Carrying on the struggle

Social netizens in the Philippines seem to be more up and about these days.  I see it as good--the rising awareness of people about what is happening around them, whether in the immediacy of the neighborhood or the wide backyard of the home we call "Earth", and the way many are pitching in their thoughts and concern about these.

Of course, these issues should indeed concern us: the unrest in the Zamboanga peninsula within the context of peace and development around Mindanao, the still unfolding saga of the pork barrel, and all these realities in society such as informal settlers in urban areas, corruption in public office, inequality between classes, education as achievable only until (or even before) one's teenage years, forced migration and changes, oftentimes detrimental, in the home.  Looking at my faith, I think too of situations in the church which call for attention: the dichotomy between belief and daily life; the neglect for lay people; the priority given more to church renovation rather than community building; the lack of a truly focused, relevant and concerted effort for the young faithful; the need to begin with initial (seminary) formation if we truly want renewed clergy and religious; among many others.

And of course, I can go on.  But of course, I cannot claim I have the answers to all of these questions.  But I am willing to continue the journey.

However, to me, now, that is beside the point.  The point is, how will I carry on the struggle?  Will I allow myself to be tossed here and there among this myriad of issues, or is there something--someone--in whom I can refer to, gaze at for direction, and depend on for solace and support?  Should I turn in on myself for the answers, or should I look beyond myself for meaning and hope while remaining rooted in the joys and pains of the here and now?

Deep in my heart, I know the answer.  I know in Whom I put my trust [cf. 2 Tim 1:12].

Into the Kingdom of Heaven

"With some of us, the end of egoism requires a big struggle.
Sometimes, we are carried more or less kicking and screaming
into the Kingdom of Heaven."John Main, OSB

I don't mind the kicking and screaming,
as long as I know who is carrying me,

and He's carrying me to Heaven.

;)

*Originally posted on Facebook

The Lord's (Mother's birth) Day

It's Mary's birthday in less than an hour.
But it falls on a Sunday, "The Lord's Day".

I strongly feel she would be happier if we remembered her Son more than her: attend Eucharist, listen to His Word, receive His Body.  After all, she proudly tells us, "Anak ko 'yan!"

P.S. But I want to greet you still, Blessed Mother: Happy Birthday!

And while I'm at it, and I know you're in heaven, please whisper to your Son our cries for peace:

in Syria; in the Middle East;

in Timor Leste and their birthing pains as a nation;

in Malaysia and their struggle for religious freedom;

in Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei;

in the Philippines and our drive to integrate what we believe in with how we live;

and in the whole world.

And that this peace begin with me.

*Originally posted on Facebook

Timorese thanks

Thank You, Lord, for the beautiful day,
For the faith and fellowship shared,
For the welcome fully and joyfully given.
May our ministries among the youth be as today:
beautiful because of You,
rooted and built up in You,
offered to everyone as You do.

"If I must boast, let me boast in the Lord!" [cf. 1 Cor 1:31b]