I Feel Your Pain

I know pain. When I had a quadruple by-pass open surgery, I had one of the most painful injections in my life for the general anaesthesia. But nobody could beat the one I experienced when a five inch syringe penetrated by flesh to pump out a near-bucketful of blood that strayed to my lungs weeks after the heart surgery.

For the past two weeks, I’ve agonized of pain that has left my entire right arm sore as a result of carrying heavy court files at work.  When I went to the doctor I was told that it would heal in time, and simply recommended intake of paracetamol that provides little relief.

When I went to a therapist, she said that I needed to come back one week later for a session. What a long painful week. It reminded of a line from Job: “The night racks my bones, and the pain that gnaws me takes no rest.” (Job 30:17)

I asked for God’s healing power as I attended the Sunday Mass, and the priest answered me with a story about a lady he knew who was referred as a “friend of God” as she spent most of her time helping in the church chores and people in need. She underwent a knee surgery, and everyone prayed for her healing. But she was not cured, and continues to suffer much physical pain.

The woman asked the priest to explain why she was tormented. The clergy responded, “I cannot give you an answer. Go ask God.”  After praying in church, she came back and told the priest: “God responded to my question.” Surprised, the priest asked, “He did. What did He say?” Replied the woman: “As He hung on the cross, with hands nailed to it, He told me, “I know and I feel your pain. I am in such great pain. “”. She added, “Who am I to complain?”

It was in carrying the sins of the world that Jesus freed us from Satan’s spell. It is in doing good work that suffering and pain can be subdued, if not eliminated. “Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Peter 4:19)

For one in pain, becoming selfless will allow the Spirit of God to take charge. “Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.” (Proverbs 20:30) But more importantly, be confident of what is to come. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”  (Romans 8:18)

Good Deed

FR. MARIO DORADO is a survivor. He went through a scary cancer episode last year but his strong faith overcame the disease. In a mass he officiated, he told the organizers that they need not any more pray for his healing and instead say thanks for he is totally healed.

In the Eucharistic celebration last Sunday, he told of a different danger he underwent as a missionary in Papua New Guinea. He said that during that time, tribal wars were common and there were times when one tribe would raid a rival community.

To ensure that their enemies won’t be able to retaliate, they would cut the arms and legs of the males so that they will be totally incapacitated.

In one of such raids, the village where he was assigned in the aftermath found a life-size image of Jesus with both arms and legs cut.

The villagers were shocked, and many offered to restore the image to its original state. Fr Mario told them instead to keep the image in its damaged state.

He explained that, as Christ no longer lives amongst us, He is like one who is without legs and without arms.

Those who believe in Him, we who are Christians, are the legs, and the arms, and the lips and the ears of Christ. We are the ones who do the work that He did when He once walked on this earth. Truly we are all His disciples.

In the aftermath Typhoon Yolanda, one of the worst disasters to hit the Philippines and which has caused more than 5,000 deaths and left millions homeless or with damaged abodes, we can see the goodness of people. We have become channels of help, of hope and of healing.

While there may be those who do not care or take advantage of the misery of people, they are so few compared to the multitude that come forward to donate their resources, their time and their efforts.

The good thing about doing a good deed is that it is contagious. We can see this around us, so much help not just from within the community but from abroad as well.

Like last Monday, when we were trying to persuade a group of people to support GigAlive-Thank You New Zealand. We came across Fr. Mario and without hesitation he asked and paid for 60 tickets that he said he would distribute among his friends and parishioners.

I was moved by his gesture. A few days later, an individual who witnessed Fr. Mario’s generosity paid for 100 tickets that she intended to distribute to friends.

It is rather sad that at times it is the wicked and the wrongdoers who get attention, while the good and the kind are left unnoticed. As Earth Wind and Fire would sing, “That’s the way of the world.”

But that shouldn’t deter us from continuing to help those in need, especially during desperate times. Not only does it feel good inside, but it also makes the world better outside.

Let Us Rise Up

It has been difficult to write as a result of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) that brought deaths and destruction in the Philippines. Yet I sat one afternoon, and the words simply came out for the song called "Let us Rise Up". This is for all the victims, those helping them, and for all Filipinos.

The sky darkened

The wind gained strength

Beware of the danger

That lurks ahead

The typhoon surged

Left many a-homeless

We grieve for the dead

What lies ahead?

Refrain

Let us rise up

From the wrath of destruction

We will not succumb

To hopelessness and despair

Let us rise up

Let us hold on together

We shall be free

From the hurt and suffering

We see you marching

Help’s on the way

We may be bruised

But we remain hopeful

We are all brothers

We are all sisters

We need each other

To conquer fear

(Repeat Refrain)

…We shall be free

Celebrating Life

ON THE eve of my 57th birthday, my wife and I visited a family friend who had undergone the first phase of surgery to remove a cancerous cell in his liver.  Bro G is an active member of the Couples for Christ, and together with his wife, they coordinate the activities of the youth in their assigned area.

When we arrived, he was resting on his bed, having undergone a three-hour operation. He must have heard our voices that he woke up, and clearly he looked weak and uneasy. He said he had not eaten for nearly 20 hours, and that he felt both thirsty and hungry. Good enough that his ration was delivered and his wife gave him water to drink.

The space allowed only two people at a time, but visitors started to arrive, and the number swelled to nine. Bro G then told us how the cancer was discovered a few weeks earlier: “I went for a routine checkup and just to make the nurse more attentive, I told him that I felt pain in my stomach, though I was just making it up.” 

A few days later he was asked to return to the hospital for more examinations. He thought that was the end of it, when a third request was made for him to visit the doctor. He told the doctor that he was tired of going back, and asked if there was any reason to be worried.

It was then that the doctor told him that they had discovered an advance stage of cancer in his liver, with an addendum that there was nothing more than they could do, not even surgery. From that moment on, he started to feel sick.

I queried if he asked the question, “Why me, God?” He replied, “No, I remain hopeful that He will heal me.” He then narrated of how at one time, he noticed an unusually ultra-white dove flying right in front him as he was driving the car. He claimed it was the Holy Spirit who heard his plea, for the doctor had changed his assessment by having an operation to remove the cancerous cell. Prior to his surgery, he got to know the doctor and the nurses who attended to him, and observed that all of them had names of saints.

When we left the room, Bro G was lighthearted and never showed sadness about his situation. He thanked us for the visit, and looked forward to seeing us again. We could only respond with a promise that we would pray for him. We then realized that the image of the Sto. Niño had settled in our home for our assigned nine-day novena, and it must be for the reason of healing Bro G that the Holy Child has made the visit in our home.

The next day, Nov. 6, I marked by birthday. It was work as usual, and later in the evening, my family treated me to dinner in a Japanese restaurant. What made it special was that everyone was accounted for: my wife Debbie, my three children Kim (with wife Krizia), Jam (with husband Rey) and Me-el. And to complete the picture, my two grandchildren–Jeydi and Emjey. 

In response to greetings from friends on FB, I wrote: “One is never too old at 57 when you feel the love of your family... You are my greatest gifts.” Thank you, Lord for the good health. Thank you, God for life.

Seeing a Ghost

As we pray for our dear departed, we acknowledge the existence of God and life hereafter. So it is silly to ask the question, “Do you believe in ghosts?”

People of faith take the words of the Holy Bible as Truth, and we know that we transcend from our earthly life to either the eternal company of God or in the burning flames of Hell.

Ghosts do exist, but many people, luckily, do not encounter them. There are some who do – and I can say that I belong to that exception.

In 1998, my family and I were invited by a friend to spend our vacation in their palatial home in Dumaguete City. We then went dolphin watching in Bais City, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

After dinner, we were ushered into two rooms located at the second floor of the house.

Since our three little children were with us, my wife slept with two of them in the inner room while the youngest stayed with me in the adjacent room with a window.

All dead tired from the trip, we easily fell asleep. It must have been about 12 midnight when I thought I was dreaming: I saw a woman in white standing at the foot of the bed where I was lying.

I opened my eyes, and shook my head. I realized that I was awake and that there was a ghost in the room. I called my wife, but she remained sleeping.

I closed my eyes and prayed the “Our Father.” When I opened my eyes again, the ghost

was no longer there.

Immediately, I stood up carrying our youngest son with me, and slept with my entire family on the bed in the other room. In the morning, I told my wife about it, but not our host, afraid that I might be laughed at.

About two years later, while attending to a case in Dumaguete, I had a chance meeting with my friend. He invited me for lunch, so I joined him in his home. He said that he usually took a short afternoon nap, and as the boat back to Cebu was yet to leave in the evening, he convinced me to take a rest as well.

He then ushered me to the same room where I encountered the ghost. This time though, I narrated my experience with my host. He then responded that while he had not seen a ghost, he was told by their house help about seeing a woman in white in the room while she was cleaning it.

The house help then pointed to a woman in a family portrait, who was a departed aunt of my friend and who used to live in the house. She was buried in the family cemetery a few meters from the house.

Knowing that, I then offered a prayer for her.

There had been other times that I had felt the presence of a ghost, but that experience in Dumaguete was the most vivid encounter.

Girl Power

MOVE over Miley, Selena, Lady Gaga; you’ve all been misbehaving and don’t deserve to be role models to girls. There are three teenagers who are worth emulating, and they’re just 16 years old. They are Malala, Lorde and Lydia.

Though she didn’t win the Nobel Peace Prize, Malala Yousafzai was nominated for her courage as an advocate for girls’ education in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Instead of playing Candy Crush or similar addictive games, she used the internet to espouse her views through a blog starting at the age of 11.

She earned the ire of the Taliban as she started to gain headway in her campaign. On Oct. 9, 2012, she was shot in the head and neck while returning home on a school bus.

She survived.

Instead of keeping a low profile, she went on to become an international celebrity, and her courage and articulateness have left so many people impressed, including Daily Show host John Stewart who stuttered at her presence. When she spoke at the United Nations, diplomats and the world listened.

“The terrorists thought that they would change our aims and stop our ambitions but nothing changed in my life except this: Weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born,” she said.

Lorde is a New Zealander who knocked the songs of Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus from the top of the American pop chart with the highly infectious, “Royals.” The 16-year old, who remains a student in Takapuna Grammar School (North Shore Auckland), has made the rounds in top US TV shows and sold out concerts in Australia.

She started writing songs when she was 13 because, as she said: “I've always been a huge reader. My mum's a poet and we've always had so many books, and that's always been a big thing for me, arguably more so than music."

Ella Maria Lani Yelich-O’Connor is no dummy, as she speaks out her mind (in Twitter as well as in interviews). Already, there are those who have analyzed the verses of “Royals,” some call it “racist,” while others say it is about the plasticity of fame.

Then there is Lydia Ko, a 16-year old student at Pinehurst School also in North Shore Auckland, who is the top-ranked woman amateur player and no. 4 ranked woman golfer in the world. The New Zealander is the youngest person to win two LPGA Tour events.

On Oct. 24, 2013, she announced on social media (not in a press conference) that she is turning professional. (As an amateur, she could not claim the cash prizes in the tournaments she’d won).

Finally, girl power comes with new meaning and respect. With Malala, Lorde and Lydia, it’s about courage, it’s about creativity, it’s about excellence.

Not twerking, Miley.

Evil Lurks

 Even in the safest places, evil lurks. New Zealand prides itself as one of the most peaceful and safest countries in the world, and I can attest to that. But you can never be complacent for Satan’s minions will strike without notice.

On Sunday October 13, 2013 at about 8 pm, my son Kim entered the compound and parked his car in the garage of the unit he shares with his wife Krizia in Hamilton.   When my wife, Debbie, went out fifteen minutes later to get her cellphone and laptop, she had the shock of her life:  the car was no longer there. Yes, carnapping can happen in peaceful and safe New Zealand. Satan is at work in Godzone.

In places of worship, the devil is busy as well. Haven’t you noticed signs placed in churches reminding churchgoers to watch over their personal belongings? There have been many incidents of thievery occurring as the Holy Mass is celebrated.

No one is safe, not even the first Pope. “Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns."” (Matthew 16:23)  One writer explained, “But it seems rather to mean the devil, who took the advantage of Peter's weakness and ignorance; and put him upon dissuading Christ from suffering, for the salvation of his people”.

So let us be always on guard. To fend off Satan, say the perfect prayer that summarizes all that is written in the Gospel: Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Custom-made Life

The restaurant is buzzing with people; as clients pass through the cashier swiping their cards. Suddenly, everything comes to a halt, as one customer takes cash out of his wallet to pay for his order.  Everyone looks at the cash-paying individual like he had done something wrong. Things go back to normal when he moves on and the succeeding clients swipe their cards.  If the episode seems familiar, it comes from an advertisement of a credit card company.

In this age of plastic money, mass-production and fast food, there is a notion that we need to follow the template of modern living if we are to succeed. You are a fish out of the water if you don’t conform. Modern living, though, means attachment to worldly things.

Christians are expected to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Son of God lived among men to bring the Good News from God the Father and died to give us salvation. The Holy Spirit remains in the world so we can be guided in our ways and be protected against the snare of Satan.

But God does not want us to live a drag-of-a-life. He made each one of us unique, to make our impact in the world through the talents He endowed on us. While He set the rules for us to live a holy life, He intends us to make decisions to fulfill our custom-made life.

Life is much like a canvass. When we are born the canvass is empty. For thereon we fill the canvass with living colors. But we must not go beyond the canvass where there is Satan’s emptiness and worthlessness.  God wants us to make a beautiful masterpiece of our lives which we can present to Him after we transcend from this world.

God wants us to make good decisions with the gifts given unto us. He does not want us to simply conform to what modern society expects, rather He wants us make a difference by revealing Him in our deeds. For those who fall into the pit of materialism and for those who misuse talents, Satan can lay claim to their souls for eternity. “For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.  And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:29-30)

Welcome Home

It was one of the most heartbreaking stories for New Zealanders: its sailing Team Emirates New Zealand failed to win the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco, USA after leading 8-1 against Team Oracle USA. After the miraculous escape of a near capsize, TENZ lost 8 consecutive matches against  the American team that played second fiddle in the earlier races.

While the US sailing team was financed by Larry Ellison, one of the richest men in the world, TENZ had funded its campaign from sponsors, benefactors and the government. It was primary a battle between David and Goliath. Only this time, David (TENZ) lost.

Ellison is getting the flak of criticisms for cheating and unfairness, and you can’t blame the media and critics for such, as in the previous Cup competition his team was found guilty of cheating, and he does not deny having placed modern equipment that overrode human error in operating his US$10-million-plus catamaran.

While the NZ team failed to bring back the Auld Mug, its members showed passion in their training, commitment to excellence and courage under pressure, as they took on the best sailors in the world. It wasn’t about personal glory for they dedicated each race to their nation, to their fellow Kiwis. Because of these their names will forever be etched in the annals in the history of the sports and the nation. “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (1 Corinthians 9:25)

One lesson we learned from skipper Dean Barker and company was in their being true athletes, taking the competition one race at a time, and observing the rules. So while the Cup remains with Larry Ellison, who can never be called an athlete, but certainly a businessman. “Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5)

While they never said it, it is without question that the NZ sailors were guided by this passage: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”  (Philippians 2:3) The qualities (like professional demeanor and humility) they demonstrated throughout the competition made them giants among men.

We are proud of you boys. Welcome home.

Someone Looking Down on Us

For another half a degree, the $10 million worth sleek NZL05 boat of Team New Zealand would have tipped over and capsized during race 8 on September 15, 2013 in the finals races of the 34^th America’s Cup.  Not only would the boat be damaged and most possibly sink, some of the sailors would have fell into the waters and suffered injuries, if not worst.

One news article described it rather more dramatically: “Left to the mercy of the laws of physics, the boat heeled at a dramatic angle, hanging there for what seemed like minutes before slowly righting itself.”

After the race which Team New Zealand lost to Oracle Team USA, TNZ skipper Dean Barker was asked to comment on what could have ended his team’s $120 million campaign.  He said, “I think we were close as we possibly could have got without the boat going on its side…We must have had someone looking down on us.”

Barker and his team have worked hard for the past three years to find themselves in the finals against the well-financed defender Oracle Team USA. The latter team, having won the previous contest, set the rules that nearly made it difficult for any team to compete especially with the new design. TNZ had to convince the New Zealand Government to support it with $36 million people’s money, and source the balance from sponsors and other benefactors.

All the sacrifices would have gone to naught for one mistake, yet there was “someone looking down on us.”  From that near-disaster, TNZ has taken Oracle Team USA to some of the finest ever sailing races in the history of America’s Cup.

As I am writing this on September 19, TNZ is just one win away from raising high the “Auld Mug”, the oldest active trophy in international sport. TNZ deserves to win against a team that won the 33^rd America’s Cup by cheating. (Oracle Team USA started the race with -2 score).

Praise you Dean Barker for acknowledging God. And when TNZ wins, as it certainly will, let us give “thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

When Will We Ever Learn

If we are to believe US intelligence reports, the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad ordered chemical weapons attack in Damascus that killed 1,429 people including more than 400 children.

Chemical weapons have long been banned in warfare; and if indeed Assad ordered its use against his own people, he will face charges of crimes against humanity, and will join the inglorious company of Adolf Hitler (who used chemicals to kill Jews in concentration camps) and Saddam Hussein (who used chemical weapons against Iranian forces and Kurdish villagers).

On 24 July 2013, the United Nations put out an estimate of over 100,000 that had died in the civil war.  Also, the conflict has resulted in 1.8 million Syrians becoming refugees in Iraq, Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon, with 4 million others displaced within its borders.

When will we ever learn? We have yet to experience a totally peaceful world, as conflicts arise in different countries year in, year out. One despot disappears, another one emerges.  It is cyclical, and who suffers but civilians including the innocent children.

On September 7 Pope Francis fasted and prayed for Syria together with hundreds of thousands of Christians across the globe. He asked, “How many conflicts, how many wars have mocked our history?” He answered his question, “Even today we raise our hand against our brother…We have perfected our weapons, our conscience has fallen asleep, and we have sharpened our ideas to justify ourselves as if it were normal we continue to sow destruction, pain, death. Violence and war lead only to death.”

He continued, “Can we get out of this spiral of sorrow and death? Can we learn once again to walk and live in the ways of peace? Invoking the help of God under the maternal gaze of the Salus Populi Romani, the Queen of Peace, I say yes it is possible for everyone. From every corner of the world tonight, I would like to hear us cry out: Yes, it is possible for everyone!” 

Let us continue to fast, continue to pray for peace in Syria. Let us ask God to fill the minds of the leaders of the warring parties, and those who have the influence, with wisdom; and their hearts with love.

I Love You Dad

I am most fortunate to have thoughtful children – Kim, Jam and Me-el. On the eve of Father’s Day celebration (September 1 in New Zealand), they came with their young families (except Me-el who is single) sharing food, giving gifts and viewing together the musical, “Goddess”. Each year, they find time to gather for this occasion.  To my children, I am most grateful.

But this piece is not about me; it’s about my Dad, Angel Libre Jr. My dad was a strict disciplinarian, and when I was a kid I had my share of spanking for mischief.  I thought I had one over him, by putting cardboard to cover my buttocks, but he knew better, that I couldn’t escape punishment.  I did not really like my father during those days, and sought refuge with my mother, Milagros

When I became a young adult; I saw a different picture of my dad. He was involved in opposing the Marcos dictatorial regime, as an opinion writer and was active in the protest movement. Those were dangerous times, but that did not deter him in fighting for the cause.  He must have really ruffled the dictatorship as a warrant of arrest was issued against him. Knowing the kind of justice dispensed by the regime, he opted to live a life of a fugitive, until freedom was restored when Corazon Aquino became president.  My dad was given executive clemency, and returned to live a normal life, happy that in a way he had contributed to the democracy regained by the Filipino people.

We often had family gatherings, and I guess, those were the best days of my parents’ lives, seeing their children as professionals and raising their own families.  Then in 1999, my mother died followed by our eldest brother, Angel III in 2001.  These two tragedies took a toll in my Dad’s health, and in 2003, he was diagnosed with cancer of the lungs.

From the robust man I always knew, my Dad became frail and the pain that he underwent could not be hidden.  In one occasion that I visited him, he called me to his room. He asked me about my health, as he learned that I had undergone a stress test that showed four blocked arteries in my heart.  What he said at that time is forever etched in my heart: “Son, I will die soon. I have money for my medication; but I believe you need this more than I do. I am giving you this to help you defray the cost of the operation. Live a full life.” 

The last time I saw him, we had dinner at home, and when he needed to stand up, he refused the help from anyone.  Sadly, I was not even in his bedside when he died.  (He told my wife that he’d wait for me to return, but I was one day late.)

I owe my life to my father, having been born into this world. I owe my life to my father, who inspired me to become a writer and to do my share in the betterment of society. I owe my life to my father, having obtained his financial support in my successful heart bypass surgery.

I could not say thank you to him before he died. Through this piece, I would like to tell the world of my gratitude to my father.  I love you, Dad. Thank you.

God Told Me

Very few people go through a mystical experience. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who lives in seclusion, told one visitor that when he resigned on February 11, he did so because “God told me.”

 The news agency Zenit reported that “(t)he 86-year-old pope emeritus said he had not witnessed a vision of God but had undergone a months-long "mystical experience" during which God gave him the "absolute desire" to forge a deeper relationship with him. Benedict also said that the more he witnessed the "charisma" of his extremely popular successor, Pope Francis, the more he understood how his stepping aside was the ‘will of God.’”

St Paul had a mystical experience, but one which was “wholly exceptional and unique” – the Lord’s body which was in heaven returned to the earth so as to elect Paul as the special vessel of his grace.”

According to one author “true mysticism is not focused on "experiences" (which come and go) but with the lasting experience of God, leading to the transformation of the believer into union with God...Jesus proclaimed "I and the Father are one," (Jn. 10.30) showing the world what the union of God and man can be. Christian mysticism is about nothing else but this transforming union.”

Benedict XVI, who resides in a monastery inside the Vatican walls, no longer makes public appearances and rarely meets visitors.

In this internet age when people long for connectivity with the rest of the world, Benedict has instead opted for connectivity with God. So blessed is he, as God has given him that mystical link.

Pray for us Benedict; pray that this troubled world will find its way back to the Lord.

Mickey and Prince

For two weeks, my family hosted two Chinese high school students who attended a short course in English language in Baradene College in Auckland. They adopted English names to make it easy for us, the lanky Mickey (Li Bingzheng) and the wimpy-ish Prince (Wang Yihan).

While Prince spent most of his time playing computer games after school, Mickey socialized with us, speaking as much English as he was able, helping out in some house chores and, even, cooking  home-made noodles.

I learned from Mickey that he did not believe in God and thought that people who went to temples were there only to seek favors.  While this could have been an opportunity to evangelize, I kept my desire on leash, afraid that we might alienate them.  But always before we took our meals together, I asked them if it was alright if we prayed, and they obliged.  At no instance did we argue with them about their non-belief; for it is not for us to judge. “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.  And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” (John 12:46)

On Sunday, we told them that we were going to church to attend the mass. It came as a total surprise to us, as Mickey said that he’d like to join us.  He was observant of the Eucharistic celebration, and I asked him if he knew the name of the person on the cross in the altar. He said, “Jesus”. It was fortunate, too, that two pilgrims from the World Youth Day 2013 narrated their experiences.

But I guess one of the most amazing things we experienced during those two weeks was composing on August 13 an original song, “I Say Hello”, that I initially wrote English lyrics. I asked Mickey if he could write a Chinese translation, and he did so in about two hours. Inspired by his enthusiasm, I was able to create a melody in less than 30 minutes. We then made a rough recording of the English/Chinese song.

When they left in the early morning of August 17, Mickey handed to me a handwritten letter. One line read: “I feel I had fallen in love with your family and New Zealand.”

Those words were worth enough to warm our hearts.  As they left, I prayed that they had seen the light of Jesus through our praying, our caring and our friendship. Farewell and God bless you, Mickey and Prince.

Youth Story

At the tail end of the mass I attended on August 13, 2013, the priest called on two delegates of the World Youth Day to share briefly their experiences in Brazil.

The first speaker narrated her story about wanting to have a closer glimpse of Pope Francis in any of his appearances. It was during the first mass celebrated by the Pontiff that she and a companion crossed through more than 300,000 people to reach the security fence that separated the congregation from the stage. By 11:30 am they made it to the fourth row from the fence. 

With the mass scheduled at 6:00 pm, she wondered if she could survive more than 6 hours in the ocean of people. By 11:45 am, she felt dizzy and was on the verge of fainting. She raised her hands, asking for help. Security personnel on the other side of the fence noticed her, pulled her out and brought her to the backstage. She noticed that all the people there had official badges, while she had none. She stayed put, saying that if nobody would call her attention to leave, then it was God’s will for her to be there.

Hours passed until the Pope arrived and said Mass. There she was just a few meters away from the Holy Father, listening to his message for the youth and experiencing the holiness that radiated from his person. As she narrated this to us her voice broke, as she held her tears from falling. So did many of us listeners.

I am certain that her story was just one among the many inspiring ones from youth pilgrims from all over the world who came to see the People’s Pope during WYD 2013.   This young woman had taken action on the call of Pope Francis, who said, "Sharing the experience of faith, bearing witness to the faith, proclaiming the Gospel: this is a command that the Lord entrusts to the whole church and that includes you." She had become a Missionary without Borders, a term which the Pontiff used when he asked, "Where does Jesus send us? There are no borders, no limits: He sends us to everyone."

The young woman had heeded Pope Francis’ words: "As you return to your homes, do not be afraid to be generous with Christ, to bear witness to his Gospel. It can change the world.” That call is also meant for each one of us.

Running Last

"Sir, will you please run with me?", asked 9-year old Boden Fuchs as Lance Corporal Myles Kerr was about to pass him by during the Jeff Drenth Memorial 5K footrace in Charlevoix, Michigan on August 3, 2013.  The marine, in fatigue uniform and carrying a backpack, obliged and both competitors finished last in their respective divisions.

Winning the race is a natural instinct of man.  “The winner takes it all” is a slogan that teaches that runners up don’t count -- more so losers.   To sacrifice personal glory to help others is a difficult decision for many; and it fascinates us to see people like Lance Corporal Kerr do it.

Jesus shared the parable of the Good Samaritan to drive the point that opportunities happen before our very eyes that require us to be involved. The Samaritan could have simply done what the other passersby did, ignore and move on. But he treated and bandaged the helpless man, took him on his donkey, and had him cared for at his expense.

Such is the challenge we face every day as we race for work, for school, for errands, etc.  There may be people who may be hurt, in pain or helpless.  Often we are too focused on our goal of finishing first what we aim to do, that we fail to see the needy along the way.

If we thought that Corporal Kerr did something heart warming, here is what the Lord has to say to us, “Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”” (Luke 10:37)

Happy Wedding

How time moves so fast. When I started writing an opinion column for Sun*Star Cebu from way back my children were still in elementary school. On July 27, 2013, my eldest son Kim got married to Krizia Ledesma of Iloilo City.

Kim and Krizia didn’t know each other a year ago. But when they met during a concert in Auckland in November 2012, they knew they were meant for each other. I could remember myself when Kim courted Krizia: weather, distance and time were no deterrent to visiting.

For the past few weeks, we were busy preparing for the wedding, as we didn’t hire any wedding planner, just family and friends helping out to make a momentous event happen for Kim and Krizia. It was hard work, but for us it gave more meaning to the solemn church ceremony and the festive reception that followed.

As parents, my wife, Debbie and I were tasked to deliver a speech, and we’d like to share the message we gave:

“We are filled with joy that you have committed to love each other with God’s grace, and welcome you to the next important stage in your lives, as a married couple.

“We have prayed for Kim to meet his one true love. We have journeyed with him in heart aches and frustrations. And we cherished the moments when he first met Krizia during the Rivermaya concert and their getting to know each other.

“The road that led towards this day wasn’t a total bed of roses; there were difficulties and struggles along the way, but as St. Paul wrote, ‘Love never fails.’

And love they found.

“Today is one of the best days for the rest of your life; enjoy this moment. Henceforth, you are no longer two but one. Let this unity of spirit propel you to becoming better individuals, wonderful parents and loving couple.

“There is no magic potion to assure a good marriage. But surely, if you put God as the corner stone of your marriage, nothing can go wrong. Pray together, go to church together, recite the rosary together, and attend marriage enrichment seminars together. It is God who nourishes the marriage.

“In closing, as you both worked hard to make this event successful, we know that you noticed that your entire family has been behind you every step of the way. For as we are with you now we will always be there for you as you raise a family together.

“We know that being such a beautiful couple, you will have beautiful children. We look forward to many of them.

“Happy wedding, mga anak (my children).”

Identity Thief

This blog has reached quite a number of people in different countries since we started.  I’d like to thank brethren of the top 10 places where this blog is viewed: United States, New Zealand, China, Philippines, United Kingdom, Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Canada and Australia. China as the third ranked is most surprising as I write in English and about the Christian faith. I ask everyone to pray for our Chinese brothers and sisters who are touched by our sharing of God’s Word.

Since last week though, the number of viewers came to an all-time low, and I wondered. Were my writings no longer inspired by the Holy Spirit as only so few cared to read? Further investigation revealed though that the site that I used for Blotfree had been bought by another entity when we failed to renew the contract on time. The name Blotfree is now being used to sell items, with no relation to God’s Word whatsoever. Sad, isn’t it?

I didn’t realize that somebody would find interest in taking away the site identity, but I was wrong. I may have to start from scratch to connect once more to regular viewers and potential readers.

It’s one of those risks that we encounter in pursuing our faith. There are always people who take the Word of God in their lips, yet twist these for their own personal benefit. Thus we are warned: "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)

We are never safe from the devil and his minions: “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.” (Acts 20:29)

Always we must be alert on the possible ambush that Satan pursues along the paths that we take, whether in the physical world or the worldwide web. We are in a spiritual war and each battle is important in every front.

Seeing in Others

“You look like a pig,” said the pig hunter, when he saw Buddha meditating at the roadside. When Buddha looked up, he saw this man riding on a horse.  Buddha responded, “You look like God”. The man was surprised at the response, and so he asked Buddha why he thought he looked like God. “Is it because I am riding on this beautiful horse?” he asked. “No” answered Buddha. “Is it because I am handsome?” he queried. “No,” said the holy man. “Is it because I have a sword and a spear?”  “No,” was the response. Finally, he asked, “Why?” Buddha softly said, “Because you are searching for a pig, you see people like pigs. I search for God and I see God in people, including you.”

It is the same with individuals who are obsessed with money; they look at people as opportunities to make money.  Worst is that as they look at themselves in the mirror, they see money instead of their own faces, their own selves.

Whoever comes first in your life is the life that becomes of you.   When Christ comes first in our lives, Christ lives in us and us in Him.  And if Christ is in us, then we verily we see Christ in our neighbors. "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you -- unless indeed you fail the test?" (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Intercession of Blessed John Paul II

A miracle has been confirmed by the Vatican paving the way for the canonization of Blessed John Paul II. Admirers of one of the longest serving Pontiffs of the Roman Catholic Church are elated about this announcement, more so the Costa Rican woman who was healed of brain aneurysm.

Floribeth Mora was told that she was doing to die, after doctors diagnosed her of aneurysm in 2011.  She sought the late pope’s intercession at the time when he was beatified, and for no apparent reason, she was totally healed.   She testified that while viewing the beatification of Pope John Paul II, she saw his photo in a magazine, and heard a voice saying, ‘Get up, don’t be afraid’. She stood up and felt better. When she had herself examined by the doctors, nobody could explain how the aneurysm disappeared.

For TawagAwit, the ministry that I founded, the announcement of the Vatican is such welcome news. Blessed John Paul II is our ministry’s patron, and our members have asked favors from him.  Two of the most significant were:  for the healing of our sister Elvie who was in advance stage of cancer and the victory of New Zealand’s All Blacks in the last Rugby World Cup.  In the latter we had 40-days prayer, and on Sundays said the rosary in Blessed John Paul II Mass Centre, Albany, Auckland. Our prayers were heard.

I have asked fellow members to continue seeking the intercession of Blessed John Paul II using the following words: O Blessed Trinity, we thank You for having graced the Church with Blessed John Paul II and for allowing the tenderness of Your Fatherly care, the glory of the Cross of Christ, and the splendor of the Spirit of love, to shine through him. Trusting fully in Your infinite mercy and in the maternal intercession of Mary, he has given us a living image of Jesus the Good Shepherd, and has shown us that holiness is the necessary measure of ordinary Christian life and is the way of achieving eternal communion with You. Grant us, by his intercession, and according to Your will, the graces we implore, hoping that he will soon be numbered among Your saints. Amen.

Blessed John Paul II unceasingly intercedes for us. Should you need healing or are in a difficult situation, recite heartily the prayer above.  Your prayer will be answered. Believe me.

In Accord

Every morning, I receive in my email a quotation under the title, “Wisdom of the East” from a fellow worker who is of Indian ancestry. I have found these enlightening, and in all instances, in harmony with Biblical principles.

For example on July 1, 2013 this is the quote from Paramananda: “If we have anything in our life that is not in accord with spiritual principles, no amount of sitting still and trying to meditate will bring us the blessing of contemplation.”

Jesus Christ during His ministry often exposed the hypocrisy of the Jewish priests: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” (Matthew 23:27) 

Christ must be saddened if He read the news today: “A Vatican official (Monsignor Nunzio Scarano) already under investigation in a purported money-laundering plot involving the Vatican bank was arrested in a separate operation. Prosecutors allege he tried to bring €20 million ($33.4 million) in cash into Italy from Switzerland aboard an Italian Government plane, his lawyer said.”

It was further reported that before the news broke out, Pope Francis named a commission of inquiry into the bank to get to the bottom of the problems that have plagued it for decades and contributed to damaging the Vatican's reputation in global financial circles.

The Pope is encountering a similar situation that Jesus had with Judas. “He (Judas) did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.” (John 12:6) 

We are told: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) How difficult it is to live up to the Word, for even holy men can succumbed to the expectations of the world.

We must strive to be humble, selfless and be happy with the grace that God bestows upon us. If we do that then what we do will be in accord with the spiritual principles meant to bring us to perfection: love.