Looking Forward to the Light

The Gospel reading on 29th December 2021 was Jesus' Presentation in the Temple (Luke 2:22-35). There is an interesting character in that narrative, Simeon, who "would not see death until he has set eyes on the Christ of the Lord." Moved by the Spirit, he came to the Temple where he met the Christ Child and his parents. Luke tells us that Simeon took the Child Jesus and blessed God: "Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace...because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see..."

The last months of 2021 were moments of coming together, reconnecting, caring for each other, and prayer for my big family. Ninong Eddie, the Samaniego Clan's pater familias, was ill. I have written about my beloved uncle and godfather in the past and those memories kept coming back as I think of him during those times...and now that he has passed away.

I never thought that the Gospel reading I mentioned above would coincide with Ninong Eddie's demise. And yet, I could see Simeon in him. Last December, my mother made a video call with me while she was with Ninong Eddie in Virginia. For me, he was the vintage Ninong Eddie - full of life, happiness, and faith. When I told him how I was doing, he was generous in his affirmations, like a father to a son. My last words to him were, "We love you." His last words to me were, "I love you too!" 

Like the Simeon of old who kept on looking forward to the coming of God's only Son, Ninong Eddie kept on looking forward to the Light. Towards the end of December, he got weak and declined to undergo further treatment. His last moments were spent with Ninang Aida, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Perhaps, after gazing on them and being assured that everything will be OK, he could have uttered, "Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace..." A father whose presence was always there for his loved ones, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his immediate family.  

Ninong Eddie, thank you for being you. Your life was a total dedication to what matters most in life: family, faith, love. May Christ whose Birth, Death, and Resurrection you bore witness to in this world welcome you into His glory where there is no more sadness, sickness, or pain. May you now enjoy light, happiness, and peace. We love you!

To Ninang Aida, Manang Nanette, Manong Edgar, Philip, and family, thank you for sharing Ninong Eddie with us. I hold you all close to my heart especially at this time of sorrow. We are family!

Arriba Jesus!

A blessed feast day of the Birth of St John the Baptist! In the Church's liturgical year, we celebrate the birthdays of three important people: Our Lord (Dec 25), Our Lady (Sept 8), and St John the Baptist (June 24).

St John the Baptist is my special saint because he is the patron saint of my Alma Mater, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran. This year is special because the college is celebrating its 400th foundation anniversary.

One may ask, why San Juan de Letran and not San Juan Bautista? Letran obtained its name from the Archbasilica of St John of Lateran in Rome, the "Mother and Head of All Churches in Rome and in the World". Lateran (Letran in Spanish) was the surname of the family who once owned the property where this beautiful basilica now stands. I have been there twice and really loved that place. There one could see the cathedra (seat or throne) of the Pope as Bishop of Rome. 

Anyone who has passed through the august walls of Colegio de San Juan de Letran wouldn't fail to hear, say, and cry Arriba Letran! (Up, Letran!). It is a cry of inspiration, encouragement, affirmation, and support, especially during big events such as the NCAA games and commencement exercises. 

As Letran celebrates its 400th anniversary, I would imagine our patron saint crying Arriba. But his cry does not just point out to Letran. Nor does it just point out to Patria (country). Ultimately,it points out to Deus (God).

Like the best man in a wedding, he would call our attention to the bridegroom. Like the forerunner of old, his cry awakens us for the Lord who is to come. All through his life, John did not hog the limelight. I remember Ms Andrea Flores, my Religion teacher in Elementary, who reminded us in one of her lessons about the humility of John: He (Jesus) must increase; I must decrease. (John 3:30). Indeed, John's cry is Arriba Jesus!

As Letran ushers in a new chapter in its life as an educational institution, may it revisit and draw inspiration once again from St John the Baptist. Mirroring our patron saint, may all Letranites (as well as other devotees of the saint) always seek to celebrate, promote, and uphold Jesus in whatever walk of life they lead. As Fr Edmund Nantes, OP, (a fellow Letranite) once told us in his homily : Manalo, matalo, kay Kristo ako. (Win or lose, I'm standing for Christ).

Happy birthday, St John the Baptist! Continue to pray for us.

Arriba Letran! 

Arriba Filipinas! 

Arriba Jesus!

Respect (or the Lack of It)

Saying yes to God is not only an act of faith. It is also an act of respect to Him. You see, our God is such an awesome God because He willed to be with us in the person of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Being one like us, except sin, proves that God is not "watching us, from a distance", as a 90s song goes, but someone who is up, close, and personal. Being personal means being in a relationship with Him.

One of the important ingredients that keeps a relationship healthy is respect. Imagine parents not respecting each other, would their family thrive? Imagine community members not respecting each other, wouldn't that spell its demise? Imagine the government not respecting the rule of law and the rights of citizens, wouldn't that breed social unrest? Imagine the Church, especially those in the hierarchy, not respecting dignity of the poor and abused, wouldn't that cause scandal? Imagine if we don't respect God, wouldn't our souls be in peril? 

Why do we respect God and men? Isn't it because they are important in our lives? And because they are important, we make it a point not to offend them, yes? Sadly, since the time of Adam and Eve, our sins reveal how insignificant God and others are in our lives. If we respect God, we would make it a point, for example, to attend Sunday Mass. Devoting an hour in a week for the Lord is all He's asking! If we respect others, we would, for example, refrain from backstabbing them, attacking them in social media, or slandering them.

While on earth, Jesus was the perfect Son because He respected and fulfilled His Father's will. He was also the perfect gentleman because He respected people regardless if they were rich or poor, saint or sinner, Jew or Gentile.

Let's think of the relationship we have with God and those around us. How we value it determines how respectful we are.

***

President Duterte appoints Associate Justice Teresita De Castro as Chief Justice. While I respect the President's prerogative, I am disappointed with his lack of respect to people's plight in the hands of corruption and injustice (which he has been so vocal of) by appointing someone whose integrity is questionable (not to mention that she will only be in the position until her retirement in October - a windfall for her at the expense of the public).  Apart from deciding in favor of controversial cases such as allowing Marcos' remains to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, this Ampalaya Queen has not only complained, but also testified, and voted for the unconstitutional ouster of Maria Lourdes Sereno as Chief Justice.  De Castro's ambition is diabolical! Yes, change has come, for the worse!

Ayoko ng Garapal

When we were young, most of us would have heard some of our elders say cuss words. Of course, all of us would become curious what those words mean. One time, I asked my late aunt Mommy Rosie. All she told me was "Piet, ayoko ng garapal." (Piet, I do not like you to be flagrant.) I never heard Mommy say any foul language. Even when she was angry, she would not say any curses. 

A teacher way back home once admitted that it becomes more difficult nowadays to teach good manners and right conduct because young people are exposed to the President's foul language. I totally agree. Remember when he swore at the Pope for causing traffic when the latter visited the Philippines in 2015? Remember his many statements impregnated with vulgarity? As the youth witness how the President conducts himself, whatever and however he speaks and acts become good examples for them.

Ayoko ng garapal.

Lately, the President called God "stupid" in a speech. I could tolerate his foul language, but to call God stupid is highly uncalled for. This is not exercising his free speech, as some of his apologists would put it. It is actually an abuse of such freedom, because his remarks is plain blasphemy. 

Ayoko ng garapal.

It got me thinking why would he call God as such? Was he angry at God or perhaps he was angry with the men of God - bishops and priests of the Catholic Church - whom he has lambasted ever since assuming office? When Fr Mark Ventura of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao was killed, instead of conveying words of sympathy to the family and parishioners, what did Duterte say? He alleged that the priest had illicit affairs! 

Ayoko ng garapal.

Come June 30, it would be Duterte's second year as President. When he was sworn in, what were the last words of his oath? "So help me God" isn't it? As pater familias, he should have known better what invoking God's help meant. Asking for Divine Providence then and calling the same God stupid later is quite contradictory. Similar to his abhorrence to corruption and allowing Ferdinand Marcos to be buried in the hallow grounds reserved for the nation's heroes or firing his dishonest friends from one government agency and appointing them to another after the issues against them cool down.

Ayoko ng garapal.

I join fellow Christians - Catholic and non-Catholic alike - in condemning the President's irresponsible remarks. As we condemn such act - we are not condemning the person, take note! - let us reflect on what God has done for us. Surely, there is a reason why we call Him loving, merciful, forgiving, generous, and so on and so forth. I'm sure it's what we experienced from Him. Did Mr Duterte not experience the goodness (or any other attributes) of God? I hope not. At any rate, let's pray that he would be enlightened and realize that there is more to know about God. Let's also become good role models for our youth through our gentle words and good actions. 

Let us remain steadfast in the faith, the way Saints Peter and Paul - whose feast day we are celebrating today - lived, defended, and laid their lives for it.

Taize Revival

Bless the Lord, my soul
And bless God's holy name,
Bless the Lord, my soul
Who leads me into life.

Do these lines ring a bell?  I first heard these lines sung repeatedly in October 1990 when there was this parish assembly in church. A Korean brother, a member of the Taize Community, gave a talk about his community and their forthcoming event in Manila the following year. Taize Community is founded by the late Bro Roger Schutz when World War II broke out. According to its website, the community "is made up of over a hundred brothers, Catholics and from various Protestant backgrounds, coming from around thirty nations. By its very existence, the community is a “parable of community” that wants its life to be a sign of reconciliation between divided Christians and between separated peoples."

Nada te turbe, nada te espante;

quien a Dios tiene nada le falta.

Nada te turbe, nada te espante:

sólo Dios basta.

I find Taize's prayer service quite different from the traditional devotions we were so used to such as novenas, Holy Hour, etc.I find the Taize way of prayer to be more relaxed, more spontaneous.  Don't get me wrong, each prayer would have their own peculiar structure. Regardless, each of these aim at giving glory to God.

O luwalhati sa Diyos

O luwalhati sa Diyos

O luwalhati sa Diyos

Luwalhati sa Diyos!

I was delighted that during the Christ the King procession in Gagalangin in 1992, the songs that were sung were from Taize's repertoire, thanks to a colleague Arnold Vidar. The following year, when it was the parish youth's turn to make an hour's vigil before the Blessed Sacrament, we used the Taize style of prayer. 

Liwanag ng buong mundo, halina Jesus halina.

Liwanag ng buhay ko, aleluya!

1993 was the last time I heard of the Taize songs. Until last Tuesday.

It was 7 o'clock in the evening. My family and I made our way to the Poor Clares Convent Chapel to attend a Taize Prayer Service. I think this is the first time it would be held in the parish. A lady was already giving a short introduction as we took our seats. She also made an announcement about this event during last weekend's Masses. The service was mostly composed of meditative singing, but there was also a time to listen to God's word, to spend a few minutes of silence, and to pray for various intentions with an opportunity to light a candle for one's intention. 

Bless the Lord, my soul

And bless God's holy name,

Bless the Lord, my soul

Who leads me into life.

By singing the songs repeatedly and with devotion, I felt as though the lyrics were my own. As I "own" it, I felt my soul striving to open itself to God. And as it opened itself to God, the more it became one with its Maker. Tuesday was a busy day and the prayer service gave me, my family, and, I am sure, everyone present an opportunity to lift up our hearts to the Lord and to refresh ourselves. Personally, it revived my Taize experience! We look forward to attend the next service. In the meantime, like Mary, we burst into song:

Magnificat, magnificat, magnificat anima mea Dominum

Magnificat, magnificat, magnifat anima mea!

Ang puso ko'y nagpupuri, nagpupuri sa Panginoong aking Diyos.

Ang puso ko'y nagpupuri, nagpupuri sa Panginoon!

A People of Mercy

April 28 this year marks the 67th death anniversary of a great Filipina who was known for her works of mercy: Mrs Aurora Aragon-Quezon.  Even before becoming the nation's first First Lady, she was already engaged in works of mercy. One incident which I find touching happened when she discontinued her studies due to poor health. Returning to her hometown in Baler, she brought the books she purchased while still in Manila and put up a library for the benefit of her town mates, some of which may not have received proper education. 

Later in her life, she became involved in charitable institutions such as the Associacion de Damas de Filipinas and White Cross. Towards the end of her life, she became the first Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross. Apart from these organizations, she was also engaged in religious associations like the Catholic Women's League and the committee in charge of raising funds for the rehabilitation of the Antipolo Church.

In celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy which Pope Francis opened on December 8, 2015, a renowned bishop urged the seminaries in his diocese to become seminaries of mercy. In order to achieve this, he offered the following steps: (1) by becoming in touch with humanity; (2) by being united to divinity; and (3) by cultivating spirituality.

I think the bishop's exhortation applies even to other groups and individuals who wish to be merciful like the Father. I also think these three served as hallmarks of Mrs Quezon rendering mercy to her fellowmen.

She was in touch with humanity. Described as a strict, but understanding mother, she looked after her family well. There was a time when her husband Manuel became a lapsed Catholic. It was said that through her perseverance, her husband returned to his faith. She was also a hands-on landowner, a staunch supporter of women's rights to vote, and according to President Elpidio Quirino, "a mother to her people".

She was united with divinity. She was a woman of prayer who would frequently attend Mass and say the Rosary.  A Marian devotee, she led other lay faithful from the Archdiocese of Manila in making an appeal to the country to pray for peace.

Finally, she cultivated spirituality in her life. It was not enough that she was engaged with broken humanity. It wouldn't suffice too if she just said a hundred and one prayers. Equally important was for her to imitate the Father who is "rich in mercy" (Psalm 103:8). 

Through Mrs Quezon's numerous works of mercy, healing was effected on those whose lives she touched. As Fr Pacifico Ortiz, SJ would put it "(Mrs Quezon) walked through life doing good, who was light unto the blind, protecting unto the weak, the mother of the poor, and in a sense the mother of us all...to keep us together, to heal broken friendships, to bind up political wounds, to pour the oil of compassion upon the social ulcers of our age, to cherish and guard the sanctities of the home."

At times, it is not easy to be merciful; let alone being merciful like the Heavenly Father. Some people would misunderstand us. Some may take us for granted. Some may become envious of us. Worse, some may even say or do evil things to us. Sadly, this was what happened to Mrs Quezon. While on her way to her hometown to inaugurate the Manuel Quezon Memorial Hospital, she and a number of her companions were ambushed and killed by insurgents. A story goes that Mrs Quezon was forewarned of insurgents, but shrugged off the threat because she knew the leader of the insurgents. Be it as it may, Mrs Quezon showed her determination to continue her good works in spite of these threats. If her poor health and subsequent withdrawal from university didn't prevent her from helping her town mates, I believe her death didn't halt her works of mercy - the charitable and religious organisations she was affiliated with are still existing and continuing her legacy!

Becoming merciful like the Father doesn't have any perks. "Get ready to be hurt," says Cardinal Chito Tagle. The only promise that Jesus assures those who are merciful is that they will be shown mercy in the afterlife (Matthew 5:7). Regardless of the difficulties we are encountering or may encounter, let us keep ourselves focused in doing works of mercy. That way we would keep the memory of Mrs Quezon alive. We would become a people of mercy!

 

***

 

In a few days, the Philippines will be having its national (and local) elections.  Elections would naturally polarize people. Some will go for this candidate while others would go for that candidate. Still others would be undecided. The Year of Mercy is an opportune time for us to think and act. Are the candidates merciful like the Father? Do their track record attest to this or not? I know it's so easy to be swept away by candidates' words, but we need to check if their actions would agree with whatever they say. It's not enough for us to hear candidates condemning corruption, poverty, injustice, and other maladies of society. We need to hear what will they do to eliminate these. One problem that the country is still suffering from is that 40% of its annual budget is automatically allocated for debt servicing, thanks to Ferdinand Marcos (who made it a law) and to his successors (who keep on implementing such an immoral law). From what I gather from the presidential candidates, it seems that it will be business as usual. How unmerciful!

***

 

When Mrs Quezon was still alive, she was asked to run for public office. She declined the offer, but instead supported those she believed to be capable of serving the country. She could have grabbed the opportunity since she was the wife of a former president and has earned respect from the people, but she chose not to. Looking at some candidates, I can only shake my head in disgust. There's this movie actress running for the Senate. Ditto this boxing champion-turned congressman. What will they do there? Pose? It's as though becoming a politician would be the only way for them to help the people. It sometimes makes me wonder what their real motive is to run.  It may be too late in the day to appeal to these candidates to withdraw from the race, but it is not yet late for the voters to look for better, much deserving candidates. The power's in your hands, dear voters! Maawa kayo sa ating bayan!



 

 

 

Who Takes the Credit?

June 13 this year has a double celebration in the Church: the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and of St Anthony of Padua.  St Anthony of Padua once said "Attribute to God every good that you have received. If you take credit for something that does not belong to you, you will be guilty of theft". 

Strong words from a saint who is more popularly known for his intercession in finding lost items than for his eloquent preaching.

Indeed, when was the last time that we really acknowledged God as the source of everything good that we have - health, wealth, career, house and lot, car, apostolate in the community, long life, etc? Sometimes, it can be easier for us to take all the credit because, as humans, we tend to be visual - we only see our inputs, our efforts, our sacrifices.If we lack faith, we would hardly see God's own inputs (and those of others like our parents).

Perhaps the way for us to see the goods we enjoy as God's gifts is to be like the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the Annunciation, she acknowledged herself as God's handmaid and readily submitted herself to His will. She never bragged about being God's Mother, but rather sang His praises in the Magnificat.  No wonder that St John Eudes, a priest known for his devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, would say "Do you forget that not only does Jesus reside and dwell in Mary's Heart, but that he is in truth the heart of her Heart and the soul of her soul...?".

I recall how my Lola Piling and Lolo Paul conducted themselves with daily Mass, looking after their growing family, and working as physicians. My grandmother once said that they didn't suffer any fatigue or headache in spite of their busy and challenging schedules. They acknowledged God's abiding presence in their lives.

This double celebration should not pass unnoticed. Let's be grateful for all that the Lord has done for us. Remember:  "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises loving kindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things," declares the LORD" (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

St Anthony of Padua, pray for us.