was a horrible assassin and that I had committed the worst and most abominable in front of his eyes: an abortion. Money empowered me to pay for several abortions because I claimed women had a right to choose when they wanted to become pregnant or not. I saw in the book of life and

….To be continued

Why this guide?

Iwas Pusoy (The Guidebook)

ERCOF stands for ECONOMIC RESOURCE CENTER FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINOS, and as its name suggests, it is an organization that offers programs and services designed to help overseas Filipinos in properly managing their economic resources. ERCOF started as a network of Europe-based Filipinos who met in the course of attending several conferences that dealt with the general issue of migration and development. Prior to their relocation to this continent, most of them were active members of Philippine NGOs (non-government organizations) involved in community work and organizing, as well as specific development and human rights advocacies of their respective organizations. Having lived with the Filipino community in their respective countries of residence, they decided to form this network to further their common desire at linking migration with local development. ERCOF does this by providing overseas Filipinos important business, legal and practical information as well as linkages to various institutions, which they may use in making informed and responsible decisions about these resources.

ERCOF has compiled and continues to gather a database of business, economic, legal and practical information that are focused on topics and matters frequently encountered and asked by overseas Filipinos. The database includes programs and services for overseas Filipinos that are offered by government and private institutions but which are not normally known and therefore seldom utilized by overseas Filipinos. ERCOF has links with various Philippine based groups or professional who provide specialized information in their respective fields.

For sometimes now, the ERCOF Website (www.ercof.org) has made available this database via the internet and has on occasions provided more specific information upon request of overseas Filipinos and/or their family members in response to specific emergencies, as well as linking to them to the appropriate agencies concerned or to assist them in their search for legal representation. In Switzerland, the work of Ercof lawyers consisted mainly in assisting Filipino workers and residents in some form of legal distress, such as domestic workers who are victims of abuse or unfair labor practice from domestic employers or diplomats, acting as liaison or resource person vis-à-vis Swiss lawyers or authorities, in interpreting Philippine laws that are related to an ongoing court proceeding, giving legal advice and referrals to Philippine lawyers for pending or threatened legal cases in the Philippines. The legal manual is part of a current effort to organize and enhance the Ercof legal referral system for maximum and effective outreach.

...to be continued

Schizophrenia (1)

Schizophrenia, from the Greek roots schizein (σχίζειν, "to split") and phrēn, phren- (φρήν, φρεν-, "mind"), is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental illness characterized by impairments in the perception or expression of reality, most commonly manifesting as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions or disorganized speech and thinking in the context of significant social or occupational dysfunction. Onset of symptoms typically occurs in young adulthood,[1] with approximately 0.4–0.6%[2][3] of the population affected. Diagnosis is based on the patient's self-reported experiences and observed behavior. No laboratory test for schizophrenia exists.[4]

Studies suggest that genetics, early environment, neurobiology and psychological and social processes are important contributory factors. Current psychiatric research is focused on the role of neurobiology, but a clear organic cause has not been found. Due to the many possible combinations of symptoms, there is debate about whether the diagnosis represents a single disorder or a number of discrete syndromes. For this reason, Eugen Bleuler termed the disease the schizophrenias (plural) when he coined the name. Despite its etymology, schizophrenia is not synonymous with dissociative identity disorder, previously known as multiple personality disorder or split personality; in popular culture the two are often confused.

Increased dopaminergic activity in the mesolimbic pathway of the brain is a consistent finding. The mainstay of treatment is pharmacotherapy with antipsychotic medications; these primarily work by suppressing dopamine activity. Dosages of antipsychotics are generally lower than in the early decades of their use. Psychotherapy, vocational and social rehabilitation are also important. In more serious cases—where there is risk to self and others—involuntary hospitalization may be necessary, though hospital stays are less frequent and for shorter periods than they were in previous years.[5]The disorder is primarily thought to affect cognition, but it also usually contributes to chronic problems with behavior and emotion. People diagnosed with schizophrenia are likely to be diagnosed with comorbid conditions, including clinical depression and anxiety disorders; the lifetime prevalence of substance abuse is typically around 40%. Social problems, such as long-term unemployment, poverty and homelessness, are common and life expectancy is decreased; the average life expectancy of people with the disorder is 10 to 12 years less than those without, owing to increased physical health problems and a high suicide rate.[6]

Signs and symptoms
A person experiencing schizophrenia may demonstrate symptoms such as disorganized thinking, auditory hallucinations, and delusions. In severe cases, the person may be largely mute, remain motionless in bizarre postures, or exhibit purposeless agitation; these are signs of catatonia. The current classification of psychoses holds that symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning. A schizophrenia-like psychosis of shorter duration is termed a schizophreniform disorder.[4] No one sign is diagnostic of schizophrenia, and all can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions.[4]

Social isolation commonly occurs and may be due to a number of factors. Impairment in social cognition is associated with schizophrenia, as are the active symptoms of paranoia from delusions and hallucinations, and the negative symptoms of apathy and avolition. Many people diagnosed with schizophrenia avoid potentially stressful social situations that may exacerbate mental distress.[7]

...To be continued

Coping with Life with OFW Parents (1)

By Melane Manalo

In the most unusual conditions, our family seems to have gone through and is going through the harsh challenges of not being within other's sight.

Yes, we are among the one in every two Filipino families now dependent on overseas workers, having my parents in Italy. My sister and I were thus socialized into a world as a workplace, and not a tourist’s haven. And even long before the magnitude of Filipino worker’s migration reached a tenth of our national population, we have already been setting our ground to continually live in its rocking cradle of both comfort and distress.

The Crux of it All
Our history has to start somewhere and we simply refer to that which indeed made the turn of lives for all four of us in the family: my mother Arsenia, left the country for Italy while she was 19, in 1979, a little shortly after she completed midwifery. Leaving the country then was not yet the widely recognized way to go about poverty; my grandmother’s house then was a small bahay-kubo, and only the land’s yield could take children to school.

Later she married my father Nemie, also from our place in Bauan, Batangas. In 1993, my father who used to be in Singapore moved into Rome, where they still are until now. As I understand it to be, my parent felt responsible for helping their own families in the Philippines by sending and lending them money to augment their meager incomes. This was while they also try to build our own family: acquire some agricultural land and stall in the local public market as investments.
Then I came into their lives. Far and in the cold, I was born in March 1986 (and as I see it now, the realities start to set in!). How to take care of a young was a problem for Nemie and Arsenia as they both had to work full-time.

So little I was already discovering the world quite by myself. My father says he would have my crib near his work, and look at me from time to time. Luckily, there were days when some friends come over to my parents’ workplace and so, look after me. Their bosses luckily also played with me, as my parents say.
Well, the same went with my younger sister Myra, June 1993. Also born in Italy, her early years were spent and dealt with in the same way as mine.

Holding Ground
Instability first presents itself when finally we have to live apart from each other. Until I was six, I attended school in Rome, so my parents were always around. But I have to be educated in the Philippines! Among our visits to the country since my birth, That one when I was seven left me in Batangas to attend grade school. As for my sister, when she was two years old, my mother brought her to the Philippines also to be entrusted to our relatives, while they go on working abroad. Myra and I then were guided by a number of relatives, each taking turns depending on their availability.

Really not easy for anybody, as I accounted for my…..
...to be continued

Ang Liwanag at ang Bulag

Ika-4 Linggo ng Kuwaresma:

May apat na “aspeto” ang kuwento ng pagpapagaling ni Hesus sa lalaking bulag na kapupulutan natin ng mga aral…

Una, inihahayag sa himalang ito na si Hesus ang “Liwanag na totoo na siyang tumatanglaw sa mga tao” (Jn 1:9). Kung wala si Hesus, mananatili ang sangnilikha sa kadiliman. Hindi mauunawaan ng tao ang kabuluhan ng kanyang pag-iral at kung saan siya patutungo. Sa pananalita ng Vaticano II: “Tunay na nabibigyang-linaw lamang ang misteryo ng tao sa pamamagitan ng Misteryo ng Salitang Nagkatawang-tao… Kay Kristo at sa pamamagitan niya, nabibigyang liwanag ang misteryo ng hapis at kamatayan, na kung hindi dahil sa Mabuting Balita, ay siyang bumabalot sa atin sa lubos na karimlan” (Gaudium et spes,22). Paano kaya nagiging tunay na Liwanag si Hesus sa pang-araw-araw at praktikal nating buhay? Totoo kayang siya ang Gabay natin at ang mga aral niya sa pagpapasya at mga pagkilos natin sa araw-araw?

Ikalawa, ang paglusong ng bulag sa ilog ng Siloam ay paglalarawan sa bunga ng Sakramento ng Binyag. Sa bisa ng Binyag nalilinis ang “kasalananag mana” natin. Ngunit hindi doon natatapos ang landas Kristiyano. Malinaw ang nahahayag sa kuwento ang unti-unting paglago ng pang-unawa at pananampalataya kay Hesus ng pinagaling na bulag. Sa simula, si Hesus ay isang pangkaraniwang tao lamang para sa kanya (b.11). Sumunod, sinabi niyang si Hesus ang Propeta (b.17) at galing sa Diyos (b.33). Sa bandang huli ay sinamba niya si Hesus bilang “Anak ng Tao”(b. 33). Bilang mga binyagang Kristiyano, ay kailangan din nating palaguin at palalimim ang ating pananampalataya sa pamamagitan ng pag-aaral sa Salita ng Diyos sa Bibliya at sa pagdiriwang ng mga sakramento. Inaasahan din tayong maging matapang at masigasig na magpapatotoo sa ipinahayag nating pananampalataya sa iisang Diyos– Ama, Anak at Espiritu Santo - at tutupad sa ipinangako nating pagtatakwil kay Satanas at sa kanyang mga gawain kahit na sa harap ng mga hadlang ng mga kalaban ng pananampalataya.

Ikatlo, inaanyayahan din tayong bigyan-pansin ang mga nagmamatigas sa kanilang pagkabulag (Jn 9:18,29,34). Kahit sa kasalukuyang panahon, marami pa ring mga taong ganito at maaaring isa rin tayo sa kanila. Totoong hindi madaling tanggapin ang ating pagkakamali. Hangga’t maaari, bibigyan natin ng paliwanag at katwiran ang mga kahinaan at kasalanan natin. May mga pagkakataon pa ngang sinisisi natin ang ibang tao sa ating pagkakamali. Maaaring totoo ito ngunit hindi hindi ba’t may sarili tayong pagpapasya kung ano ang tama o mali. Ang taong tunay na nagsisisi ay umaamin lang sa sa kanyang pagkakamali at buong kababaang-loob na humihingi ng kapatawaran nang hindi na nangangatwiran pa. At sa pagtanggap niya ng kapatawaran nang hindi na nangangatwiran pa. At sa pagtanggap niya ng kapatawaran, buo ang kanyang loob na magsikap umiwas na magkasalang muli.

Panghuli, ang pagtataboy sa pinagaling ni Hesus (Jn 9:34) ay paalala sa atin na maging matatag sa pananampalataya dahil talagang hindi na madali ang maging Kristiyano lalo na sa mga lugar at mga bansang pinag-uusig dahil sa kanilang pananampalataya. Ipagdasal natin sila at bigyan ng anumang tulong na makakaya natin upang magpakatatag sila sa pananampalataya. Sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga patotoo bilang mga alagad ni Kristo, nawa’y makilala at tanggapin sa lahat ng panig ng mundo. Maganap nawa sa kanila ang naganap din sa bulag na pinagaling sa diwa ng pananalita ni San Agustin: “Sa wakas, nang mahilamusan ang mukha ng puso at mapadalisay ang budhi, kinilala niya siya hindi lamang bilang anak ng tao, kundi Anak ng Diyos.”

~ Fr. Emmanuel C. Marfori ~