A country with a long christmas celebration, the Philippines, is currently in the mood for the season. Everywhere, there are a host of ornaments symbolizing the christmas spirit. Christmas trees stand in homes, government and commercial establishments differing in sizes from a few inches to incredible tens to hundred feet tall. It is good to see this tradition as a way of promoting goodwill. There have also been a lot of Santa stuff that are visible everywhere in the form of posters, toys, and individuals dressed in Santa clothes. Amazingly, there are motorized or automated santa mannequins smiling, waving hands, or twisting their robust body at the delight of the kids. They are something to be acclaimned in effecting temporary relief especially in these times of grim life brought about by the current world economy. However, what comes to my mind is that it would be a lot better, and of course, more meaningful if people would promote the real symbol of Christmas, the Nativity Scene. People should have erected Nativity structures as big as the towering christmas trees, and as splendidly lighted in the night. They should also have put some creative touch to them to capture peoples' hearts. Supposedly, people should have been amazed at them more than they should be with the other symbols because it is through the scene that we see hope. It is depicted through the scene that we are made the most significant creation, uplifted in spirit and branded as true children of God. The scene tells us the best and fitting story about christmas.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
To Grow in Spirit
This morning, while I was saying my routine prayers a question suddenly popped on my mind. As if talking to God, I asked Him how much have I really grown through these years not just in spirit but in my relationship with Him. A thought came to mind as if He was answering my query. It didn't directly addressed my question but trod on what one should do if he is to grow spiritually with God. I was enlightened that by persevering in prayers asking for the spiritual grace, one can slowly attain growth. Prayers, as food for the soul, can be compared to the physical food we eat everyday to nourish our young body and attain physical growth as we get older.
Writing this post, I am reminded of our past senior college recollection when the priest explained to us that there are three kinds of food for the soul namely: Prayers, the Word and the Bread (communion during holy mass). I have then concluded that growing in God means putting all these in our life. It is like nourishing our body with the three essential food groups namely: protein, fat and carbohydrate. They are the basics but must be constantly taken for the rest of our life.
I have come to know that I needed to take these three essential food for my soul in order to grow further in relationship with God. With that, I have implied that I haven't gone far after all. Unlike physical growth, spiritual growth is a lifelong process and should be seen in the virtues that we develop all along and practice in every day living.
Friday, October 10, 2008
God in My Work
Four years ago, I had second thoughts when I finally decided to work in my first line of profession, Nursing. I always loved my second course, compsci., and dreamed it can give me the peace of mind I always wanted to have in my work. Unexpectedly, I ended up deciding to work in the former. I was hired, observed some amount of discipline and tried to cope with adjustment. It did work for some time but waned as days passed by. Eventually, I had to quit supposedly to invest my whole life in the field of technology. I was happy about my decision to take the risk. The weeks that followed then was a series of trials, confusion and finally bouts of depression. That investment was as frustrating as I could imagine.
Now, I'm back working, or rather, training as an ICU Nurse at one of the government hospitals in the city, VSMMC. So far, everything went well and I'm almost finished with the three-month training without a hitch. Wow! I couldn't almost believe I stayed that far. The past feelings of resistance has now been replaced with a fair amount of enthusiasm in this field of work.
When I first started, I doubted if I could ever finish the training because I was apprehensive about it. I could do no less but trust God. I had to be bold, I had to be witty, so I told myself . I did some sort of mental conditioning to arm myself with the challenge. However, the most effective tool was not in the conditioning but in the ability to focus on my daily tasks and offering every action I make to God. I look at my patients each day as brothers in need of my care and tender attention, I look at them as a reflection of Jesus in want of our affection. That way, I changed the way I had to deal with the challenges of this profession. It changed my atittude and the focus has changed from self to God ( through my patients ). I must admit, though, that thinking about self is still there but the bigger part is for God, this time. Undeniably, I feel a sense of fulfillment every time I get out of the hospital every day, thinking I had used eight (8) hours of my day dedicated for HIS glory. It's all about putting God first in my work.
Now, I'm back working, or rather, training as an ICU Nurse at one of the government hospitals in the city, VSMMC. So far, everything went well and I'm almost finished with the three-month training without a hitch. Wow! I couldn't almost believe I stayed that far. The past feelings of resistance has now been replaced with a fair amount of enthusiasm in this field of work.
When I first started, I doubted if I could ever finish the training because I was apprehensive about it. I could do no less but trust God. I had to be bold, I had to be witty, so I told myself . I did some sort of mental conditioning to arm myself with the challenge. However, the most effective tool was not in the conditioning but in the ability to focus on my daily tasks and offering every action I make to God. I look at my patients each day as brothers in need of my care and tender attention, I look at them as a reflection of Jesus in want of our affection. That way, I changed the way I had to deal with the challenges of this profession. It changed my atittude and the focus has changed from self to God ( through my patients ). I must admit, though, that thinking about self is still there but the bigger part is for God, this time. Undeniably, I feel a sense of fulfillment every time I get out of the hospital every day, thinking I had used eight (8) hours of my day dedicated for HIS glory. It's all about putting God first in my work.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Invoking Angels
For years, prayer has always been a big part of my life. I prayed to God directly. At times, I talked to Jesus, still at other times to Mary. Less often though, I also asked intercession from the saints. One day, however, a spiritual instinct simply prompted me to invoke help from the angels particularly my guardian angel. That was for the urgent need of assistance I needed at the moment. It worked wonderfully in my favor . Since then, I have learned to invoke them in my needs. It has occurred to me that as messenger and servants of God, they have the ability to make things happen according to His will. Calling them, I always intend to magnify God's greatness by saying that they do it for the glory of God the Father through Jesus Christ. For sure, they are very glad to grant the good purpose of my urgent petitions unselfishly in honor of the God.
I have written this post not as an opinion but as a testimonial to this reality, that people may know that there is another spiritual resource we can invoke in times of need. This practice is in no other way contrary to faith but as supplement, an indirect worship to the One God we adore.
I have written this post not as an opinion but as a testimonial to this reality, that people may know that there is another spiritual resource we can invoke in times of need. This practice is in no other way contrary to faith but as supplement, an indirect worship to the One God we adore.
75th year Parish Anniversary
Last August 22, 2008, the Sto. Rosario Parish where I serve celebrated its Jubilee Anniversary. It was a simple occasion of Nine-day novena masses, outreach program for the indigents, food for the parish workers and clergy and a few other activities. It culminated with no less than a high mass and the opening of the newly renovated church facade.
At first, I never even felt the significance of the occasion because it was some usual things people would do in any other occasion. I saw people greeting gleefully with each other after the mass and wondered why they could be so happy with the "75th" anniversary of their parish. I said to myself " God, are people simply in want of some occasion of gathering, food, and activities? "
A few moments later, while I mingled with the laymen still unsure of the supposed meaning, a flash of thought suddenly entered my mind as if telling me what it's all about.
The celebration supposedly speaks of the unwavering faith of the people in their church, that, through generations have withstood the test of time. In fact, starting as a small chapel for worship in its infancy, it has now grown to a prominent landmark in downtown area where people from all walks of life drop by anytime of the day to take refuge in their faith. Indeed, the Sto. Rosario Parish Church in Cebu deserved the grand recognition for serving as shelter of refuge and worship for the city's christendom for generations now! - I felt guilt and shame over my attitude that for the length of time that the celebration had been much awaited by the people I had been nonchalant, though I was half cooperative. I realized, it only happened once in my lifetime.
At first, I never even felt the significance of the occasion because it was some usual things people would do in any other occasion. I saw people greeting gleefully with each other after the mass and wondered why they could be so happy with the "75th" anniversary of their parish. I said to myself " God, are people simply in want of some occasion of gathering, food, and activities? "
A few moments later, while I mingled with the laymen still unsure of the supposed meaning, a flash of thought suddenly entered my mind as if telling me what it's all about.
The celebration supposedly speaks of the unwavering faith of the people in their church, that, through generations have withstood the test of time. In fact, starting as a small chapel for worship in its infancy, it has now grown to a prominent landmark in downtown area where people from all walks of life drop by anytime of the day to take refuge in their faith. Indeed, the Sto. Rosario Parish Church in Cebu deserved the grand recognition for serving as shelter of refuge and worship for the city's christendom for generations now! - I felt guilt and shame over my attitude that for the length of time that the celebration had been much awaited by the people I had been nonchalant, though I was half cooperative. I realized, it only happened once in my lifetime.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
An alternative prayer
On some days, I must confess, that I get bored with the usual prayer routine that I say everyday, although, there is always the desire to say it. To address this issue, I have long devised a way to do it differently. After I'd say a short prayer, I'd converse to God by singing the songs I learned from the school and church.
I find it a good way to praise God by letting him hear what he gave me - the gift to sing songs. It need not necessarily be boisterous, but done in such a way that only HE and I could hear it. It's so uplifting having to emphasize the truth about the lyrics of every song. I'm doing it in my worship because I'm free to do it and because God is very open to whatever we have to offer Him even in the least of what we have.
Singing is three times praying.
I find it a good way to praise God by letting him hear what he gave me - the gift to sing songs. It need not necessarily be boisterous, but done in such a way that only HE and I could hear it. It's so uplifting having to emphasize the truth about the lyrics of every song. I'm doing it in my worship because I'm free to do it and because God is very open to whatever we have to offer Him even in the least of what we have.
Singing is three times praying.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
First Viaticum
It was just an ordinary Sunday morning on a clear sky. I had just come down the stairs of the apartment to which I visited a sick parishioner who couldn't make it to the nearby church because she was advised by the doctor for a strict bed rest. She was to be the recipient of my first Viaticum, or the administration of the Holy Communion to the sick. Going back to the church, I was walking alone with a sense of spiritual fulfillment that day with inexplicable sense of joy and lightness.
The three years of my service as a parish lay minister was mostly dedicated to administering Communion in the mass as well as assisting the priest in the altar during mass whenever there was no altar boy present. I have of course, long known of the fact that we are given the authority to deliver the Sacred Host to the sick who cannot make it to the church. The task requires knowledge of the ritual involved before giving the communion to the recipient inside the house. Many of my fellow ministers, being in the service for some time have become experts in the task.
Late last year, a brother-in-law who was also a minister in their parish in Manila happened to come for a vacation in Cebu. Incidentally, he gave me a guide book for the lay ministers' eucharistic duties. I read it, but never expected that someday I will be able to practice it in my duties. True enough, the day came for my call this year on that blissful Sunday. I was quick to accept it and even though I lack the necessary tool to transport the Eucharist, I was able to find a way for the purpose. Indeed, it was one soul blessed in the name of Jesus.
The three years of my service as a parish lay minister was mostly dedicated to administering Communion in the mass as well as assisting the priest in the altar during mass whenever there was no altar boy present. I have of course, long known of the fact that we are given the authority to deliver the Sacred Host to the sick who cannot make it to the church. The task requires knowledge of the ritual involved before giving the communion to the recipient inside the house. Many of my fellow ministers, being in the service for some time have become experts in the task.
Late last year, a brother-in-law who was also a minister in their parish in Manila happened to come for a vacation in Cebu. Incidentally, he gave me a guide book for the lay ministers' eucharistic duties. I read it, but never expected that someday I will be able to practice it in my duties. True enough, the day came for my call this year on that blissful Sunday. I was quick to accept it and even though I lack the necessary tool to transport the Eucharist, I was able to find a way for the purpose. Indeed, it was one soul blessed in the name of Jesus.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Help Within Reach
In life we often encounter difficult situations. They may either be of issues regarding career, relationship, business or simply the trivialities of daily living. When these things do challenge us our normal reaction is to seek other people’s help when we think we are incapable of solving them ourselves. However, when help isn’t available we tend to get panicked or feel helpless. We may then get frustrated which can be manifested negatively in our mood and behavior. They happen because we often forget that no matter how small or big the problem may be there is always help within reach for every one of us. This help comes from divine intervention. It doesn’t take much to pray. All that is needed is for us to be humble enough to admit our weakness and acknowledge that there is one Supreme Being who controls everything.
I have been through a lot of hard times ever since childhood, although, I have never been very vocal to my family about them. That’s why, I learned to utilize prayer instead at an early age. I use it in every possible way: kneeling at a chapel, sitting down somewhere, lying on my bed, walking, running, or whatever I’m doing. It has become a habit so that I get to say it when I sense trouble coming or when I am in the middle of it. I’d ask for a commuter ride during rush hours, to spare me from the rain, to write a good article, to address doubts, to find a lost item, and even to say a birthday wish. It worked most of the time. My real point is that whenever the need arises I need not go far to look for a reliable help. I t only takes faith and a little patience to wait and see things happen in unexpected ways. Like everyone else, I am privileged to make the call anytime as I like, even at the slightest hint of trouble. I am inviting everyone to do the same and experience the blessings of a prayerful life, even in the midst of guilt. In the end, we can only realize how good it is to have help always within our reach.
I have been through a lot of hard times ever since childhood, although, I have never been very vocal to my family about them. That’s why, I learned to utilize prayer instead at an early age. I use it in every possible way: kneeling at a chapel, sitting down somewhere, lying on my bed, walking, running, or whatever I’m doing. It has become a habit so that I get to say it when I sense trouble coming or when I am in the middle of it. I’d ask for a commuter ride during rush hours, to spare me from the rain, to write a good article, to address doubts, to find a lost item, and even to say a birthday wish. It worked most of the time. My real point is that whenever the need arises I need not go far to look for a reliable help. I t only takes faith and a little patience to wait and see things happen in unexpected ways. Like everyone else, I am privileged to make the call anytime as I like, even at the slightest hint of trouble. I am inviting everyone to do the same and experience the blessings of a prayerful life, even in the midst of guilt. In the end, we can only realize how good it is to have help always within our reach.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Glorious Road to Seoul
It's been some time since I last heard about the excited news that I passed the NCLEX-RN ( May 2007 ) yet it's been only a few times that I earnestly mentioned about the spiritual aspect of my preparation. I told friends and family about my physical and mental conditioning I had before the test. Almost all the time I seemed to claim the lone credit for the success of my exam. However, I have come to realize from personal reflection that all those would have gone down the drain had not HIS omnipotence blessed and guided me all the way.
At first, the travel to the testing site ( Seoul, S.Korea ) was to be my first outside of my own country. The expenses, and an extremely different culture of my destination gave me enough apprehension that would likely block me mentally on test day, aside from the exam anxiety itself. A country where there were unexpectedly a few people who could speak and understand English would drive me crazy looking for the test center in the maze of the city. Yet, it was with all these that I started counting my blessings.
A good Samaritan in the person of my US-based cousin covered all my expenses from my exam registration to my travel package costs with allowance. As if they weren't enough I had a good company with another cousin who would be taking the same exam on the same schedule and venue as I.
During our flight to South Korea, I was awestruck to witness darkness shift slowly to daylight when the sun's rays introduced themselves to my window. They were beaming in the background against the cottony clouds from high altitude. I felt how good it was like to be an angel standing on the said clouds. I was engrossed in this fantasy until I was awaken into reality when the plane touched down the runway. land bound, we were greeted with panoramic views of peculiar trees, stretches of seashores and rocky hills on our way to the city proper. When we got there, I was fascinated with how technology ( buildings ) splendidly blended with Korean cultural heritage ( historic structures ).There wasn't a single moment wasted because as soon as we settled our things in the hotel we proceeded back sightseeing on foot. It was then that we discovered the testing center was located just next to our building. We spent the whole afternoon taking snapshots of the city square unmindful of the grueling 5-hour test we had the following day. Indeed I was psychologically and emotionally relaxed for the next day's hurdle. Best of all, we only knew later that the test center would be closed the day after we sat for it. I was quick to point out what spared us from misfortune but allowed us of the wonderful privileges.
In my year-long self-preparation for the examination I regularly served in the church masses on top of praying the rosaries, personal prayers and Bible reading before I would read a single word from my review materials everyday. Behind these spiritual effort lies also a sincere heart of praise and worship, not just petition. There's no doubt I was delivered in my test woes and I should rightfully be grateful in return. In writing this, I have this intent to give HIM what is due HIM, that people may know how good God is and be hopefully inspired of His goodness . All praise and thanks to you, Mighty One!
At first, the travel to the testing site ( Seoul, S.Korea ) was to be my first outside of my own country. The expenses, and an extremely different culture of my destination gave me enough apprehension that would likely block me mentally on test day, aside from the exam anxiety itself. A country where there were unexpectedly a few people who could speak and understand English would drive me crazy looking for the test center in the maze of the city. Yet, it was with all these that I started counting my blessings.
A good Samaritan in the person of my US-based cousin covered all my expenses from my exam registration to my travel package costs with allowance. As if they weren't enough I had a good company with another cousin who would be taking the same exam on the same schedule and venue as I.
During our flight to South Korea, I was awestruck to witness darkness shift slowly to daylight when the sun's rays introduced themselves to my window. They were beaming in the background against the cottony clouds from high altitude. I felt how good it was like to be an angel standing on the said clouds. I was engrossed in this fantasy until I was awaken into reality when the plane touched down the runway. land bound, we were greeted with panoramic views of peculiar trees, stretches of seashores and rocky hills on our way to the city proper. When we got there, I was fascinated with how technology ( buildings ) splendidly blended with Korean cultural heritage ( historic structures ).There wasn't a single moment wasted because as soon as we settled our things in the hotel we proceeded back sightseeing on foot. It was then that we discovered the testing center was located just next to our building. We spent the whole afternoon taking snapshots of the city square unmindful of the grueling 5-hour test we had the following day. Indeed I was psychologically and emotionally relaxed for the next day's hurdle. Best of all, we only knew later that the test center would be closed the day after we sat for it. I was quick to point out what spared us from misfortune but allowed us of the wonderful privileges.
In my year-long self-preparation for the examination I regularly served in the church masses on top of praying the rosaries, personal prayers and Bible reading before I would read a single word from my review materials everyday. Behind these spiritual effort lies also a sincere heart of praise and worship, not just petition. There's no doubt I was delivered in my test woes and I should rightfully be grateful in return. In writing this, I have this intent to give HIM what is due HIM, that people may know how good God is and be hopefully inspired of His goodness . All praise and thanks to you, Mighty One!
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