OUR GRADUATION DAY is the DAY of our DEATH. This is the thought that came to my mind as I was participating in a Funeral Mass that was offered on May 4, 2011 for the repose of the soul of our Auntie, Mrs. MERCEDES C. MANUELA.
Our Auntie died on May 2, 2011 at the age of 98 years. Her span of life is, indeed, a long one. Her death occurred on Monday, the day following the celebration of the Feast of the Divine Mercy, the Second Sunday of Easter. Rev. Fr. Andres Gumangan who presided in the Funeral Mass pointed out that it is significant to note that her name “Mercedes” means “Mercy” and hence, she must have been blessed in a very special way by God’s Divine Mercy.
I was inspired by this thought of a GRADUATION DAY on the Day of one’s Death with the following reflections:
1. Every human being who comes into this world is enrolled in the UNIVERSITY OF LIFE. This is a School where everyone has to go through as he grapples with the realities of everyday life. How one conducts himself as he faces the real world becomes his unique personal experiences. These personal experiences then would somehow affect his way of living and his perspectives in life.
2. One’s enrollment in this University is for life, from birth to death. It begins when one enters this world thru birth and ends when one departs from this world thru death. Hence, the duration of one’s enrollment depends on his own life span.
3. The diploma or certificate to be conferred on one’s Graduation Day depends not on how much knowledge one has acquired, nor on how much one has accomplished, but on how much love one has given to whatever he has done. To cite an example, Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, who lived for only 24 years, was canonized, because as a simple nun she performed her various domestic duties with all the love she could give.
4. The overall consideration in evaluating one’s Final Grade in this University of Life is “THE WILL OF GOD”. Thus, I believe, that the question everyone has to answer on the day of his death is: “How well one has lived in accordance with the Will of God as he perceived it in his everyday life?” This is a personal question every individual being has to answer based on his own personal life.
5. The Real Graduation for everyone, then, is on the Day of his Death, for it is on this day that his Final Grade will be meted out to him depending on how much love he gave in living his life according to God’s Holy Will.
I wish everyone a HAPPY GRADUATION DAY!
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
May 4, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
THE MYSTERY OF JESUS CHRIST
“THE MYSTERY OF JESUS CHRIST” is to me the GREATEST MYSTERY in the history of mankind, because of the following reflections:
1. HIS BIRTH: Long before his birth, there were several predictions written in the Books of the Old Testament about his coming. In Isaiah 7:14 we read: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name ‘Immanuel’”. This prediction was fulfilled as narrated by the Evangelist Matthew in Chp. 1: 22-23, which reads: ” Now all this took place that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD, AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL.” which means, ”God with us”.
The great mystery here is that “HE WAS BORN OF A VIRGIN” that is, beyond the normal
process of procreation by a woman and a man.
2. HIS DIVINITY: In the Gospel of John (1:1-3) we read: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.”
This Gospel passage tells us that CHRIST was GOD.
3. HIS HUMANITY: “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (Jn. 1:14). This passage tells us that CHRIST, Who is GOD, became MAN.
In Philippians 2:6-8 we read: ”Although He existed in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
4. HIS MISSION: Christ Himself said: “I have come down from heaven not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” (Jn. 6:38-40).
Here we see the reason for Christ, a God, becoming Man, - to do the Will of His Father – which
is to enable any man who believes in Him to have eternal life – a life of everlasting happiness in union with God.
5. HIS CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH: In all the four Gospels we read how cruelly Christ was crucified and put to death, simply because the religious leaders in His time could not accept His claim to be the “Son of God, the Messiah”.
6. HIS RESURRECTION: In all the four Gospels we read the great phenomenon of CHRIST RESURRECTION on the third day after His death. In the Gospel of Luke (24:37-46) for instance, we read: ”Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself, touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see, that I have. … Have you anything here to eat? And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish; and He took it and ate it before them. Now He said to them: These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets must be fulfilled. Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them: Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead the third day.”
7. THE GREAT COMMISSION: When the Risen Glorified Christ parted from His disciples He said to them: ”All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matt. 28: 18-20).
In the history of mankind, JESUS CHRIST is the only one who has two natures, divine and human, whose mission on earth is to give eternal life to all those who believe in Him, who allowed men to crucify and put Him to death, but who rose glorified on the third day after His death. This RISEN CHRIST is actually present in our midst and in the hearts of all those who believe in Him. He is, thus, to me, the GREATEST MYSTERY in our world.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
April 17, 2011
1. HIS BIRTH: Long before his birth, there were several predictions written in the Books of the Old Testament about his coming. In Isaiah 7:14 we read: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name ‘Immanuel’”. This prediction was fulfilled as narrated by the Evangelist Matthew in Chp. 1: 22-23, which reads: ” Now all this took place that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD, AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL.” which means, ”God with us”.
The great mystery here is that “HE WAS BORN OF A VIRGIN” that is, beyond the normal
process of procreation by a woman and a man.
2. HIS DIVINITY: In the Gospel of John (1:1-3) we read: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.”
This Gospel passage tells us that CHRIST was GOD.
3. HIS HUMANITY: “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (Jn. 1:14). This passage tells us that CHRIST, Who is GOD, became MAN.
In Philippians 2:6-8 we read: ”Although He existed in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
4. HIS MISSION: Christ Himself said: “I have come down from heaven not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” (Jn. 6:38-40).
Here we see the reason for Christ, a God, becoming Man, - to do the Will of His Father – which
is to enable any man who believes in Him to have eternal life – a life of everlasting happiness in union with God.
5. HIS CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH: In all the four Gospels we read how cruelly Christ was crucified and put to death, simply because the religious leaders in His time could not accept His claim to be the “Son of God, the Messiah”.
6. HIS RESURRECTION: In all the four Gospels we read the great phenomenon of CHRIST RESURRECTION on the third day after His death. In the Gospel of Luke (24:37-46) for instance, we read: ”Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself, touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see, that I have. … Have you anything here to eat? And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish; and He took it and ate it before them. Now He said to them: These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets must be fulfilled. Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them: Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead the third day.”
7. THE GREAT COMMISSION: When the Risen Glorified Christ parted from His disciples He said to them: ”All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matt. 28: 18-20).
In the history of mankind, JESUS CHRIST is the only one who has two natures, divine and human, whose mission on earth is to give eternal life to all those who believe in Him, who allowed men to crucify and put Him to death, but who rose glorified on the third day after His death. This RISEN CHRIST is actually present in our midst and in the hearts of all those who believe in Him. He is, thus, to me, the GREATEST MYSTERY in our world.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
April 17, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
RH BILL 5043
RH BILL 5043 is officially entitled “AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND POPULATION DEVELOPMENT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”.
This Bill is now being deliberated in Congress.
As a private citizen I would like to register my opposition to this Bill, for the following reasons:
1. It gives us a license to kill people, particularly innocent babies.
The real issue that is being debated is: “WHEN DOES LIFE BEGIN?”
Promoters of this bill say that life begins at “IMPLANTATION”, that is, when the fertilized egg reaches the womb where it is to be housed and fed.
We, Christians of the Catholic Faith, however, believe that life begins at “FERTILIZATION”, that is, when an egg from a woman accepts a sperm from a man and is thus fertilized.
Since all the so-called “artificial contraceptives” actually prevent “implantation”, they in effect prevent a human being who has already been given life thru “fertilization” from being developed by depriving it of a place to live in and food to eat, and thus killing it.
Hence, artificial contraceptives kill people, particularly innocent babies.
2. It promotes the incidence of cancer and sexually transmitted diseases.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2007 reported that the pill causes cancer, giving it the highest level of carcinogenicity, the same as cigarettes and asbestos. It also causes stroke, and significantly increases the risk of heart attacks. The condom has likewise been blamed for the increase in the incidence of HIV/AIDS in countries that resorted to it, notably Africa and Thailand.
3. It encourages promiscuity and pre-marital sex.
People with a weak moral background can easily be induced to use artificial contraceptives, since it would assure them that a sexual intercourse with someone who is not a legitimate spouse could remain hidden, there being no child to be born.
I do hope and pray that our LEGISLATORS will seriously consider the abovementioned reasons and thus VOTE AGAINST THE PASSAGE OF THIS BILL.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
Date: April 3, 2011
This Bill is now being deliberated in Congress.
As a private citizen I would like to register my opposition to this Bill, for the following reasons:
1. It gives us a license to kill people, particularly innocent babies.
The real issue that is being debated is: “WHEN DOES LIFE BEGIN?”
Promoters of this bill say that life begins at “IMPLANTATION”, that is, when the fertilized egg reaches the womb where it is to be housed and fed.
We, Christians of the Catholic Faith, however, believe that life begins at “FERTILIZATION”, that is, when an egg from a woman accepts a sperm from a man and is thus fertilized.
Since all the so-called “artificial contraceptives” actually prevent “implantation”, they in effect prevent a human being who has already been given life thru “fertilization” from being developed by depriving it of a place to live in and food to eat, and thus killing it.
Hence, artificial contraceptives kill people, particularly innocent babies.
2. It promotes the incidence of cancer and sexually transmitted diseases.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2007 reported that the pill causes cancer, giving it the highest level of carcinogenicity, the same as cigarettes and asbestos. It also causes stroke, and significantly increases the risk of heart attacks. The condom has likewise been blamed for the increase in the incidence of HIV/AIDS in countries that resorted to it, notably Africa and Thailand.
3. It encourages promiscuity and pre-marital sex.
People with a weak moral background can easily be induced to use artificial contraceptives, since it would assure them that a sexual intercourse with someone who is not a legitimate spouse could remain hidden, there being no child to be born.
I do hope and pray that our LEGISLATORS will seriously consider the abovementioned reasons and thus VOTE AGAINST THE PASSAGE OF THIS BILL.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
Date: April 3, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
THE MYSTERY AND MINISTRY OF JESUS
THE MYSTERY AND MINISTRY OF JESUS became the focus of my meditation as I read an article by the Most Rev. Arturo Bastes, DD, Chairman of the Ecclesiastical Commission on Biblical Apostolate of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. The article entitled: “THE FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLICAL APOSTOLATE” was an addendum to the POSTSYNODAL APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION “VERBUM DOMINI” by Pope Benedict XVI.
What caught my attention in this article is his observation that such activities as bible courses, bible seminars, bible sharing sessions, bible quizzes, bible drama, bible exhibits, bible Sundays, bible week, bible distributions, etc. are considered “luxurious extras” that are nice things to do if time permits.
What then is the essence of the Bible Apostolate? As I read through his article I zeroed in on what he stated as the MYSTERY and MINISTRY of JESUS. My reflections then are as follows:
The MYSTERY OF JESUS is GOD BECOMING MAN.
The MINISTRY OF JESUS is to LIVE IN THE MIDST OF MEN SO AS TO REVEAL GOD’S
LOVE FOR THEM AS HIS CHILDREN.
This Mystery of Jesus becoming Man is revealed in the Prologue of the Gospel of John which says: “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us; and we have seen his Glory, the Glory of the only Son coming from the Father”.
The Ministry of Jesus to live in the midst of men is affirmed by Jesus when He said: ”Where two or three have gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20); and “I am with you always even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).
The questions then that came to my mind are: Why did JESUS, the Word of God, become Man, and Why does He continue to live with men in this world?
These questions, I believe, were answered by Jesus Himself when He prayed to God, His Father, after the Last Supper as follows:
“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.” (Jn. 17:21)
“I have given them the Glory you have given me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. Thus they shall reach perfection in unity and the world shall know that you have sent me and I have loved them just as you loved me.” (Jn. 17:22)
“Righteous Father, the world has not known you but I know you, and these have known that you have sent me. As I revealed your Name to them, so will I continue to reveal it, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I also may be in them.” (Jn. 17:25-26).
To my mind then, Jesus became Man to reveal God’s love for men and show them how to love one another as children of God. It is through the force of love that men can break the “cycle of evil” in this world and thus become united.
In the recent Bible Congress of the Metropolitan See of Tuguegarao, which was held on March 4-5, 2011 at the Villa Domingo Renewal Center, Maddarulug, Solana, Cagayan, the Most Rev. Renato P. Mayugba, Auxiliary Bishop of Lingayen, Dagupan, and Chairman of Northern Luzon Biblical Apostolate, said: “Being a Christian is not a question of choice, but an encounter with an event, with the Person of the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ.” He then gave as an example the testimony of the great Apostle, St. Paul, who became the Great Missionary to the gentiles after his encounter with the Risen Christ on the road to Damascus.
I see, therefore, this Mystery of Christ and His Ministry as God’s plan to enable everyone in this world to encounter God, in the Person of Christ, and thus become ONE WITH HIM and WITH ONE’S FELLOWMEN.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
March 13, 2011
What caught my attention in this article is his observation that such activities as bible courses, bible seminars, bible sharing sessions, bible quizzes, bible drama, bible exhibits, bible Sundays, bible week, bible distributions, etc. are considered “luxurious extras” that are nice things to do if time permits.
What then is the essence of the Bible Apostolate? As I read through his article I zeroed in on what he stated as the MYSTERY and MINISTRY of JESUS. My reflections then are as follows:
The MYSTERY OF JESUS is GOD BECOMING MAN.
The MINISTRY OF JESUS is to LIVE IN THE MIDST OF MEN SO AS TO REVEAL GOD’S
LOVE FOR THEM AS HIS CHILDREN.
This Mystery of Jesus becoming Man is revealed in the Prologue of the Gospel of John which says: “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us; and we have seen his Glory, the Glory of the only Son coming from the Father”.
The Ministry of Jesus to live in the midst of men is affirmed by Jesus when He said: ”Where two or three have gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20); and “I am with you always even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).
The questions then that came to my mind are: Why did JESUS, the Word of God, become Man, and Why does He continue to live with men in this world?
These questions, I believe, were answered by Jesus Himself when He prayed to God, His Father, after the Last Supper as follows:
“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.” (Jn. 17:21)
“I have given them the Glory you have given me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. Thus they shall reach perfection in unity and the world shall know that you have sent me and I have loved them just as you loved me.” (Jn. 17:22)
“Righteous Father, the world has not known you but I know you, and these have known that you have sent me. As I revealed your Name to them, so will I continue to reveal it, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I also may be in them.” (Jn. 17:25-26).
To my mind then, Jesus became Man to reveal God’s love for men and show them how to love one another as children of God. It is through the force of love that men can break the “cycle of evil” in this world and thus become united.
In the recent Bible Congress of the Metropolitan See of Tuguegarao, which was held on March 4-5, 2011 at the Villa Domingo Renewal Center, Maddarulug, Solana, Cagayan, the Most Rev. Renato P. Mayugba, Auxiliary Bishop of Lingayen, Dagupan, and Chairman of Northern Luzon Biblical Apostolate, said: “Being a Christian is not a question of choice, but an encounter with an event, with the Person of the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ.” He then gave as an example the testimony of the great Apostle, St. Paul, who became the Great Missionary to the gentiles after his encounter with the Risen Christ on the road to Damascus.
I see, therefore, this Mystery of Christ and His Ministry as God’s plan to enable everyone in this world to encounter God, in the Person of Christ, and thus become ONE WITH HIM and WITH ONE’S FELLOWMEN.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
March 13, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
TIME IS A GIFT
TIME IS A GIFT. Time, indeed, is a Gift that differs from all other gifts because it is given to everyone in equal measures – twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
The way one uses time, however, differs from one person to the other. The difference lies on how one looks at life.
If one looks at life to satisfy his physical cravings, then he uses much of his time to indulge in pleasures of the flesh.
If one looks at life to gain prestige and power, then he uses much of his time in the pursuit of honor and prestigious positions.
If one looks at life to acquire material possessions, then he uses much of his time to amass material wealth.
In the Gospel of the First Sunday of Lent, Jesus Christ was actually tempted by the devil with the above-mentioned ways of looking at life.
After fasting for forty days and forty nights the first temptation to Jesus by the devil was to command stones to become bread so as to satisfy his hunger, Jesus countered that “One does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God”.
The second temptation was for Jesus to throw Himself from the parapet of the temple to show His authority and power over angels who will certainly support Him so as not be to hurt. Jesus countered that “one should not put God to the test”, as if to doubt His providential care.
The third temptation was for Jesus to prostrate Himself and worship the devil in order to acquire all the wealth of this world. Jesus countered that “it is only God Who should be worshipped and served”, because God alone is the Creator of the whole world.
Reflecting on the way Jesus countered all the temptations of the devil, I would like to share the following insights:
1. The Word of God as the Food of the soul should be given greater importance than the earthly commodities that are to satisfy the cravings of the flesh. Hence, it is good to spend more time in communing with God in prayer than in doing things to provide for our bodily needs.
2. One must realize that all power comes from God, that without God, one can do nothing. Hence, to humbly acknowledge our complete dependence on God and not act as if we deserve all power and prestige on earth is beneficial to our soul.
3. God is the Creator of the whole world. He alone has designed every creature in this world according to His infinite wisdom. Hence, God alone knows the mystery of the existence of every creature. Therefore, God alone can give full fulfillment to the reason for every person’s existence.
With the above-mentioned insights, I have decided to use the Gift of Time as follows:
1. Spend at least one hour every day, listening to the Word of God, particularly from the Holy Bible, and if possible, in the Presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
2. Spend time in praying the Liturgy of the Hours everyday, humbly acknowledging my complete dependence on God and thanking Him for all His blessings.
3. Have a “Quiet Time” everyday, for at least thirty minutes, focusing on the Greatness of God and on how I could become really God-centered rather than self-centered, aiming always to do His Will and not my Will.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
March 6, 2011
The way one uses time, however, differs from one person to the other. The difference lies on how one looks at life.
If one looks at life to satisfy his physical cravings, then he uses much of his time to indulge in pleasures of the flesh.
If one looks at life to gain prestige and power, then he uses much of his time in the pursuit of honor and prestigious positions.
If one looks at life to acquire material possessions, then he uses much of his time to amass material wealth.
In the Gospel of the First Sunday of Lent, Jesus Christ was actually tempted by the devil with the above-mentioned ways of looking at life.
After fasting for forty days and forty nights the first temptation to Jesus by the devil was to command stones to become bread so as to satisfy his hunger, Jesus countered that “One does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God”.
The second temptation was for Jesus to throw Himself from the parapet of the temple to show His authority and power over angels who will certainly support Him so as not be to hurt. Jesus countered that “one should not put God to the test”, as if to doubt His providential care.
The third temptation was for Jesus to prostrate Himself and worship the devil in order to acquire all the wealth of this world. Jesus countered that “it is only God Who should be worshipped and served”, because God alone is the Creator of the whole world.
Reflecting on the way Jesus countered all the temptations of the devil, I would like to share the following insights:
1. The Word of God as the Food of the soul should be given greater importance than the earthly commodities that are to satisfy the cravings of the flesh. Hence, it is good to spend more time in communing with God in prayer than in doing things to provide for our bodily needs.
2. One must realize that all power comes from God, that without God, one can do nothing. Hence, to humbly acknowledge our complete dependence on God and not act as if we deserve all power and prestige on earth is beneficial to our soul.
3. God is the Creator of the whole world. He alone has designed every creature in this world according to His infinite wisdom. Hence, God alone knows the mystery of the existence of every creature. Therefore, God alone can give full fulfillment to the reason for every person’s existence.
With the above-mentioned insights, I have decided to use the Gift of Time as follows:
1. Spend at least one hour every day, listening to the Word of God, particularly from the Holy Bible, and if possible, in the Presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
2. Spend time in praying the Liturgy of the Hours everyday, humbly acknowledging my complete dependence on God and thanking Him for all His blessings.
3. Have a “Quiet Time” everyday, for at least thirty minutes, focusing on the Greatness of God and on how I could become really God-centered rather than self-centered, aiming always to do His Will and not my Will.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
March 6, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
SPIRITUAL DIALYSIS
“SPIRITUAL DIALYSIS” This term came to my mind when I realized the rigorous process of “DIALYSIS” which my brother-in-law had to undergo three times a week as a medical treatment for his kidney trouble.
In layman’s language, dialysis is the cleansing of blood – to rid the body of the impurities that are detrimental to one’s physical health. My brother-in-law informed me that the treatment has to be administered three to four times a week with each session requiring three to four hours duration, depending on the caliber of the machine used. Therefore, a patient has to have a lot of patience while undergoing the treatment. To while the hours he may view a television, read or sleep.
Reflecting on this medical treatment, it occurred to me that something similar could be applied to one’s spirituality. The cleansing or purification of one’s soul could be considered a “spiritual dialysis”.
In the Catholic Church we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ for the purpose of purifying someone from the stain of sin through the grace of forgiveness. It is administered by a Catholic priest who has been given the proper authority to exercise this priestly ministry.
For sins that are considered mortal, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a “must”. For venial sins, which are less serious, corporal works and spiritual works of mercy could effect “spiritual dialysis”.
One means of purification which to me is very effective is “Visit to the Blessed Sacrament”. Our faith tells us that Jesus Christ is present in a very special way in the Blessed Sacrament under the appearance of Bread. When we manifest our faith in this great mystery through a visit, I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will extend His loving mercy and purify us from the stains of our venial sins.
My daily “Visit to the Blessed Sacrament” is to me my “Spiritual Dialysis”. While my prime purpose in visiting the Lord in the Adoration Chapel is to “Praise and Adore Him”, I do believe that a side effect of my visit is a “purification of the stains of venial sin in my soul”. Hence, I have made a commitment to visit our Lord Jesus Christ in the Adoration Chapel everyday for a period of one hour. Thanks be to God for, so far, I have been faithful to this commitment and I keep praying for the grace of perseverance for as long as my health permits.
In layman’s language, dialysis is the cleansing of blood – to rid the body of the impurities that are detrimental to one’s physical health. My brother-in-law informed me that the treatment has to be administered three to four times a week with each session requiring three to four hours duration, depending on the caliber of the machine used. Therefore, a patient has to have a lot of patience while undergoing the treatment. To while the hours he may view a television, read or sleep.
Reflecting on this medical treatment, it occurred to me that something similar could be applied to one’s spirituality. The cleansing or purification of one’s soul could be considered a “spiritual dialysis”.
In the Catholic Church we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ for the purpose of purifying someone from the stain of sin through the grace of forgiveness. It is administered by a Catholic priest who has been given the proper authority to exercise this priestly ministry.
For sins that are considered mortal, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a “must”. For venial sins, which are less serious, corporal works and spiritual works of mercy could effect “spiritual dialysis”.
One means of purification which to me is very effective is “Visit to the Blessed Sacrament”. Our faith tells us that Jesus Christ is present in a very special way in the Blessed Sacrament under the appearance of Bread. When we manifest our faith in this great mystery through a visit, I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will extend His loving mercy and purify us from the stains of our venial sins.
My daily “Visit to the Blessed Sacrament” is to me my “Spiritual Dialysis”. While my prime purpose in visiting the Lord in the Adoration Chapel is to “Praise and Adore Him”, I do believe that a side effect of my visit is a “purification of the stains of venial sin in my soul”. Hence, I have made a commitment to visit our Lord Jesus Christ in the Adoration Chapel everyday for a period of one hour. Thanks be to God for, so far, I have been faithful to this commitment and I keep praying for the grace of perseverance for as long as my health permits.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
Feb. 20, 2011
Feb. 20, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
SEE THE WORLD with GOD’S EYES
“SEE THE WORLD with GOD’S EYES”. This is how I now try to practice the virtue of FAITH. I have come to make this my way of exercising Faith in God after reflecting on some readings on Faith.
In the Holy Bible it is said that “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1)
In the Catechism for Filipino Catholics it is said that ”The central focus of religious Faith is God.”
Pope Paul VI says: “Faith in God is the most powerful safeguard of the human conscience and is the solid foundation of those relationships of justice and brotherhood the world yearns for.”
The statements above have made me realize that Faith is the Basic Foundation of my relationship with God, for as the Letter to the Hebrews says:”Without faith it is impossible to please God; for he who comes to God must believe that He is.” (Heb. 11:6).
To believe in God is axiomatic or taken for granted. How to practice this Faith in God, however, is something that challenges one’s conviction as he goes about in the activities of his daily life.
For quite some time I have been asking myself “How can I know what God wants me to do here and now?” I do not, of course, expect God to speak to me in the way we human beings communicate with each other. But somehow there must be a way of knowing God’s Holy Will. In the Lord’s Prayer taught by our Jesus Christ Himself we pray: “Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” So, how can we do His Will if we do not know it?
Our daily life is full of activities. Most of them are routine. We eat, work, play, exercise, sleep, etc. We take it for granted that these are what God wants us to do. But from whose perspective do we do them?
In my past life I must admit that most often I have lived a life as I saw it from my own viewpoint, considering what I think is for my own good or advantage. Lately, however, after some deep reflection on the reality of a God Who is All Knowing, All Powerful, and All Loving, I got an insight on how I could simplify my way of practicing the virtue of Faith by trying to SEE THE WORLD WITH GOD’S EYES.
I am just beginning to make this my way of living my Faith. It is certainly humanly impossible for me to see things as God sees them, but with the grace of God I do hope that somehow I will be enlightened and be enabled to see this world through a DIVINE PERSPECTIVE.
In the Holy Bible it is said that “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1)
In the Catechism for Filipino Catholics it is said that ”The central focus of religious Faith is God.”
Pope Paul VI says: “Faith in God is the most powerful safeguard of the human conscience and is the solid foundation of those relationships of justice and brotherhood the world yearns for.”
The statements above have made me realize that Faith is the Basic Foundation of my relationship with God, for as the Letter to the Hebrews says:”Without faith it is impossible to please God; for he who comes to God must believe that He is.” (Heb. 11:6).
To believe in God is axiomatic or taken for granted. How to practice this Faith in God, however, is something that challenges one’s conviction as he goes about in the activities of his daily life.
For quite some time I have been asking myself “How can I know what God wants me to do here and now?” I do not, of course, expect God to speak to me in the way we human beings communicate with each other. But somehow there must be a way of knowing God’s Holy Will. In the Lord’s Prayer taught by our Jesus Christ Himself we pray: “Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” So, how can we do His Will if we do not know it?
Our daily life is full of activities. Most of them are routine. We eat, work, play, exercise, sleep, etc. We take it for granted that these are what God wants us to do. But from whose perspective do we do them?
In my past life I must admit that most often I have lived a life as I saw it from my own viewpoint, considering what I think is for my own good or advantage. Lately, however, after some deep reflection on the reality of a God Who is All Knowing, All Powerful, and All Loving, I got an insight on how I could simplify my way of practicing the virtue of Faith by trying to SEE THE WORLD WITH GOD’S EYES.
I am just beginning to make this my way of living my Faith. It is certainly humanly impossible for me to see things as God sees them, but with the grace of God I do hope that somehow I will be enlightened and be enabled to see this world through a DIVINE PERSPECTIVE.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
Feb. 13, 2011
Feb. 13, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
EVERYONE IS UNIQUE
“EVERYONE IS UNIQUE”. This is a reality that has been acknowledged by many world renowned writers, among whom is ROLLO MAY in his book entitled “Man’s Search For Himself”.
In the Dutch Catechism, however, an observation was made that “All are born originals, but many end up as copies”.
As I look at what is happening in our nation and in our city of Tuguegarao in particular, I see the veracity of the said observation. To cite a few examples are the following:
1. Tricycles: The tricycle business started with only a few units plying the city of Tuguegarao. When people saw the profitability of this business, thousands in less than a year applied for the franchise to operate the same business. Thus, in Tuguegarao City today there is a superabundance of tricycles plying the streets.
2. Nurses: Time was when there was a dire need for nurses. Before long many nursing schools opened to accommodate the great flux of students registering for a nursing course. Today we read in the newspapers that there is an oversupply of nurses in the country such that thousands of them are unemployed.
3. Water: About ten years ago someone started the business of supplying purified drinking water. Today there are more than fifty water refiller stations in Tuguegarao City alone, some of them operating even without the necessary permits.
The above mentioned examples show that, indeed, man is prone to
to imitate what others are doing. While this may not be necessarily wrong, it would be wise to focus on one’s unique capabilities and be original in making a living or in having a personal life style.
In a Prayer Book for Eucharistic Adoration compiled by the Serra Club of Singapore this prayer is printed:
”My Lord and my God, You are Love itself, and the source of all love and goodness. Out of love You created me to know You, love You, and serve You in a unique way, as no one else can. I believe that You have a plan for my life, that You have a task in Your Kingdom reserved just for me. Your plan and Your task are far better that any other I might choose: they will glorify You, fulfill the desires of my heart, and save those souls who are depending on my generous response.”
This prayer clarified to me that God has created me in such a way that under the circumstances in which I live, I and I alone would be responsible in doing what needs to be done according to His plan. Hence, it is incumbent upon me to make use of whatever gifts or capabilities that God has bestowed on me to carry out the task that has been reserved just for me. Herein lies my uniqueness as a human being.
In the Dutch Catechism, however, an observation was made that “All are born originals, but many end up as copies”.
As I look at what is happening in our nation and in our city of Tuguegarao in particular, I see the veracity of the said observation. To cite a few examples are the following:
1. Tricycles: The tricycle business started with only a few units plying the city of Tuguegarao. When people saw the profitability of this business, thousands in less than a year applied for the franchise to operate the same business. Thus, in Tuguegarao City today there is a superabundance of tricycles plying the streets.
2. Nurses: Time was when there was a dire need for nurses. Before long many nursing schools opened to accommodate the great flux of students registering for a nursing course. Today we read in the newspapers that there is an oversupply of nurses in the country such that thousands of them are unemployed.
3. Water: About ten years ago someone started the business of supplying purified drinking water. Today there are more than fifty water refiller stations in Tuguegarao City alone, some of them operating even without the necessary permits.
The above mentioned examples show that, indeed, man is prone to
to imitate what others are doing. While this may not be necessarily wrong, it would be wise to focus on one’s unique capabilities and be original in making a living or in having a personal life style.
In a Prayer Book for Eucharistic Adoration compiled by the Serra Club of Singapore this prayer is printed:
”My Lord and my God, You are Love itself, and the source of all love and goodness. Out of love You created me to know You, love You, and serve You in a unique way, as no one else can. I believe that You have a plan for my life, that You have a task in Your Kingdom reserved just for me. Your plan and Your task are far better that any other I might choose: they will glorify You, fulfill the desires of my heart, and save those souls who are depending on my generous response.”
This prayer clarified to me that God has created me in such a way that under the circumstances in which I live, I and I alone would be responsible in doing what needs to be done according to His plan. Hence, it is incumbent upon me to make use of whatever gifts or capabilities that God has bestowed on me to carry out the task that has been reserved just for me. Herein lies my uniqueness as a human being.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
Feb. 6, 2011
Feb. 6, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Don't Overload
DON’T OVERLOAD. This is a wise piece of advice.
Recently ten construction workers had a tragic accident while working in a building at Makati City. Experts say that the cause is “OVERLOADING”. The elevator’s maximum capacity was limited to three (3) persons only. The ten workers, however, simply disregarded this. Hence, the elevator gave way to the overweight and crushed to the ground, killing all of them.
This is not an isolated case. Almost everyday we hear of vehicular accidents that are due to overloading. Even at sea, ships or boats have capsized due to overloading. At present our lawmakers are enacting a bill to limit the weight of cargo trucks in order to prevent the destruction of our public roads.
On further reflection, this piece of advice could very well be applied to one’s everyday life. Daily there are many things we do which need some kind of discipline in order to live a healthy and a well-balanced life. Among them, for instance are:
1. Eating: Overeating we know is the cause of many health problems.
2. Drinking: Excess in drinking hard liquor is the cause not only of various health ailments but of one’s relationship with people and even in one’s work productivity.
3. Exercise: A regular daily exercise is good for the body, but when done in excess it becomes harmful.
4. Sleeping: Our body needs rest. This is the purpose of sleeping. To sleep, however, beyond what our body needs would also cause some trouble physically, mentally and even spiritually.
5. Watching TV: Television is a very good means to be appraised of what is happening in the world we live in and to provide some kind of entertainment. Too much exposure, however, can affect our mental capabilities. Some say that the TV can become an “idiot box” if not controlled properly.
In a book entitled “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” written by Stephen R. Covey, there is a story of the Goose and the Golden Eggs. This is an Aesop’s fable which runs as follows:
“A poor farmer one day discovers in the nest of his pet goose a glittering golden egg. At first, he thinks it must be some kind of trick. But as he starts to throw the egg aside, he has second thoughts and takes it in to be appraised instead. The egg is pure gold! The farmer can’t believe his good fortune. He becomes even more incredulous the following day when the experience is repeated. Day after day, he awakens to rush to the nest and find another golden egg. He becomes fabulously wealthy; it all seems too good to be true. But with the increasing wealth comes greed and impatience. Unable to wait day after day for the golden eggs, the farmer decides he will kill the goose and get them all at once. But when he opens the goose, he finds it empty. There are no golden eggs – and now there is no way to get any more. The farmer has destroyed the goose that produced them.”
Mr. Covey further states that within this fable is a natural law, a principle – the basic definition of effectiveness, namely that: “True effectiveness is a function of two things: what is produced (the golden egg) and the producing asset or capacity to produce (the goose).
For me the lesson is clear and simple. One should take good care of his own body and make it function within the limits of its capacities. In other words, a human being is finite and entirely dependent on the creative power of God and therefore should learn how to live according to how God has designed him.
Recently ten construction workers had a tragic accident while working in a building at Makati City. Experts say that the cause is “OVERLOADING”. The elevator’s maximum capacity was limited to three (3) persons only. The ten workers, however, simply disregarded this. Hence, the elevator gave way to the overweight and crushed to the ground, killing all of them.
This is not an isolated case. Almost everyday we hear of vehicular accidents that are due to overloading. Even at sea, ships or boats have capsized due to overloading. At present our lawmakers are enacting a bill to limit the weight of cargo trucks in order to prevent the destruction of our public roads.
On further reflection, this piece of advice could very well be applied to one’s everyday life. Daily there are many things we do which need some kind of discipline in order to live a healthy and a well-balanced life. Among them, for instance are:
1. Eating: Overeating we know is the cause of many health problems.
2. Drinking: Excess in drinking hard liquor is the cause not only of various health ailments but of one’s relationship with people and even in one’s work productivity.
3. Exercise: A regular daily exercise is good for the body, but when done in excess it becomes harmful.
4. Sleeping: Our body needs rest. This is the purpose of sleeping. To sleep, however, beyond what our body needs would also cause some trouble physically, mentally and even spiritually.
5. Watching TV: Television is a very good means to be appraised of what is happening in the world we live in and to provide some kind of entertainment. Too much exposure, however, can affect our mental capabilities. Some say that the TV can become an “idiot box” if not controlled properly.
In a book entitled “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” written by Stephen R. Covey, there is a story of the Goose and the Golden Eggs. This is an Aesop’s fable which runs as follows:
“A poor farmer one day discovers in the nest of his pet goose a glittering golden egg. At first, he thinks it must be some kind of trick. But as he starts to throw the egg aside, he has second thoughts and takes it in to be appraised instead. The egg is pure gold! The farmer can’t believe his good fortune. He becomes even more incredulous the following day when the experience is repeated. Day after day, he awakens to rush to the nest and find another golden egg. He becomes fabulously wealthy; it all seems too good to be true. But with the increasing wealth comes greed and impatience. Unable to wait day after day for the golden eggs, the farmer decides he will kill the goose and get them all at once. But when he opens the goose, he finds it empty. There are no golden eggs – and now there is no way to get any more. The farmer has destroyed the goose that produced them.”
Mr. Covey further states that within this fable is a natural law, a principle – the basic definition of effectiveness, namely that: “True effectiveness is a function of two things: what is produced (the golden egg) and the producing asset or capacity to produce (the goose).
For me the lesson is clear and simple. One should take good care of his own body and make it function within the limits of its capacities. In other words, a human being is finite and entirely dependent on the creative power of God and therefore should learn how to live according to how God has designed him.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
January 30, 2011
January 30, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The PREX Seminar
“PREX” stands for PARISH RENEWAL EXPERIENCE. It is not an organization but a MOVEMENT for SPIRITUAL RENEWAL.
This year, 2011, marks the 17th ANNIVERSARY of PREX in the Parish of St. Peter, Tuguegarao City. As of today, January 23, 2011, there are 5,200 who have undergone this seminar in our parish. They come from all walks of life. While the great majority are lay people, some are priests and religious sisters.
Christ has said that a tree is known by its fruits. “By their fruits you shall know them” (Matt. 7:20). Hence, if we were to evaluate the PREX Seminar from the witnessing of those who participated in this movement, we may say that it is a GOOD TREE. By and large PREX graduates have come closer to God and have become more involved in the life of the Church, particularly in their respective parishes. There are some who responded to the priestly vocation after attending a PREX seminar. There are those who had a dramatic conversion experience, from a wayward life to a God-centered life. We have to admit, however, that there are those whose commitment to a renewed Faith in God have not lasted long. This is a phenomenon which Christ himself explained in the Parable of the Sower, wherein there are different kinds of soil to which the seed is planted – on the road, a rocky ground, a thorny ground, a good soil. (Matt. 13:18-23).
Historically, PREX was born in 1970. It was started by a group of priests and lay people led by Rev. Fr. Charles Gallagher, S.J., in response to the encyclical letter of Pope Paul VI “Evangelii Nuntiandi”. They reflected particularly on what the Pope said: “The Church is an evangelizer, but she begins by being evangelized herself by constant conversion and renewal in order to evangelize the world with credibility”.
The first PREX Seminar was held in the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey, USA. From there it spread to thousands of parishes in several countries, namely; Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Fiji, Singapore and the Philippines.
PREX was brought to the Philippines through the parish priest of San Antonio of Forbes Park, Rev. Fr. Hugh Zurat, OFM. His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin upon seeing the wonderful manifestation of a Community Love Relationship among the parishioners during his visit to this parish decided to invite the founder, Rev. Fr. Charles Gallagher, to give a training seminar to priests. Hence, in 1983 several parish priests gathered in Baguio City to undergo a PREX training seminar by Fr. Gallagher.
In January 14-16, 1994, thru the invitation of our Archbishop, Most Rev. Diosdado A. Talamayan, the Good Shepherd Parish of Fairview, Quezon City, headed by Rev. Msgr. Fidelis Limcaco, conducted PREX Class No. 1 in the parish of Tuguegarao City with 78 participants.
As of today, Jan. 23, 2011, the PREX Secretariat of Tuguegarao has conducted 139 PREX Classes in the St. Peter’s Parish. Moreover, it has reached out to 15 parishes, and 3 non-parishes, namely: the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters, Cagayan Provincial Jail and the Civil Service Commission of Region 02. Due to this achievement, the PREX Secretariat of Tuguegarao was given a Special Award during the 7th National PREX Convention at Baguio City on January 6, 2003, for having the GREATEST NO. OF OUTREACHES.
The HIDDEN GOD is, indeed, manifesting HIS LOVING PRESENCE in a very special way through the PREX Seminar. We pray that more and more people will come to experience this SPECIAL GRACE.
This year, 2011, marks the 17th ANNIVERSARY of PREX in the Parish of St. Peter, Tuguegarao City. As of today, January 23, 2011, there are 5,200 who have undergone this seminar in our parish. They come from all walks of life. While the great majority are lay people, some are priests and religious sisters.
Christ has said that a tree is known by its fruits. “By their fruits you shall know them” (Matt. 7:20). Hence, if we were to evaluate the PREX Seminar from the witnessing of those who participated in this movement, we may say that it is a GOOD TREE. By and large PREX graduates have come closer to God and have become more involved in the life of the Church, particularly in their respective parishes. There are some who responded to the priestly vocation after attending a PREX seminar. There are those who had a dramatic conversion experience, from a wayward life to a God-centered life. We have to admit, however, that there are those whose commitment to a renewed Faith in God have not lasted long. This is a phenomenon which Christ himself explained in the Parable of the Sower, wherein there are different kinds of soil to which the seed is planted – on the road, a rocky ground, a thorny ground, a good soil. (Matt. 13:18-23).
Historically, PREX was born in 1970. It was started by a group of priests and lay people led by Rev. Fr. Charles Gallagher, S.J., in response to the encyclical letter of Pope Paul VI “Evangelii Nuntiandi”. They reflected particularly on what the Pope said: “The Church is an evangelizer, but she begins by being evangelized herself by constant conversion and renewal in order to evangelize the world with credibility”.
The first PREX Seminar was held in the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey, USA. From there it spread to thousands of parishes in several countries, namely; Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Fiji, Singapore and the Philippines.
PREX was brought to the Philippines through the parish priest of San Antonio of Forbes Park, Rev. Fr. Hugh Zurat, OFM. His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin upon seeing the wonderful manifestation of a Community Love Relationship among the parishioners during his visit to this parish decided to invite the founder, Rev. Fr. Charles Gallagher, to give a training seminar to priests. Hence, in 1983 several parish priests gathered in Baguio City to undergo a PREX training seminar by Fr. Gallagher.
In January 14-16, 1994, thru the invitation of our Archbishop, Most Rev. Diosdado A. Talamayan, the Good Shepherd Parish of Fairview, Quezon City, headed by Rev. Msgr. Fidelis Limcaco, conducted PREX Class No. 1 in the parish of Tuguegarao City with 78 participants.
As of today, Jan. 23, 2011, the PREX Secretariat of Tuguegarao has conducted 139 PREX Classes in the St. Peter’s Parish. Moreover, it has reached out to 15 parishes, and 3 non-parishes, namely: the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters, Cagayan Provincial Jail and the Civil Service Commission of Region 02. Due to this achievement, the PREX Secretariat of Tuguegarao was given a Special Award during the 7th National PREX Convention at Baguio City on January 6, 2003, for having the GREATEST NO. OF OUTREACHES.
The HIDDEN GOD is, indeed, manifesting HIS LOVING PRESENCE in a very special way through the PREX Seminar. We pray that more and more people will come to experience this SPECIAL GRACE.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
Jan. 23, 2011
Jan. 23, 2011
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