A Letter to Jesus on Christmas

Dear Jesus,

More than 2000 years ago, you came forth into this world, born of the Virgin Mother Mary, in a manger in Bethlehem . Poor shepherds welcomed you; Angels sang of your glorious coming; and three Wise Men offered their gifts.  

When you were born, the world was asleep. Little did it know that the King of Kings had come to bring the Good News, to save humankind from sin. You did not come to rule a kingdom on earth or to lead Israel to become the greatest of nations. Your birth was meant to rule the hearts of men, to show triumph over death.

Today, the world is far from ideal. There is poverty; there is war; there is suffering. There is unhappiness; there is helplessness; there is hopelessness. There is greed; there is exploitation; there is apathy.

More than ever, we seek you, Jesus, in these difficult and trying times. We ask you to fill the world with your love; to strengthen the bond within families; to warm our weary hearts.

Make us to be like the shepherds who left the flock to honor you, like the three wise men who set out on a long journey; like the angels who sang with their heavenly joy. They saw your lovely face and felt your holy presence – and they were changed. Change us, Jesus, to see the beauty of the Father’s creations in this world; to see your face in every human being we meet; to see your gifts within our lives.

As we celebrate your birthday, Jesus, we promise to take to heart your birth, your life, your death, so that we will in our appointed time, meet you with great enthusiasm face-to-face.

Happy Birthday, Jesus Christ.

Love Peace and Harmony,

Your Loving Children

by Mel Libre

HB, JC

Migrants who are new in a foreign land have mixed feelings especially during the Christmas season. Old traditions stick and the absence of time-honored customs can make one homesick and lonely. In New Zealand, for instance, carolers are rare, while fireworks are banned. Christmas parties in offices are limited to finger food and drinks without a program nor presentations, just people talking among each other – and no mention about the birth of Christ.

We (TawagAwit members) numbering 20 individuals went out caroling over the weekend in Auckland – and it was a joy to see our hosts (with family and friends) with wide smiles and singing along with us. The mother of Nida Gray, one of our hosts, even whispered to me how happy she was to see and hear us – for she sorely missed hearing traditional Filipino carols (which we put together in a medley).

The funds we have raised from the caroling will be spent for the Open Gathering, an event of giving, sharing, and caring. We intend not only to sing songs, but also share food and give away gifts to as many as possible. The new migrants are our special guests and we will ascertain that they will feel "at home" with the activities we have prepared.

When Joseph and Mary were looking for a place to rest, no one gave them decent space in Bethlehem. They settled in a manger where the King of Kings was born. "And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7) We must approach Christmas with open doors, with giving hearts. As much as Christmas is about caring for those close to us, it is also about sharing what we have to the least of our brethren not just the poor, but also the unwanted, the forgotten, the unloved. Add to that the homesick and the lonely.‘As the Scriptures say, "They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever."’ (2 Corinthians 9:9)

As a gift to Jesus Christ on His birthday, let me offer this original song titled, HB, JC (Happy Birthday, Jesus Christ). It seemed not so long ago/That You were born in Bethlehem/Only a few came to know/Of that promised night so solemn// Sheltered in a manger/Cared for by Mary and Joseph/Welcomed by poor shepherds/As angels sang in worship// Chorus: Happy Birthday Jesus/You are the Father’s gift to humankind/Happy Birthday Jesus/You are the Light; You are Love Divine// Today we recall Your birth/You fill the weary world with love/With hope, charity and mirth/As You sit in the throne Above.

To all readers, my best Christmas wishes to you and your family!

by Mel Libre

Fight of Our Lives

Boxing is a sporting event that pits pugilists of the same weight class. The aim of the protagonists is to knock the other out, if not win points based on effective body shots on the opponent. In the predominantly Catholic nation of the Philippines, boxing is the second most popular sports next to basketball. While Philippine basketball continues to entertain a wider audience, it has failed to make a mark in the world and even in Asia. On the other hand, boxing has become a source of pride as Filipino boxers have become world champions (21 in all) from the time of Pancho Villa to the current toast - Manny Pacquiao.

For a long time, the shoeshine boy from Bogo, Cebu, Gabriel “Flash” Elorde was the poster boy of Philippine boxing until Manny Pacquiao conquered the finest Mexican world champions with his speed and unorthodox style. The victory over lone US Barcelona Olympic boxing gold medallist and 10-time world champion Oscar de La Hoya has put Pacquiao among the greatest boxers of all time. He defied the odds by leaping into a higher weight class and challenging his idol. It was David fighting Goliath.

The taller and more experienced boxer was outclassed and gassed out– quitting before the ninth round could begin.  De La Hoya, with a battered face, got up from his stool walked to the center of the ring and congratulated Pacquiao who told him: “You’re still my idol.” The vanquished warrior responded: “No, you’re my idol.” The two fistic gladiators proved to be real gentlemen, true sportsmen.

Christians are like boxers inside the ring. God places us in this world for the fight of our lives. He provides us rules to ensure that we conduct ourselves with dignity and integrity. Who are our opponents? First is ourselves for we can be our own enemy. If we are weak in spirit and do not have faith in ourselves and in our God, we can easily be knocked down. Second is Satan who attacks us relentlessly with his powerful blows of temptation. He defies the rules set down and is bent on winning at all cost.  He seeks our souls as prize. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”  (1 Peter 5:8)

But Satan is no match to us. While Pacquiao has the talented Freddie Roach as coach, we have the all-powerful Holy Spirit who guides and protects us from the jabs of the devil.  The Holy Spirit shieldsus from whatever punches and hooks thrown our way. In truth it is a mismatch of the highest degree. Against hate, we give love. Against greed, we share in charity. Against pride, we humble ourselves. Against lies, we reveal Truth.  The devil will be defeated.  “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10)

Our God gives us the strength, the confidence and the courage to knock Satan out of our lives.  We are meant to be God’s champions here on earth. We are meant to be given a prize worth more than US$11 million (the amount Pacquiao earned), more than fame and prestige, and more than what the world can offer: life everlasting in His Heavenly Kingdom. “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. “ (Galatians 6:8)

by Mel Libre

The Invitation

As hosts of Sow&Harvest, a TawagAwit backyard gardening project, my entire family was kept busy during the week leading to the activity. We had a general clean up in the house, a bit of repainting outside, ground preparation for the garden plots, and planting of a few ornamental plants. Actually I went on official leave from work as I attended to the tasks including ironing so that no laundry would be left hanging as well as buying items to be cooked for the guests. My wife, Debbie, slept late the day before the activity and woke up at dawn to prepare her best recipes.

We started to get worried though as the table was all set and the food were steaming hot, yet our invited brethren had not arrived. Thirty minutes past 12 noon, we felt relieved as they started arriving. When all of the praying, eating, singing, planting, and socialising were done – and the guests had left, Debbie and I were thankful for the wonderful company and joyful experience we had with our guests. All our preparation had not gone in vain.

The mass is God’s banquet. He extends his invitation for us to take part in the Eucharistic celebration. So much effort is exerted in the preparation for the event. Other than the tidying of the church, the parish priest or his assistants give assignments to altar servers, readers and other workers. The printing of the parish newsletter; the encoding of prayers, responses and songs to be projected on the screen; the rehearsals of the choir; and the technical support are among the many things done prior to the singing of the gathering song. The priest needs to write the sermon; observes important pre-missal rituals; and celebrates the mass.

God, therefore, looks forward to His children attending the banquet.. "When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’" (Luke 14:17) When we partake of the body and blood of Christ during the Communion, the Lord fills us with His peace, love and joy. "When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ?" (1 Corinthians 10:16)

One of the important commandments of the Church is "to keep the Sundays and Holy Days of obligation holy, by hearing Mass and resting from servile work." It is consistent to the passage: "So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation." (Genesis 2:3) Let us therefore mark our calendars and diaries for that important date with God each week. His Son Jesus is the sacrificial lamb – and if we fail to come, we will have shunned the grace that cleanses the soul.

by Mel Libre

Forgetting Wrongdoings

Winona Ryder was one of the brightest young actresses of United States, having appeared in notable films such as “Beetlejuice”, “Edward Scissorhands”, “Girl, Interrupted” and “Mr Deeds”. There has been little news about her either in tabloids or mainstream media for sometime – until she made a plane from Los Angeles make an emergency landing in Heathrow, London on November 22, 2008 due to illness, after she took an overdose of tranquilisers. If only to add insult to injury, most news items recalled her conviction for grand theft and vandalism for shoplifting $5,500 worth of designer clothes and accessories at Saks Fifth Avenue department store in 2001. Media do not easily forget wrongdoings.

So do most people. More so, if a person is personally affected by the wrongdoing, there is a tendency for the heart to harden. In most instances, individuals ignore the wrongdoer, while others go to the extreme of seeking revenge.

Forgiveness is a virtue that many among us find difficult to inculcate. We must imitate our God who is a forgiving God. “He is so rich is kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” (Ephesians 1:7) He wants us to be perfect, yet He allows us to decide on what to make out of our lives. He sees us when we do wrong.  He is saddened when we sin. He keeps reminding us though that if we want to be with Him, we must follow His commands. If we confess and repent, He forgives us. To cleanse our heart and soul, He allows us to partake of His body through communion. “This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.” (Matthew 16:28)

He provides us with a fresh clean state – erasing and forgetting whatever infractions we committed. “Though yours sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Winona had paid for the stolen items, served 480 hours of community service, remained under probation for three years, suffered public humiliation and had a setback in her acting career, but in the eyes of the world the mistake she once committed remains a blot that won’t go away with time.  Not so with God:  “If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9)

by Mel Libre

Caring Watchman

One of the most phenomenal reality TV shows in recent times is "Big Brother" which was first broadcast in 1999 in Norway. So popular is the teleserye that it has been adopted in 70 other countries. The Big Brother house has cameras all over, recording everything that happens inside. It is interesting how the real character of participants is eventually revealed to the audience. In the Philippines, a handsome actor confessed of his being gay. In Britain, the racist sentiment of one against an Indian actress caused a stir. In another country, the pressure and joy of giving birth was witnessed by millions. Though the producers and directors introduce situations, the housemates have no script, except to follow their own instinct, guided by their values.

Often it is said, "Life is a stage". I say, "Life is an unscripted teleserye". There is no director saying "Cut" or "Take two". Life is not like that. It is God’s plan for us to live the perfect life. “But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) Human weakness and social pressure compromise our commitment to the Lord; exposing us to temptation and sin.

We can never be complacent in our lives. For each and every moment is accounted for. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” (Hebrews 4:13) We are never assured of what happens next in our earthly life; for today may be the end. Through our faith in Christ, we are confident that our place in the afterlife has been set down for us.

It is our decision whether to take our place as planned out by God. Should we decide to go with the Almighty, then we will be guided to His plan; and He will set before us the path towards fulfilment. He watches over us, He cares for us every step of the way, thus we should be unafraid. “(F)or he is our God. We are the people he watches over the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!” (Psalms 95:7)

by Mel Libre

Shut Window, Door Opened

I once joined a singing competition in Toastmasters International in our area. With a wonderfully arranged original composition and instructing a colleague to turn-off the lights to give impact on the commencement of my performance, I confidently sang “Light a Candle”, which was inspired by a spiritually enriching experience. When all the other contestants had rendered their numbers, I was shocked to learn that I did not even figure in the top three.

However we look at it – losing sucks. More so if you had high expectations of yourself, and you performed at your level best.  But in a contest like in an election, there can only be one winner and losers a-many.

The best approach to losing is not to react instantaneously upon learning of the result. One must remain calm, letting the reality of defeat sink into the mind. Cry a little then allow a joyful thought to spark warmth in the heart – you did your utmost best, the better competitor won in this particular contest and the judges came up with a fair decision. Congratulate the victor.

Defeat is not the end of the world. Believe that a window of opportunity may have been shut, but a door has been opened for a more meaningful journey. “[The Lord said], “I will take back the ripened grain and new wine I generously provided each harvest season. I will take away the wool and linen clothing I gave her to cover her nakedness...But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there.” (Hosea 2:9, 14)

I am thankful for the loss in that singing competition 15 years ago. It actually challenged me to write better songs and record professionally. Since then, I had written numerous anthems for major events and good causes; released three albums; and was led by the Spirit to my present pursuit of “sharing God’s Word through music and other acts of love.” (TawagAwit mission)

by Mel Libre

Hope of Humankind

In February 2007, a black gentleman with a Middle-Eastern name gave an introductory speech before one of the major political parties in United States seeking a new leader, at the Hilton Hotel in Washington. While the other hopefuls for the Democratic presidential nomination had all the campaign trimmings, Barack Obama had no badges, no posters and had only two young volunteers manning a lone desk. But when he told eloquently the audience of his vision, not only did he spark a buzz in the room, he created a national movement for change.

Senator Obama dimmed the light on leading contender Senator Hillary Clinton and has since become a modern day phenomenon with 3.1 million financial contributors, 2.2 million supporters on its Facebookpage, 700 campaign offices in every state in the United States and attracts 100,000 plus people in his campaign rallies. It is inevitable that he will become President Barack Obama.

The Observer wrote: "As the first black American to win a major party nomination, Obama was thought likely to face an election dominated by race. Yet his candidacy changed things there, too. He ran an explicitly "post-racial" campaign, heralding a new type of politics. His rallies attract blacks, whites, Hispanics and Asians, reflecting a changing society in which younger generations are less obsessed with race."

Blind songwriter/performer Stevie Wonder, who believes in Sen. Obama, declares: "Impossible is unacceptable." For Obama went on an impossible crusade. But then he is actually the representation of the new face of the US, a nation that has become the melting pot of all nationalities and of diverse cultures. No longer is the US a white man’s territory – it actually is a genuine rainbow nation whose migrant population works hard to attain dreams for a better life and aspirations of a brighter future. For many, it is a land of hope – and Obama is one representation of that hope.

The Jewish people may have been in a similar situation at the time when Jesus Christ began his ministry. A race with a proud history, their nation had become a mere province of the Roman Empire. Jesus became so popular attracting Jews, Gentiles and Romans for His teachings and the miracles He performed. He brought hope to the people of Israel. "He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 15:24) Afraid of the rise of his promised kingdom, his enemies crucified him.

Obama promises a better and stronger USA; but human as he is, he cannot guarantee the fulfilment of each and every promise he has made if elected president. He may deliver some, while fail in others. He will not be in control of all circumstances, thus even how genuine his intentions are, the outcome is never assured. Not so with Jesus, for the hope that He promises is guaranteed with His very life: dying on the cross, resurrecting in flesh and ascending to Heaven to rule with the Father and Holy Spirit for all eternity. "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." (Titus 1:2)

If the American people give their vote of confidence to a fellow human being named Obama to fulfil their dreams and aspirations; the people of the world ought to embrace Jesus Christ for He is the true Saviour of humankind. "For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:11)

by Mel Libre

Value vs. Values

Election is the bulwark of democracy.  The citizens decide on the course of the nation by voting the candidate or party they trust with their future.  If the incumbent has become ineffective or abusive, likewise the people can exercise their right of suffrage to bring about change.

But it is not that easy to discern a candidate or party.  Like a new product sold in the market, the candidate or party is promoted positively, putting forward only the strong points, hiding unpleasant features with utmost effort.  Media takes the initiative to obtain the truth about a candidate or party – separating fact from fiction – thereby, allowing voters to make a balanced decision.

As the voter scrutinizes the person of a candidate and the policies of a party, he must do so, taking into account his own set of values and beliefs. “Listen to me, you who know right from wrong, you who cherish my law in your hearts. Do not be afraid of people’s scorn, nor fear their insults.” (Isaiah 51:7) Candidates deliver sound bites that are soothing to the ears; while parties promise packages that impact on economic benefits for families.  Politicians target the urgent concerns of the citizenry, that of their basic needs – food, shelter, health and education.  The ones who promise better value on the economic front may just get that precious vote. 

The good electorate though must not count the coins in his pocket; rather he should take a holistic view on making a choice. Ask the following question: What is the stand of the candidate/party on the human life; on family and rights of children; on alleviation of the poor and the vulnerable in society; on law, crime and punishment; and on protection of the environment? Most importantly, you must find the answer to the query: Is the candidate/party God-fearing? A positive response to the last question can give some assurance that the path the candidate/party will be guided by faith values. “We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)

Let your vote count not just in favour a particular candidate/party, but most importantly for the victory of  the Lord. “The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

by Mel Libre

Camouflaging with Perfume

Manolo Almendras, a high school buddy, was once sent on a scholarship to France in relation to his research work on milkfish or "bangus" with Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre (SEAFDEC). He told me of an occasion when the owner of the place he rented called his attention one morning. "Manolo, why do you take a bath every day?" asked the landlord. He responded that it kept him clean and it was part of his routine. The proprietor said that water in France did not come cheap and asked him gently to cut down on his bathroom time. Manolo realised later on that most of his French classmates simply sprinkled their bodies with perfume to keep themselves socially presentable. He did reduce his bathing; but refused to adapt to perfuming.

Washing and bathing are essential to keep our bodies clean. The elements of the earth can easily accumulate in our delicate skin and the longer these stick the more damage these bring. Not only will the body become dirty, microbes are attracted and soon enough rashes appear. The situation becomes worse with scratching, thereby causing irritation and/or open wound. Camouflaging with perfume won’t make the problem go away.

If it is important to wash or bath our bodies to keep these tidy and healthy; so must we cleanse our souls of sin that destroys its glitter in the eyes of God. "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight Cease to do evil." (Isaiah 1:16) As water washes dirt from the body, prayer, charity, service and sacrifices can cleanse the spirit. We must do these consistently as the devil is persistent in his attacks.

The love of God is like pure water, it comes for free so long as we call and serve Him; we will be kept clean and holy. "Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:22)

by Mel Libre

A Life of Tests, Difficulties and Suffering

Socrates "Bro Soc" Fernandez is a respected figure among Catholics in Cebu and neighbouring provinces. He is a leading Catholic defender who knows the Bible through and through, quoting passages with ease and precision. He is not afraid to debate with anyone who challenges the teachings of Christ or those who undermine the Catholic faith. He hosts a radio program as well as a television show. Bro Soc is acknowledged as a true servant of the Lord.

His exemplary service and sterling leadership, in addition to his personal integrity, caught the attention of politicians who lured him to run for elective positions that he handily won. Currently, he serves as mayor of Talisay City, a growing community south of metropolitan Cebu. Though he is accustomed to criticisms as a public servant, he has been brought under intense pressure – not because of any wrongful act that he committed, rather as a result of alleged criminal acts of his adopted son. By attending to his son, who has yet to be charged in court, but has been convicted in a trial by public opinion, Bro Soc has been castigated for his conduct, and there are even sectors seeking his resignation.

To be a follower of Christ means a life of tests, difficulties and suffering. "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." (1 Peter 2:21) The Apostles as did many early Christians underwent persecution and faced death for following the path of Jesus. In these modern times, Christians in China, India and Iraq suffer for their belief. Christians who earn a living in the Middle East pray in closed doors under threat of prosecution. Even in predominantly Catholic countries, those who stand by the letter of God’s Word are scrutinised, if not humiliated. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12)

As followers of Christ today, we too will individually experience trying moments. "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." (Philippians 1:29) But we should never give up. God is the defender of his children; He is with us today as He was in the past, as He will be in the future. "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:17)

by Mel Libre

Forever Young

Meg Ryan captured the hearts of moviegoers in "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You Got Mail". Beautiful, witty and appealing, Ryan not only became the screen sweetheart of actor Tom Hanks but of adoring fans as well. Her career though has been going downhill through the years. In 2008, Ryan and Hanks bumped on each other during an event of the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. Hanks noticing that he looked quite old in the presence of the youthful looking Ryan, was quoted as saying: "Meg, keep away from Botox", referring to the youth-enhancing drug. He may have meant that if they should be seen as an on-screen couple in a future movie project, both of them should have aged gracefully in their looks. Otherwise, Hanks will have to play a fatherly role to Ryan’s character.

Actors and actresses are looked upon as moneyed and glamorous. But as time passes by, many simply fade away into oblivion. We only hear of them when they have committed a scandalous act or may have died. There are a few with drawing power continuing for a long time until their golden years, in the likes of John Wayne, Marlon Brando and Paul Newman, truly gifted and genuinely talented. In this age of cosmetic surgery, quite a number of thespians whose fame is grounded on looks, try as much as possible to stay forever young. Let’s face it, the body can only take so much – age will take its toll. And the fickle show business industry seeks out younger talents – bringing the curtains down on senior players.

"Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!" (Ecclesiastes 1:2) Well-being, in the context of quite a number of people, is to be in the state of youthfulness. So many legends have been told about the fountain of youth and of expeditions pursued to find it. It does not exist. Human beauty is only skin-deep; and the skin depreciates with time. Cosmetic surgeons mostly feed on human vanity.

It is our souls that never ages and live forever. Well-being should therefore be synonymous with spiritual wellness. Jesus Christ purposely came to be amongst us to bring us the Good News that life persists after death. He gave us the formula on life eternal in Heaven: "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."(Mark 12:30) If we do so, even while living on this earth and growing old, we will forever remain young at heart with the love, the peace and the joy of God’s presence.

by Mel Libre

Sow&Harvest

(An inspirational message delivered by the author on September 28, 2008 during the launch of Sow&Harvest, a project of TawagAwit that brings together members to work and cultivate a vegetable garden in a household)

Sow&Harvest is basically a backyard gardening program meant to bring vegetables on the tables of the host household as well as members of TawagAwit. But this project must be seen in a deeper perspective – for it is about relationships: with the earth, with people, with family, with God.

With the earth: From the earth springs life. The food we eat comes from the earth. The bricks and wood of our abodes are sourced from the earth. The animals feed on grass and grains from the earth. Sow&Harvest aims to re-establish our connection and commitment to the earth to which our bodies will return to when we die.

With people: Hands working together as the theme for this project means communal work. It is about community – for we are meant to live for, work with and serve each other. The Christian faith thrived because believers supported each other both in happy times and trying moments. Without the early Christian community caring for him, St Paul would not have written some of the finest attestations of our belief. Jesus Christ, God the Son, could not have brought the Good News to Jews and Gentiles without disciples whom He sent out in pairs and without the 12 Apostles who continued His mission. As we work together to sow, so must we share the harvest amongst ourselves. Sow&Harvest aims to forge the spirit of goodwill and camaraderie among members of TawagAwit.

With family: Each Christian family is a church. Each Christian family is holy. It is thus the responsibility of individual members to nourish the family, to make it a true church, to keep it holy. Let me tell you of a depressing story about failing to nourish within a family. There was a man who was an achiever who provided well his family. He was incapacitated and was bound in a wheelchair after a serious heart attack. He stayed home alone most of the time, while the rest of the family members were busy pursuing their works and lives. One day, when the wife came home, she found her husband lifeless. He had committed suicide. As a wilting plant needs more care and attention to regain strength, so must family members care and attend to each other during times of difficulty. Sow&Harvest aims to strengthen the bond among family members as they share the task of caring for the plants like caring for each other.

With God: We are familiar with the parable of the sower and the soils. (Mark 4:3-12) We are the seeds sown by God on earth. He places us on fertile ground. He wants us to grow and be fruitful in our lives. As He provides us food for our bodies, He gives our souls nourishment with His Word as written in the Bible and taught by His Church. If we refrain from knowing His Word, then our spirits will wilt in faith. He wants to come to the harvest to measure the fruits of our labour. Sow&Harvest aims to remind us that we are children of God and that He wants us to grow in faith, so that when harvest time arrives, we are prepared to join His banquet.

by Mel Libre

Secular State

Being used to having an invocation delivered during gatherings, I am dismayed at most of the office meetings and public activities I attend in New Zealand since prayers are not said as a matter of practice. In a secular state, the separation of government and religion is consciously observed by most of the citizenry. In a secular state, the display of religious objects in public buildings is unacceptable. Performing religious rituals in the presence of colleagues is perceived as insensitive to their rights or beliefs. Making reference to one’s faith in conversations or writings can be deemed as offensive.

There are various reasons for the separation of the State and the Church including doing away with traditional religious values in favour of modernisation, and protecting religion from government interference or vice versa.

During the four-day visit of Pope Benedict XVI to France in September 2008, President Sarkozy addressed the long-standing (since the 1789 Revolution) anti-clericalism hostility against Catholic institutions and teachings. He declared: "Religions, particularly the Christian religion with which we share a long history, are living heritages of reflection and thought, not just about God, but also about this core concern today about nature and the defence of the environment. It would be madness to deprive ourselves of it, quite simply a mistake against culture and thought." He said that he wanted "positive secularism which stages dialogue, not a secularism that walls out or criticises." For what has occurred in most secular states, not just France, is religious intolerance.

The Pope reacted: "New reflection on the true meaning and importance of secularism has become necessary…The Church does not want to take the place of the State."

There should be a strong effort not just among Catholics, but other faiths as well towards positive secularism and religious tolerance. Americans should continue printing "In God We Trust" in their monetary bills.New Zealanders should continue singing "God Defend New Zealand". Filipinos should continue believing in the letter of the Preamble of their Constitution: "We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society." Let us be reminded: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance." (Psalm 33:12)

All must continue to invoke God not just in confines of their homes and churches, but in public functions as well where two or more people come and gather. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20)

by Mel Libre

Alice Experiment and Doubting Thomases

Susan Parker, a colleague in the High Court of New Zealand, wore a black dress on September 11, 2008. For me, it was just a typical workday. Little did I realize that Susan had prepared herself had the world ended on that day. With just four people left in the office past 5:00pm, the 50ish lady said that she was relieved that everything seemed okay after the world’s largest particle collider fired off a beam of protons all the way around a 27 km deep tunnel in the boundary of Switzerland and France.

ALICE or "A Large Ion Collider Experiment" is the biggest physics experiment in history with the aim of detecting evidence of extra dimensions, invisible "dark matter" and an elusive particle called the Higgs boson. In layman’s term the scientists want to unravel the truth on how the universe came be – based on the Big Bang theory.

The first major test on September 11 was the result of two decades of work with a staggering bill of US$10 billion. 9,000 physicists around the world have wired themselves to a massive network of 60,000 computers with the intent of gathering and analyzing the data generated from the series of tests.

Cases had been filed in the US District Court in Hawaii and in the European Court of Human Rights to prevent the project from operating. With the first beams of protons already fired, there is no more stopping into the experiment that critics fear would create micro "black holes", subatomic versions of collapsed stars whose gravity is so strong they could suck of life of planet Earth.

Man’s insatiable search for understanding of his being and of his creation has led to many discoveries that have improved humanity; but the increase in human intelligence has gone to a point that there are those who tinker with what is exclusively in the realm of God.

In fact, we are made in God’s own likeness. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." (Genesis 1:27) But that seems not enough. Very much like the Apostle Thomas, there are amongst us who want to see, to touch, to smell – to accept the truth. As Christ addressed Thomas so is He telling us. "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

So long as there are people whose doubts can only be quenched if they have gone through the process of experimenting to find the truth, many peoples’ lives will be put at a risk. People like Susan Parker. People like you and me. God, though, assures us: "But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid." (Jeremiah 29:17)

by Mel Libre

Higher Grades with God

I was fortunate to be born in a family with brothers and sisters excelling in their studies. It made me proud that their names frequently appeared in the honour roll; but then I carried a heavy burden of coping with their scholastic performances, as I was admittedly a mediocre student, struggling to pass my subjects.

My mother, Milagros, aware of my predicament bought ‘wonder’ vitamins that promised to boost one’s brain power; but then these did not raise my grades. When I learned that peanuts helped in developing the mind, I often bought from the sidewalk vendor just outside the campus. It did produce results: pimples all over my face that left scars for the rest of my life.

Thus, I have come to wonder how I was able to pass two of the hardest professional licensure examinations in the Philippines – the Certified Public Accountant Board Examinations and the Bar Examinations. Studying hard was a factor; but most importantly, it was faith in God that carried me through. And there is scientific proof of the latter factor.

In an article written by Robert Roy Britt of LiveScience.com, it says: "Researchers found that church attendance has as much effect on a teen's Grade Point Average as whether the parents earned a college degree. Students in grades 7 to 12 who went to church weekly also had lower dropout rates and felt more a part of their schools. On average, students whose parents received a four-year college degree average a GPA .12 higher than those whose parents completed high school only. ‘Students attending religious services weekly average a GPA .144 higher than those who never attend services’, said Jennifer Glanville, a sociologist at the University of Iowa."
The article further states: "The study does not suggest God is smiling on the students, per se. Rather, it identifies several reasons the students do better:
They have regular contact with adults from various generations who serve as role models.
Their parents are more likely to communicate with their friends' parents.
They develop friendships with peers who have similar norms and values.
They're more likely to participate in extracurricular activities.
Education is the vehicle for knowledge and understanding. The ability to use knowledge and understanding to solve a problem or situation requires wisdom. It is therefore important to develop wisdom. "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7) An individual can have all the data and information similar to a computer storing such in its memory. But then a computer cannot have wisdom. How then can a person attain wisdom? It is written: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."(James 1:5) This is reiterated in this manner: "He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly." (Proverbs 2:7)

For one (young or old, man or woman, professional, worker or student) who gains wisdom, there is no problem too difficult to solve. For the wise has God as teacher and mentor. "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding." (Proverbs 3:13) And if man finds joy, God is smiling.

by Mel Libre

Contrasting Brothers

As Barack Hussein Obama steps closer on the doorsteps of the White House, having been proclaimed as United States Democratic presidential nominee; George Hussein Onyango Obama continues to reside in a two-meter by three-meter shack in the tough community of Huruma on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. While the Illinois senator has become a popular figure, his 26-year old half brother told Italy’s Vanity Fair magazine: "I live like a recluse, no one knows I exist."

Two brothers of the same father, yet of different mothers, of different families, of different circumstances. Barack is living the American dream and may just lay claim on the highest office of the United States. George was raised in Kenya and lives "on less than a dollar a month." They had met twice, when George was five and in 2007 when Senator Obama toured East Africa. The younger Obama recalls their second meeting: "It was very brief, we spoke for just a few minutes. It was like meeting a complete stranger."

God chooses when, where and to whom we are to be born. In His unfathomable wisdom, He places us where He thinks we can best make full use of our lives and gifts. Moses was brought up in the palace of the Pharaoh, while Jesus was born in a manger and raised in a carpenter’s home. Moses could have opted to stay in the comforts of power and luxury, but he obediently followed the voice of the Lord. Christ with his infinite power had the world at the palm of his hand, but He pursued the mission given Him by the Father: to save humankind through teaching, exemplary living and dying on the cross.

God gives us gifts primarily for His glory; not ours. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21) He leads us in the right path, but we make the decision whether to follow or not. Whatever status we have in life, wherever we may be situated, He makes Himself available to carry us through. "For the Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hand. He knows your walking through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing." (Deuteronomy 2:7) He wants us to succeed in our earthly endeavors, but most importantly, in our journey towards His heavenly kingdom.

It is important that we come to realize that God knows each one of us personally and that we are special to Him. "But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." (Matthew 10:30) If we fulfil the mission He has given each one of us, He will welcome us not as strangers, but as sons and daughters to be in His blissful company for all eternity.

by Mel Libre

Pray for the Religious

"I don’t go to church," responded J (name withheld) to my question on which parish she goes to on Sundays. Somewhat taken aback, I asked her if she’d tell me why she stayed away. She candidly explained that she had read many negative things about priests and had come to a conclusion that she would rather pray directly to God than attend mass. The following week, I got a similar response from a friend who paid a visit in my residence. B (name withheld) told me that he had little respect for clergymen as a result of past experiences in his parish where one priest left to get married and another whom he overheard several times making remarks that were uncalled for, if not outrageous.

Without the complete facts, it was beyond me to defend the priests who caused J and B’s disillusionment. I could only offer a general response. I cited many positive experiences I had with priests in activities in church or otherwise. I also related to them the sharing of my wife, Debbie, who briefly worked in a call centre. For eight hours she received calls from customers, responding to their queries and needs. There were times that she encountered difficult and disrespectful callers that drained her emotionally. But at the end of the day, she would be reinvigorated with the thought that out of 100 callers, only two on the average verbally abused her. She would tell me: "The number of good people simply overwhelm the very few bad ones." That statement is true among the religious as well.

Jesus Christ who established the Church on earth designated St Peter as its first leader. Simon Peter was not a perfect follower of Christ. The most flagrant of his weaknesses was denying knowing Jesus three times when the Saviour was to be crucified. Yet Jesus made him the Rock, for Peter repented for his sins, committing himself to preaching and living God’s Word. "And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18) As a true servant, Peter died for the Faith. Through the centuries, many have followed the footsteps of St Peter: some dying in martyrdom, others strengthening the Church through evangelisation to the ends of the earth. Through the centuries, there, too, have been followers, including the religious, who have committed scandalous acts that affected not only the Church as an institution, but caused disillusionment among believers.

We must realise, though, that the religious who have dedicated themselves to serving God are human. Satan tempts the religious as he does lay persons. The devil delights more in the fall of God’s ministers; as this advances his intent in destroying God’s City on earth. Such attempt was made on God’s loyal servant Job. "And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil: and he still holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause." (Job 2:3)

As much as the religious must pray hard to keep their vows, we the faithful must as well pray for them that they will be shielded from the devil, that they learn from the life of St Peter and that they model themselves after Jesus Christ. As St Paul, a pious person, wrote to the Hebrews: "Pray for us: for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things." (Hebrews 13:18)

by Mel Libre

White Day

Melody Lady Garcia, a youthful co-worker in Red Cross, Cebu who now works in Japan as an English instructor, corresponded to me recently. She shared an essay she wrote about the differences between the cultures of Japan and the Philippines.

One interesting item she mentioned was on the practice of gift giving on Valentine’s Day. She wrote: "When I came to Japan, I was dumbstruck. Here, the style is the opposite. Ladies give chocolates to guys. When someone told me that it is the way things are done, I shyly gave a small box of chocolates to an interesting Japanese man. One month later, on White Day, the Japanese man gave me a big box of chocolates and Dior earrings. Wow! When you plant, you can reap. That was one of the most beautiful experiences I have had in life. After that experience, I made it my personal motto to give chocolates to all my students, male and female alike, and also to my friends and bosses. They always gave me something in return. Not that I expected it. When I received so many gifts, I sent some back home to my loved ones."

She further narrated: "Here’s one story I love to tell. One Valentine’s Day, I passed by a tea shop without any customer. The owner, an old man, was alone by himself. I pitied him so much that I instinctively entered his shop and ordered a cup of coffee and a piece of cake. After paying my bill, I handed him two bars of Kitkats and greeted him "Happy Valentine’s!" He smiled at me appreciatively. A year later, I passed by that shop again. At that time, it was empty and there was a big sign outside that said it was closing at the end of that month. I saw the old man sitting with his eyes closed. When I entered the shop, he suddenly woke up. He looked at me and said, "You're the girl who gave me chocolate last year!" I simply smiled and ordered coffee and cake. After paying my bill, the old man handed me a big box of Winnie the Pooh candies. No one forgets a kind deed, even how small."

Giving is one of the values that Jesus Christ taught us. "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." (Matthew 19:21) The kind of giving that Jesus expects of us is one of genuine concern and humility like the woman in the parable who offered her last money as offering in the temple. The ultimate giving was, of course, Jesus’ sacrificing His earthly life to bring salvation to humankind.

Martyrdom is meant only for a few called upon to sacrifice their lives for the Faith; thus majority of us are expected to declare each and everyday one like a White Day, that is, one of giving in gratitude to God’s inexhaustible love for us. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." (Colossians 3:17)

The wonder of it all – is that if one just gives and gives, no one actually loses anything. The recipient is filled with joy and gratitude. The giver finds a true sense of meaning and purpose. The Lord and Creator will not forget the kind deed, even how small. In His chosen time, He will reward the giver with an eternal experience far more sweet than a box of the world’s finest chocolates.

by Mel Libre

More Precious than Olympic Gold

If the Olympics were to adopt a human face that could represent its essence – that face belongs to Mark Spitz.  In the 1972 Munich Olympics, the American swimmer torpedoed into the pool and claimed seven gold medals, making him one of the top Olympians of all time. It therefore does not come as a surprise that others want to break Spitz’s record. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Michael Phelps, an American swimmer, promised to rewrite sports history by going for eight gold medals.

How are champions made? Other than innate abilities, Spitz trained hard. He once said: “The only side effect of too much training is that you get into better shape. There is nothing wrong with that.” He also had two things going for him: a supportive father and equally talented team mates. He was learning to swim as he began walking; and his father saw the potential of his son. Arnold Spitz took his son to the best coaches and even travelled 80 miles each way for his son’s training. He taught him the maxim: “Swimming isn’t everything; winning is.” At 18 years old, he competed in the 1968 Mexico Olympics boasting he would win six gold medals. He fell short of the target: winning two gold medals in team relay events, one silver, and a bronze. The experience taught him to change his demeanour from being proud to being cool and sociable. Not only did this make him closer to his team mates, it also inspired them to give their best. In Munich, he won in all the events he participated in: four individual gold medals and shared three gold medals with his team mates in relay races.

God wants us to be champions in the daily grind of life. Every day we are competing against Satan, a powerful adversary. While in sports competitions, there are sets of rules to ensure fair play, with the Devil there are no rules and he plays dirty. But then we can overcome Satan as we have the support of the Father and Son; and courageous team mates – the Holy Spirit, angels and saints ready to do battle for the good. “This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15) The Devil will try with all his might to wear us down as we race towards the reward of eternal life. Alone, we are no match to him; but if we have faith in God and be guided by His Word, we “put on all of God’s armour”. (Ephesians 6:11) Satan will then be vanquished.

While the Olympics happens once every four years, the competition against Satan comes about daily. Winning athletes like Mark Spitz and Michael Phelps train hard to gain gold medals; if we are strong in our faith we can earn medals more precious than gold. “Trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honour on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (1 Peter 1:7)

by Mel Libre

Violence against Humanity

On Sunday July 27 2008 in Tennessee, USA, while 25 children were making a presentation of the musicale, Annie, inside their church, a man shouting hateful words open fired his shotgun on 200 people in attendance. Two people died, while seven adults were injured. The next day, three suicide bombers struck a Shiite pilgrimage in Baghdad killing at least 32 people and wounding nearly 100. Why would God allow violence to be directed against worshippers?

How many of us have been witness to violent crimes? When I was in grade school while I was walking my way home, I saw a dead man lying on the ground bathed in his blood. He had been shot. It was difficult for my young mind to comprehend. Two years later, one my cousins, who was my age, was killed when he was drawn into a crowd witnessing gang members battling in the streets. I was deeply saddened and confused on why one so young could become a victim of others’ follies. Now at a mature age, I still cannot fathom the logic of killing others for whatever cause or reason.

Wherever we may be; the possibility of being a victim of hatred and violence is not remote. For evil lurks in places where we least expect to find it. Satan tempts people to defy God’s commandments and even a firm believer can put to a test. Job, a faithful servant of the Lord, was subjected to Satan’s designs. Satan even made attempts to tempt Jesus Christ in the desert. For as long as we are in this world, we are never safe from the devil. Therefore, we must not let our guards down in all instances.

While public officials and those in authority are primarily responsible in ensuring the safety of citizens, they can only do so much. We must do our share as well – not by arming ourselves with guns or installing high fences to keep danger out – but by shielding ourselves and our communities, with God’s coat of love that comes from fervent prayer and works of charity. "The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence." (2 Samuel 22:3)

God’s wisdom is beyond human comprehension. He loves humanity that He gives people free will. Yet there are those who abuse their freedom and worse cause suffering, if not death to fellow beings. The unrepentant sinner, to them shall be punishment for their wrongdoing. "His mischief will return upon his own head, and his violence will descend upon his own pate." (Psalm 7:16) To the victims and the innocent, He gives them refuge. "So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us." (Hebrews 6:18)

by Mel Libre

Spiritual Desert

Pope Benedict XVI, in his homily during the Mass on the final day of World Youth Day 08, said that a "spiritual desert" was spreading throughout the world and challenged young people to shed the greed and cynicism of their time to create a new age of hope for humankind. He stated: "In so many of our societies, side by side with material prosperity, a spiritual desert is spreading: an interior emptiness, an unnamed fear, a quiet sense of despair."

In the present times, the ideologies of materialism and individualism have overtaken most human beings in all corners of the earth. Pop culture effectively propagated by two powerful tools – media and Internet – have detonated materials on a regular basis in centres of populations that cater to the desires of the flesh and the mind. Many who see and hear have easily bought into the wholesale bargain – mortgaging their lives to items that add ‘value’.

The ornaments that beautify the homes and upgrade the status of individuals are superficial and fleeting. What may be in today may be obsolete at the blink of an eye. Innovation, upgrade and similar terms entice consumers to acquire what is new and better. There is nothing wrong being in tune with the times, but once the individual becomes wrapped up in self-gratification and material attachment, he/she unconsciously distances from God. The nourishment of the soul then takes the backseat causing spiritual dryness. When there is mass spiritual dryness, the world becomes a spiritual desert of hopelessness, gloom and uncertainty.

In the great deserts of the world in China, Africa and Australia, inhabitants fight difficult, if not helpless, battles against the expansion of sand into farmlands and populated communities. It is not so against the spiritual desert for we have our Almighty God leading us to sure victory. All that is required is our decision to be at His side. We must cry out: "God, my God! How I search for you! How I thirst for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. How I long to find you! At last I shall be fully satisfied; I will praise you with great joy." (Psalm 63:1,5) As Pope Benedict XVI puts it: "(We) must embrace the power of God "to let it break through the curse of our indifference, our spiritual weariness, our blind conformity to the spirit of this age."

by Mel Libre

Children of God

In 1965, the 4th centennial of the founding of the Catholic Church in the Philippines was observed. Cebu City was the centre of the celebration since it was there that explorer Miguel de Legazpi constructed a church in the place where the image of the Sto Nino (Holy Child) was found. It was circulated that Pope Paul VI would make a historic visit creating keen interest among people from all walks of life.

In the morning when the Holy Father (he sent a representative) was to hold the Papal Mass at the Reclamation Area, I, then 9 years old, climbed up the star apple tree that stood tall outside our house. From the top, I saw, from the distant, the surge of people around the chapel built specially for the occasion. With the rush of excitement within me, I went down from the tree and dashed to the site. It must have taken me 30 minutes to arrive at the venue filled with worshippers. Determined to reach the stage where the altar was, I wriggled my way through a sea of moving bodies. I was already near the foot of the stage when I realised that I could no longer breath and that I was about to be crashed under the weight of crowd.

Suddenly, a man pulled me out from my dire situation and raised me up. It was at a perfect moment for as I was above the crowd, a priest on stage handed to me a commemorative medal. When the man placed me down – so excited was I that I ran as fast as I could and reached home in less than 20 minutes. I showed everyone in the house of my prized possession – and told little of the near-death situation I experienced. The commemorative medal did not stay long with me though, for a visiting aunt exchanged it with his son’s hand-me-down polo shirt that I did not really like.

How does the Lord look at children? But when Jesus saw what was happening he was very much displeased with his disciples and said to them, "Let the children come to me, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as they. Don’t send them away." (Mark 10:14) Children have a special place in the heart of the Lord for they are innocent and totally dependent in Him. "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 18:10) When individuals mature, they shed off the child in them and adapt to the demands and expectations of the world. They tend to believe more about themselves and their abilities, oftentimes putting God at the sideline of their lives. By doing so, the mature easily succumb to temptation, sin and even spiritual emptiness amidst material abundance.

We must at all times keep the child in us alive in our hearts; see more the beauty of this world rather than the surrounding ugliness; feel more the love of brethren instead of the hatred espoused by the wayward. We must keep our faith in the Father who never forsakes His children. If we do so, we shall be handed each an eternal medal that cannot be taken away from us, that serves as badge of entry in the pearly Gates of Heaven.

by Mel Libre

On Parents and Children

This week Sydney, Australia will play host to the World Youth Day 08 that actually covers several days starting on July 15 until its culmination on July 20. Pope Benedict XVI will meet, bless and inspire the 225,000 delegates from Australia and from around the world. Up to 500,000 people are expected to attend the Final Mass at Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park. The German pontiff has followed the footsteps of his predecessor in appealing to the youth who shares equal responsibility in pursuing the mission of the pilgrim church.

The theme for the celebration is: 'You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.' (Acts 1:8). This passage occurs after the death and resurrection of Jesus, just before his ascension to the Father, representing the birth of the Church.

While the Holy Father tells the youth of the sacrifices and the rewards that await the faithful workers of the Lord, it remains a challenge among many parents to keep their children along the Shepherd’s path. There is a tendency among parents to be overly concerned about what their sons or daughters are engaged in at any moment. It is not because parents distrust their children, rather they want to protect them from the hostile environment outside the home that the latter are exposed to. It is a difficult balancing act for parents to be firm on one side and accommodating at the other end.

Dependent on their parents in their childhood, the youth soon discover their talents and potentials and at the same time experience pressure from peers and of pop culture. When parents look over their shoulders, the youth, in some instances, take this as an affront to their independence and maturity. "Why can’t they just leave me alone for I know what I’m doing?" is the typical question that registers in the mind of the young.

Most parents anchor their relationship with their children on Proverbs 22:6: "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." It is said: "The father (and mother as well) of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him." (Proverbs 23:24-25) On part of the youth, the Bible tells: "Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth." (Ecclesiastes 11:9) But they are admonished: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord [as His representatives], for this is just and right." (Ephesians 6:1)

Parents cannot live the lives of their children, they can only guide them. Children should not be deaf to their parents’ words. As the young should be allowed to spread their wings to find their place under the sun and in His garden, they must do so heeding always the words of wisdom and love of their parents and elders.

As Pope Benedict XVI warms the hearts of the youth in Sydney, let us be one in our prayer for parents and their children to fill their homes with peace, love and hope that are meant to overflow to their community, to their nation and to the world.

by Mel Libre

Measuring Happiness

The United States Government-funded World Values Survey that involved 350,000 respondents ranked 97 countries from the happiest to the least happy. Denmark topped the 2008 list followed by Puerto Rico, Colombia, Iceland, North Ireland, Ireland, Switzerland, Netherlands, Canada and Austria. The United States is no. 16 next to New Zealand (ranked no. 15). The Philippines is no 38, while Zimbabwe is expectedly last, with four others slightly happier than the latter - Armenia, Moldova, Belarus and Ukraine - all former republics of the Soviet Union.
What is in Denmark that made it to the top? (Another survey by Leicester University researchers likewise proclaimed the Scandinavian nation the happiest in the world.) The study director, Ronald Inglehart of the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, points to its prosperity, democracy, social equality and peaceful atmosphere. In its editorial, New Zealand Herald, opined that New Zealand has most of what Denmark has, but the difference "lie in the Danes' more modest expectations of life, allied to their willingness to acknowledge what they have and cherish it. They expect less and, therefore, are apt to appreciate what they have." That the United States did not rank even among the top 10 may have surprised many people, as the US has always been the preferred destination for migrants it being the richest nation in the world. The reason could be because the flip side of expectation of increased earning capacity and modern lifestyle is the social pressure on individuals to attain economic success.

When people commune together, there must develop a common vision and shared values. "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." (Proverbs 29:18) The co-operative work of everyone and the accomplishment of required tasks can bring about communal happiness. "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:16) While citizens of most civilised nations declare their aspirations in a written constitution, conflict would arise when individuals put their own goals first. The resultant effect: adverse interests pulling down the objective for the common good. Instead of unity, there is division; instead of solidarity, there are factions; and instead of success attained, assured failure. Where division, factionalism and failure prevail, it is certain there is gloom and unhappiness.

Jesus Christ came purposely to save Mankind. "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:31) He brings all peoples of the world to honour and love God."And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself." (Luke 10:27) He showed us the Way to lead us towards our Heavenly Father. ‘Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’ (John 14:6) Like the early Christians, we are to work together in pursuit of His cause of evangelisation and salvation. "And more than that, he has been appointed by the churches to travel as our companion in regard to this bountiful contribution which we are administering for the glory of the Lord Himself and [to show] our eager readiness [as Christians to help one another]." (2 Corinthians 8:19)

A high measure of happiness of a nation lies in the heart of each citizen in harmonious communion with others. St Peter pointed out on how man can experience God’s Kingdom here on earth: "Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." (1 Peter 2:17)

by Mel Libre

The Human Spirit

In times of adversity, the human spirit comes to rise. The human spirit has ingredients such as courage, selflessness and faith that turn ordinary people into martyrs and saints.

One of those individuals who rose to the occasion was German Lee. He served as judge in the Regional Trial Court in Cebu, Philippines and later promoted as justice of the anti graft court Sandiganbayan. Justice Lee was a wealthy man who dedicated his life in service of the public as a member of the Bar and later the Bench. He wrote books and taught in the university. A few legal practitioners thought he was strict, but most knew him to be upright and fair. But it was not in the courts of law that brought the best in German Lee, rather it was in the ocean that he loved. So much was his passion for the sea that he became a reserve officer of the Philippine Navy.

To join his family in Cebu in time for the holidays, Justice Lee departed Manila in a passenger vessel during rough weather. The ship figured in major disaster causing commotion among passengers wanting to save their lives. Amidst the pandemonium, Justice Lee calmed people down and helped in making orderly the disembarkation of frantic passengers. He was among the last to leave the vessel as it submerged into the sea. It took days before Justice Lee was located. Those who found him were amazed: floating with a life vest safely tied around him, Justice Lee had died with hands clasped together praying to the Heavenly Father.

Courage is inner strength developed in the core of a person through strong beliefs, positive values and conscious experiences. It becomes the armour that shields the individual from the attacks of the enemy. "Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6) Selflessness is putting first the interest of others for the greater good, for the glory of God. "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." (Philippians 2:4) Faith is the total surrender of one’s life to the omnipresent God who rewards believers with eternal joy. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

While the human body succumbs to age and weariness, the human spirit nourished with courage, selflessness and faith can rise above the lure of the world, unafraid even in the face of death. After all, death is the beginning of endless bliss in the community of martyrs and saints, in the company of angels, in the presence of God. "Be loyally faithful unto death [even if you must die for it], and I will give you the crown of life." (Revelation 2:10)

by Mel Libre

Homeland in Heaven

During the celebration of Philippine Independence Day among Filipinos in Auckland, TawagAwit singers gave a premier performance of the anthem I wrote for Tahanang Pilipino Aotearoa Trust, a charitable organisation focused on building a Filipino Community Centre in New Zealand.

The lyrics of "Tahanang Pilipino" read:

Marami tayo’ng mga Pilpino/Nagpunta sa ibang bansa/At sa sipag at tiyaga/Umunlad ang ating buhay/Ngunit hanap-hanap pa rin natin/Ang lupang sinilangan/Kapamilya’t kaibigan//Chorus: Dito sa Tahanang Pilipino/Magkaisa tayo/Dito sa Tahanang Pilipino/Saya at samahan/Para nä ring umuwi sa ating iisang bayan –Ang Pilipinas

Daghan kitang mga Pilipino/Minglawig sa laing nasud/Og sa kugi og hagu/Minglambo ang kinabuhi/Apan gihandum-handum gihapon/Ang yutang natawhan/Banay og kahigalaan//Chorus: Nganhi sa Tahanang Pilipino/Magkahiusa tä/Nganhi sa Tahanang Pilipino/Lingaw og hudyaka/Mora sa’g miuli sa atong pinalangga – Ang Pilipinas

There are many of us Filipinos/Who have left our native land/Through hardwork and patience/We achieved our dream of abundance/But we keep on, keep on longing/For the land of our birth/Of family and friends//Chorus: Here in the Tahanang Pilipino/We are family/Here in the Tahanang Pilipino/What joy, what company/It’s like being back home to our beloved country – The Philippines.

Of whatever nationality, a migrant while leaving the country of origin can never take the country out of the heart. The roots of the migrant are buried deep in the ground of the homeland and by residing abroad, he/she is merely extending his/her branches where his/her shade is needed. Jesus Christ who is of Heaven extended Himself here on earth to save Mankind. "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) Though Satan tempted Him of the pleasures of the world, Christ remained true to His godly state of perfection. "And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:11)

As a migrant’s life is founded in the land of birth, every one of us must remain with the Sower: God the Father who gave us life. "As surely as my new heavens and earth will remain, so will you always be my people, with a name that will never disappear,"says the Lord. (Isaiah 66:22) From Him we came, to Him we ought to return. As long as we remain true to the Lord, He will welcome us back to our homeland in heaven. "But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." (Hebrews 11:16)

by Mel Libre