Sunday Gospel Reflection

Gospel Reflection

Sacrifice

John 10:11-18

As I listened to the Gospel, the first part made me realize about having the sense of 'ownership.' If we have this value integrated in us, then we could also follow Jesus' example. The Gospel said, 'A hired man...leaves the sheep and runs away' all because it was not his. In work, we are all 'hired,' paid to do our work. If we remained as 'hired men' then when trouble comes, we'll all run away. The Gospel did not say it's a sin, but a human action--a natural result if we 'only work for pay and have no concern for the sheep.' But, then the question comes now: how do gain concern? Again, as I have pointed out--the sense of 'ownership.' If we LOVE our work we will have a sense of 'ownership' for it.

"I am the good shepherd,
and I know mine and mine know me,
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father"

This time, Jesus tells us that He himself is responsible for the sheep. In a work place, us being the sheep should also be taken care of the shepherd-our employers. This concept also proves true to any circumstances. It tells me that I need to understand something or someone better and deeper that I may also be understood. You have to be an open book to the those whom you wish to serve for the rest of your life.

Food For Thought

Feed Your Mind; Feed Your Soul

"Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional."
~Chili Davis

Here's a quote that came close to what I want to point out. Yesterday, I came across a student of mine, which I just realized that she was when she greeted me. Upon looking at her face, my only impression was, "Hey, I know this girl!" Luckily, an unconscious wit came out and I said her name correctly. After the encounter I realized that she was my student two years ago. 'My Gulay! Two years ago!' And she had grown so big. I could say that she's already grown to be a beautiful young lady; from a child to a young lady! And I bet she has also improved a lot intellectually. In short, she has grown a lot and only in two years of time. Now...how about me?

Have I grown this past two years? Am I still worth being called her teacher? This are just some of the questions I asked myself after our encounter. I realized that even when you reach a certain age that people may label as the peak of wisdom--growth is still inevitable if you would like to be as wise as you are or were.

Now, how much have you grown lately?

Food For Thought

Feed Your Soul; Feed Your Mind

"The Tree is Known by its Fruit"
(zab's version)

Each tree is recognized by its own fruit
(Luke 6:44)
 

Just a thought came up to me when I was overlooking at a coconut tree near the school's gymnasium. People say, especially when they relate it to a person, that you'll know what kind of a father or a parent is through its child or children and vise versa, like a tree is known from its fruit. You'll know a good father if the child is good or a bad father if the child is bad, something like that. But I think we can also associate it with what we do or produce.

A good presentation comes from a prepared presenter which entails that he or she is efficient. An artistic well-crafted quality wooden chair could only be produced by an extremely skilled master 'handicraftsman' or carpenter. Likewise, a poorly made assignment could come from a negligent student or probably a troubled one.

We could also make it broader: A well disciplined, patriotic and dignified citizen could only come from a 'GREAT' country. A 'GREAT,' well-organized and corrupt-free country could only be produced by a God-fearing, dignified and uncorrupted government.

So, let me ask you, what have you produced lately?

And, from which country are you from?

Food For Thought

Feed Your Soul; Feed Your Mind

"You are what you eat"

I just got a notion about the quotation above: "You are what you eat." I believe it's true enough. If you eat too much meat, your body would lack vitamins-your muscles becomes fragile. When you eat vegetables but lack meat, I'd say you'll turn out vegetable as well. Well, I'm no expert in these, But think about this: if you feed on bad ideas, will you get good ideas? If you feed on bad habits, will you get good habits? The same as: if you go with alcoholic people, can you not drink? If you go with sinners, can you not sin? Well, we are all sinners as a matter of fact. But if get my point, what do you think?

What will you feed yourself?

Sunday Gospel Reflection

Gospel Reflection

Unsure

Luke 24: 35-48

While I was listening to the Gospel, I realized that 'ghosts are real!' Just kidding. Well, that's not really the point. Though this Gospel could be a biblical basis for the materialization of ghosts. But what I really would like to point at is how the disciples reacted upon seeing Jesus. They were 'terrified,' afraid of what they had seen. Even disciples have doubts in their heart. They even thought that it could have been a ghost of some sort.

Steps we take in life

The Fifth Step

The fifth step is the detour. Well, it is not an actual step in which one would take a higher progress in life; detours actually occurs in every step. They're just there; a constant fork in ones path, giving you the choice weather to walk through it or not. Though as every step gets tougher the more these detours will look exactly like the real step: making it even more confusing as we go through this CHANGE.

But it's not all negative. Detours are not there to make things more difficult, they are there to affirm us that we are still taking the right path or the path that we have chosen for our CHANGE. In reality, detours are either positive or negative. It's up to the person weather his experience of it will be for his own growth or downfall.

Sunday Gospel Reflections

Gospel Reflection

Blinded

Luke 24:13-35

Like Cleophas and his friend, we talk about our faith openly with one another; we are proud of how it had changed us or how it showed us the right way. We become so engrossed with what is written in the Holy Scriptures and what has been told to us, too engrossed that even when Jesus himself would come and enter our lives we fail to recognize His presence.

At times I too am blinded with my own prejudices. I become conceited and self-assured; I'm like a cup that is too full to accept new water. I would shunt people's criticism and personal understanding of the teachings in defense of my own, when this should have been my line of action.

Each of us became Cleophas and his friend from time to time. It is only natural, but still we should not be compromised by this reason alone, we should act like what Cleophas and his friend did when their eyes had been opened and realize that it was Jesus all along who had been with them: Cleophas and his friend went about and proclaimed what happened to them, what they have witnessed reminding all of us to keep vigil and to keep an open mind.

This morning, as I hear Mass together with my colleagues in work at the Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral in Baguio, I realized something.

Sunday Gospel Reflections

Gospel Reflection

Faithful Eyes

Jn 20: 19-31

To see is to believe: This is what Thomas had in his heart when he had heard about the resurrection of Jesus. This is also true with us. We want to see first, we want to be assured through physical appearance, we want proof. But it is not what we want that is always the best. Jesus said, 'Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.' The formula that we have created for faith was: proof = belief = faith. This is why we indulge ourselves so much into signs, though Jesus did not abhor this for He knows how weak a man's faith is. But what he did was to honor those who have not seen and yet believed in Him. Wouldn't it be better if we recreate the formula for our faith so that we may truly see Him? As I reflect, we should believe first that we may have faith, and through faith we will all see His love.

Idealy, it is easy to say but more than difficult to constantly inculcate in ones personality. It is like stabbing yourself with a blunt stick. Personally, I struggle with believing. Believing that what I have faith in is true. In our Catholic belief, our faith is helped with so many things but the same things may also trigger ones confusion. This is true to me, not that I am confused but only that as I observe they do not always help grow ones faith. As I personally see it, all our practices should lead us more closely to God's loving grace. If any of it will move us away from this, then I would suggest stopping it. We should always remember that all of our acts should lead us to Be more like Jesus, to believe so that we may have faith then we may see.

The formula  is also true not only in our faith but also in our relationship with one another. Husbands should believe in their wives that they may have faith in them and so see how much their wives truly care. The same also with the wives; believe in your husbands that you may have faith in them and see their undying loyalty. Not only to husbands and wives but also to those who are at first stage of building a relationship.

It is good to see but it is better to have faith first and through it we will all see; through the eyes of faith.

Steps we take in life

The Fourth Step

The fourth step is the loose step. I would personally call this one the false foothold. We fall victim to this step when we blindly focus at the peak. We become blinded by our goal's shining glory thus we forget about what we are stepping on. We gave in to the assumption that we are climbing a perfectly stable steps, but the truth is that it is as unpredictable as the weather. We may see it as a stable ground where everyone that had traversed it made it to the top unscathed.Though that is only the facade, behind it are the cataclysmic objects.

The question comes from its knowledge: "Now that I know it, I'll focus on it to avoid getting drawn into my goal or better yet, skip it and reach the fifth step." Both are plausible solutions, only if it were to be true. The mere fact that I called the false foothold is that it'll give two false security.

First False: Overcoming the third step will definitely give you a certain level of confidence, making you believe that you can make it. That is all good. But as you reach for the fourth, it'll boost this confidence or rather you will think that your confidence has reach a higher level making you 'over confident.' This will result to an adrenalin rush or the 'itch' for the fortune--your goal. Your tendency then is to look high and up; lingering the thought of gaining that goal. You're counting off your blessings even without taking hold of them.

Sunday Gospel Reflections

/Gospel/ Reflection

A HARD LESSON

Well, this reflections should be on Sundays. But the event's in one's life can be so unpredictable. Here's what happened during the past weeks since my last Sunday Gospel Reflection, I have it summarized in a sentence: I was too focused on my goals. Yes, I admit it. I was distant from my religious obligations the past week even during the Holy Week. I was utterly Spiritually Absent. Though I had my fasting and kept a pious night. Though my evening prayers were nothing but telling God about my plans, plans and plans. I was so engulf into it that I even assured myself that God will answer them--even when I'm not doing my own obligations to Him. I was acting out like this way: "Grant my wish before I'll follow." Yap, I agree, it was pathetic.

Sunday Gospel Reflections

Gospel Reflection


A SELFLESS DUTY

Mt 1-12

I was too tired to write anything yesterday. I was still recuperating from the work we had last Saturday and the other two restless days before that. I just realize that the bigger the effort you give to plant a sensitive tree the sweetest the fruit will be. In connection with last Sunday's Gospel, the beatitudes: it simply says that those who are lacking will be filled. A tree will be filled by the planter, and the planter will be filled with God's grace for his stewardship and patience. Truly, blessed are those who work for the kingdom and those who work with virtue. These were the things I witnessed during our practice and the actual presentation. I was just touched on how a head teacher and also one of the point persons during the activity, gave away her shirt to be rag to wipe the stage floor as to avoid accidents. This simple gesture of dedication and concern really sparkle in my eyes. I was on the verge of giving up that virtue can live with reality, but upon witnessing this simplicity I was reawakened- virtue can truly live with reality. Accept our shortcomings, work to cover it up using virtue, and lift it all up, then we will all be blessed.

Creative Reflections 2011 Creatively Reflected

Sunday Gospel Reflections

Gospel Reflection

BORN TO SHARE

Jn 1: 29-34


Last week I was not able to attend Mass and to write my reflection about the Gospel. Today, I'll admit that once again I was not able to attend Mass. Whatever my reasons are it'll not suffice as an excuse, because Sunday Mass is an obligation. As I read the gospel to today, I was faced again of my lack of faith. The event that I chose not to attend Mass is already a sign of faithlessness. As much as I would like to be considered a humble servant just like John in the Gospel: admitting his worthlessness before God even if he was known with esteem to man, I would be a mockery. Even if countless of times I pray to God and telling Him that I am his humble servant yet I cannot show this in the least of my choices, actions and thoughts, it would mean nothing-a superficial self-proclamation. Though, still John showed me a way. He is telling us to be witnesses. We are called to be a witness of God's triumph, grace and mercy. At the least we can do is to step by step imbue this into our nature. If as of now, my faith couldn't carry my feet to attend regularly, then at least I could share to all my struggle in faith that they may see how God works in our lives.

Sunday Gospel Reflections

Gospel Reflection:




MASKING IT UP

Jn 1:19–28

It is actually Monday already, but somehow I couldn't sleep. Something was bothering me, keeping my mind in a state of turmoil, and bothering me with unnecessary thoughts. After a while, I realize that it had been Sunday. Not that I have forgotten it totally. In fact, a few hours ago we, my best friend and I, passed by a church while we were wondering here and there. Guilty that I am, I didn't even bother to invite him to attend the Mass as I was to preoccupied with wasting my time roaming around the mall. So, maybe my sub-conscious mind is telling to make up for that loss I have to wake up and read the Sunday's Gospel. Though I Know it does not work that way. I have missed the Mass, and that's it. No more self-justification.

And this is exactly what the Gospel wanted to say, at least for me: No more pretension. It's telling me that I don't have to pretend that I am writing this reflection to show people that I am God-fearing and 'holy' just because I had been a seminarian before.

No.

It is asking me, why? Why are you writing this? What is your reason?

My answer is, the one that really comes first out of my mind is a concrete 'I don't know.'

Then, second and third reasons are: to share and to write.

Nothing else. Others that are pouring out right now are all sugar-coated self-justifications. All of those are lies.

I am as ordinary as anyone else; struggling with my faith, hoping that with this I can save still what is left.

I know, it's not only me nor John had this struggle deep down in our minds and hearts. Every one of us is experiencing this, and just like John, we should stop pretending. Stop wearing that mask and show to world who you are: an empty vessel ready to filled with God's Spirit. Because that is what we should really be.

I promise you, being who you are is refreshing. I am quite refreshed right now and ready to sleep.

Sunday Gospel Reflections

Gospel Reflection:

A WALK WITH MY FATHER

Mt 2:13-15, 19-23

The Gospel today highlighted the role of Joseph as the husband of Mary and as a foster father of Jesus.

When one would assume the life of Jesus in his prophetic work together with the apostles, we would seldom encounter Jesus addressing Joseph as his father but rather God Himself as his father. Then we would question, what's Joseph's role in the big scheme of God?

Joseph was the foundation of Jesus. He was many times addressed as the son of a carpenter. In addition, Jesus too grew up as a carpenter being the apprentice of Joseph. He has to learn the trade of his father Joseph as was a custom long ago. With this, we then can say that whatever virtue and values Joseph has had been embedded in Jesus himself. Thus the very role that Joseph had accomplished and what all fathers, husbands and all men seeking to have a family should put on as a perfect example.

A father should not only work for the security and safety of the family but also for the well-being of his sons and daughters.

This morning while I was having my road work, I saw a man jogging together with his son. Although I couldn't hear it, I can say that the boy's father is encouraging him to keep up. Whenever the boy would slow down and walk his father will slow down as well but keeping his rhythm, showing his son not to give up. Seeing them together gave me a blast of encouragement to do more of my road work. It reminded of how my very own father worked with his sweat and blood just to sustain our daily living. Even though at that time we seldom see him, as he was working abroad, I could hear him telling us that a man should sacrifice everything for his family. Just like what Jesus did to all of us. Jesus forgo of his personal grief and gave himself up to atone for our sins. Agape.

Have a blessed morning.

Sunday Gospel Reflections

Gospel Reflection

CALLED FOR A MISSION

Matt 4: 12 - 23

A lot of things happened this week, but I seem not to be satisfied. Maybe this due to the fact that my health had not been well since last Sunday. My expectations had not been met. Most of my personal time had been eaten by my work, so to say by the school I'm working in and by my students. Not that I regret it, it's just that I was not able to give the time I usualy gave myself. Now that I'm writing about it, it makes me recall a big question that had been left unanswered since I started teaching. That question is: why did I become a teacher? I mean, unlike most individual who are there in the academe, I am a mismatch.

I confess that I am no smarter and a straight forward non-intellectual person.  The Latin proverb that stuck in my mind became my summative philosophy in teaching, in English it literally says "You cannot teach what you do not know," which is universally correct. My big question had been rooted to smaller questions that was formed with that proverb in mind; questions like what do I know? Will they get anything from me? How do I teach? Will I be as effective as my professors? All of these are all left unanswered, that is why I asked myself why the did I become a teacher?

Then this Gospel reminded me about how Jesus called the apostles. He chose them, calling them by their names; the same way He called each of us. Each of us is called for a mission, our role in this world. Not everyone is gifted enough to know his or her role; at times we even call it a dream or goal, other people would call it fate or destiny. In a quick sense, it something we look forward to. On the other hand, it is something totally unexpected, something that is not related to who you think you are. Looking at the apostles, most of them had been working as fishermen, but Jesus called them and showed their real mission: to be fishers of men. I felt the same way too. God has a purpose for me. I did not thought that I would be teaching, but here I am teaching the future generation. I may not know the reason why, just like the apostles; they did not know why they were chosen, all they is that they were invited; I was invited to teach, so here I am teaching. God will provide the rest. As to what I am going to teach, God too will provide it for me, for I know nothing by myself. God has the knowledge, I just let him unfold this knowledge before me and I will echo it to the future generation, to my students.

Steps we take in life

The Third Step

The third step is the trial step. When you start something new or CHANGE yourself; when you have made your first step, then you said your 'yes' to carry it all the way to the peak, I'm sure that you are feeling the heat of enthusiasm, the excitement of new horizon and the thrill burning deep inside you. All of this will be tested by a continuous blow of a cold bitter gust.

Indeed, you have made the step to CHANGE, you have even extinguish all of your energy in making that step to CHANGE. God sees your effort and answered your plea to assist you in your journey towards new horizon. He has blessed you with innumerable opportunities; you have seen them and grabbed them like you would to rope when you are about to fall hundred feet below. Your work starts to overflow: your doing several things at a time, your schedule are down to the very last minute, you run around here and there and your bank account is starting grow. You smile, you are happy, you yearn for more. God will still give you more. So, where is the trial?

The trial is answering this question: Do you still have time for Him? For God? With all those work calling on your phone, leaving you emails and sending you text messages, you would seem to be too busy to do anything besides than working. You will start to think that why would you spend time with someone or something that will not even contribute to the fattening of your bank account: to think that He was the one who gave it all to you. If, and it is a big IF you choose to shun these thoughts and answered 'YES' in having time for God, then you have surpassed the third step itself. I would say go and move on to the fourth.

In some cases, other people would have a totally different third step; something that is the opposite of the situation I have said above: having nothing at all. Still, the same question should be answered: Will you still give your time for Him?

It all goes down to giving time to God and returning to Him the favor He has given you.

Do you still have time for Him?

Steps we take in life

The Second Step

The second step is the one that usually being overlooked. Most people are too engrossed and focused on the first step that once they have taken in they would just dash on ahead without even internalizing the importance of each step, especially the second.

Yes, you indeed did very well on mustering your guts and took the hardest first step, but the trial for that bravery you just performed will only start at the second.

I personally call the second step: the step of hesitation. It is where your bravery from taking that first step will be questioned. If that bravery of yours is only half-hearted then I'll assure you that you will crumble down to your foothold. If the only reason you have for going through the CHANGE is because of your friends' cheers and your family's encouragement, not with your very own determination and will, your thoughts will linger back to your comforts.

The second step is your new foothold crossing between the first and the third. You just have to answer one question that will answer all others: Is your heart ready?

If your answer is 'Yes' then by all means cross. That 'Yes' of yours entails your determination and will to keep that fire going until you reach the peak. It is your own promise to yourself to keep that eagerness alive--to put your soul to the every step you'll soon be taking.

Steps we take in life

The First Step

The First Step makes all the difference. It is the most difficult yet the most crucial in every endeavor or in life itself. Taking it means leaving behind all the comfort of your current foothold to hike a new height.

Whoever we are, wherever we find ourselves, whatever situation we are in, we should never cease to take that first step.

The only thing that will stop you from taking that first step is the fear of CHANGE.

Changing means going beyond your comfort zone, like shedding off that dry old pelt exposing your vulnerable and delicate skin then going through the process of hardening it to a tough hide.

Fearing change will mean fearing growth. Growth from who you are now to a better you. This does not only apply to you as a person but also in your career or business. This actually applies to all aspect in life.

Thus taking the first step is accepting change for a better you and a better future.

About Creative Reflections

Creative Reflections are generally re-echoes of my facebook notes and other spirited reflections I would come up with. And as the name implies, my posts here will be (I hope it will be) in a creative manner.