GOD’S SERVANT

“GOD’S SERVANT” This is how I consider myself in relation to God.

In a book entitled: “Introduction to Teilhard de Chardin”, written by Hugh McElwain, OSM, he said: “A second important point must be kept in mind when approaching a theology of salvation history, that is not to make the mistake of understanding revelation somehow simply as God’s whispering to man who he is, by way of propositional statements about Himself primarily, and about other things in relation to Himself. It might be much more realistic to approach revelation as man’s understanding of who he is in relation to God. That is man’s understanding of himself in his fullest dimensions.”

The foregoing statement made me reflect on the question: “Who am I in relation to God?”.
For several days, as I visited the Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, I pondered on how I should answer the question.

Based on what our Catholic Faith Catechism says, I am a child of God, an heir in God’s eternal Kingdom, the crown and key to God’s creation. While these answers are worth considering, I have, however, been more inclined to see myself as a “SERVANT OF GOD”.

The reality that God is the Supreme Being in this world, Who knows everything, can do everything, and on Whom all of creation depends for its existence, cannot but fill my whole being with awesome wonder at the immensity of God’s greatness. Hence, when I see my nothingness and complete dependence on Him, I can only beg for an opportunity to manifest my deep gratitude by serving Him in any way He wants. To be God’s servant would be a great privilege for me.
This reflection is corroborated by a song entitled: SERVICE, whose lyrics are:
“We are made for service to care for all men,
We are made for love both time and again,
A love that will live thru sorrow and pain,
A love that will never die with strain.

God sent His Son to show us the way,
One Who gave His love every minute of the day,
One Who gave His life that we might live,
And His Spirit to help us thru the years.

Life can be so lonely when nobody cares,
Life can be so empty when nobody shares,
But if man gives himself to help other men,
The happiness of Christ shall live within him.

On further reflection, I recalled that Christ Himself said: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Matt. 20:28). In doing God’s Will on earth Christ considered Himself a SERVANT. Hence, I believe that SERVICE is the best way to manifest one’s love for God and men; it is simply doing what pleases God for men. It is a self sacrificing act which says: “Lord, not my will but Your Will be done.”

Consequently, enlightened by my belief that I am God’s servant, whenever I visit the Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament I always pray: “Here I am Lord, I come to do Your Will.” And whatever comes to my mind as what God wants me to do during the day I pray for the grace to be able to do it in the best way I can so I can be truly “GOD’S SERVANT”.

by: Salvador 'Birung' Cagurangan
Dec. 26, 2010

A WORLD OF MYSTERIES

”A WORLD OF MYSTERIES”. This is the thought that kept lingering in my mind in the past few days. Kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration Chapel I cannot but be awed by the Great Mystery of God’s Presence in the appearance of a very small bread. Then I began to widen my horizon and try to see the world at large. Realizing the immensity of the world I considered myself just like a small dot.

While meditating on this insight, I came across an article published by the Philippine Star (a Daily Newspaper) on December 9, 2010 entitled “When Life Is Too Big”. The last sentence of the said article reads: “Recognizing our own smallness can cause us to embrace God’s greatness.”

I now begin to see the greatness of God manifested in a world that is full of mysteries. Starting with my own self, I realize that my very being is a mystery. I simply cannot fully understand how I came into existence, how I grew up to become what I am now and how all the vital organs in my body are working to keep me alive up to this time. I believe it is only God Who created me that can fully explain who and how I am. This holds true, I suppose, to every human being in this world.

The existence of evil in this world is to me also a great mystery. For, if the whole of creation came from One Supreme Being - “GOD”, Who is infinitely Good, then where does evil come from? I believe it is also only God who can answer this question satisfactorily.

As of today, no one can yet give any scientific explanation of how this whole world came into being and how it is going to be in the future. A great thinker, Rev. Teilhard de Chardin, S.J., has presented the Theory of Evolution. But it is only a kind of viewpoint that cannot give an adequate complete answer to all the mysteries happening in this world.

As a Christian, I am awed by the great Mystery of “Incarnation”, God becoming Man. I simply cannot fathom the unconditional love of God that made Him like one of us, so we could become like Him. I am likewise overwhelmed when I think of the other Mysteries of Christ during His historical life here on earth, such as His Suffering and Death, and His RESURRECTION. Even with all the readings I had, with all the homilies I heard, and with all the renewal programs I attended, I still cannot fully understand these mysteries in the Life of Christ.

Hence, I see myself like a small dot living in a world full of mysteries. In all humility I acknowledge my total dependence on GOD who created me and say: “Lord, do with me as You please. You are the only One who really knows Who I am and Why I am. To do Your Holy Will is the reason for my existence. I, therefore, entrust myself fully to You.”

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
December 12, 2010

LIVE FOR GOD

“LIVE FOR GOD”. This is the thought that has been occupying my mind for the past several days. Hence, I have been reflecting on “WHY” and “HOW” I could put this into practice.

First is the “WHY?”

I believe that life is a gift from God. It is given to every human being who comes into this world. Since it is a gift, I have to accept, treasure and use it according to what may be called “Manual for Operations”. This manual comes from God Himself Who in His infinite wisdom has designed every human being in a unique way which gives him a unique personality that is different from every other human being. Hence, it is but proper to always consider God’s Will in the way I live.

Second is the “HOW?”

How to live according to the Will of God is now the question.

First of all, I have to know the Will of God. This requires my sincere desire to know God’s Will and to search for it in the many different ways by which God manifests His Will. Some of the ways by which God manifests His Will are:
1. The Holy Scripture. This is the written Word of God which if I properly and regularly reflect upon always gives me a direction for my actions.
2. Spiritual Writings. Reading spiritual books gives much enlightenment on how I can tackle problems or difficulties that come to my life.
3. Viewpoints of others. Listening to oral deliveries of the viewpoints of others also give inspiring thoughts that can serve as guidelines for my actions.
4. Observations. My observations of actual happenings in life can likewise give important insights in understanding some mysteries of life.
5. Personal Experiences. My personal experiences further strengthen my convictions on the REALITIES that provide the basic values that should govern my life.

After knowing the Will of God, I always PRAY for enough courage to pursue it in the best way I can and with all the love I can give. This to me is the test of my sincerity in trying to LIVE FOR GOD. This is also when my attitude is tested on whether I am really GOD CENTERED or SELF CENTERED. This, I believe, is what Our Lord Jesus Christ meant when He said: “He who wants to be my disciple must deny himself, take up his cross daily and come follow Me.” (Lk. 9:23)

To LIVE FOR GOD, then, means to me “TO BE GOD CENTERED”.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

Nov. 21, 2010

HOLD GOD'S HAND

“WE OUGHT TO GO THROUGH LIFE HOLDING GOD’S HAND.” This is the first line of a Meditation For Spiritual Growth contained in the Vatican II Weekday Missal on page 1568.

The image of one holding God’s Hand flashed in my mind and it made me reflect on how I could be holding God’s Hand. “HOLDING GOD’S HAND” is of course an idiomatic expression – a kind of metaphor. I believe, however, that the real meaning is “TO BE UNITED WITH GOD”.

To further understand what it means to be united with God I pondered on the human experience of an electric current coming from a generator. The electric current is power provided by the generator. To use this power one has to have his electric appliances connected to the generator, otherwise there would be no current at all. And thus one would experience what they call “brown out”.

After typhoon Juan, we have actually gone through a long period of brown out. Everyone waited anxiously for power to be restored. Meanwhile we have to bear with so many inconveniences due to no electric power.

Somehow this experience enlightened me on what it means to be united with God. I see God as the Generator that provides the power I need to live in His love. “Holding God’s Hand” is to me living in the state of grace wherein I would be “doing the Will of God” and thus uniting with Him.

The meditation further states: “There is much suffering that has to be gone through in this life, and it makes all the difference of pleasure or pain, whether we have our hand in God’s or not….Try and love God. He wants us all to be saints. It is our own fault if we are not. In spite of darkness and despondency we must keep on asking Him to be with us.”

When one is united with God, sufferings and difficulties that are inevitable in his life can be born with joy. So, I believe that God, indeed, is our Father, and He will provide each of us with all the power and strength that we need to overcome all kinds of trials. Hence, we have to be always united with Him by sincerely doing what our conscience tells us as His Holy Will.

The only evil that can separate us from God is SIN – a mortal sin – because this is an act that deliberately prefers to please oneself and make himself his own God instead of acknowledging the Sovereignty of God and His Dominion over all creation – He, being the Supreme Being in this world – the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and End of the whole universe.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
Nov. 14, 2010

SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE

“SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE” is an afterthought that came to my mind when I attended a Reunion of Thomasians (Alumni of the University of Santo Tomas). While I did participate in the open forum by asking a couple of questions, I became just a spectator during the Fellowship Program in the evening. I had in mind to share my concern for the unabated deforestation of Sierra Madre Mountain and sing a song “The Trees”, but my timidity got the better of me and I just kept to myself my idea.

After the program, I felt somehow a guilty conscience for not having taken advantage of the occasion to share something that could help make this world a better place to live in. It is a kind of sin of omission.

This made me reflect further that one should dare share what he has whenever there is an opportunity to do so. What one has, materially as well as spiritually, should be shared with others and not kept for oneself.

Materially I do not have much to share. But spiritually there is, I believe, much that I can share based on some wonderful personal experiences and an accumulated store of knowledge from readings and studies.

Scripture says: “When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted” (Lk. 12:48)

The task of evangelization is, indeed, a sharing of one’s Faith. The faith I have in God’s infinite wisdom, infinite goodness, infinite power and unconditional love is something I should not keep for myself but should share with others whenever there is an opportunity to do so. This, I believe, is God’s Will which is the reason for my existence in this world.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
Nov. 7, 2010

FAITH TESTED BY FIRE

“FAITH TESTED BY FIRE” This scriptural phrase flashed in my mind as I reflected on a Prayer for Eucharistic Adoration by the SERRA Club of Singapore which reads: “Jesus, my God, I adore You, here Present in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar, where You wait day and night to be our comfort while we await Your unveiled Presence in Heaven.”

The Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is, indeed, a great Mystery which requires a strong Faith to enable one to really adore Him and visit Him at the Adoration Chapel where He in Blessed Sacrament is exposed.

I have made a Commitment to visit Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament everyday for at least one hour. In general, faithfulness to this commitment poses no difficulty. There are times, however, when this commitment becomes hard to comply due to some circumstances, such as when the weather is not fair or when one feels weak and exhausted. It is then that one’s Faith is tested.

When I am faced with this difficulty, this prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola helps me to be faithful to my commitment: “Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous, teach me to serve You as You deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to seek reward, except that of knowing that I do Your will. Amen.”

Faith, indeed, is like Gold that is tested by fire. Like Gold that remains solid despite the heat caused by fire, so too is True Faith that remains steadfast regardless of all the trials or difficulties that have to be overcome.

This, I believe, is the kind of Faith that our Lord Jesus Christ wants when He said: “Anyone who wants to be My disciple must deny himself, take up his cross daily and come follow Me”.(Lk.9:23).

by: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
October 31, 2010

NADA TE TURBE

“NADA TE TURBE” – “LET NOTHING DISTURB YOU”. This is the first line of a poem written by St. Teresa of Avila whose feast we celebrate today – October 15, 2010.

This piece of advice came to me as I was disturbed by something that irked me as I was praying the Liturgy of the Hours. The tone of my voice actually became lower and I was a bit distracted in my prayers. However, as I reflected on what St. Teresa said I regained my composure and continued with my prayers focused on God’s presence in my heart.

This experience made me further reflect on the wisdom of this piece of advice.

Almost everyday we encounter problems or difficulties as we go about doing things for our living or for carrying out certain responsibilities entrusted to us. Sometimes we get worried or are disturbed when things happen which are not in accordance with our expectations. Somehow it affects our peace of mind.

A reading from the Vatican II Weekday Missal which dwells on the Veneration of Saints says: “Charity is the saints’ signature. For it is one talent they uniformly share. Nor do they mind whether or not their good works are appreciated. Saints squander their love on the undeserving and ungrateful. They ask for nothing, not even appreciation, in return.”

Meditating on this reading I now see the basic attitude of the saints which makes them undisturbed and remaining peaceful despite the troubles, problems, difficulties or sufferings that may cross their way.

Looking back at my past experiences, I realize that very often I got disturbed with feelings of resentment or vengeance when what I have done were not appreciated or when I was misunderstood and even became a victim of injustice.

The basic attitude, I believe, is simply to do things according to the will of God with all the love we can give and offer everything to Him. If with a clear conscience we have done this, then we do not have to worry about anything. Whatever others may do or think of us should not disturb us.

If, however, we are troubled by a guilty conscience, then we should take the necessary steps to be pardoned and reconciled with God and our fellowmen. This should bring us peace of mind and live in the grace of God.

by: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
October 15, 2010

A PARTICULAR VOCATION

“Everyone has a Particular Vocation”. This is a message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. He said: “Within the universal call to holiness is found the particular vocation to which God summons every individual.” (Quoted from Prayers for Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations – Volume II, compiled by the Serra Club of Singapore)

Pondering on this statement that everyone has a particular vocation I asked myself these three (3) questions.
1. Why is there a particular vocation for everyone?
2. How can one discern his particular vocation?
3. How should one fulfill his particular vocation?

After much prayerful reflection, I came out with these answers.
1. There is a particular vocation for everyone because:
Everyone has been created unique, with unique talents and gifts.
Everyone has his own particular place in this world.
Everyone lives in this world during a certain period of time.
God, in His infinite wisdom, wants everyone to do something at a particular place and time, using the gifts that He bestowed on him. This is the particular vocation of everyone.

2. One’s particular vocation can be discerned by getting in touch with God thru prayer. God speaks to each one in the silence of his heart. Hence, one has to be still, put himself in God’s presence and allow God to make His Will known thru His special ways - an inspiring thought, a particular event, a spark of wisdom, a friend or a situation.

3. One’s particular vocation can be fulfilled by responding in the best way he can and with all the love he can give. Vocation is a Call from God, the Supreme Being, the Creator of the Universe, on whom everybody and everything depend for their existence. Hence, He deserves the best.

With these thoughts in mind I undertook the processing of papers for the sale of a piece of land which we inherited from our parents, Tomas M. Cagurangan and Toribia C. Birung. For a period of about five months I had to go thru a lot of paper work, travel from one Office to another, pay all required fees and spend long hours and days waiting for the accomplishment of the required documents.

Of the six brothers and sisters still living, I am the only one left in our hometown, Tuguegarao. Hence, it fell on me the lot to make all the necessary transactions with the Government regarding the sale of our land. I, therefore, considered this as my particular vocation at this point in time in my life.

I thank God for the inspiration given me in undertaking this particular task, for I was given all the patience and competence to go thru all the difficulties of complying with all the requirements involved for this transaction.

by: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
Sept. 26, 2010

Still Imperfect

“STILL IMPERFECT” is the thought that came to me while serving at a Eucharistic Celebration. It dawned on me that all of us who were serving as Ministers in the Mass, including the Presider, can make some mistakes. It could be in the way we talk, mispronounce words, or in the way we act, not bowing or genuflecting in the right way.

Pondering further on the significance of this observation, I realize that, indeed, I should accept the fact that I myself am STILL IMPERFECT. There are still a lot to do to overcome my imperfections. Throughout my whole life I have to struggle towards perfection. This perfection, I believe, can be attained only with the Grace of God and only when one is already fully united with God in a state of being we call HEAVEN.

This reflection made me consider my relationship with my fellowmen. Aware of my own imperfections, should I not see that others too have their own imperfections. Hence, if they do something that may not be right, is that not part of their imperfection. If so, should I not be more tolerant with them and make allowance for their imperfection by being patient and slow to anger?

With this reflection I now see the wisdom of “FORGIVENESS”. In the prayer that our Lord Jesus Christ taught us, He emphasized the act of forgiving others, so we too could be forgiven. This act of forgiveness is based on the fact that all men are born imperfect, except Our Blessed Mother Mary, who was already Perfect from the moment of her conception, for which reason she is called THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. Since all men are imperfect, or sinners as we often hear, there is a need to bear with one another’s imperfection and help one another towards the pursuit of perfection.

With the grace of God I have now come to see even those who have hurt me with a forgiving heart. Actually as I was walking towards my residence this morning, my eyes met the eyes of someone who has badly hurt me and I managed to greet him raising my hand and with a smile on my face. Inwardly I gave allowance for his imperfection and prayed that somehow he will cooperate with the grace of God to overcome his defects and become less and less imperfect.

I am STILL IMPERFECT. To become less and less imperfect, I have formulated this prayer: “Lord God, may everything I do begin with You, continue with You, and end for You.” I trust that with this prayer I shall be given the grace to overcome my imperfections and be more tolerant to the imperfections of others.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
September 19, 2010

MY TOP PRIORITY

My Top Priority in life today is “TO VISIT THE LORD GOD IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT EVERYDAY FOR AT LEAST ONE HOUR”.

This is a decision I made after considering the following tenets of my Faith.

1. GOD is No. ONE.
The first commandment says: “I am the Lord, Thy God. Thou shall not have any other gods before me”. (Ex. 20:2-3) The Supreme Being in this world is God. Everybody and everything depend on God’s creative power in order to exist. Hence, ADORATION TO GOD is due from everyone and everything in this world.

2. GOD wants us TO LOVE HIM.
Jesus Christ Himself said that the greatest of all the commandments is: “You shall love the Lord God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matt. 22:37-38)

3. TO LOVE means TO HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH SOMEONE.
One cannot love someone he does not know. Hence, there is a need to strive to know GOD as much one can.

4. One has to spend SOME TIME with SOMEONE to have a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP.
A personal relationship cannot be developed in just one sitting. There is need for much time to be together with the one we love.

5. The BEST PLACE here on earth to SPEND TIME WITH GOD is at the BLESSED SACRAMENT.
I believe that GOD is PRESENT IN A VERY SPECIAL WAY IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT under the appearance of a SACRED HOST.

On the basis of the above stated considerations, I have made a COMMITMENT to VISIT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT EVERYDAY FOR AT LEAST ONE HOUR. This commitment entails sacrifice. Day after day, I have to schedule my activities in order to be able to make my commitment. While there are many activities that require my attention everyday, I have prioritized them and to make my VISIT TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT IS ALWAYS MY TOP PRIORITY.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
September 12, 2010

AUTHENTIC MINISTRY

“AUTHENTIC MINISTRY” is one of the topics which Most Rev. Teodoro C. Bacani, Jr., D.D., discussed in his book “Christ’s Priests for God’s Priestly People.

According to Bishop Bacani “Authentic Ministry is an antidote to routine ministry” “Authentic Minitry” he said “is not only true but truthful, not only external but internal, not only from the lips but from the heart – Mula sa puso, hindi lang sa nguso”.

While this antidote was meant for priests to help them overcome a sense of routine and loss of enthusiasm for the works of the priestly ministry, I have been considering it as something that could just as well be applied to lay ministers.

Church ministry is administered not only by the priests but also by the lay faithful. Today we see lay persons serving in different ministries, such as, catechists, extraordinary ministers of communion, lectors, commentators, acolytes, gift ministers, usherettes, altar decorators and choir members. Various religious organizations and renewal movements have also been organized by lay persons. Hence, the problem of serving in a routinary way is also a problem of the lay ministers.

In order to have an Authentic Ministry Bishop Bacani offers the following recommendations, namely: that one should be:
1. In love with God and with the people.
2. Know what he is doing.
3. Cultivate a life of prayer.
4. Act wholeheartedly.

Paraphrasing the recommendations of Bishop Bacani, one who
serves must:
1. Serve with love. Love of God and love of one’s fellowmen must be the real motive for serving.
2. Have an adequate working knowledge of the task entrusted to him. He should, therefore, undergo some training or attend seminar workshops in preparation for the responsibilities to be done.
3. Have a “Quiet Time” daily with the Lord. This is of prime importance in order to develop a personal relationship with God, who provides all the graces needed for any ministry to be fruitful.
4. Focus on his ministry with his whole mind, his whole heart, his whole soul, and with all his strength. In other words, he has to give all he has got in serving the Lord.

As a lay minister, these recommendations of Bishop Bacani are
valuable basic guiding principles in order that I may render a truly Authentic Ministry to assist in the Building of the Body of Christ, the Church.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
September 4, 2010

TO BE A SAINT

“TO BE A SAINT” is considered the MOST IMPORTANT OBLIGATION OF A CHRISTIAN.

Way back in 1943, when I was a minor seminarian at the San Jacinto Minor Seminary in Tuguegarao, I participated in a Catechetical Quiz Contest that was open to the public. Being in the seminary I thought that at least one of us seminarians will top the contest. To our surprise it was an outsider, Mr. Ricardo Bassig (RIP), who got the highest score. Reviewing the Quiz Contest, we found out that we failed to answer correctly this question: “WHAT IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT OBLIGATION AS A CHRISTIAN?” Being a Multiple Choice Type , we were asked to choose the BEST CORRECT ANSWER. Several answers were given such as: Obeying the Commandments, Going to Mass on Sundays and Holidays of Obligation, Receiving the Sacraments, etc. All of us seminarians failed to choose the Best Correct Answer, which is “TO BE A SAINT.”

Filled with wonder why “TO BE A SAINT” is considered the best correct answer, we asked our Father Rector, Rev. Fr. Oscar Deltour, CICM, who was one of those who prepared the Test Questions, for the reason. He replied: “BECAUSE WHEN YOU ARE A SAINT YOU PRACTICALLY DO ALL THAT A TRUE CHRISTIAN HAS TO DO”.

Since meaning is in people, I have to ask myself, what do I mean by the word “SAINT”. Usually, this word is given to the name of someone who has been canonized
by the Church, to officially proclaim that he or she is now enjoying the Beatific Vision of God in heaven. So far in the Philippines, there is only one person who has been canonized by the Church – ST. LORENZO RUIZ. Does it mean that St. Lorenzo is the only Filipino who is now in heaven. I do believe that there are already countless of Filipinos who are with God in heaven. I have learned that the essence of being a SAINT is simply TO BE UNITED WITH GOD. Hence, all those in heaven, as well as those in purgatory and here on earth who are united with God are also saints.

TO BE UNITED WITH GOD – This is what every person should pursue. This is attained when a person sincerely strives to know, love and serve God wholeheartedly.
Man, however, is a finite being, while God is an Infinite Being. Therefore, man cannot attain union with God by his own efforts alone. He needs the Grace of God to be able to lift himself up to an Infinite Being. To be united with God man has, therefore, to first acknowledge his complete dependence on God and humbly ask for the grace that will enable him to reach out to God with his whole heart, his whole mind, his whole soul, and with all his strength. This actually is the Greatest of all the Commandments which Jesus Christ Himself has pointed out when a lawyer questioned Him and He replied: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matt. 22:37)

Lately in my readings I came across a statement which reads: “Perfection consists in one thing only: doing the Will of God. To become a saint, all that is necessary is acquiring the habit of wanting to do the Will of God at all times”. (Spiritual Dairy of St. Vincent de Paul – p.13). With this statement of a Saint, I have made it a habit whenever I visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to pray: HERE I AM, LORD, I COME TO DO YOUR WILL”.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
August 29, 2010

“AGE QUOD AGIS”

“AGE QUOD AGIS” – “DO WHAT YOU ARE DOING”. This is a piece of advice from Rev. Fr. Narciso Irala, SJ, in his book “ Achieving Peace of Heart”. The statement before the advice reads as follows: “Do your job or everyday duty with the greatest possible perfection, that is, with concentration, naturalness and pleasure. Avoid all tension, haste and disgust. Find in your work the strength and joy of an ideal. Age quod agis. Do what you are doing.”

I have been reflecting on this piece of advice and I see the wisdom in making it a rule of life.

The questions raised in my mind are:
1. Why am I doing this?
2. How should I do it?
3. To Whom am I responsible for what I do?

To the first question I searched for the answer from the standpoint of my
Christian Faith. Since I believe that I owe my whole existence to GOD, the Supreme Being, and that He created me to serve as His instrument in pursuing His inscrutable plan in the work of creation, the only logical answer is: “This is what God wants me to do – His Divine Will”.

The answer to the second question flows as a consequence from the answer to the first question. Since what I am doing is what God wants me to do, then I should do it in the best way I can.

To the third question, it is obvious that there is no other one to whom I am responsible but to God Himself.

In the biography of St. Aloysius Gonzaga it is narrated that one day while he was playing billiard someone asked him: “Suppose you will be told that death would come to you after a few minutes from now, what will you do?” The reply of St. Aloysius was: “ I will just continue playing billiard”. From this reply of St. Aloysius I can deduce the simplicity of his holiness, namely, CONSIDERING WHATEVER HE IS DOING AS GOD’S WILL. Hence, what matters is giving one’s best in whatever one does, regardless of it’s significance, simply because it is God’s Will.

This, I believe, is the wisdom behind the advice: “AGE QUOD AGIS” – DO WHATEVER YOU ARE DOING. In the past few days I tried to put this into practice. It has, indeed, helped me a lot to concentrate on what I am doing. Being convinced that it is God who is using me as His instrument for whatever may be His incomprehensible design in His work of Creation, I cannot but give my utmost best.

Just focusing on what I am doing brings about a kind of unity in my whole being – body, soul and spirit – participating harmoniously in a concerted effort towards the achievement of some desired objective.

“AGE QUOD AGIS” – makes me enjoy life as it comes day after day, regardless of the circumstances, bearing always in mind that what I am doing is the WILL of GOD.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
August 22, 2010

HEAVEN ON EARTH

In the Prayers For Eucharistic Adoration which were compiled by the Serra Club of Singapore there is this prayer: “Give us the faith of all Your Saints to whom the Blessed Sacrament was Heaven begun on earth”.

For quite some time, I have been pondering on the real depth of the prayer. How could heaven be here on earth? Searching for the answer to my question I eventually realized that MEANING IS IN PEOPLE. The word HEAVEN can have different meanings for people who have different viewpoints. Hence, I asked myself: WHAT IS “HEAVEN” TO ME?

The Catechism for Filipino Catholics states: “Filipinos usually speak of heaven as if it were a “place”, but only because, since we live in time and space, we imagine everything as a place. Actually, heaven means the state of “being with the Lord”.(CFC 2068)

From this teaching, I now conclude that the essence of HEAVEN is TO BE WITH THE LORD. The “LORD” is OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, the only begotten Son of God, the WORD made FLESH thru the mystery of INCARNATION. (John 1:14)

Where is JESUS CHRIST now? The Catechism for Filipino Catholics speaks of Christ’s Multiple Presence in a Eucharistic Celebration. He is present in the ASSEMBLY, in the MINISTER, in the HOLY SCRIPTURES, and under the EUCHARISTIC SPECIES. It states further: “Christ’s presence in the consecrated bread and wine is called “real” not to exclude all other types of presence, but because it is presence in the fullest sense, a substantial presence by which Christ, the God-Man, is wholly and entirely present”. Thus, JESUS CHRIST is PRESENT in a very special way in the BLESSED SACRAMENT.

The Saints, like St. John Vianney, must have taken this truth seriously and so they manifested in their life a love for JESUS in the BLESSED SACRAMENT through regular VISITS and ADORATION. In his biography it said that St. John Vianney as a priest drew from the Eucharist the ardour of his pastoral charity and the dynamism of his apostolic zeal.

The Presence of God, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the Blessed Sacrament is, indeed, a great mystery. It is something beyond our comprehension. Rev. Fr. Horacio dela Costa, SJ, puts it in one of his homilies that “God has a habit of giving things too true to be false. That is why our faith is a faith of the unexpected, a religion of surprise.” With this thought and further reflecting on the scripture verse: “So, then, as the body without the spirit is dead, also faith without actions is dead” (James 2:26), I made a commitment, in order to live what I believe, to visit and adore JESUS CHRIST Who is present in the Blessed Sacrament at the Adoration Chapel. At first my schedule of visitation was for a period of one hour weekly. However, in one of my visits, I perceived a challenging thought, the Lord saying to me: “I am giving you 24 hours everyday. Can you not spend with Me even only one hour everyday in the Blessed Sacrament?” I realized that much of my time everyday is mostly for myself, like eating, drinking, reading, exercising and sleeping. Can I not offer even only one hour everyday to worship the Lord JESUS CHRIST, Who is Present in a very special way in the Blessed Sacrament? Then I remembered that Sister Briege McKenna,OSC, a world renown for divine healing, spends at least three hours everyday before the Blessed Sacrament. I then accepted the challenge and prayed for the grace to persevere in this commitment of VISITING OUR LORD IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT EVERYDAY for a period of least ONE HOUR. While sometimes I experience some problems in carrying out this commitment, there is a thought that keeps me strong in my resolve, despite all difficulties, and that is: ”THE BLESSED SACRAMENT IS A FORETASTE OF HEAVEN ON EARTH”.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
August 15, 2010

FROM NOTHING TO SOMEBODY

“FROM NOTHING TO SOMEBODY” is the great mystery of my being. Indeed, my very existence in this world is a great mystery to me.

First of all, how have I come into existence? I was NOTHING when God, the Supreme Being, used my parents through the mystery of CONCEPTION to bring me into existence. For nine months the fertilized egg that I was grew into a baby in the womb of my mother. After that gestation, I came out of the womb of my mother and saw the light of day in this world. My parents then took care of me and provided for all my needs. Then, I grew up and gradually became an independent man, having full responsibility of my own life.

How did I continue existing? For more than eighty one (81) years now I have been existing in this world. It has been a life of ups and downs. In general the events of my life could be described as joyful, sorrowful and glorious. On the whole, it was a day to day struggle to meet the challenges of life as they came in different ways under different situations. In the early years of my life my main concern was mostly absorbed in simply doing the daily chores of living – eating, drinking, working, studying, playing, and sleeping. As a family man, I ventured into various ways of providing for the needs of my family. While there were times when my resources were at their lowest ebb, somehow I still managed to provide three full meals everyday for my dependents.

As I grew older, however, my mind started questioning what life was all about. The question that kept lingering in my mind was “What is the meaning of Life?”

One of the books I read entitled “The Phenomenon of Man” by Rev. Fr. Teilhard de Chardin, SJ, presented to me a rather broad perspective of life in this world. However, the challenges of living still made me skeptical on whatever is worth living for. It came to a point when life seemed meaningless for me. The Supreme Being, however, who created me made me experience His loving presence in a very wonderful way during a Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS). This personal experience strengthened my Faith in the Reality of God Who is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, of everything in this world.

Now I see the Hand of God bringing me into existence, from Nothing to Somebody. I also realize my complete dependence on His creative power to sustain me in my existence. And I fully trust that God, Who is infinitely Good, infinitely Wise, and infinitely Powerful, created me for a purpose – TO BE UNITED WITH HIM IN LOVE AND LIVE WITH HIM FOREVER.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
August 1, 2010

TAKE GOD SERIOUSLY

“TAKE GOD SERIOUSLY”. This thought kept lingering in my mind for the past few days. So I asked myself: “How should I put this thought into practice in my life? The answer came to me as I was praying a Concluding Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours.

The Prayer was: “Father, may everything we do begin with your inspiration and continue with your saving help. Let our work always find its origin in you and through you reach completion. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.” (Psalter, Week I, Monday, Morning Prayer)

This prayer makes God a pervading Presence in every moment of my life. In everything I do I should always begin with a prayer asking God for his enlightenment or inspiration, and his continuous assistance until its final fulfillment.

It seems to be a very simple formula to follow. I realize, however, that it takes a constant effort to live in the Presence of God. As I am now writing this article, I indeed started with a Prayer. But as I was groping for the words to write, my mind was so much focused on what to tell and somehow the consciousness of God’s presence was relegated to the background.

This experience is telling me that to take God seriously and live continuously in His Presence is a GRACE which God bestows on those who earnestly pray for it. It is something that man cannot do by his own human efforts. Man has to realize that he is a limited being with limited capacities. God, on the other hand, is an INFINITE BEING, the SUPREME BEING in this world. So man, with his limited capacities cannot simply reach out to an Infinite Being. It is in God’s infinite Goodness that He bestows this grace of enabling man to reach out to Him. Man, therefore, has to humbly acknowledge his complete dependence on God in order to have a loving personal relationship with Him.

The Mystery of INCARNATION, is, I believe, God’s way of bestowing this Grace to Mankind. He allowed His only begotten Son, JESUS CHRIST, to become Man, so that we, men, could participate in the Divine Life of God and each one may become like Him, a Child of God.

TO TAKE GOD SERIOUSLY is an earnest desire of mine. I have to humbly acknowledge, however, that this is a GRACE which God may bestow on me in His infinite Goodness as He pleases. It is something I do not merit. I can only put myself in God’s hands and trust in His UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
July 25, 2010

SERVE WITH A SMILE

“SERVE WITH A SMILE”. This thought came to me as I was reading this statement of St. Paul to the Corinthians : “Let each one give what he decided upon personally, and not reluctantly as if obliged, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2Cor.9:7)

Service is something every human being in this world has to render to humanity in one way or another according to his capacity and the situation he is in. How he renders this service would depend much on how he sees its significance and his accountability for its performance.

The significance of a service depends on how one sees its objective or purpose. In this connection, I recall an anecdote of two laborers who were carrying bricks during a construction project. When asked what they were doing, the first one said: “I am just transferring these bricks to another place.” while the second one replied: “I am helping to build a Cathedral.” Evidently the first one saw only the tiresome job of carrying bricks, but the second one saw the Vision of Building a Cathedral, and this filled him with joy in doing his job.

As to one’s accountability in rendering a service, much also depends on how one sees the AUTHORITY to whom he is accountable. If the authority is a human being just like himself, he may perform the service to please a human being. But if he sees GOD Himself as the One to Whom he has to render an accounting, he would surely give his utmost best in doing his job, for GOD, the Supreme Being in this world, deserves the best from all His creatures.

Pondering on the significance and accountability for service, I was further intrigued by the statement: “One can serve without loving, but one cannot love without serving.” To my mind this statement gives me the reason for serving, and that is: LOVE.

Love can be manifested in many ways and SERVICE is one of the best ways. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself modeled this as He put into action what He said: “...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28)

Hence, when one serves out of love, his heart is filled with joy for the opportunity given him to render something good for another. This should make him SERVE WITH A SMILE.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
July 18, 2010

THE PRIVILEGE TO LOVE GOD

“THE PRIVILEGE TO LOVE GOD” – is for me the greatest privilege that can ever be bestowed on mankind.

This is a conviction that came to me while I was adoring JESUS CHRIST in the Blessed Sacrament. As I was talking to Our Lord JESUS CHRIST, I was filled with awe to realize that the one I was conversing with is GOD – the SUPREME BEING, the REDEEMER of mankind, and the CO-CREATOR of the whole world.

With this realization I questioned myself as follows:
1. Who am I to be given such a great privilege?
2. What makes it possible for me to exercise such a privilege?

To the first question, I have to humbly acknowledge that I am a creature
that God has designed in His own image and likeness. (Gen. 1:26) And to the second question, I realize that God has bestowed on me and on all human beings the gift of FREEDOM which empowers everyone to love.

The realizations brought me to further reflect on the function of the gift of freedom in order to love. After some deep reflections on this matter, I became aware of some characteristics underlying this great phenomenon of love, namely:
1. To love means to give of oneself to the beloved.
2. The giving of oneself has to be done freely, for no one can be forced to love.

If I am to give of myself to God, what can I give Him? I cannot but realize
my nothingness before God. All that I am and all that I have come from Him. Hence, there is simply nothing that I can give Him save the desire to love Him. This is where I can exercise the gift of Freedom and offer to God my whole self as He created me together with all that I have done which may not have always been pleasing to Him.

It has been axiomatic to consider Loving God as a Commandment. To my mind a Commandment is something I have to obey, whether I like it or not. With my reflections, however, wherein I am given the opportunity to address an Almighty God and offer myself to Him, with all my nothingness and sinfulness, I would rather consider this ACT OF LOVING GOD as a GREAT PRIVILEGE.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
July 11, 2010

THE GREATEST LOVE REENACTED

“THE GREATEST LOVE REENACTED”. This is how I consider the Celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. For as the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “In this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner.” (CCC 1367) and likewise in the Catechism for Filipino Catholics we read: “ Through the mystery of the Eucharist, the sacrifice of the Cross which was once offered on Calvary, is remarkably reenacted and constantly recalled, and its saving power exerted for the forgiveness of sins”. (CFC 1689)

Having reflected on these two statements of the Catholic Church, time and again I am filled with awe at what is actually happening whenever I participate in the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

First of all I see Christ putting into action what He Himself said: “ There is no greater love than this, to give one’s life for his friends…” (John 15:13)

Then, what amazes me is the great Mystery of this Love of Christ being reenacted in an unbloody manner.

I consider Christ’s Crucifixion and Death on the Cross as the Greatest Love that can ever be manifested in this world. This is because of the personality of Christ Who is God made Man through the Mystery of INCARNATION. No one can ever have such a Dignity as JESUS CHRIST, the only begotten Son of God the Father. God though He is, He manifested His love for men by actually bearing the sacrifice of dying on the Cross in order to obtain for mankind the Grace of Redemption. He is, therefore, a God Who suffered and died for the salvation of all men.

This greatest act of love of Christ has been done historically for more than 2,000 years ago, but the same act of love is being reenacted in an unbloody manner whenever the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated.

The Catechism for Filipino Catholics says: “ Christ instituted the Eucharist so that his once-and-for-all saving Death on the Cross might be made present even to us – 2,000 years later. The Eucharist is a sacrifice because Christ is present precisely as ‘offering himself for us as a sacrifice to the Father. Thus, the heart of the Eucharistic celebration is: Christ, our Lord’s perfect saving LOVE.” (CFC 1690)

I praise the Lord for this deep enlightenment to look up to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as a Great Mystery wherein the Greatest Love is being reenacted, so that I and every man on earth can participate in the Mystery of Redemption and be given the privilege of belonging to the Family of God.


by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
July 4, 2010

FUNDAMENTAL COMMITMENT

“FUNDAMENTAL COMMITMENT” is a term used by the National Catechetical Directory of the Philippines (NCDP) to signify our “Moral Standing Before God”.

It is called “Fundamental” because it lies at the resource of all our individual acts. And it is a “Commitment” because it is not inborn, not determined by nature and birth, but is gradually formed through our daily moral acts.

According to the said Directory “We gradually become what we morally are by what we morally do.” It further states that “Normally, we come to recognize what our fundamental commitment really is, through our habitual way of acting, the patterns of our moral behavior.

The question I ask myself is: “What is our habitual way of acting?”.

The Directory says that there are only two habitual ways of acting, namely:

1. Self-Centered: a life orientation toward self-sufficiency.

2. Other-Directed: a life of self-giving in loving service of God and neighbor.

I would term the first as “SELFISHNESS” and the second as “UNSELFISHNESS”.

“Selfishness” is, I believe, the essence of SIN. It is too much concern on how to please oneself rather than on how to please God and others.

“Unselfishness” is, on the other hand, the essence of LOVE. It thinks first of God – on how to please Him by doing His Holy Will. It thinks second on how to promote the welfare of others. It is actually a giving of oneself, what one can do or can be in order to serve God and one’s neighbor.

These two ways of acting are the results of one’s exercise of the Gift of Freedom. Our choices or decisions, however, are to a large extent based on our moral convictions. Hence, it is of paramount importance to have strong convictions on how we view the “Mystery of Life” on earth.

The Catechism for Filipino Catholics (CFC-293) states that “the evil in the world is not some ‘problem’ to be solved, but a ‘mystery’ to be faced. Three faces of evil – fate, sin and death – can never be answered by any rationalistic ‘head knowledge’. What alone is effective is a vibrant spiritual life of believing, hoping and loving God, our Father Almighty, through Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, in their indwelling Holy Spirit.”

Life on earth is, indeed, a great Mystery which we can never fully understand. It is for this reason, I believe, that God, in His infinite Goodness, sent His only begotten Son, JESUS CHRIST, to enlighten and empower us with His HOLY SPIRIT so we could exercise our gift of freedom to make decisions that are “Other-Directed”, a FUNDAMENTAL COMMITMENT to love and serve God and our neighbor.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

June 27, 2010

God-Our Father

“OUR FATHER” – These are the first two words THE LORD’S PRAYER, which was taught by Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. (Matt.6:9-13)

We may say that this is the Prayer that is most frequently recited by all Christians; but is its significance adequately understood and interiorized? I wonder and my wondering leads me now the share what I learned from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Catechism for Filipino Catholics regarding THE LORD’S PRAYER.

1. Summary of the whole Gospel, It presents in the form of prayer the essential contents of the whole Gospel.

2. Composed of three (3) parts:
a. Address – “Our Father, Who art in Heaven”
b. YOU Petitions – Man’s Worship of God
c. WE Petitions - Man’s Need for God

3. A Brief Exposition of the three (3) parts:
a. The invocation “Our Father” should make us aware of our being adopted children of God through the redeeming grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Who art in Heaven” is a biblical expression that indicates not a place but a way of being. It refers to God’s majesty, His holiness and presence in the hearts of the just. It constitutes our true homeland towards which we are moving in hope while we are still on earth.

b. There are three (3) YOU Petitions:
These are petitions to manifest our WORSHIP OF GOD by:
- Knowing Him – Sanctification of His Name
- Loving Him - Coming of His Kingdom
- Serving Him – Fulfillment of His Will

c. There are four (4) WE Petitions:
These are petitions to address man’s need for God by:
- Asking for Daily Bread – Man’s need to live spiritually and physically
- Asking for Forgiveness – Man’s need to be forgiven of his sinfulness
- Asking for Help to overcome temptations – Man’s need to be strengthened
against the sinful allurements of this world
- Asking for Protection from the Evil One – Man’s need to be protected from
the snares of Satan who opposes God and who wants to deceive the whole world.

4. Meaning of “AMEN”
The prayer ends with “AMEN” which means “SO BE IT”. By this word one ratifies all that is contained in the Prayer.

Whenever I pray the “Our Father” the foregoing considerations help me a lot to give meaning to what I say and thus enable me to concentrate and focus my attention on God, the Almighty, Whom I am addressing as “FATHER”.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
June 20, 2010

LIVE FOR GOD

“WHAT AM I LIVING FOR?” This is the first line of a song that has kept me pondering on the right answer.

Looking back to more than eighty one (81) years of life here on earth, I have been asking myself what actually would give meaning to my existence.

People, places, properties, power, prestige and pleasures have, indeed, contributed in one way or another to make life enjoyable here on earth. They cater to the satisfaction mostly of our senses – to see, to hear, to smell, to taste, to touch and to feel great. However much as these give satisfactions to our senses, they are all transitory or fleeting that sooner or later their satisfactions fade away. Hence, there remains a craving for more and more satisfaction.

St. Augustine of Hippo must have realized this phenomenon in his life and has theologized it when he said: “OUR HEART IS RESTLESS UNTIL IT RESTS IN GOD”.

Just the other day, while my wife, Ofel, and I were praying the Liturgy of the Hours, I was, indeed, struck by the first line of Psalm 62 which reads: “In God alone is my soul at rest.” I then further consulted a commentary on this Psalm in the Christian Community Bible and here I quote what it says: “Believers themselves feel the attraction of money, power and pleasure. But in pretending to respond to our hopes, all these things are deceptive since they cannot fill our hearts. They are powerless and fleeting, while God is the ultimate fullness and no one can destroy him.”

The foregoing statements made me ponder on the reason of my existence. Looking at my own self I realize that my very existence depends entirely on God. It is God Who created me, it is God who sustains me, it is only God Who knows the full mystery of my existence. Hence, I conclude that it is only God Who can give the real reason or meaning for my existence. This realization strengthens my belief that every being in this world is created for a purpose; and it is only God, our Almighty Creator, Who knows the very purpose of every creature. Every being, therefore, can only find fulfillment if he surrenders himself to God’s almighty power and allow Him to dispose of him according to His Holy Will.

Day after day as I live my life, I cannot but ask myself “What am I living for?” There are quite a number of activities, commitments or engagements that call for my attention everyday. Are these the reasons for my existence? Yes, I am expected or challenged to do them. But is this WHAT LIFE IS FOR?

I do believe that whatever we do can only be meaningful if in all sincerity we surrender ourselves to God and allow Him to use us as He pleases in accordance with the very reason for which He has created us. This is the attitude that would make our HEART REST IN GOD.

Hence, my answer to the question: “WHAT AM I LIVING FOR?”, is “I AM LIVING FOR GOD, FOR HE ALONE KNOWS THE COMPLETE REAL REASON FOR MY EXISTENCE”.

BY: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
June 13, 2010

LIVE IN HEAVEN

“A CHRISTIAN WALKS ON EARTH BUT LIVES IN HEAVEN.” This is a statement from the Easter Meditation of the Vatican II Weekday Missal.

The Easter Meditation dwells on the words of St. Paul in his Letter to the Philippians which says: “ For us, our citizenship is in heaven, from where we await the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Lord. He will transfigure our lowly body, making it like his own body, radiant in Glory, through the power which is his to submit everything to himself.” (Phil. 3:20-21).

From these words of St. Paul the meditation concludes that though our bodies keep us on earth, by nature and by grace we belong to heaven.

I have been pondering on how I could really put into practice this wonderful statement. The big question that confronted me is: “WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LIVE IN HEAVEN?”

We have been used to think of heaven as a PLACE where GOD IS. Spiritual writers, however, view heaven as a STATE wherein one is UNITED WITH GOD. Hence, even here on earth one can already be in heaven, if he is united with God. UNION WITH GOD is, therefore, the essence of HEAVEN.

The challenge to me then is “HOW TO LIVE IN UNION WITH GOD?”

This, I believe, is precisely the WORK that has been attributed in a special way to the HOLY SPIRIT – the WORK OF SANCTIFICATION.

PENTECOST – the Feast we celebrated last Sunday, May 23, is the Mystery of the Third Person of the Holy Trinity – which gives Birth to the Church and makes her alive in dispensing the graces we need to become HOLY and be UNITED WITH GOD. The Church ordinarily dispenses these graces through the seven Sacraments. There are also other means or channels, by which one can obtain these graces, such as prayer, corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

For me, then, TO LIVE IN HEAVEN, means to strive to be ALWAYS UNITED WITH GOD, through the GRACES coming from the HOLY SPIRIT Who dispenses them through the Church or through various works of sanctification.

This consciousness of being united with God, regardless of whatever situation one may be in, is indeed, a great inspiration that brings me peace and joy – a foretaste of the LIFE IN HEAVEN.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
May 30, 2010

LIVE BOLDLY

“LIVE BOLDLY”. This is a challenge that came to me after reading an article entitled: “TOTAL ACTION NOT FLABBY REACTION” written by an SVD Priest, Rev. Fr. Ambrosio Manaligod.

The article is actually a criticism on how we, Christians, live our faith. It exposes the reason why there is so much graft and corruption in our country, the Philippines, in spite of the fact that we are considered the only Catholic nation in the Far East, with a population of 90% Christian. It is said that in our country Christianity actually has not failed, but that it has not been truly tried. Some describe our Christianity in the Philippines as a “Split-level Christianity”, meaning we do not really practice what we believe, that there is a dichotomy on what we believe and on how we live. Hence, the challenge to LIVE BOLDLY.

To live boldly means to live according to ones convictions; for Faith is a Conviction, not a certainty. Our Christian Faith is, indeed, a Conviction that God is Our Father and that we are all His children, and that therefore, we should love one another as God loves us. This is the Challenge where probably many of us, Filipinos, fail. This is because loving one another should not only by our lips but more so in our deeds.

Studies reveal that the great majority of our population are living in poverty. The rich are getting richer and richer, while the poor are getting poorer and poorer. Why? Because of greed. Those who have want to have more and more, even at the expense of those who have very little. We have an AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM, where the tillers of the land are supposed to own the land they till. But after almost half a century since its enactment into law, the great majority of the tenant farmers are still subservient to the landowners.

In the recently concluded National Elections, there is an overwhelming desire of the voting population to weed out “Graft and Corruption”. Those who were voted upon to take the reins of the government were chosen with the hope that they, indeed, will implement and enforce laws that are meant to eliminate this “evil” in the government. How they will do it remains to be seen.

Personally I believe, however, that the root cause of graft and corruption should be addressed – that of GREED. Greed for Power- for Property- for Prestige. Unless this root cause is eliminated and changed with the Christian Principle of LOVE, the problem of graft and corruption can never be eradicated.

The challenge, therefore, to live boldly is to take seriously the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ when He said: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another”. (John 13: 34-35)

In a nutshell, to live boldly means “TO LIVE WHAT WE BELIEVE”.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

May 23, 2010

OUR DAILY BREAD

“GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD”. This is one of the petitions we ask when we pray the “OUR FATHER”, the LORD’S PRAYER.
What is our Daily Bread? This is a question that has different answers depending on the different needs that people feel. These needs may be categorized as follows: physical, economic, psychological, social, ecological, political and spiritual.
Physical – is the need to be healthy in body
Economic – is the need for goods and services to live decently
Psychological – is the need to be emotionally stable
Social – is the need to have a loving relationship with people
Ecological – is the need to live in a healthy environment
Political – is the need to be governed justly and peacefully
Spiritual – is the need to be lovingly united with God

All these needs are legitimate and deserve to be satisfied. I do believe, however, that the most important of all is the SPIRITUAL NEED – TO BE LOVINGLY UNITED WITH GOD.

“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33) This is one of the statements of Our Lord Jesus Christ in His Sermon on the Mount.

While pondering on these words of our Lord Jesus Christ I asked myself the question: Where can I find God? Our Church Catechism tells us that God is everywhere, that He dwells in each human being as His temple. In a very special way, however, He is present in the Blessed Sacrament.

During the 15th Asian SERRA Convention at Singapore (April 16-18, 2010), there were some published articles on the reality of Christ’s Divine Presence in the Sacred Host. I would like to share just two of them.

The first is the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano. Italy. This took place in the 8th. Century A.D. in the Church of St. Legontian. A Basilian monk doubted the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. One day, however, while celebrating Holy Mass, a miracle happened. After the two-fold consecration, the Host became live Flesh and the Wine became live Blood. The results of scientific investigations made by experts have confirmed that the Flesh is real Flesh, the Blood is real Blood, that Flesh and Blood belong to the human species, and that the Flesh consists of the muscular tissue of the heart. These Flesh and Blood remain preserved in their natural state for already twelve centuries, an extraordinary phenomenon, despite being exposed to the action of the atmosphere and biological agents.

The second is the phenomenon of a Stigmatist, Teresa Neuman of Germany. In 1926 she experienced receiving from God the Grace of Suffering from a ‘Stigmata’. She began a complete fasting with the Eucharist as her only nourishment. Without food or drink, Teresa lived for 35 years sustained only by the Holy Eucharist which she received everyday.

These miracles have, indeed, strengthened my Faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. If I wish to find God, there would be no other better place than the Adoration Chapel where He is exposed.

Reflecting on the reality that God is giving to every human being 24 hours everyday, I was challenged to spend at least one hour everyday with the Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. This would be a manifestation of my Faith in His Real Presence in the Sacred Host. This would truly be my DAILY BREAD.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

May 16, 2010

EQUALITY IN DIGNITY

“EQUALITY IN DIGNITY”. This I believe is a reality that should govern the relationships of all people in the whole world.

This reality is grounded on the fact that everything in this world is God’s creation. All power comes from God and every being owes its existence to God’s creative power. There is nobody and nothing that can exist and remain in existence without God’s creative power. Hence, it behooves that all honor and glory should be given only to God.

In our world today, however, we see a lot of competition, people vying with each other for honors and all kinds of power. We see this in practically all kinds of endeavors. . . in politics, in business, in education, and even in the church.

Indeed, we have to acknowledge that there are differences in the gifts and talents that individuals possess; that the performances of people differ from one to the other; that there are valid grounds for evaluating things as good, better or best. There is a diversity of functions and responsibilities of people, usually in accordance with their education, training, experiences and capacities. Based on all these factors we tend to glorify and honor people for their achievements.

Recognizing these achievements may have its own merits. However, the fact remains that the ultimate author or source of everything that is good is God Himself. It is to Him that we owe everything, and it is to Him that all honor and glory should be given.

This, I believe, is the essence of humility – to attribute to God everything that is good. . . all that we are and all that we have. This is the attitude exemplified by our Blessed Mother Mary when, after being praised by her cousin, Elizabeth, she said: “MY SOUL GLORIFIES THE LORD, MY SPIRIT REJOICES IN GOD MY SAVIOR… FOR THE MIGHTY ONE HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR ME AND HOLY IS HIS NAME” (Luke 1:46-49)

In dignity, therefore, we are all equal for we are all creatures of God - - - we owe everything that we are and everything that we have to Him. We may be bestowed with different gifts and talents and may have varied responsibilities, but we all remain God’s creatures, made in His own image and likeness. Hence, in DIGNITY we are all EQUAL. We are all CHILDREN OF GOD.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
May 9, 2010

LET GOD BE GOD

“LET GOD BE GOD”. This was a thought that kept lingering in my mind for several days before I flew to Singapore to attend the 15th Asian SERRA Convention that was held there on April 16-18, 2010.

The Convention was, indeed, graced by Spirit-filled speakers who inspired us with their talks on the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. There were many sharings that made me ponder on the immeasurable love of God that is manifested in this great mystery of Christ’s Eucharistic Presence.

One of the sharings that struck me most, however, came from the testimony of a member of the SERRA Club of Singapore, Mrs. Lucy Yeo, the wife of the President of Singapore SERRA Club, Mr. Sean Yeo. She shared her personal experience of making time to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, despite her very busy schedule attending to the needs of her family and her duties as a government employee.

In one of her visits to the Blessed Sacrament she received this inspiration from Our Lord Jesus: “It is not what you do when you come to me, but what I do with you that matters”.

This, indeed, struck me most because it gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to “LET GOD BE GOD” in one’s life. It made me review the way I spent the time when I was adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. I realized that most of the time I was talking to the Lord instead of giving Him time to do with me what He wants. I then realized the wisdom of Psalm 46: 11 which reads: “Keep still, know that I am God”.

To LET GOD BE GOD in my life means truly making Him my Master, to surrender entirely to Him, and let Him do with me as He pleases. This, I believe is the real essence of holiness – to do whatever God wants to be done and to become whatever God wants me to become. In short, to be completely committed to do the WILL OF GOD. It is to echo what Jesus Himself has said: “LORD, NOT MY WILL, BUT YOUR WILL BE DONE”.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

April 19, 2010

EVERYDAY IS A NEW DAY

“EVERYDAY IS A NEW DAY”. This is a reality worth meditating on.

This reality inspires me to go on living with joy in my heart day in and day out even as I am about to reach the age of 82. Chronologically I am considered to be among the senior citizens who are already at the pre-departure area of life here on earth. How long I will still live is a matter only God knows. It is a joy for me, however, to realize that everyday of my life is a new day. A day that comes from God as a Gift.

Several years ago I heard this statement from a Municipal Mayor of Tuguegarao, the late Honorable Apolonio P. Reyes, “We pass through this world only once. Hence, whatever good we can do now, let us do it now; for we shall never pass this way again.” This statement I have tried to interiorize and it has influenced my way of life.

As I wake up in the morning, I turn my thoughts to God and say: “Thank You, O Lord God, for this beautiful day which You are giving me. Do help me to use this Gift in the best way I can according to Your Holy Will. And whatever I do today I gratefully offer to You for Your greater glory.”

There are three points contained in this short prayer which serve to strengthen my personal relationship with God.

First, is that every day is a GIFT from God. It is a New Day which only God can give. For this reason , I must treasure the day and be grateful for it.

Second, each New Day is an OPPORTUNITY to do something good to manifest one’s love for God and fellowmen. Hence, I ask for enlightenment to know what God would like me to do for the day to manifest His loving presence in the community where I live. This is an opportunity which I have to avail of NOW for it will never come back again.

Third, whatever I do should always redound to GOD’S GLORY. As such, I should disabuse my mind from wanting to do anything for any selfish motive. I should not expect to receive any appreciation or congratulation for the good I do and simply offer them all to God for His glory.

With God’s own grace, I welcome EVERYDAY that comes my way, considering it as God’s gracious Gift to me, living it in accordance with God’s Holy Will and humbly offering it back to God for His greater glory.

BY: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
April 4, 2010

WALK WITH FAITH

“WALK WITH FAITH” are the first three words of a song that has been challenging me to put into practice what it entails.

I would like to share these challenges that have influenced my outlook in life.

“TO SEE THINGS WITH THE EYES OF FAITH” and not just with one’s naked eyes has confronted me with three (3) GREAT CHALLENGES; namely:
1. God’s Presence in this world
2. God’s Action
3. God’s Glory

The reality of God’s Presence in this world is something that at times I just take for granted. Since God is invisible it requires an act of faith to see Him in the visible world He has created. When I realize that I am taking His Presence for granted, I remind myself that the whole world is His creation and therefore in every creature there is a sign of God’s creative power that has brought it into existence and sustain its being. Hence, it is logically inferred that God is everywhere. The challenge, then, is to see God as the Almighty Creator and who sustains every being in this world with His creative power. In these moments that I become conscious of God’s Omni-Presence, I bow down in adoration and acknowledge my complete dependence on Him.

God’s Action in this world is a reality that emanates from His being the Creator. All creation depends on Him, and thus every action in this world must eventually contribute in one way or another to the world’s development or evolution for the better . God’s Will must find its fulfillment in the multifarious activities in this world. In faith I always have to pray for guidance so as to be enlightened and act on whatever may be the Will of God.

God’s Glory in this world must be the ultimate Goal of all creation. God, as the Bible says (Rev. 1:8), is the “ALPHA” and “OMEGA”, the Beginning and the End of everything in this world. The gratitude of all of creation for its existence must be manifested by giving GOD ALL THE GLORY THAT HE DESERVES.

For me then, To WALK with FAITH, means that I should strive to be EVER- CONSCIOUS of God’s loving PRESENCE in this world, to be EVER-OBEDIENT in doing His HOLY WILL, and to be EVER-GRATEFUL by offering everything to Him for HIS GREATER GLORY.

By: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
March 28, 2010

The Good Samaritan

“The Good Samaritan” is a parable narrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when a certain lawyer asked Him: “And who is my neighbor”. We read this parable in Luke 10:25-37.

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This is a story of how we are supposed to manifest our love.

Our Lord praised the lawyer for answering correctly his own question: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?”. His answer was to love God and to love one’s neighbor. But he further asked: “who is my neighbor?” Our Lord then narrated the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

I would like to share my reflection on this parable.

The parable tells us “whom” to love and “how” to love.

“Whom” to love is our neighbor. Who is our neighbor? Our neighbor is one in need of help. This someone is actually anyone we encounter in life, regardless of who he is, whether a friend, a stranger, or an enemy. It means, therefore, that we cannot choose whom to love. We have to love anyone who comes our way who is in need of help. It means we cannot love in a vacuum. We have to love in a concrete situation. We cannot love people who have already gone ahead of us, or people who will come after us. We can only love those we are living with here and now.

“How” to love? Love is a decision. To enable us to make a decision God gave us the gift of “Freedom”. Freedom is a power which one has to exercise to choose what is good and avoid what it evil. It is not a license to do whatever one wants to do, regardless of the consequences. It is a gift that enables us to love. For love is something that can be done or given only with a free will. When one loves, he has to make a decision to do what he believes is good under the circumstances, taking into account whatever resources he has and what the particular person is in need of.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the person in need of help was actually a stranger or even an enemy. Two persons, a priest and a Levite, who saw the person lying half dead just passed by without doing anything. The Samaritan, however, “moved by compassion, went over to him, treated his wounds with oil and wine and wrapped them with bandages. Then he put him on his own animal and brought him to an inn where he took care of him.” The next day as he had to leave, “he gave two silver coins to the inn-keeper and said to him: ‘Take care of him and whatever you spend on him, I will repay when I come back’.

After narrating this story, our Lord then asked the lawyer: “Which of the three, do you think, made himself neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” “The teacher of the Law answered: ‘the one who had mercy on him’. And Jesus said: “Go then and do the same.”

This parable reminds me of the importance of loving everyone in need who comes my way, without making any discrimination, and that the way to love is to use whatever resources I have to help the person in his particular need. This, indeed, is a tall order. It requires an all-out giving of time, talents and treasures to help the one in need who comes our way. This, I believe, is how God wants us to love in order to “become as perfect as He is” (Matt.5:48)

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Caguranganb

March 21, 2010

GOOD FRIDAY

“GOOD FRIDAY” commemorates the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus Christ.

The question I would like to dwell on is “WHY IS THIS DAY CALLED GOOD?”

From a human viewpoint the event commemorated on this day is a very horrible crime – crucifying and putting to death an innocent man. All the four Gospels in the New Testament tell us that JESUS CHRIST, did nothing wrong, and yet he was sentenced to death, simply because he claimed to be the SON OF GOD.

For the Jews, this claim of Jesus Christ was considered a blasphemy. They actually challenged him to prove his divinity by some miraculous power. Since, Jesus did not respond according to their expectations, they simply ignored his statement and thus, had him condemned to death by Pilate, the procurator of Judea.

Our Christian Faith tells us that Jesus Christ, indeed, proved his divinity by rising glorious on the third day of his death. This was also narrated in the four Gospels. For forty days after his resurrection he appeared to several people, particularly to the twelve apostles, in His glorious body. For many of the Jews, however, up to this day, this resurrection event is still unacceptable.

That the day of Christ’s crucifixion is called GOOD is based on what Christians consider to be the Mystery of Man’s Salvation. This is a mystery which men can never fully understand.. It is a mystery of God’s unconditional love for men. In John 3:16 it we read: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that all those who believe in Him shall not perish but shall have life everlasting”.

This Salvation mystery is based on some basic assumptions, namely: that mankind as a whole has separated himself from God due to disobedience to His commandment of love. To bring about a reconciliation between God and man, there is a need for a Redeemer, to represent mankind and gain for him the grace of forgiveness and thus be accepted again into a friendly relationship with God. This Representative of man has to be of equal dignity as God Himself, because God, an infinite being, can only be assuaged by another infinite being. Hence, it can only be Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, who could be man’s Redeemer.

The mystery further involves the mystery of Incarnation, whereby the Son of God becomes Man, in the Person of Jesus Christ. Jesus has assumed the humanity of men and thru this humanity brought about the necessary sacrifice to reconcile men to God – that is the sacrifice of dying on a Cross out of love for men. The crucifixion and death of Christ on the Cross was then actually the event that brought about men’s salvation – his reconciliation with God. This must be the reason for considering the Friday on which Christ died as “Good Friday”.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

March 14, 2010

GOD IS ALIVE

“GOD IS ALIVE”. This is a reality that may be taken for granted but not interiorized by a lot of people.

There are some who even say that “God is dead”. The Charismatic Movement, however, have strongly contradicted this with a song: “God is not dead, He is alive… I can feel Him everywhere… I can feel Him all over me.”

Spiritual writers say that God’s love or presence cannot be explained; it can only be experienced. Personally I have experienced God’s presence in my life several times, and I would like to share some of them.

1. In a crisis of Faith. On January 31, 1977, I was going thru a Crisis of Faith and was actually entertaining the thought of committing suicide. On that very day, however, there was a group of 25 Charismatic Members headed by a priest coming from New York, U.S.A., who arrived at St. Paul University of Tuguegarao. Upon their arrival they invited us to a ‘Life in the Spirit Seminar’ (LSS). I immediately declined the invitation. However, when I was out in the road thinking of going to the Cagayan river and drown myself, there was another thought telling me to ‘Go and attend the LSS –This may be the last straw for you’. I felt as if someone was dragging my legs and before I knew it I found myself inside the Social Hall of SPU, listening to the talks. After the last talk we were asked to form small groups of ten. Our facilitator then asked the question: ‘What is the meaning of life?’ Without hesitation I answered: ‘Life has no meaning.’ The facilitator, however, did not say a word to contradict me. Then after the group sharing, the priest invited us to celebrate Holy Mass with him. Although I have not been attending Mass for quite a time, I joined the community. The priest presider, after reading the Gospel, did not give a homily. Instead he invited anyone from the community to share his insights on the Gospel. Two Americans stood up and shared their insights. Then I felt a very strong urge to also stand and share something. When I reached the lectern I said: ‘The Gospel just read tells us the story of a dead young man, the son of a widow from Naim, who was being brought to the cemetery to be buried. When Jesus met him on the way, Jesus touched him and made him alive again.’ Then I said: ‘I see myself like that dead young man for I am spiritually dead. However, I feel that right now the Lord Jesus is also touching me to make me alive again.’ After saying these words I felt some warmth on my shoulders as if someone was embracing me. With that experience I made a complete turn-around in my faith and surrendered my whole being to Jesus, acknowledging Him as truly my Savior and my Lord. That marked my CONVERSION which up to this day has enabled me to nourish a personal relationship with Christ, as thru His grace I become more and more enlightened on the great mystery of His love.

2. In a Car Accident. In the year 1986 I figured in a car accident, where two children got killed, and one of us in the car had a broken leg. Since I was the last one to board the car, I offered to the one seated at the middle of the front seat if he would prefer to sit by the window to have more fresh air. Immediately he accepted the offer and we exchanged places. When the driver decided to have the car bump a big tree along the road to evade hitting a child, the impact of the collision was on the window where I should have been seated Unfortunately the one who exchanged place with me was the one hit with a broken leg. This is an experience wherein I felt the special protection of God for a reason only God knows.

These foregoing personal experiences have certainly strengthened my Faith in God’s LOVING PRESENCE in this world. Hence, I am fully convinced that GOD IS ALIVE.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
March 7, 2010

Kinds of Love

It is said that “LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING”.

Reflecting on this statement, I would like to share my viewpoints on its significance.

Love, indeed, can be categorized based on one’s relationship with people, as follows:.

1. AGAPEIC LOVE - This is the universal love for all men based on one’s relationship with every human being as having been “created in the image and likeness of God”. Since every human being is a creature of God, it behooves that he be respected and treated well according to God’s will.

2. EROTIC LOVE - This love is based on a feeling of attraction of
one to another human being. There is a desire to be united in one way or another with the loved one.
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3. FILIAL LOVE - This love is based on one’s personal relationship with siblings, offsprings, relatives and friends. Thru consanguinity, affinity, or mere acquaintance they constitute one’s inner circle of love.

4. PARENTAL LOVE - This love is one’s relationship with his parents. This is the love first experienced by a child. It is a love that acknowledges parents as God’s instruments in bringing a child into existence and providing for his needs especially in the early years of his life

5. CONJUGAL LOVE - This love is exclusively a spouse to spouse relationship. It is a love between two persons “until death” for in the Sacrament of Matrimony God joins them to become one as life-partners . This love is the most intimate relationship that one can ever experience. It is a love that unites two people physically, emotionally and spiritually.


I believe that when Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you”(Lk.6:27) He meant the AGAPEIC kind of love. In essence this love wants well to everyone. Hence, even to one’s enemies one can at least pray that God will do what is best for them.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

February 28, 2010

THE JOY OF GOD'S PRESENCE

“THE JOY OF GOD’S PRESENCE IS THE GREATEST JOY ONE CAN EVER EXPERIENCE”.

This conviction dawned on me during one of my ‘Quiet Time’ and I would like to share it with you.

A question popped up in my mind on what could be the greatest joy one can ever experience. I searched for the answer by looking at the beauty of creation and the many things that man can possibly enjoy. Yes, indeed, the whole of creation is filled with creatures that can give much pleasure and enjoyment to men. But wonderful as they may be, they are still creatures whose existence depends on the creative power of an Almighty God.

Since the question is asking for something that could give the greatest joy, I reasoned to myself that if these creatures can give me joy, then how much more joy could the CREATOR give. Hence, I concluded that the greatest joy can only be found in the Creator Himself.

How to find the Creator ,Who is invisible, is now the challenge upon anyone who earnestly desires to experience His presence.

In Colossians 1:15-17 we read: “He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominations or rulers or authorities – all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” This Scripture tells me that God, the Creator, has made Himself visible thru JESUS CHRIST, His only begotten Son. Our search for God would therefore now be made possible only thru FAITH in JESUS CHRIST.

While all of creation can give a glimpse of God’s almighty power, I realize that only in JESUS CHRIST can I find a Full Manifestation of God’s PRESENCE.

Christ Himself has said: “Where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst” (Matt. 18:20). Before going up to heaven He declared: “I am with you always until the end of this world” (Matt. 28:20)

Faith tells me that in a very special way Christ is present in the Blessed Sacrament under the appearances of Bread and Wine. So for me, my greatest joy is being with Christ and enjoying His Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Visiting Him there and having an Audience with Him for at least one hour every week gives me joy that lasts.

With these reflections and experiences I believe that the joy I shall experience in Heaven is the joy of being in the Presence of God, the Almighty and ever Loving Father of all, when I shall see Him ‘face to face’. This is what spiritual writers call the Beatific Vision. Here on earth, while I may not yet be given the privilege of seeing God ‘face to face’, I can already enjoy to some degree His Presence as I live my Faith in Christ, following His example of focusing always in doing the Will of God the Father for His greater honor and glory.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

February 21, 2010