THE MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS

One of the greatest events in the history of mankind is the Mystery of GOD BECOMING MAN, which theologians call “INCARNATION”. This is the event we celebrate during the CHRISTMAS season.

The whole world during this time of the year is engaged in multifarious activities which in one way or another is a manifestation of the so-called “spirit of Christmas”.

The question that bothers me and of which I would like to dwell on is: “Is the world really celebrating CHRISTMAS in its true meaning, that is the celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ?

In my observation it seems that in some aspect Christmas is being celebrated without the real HERO in mind. This we can see in the word – X’MAS, which makes CHRIST the UNKNOWN. Hence, any celebration without CHRIST becomes purely worldly and is bereft of the true significance of Christmas.

To make our celebrations meaningful, there is a need to reflect on this great mystery of GOD’S LOVE for the WORLD; that the reason of Christmas is embodied in John 3:16 which reads: “GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM MAY NOT BE LOST, BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE” GOD’S LOVE, therefore, is the HEART of CHRISTMAS. In His great love for us He, who is invisible, made Himself visible by letting His only Son become Man like us. And so, CHRIST was born and lived historically for 33 years in this world. How He lived, what He did, what He said are written in books which we call the ‘GOSPELS’. To summarize His life Peter said: “…He went about doing good…” (Acts 10:38)

The mystery of Christ becoming Man, did not end with His death on the Cross. He rose from His death and just before His Ascension to heaven said: “I am with you always until the end of the world”(Matt.28:20). Therefore, our rejoicing during Christmas, should be grounded not only by CHRIST’S becoming MAN, though He is God, but also by His continued PRESENCE in our midst. and in our hearts. CHRIST, Who is GOD’S MANIFESTATION OF LOVE, is here with us, ALIVE and still GOING ABOUT DOING GOOD. in and through each one of us if we welcome His presence to abide in us.

Indeed, “GOD’S PRESENCE WITH AND IN US IS HIS GREATEST PRESENT TO US” This is the mystery that should fill us with joy and which should be the sole reason for all our celebrations during this Holy Season of Christma.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

Dec. 18, 2009

MARTIAL LAW IN MAGUINDANAO

The imposition of Martial Law by Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President of the Philippines, shortly after the gruesome ‘Maguindanao Massacre’ last November 23, 2009, has been and is still being hotly contested by public officials and private individuals.

I would like to share my own personal viewpoint on this matter.

The basis of the contentions is the provision in our Philippine Constitution which reads: “In case of invasion or rebellion, when public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law” (Art. VII, Sec. 18).

The legalists contend that based on this provision of our Constitution the imposition of Martial Law in this particular case is illegal. On the other hand,others view the imposition as a necessity under the circumstances, and therefore, is morally right. Hence, there are differences in opinion between those who strictly stick to the provision of the Law and those who see things from the viewpoint of morality.

At this juncture, I recall the axiom that what is legally wrong may be morally right and vice versa, what is legally right may be morally wrong.

In the Gospel of Mark 2:27, Jesus said: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” He said this when He cured a paralyzed man on a Sabbath which according to the Law of the Pharisees should not have been done. Then in Matthew 12:3-5 we also read: “ Jesus answered: ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his men were hungry? He went into the house of God, and ate the bread offered to God, although neither he nor his men had the right to eat it, but only the priests. And have you not read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the Temple break the Sabbath rest, yet they are not guilty?’”.

From the foregoing statements of our Lord Jesus Christ, laws are made for man and not man for the laws. This means that the good or welfare of man should prevail over whatever may be a prescription of the law. And the good of man is the objective of the law of love which according to Christ is the greatest commandment, next to the Love of God. (Mk. 12:29-31).

To love is to seek the neighbor’s welfare. It entails making a decision which must be omnified, taking everything into account, and optimific, doing what is best under the circumstances. In making such a decision one has to be guided not so much by what the law says but by what one’s conscience dictates. This is where morality comes in guided by a kind of inner voice, called “conscience” which makes someone conscious of the goodness or blameworthiness of his conduct together with a feeling of obligation to do what is right or good.

One’s decision, however, has always to consider the concrete circumstances of any situation. For as President Barack Obama says: “Each historical moment is different. You never step into the same river twice”.

To my mind, the decision made by Her Excellency President Gloria M. Aroyo in imposing Martial Law in order to restore peace and order in Maguindanao may be legally wrong, but is morally right.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
Dec. 13, 2009

EVOLUTION

EVOLUTION is the theory propounded by Rev. Fr. Teilhard de Chardin, SJ, in his book entitled: The Phenomenon of Man. He sees the whole world in evolution and states that the Church itself is in evolution. He describes four stages of evolution, namely:
1. Cosmogenesis - the Birth of the world
2. Biogenesis - the Birth of Life
3. Noogenesis - the Birth of Thought (Man)
4. Christogenesis - the Birth of CHRIST.

Fr. Teilhard says that “With man, a new world is born. It is the world of intelligence and love. Because he is a reflective center, man is a person, an ego. He engages in personal activity and in gathering up the whole universe in himself as a center, he personalizes the whole world. … The socialization of community is truly the crucial phase in the whole evolutive process.”

I would like to dwell on what he says as the crucial phase in the whole evolutive process, namely: “The SOCIALIZATION OF COMMUNITY”

To my mind, socialization is the coming together of people to know, love and serve each other. With this end in view, countless institutions, organizations and movements have been born and have influenced people to join them in their ranks. In practically all of these, however, the problem of unity has posed a challenge. The fundamental cause of this problem is the differences in viewpoints. People see things from different standpoints and thus, have different viewpoints. Truth, however, is the whole of reality, and only God has the capability to know the whole of reality. Hence, an open mind is needed to listen to the viewpoints of others so as to have a better understanding of whatever may be the issue. In other words, there is a need for a REAL DIALOGUE – where the objective is not to insist on WHO is right but to find out WHAT is right.

A real dialogue calls for a respect of every person’s dignity and opinion. One must be humble enough to realize that he does not know everything, that as they say “no one has a monopoly of the Holy Spirit”. This is an attitude that one can have if he is imbued with the virtue of love. Fr. Teilhard says “Love is the only strength which can make people one without destroying them”.

“Christogenesis” I believe is precisely the stage of evolution wherein Christ Himself, the Son of the Living God, became Man so as to give an example of how men should love another in order to become united. We read in John 17:21 that Christ prayed on the night before His crucifixion “May they all be one as you Father are in Me and I am in You. May they be one in us; so the world may believe that You have sent Me.” Towards the attainment of this goal Christ said: “Now I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13: 34-35)

Christ’s love for all men is wholehearted and unconditional. This is the kind of love that can unite all men without destroying them. This is the ultimate goal of “Christogenesis” -the Unification of Men with Christ as the Center through the bond of love.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
December 6, 2009

The Greatest Story Ever Told

“The Greatest Story Ever Told” is the title of a book I read several years ago. It is actually the story of JESUS CHRIST, the SON OF THE LIVING GOD.

Yesterday I came across a book written by Brother Roger Louis Schutz-Marsauche of Taize entitled “GOD IS LOVE ALONE”. I was struck by what Brother Roger said when he was asked: “What is the most beautiful thing in your life?” His answer was: “When I am talking with someone alone, to perceive the whole human being, marked by a tragedy or by being torn apart within, and at the same time by the irreplaceable gifts through which the life of God in that person is able to bring everything to fulfillment.”

I have been pondering on this answer of Brother Roger and I realize that, indeed, every person in this world has his own story to tell. When we seriously listen to a person’s life story we cannot but perceive the life of God in him as he was showered with irreplaceable gifts. Hence, I believe that listening to a person’s story is actually listening to God Himself as manifested by His loving presence in every human being.

This loving presence of God in every human being is unique, in the sense that every human being has a unique story in his life here on earth. We may say that it begins at the time of his conception and ends at the time of his death. The Story of Jesus Christ on earth, however, while it started at the time of His conception in the womb of His Blessed Mother Mary has not ended with His death but continues till the end of time. He Himself has said: “I am with you always until the end of this world.” (Matt.28:20) This, I believe is what makes the Life of Christ the Greatest Story ever told.

We are fond of reading or viewing the life stories of people as told in books we call novels. We spend a lot of time engaged in this activity to the extent of sometimes foregoing other activities which may even be more important. Novels, however, are creations of one’s imagination though based on some life realities. On the other hand, the story of every person is a real mystery which reflects God’s love. Of all the stories that can be told, the Story of Jesus Christ stands as the Greatest Mystery of God’s love for men.

To my mind, while it is good to entertain ourselves with these so-called novels, we should also give more time to listening to the real life stories of our own fellowmen. Above all, I testify that to invest a significant portion of our time everyday to meditate on the Greatest Mystery of God’s love for us as manifested in the Greatest Story Every Told – the Story of JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD, is a real great avenue of many blessings.

By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan

Date: Nov. 29, 2009

THE VISION OF THE CHURCH

“THE CHURCH SHOULD BE LIKE GOD”. This was the opening statement of Rev. Fr. Catalino G. Arevalo, SJ when he gave a talk on the “Vision of the Church” at the 2nd Plenary Council of the Philippines held at San Carlos Pastoral Formation Complex, Makati City, Metro Manila, from January 20 to February 17, 1991.

He then elaborated on the word GOD which in Latin is D E U S.

D – stands for DIVERSITY. In God there is a Diversity of Persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, each different from the others. To God the Father is attributed the Work of Creation, to God the Son the Work of Redemption, and to God the Holy Spirit the Work of Sanctification.
E – stands for EQUALITY. Each Person is equal to the others in dignity. They are all God.
U – stands for UNITY. There is, however, only ONE GOD. This is the great Mystery of the Blessed Trinity wherein in ONE GOD there are three DIVINE PERSONS.
S – stands for SHARING. God is Love. Out of love they share their whole being with each other.

“In like manner”, Fr. Arevalo says: “we as a Church should be like God, where there is diversity, equality, unity and sharing”

There is DIVERSITY OF FUNCTIONS in the Church. The Pope, the Bishops, the Priests, the Religious, the Laity, differ from each other in their functions in the life of the Church.
There is EQUALITY IN DIGNITY. All are CHILDREN of GOD. Therefore, we have only one and the same dignity.
There should be UNITY in the Church. As children of God we should love one another. True love binds us together and makes us ONE.
There should be a SHARING of RESOURCES. To love means to give of oneself to others. Hence, out of love we, the children of God, should share our time, talents and treasures to each other.

This is what the Church should be.

Looking at what we, the Church in the Philippines, are actually doing, this Vision of the Church is still very much a dream.

One of the obstacles that has been hindering the attainment of this vision is the lack of active participation of the laity in the life of the Church. In the Acts and Decrees of PCP II, it says: “In the Philippines, participation largely means enabling the laity to participate more fully in the life of the Church and in its task of mission. That life and task have been, for too long, looked at almost exclusively as the special responsibility of the appointed pastors, the priests and bishops of the Church. This narrow understanding has effectively reduced the laity to being mere objects of pastoral care, passive and compliant recipients of the clergy’s evangelizing effort. In truth, the lay faithful are, by right, subjects of evangelization, active workers of the Gospel, tasked with basically the same mission as the Church’s pastors.” (PCP II, Part II, No. 99).

It is further stated in PCP II, Part II, Nos.100-101: “Therefore we need to emphasize today the insights of Vatican II on co-responsibility, shared responsibility in the mission of the entire Church. The movement must henceforth be towards the actual and active sharing of responsibilities among pope and bishops, clergy and religious, lay men and women. And if heavier emphasis is laid on the laity now, it is not to set them against the hierarchical part of the Church nor to form them into a so-called “Church of the People”, understood as having no place for hierarchical authority and office. It is rather to restore their neglected role of evangelizers, to enable them to exercise that role more fully and efficaciously for the spread of Christ’s Kingdom. When we participatively share charism and ministry for the one mission, we become a Church of Communion in truth and in deed. It is a veritably new way, at least for us of this century, of being Church.”

May we all heed this admonition of PCP II so as to become a Church like God.

by Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
Date: Nov. 22, 2009

DESTINY – A CHOICE

“DESTINY – A CHOICE, NOT A MATTER OF CHANCE”. These words struck me when I went to the Office of RBC Cable Master System at Luna St., Tuguegarao City to pay my bill.

I pondered on the truthfulness of this statement and would like to share my viewpoints.

Destiny, I believe is a Vision of one’s reason for living. As Christians we believe that we have been created to live with God forever as His adopted children. To attain this destiny we have to attune our way of life so as to make it pleasing in the eyes of God. In other words, we have to live a life of holiness and become saints, living in union with God.

One of the greatest gifts that man has received from God is the Gift of Freedom. With this gift man is given the capability to make decisions that would bring about what is good for him and for others. Used properly it will certainly enable man to attain his true destiny. But if it is abused and considered like a license to do whatever one wants, then it can cause his destruction and ultimate ruin. Hence, one has to know how to use this Gift of Freedom properly.

First of all, one has to know and be convinced that he has been created and destined to live with God forever. Secondly, this conviction should be manifested in the way one lives. And whatever may be the difficulties, problems and trials in carrying out this conviction, one must have the courage and perseverance to stick to it.

“He who has a WHY for living can bear with almost any HOW”, says Mr. Victor Frank in a book written by him. In that book he narrates how people who were physically frail were able to survive the rigors of prison life rather than those of a stronger built. This shows that the will to live due to a reason for living can enable one to withstand the hardships or difficulties of life.

Life in this world, however, is full of temptations, trails and problems which oftentimes make it difficult for us to do what our conscience would consider as the Will of God and thus succumb to following what is more pleasing to oneself. This is where the strength of our Faith is tested. This is where our “Why” for living would come out strong enough to overcome whatever trials there may be.

As Christians we have been given a Vision that spells out our Destiny. It is a Destiny that gives meaning to our existence here on earth. It is a Destiny that tells us that we come from a Creator, called God, Who created us out of love, and we are expected to go back to Him as we use our gift of freedom to respond to His love with our love.

It is then, a matter of Choice on our part, if we decide to reach the Destiny that God has planned for us. This decision, however, has to be carried out despite all the trials that may come our way in our everyday life. It must be a decision to respond to the Love of God by loving Him with all our mind, with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength.

Indeed, our Destiny is a matter of Choice, and not a matter of Chance.

By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
Nov. 15, 2009

THE MYSTERY OF THE RESURRECTION

On the Feasts of All Saints (Nov. 1) and All Souls (Nov.2), our cemeteries are filled with people visiting their beloved dead in their graves. For many, what fills their minds and hearts are the fond memories they had with those who had gone ahead. Hardly are there those who envision the glorious resurrection of their dead when this is one of the tenets of our Christian Faith which should fill us with joy. Such faith we profess every time we pray the “Apostles Creed” and proclaim “the resurrection of the dead”. How and when shall this happen?

Rev. Fr. Manuel V. Francisco, S.J. in his column- “God’s Word Today”, Philippine Star, Nov. 1, 2009, gives us some enlightening thoughts on this matter. He says: “Beyond all human logic, beyond the conjectures of science, we believe that on the Last Day, God will reunite our personhood with our transformed bodies. How this glorified body will look like, we can only speculate. Nonetheless our belief is not spiritual illusion, but rather, religious faith and conviction grounded on the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. How do we know that what God the Father has done for Jesus, He will do for us? The assumption of Mary, body and soul, into heaven is the icon of our universal destiny.”

In the letter of Paul to the Philippians (3:20) he says: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.”

From the foregoing, as we remember the earthly life of our dear dead, it would be very heartening also to focus on the great mystery of their resurrection as foretold in the following Scripture passages: “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth. And the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.” (Isaiah 65:17) and in 2 Peter 3:13, “But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.”

Rev. Fr. Francisco further states: “The ultimate end of humanity and the world is divinization, a participation in the divine life of God: ‘we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is’. This is our faith. It is indeed too good to be true. And yet, assured us by the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Based on the premise that the God Who created this world is all-knowing and all-powerful, it is my conviction that the whole of creation will definitely have a happy ending. Hence, despite all the inevitable trials, hardships and/or sufferings that we encounter in this world, let us put all our trust in God, our Creator, Who knows what is best for each of us and in His time He will make all things beautiful.

By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan

Date: Nov. 8, 2009

WHAT IS A PILGRIMAGE?

In an interview with Most Rev. Socrates Villegas, Archbishop Elect of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, as published in the Philippine Star of Oct. 25, 2009, this question was posed to him. “What is the significance of a pilgrimage to modern-day Filipinos?”

The answer he gave has further deepened my understanding of this religious activity. And so I quote: “A pilgrimage is actually a departure from the self to God. Sometimes it is a departure from comfort to a moment of sacrifice, like the pilgrimage of the Way of the Cross. The important thing to keep in mind is that God is walking with us and God will be our destiny. For me, however, the most important pilgrimage that we need to make is not to the holy sights, but the pilgrimage to Jesus in our midst. In other words, we don’t need money to make a pilgrimage. What is important is for you to have love. So from your house, you can make a pilgrimage to a government hospital to visit a sick person, or someone who has been forgotten by his loved ones. Or to an orphanage, or to a home for the aged. That is also a pilgrimage.”

Reflecting on the answer of Archbishop Socrates there are four important points that further enlightened me and broadened my concept of a pilgrimage.

1. It is a departure of self to God.
2. God is walking with us and He is our destiny.
3. The most important pilgrimage is to Jesus in our midst.
4. Love is what we must have to make a pilgrimage.

The first point stresses an attitude of unselfishness, of dying to oneself. This I believe is what our Lord Jesus Christ meant when He said: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (Jn.12:24) In my understanding one has to give up any vestige of selfishness and make a complete surrender of oneself to the Will of God. To partly fulfill the call of dying to oneself, I have made it a habit to pray every time I visit the Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament so that with His grace I can heartily say: “Here I am Lord, I come to do Your Will.” and then go out of my way to be of help to whoever God sends my way.

The second point makes me aware that God, indeed, is with us. He is travelling with us and is our final destination. It means that we are never alone, because God in His infinite goodness is ever ready to help us. This reminds me of the story of a man in the “Footprints on the Sand”. Given the privilege of looking back at his past life and seeing two pairs of footprints he was told that the other pair of footprints belongs to the Lord. Then he noticed that when he was in great trouble there was only one pair of footprints. So he questioned: Why, Lord, have You abandoned me when I needed You most? The Lord answered: “When you were in great trouble it was then that I carried you in my arms.” Verily, God never abandons anyone.

The third point makes me realize that Jesus Christ is very much alive in this world, for He said: “I am with you always until the end of this world.”(Mt.28:20) By the power of the Holy Spirit He lives in us and therefore He should be the Center of our life. Like St. Paul we can strive to say: “It is no longer I that live but Christ Who lives and reigns in me.”(Gal. 2:20)

The fourth point which is love gives the very reason for our existence. We were created out of love and our life can only be meaningful if we love. The essence of love is unselfishness which is actually the opposite of sin, the essence of which is selfishness. This brings us back to the first point which requires a departure of self to God.

In a nutshell, a pilgrimage is a journey towards our permanent address- HEAVEN, where we shall live with God forever.

By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan

Date: Nov. 1, 2009

WE ARE PILGRIMS ON EARTH

To live meaningfully on earth one has to have strong convictions on “WHO” he is and “WHY” he is. These convictions are usually the result of one’s personal experiences, readings and interactions with people.

One of the statements that keep lingering in my mind is from the Dutch Catechism which says: “We live together in this world; we ourselves a part of this world; but endowed with some spirituality.”

While we Christians have been taught by Christ thru the Church Officialdom that we are children of God and our destiny is to be with God forever, one has still to grapple with these two fundamental questions and elicit an answer that he has mentally digested and made a part of himself.

As for me, the image of a PILGRIMAGE has been a constant inspiration. Seeing people travelling together towards a common destination and helping each other to be able to reach their destiny is, indeed, very heartening. Because of this I have viewed life on earth as a PILGRIMAGE – each and everyone of us travelling.

Where are we going? This is a question that people answer in different ways, depending on their points of view. As for me, time and again I have reflected on the tenets of our Christian Faith and at this point in my life, I have arrived at some convictions which I am ready to die for, if necessary, by the grace of God.

Briefly these are my convictions.

1. The world we live in must have been created by a Supreme Being we call God, Who is all knowing and all powerful.
2. We all came into existence thru the power of this Supreme Being, and we can remain in existence only thru His continued sustaining power.
3. At present there is only one planet, we call the Earth, where all of us live.
4. In God’s infinite Goodness He has destined us to live with Him forever.
5. To live with God means to really love Him.
6. Since love can only be given freely, God has given us the Gift of Freedom to be able to love Him in return.
7. Our life on earth is then a time for us to decide on whether to love or not to love God in return.
8. Those who have made up their minds to love God in return are on a Pilgrimage towards their predetermined destiny – To live with God forever.
9. We who have made this choice are on a Pilgrimage to Heaven.
10. As Pilgrims, it is a corporate responsibility for us to help each other reach our destiny.

Meditating on the aforesaid convictions, I have been challenged to live in such a way as to help, with the grace of God, everyone who comes in contact with me to reach his destiny. Deep in my heart I believe that anyone who in one way or another has given a helping hand to someone so as to enable him to reach his destiny may be assured of his eternal salvation.

By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan

Date: October 25, 2009

WHERE IS GOD?

“WHERE IS GOD?” This was the cry of a little girl while typhoon “Ondoy” was pouring torrential rains that flooded their residence up to the roof top. It was, indeed, a cry for help.

Mr. Isagani A. Cruz in his column at the Philippine Daily Inquirer, dated October 11, 2009, says: “ A look at our present situation seems to suggest that the little girl’s searching question has denied us His protection. We seem to be helpless in the moral and material problems caused by Ondoy and Pepeng. Thousands of lives have been claimed by inundations and landslides, depriving parents of their children, families of their homes and possessions, sons and daughters of their hope for a better life.”

From my readings, however, I have learned that God’s methods are people. God uses people to come to the rescue of those whose lives are being exposed to dangers. While not all may be rescued, the number of those whose lives are spared thru the help of other people would still be the great majority.

And so, Mr. Isagani Cruz further states: “God has united us in coping with our common problems. God has given us the gift of unity in resisting the holocaust that is threatening all our people. All our people include the Christians – the Catholics and Protestants alike – and those of other faiths, the Muslims, the Jews, the Buddhists, and the followers of Hare Krishna. Hallelujah for the men and women of the Philippines who are obeying the Will of God in helping their fellow Filipinos in distress like the Good Samaritan in the Bible. This is probably your answer, little girl.”

Time and again, I have personally experienced this loving presence of God in my life. Hence, when I reached the age of 76 I wrote “A Thanksgiving Memoir to God”. As a Foreword to that Memoir I said: “This is a humble attempt to put into writing the deep feelings of gratitude that are welling in my heart for all the blessings that God has graciously bestowed on me during my earthly sojourn through the instrumentality of persons who came along my path and helped me find a meaning to my life. I hope that those who will read this memoir, especially those whose names shall be mentioned, if they are still alive, will praise God for having been used by Him as channels of His bountiful blessings on me. May this memoir, therefore, serve as my personal testimony to the loving presence of God in my life which I believe He extends to every human being in this world, regardless of race, religion or nationality, for His love is universal, unconditional and has no favorites”. (Deut. 10:17; Gal.2:6)

God, therefore, is here with us in this world. People are His representatives or instruments in answering our prayers. When people, enlightened and empowered by His grace make themselves available to serve the needs of their fellowmen, it is God, indeed, Who is in action thru them.

By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan

Date: Oct. 18, 2009

IS THERE A PURGATORY?

IS THERE A PURGATORY?

This was the question that my professor in theology asked me to dwell on when I was a seminarian at St. Francis de Sales Seminary at Lipa City in 1953.

I would like to share the results of my study on this matter.

The first one to come out openly against the doctrine of Purgatory was Martin Luther, an Augustinian Friar, when on the eve of All Saints Day, 1517, he posted a list of 95 propositions on the church door in Wittenburg, Germany. His denial of purgatory was a logical consequence of his doctrine that we are saved by faith alone.

In the General Council of Trent in 1563 there was a Decree on Purgatory which reads as follows: “The Catholic Church, instructed by the Holy Spirit and in accordance with sacred Scripture and the ancient Tradition of the Fathers, has taught in the holy Councils that there is a purgatory, and that the souls detained there are helped by the acts of intercession (suffragia) of the faithful, and especially by the acceptable sacrifice of the altar. Therefore this holy Council commands the bishops to strive diligently that the sound doctrine of purgatory, handed down by the Holy Fathers and the sacred Councils, be believed by the faithful and that it be adhered to, taught and preached everywhere.”

In the Old Testament (2 Mc. 12:46) it says: “This was the reason why Judas offered this sacrifice for the dead, so that the dead might be pardoned for their sin.”

In the New Testament (1 Cor. 3:15) it says: “…but if your work becomes ashes, you will pay for it. You will be saved, but it will be as if passing through fire.”

“Salvation through Faith Alone” is actually the basic ground for denying the existence of Purgatory.

In the Letter of James, however, we read the following: “Brothers, what good is it to profess faith without showing works? Such faith has no power to save you. If a brother or sister is in need of clothes or food and one of you says, ‘May things go well for you; be warm and satisfied’, without attending to their material needs, what good is that? So it is for faith without deeds: it is totally dead. … So you see, a person obtains holiness by his deeds and not by faith alone….So, just as the body is dead without its spirit, so faith, without deeds, is also dead.” (James 2:14-26)

The Catechism for Filipino Catholics says: “Purgatory means ‘the state of final purification’ so that those who died in the state of grace but are weighed down by the remnants of selfishness and sin, may be purified and thus enter into everlasting glory with the Lord.” (2104)

Here in the Philippines on November 1-2 of every year, we witness huge crowds of people visiting the graves of their beloved dead and praying for the eternal repose of their souls. This to me is a phenomenon which manifests the deep faith of the great majority of our people that somehow in God’s infinite goodness and mercy they can still do something to hasten or mitigate any temporal punishment that a soul has to undergo in order to be fully cleansed and be worthy to be admitted into the Kingdom of God where there is everlasting peace, love and happiness.

by: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan

Date: Oct. 11, 2009

THE ROSARY

October is a month specially dedicated to our Blessed Mother Mary. It is a Christian tradition to pray the Holy Rosary not only individually but also in groups of families coming together. In practically every parish in our country, the Philippines, this is the devotion that is being practiced.

There are two questions which I would like to dwell on in this matter. First, “Why pray the Rosary?”. And secondly, “How should we pray the Rosary?”

To the first question, these are some of the reasons:

1. It is a very powerful prayer for intercession.

a. In the naval battle of Lepanto, which occurred on October 7, 1571, the victory of the Christians over the Moslems was attributed to the praying of the Rosary.
b. Sometime in October of 1616 at the shores of Manila Bay, 15 Dutch vessels invaded us. Though outnumbered with only 3 Spanish ships we overpowered them thru the intercession of Blessed Mother Mary as the faithful and soldiers prayed the Rosary.

2. It is a prayer advocated by our Blessed Mother Mary.

In her miraculous appearances at Lourdes of France and at Fatima of Portugal, our Blessed Mother Mary enjoined the praying of the Rosary to bring about peace in the world.

3. It is a prayer endorsed by several Popes.

a. Pope Leo XIII on Sept. 1, 1883, in his Encyclical “Supremi Apostolatus Officio” proposed the Rosary as an effective spiritual weapon against the evils afflicting society.

b. Blessed Pope John XXIII in his Apostolic Epistle on Sept. 29, 1961, endorsed the Rosary for the success of the Second Vatican Council.

c. Pope Paul VI, in his Apostolic Exhortation “Marialis Cultus”dated Feb. 2, 1974, emphasized the Rosary’s evangelical character and its Christocentric inspiration.

d. Pope John Paul II in his Apostolic Letter “Rosarium Virginis Mariae” issued on Oct. 16, 2002, said that the Rosary is a “prayer of great significance, destined to bring forth a harvest of holiness”.

3. It is an effective means of obtaining one’s salvation.

Blessed Bartolo Longo, considered a True Apostle of the Rosary, heard an inspiration in the depths of his heart which says: “Whoever spreads the Rosary is saved!”

To the second question, Pope John Paul II says that the Rosary is “an exquisitely contemplative prayer”. He further says: “Without this contemplative dimension, it would lose its meaning, as Pope Paul VI clearly pointed out: Without contemplation, the Rosary is a body without a soul, and its recitation runs the risk of becoming a mechanical repetition of formulas, in violation of the admonition of Christ: ‘In praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their many words’ (Mt. 6:7). By its nature the recitation of the Rosary calls for a quiet rhythm and a lingering pace, helping the individual to meditate on the mysteries of the Lord’s life as seen through the eyes of her who was closest to the Lord. In this way the unfathomable riches of these mysteries are disclosed.”

The Rosary, therefore, if prayed meditatively, will enable us to grow in our knowledge of Christ and thus bring us closer to Him thru the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary.

By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
Date: Oct. 4, 2009

THEOLOGY-FAITH-RELIGION

Theology, Faith, Religion – these are words which are often times mentioned in discussions on religious matters.

What is the difference of each one from the other?

Based on my readings I have gathered the following:

Theology is what we know about God.
Faith is what we accept or believe of what we know.
Religion is how we live or practice what we believe.

When it comes to Theology, practically every man has some knowledge of God and His relationship to the world from what he reads, hears or experiences. One, however, does not necessarily accept whatever he reads or hears. When he accepts what he knows, then it becomes a conviction, though not may be a certainty. This is what we call Faith.

One’s faith is manifested in the way one lives. If one merely believes but does not put into practice what he believes, his faith is dead. Thus, St. James, the Apostle, says” “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). When one does not live what he believes in, he becomes a person with a split personality. Faith to be meaningful must therefore, be put into action in one’s everyday life.

We pride ourselves as a Catholic country, since the great majority of us (80%) subscribe to the Christian Faith. This Christian Faith tells us that we should love one another as Christ loves us. It tells us to break the cycle of evil by overcoming evil with good. It tells us to be honest, responsible and to share our time, talents and treasure for the good of our community. But, why is there so much graft and corruption in our country? Why are we considered as among the most corrupt country in the world?

I believe that the answer is simply because most of us, so-called Christians, do not live what we believe. For this reason many of us may be branded as KBLs – because we go to Church only when we are wedded (Kasal), when we are baptized or have our children baptized (Biniag), and when we die (Libing) to be blessed. We are sacramentalized but not evangelized.

The great challenge for us is to have a decent life in our country.

While the means to meet this challenge may somehow be answered politically and economically, I submit that the real answer lies in the sphere of morality – when every citizen would live according to the dictates of his conscience and abide by what our Christian Faith dictates.

Then and only then can we form communities where there is true love. And where there is true love, there will be peace and harmony in our relationships with each other; and there will be generous sharing of what we are and what we have to make our country truly great.

By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
Sep. 27, 2009

A POSTHUMOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

“THE BEST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS ARE POSTHUMOUS”. Thus says Rev. Fr. Rufino C. Sescon Jr. in one of his articles in a book entitled: “Glimpses of Grace”.

“It is good”, he says, “when we organize our own birthday parties. But it is much better when people come to remember the day you were born even long after you are gone. It means they are so grateful that you came to their lives. It just shows that you were truly a blessing to them”.

It was on the occasion of the Birthday Celebration of our Blessed Mother Mary, September 8, that Rev. Sescon Jr. said those statements.

We have, indeed, been celebrating the Birthday of our Blessed Mother Mary since time immemorial. The blessings we have received and are still receiving thru her are countless. It was thru her that the Savior of the World, Jesus Christ, was conceived and born. It was thru her that Jesus Christ performed His first public miracle of changing water into wine at the wedding in Cana. It was in her care and protection that Jesus Christ entrusted each and everyone of us, for we form the Church which He founded. It is thru her intercession that the Church has been receiving extraordinary blessings up to this time. These blessings continue to be poured on us in various ways, especially thru her miraculous apparitions in places like Lourdes in France, Guadalupe in Mexico, Fatima in Portugal, etc. These and many more are reasons why we celebrate the Birthday of our Blessed Mother Mary.

Can we be also a blessing to people?

We are told that Christ has a “Mystical Body” which we call the Church. We, who compose the Church, are members of this Mystical Body of Christ. Just as one is concerned with every part of his body, so is Christ concerned with every one who is a member of His Mystical Body. This, I believe, is the fundamental reason why one should live a life that others can consider as a blessing for them. The source of any blessing is actually God Himself, but God can use anyone as His instrument to pour out His blessings. One has only to make himself available to be used by God by surrendering oneself like our Blessed Mother Mary and say: “Behold the servant of the Lord, be it done unto me according to The Word”. (Lk.1:38)

Since our life is a Gift from God, this Gift should be used not only for our own good but also for the good of others. For this reason God also gave us the Gift of Love, because it is only thru the power of love that we can truly do something good for others. Love can be manifested in many ways. One of the best ways, however, is thru service. Serving the needs of others is actually what Our Lord Jesus Christ meant when He said: “For I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me into your house. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you went to see me. …Truly, I say to you: whenever you did this to one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.” (Matt. 25: 35-40

Service to others is, indeed, the great challenge of Christianity. It is a challenge that requires a strong conviction in the personal relationship of Christ with every person in this world. In other words, one has to see the ‘Face of Christ’ in each and every person served. For those who are lovable, one may just be too willing and be glad to serve their needs; but for others who may be unlovable, one would need a special grace from God to be able to fulfill this command of Christ.

By: Salvador Cagurangan
Sep. 20, 2009

THE ART OF LISTENING

The most difficult of arts is “THE ART OF LISTENING”. This is a viewpoint expressed by a renowned Jesuit, Rev. Fr. Horacio de la Costa, S.J., in one of his homilies that has been published by the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus and the Ateneo de Manila University.

Dwelling on this statement, I pondered on the possible reasons to support its truthfulness. What came to my mind are some attitudes that one has to have in order to really listen to others.

One has to be OPEN-MINDED. To really listen to others one has to admit that no one has a monopoly of the truth. And so, one should consider seriously what others say.

One has to be HUMBLE. The viewpoints of others could be as good or even better than one’s own viewpoint. Thus one should be willing to make adjustments or even discard his own viewpoint in favor of what others say.

One has to be PATIENT. One must be willing to give enough time to others to express their ideas. This requires being quiet and really listening to the one talking until he finishes.

One has to be OBJECTIVE. One has to consider not “WHO” is right, but “WHAT” is right. A viewpoint should be evaluated on its merits and not on the personality of the one who expresses it.

One has to be RADICAL. To seek the truth one must be willing to make extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions or institutions. This means having the courage to depart from the traditional ways of thinking and doing things, if such is not in accordance with what is deemed to be right.

The Art of Listening would require attitudes as mentioned: To be open minded, humble, patient, objective and radical. To develop these attitudes is, indeed, a big order. Hence, I believe there is truth to the statement of Rev. Fr. Horacio de la Costa that “THE ART OF LISTENING IS THE MOST DIFFICULT OF ARTS”.

By: Salvador Cagurangan
Sep. 13, 2009

THE SIGNATURES OF GOD

A signature is a way of confirming something as true or correct. Hence, it has been used by men in formal or non-formal transactions to attest to the veracity of whatever may have been stated.

As human beings we have been groping in a world which up to now challenges man’s capacity to fully understand. It is a world full of mysteries. Man himself is still a great mystery to his own understanding. His origin is still the subject of research, and his destiny is still a matter of faith. There is, however, a universal acknowledgement by all men, regardless of nationality, race or creed, that there must be SOMEONE who has caused the existence of everything in this world. This Someone we commonly call “GOD”.

The reality of God is a given fact, we may say. But how to describe God’s being is beyond human comprehension. We can only attempt to see a glimpse of His personality. Our Christian faith tells us that He is a TRINITY – ONE GOD IN THREE DIVINE PERSONS, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. To God the Father is attributed the Work of Creation, to God the Son the Work of Salvation, and to God the Holy Spirit the Work of Sanctification.

Following the tenets of our Christian Faith, we may attempt to see a glimpse of God’s personality by looking at His Signatures on these various Works which are attributed to Him, namely: Creation, Salvation and Sanctification.

The Work of Creation is evident in the existence of everything in this world. For no being in this world can exist without a power from Someone to create and sustain it in its existence. Without this creative power there would be nothing in this world. Nothing and nobody can boast of existing by his or its own power. This complete dependence on a Creative Power of everything that is existing in this world is a Signature of God as Creator.

The Work of Salvation can be seen in the Process of Canonization thru which the Christian Church assures us that certain persons are now enjoying the Beatific Vision of God in Heaven and thus can be venerated as SAINTS. In other words, they exemplify the Fruits of the Redeeming Power of Christ, Who came into this world, “so that all those who believe in Him shall not perish but have life everlasting”. (John 3:16). Aside from these Canonized Saints, there are innumerable people whose lives are likewise pleasing to God and thus could also be considered as saints. These saints are the Signatures of the Work of Salvation.

The Work of Sanctification is being manifested by many on-going Programs of Renewal in the Christian Church. To mention a few are: The Parish Renewal Experience (PREX), The Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS), The Marriage Encounter (ME). In these renewal programs we continue to experience and witness the Power of the Holy Spirit in touching the lives of thousands of people who by cooperating with the grace of God were and are being transformed so as to grow in holiness and become more and more pleasing to God. These, indeed, are Signatures of the Work of Sanctification.

God is still a Great Mystery for all of us. Thru these Signatures of God, however, we are continually assured of God’s existence, His infinite Power and unconditional Love. Faith in the Reality of God, however, must be manifested in a Life that is pleasing to God.


By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
Sep. 6, 2009

A FORMULA FOR HAPPINESS

Reflecting on one of the articles of Rev. Fr. Rufino C. Sescon, Jr. in his book “Glimpses of Grace” I consider his admonition as a kind of Formula for Happiness.

His admonition is: “Charge your heart with the love of Jesus; Celebrate what is right in the world; Catch a glimpse of God’s presence in your life”.

Since the admonition uses three verbs that all begin with the letter “C” I would consider it as the “3 Cs for a Happy Life”.

The first: “Charge your heart with the love of Jesus” means emptying oneself of all kinds of selfishness and filling one’s heart with a genuine unconditional love of Jesus. It means a total surrender of oneself to our Lord Jesus Christ, so He could truly live and reign in one’s life with a sincere desire to serve Him by always doing His Holy Will.

The second: “Celebrate what is right in the world” means looking at what is good and wonderful in what is happening right now in one’s life and thanking God for them. Oftentimes we just take things for granted, not realizing that every moment of our life is actually a gift of God. Indeed, the world is full of God’s creation which should fill our hearts and minds with awe and wonder. Every bit of God’s creation is a reason for celebration to manifest our deep gratitude to God for His infinite power and goodness.

The third: “Catch a glimpse of God’s presence in your life” means striving to be aware that God is truly alive and is in control of everything in this world, for there is nothing in this world that can exist even for one moment without God’s creative power. Since God is a pure Spirit, His presence is something that cannot be perceived by our senses. A spirit, I believe, can be perceived only by another spirit. Hence, it is when our human spirit could be truly attuned to God that somehow we could have a glimpse of God’s presence in our life. To be attuned to God is, of course, a Gift of God that He dispenses as He pleases. No one can earn it. One can only pray to be given the privilege of receiving this Great Gift of God’s Presence. We are told that in the next life this is one of the gifts we shall receive- “to see God face to face”. But in our life here on earth, it seems we can have only a “glimpse” of such presence.


Applying this admonition in our life could bring true peace and happiness. When one’s heart is filled with the Love of Jesus; when he is moved with deep gratitude for the manifestations of God’s goodness in this world; when he is given the privilege of having at least a “glimpse” of God’s presence; I believe these will bring peace and joy. and thus will serve as a “Formula for Happiness”.

By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
Aug. 30, 2009

HATE the SIN, LOVE the SINNER

“HATE the SIN, but LOVE the SINNER”. This is what Spiritual Mentors tell us to understand what Jesus meant when He said: “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance”. (Lk. 5:32).

Reflecting on the said statement, I realized that there must be a difference between the sin and the sinner. Indeed, the difference lies in their sources or authors. The author of sin is man himself. Matthew 5: 19, reads: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders”. The author of the sinner, however, is God Himself. Genesis 1:27 reads: “God created man in His own image…”.

Sin comes from man when he abuses the gift of freedom by doing something which is not directed towards what is good for himself or for others. It is something, therefore, that is not in accordance with the Will of God. Hence, it is considered evil and in one way or another it must be overcome.

The sinner is a human being who has been created by God Himself. Being a creation of God, he must be respected and loved. Despite all his weaknesses and sinfulness, he remains a creature of God. Since he belongs to God, it is only God who has the right to dispose of him.
It is only God Who can truly judge him and reward or condemn him accordingly. Jesus said: “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then recompense every man according to his deeds”. (Matt. 16:27)

When sin, therefore, is committed, it is the evil or what is wrong that has to be corrected or condemned. But the sinner is someone whose existence is still maintained by the creative power of God and who has the potential of recognizing his mistake to the extent of doing what needs to be done to correct the wrong and become attuned to the Will of God.

This is the phenomenon of what is called “conversion” which has actually brought about the great changes in the lives of thousands of people whom we today venerate as “Saints”. Among the most prominent of them is Saint Paul. He was a persecutor of the Christians. But when through some mysterious event He experienced the reality of Christ, he became the great Apostle to the gentiles. Another great example is Saint Augustine of Hippo. He was actually wallowing in the sins of the flesh, when mysteriously he heard a voice: “take and read”. He read a certain passage in the Bible which started his conversion. From a sinner he made a turn about in his life. He became a priest, a bishop and eventually a Saint.

Sin is the work of man and has to be overcome with something good. We certainly have to do everything we can to correct the wrong. However, the sinner is a human being – the work of God, created in His image and likeness. He is someone in whom we can see the Face of God, so to speak. Hence, he deserves our loving concern, regardless of his sinfulness, for he actually is the object of God’s redeeming grace – the reason for Christ’s coming to this world, so that “whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life”. (John 3:16). With this faith we cannot but give due respect to him and let God do with him as He pleases.

By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
Aug. 23, 2009

BREAK THE CYCLE OF EVIL

The Great Challenge of Christianity is “TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF EVIL”.

This, I believe, is what Our Lord Jesus Christ wants us to do when He said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends, hate your enemies.’ But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the sons of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that!
You must be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matt. 5:43-48)

“An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” (Matt.5:38) This is how we, as human beings, usually react to any harm done to us. We tend to return evil for evil, or do harm to those who do harm to us. In other words, we want to retaliate. Hence, there is a Cycle of Evil. In our world today we are experiencing the great sufferings brought about due to this attitude of vengeance.

Looking at Christ hanging on the Cross, I believe that He could have easily annihilated all those who were torturing Him, because He is God. But why did He not use His power to do so? Instead He prayed: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”.

This, I believe, is one of the reasons why Christ became man, so He could show us how to break the cycle of evil by not retaliating, but instead be forgiving to those who hurt us.

We must admit, however, that to do this act of forgiveness requires a strong conviction that the one being forgiven is a creature made in the image and likeness of God that deserves our loving concern and respect. It requires seeing God Himself in the person He created. This is the great dignity of every man in this world. It is because of this dignity that Christ said: “Now I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you”. (John 13:34) In other words, Christ is now the New Standard for love.

Humanly speaking, this command is something beyond our comprehension and even beyond our human capacity to fulfill. It is something that man cannot do without a special help from God. Hence, in order to fulfill it man has to humbly pray to seek God’s grace. For what may seem impossible for man is possible with God.

This grace that enables man to forgive is actually what Christ is offering to anyone who believes in Him. When one receives this grace and puts it into practice, he then becomes an instrument of God “TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF EVIL” and thus help to make this world a better place to live in.

By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
Aug. 16, 2009

FOCUS ON YOUR DESTINY

“FOCUS ON YOUR DESTINY” urged our Preacher, Rev. Fr. Jose Hugo Aggabao, in a homily during a Eucharistic Celebration at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Tuguegarao City.

He shared a personal experience of how he learned to ride on a bicycle. His father advised him not to look at his feet on the pedals but to look forward towards where he wants to go. Not heeding his father’s advise he at first tried several times to balance himself on the bike looking at his feet, but miserably failed. So, following his father’s advise, he focused his eyes on the road towards his destination which eventually enabled him to drive the bicycle. This experience taught him a practical lesson - “Focus on your Destiny”.

As a seminarian he applied this lesson during the long trying years of priestly training and thus, among a class of 30, he was the only who made it to the priesthood.

He further exhorted us to apply this lesson particularly to our life destiny. For Christ has said: “.. what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life.” (Matt. 16:26)

Reflecting on this statement of Our Lord Jesus Christ when He talked to the apostles at Caesarea Philippi, I could not but ask the question: ‘What is this life that is so valuable that it is worth more than the whole world?’

The answer to this question is a matter of Faith. For it is something that cannot be the subject of a scientific research. It is something that cannot be proven by logical reasoning. It is something beyond man’s capacity to fully understand. It is a great mystery.

For those, however, who believe in the Divinity of Christ, it must be something that is true and real; for Christ, Who is God, cannot deceive nor can He be deceived.

Hence, we have to see what our Christian Faith tells in answering this question.

St. John in his First Letter (3:1) says: “See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are.”

For me, this is our DESTINY – to become children of God. To be a child of God means to be united with Him. And to be united with God means to live with Him for all eternity, because God’s life is forever without end.

To make our life meaningful we should “FOCUS ON OUR DESTINY”. For if we fail to attain this Destiny, our life on earth would all be in vain. And that, I believe, is the warning of our Lord Jesus Christ when He uttered those words to His apostles.

By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
Aug. 9, 2009

THE GLORY OF GOD

During the Bible Service on Holy Saturday, the verse that struck me most is:

“Through him we obtain this favour in which we remain and we even rejoice in the expectation of sharing the Glory of God.” (Romans 5:2)

There were two questions that I asked myself.
1. What is the Glory of God?
2. How may I share in this Glory of God?

To the first question, the inspiration that came to me is: “The Glory of God is UNITY.”

God’s Glory in Himself is the Great Mystery of the Blessed Trinity – where there are Three Divine Persons, each of them a God, but who are so united that they become just ONE GOD.

To the second question, however, I am reminded of what St. Athanasius said: “The Glory of God is Man Fully Alive.”

God’s Glory in man is also his Unity, or his Oneness with God, with his fellowmen, with his own self, and with the laws of nature.

Unity with God is what we may call “Spiritual Unity”.
Unity with one’s fellowmen is what we may call “Social Unity”
Unity with oneself is what we may call “Personal Unity”
Unity with nature is what we may call “Ecological Unity”

When man attains this fourfold Unity, then he becomes “Fully Alive” and he shares in the Glory of God, because he becomes One with God spiritually, socially, personally and ecologically.

But what is it that can bring about this Unity with God, with our fellowmen, with oneself, and with nature? The answer to this question, I believe, is LOVE. The great thinker and palaeontologist, Rev. Fr. Teilhard de Chardin, SJ, said that “the only force that can unite men without destroying them is Love.” True love of God, of our fellowmen, of oneself, and of nature is the Way that can make a Man Fully Alive, the Glory of God.

By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
Aug. 2, 2009

SARI-SARI, SALU-SALO,SAMA-SAMA

“SARI-SARI” (diverse); “SALU-SALO”(sharing); “SAMA-SAMA”(together) – This is the remedy recommended by the Silsilah Media Center for Dialogue and Peace in Zamboanga City.

In building a society for the common good, the Silsilah Summer Special Course of 2009 endorsed a culture of dialogue as the more sustainable path to peace.
In a dialogue, the participants are actually searching for “WHAT” is right and not for “WHO” is right. This spells the right attitude in any meeting or confrontation of human beings towards resolving any issue or conflict that may impede the attainment of a peaceful relationship.
I do believe that this is a remedy that could be applied to our everyday life in whatever community we may be.
“SARI-SARI” – acknowledges the fact that we see things from different points of view, and so we have different opinions or viewpoints.
“SALU-SALO” – encourages us to share sincerely whatever viewpoints we may have, but with an open mind to also listen to the viewpoints of others.
“SAMA-SAMA” – focuses on the end objective of our dialogue, which is to accept whatever differences we may have but capitalize on the points where there is agreement and come to an understanding which enables us to respect each other despite our differences, and thus live peacefully with each other.
Starting with our FAMILY, the basic unit of society, this process of sari-sari, salu-salo, and sama-sama, could very well make it a HOME where everyone feels comfortable and at peace with one another.
In our NEIGHBORHOOD or the community where we live, a peaceful environment could be created if everyone would give due respect to each other despite any differences in opinion, culture, religion. or political affiliation.
In our NATION at large, the CYCLE OF EVIL could be broken and PEACE could reign throughout the land if we could truly regard each other as all creatures of one the same God, travellers in this world, with one and the same destiny –TO BE UNITED WITH GOD FOR ALL ETERNITY
May this serve as a FOOD FOR THOUGHT that can inspire a COURSE OF ACTION and thus bring about a lasting PEACE IN OURSELF, IN OUR FAMILY, IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, AND IN OUR COUNTRY.

By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
July 26, 2009

THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST

Of all the people who have lived in our planet, the earth, JESUS CHRIST, I believe, is the Most Outstanding Person that requires some serious consideration from every human being who has been apprised of His existence.

For us Christians we have been told of some extraordinary events in the life of Christ, namely, His Incarnation, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension. The two last events (Resurrection and Ascension) are unique to Christ, for no other person has ever risen from the dead and ascended into heaven.

As a Christian my faith in Christ is based on the teachings of the Catholic Church which originated from the apostles. The veracity of these teachings have been validated by the life witnessing of some persons who have been canonized as Saints, as well as by some miraculous events in places like Lourdes at France, Guadalupe at Mexico and Fatima at Portugal.

To simplify my Faith I have asked myself a few questions.

First, “WHO IS CHRIST?”
This was answered by Peter when Christ Himself asked the question: “Who do you say I am?” Peter then answered: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16:16)
Second, “WHY DID CHRIST BECOME MAN?”
This is the Mystery of Christ which is called “INCARNATION” – Christ, Who is God, becomes a Man. Why? The answer is given in John 3:16 which says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life.” Furthermore, Christ said in John 10:10: “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.”

Third, “WHAT IS THIS ETERNAL LIFE, AND HOW DO WE RECEIVE IT?”
Eternal life, I believe, is the Life of God Himself – the Divine Life. Ordinarily, this participation in the divine life of God is given to someone who gets baptized through the Sacrament of Baptism. In this sacrament one professes faith in Christ either personally or thru a representative, a parent or sponsor. We are told, however, that for one who may not have heard about Christ but who longs to do God’s Will may also be blessed with this divine life thru the so-called ‘Baptism of Desire’. Likewise, for one who gives up his life for Christ’s sake, may also be blessed with this divine life thru the so-called ‘Baptism of Blood’.

Fourth, “WHAT IS THE CONSEQUENCE OF RECEIVING THE DIVINE LIFE?”
Receiving the Divine Life makes one an adopted Child of God, or another Christ. This is precisely what Christ would want all men to be – to be like Him, live like Him, so as to attain the Destiny that God has planned for them, which is “to be happy with Him for all eternity”.

Fifth, “WHAT THEN DOES IT MEAN TO BE ANOTHER CHRIST?”
To be another Christ means to be a Disciple of Christ. And Christ said: “If anyone wants to be my disciple, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and come follow Me.” (Lk. 9:23). He further said: “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” (John 14:6)

These reflections tell me that my life can only be meaningful if I become another Christ, a Child of God. To be a child of God means to be always ready to do the Will of God at any cost, even at the cost of giving up ones life, if necessary. It means a total surrender of oneself to the Will of God. It means allowing Christ to live and reign in oneself, just as St. Paul said: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.” (Gal. 2:20)

This, therefore, is what the Mystery of Christ means for me – the Mystery of becoming Another Christ – a Child of God – so as to be happy with God forever.

By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
July 19, 2009

THE VIRUS OF SIN

daily As I was denying access to a Virus that wants to enter my computer it dawned on me that something similar happens to a person when confronted with the evil of sin.
Reflecting further on this similarity, the following insights came to me.

1. A Virus is destructive.
Sin, indeed, is destructive of a person’s health, physically as well as spiritually. Physically, sin can cause sickness in one’s body. Spiritually, sin can destroy one’s relationship with God.

2. A Virus can cause destruction only if allowed to enter a computer. Sin, likewise, can ruin a person physically and spiritually only if one yields to the temptation and willingly does something against the dictates of his conscience.

3. The destruction caused by a Virus to a computer could be total or partial. Similarly, sin can ruin a person partially or totally depending on its gravity, wether venial or mortal.

Now, how can we prevent the entry of any Virus to our computer?
There are two commands we can use: Deny Access or Delete.

In like manner one can protect himself from sin by denying access to it or deleting it.

So, the question is how to deny access or delete the virus of sin.

The essence of sin is disobedience to the Will of God. A person is usually made aware of the Will of God through his conscience, which is considered the “Voice of God” in oneself. Hence, sin comes in when a person would prefer to do his own will rather than follow what his conscience tells him.

In every situation, therefore, a person is confronted with the question: “Whose will shall I follow – my will or God’s Will.?” This is where one’s decision would greatly depend on one’s orientation or attitude in his relationship with God.

One’s relationship with God is a matter of Faith. Faith in God is what we accept of what we know about God. Faith, however, is manifested in the way we live. If we live what we believe, it becomes a Living Faith. But if our Faith is only with our lips and we do not put it into practise, then our Faith is dead.

A strong faith in God is, therefore, the antidote to the virus of sin.

Faith is a Gift of God that one receives when he acknowledges the Reality of a Supreme Being Who is the Creator of the whole universe. This faith, however, is like a seed that needs to be watered and cultivated in order to grow. It is watered by one’s sincere search for more and more understanding of the Mystery of God, and it is cultivated by one’s daily and meaningful practise of one’s faith.

For us Christians who believe in the Reality of Christ as the Son of the Living God, Christ challenges us if we wish to grow in our faith by these words: “If anyone wants to be my disciple, he must deny himself, take up his cross , and come follow Me”. (Lk. 9:23).

By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
July 12, 2009

THE MYSTERY OF THE CROSS

The greatest event in salvation history is the RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, THE LORD. This event, however, was preceded by CRUCIFIXION.

God in His infinite wisdom has allowed His Only Begotten Son , JESUS CHRIST, to undergo the greatest pain that a human being could ever endure – DYING on a CROSS. It was a pain that Our Lord Jesus wanted to avoid, and so He prayed: “Abba Father all things are possible to Thee; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what Thou wilt” (Mk. 14:36)

In spite of Jesus’ prayer, God still allowed Christ to undergo CRUCIFIXION. WHY?

There must be something good to come out of this crucifixion. This must be the reason why the day on which Jesus, our Lord, was crucified is called “GOOD FRIDAY”.

Good is the manifestation of God’s infinite Power to overcome evil – to overcome Death with a New Life, and thus the RESURRECTION.

Reflecting on our life here on earth, I realize that everyone has to bear crosses (great or small) that bring sufferings and pains. If possible everyone would like to be spared of these crosses and to have all their loved ones be spared of them. And so, Jesus taught us to pray to God: “Do not bring us to the test, but deliver us from evil”, but also included: “Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. This is the prayer that tells me how to bear the crosses that come during our life here on earth. It is the prayer that shows the right attitude towards whatever crosses may come our way.

Wherefore, I believe that when we are faced with trials, difficulties or problems, it is then that our Faith in God is tested; it is then that we feel and experience our helplessness and our complete dependence on God, Who alone can give the power to endure all these crosses and to hope for something good to come out of the ordeal.

God, Who is All Knowing and All Powerful will certainly bring about something good and wonderful in all the crosses we carry - our own RESURRECTION.


Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan

June 14, 2009

SOLO DIOS BASTA

“SOLO DIOS BASTA” (GOD ALONE SUFFICES). This comes from a Doctor of the Church, St. Teresa of Avila, the last verse of a short poem she wrote entitled: “Nada Te Turbe”.

Amidst the ups and downs of life, this verse kept on ringing in my ears. Hence, I have prayed and asked for further enlightenment on what it really means. After a long period of reflection I wish to share my humble thoughts to those who may lend me their ears.

Last year, on September 29, 2008, I have celebrated my 80th birthday. I thank the Lord for all the blessings He has poured on me during those 80 years of my life. Today as I reminisce the past I could not but ask these questions: “Why, Lord, have you brought me into existence? Why all the joys, sufferings, problems, difficulties, temptations, humiliations, exaltations, and all the events, joyful or sorrowful, that came into my life? Would it not have been better if I had not existed at all so as not to have gone through all these events? What after all have I been created for? Is it just to live here on earth for several years, 80 or more, and then vanish away when death comes?

Indeed, the vanities of life here on earth seems to have no meaning at all if after all “to dust I shall return”.

These thoughts kept lingering in my mind until the words of St. Teresa of Avila reached my ears: “Nada te turbe … Solo Dios Basta”. “Let nothing disturb you … God alone suffices”.
Who, then, is this God Who Alone suffices?

This, indeed, is the Greatest Mystery of life here on earth. Men, perhaps, can try to understand and fathom the significance of so many phenomena in this world, but the greatest of all the challenges that the human mind can ever explore is the identity and reality of GOD.

Our Christian Faith tells us that God Himself, in the Person of Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, Who became Man, said: “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but suffers the loss of his own soul”. (Matthew 16:26).

This statement reveals to us that man has a soul and that this soul is of more value than the whole visible world. If so, what is this soul?

In John 3:16 it is said: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” This means that there must be something in man which cannot be destroyed by death and is destined to live forever. This something must be what our Lord Jesus Christ is referring to, which is the soul.

If man’s life is forever, where is the Source of the Power that can give him a life without end? And what kind of life shall await him forever? The answers to these questions, I believe, can only be found in that Greatest of All Mysteries, GOD Himself.

And so, while man can never fully understand the REALITY OF GOD, I in all humility must acknowledge together with St. Augustine: “Man has been created for GOD, and his heart is restless until it rests in GOD.” – “S0LO DIOS BASTA”.

By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
Jun. 7, 2009