NEW BEGINNINGS, DECEMBER 1-31, 2023
Gog and Magog on a daily perspective...
Translates Ezekiel's end-time prophecy, with what is happening in the Holy land
now (according to an Israeli vlogger we follow), and also with what each of us
is contending with each day: attacks from all sides, both bad and evil, and
from those whom we previously thought to be good and holy but actually are
masquerading as such because their motivations come from greedy and selfish
ones... And the war is not just for our physical lives and resources, but our
minds and souls... Yet, prophecy always ends in hope, that there will be
deliverance, that there will be restoration, that we shall all acknowledge our
mortality and limitations in humility, ascribe glory alone to our Creator, and
live in peace and consideration of one another (indeed, it is the meek, not the
"pillars of greatness and perfection, the bastions of righteousness and
holiness", that will inherit the earth)... Whatever it is that ails us or
worries us each day may seem too small against the backdrop of what is
happening to our world and to the greater scheme of things; but none of them is
so insignificant in the hands of our God, who still and forever will hold the
reins of history and our souls in His hands... May we hold on to this hope, not
only in the coming year and years, but through the rest of our days...
Defining moments... Is where and when we
determine our right and proper priorities, and the kind of person we will
become... And there can be no resentment there, nor can there be cause for envy
or bitterness because we might be given the impression that others are doing
better; because for each choice, if we embrace ourselves and our limited
capacities in humility, and give our all for a higher cause, we reap rewards
infinitely greater than what we hoped for--that is, we have made a bigger
impact in this world and in the lives of others, the effects of which will last
beyond this lifetime's passions and emotions, but a legacy even after death...
Such are the inspirations and messages of our story and word today, and even of
the national holiday which we celebrate this day... Because genius and efforts,
passions and purposes can only do so much; but a life lived for justice and
right, truth, honesty, fairness, wisdom and understanding, will stand the
scrutiny and proof of history and time...
Making our choices worthwhile... There's
lesser need than ever to flaunt to the world that we are right, or that we made
the right choices by having the perfect life, by spreading our beautifully
curated pictures on socmed... Because the kind of person that we have become
will tell the world whether we really did well... And as the word today says,
we need wisdom, patience and endurance to prove it... Yes, indeed, life is not
measured by material things, by wide connections, or by how good we think of ourselves;
but by how many people we have influenced to do good also, by how much
encouragement and strength we have given to the least and weakest of us, by the
sincerity of our words and service, by the humility and kindness we have shown
to others, even to those whom we think may not deserve it... And that is how we
make our choices worthwhile, how we make our values count, how we make sense
and derive purpose out of our lives...
Beyond quid pro quo... Is how God's people
should treat others; not treating them as converts that we intend to fawn over
our thoughts and ideas, nor to give validation and support to our own
interpretations of life; but as brethren and kin deserving respect, kindness,
graciousness, support and understanding... Because no matter how rich or poor,
we each deserve a table in God's banquet, we all need a space in His kingdom;
but nobody deserves to be forced, threatened or coerced into such fellowship;
for then that would cease to be a kingdom and fellowship of love and
acceptance, but a pyramiding scheme meant to rob people of their hard-earned
resources, precious time and energy... And before we even solicit people's
attention and support, we need to exhibit the same wisdom and graciousness our
Savior did too; for we cannot compel people to forgive and overlook our faults
and shortcomings, without showing a reformed life, and a humble spirit... May
we accept that not all may be pleased with what we do nor believe and be
convinced with the same things we believe in and subscribe to; but that
everyday, we all have the chance to live out our faith, and make our words and
actions be consistent, our motivations reflected in how we treat and respect
others as pure, unadulterated, full of mercy and good fruit...
Always with discernment... If all we ever do
in life is react, that is burdensome; and shows a lack of perspective and plans
for our own... But there are times when aside from minding our own business, we
have to mind other people's lives too; not so that we can judge them and
compare, and be validated that we are doing better (for often, that will only
lead to envy, discontent, and disappointment); but so that we can understand
them better, be circumspect with our words and actions, and keep from intruding
into their personal space, or giving unsolicited, biased or judgmental opinions
and suggestions... As always, it is a mark of the light and love we have been
blessed with to be tactful, to always act with respect and kindness, to always
uphold truth, justice, fairness and right, and to always act with wisdom and
discernment...
The day after... For some who dread more
responsibilities, is one that must be dealt with with medication... But for
many in the western part of the world, it is a day of giving part of what they
have gathered, and what they have prepared for Christmas celebrations to the
least and the more needy, and even to people they appreciate for their services
and kindness... Filipino Tradition also has a similar one--the requiem, often a
Catholic mass after the grand fiesta or burial, sometimes a more subdued mini-party
after the major celebrations... And often, leftover food the day before are
enjoyed, the most famous one of which is the "lechon paksiw", a
tastier and vinegared dish consisting of leftover portions of the lechon
enjoyed during the main event... While holiday highs may lead to letdowns or
anti-climaxes the day after for some; but for many who still carry a spark of
the joy, there is always that desire to bond more, to enjoy some more, and to
overcome the letdown with an extended celebration... And it all starts from a
motivation to give more, and to appreciate the people and situations that gave
meaning to our lives the past year, and whom we expect to continue to be with
us in the journey for the days and years to come... Like Mary, and Joseph
undoubtedly, who pondered the events during the nativity in their hearts, and
who carried the glow if eternal light and love to the grave and beyond, may we
also carry the love and joy we have experienced, and live through the rest of
our days with the same spirit... The day after need not be one of fear or
anxiety, loneliness or depression, but something of hope and faith, and a
resolve to give more of our best, and to be better at what we do...
Permanent residence... Is a very difficult
thing to acquire in foreign countries, by many of our fellow kababayans working
there... There are also some Christian groups who decorate their places with
nativity scenes, but absent the figure of the Baby Jesus, and just putting it
in place only on Christmas day itself, to symbolize His first coming... But in
our lives, we often hear and get preached on that we must accept the Lord Jesus
into our hearts to get saved... Let us clarify the issue a bit: be saved from
what? From a life of meaninglessness and Hopelessness. Why? Because our own
intellect and human efforts could not secure for us a place in His eternal
kingdom of love, peace, righteousness and joy. How? Simply by asking Him in
prayer, to come by His will, come into our hearts and lives, and stay there
forever... Yet forever is a difficult concept to wrap around our finite brains,
since even our beloved love teams, people and significant others leave us and
destroy for us the spectre of forever... And so we can only hold on in hope and
faith, because of all persons, our God is the most faithful and true... This
season and beyond, amidst all the merrymaking and festivities, even through all
the love in many and loneliness and longing of some, we believe He is there; He
has come, He will come again in the flesh, but even now, He will never abandon
nor leave us... May we make Him a permanent resident in our lives, anytime and
for all time...
Which star do you follow?... The people whose
words and preachings we subscribe to are often indicative of the kind of person
we are--be it in the spiritual or secular realm... And in the Word, we learn of
a questionable merger of the occult with a Biblical event--the birth of our
Savior, indicated by an astrological mark, and foretold in the Old Testament in
the same manner: quite controversial and scandalous at face, but when
understood on a deeper meaning might make sense... Because from this we can understand
that our God invites people of all beliefs and persuasions into the
universality of faith in Him: here are doctrinal boundaries brought down, all
are given the choice to worship and bow before Him, the King of all the
universe and creation, and to give Him our best, considering what pleases Him,
and what is good for the part in His creation we are accountable for--people,
things, situations regardless... The Star of Bethlehem may be a continuing
enigma for the ages; but nobody would doubt its real meaning of being a call
for one and all--to escape the darkness of ignorance and despair, prejudice and
self-righteousness, and to enter into the place where the manger of love and
light reside, to worship and adore as the shepherds and Magi did, and to bring
that light and conviction with us wherever life may lead...
It should be more than togetherness, but
intimacy... Bible scholars differentiate between Jesus' words of gathering two
or three in His Name, and His presence being there as intimacy--whether with
significant others, nuclear families, friends and groups; and that of not
giving up meeting together to encourage each other in the faith and in life's
journey as mere fellowship... The first actually is where we can give time for
true prayer and worship, being in the company of people we agree with, or at
least, with whom we share our ideas, intents, and motivations... But fellowship
not just on Sundays but other days at work, school, in the neighborhood and
anywhere also is important too, because by being with people of different
personalities, and even persuasions, make us look and reflect on ourselves, and
should encourage us to remain humble, to share knowledge, not to put others
down, and learn not to take advantage and abuse other people's time and
resources, but to contribute to the general wellbeing of all... In matters of
worship, meditation and prayer, small groups are the best venue where we can
truly feel the presence of our God; whereas large groups, probably during
Sunday service or other gatherings, work more not so much for spiritual but
emotional nourishment--the way we sing songs communally, whether active praise
or slow worship, with some even screaming and screeching the choruses, might be
an expression of pent-up emotions throughout the week of strife and struggle,
and works more for release of stress rather than an act of worship; but the
almost-unlimited gossip and intrigues after service actually works more for the
much-needed attention and validation of the weak and insecure among us (though
deplorable, but if it makes them feel good, why not?--anyway, isn't group
membership working for mental health and wellbeing, and aimed at belongingness
and acceptance, anyway?)... But if we can actually infuse our faith with the
truths we hear from the Word, and the deeper qualities of our Creator as we see
in nature; then all those Sundays and services in church would reflect and bear
fruit in our lives, in how we manage our families, in how we treat our
neighbors and kin... Yes, we crave for togetherness and belonging, but we must
also strive to be people with whom others would like to spend time with, and
with whom they can learn; that together with us, they may improve their lives,
refine their ideals and principles, and be given strength and encouragement to
face life's challenges too...
Not a replacement, but an addition... In some
pockets of the western world, it seems there are so-called Christian groups who
preached that they have replaced the Jews as God's chosen people... But Bible
scholars keep pointing out that these people followed an erroneous Bible
translation, the one that wrongly placed a certain comma... However small such
an error was, it has indeed led to some of the most horrific genocides the
world has ever seen against the Jews, that still persisted until the modern times...
But if people just realize that God is no respecter of persons, and that Jewish
chosenness lies not in them being special but that with the professed humility
and humanity of their fathers, were set as examples for the rest of the world
in terms of relationship with God and other people, even on financial
management, personal and communal hygiene, the world would be in a much more
peaceful state... And that those who came after them in faith by no means
replaced them but are still subject to the same temptations and scandals the
very best of them encounter, yet are also still subject to the same principle
and law of seeking forgiveness, of expressing remorse and giving reparation,
and must still give accounting and pay for their errors and crimes; we would
not be remiss or be misinterpreting anything, and keep from overestimating
ourselves... Indeed, each one of us, regardless of nationality, both have the
nature of human baseness, cruelty, and evil sometimes, and that of holiness,
love and creativity of our Heavenly Father at other times... May we all then
remain humble, respectful, fair and just, as we strive to live in love and
peace, in kindness and understanding, in generosity and magnanimity, and as we
all continue to hope and prepare ourselves for a better world ahead...
Seasons to be S.A.D... Seasonally Affected
Disorder is real, not just in the northern hemisphere, but especially in what
the rich world call the global south... People may be making merry, but deep in
the hearts of many is desperation and misery, especially exacerbated by
poverty, longing, regrets, depression--all because the earth is tilting and
farther away from the sun this season (if you don't believe me, check the
shadows at lunchtime)... Yet, since ancient times, no matter how pagan, people
are also doing their best to make this a season of hope and light,
notwithstanding the electric bills next month, in the belief that someday,
starting next month, things will be looking up, and with much effort, patience
and heartfelt prayers, we all will see peaceful, more abundant, and generally
better days ahead... When S.A.D. strikes us any time these coming days, even in
the heart of all the carols, festivities, food and fireworks, may we all get
strength from the Psalmist's words: that a someday will come when our dreams
and wishes will be realized, that we shall yet praise our God for His goodness
and grace, and that life will work out well... Yes, S.A.D. is real, and it will
all affect us some time, but so is hope, and the peace, confidence and love it
brings all the more real too...
The anatomy of a border crossing... In the
past centuries, when people were less protective and greedy with what they
have, migration was a non-issue... But in our time, especially towards the more
developed countries in the West, migration is a life-and-death situation of the
migrants, and a matter of careers, fortunes, administrative and societal
upheavals of those tasked with their governance... Yet, migration is a very
natural thing in the rest of the natural world... There might be remembering of
oasis, rest-stops and watering holes; yet, nature always offers new life with
every trip... So should it be in our spiritual and emotional journey... The
past has been done, connections and situations severed or distanced from,
mindsets and personalities left behind, and these should remain in the past;
extracting only the learning therefrom, and the good memories... And it seems
the Word is telling us that too: like our God forgives our past failures and
shortcomings, so should we not repeat them anymore, but move on becoming
better... If our memories can help our mind relax by engaging in the
"doorway" syndrome, where many of us forget our intentions and other
thoughts when we pass through doorways; so should we, when doors have been
closed in life for us, let them remain closed and enter through new passages in
hope and faith, a better person, stronger, more confident and able to face new
challenges, with more peace and joy...
Disclaimers... Are there partly so that people
might be able to understand some things more clearly, and therefore not
misunderstand nor misuse them; and also to give proper attribution to the work,
or to recognize the extent of which they might be depended on... Maybe they
should come with each of us too; especially to the over-exuberant among us, who
fail to heed the warning to tame our tongues... For we cannot expect other
people to understand us deeply and patiently, without being worthy of it through
wisdom, tactfulness, discernment and consideration of others too... We cannot
demand people to forgive our lapses that is, if we do not even acknowledge
them, or aware that we have hurt or offended others... Jacob may have been sly,
cunning, grasping and grabbing, even stealing what was not his, yet, at the
point of sure tragedy and death, he was humble enough to acknowledge it, and to
physically bear in his body, the scars and bruises he inflicted on the lives of
others... May we likewise always stay humble and responsible for our every word
and deed, aware and mindful all our days...
Peace is the mark... Of faith, that is... And
it tells the world more than the measure of our faith, but who we are... If we
can be thankful, settled, content, joyful in every situation, with whatever we
have been given; if we are ready and willing to fight for what is right and
just, and therefore manifest a strong moral compass; but also recognize that
there are battles better left unfought because they're not with it, and
situations and connections we better stay away from because they're toxic, abusive,
unhealthy... The peace that He gives is a lifetime gift that keeps on giving...
May we uphold and protect it by trust and faith, by wisdom and discernment, by
love...
Wisdom is where love reside... If we think
that correcting others for their mistakes at whatever cost, because we believe
we are right, we are in the right cause, or that we hold the only truth and are
on the only right way, then we could not any more be in error... That is
prejudice, a bias, and we are judgmental; because nobody holds monopoly of
Truth, it being our inheritance from the Father of love, and nobody has
righteous ascendancy over others except that which our Savior has done for us,
when He gave His physical life as a sacrifice to show us that it is humility
that shows us the way to a better future and a more glorious eternity... And if
indeed we do not do things as we see fit, as what our heart tells us to do; but
to do them as what His heart (by His will) compels us with, then we are on the
path of love and wisdom... For they go together: without love for God and for
humanity, without understanding, patience, consideration, justice and fairness,
all judgments and behaviors become corrupted and selfish... May we not let
pride and greed get in our way of expressing love; may we be guided by wisdom
in all our behaviors and decisions...
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh... Curiosity
drives our searches... And we just realized a few things... Rather and more
than interpreting the Magi's gifts to the baby in the manger as gifts to
royalty, when we learned their uses, it was both sobering and heartwarming...
Gold is material security, whose value only increases with time; frankincense
was the gum resin of the frankincense tree, which a discovery travel show years
ago showed to mostly grow in the desert, which the frankincense farmer
extracts, sells by weight, and when put over burning coals, gives off a
pleasing aroma because it is not only tranquilizing, but also blood pressure
lowering, analgesic, tonic or pain-relieving; while myrrh, which is also a gum
resin of the myrrh tree, is cosmetic and therefore with its inherent volatile
oils, is a good ointment to heal scars and burns, and all other skin allergies
and ailments (if a baby who still has sensitive skin will be placed on hay, he
would have hay-fever like me too)... More than gifting them to a king, I
realized that the wise men gifted them to a little boy whom they believe is so
important for them, for their faith and for the future of humanity that they
care so much about his material security, his physical health and mental
wellbeing... Shouldn't that be how we look on our Savior and those ostracised
in society whom He embraced too, if we aren't doing it already to our friends
and loved ones?...
#EmbodyingTheBestGiftThatYouCanBe
A greater community... Is what we have in the
family of God; not being insular with our views and judgments, but open-minded,
ever-curious and learning, always mindful and discerning; and not just in our
physical ones, not just for those in our little congregations, not just with
those who believe the same things we do, like the same things we like, or
dislike those things we dislike too... Because nature and the Word tell us that
our Creator created diversity, and it is that inherited trait from Him that we
must practice... "Let us not give up meeting together"... More than a
Sunday thing, but an everyday lifestyle--living in peace, safety, respect, love
and honor with our neighbors, family, kin and colleagues, with friends,
competitors and adversaries too... This is the peace and goodwill proclaimed by
the angels in Bethlehem two millennia ago, that unfortunately, still is as
elusive around the world now as it was then; because it is still a goal we must
work hard for each day, a life cause, a choice, a vocation we must pursue
through the end of our days...
The great equalizer, is not just death... But
more than that is our standing with our Maker... No one can claim greatness
over The Deity, for we are mere mortals, unable to understand even the deepest
truths of life, and to control the future... Hence, it is vain to secure
ourselves with wealth and material things, with funds in the bank or in trust,
in insurances for future calamities and mishaps; for there is only one that can
give us peace and security: a humble and lovingly fearful relationship with our
God and True King... May we remember that we are just as weak and mortal as the
next person, even the beggar, homeless and mentally- and
psychologically-challenged among us; and that we all need the love of our
Father, His daily provision, guidance and leading, to make it through...
Don't become a slave to FOMO... I believe it
is also one way of coping; in our world today that is undergoing the greatest
existential crisis of our civilization, going online, scrolling and even
doom-scrolling is an addictive vice much maligned, but also a habit which many
of us have a hard time letting go of (because facing reality is harsher and
more burdensome)... And the story and the Word today recommends a solution:
godly contentment... It came from the book of hymns, and it also comes out
elsewhere in the epistles (1 Timothy 6:6-10)... Indeed, if we can only accept
the fact that though it is good to be aware of what is happening in the world
around us, it is better to experience it firsthand than see it in small
screens... Though it is good to express affection and care online, it is still
better to express generosity and love with the people next to us, next door or
a few doors down; while it is good to be witty online, but tact has more
substance if we express it to the people we meet in person each day... May we
not be slaves to FOMO, nor hide behind social handles to express opinions often
misinformed and bias; but may we let our in-person meet-ups and conferences
with others be filled with wisdom and godliness, with truth and love, with
understanding, peace and good will...
Holding on to the dream and the promise...
Joseph had a dream; and it was the spark that sent him on to betrayal by his
brothers and tragedy, but also greatness in the end... Pharaoh had a dream,
albeit one of famine, suffering and sorrow at first, but later, God gifted his
empire with one of the wisest and most faithful person who ever lived... In
like manner, we have seen and continue to believe, that for every attack by the
enemy, abuse and oppression by the rude and cruel, God's faithful will remain
standing, surviving and thriving; and the more they are put in difficult
situations, the greater their lives turn out to be, like turtles moving so slow
on land, but are excellent swimmers when thrown on the deep oceans... And we
know we can do these things when we keep holding on to His promise that He will
not forsake nor abandon, but always be there to sustain and guide, to
strengthen, give wisdom, discernment, hope and peace...
Where forever is sure... Popular memes would
have us correlate the state of forever with a long-term romantic relationship;
but even that too is highly doubtful, for human brings are fickle, and emotions
are highly variable... But then, continuing on yesterday's theme that our God
is enough, we learn from today's word that He too is the only one perfectly
reliable, dependable and faithful, and thankfully too... For relationships with
friends, family and loved ones may go south and things may go sour when each do
not get what they want, or their material desires are not met, and there are so
few who remain faithful across time and space; but our Savior is always there,
within reach, and a prayer away... Like a strong tower or sufficiently stocked
and safe relocation area during storms, He is the only one who can give us
peace, security and comfort each time... May we not let go of that very
important lifeline too...
He's more than enough... This cuts deep, but
I'm not in the least bit offended... A curious student asked why I never got
married, and I told her I enjoy learning and living alone more... I remember a
friend with the same conviction, who said that having one's own family makes
one nuclear and insular; your efforts and affections too focused on your own,
you have neither time nor resources to help and support others... I believe so
too... Without having a physical offspring gives one a chance to be a mother-
and mentor-figure of many, not to mention not putting up with the stress of
living with someone else who might feel insecure of the least bit reduction in
time and attention... And if we take the Word today to heart, we realize that
first we must find our wholeness in God, before we can open ourselves up to
others... Yes, He is more than enough... And yes, we believe He sustains and
guides, He empowers, He encourages and strengthens, He heals, He cares deeply;
so much so that no offense meant, even a solitary life is never sad and
desolate because He is there, and He fills it with people who also care for us,
are never insecure of our achievements or judgmental of the little that we have
achieved so far, nor are intimidated by our character and person... He is more
than enough, and the people, circumstances, milestones and seasons He blesses
us with are what make our lives meaningful and whole...
Forgiven, not forgotten... One of the passages
today is part of the lyrics of a famous burial song in the country; while our
caption is the title of one of the songs of our favorite Irish family band...
Speaks of the normal human trait of not forgetting those whom we love; and in a
higher plane, mirrors our God's remembrance of all of His people, regardless if
they acknowledge or believe in Him or not... And we see this displayed daily,
especially in things we believe have no hope, but comes to life even with a
simple touch and care... We see this too in how we feel secure in His love and
grace, even if some people point fingers or raise eyebrows at us, thinking we
are beneath their brand of perfection, self-righteousness, class or
"enlightened" (on their terms and prejudices only) lifestyle...
Because truly holding on to the love and grace that sustained us, is outpouring
in like measure the mercy and understanding we have received... Indeed, if we
humble ourselves, be remorseful of our wrongdoings, and strive to live in peace
and kindness, our Creator is ready to forgive our imperfections and give us
strength to live as better people... May this give us confidence and strength,
not shouting from the tops of our lungs that we love Him (because He is not deaf,
for Him and even for many people whom we seek to impress, whispers are louder
than screams), but quietly doing our tasks and responsibilities, fulfilling His
kingdom's work here on earth, as we await the great day He promised to return
in the flesh and restore all things...
Beyond time and space... The consciousness
community espouses the belief that all of humanity are united by common
thoughts... And these arose out of our common emotions, intellects, behaviors,
regardless of age, gender, culture and upbringing... So should it be on matters
of faith... If we claim to be Christians, we shouldn't be dividing ourselves
into congregations whose affiliations are divided by the whims and self-serving
and selfish goals of men in robes and pedestals who are only out to rob us
blind of resources and energy with little care for our souls; but let our
consciousness be one with what our Savior taught us--to genuinely care and
support the weak and incapable among us, to go beyond the four walls of where
we gather to hobnob with each other during fellowship time, but to a hurting
and confused world, to seek and fish for souls that need the love and attention
of our Savior, all the while not emanating an attitude of condemnation like
what his adversary did to Job in the Old Testament, but propagating peace,
mercy and grace... That is the real essence of not giving up on the assembly,
when we bring more of those who would be willing to come because they are not
discriminated nor treated like greenhorn, second-class citizens, or of
lower-status because they are unknown newcomers; but assembly is where everyone
is treated as equals in the eyes of God, each one undergoing their unique
journeys at their current stages of becoming more like Him who brought us life
and salvation... In short, each one being a church, whether alone in a crowd,
or together with like-minded brethren in familiar spaces... May we always and
for all time, be His church, His bride, His child and heir...
Love is sacrifice... So was the message two
millennia ago, when a teenage girl betrothed to an adult kin gave birth to the
human person of our Lord and Savior, under almost desolate conditions, in an
era ruled by an oppressive regime; so is it now in our time... Yes, most of us
may now be living in democracies, but many live in chaos and anarchy, poverty
and misery, and the oppressive conditions consequent of greed and corruption;
yes, we may be much more technologically advanced today, but each day all are
witnesses and victims of the degradation of morals and values... But in spite
of it all, many still acknowledge the value of goodness and kindness; and
therefore still live in hope and faith, love and generosity, wisdom and a
desire for peace... And like the story today, the more we acknowledge the grace
given to us, the more we find the courage and resolve to live as our Savior
commands: to "lay down" our lives for our fellowman--to give our
time, energy and talent, not solely for our own benefit but for the betterment
of others; recognizing that we have been given a lot, we have learned more, and
we experienced a lot and met more people not so that we might feel proud of being
successful and connected; but that we might share such wealth of experience and
knowledge with others for them to become better people and disciples of love
and grace... In sum, we became who we are now in order to help others become
the best that they can be too...
We cannot give what we do not have... Because
giving to others that which isn't ours in the first place is hypocrisy and
stealing... And true giving is a shadow and a reflection of the giver; you give
what you consider of value, to one you know who needs it now more than you; in
essence giving a part of you who you are to someone else... And that seems to
be the meat of the Word today... We believe our God came to earth in human form
in the person if a baby more than 2,000 years ago, to give us the hope of eternal
life and inner peace; and that is His essence that we must live out today too:
generosity outpouring toward others, in humility a witness against and
condemning materialistic and carnal lifestyles, while helping other people
build and keep their dreams, making sure they have hope and are encouraged
amidst life's harsh realities and challenges, and keeping ourselves sane and
strong, unspotted with the world's corruption and greed... May His gospel not
be lost on us, as we spend the rest of our days with His leading and guidance,
His provision and care...
Peaceful coexistence... The Word today is
encouraging, especially to those undergoing stressful situations and need
courage; but offensive to those whose lands and territories, and therefore
those who have proprietary and human rights, are affected and encroached
upon... While we believe that state or religion-sanctioned land-grabbing and
genocide are always deplorable and immoral, but let us remember that we are
here on earth appointed as keepers and stewards of creation and each other...
And this does not only happen once but on a daily basis: we are responsible for
our nuclear families, our parents and elders, our children and the future
generations every moment... We need courage and accountability both, in living
at peace with one another, in paying our debts and dues, in acting with respect
and kindness, in not oppressing, abusing or taking advantage of people's
kindness, or disparaging them when we do not get our way or they do not grant
us the favor we ask, while we squander the blessings we were already given...
For it is not courage to do whatever we want at the expense of another,
thinking that God is on our side because of our brownie points in our little
churches and congregations--that is pride and entitlement, not a legacy of our
Maker but his adversary; but when we act with discernment, patience, wisdom and
consideration--that is the good kind of courage, having hope and faith in a
good and fair God, who always upholds truth and justice, fairness and right...
The Only Name we need... Again, I dare repeat
this: when the Pope visited Leyte 2 years after Haiyan, and when Typhoon Amang
was raging, so that the sound box/speaker in the stage where He was holding
mass and speaking, was knocked down by strong winds and even injured and killed
one volunteer, he could loudly and clearly be heard saying several times,
"Jesus is Lord!"... Not to disparage him not calling on the saints of
Catholicism at the moment of near-death but to show that even the head of the
Catholic Church knows and believes that only One Name can bring salvation and
deliverance... His timelessness means He was the Good Shepherd, as He claimed
in the gospels (John 10:11), the Shepherd David invoked in Psalm 23, and the Shepherd
of our souls we can trust and call on today... And nobody is excused; now His
gospel has been preached to all corners of the globe, so that choosing to call
on Him, everyday, each time, in our moments of joy or despair, when we are sick
or confused, when we are in our prime or at the moment of death, is a matter of
life and death indeed... May we choose wisely, and choose the Right Name:
Yeshua Ha' Mashe... Jesus, The Messiah... Jesus, The Christ...
Shaken, not stirred... Science, and even the
Word tells us that earthquakes are actually a daily occurrence; yet for the
hundreds that happen everyday, around 99% we cannot feel, but the strongest
ones... And no matter how strong they may be, they are no less normal; meaning
that even if these strong ones bring death and destruction, the earth, which
has been in existence far longer than us, is not at fault; while we must
improve how we construct and build things, repair and restore, remove or
relocate, which is all part of a normal and sane human being's ordinary life
cycle too... Why then do some--instead of informing, updating, marking each
other safe-- propagate terror by doomsaying, sacrilegiously using God to
threaten people with eternal damnation by a mere shaking of the earth?... And
why do we let ourselves get affected and believe them too?... Haven't we
internalized the words of our Savior, when He said to trust Him always, and to
be His shining light, salt-bringers, peacemaking children?... Yes, the world
might be shaken from time to time, but it shouldn't shake our faith and
conviction... Yes, the earth always quakes, rumbles, realigns itself, recycles
its tectonic plates, and so should we: abandon toxicity and abuse, stop oppressing
others nor throwing our weight around or acting special and privileged, never
stop giving hope, declaring peace, spreading good cheer and encouragement...
And because today is the first advent Sunday, which all the rest of western
Christianity celebrates, which we in the East do our best to follow (even if
sadly, some create their own versions of it, twisting the truth in the
process), may we too, anticipate the greater event, a commemoration of our
Saviour's first coming, and a joyful anticipation of the second one in which He
will come in the flesh... For while we live His messages in the gospel daily,
we embody His will on earth, we are the living manifestations of His love and
grace, His goodness and kindness, and His healing and peace to all...
Rising above rudeness... I have had multiple
interactions with people who are rude, people who think that because they're on
the other side of some counter, a pedestal or platform, a screen or a podium,
wearing some ID or badge, or inside their running (new and beautiful or even
old and rickety, ramshackle) vehicles, are just simply dripping with offense,
abuse, sarcasm, pretend righteousness and superiority, and an overall
impression and feeling that they are privileged and that everyone else are
objects beneath them... Thankfully, I often have a higher self-esteem, and a
deeper understanding of where things stand; so that no offense meant, in many
cases, I simply do not buy the fight... Yet, there will always be those who will
almost get the goat... At such times I realized, and may we all too, that
meeting such people with like actions and behaviors is really beneath us who
believe we are saved and graced by our God and Creator; and that ignoring such
attacks are the marks of nobility... Because yes, to act with compassion,
kindness and understanding is what this hurting world needs; and there are far
more confused people, young ones who need truth and enlightenment, love and
support, and characters rightly molded to become better people, and people with
whom we can share our Lord and Saviour's goodness and love, His wisdom and
peace... Those are the people who better deserve our time and energy, and our
talents and passions...
The weekend vibe... For some of us who don't
work weekends, we are grateful for Fridays, because we know we can find rest
the couple of days after... But for the many who work day-in and day-out, even
weekends and holidays, we feel grateful too, for every day that we are given
the chance to earn our bread, and support our families and loved ones... For
indeed, no matter the busyness in this life, no matter the attacks and push
downs of the busy bodies, those who still remain patient, humble, and enduring
will eventually find their rest, restoration, revival and reawakening in our
Father's great love and mercy, who ordains all things, especially our times and
seasons... As He does not discriminate, may we too not be quick to judge
according to our biases, but always to give room for alternatives, to try to
put ourselves in other people's shoes, to be more discerning and
understanding... For in that we show if we are His people: if we have the same
depth of wisdom and love as He does ...
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